Balerdi receives Simpsons-style portraits after Napoli brace

Roma have officially extended the contract of Emanuele Lulli until 30 June 2031, with coach Gian Piero Gasperini expressing satisfaction ahead of the Cagliari match. The club's news roundup, published after the 3-3 draw at Napoli, also covered fitness updates, Gasperini's comments on the injured players, and Napoli's appeal against Massimiliano Allegri's suspension. Roma now turn their attention to the home fixture against Cagliari. Gasperini gave an update on the injured players in his press conference. Paulo Dybala is the player closest to a return and could be named among the substitutes, a decision expected after the afternoon training session. Manu Koné is unlikely to return before the international break. Mile Svilar's availability is closer, and he could return within the week, or at the latest for the matches against Manchester United or Sassuolo. Gasperini praised the progress of the team and of individual players, with a mention for Matías Soulé, who was prominent at the Maradona. He said Roma are showing courage, solidity and continuity, and coming through well against top-level opponents. Cagliari coach Fabio Pisacane described Roma as a side that "rarely goes to the canvas", highlighting their ability to recover ground and stay dangerous when they push forward. He said Cagliari must identify and exploit the few weaknesses in the Giallorossi while staying focused and intense throughout the match. Roma officially confirmed the renewal of Emanuele Lulli until 30 June 2031. The winger, who made his professional debut and scored his first goal against Genoa, has signed a five-year deal confirming the club's intention to build around him for the future. Gasperini said: "Lulli's progress has been remarkable" in recognition of a player born in 2007 who has been rewarded with a long-term contract. Napoli have rejected the decision of the Giudice Sportivo and announced an appeal against the two-match suspension handed to Massimiliano Allegri after the 3-3 draw with Roma. The Napoli coach had been punished for protests directed at match officials in the tense closing stages at the Maradona. In a club statement, Napoli said: "La SSC Napoli, in seguito alla richiesta di accesso agli atti, comunica che presenterà ricorso per le due giornate di squalifica inflitte a mister Massimiliano Allegri."

Amanda Martins, wife of Roma full-back Wesley, has announced their separation in a video posted to her Instagram profile, making serious accusations against him and confirming the end of their relationship. Wesley is one of Roma's standout performers this season, and the matter has drawn wide attention on social media in recent hours. Amanda said she decided to speak out "given all the rumours that are circulating", describing repeated infidelity and a lack of respect. She said: "He doesn't owe me anything any more, because today we are separated. And that doesn't make much difference, because even when he had duties towards me, he still disrespected me. He didn't cheat on me once, not twice, not three times, but a great many times. And not with one woman, nor two, but with many, including prostitutes. And I know these things because I saw them." She went on to describe her suffering: "I have already cried all the tears I had. I gave him a great many opportunities to confess, but he kept lying. He never asked for forgiveness: he thinks everything he has done is normal." Her accusations also extend to her pregnancy: "Even during the pregnancy I was betrayed and abandoned. I never made any of these things public. I forgave, I tried to build a family, but it didn't work. When a person is like that, they don't change." Finally, Amanda described incidents in bars and restaurants and their psychological toll: "I am telling you only a very small part. I had reached the point where I no longer felt comfortable even leaving the house. In restaurants he would ask the waitress for her number, or other girls waiting for the bathroom. When he drinks he has no self-control. I began suffering from anxiety attacks, something that had never happened to me before. At times I blamed myself. But when a man is no good, it doesn't matter."

Amanda Martins, wife of Roma winger Wesley, has announced the end of their marriage in a lengthy and harsh statement posted on her Instagram profile, accusing the Brazilian of repeated infidelity. The allegations have quickly spread across Italian and Brazilian media and represent a painful private storm for the Giallorossi player. In her post, Martins says she discovered numerous betrayals, including during her pregnancy, and explains why she chose to make public a matter that had until now remained private. She said she decided to speak after numerous rumours circulated on social media. The statement describes a story filled with bitterness, and she claims the infidelities involved other people, with prostitutes reportedly among those involved. Martins also says she discovered the situation through the footballer's phone, where she claims to have found photographs and videos. These are accusations made by his wife, and their truthfulness has not been independently verified. Martins said: "I never thought I would end up here, on my Instagram, opening up about a very important part of my life, which was my marriage." She continued: "He no longer owes me anything, because today we are separated. And that doesn't make much difference, because even when he had duties towards me, he still disrespected me." On the pregnancy, she said: "I was betrayed and abandoned even during my pregnancy." She explained that she initially chose to forgive and try to rebuild the relationship: "I accepted everything in silence, I forgave, I really tried to build a family, to have a solid marriage. But it didn't work." She also described the emotional toll, saying she went through moments of deep suffering and began suffering from anxiety attacks. She said she gave her husband many chances to clarify the situation without receiving the answers she sought. "I have already cried all the tears I had to cry," she said, describing the shock she felt after her discoveries. Wesley has not publicly responded to the new accusations. The separation announced on social media marks a new chapter in the personal life of the Roma full-back.

Leonardo Balerdi was the standout figure in Roma's 3-3 draw against Napoli, scoring a brace after coming on in the second half for Mario Hermoso. The goals were the first of his career with Roma. Before the match at the Maradona, the Argentine defender had received two paintings in the style of The Simpsons from artist Stefano Monda: one showing him and his girlfriend in Roma colours, the other showing his whole family. Balerdi returned the gesture with a signed shirt, and the gift brought him luck on the night. The performance underlines how Balerdi is carving out a place in the side and earning the trust of the coaching staff. His double came at a difficult venue and helped Roma secure a point from a match that swung back and forth. Monda's artwork and the shirt exchange made for a light-hearted pre-match story, but it was Balerdi's second-half impact that dominated the afternoon. The video of the paintings and the goals has been shared widely by fans.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday in a midweek fixture for Serie A's ninth matchday, and the club have confirmed that defender Emanuele Lulli has signed a new contract running to 2031. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini admitted the schedule leaves no time to rest, saying at his pre-match press conference: "Today is the first training session and it is already the eve of the match." Gasperini did not rule out changes to his starting eleven. Hermoso and de Roon could be rested, with a chance for Mora, while Balerdi and Lulli are in contention for a place from the first minute. Paulo Dybala's return also looks likely, at least as part of the matchday squad. Gasperini said: "We will try to get him onto the bench. I have good confidence." Cagliari coach Pisacane spoke on the eve of the game, saying: "Gasperini is extraordinary. We have to exploit Roma's weaknesses." Referee Feliciani will take charge of the match. He has been a lucky charm for Roma, who have won all five of the matches he has officiated, while Cagliari have lost all three of theirs under him.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 27 October at 20:45 in the ninth round of Serie A, with Gian Piero Gasperini weighing up some changes after the 3-3 draw at Napoli's Maradona. Roma remain unbeaten in Serie A and sit third with 18 points from eight matches, having drawn their head-to-head clashes against Inter, Como and Napoli. Cagliari, coached by Fabio Pisacane, are ninth on 13 points and come into the game on the back of two consecutive defeats, against Monza and Bologna. Roma are looking to return immediately to winning ways to stay within touching distance of the top of the table. The trip to Naples was described as a costly one, and Gasperini is considering some rotation. Dybala is returning towards the matchday squad but is expected to start on the bench. Svilar, Koné and Pellegrini are ruled out. Gollini keeps his place in goal, while Ghilardi could get a chance in defence alongside N'Dicka and Balerdi. Cristante starts in midfield from the first minute alongside Pisilli. Lulli and Molina are favoured on the flanks, with Soulé and Rodrigo Mora expected to support Malen up front. For Cagliari, Pisacane must do without Winks, who is sidelined by lumbar pain, as well as Felici and Idrissi. Trepy returns to the matchday squad. Yerry Mina is set to return to the starting line-up in defence, while Sugawara and Zé Pedro compete for a place on the right. Gagliardini will take Winks' place in midfield, with Maldini and Adopo expected to play behind Mendy, although Kevin Carlos remains a possible option. The match will be broadcast exclusively on DAZN, available through the DAZN app on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, consoles and computers. There will be no live broadcast on the traditional Sky Sport channels. Kick-off at the Stadio Olimpico is set for 20:45 on Tuesday 27 October. Bookmakers make Roma clear favourites. A Roma win is priced on average between 1.33 and 1.35, a draw around 4.90-5.00, and a Cagliari win between 8.25 and 9.60. The market also expects a game with at least three goals, with Over 2.5 favoured over Under, and No Goal offered at a slightly lower price than Goal. The 2-0 correct score to Roma carries the shortest odds at around 6.50, ahead of 1-0 and 2-1. ROMA (3-4-2-1): Gollini; Ghilardi, Ndicka, Balerdi; Lulli, Cristante, Pisilli, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Manager: Gasperini. CAGLIARI (4-3-2-1): Caprile; Sugawara, Mina, Rodriguez, Obert; Romano, Gagliardini, Deiola; Adopo, Maldini; Mendy. Manager: Pisacane. Referee: Ermanno Feliciani (Teramo). Assistants: Zingarelli and Fontani. Fourth official: Mariani. VAR: Ghersini. AVAR: Camplone.