Candela backs Roma to shine in Champions League despite tough draw

Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar is aiming to return before the November international break, with an MRI scan in Belgium scheduled for Thursday 29 October. The Serbia international is recovering from a fracture to his fifth toe, and the scan will determine whether he can resume training ahead of upcoming matches. According to ForzaRoma.info, the discomfort has decreased and Svilar hopes to bring his initially planned timeline forward. A trip to Manchester United on 3 November remains difficult for regulatory reasons. Under UEFA rules, after an injured goalkeeper is replaced on the list, at least 30 days must pass from the date of the injury, not from the date the change was communicated. Reinstating him also requires the player to be declared fit and the club to notify UEFA within the set deadlines. For this reason, the home match against Sassuolo on 7 November currently appears a more realistic prospect for Svilar's return. Gollini will continue in goal against Cagliari and Udinese. The article focuses on the timing of Svilar's recovery and the UEFA eligibility rules that govern his possible return to the Champions League fixture in Manchester, while Sassuolo at home is seen as the more likely target.

Matías Soulé has become an indispensable figure in Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical setup, and Paulo Dybala is closing in on a return to the attack alongside him. Soulé put in a top-class display in the draw against Napoli, with four key passes, an 88% pass completion rate, four duels won, four dribbles and a high number of balls recovered. With three goals and one assist in eight league matches, the 2003-born forward appears transformed, more daring, incisive and decisive in the big games. Soulé's rise comes after a complicated summer marked by transfer rumours and the after-effects of a groin problem (pubalgia) that kept him sidelined for much of last season. Now he is set to form a potent attacking partnership with Dybala again. La Joya has almost recovered from a slight calf injury picked up against Real Madrid and has trained partly with the group, and he is pushing hard to be fit for the home match against Cagliari. In Gasperini's 3-4-2-1, the two Argentines require specific balance. When Dybala is on the pitch, Soulé is shifted to the right flank, a position that does not curb his forward runs but demands constant coordination. The coach nonetheless values the versatility and total willingness to sacrifice of both players, which are key to keeping Roma's attack competitive. The squad continues its preparations for the next league fixture. On the injury front, Koné will have to wait a few more days for a full recovery, although his condition is improving markedly. Attention is also being paid to travel ahead of the next Champions League fixture against Manchester United: after the match in Udine, the team will fly directly to England from Trieste, a decision planned by the coaching staff to manage energy levels and avoid travel stress for the players.

Matías Soulé has returned to a central role in Gian Piero Gasperini's attack after overcoming the pubalgia problems that held back his form early in 2026. The Argentine forward has played 504 league minutes, making him the striker Gasperini has used most so far and ahead of fellow forwards Malen and Dybala. His performance at the Maradona, which included a superb goal that sparked Roma's comeback, showed his personality, his link-up play in tight spaces and his consistent impact in the final third. Il Tempo reports that there is good news from the Fulvio Bernardini training centre in Trigoria on the injury front, as the infirmary begins to empty. Cristante has returned to full training, and Paulo Dybala is progressing towards full recovery. Dybala left the European match against Real Madrid during the first half with a slight calf injury, has taken part in part of the group training session and is pushing hard for a place in the squad for the home match against Cagliari. There are also encouraging signs in goal. Mile Svilar, sidelined by a stress fracture in his right foot, will undergo new checks in Belgium on Thursday. If the result is positive, the goalkeeper could return before the international break. That would open the possibility of adding or swapping him on the UEFA list ahead of the Champions League trip to Manchester United on 3 November, using the rule that allows an injured goalkeeper to be replaced after a minimum period out.

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."

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.

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.

Donyell Malen has gone three consecutive Serie A matches without a goal, a first for him since he joined Roma last January, and Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday in a midweek fixture for the ninth matchday. Malen failed to score against Inter, against Como, where his controversial red card meant he missed the Genoa game, and against Napoli. The dry spell is considered a natural part of a demanding season, and it is not expected to dent his overall output, given the penalty he scored against Slovan Bratislava last Tuesday. Malen will, as he has for the past ten months, lead the attack for Gian Piero Gasperini's side. The fixture against Cagliari brings back fond memories. Malen's last meeting with the Sardinians came on Monday, 9 February, when he was the star of a 2-0 Roma win. He scored a brilliant double, first chipping Caprile in the 25th minute and then finishing a decisive run in the 65th minute to seal the result. Roma's striker has shown that he can deliver against Cagliari at home, and a similar performance would help end his recent barren run. Francesco Totti was in the stands that evening, and Malen has recently shared a warm embrace with the Roma legend.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday in midweek Serie A action, with both sides looking to bounce back from disappointing weekend results. Roma came from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Napoli at the Maradona Stadium on Saturday, while Cagliari lost 2-0 at home to Bologna. Gian Piero Gasperini's side remain unbeaten in Serie A (W5, D3) and have avoided defeat in their first eight league matches of the season for the first time since 2013/14. However, a third draw in their last four league outings has left the Giallorossi four points behind joint leaders Inter and Lazio. Roma are vying for their first Scudetto since the beginning of the century and will be desperate to return to winning ways against a Cagliari side they have enjoyed plenty of success against at the Olimpico lately. Fabio Pisacane's team face a stern test. Cagliari have suffered nine defeats in their last 11 league visits to Rome (D2) and have not scored in any of their four away league meetings with Roma since 2022 (L4), including a 2-0 defeat in the corresponding fixture last season. Bologna's win condemned Cagliari to back-to-back league defeats for the first time since April, and the Sardinians have slipped to mid-table after a promising five-game start (W4, L1). They are winless in three consecutive league games (D1, L2), following a 4-0 defeat at Monza on their last Serie A trip. Their defence has also struggled: after conceding just twice in the opening five rounds, they have let in seven goals in their last three league outings. Cagliari last beat Roma at the Olimpico in February 2013. Roma have been strong at home, winning three of their four home league matches in 2026/27 (D1) and scoring at least two goals on each occasion. They have lost only one of their last 11 home games in all competitions (W8, D2), the exception being a 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid in this season's Champions League. The Giallorossi have won six of their last seven Tuesday Serie A fixtures (L1) and have netted two or more goals in eight consecutive home outings. That feat has been managed in three of their last five home clashes against Cagliari. Gasperini's attacking football has not come at the expense of defensive stability, as Roma have conceded just one first-half goal in Serie A this season and have opened the scoring in 63% of their league matches. Cagliari have been much more impressive away from home, with three wins from four league games on the road (L1), just one shy of the four road victories they recorded in the whole of the 2025/26 season. Maintaining that form would significantly boost their chances of a first top-half finish in Serie A since 2008/06. Bryan Cristante has returned from injury at a good time for Roma, giving the team a major midfield boost, as Gasperini cannot call upon Lorenzo Pellegrini or Manu Kone. First-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar is also sidelined, but Paulo Dybala could make the bench on Tuesday. For Cagliari, long-term absentees Riyad Idrissi and Mattia Felici remain out. Harry Winks had to come off early against Bologna and is unlikely to start, with veteran Roberto Gagliardini expected to take his place in midfield. Roma (3-4-2-1): Gollini; Balerdi, Ndicka, Koulierakis; Lulli, De Roon, Cristante, Molina; Mora, Soule; Malen. Cagliari (4-3-2-1): Caprile; Ze Pedro, Mina, Rodriguez, Obert; Adopo, Gagliardini, Romano; Fadera, Maldini; Mendy. Roma are the favourites, with the preview predicting a Roma win.

Leonardo Balerdi scored two goals in Roma's win over Napoli, and Matías Soulé has become a tactical weapon on the right, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. With Paulo Dybala absent from the spotlight, the Argentine trio of Balerdi, Soulé and Castro has taken centre stage for the Giallorossi. Balerdi, a defender, had already impressed in Roma's opening matches with his defensive displays. In Naples, though, he went forward with courage and conviction to claim the glory in the opposition box, and his two goals reflect a strong, precise team mentality. Gazzetta writer Alessio D'Urso described him as a boxer who refused to go down, and the Argentine core rallied around him. Soulé is also playing superbly and has become a tactical weapon, especially on the right flank. Molina and Castro, who came on as substitutes like Balerdi, brought hunger and fire to the side, pushing Roma beyond their most critical moments. The article describes Balerdi's display on Saturday evening as the source of joy for Roma supporters.

Roma's Argentine contingent is taking on an ever-greater role under Gian Piero Gasperini, and the latest proof came in the dramatic comeback at the Maradona, where all three goals were scored by Argentines. Leonardo Balerdi and Matías Soulé have become key figures in the giallorossi side, and Paulo Dybala is set to return to the squad. Balerdi's rise has been the most surprising story. He arrived from Marseille in the final days of August, greeted with little enthusiasm given the doubts that had surrounded his spell in France. Gasperini and sporting director D'Amico nonetheless saw a modern, technical centre-back, quick in recovery, physically strong and with the personality of a leader. Roma took him on loan for around one million euros, with a redemption fee that, according to various press reconstructions, is between 14 and 16 million euros. It is a far less glamorous move than other summer investments, but it risks becoming one of the most successful deals of the window. His performances had already impressed, but his breakthrough came in Naples. Coming off the bench after the break, Balerdi scored first with a left-foot strike and then with a commanding header, earning two draws and stopping Roma from giving up. He does not merely protect his area: he pressures opponents, can play out from the back and is not afraid to join the attack, exactly the kind of defender Gasperini wants for an aggressive defence that plays far from its own goal. His redemption is therefore considered increasingly likely. Soulé, meanwhile, confirms the talent of a player who now appears to have found consistency and maturity. Only a few months ago his future looked far from certain, with a possible sale discussed concretely in the summer and Roma prepared to listen to important offers. The transfer market did not bring a departure, and that stay now seems to carry a completely different meaning. At 23, Soulé is showing clear growth in the consistency of his performances, his ability to make an impact and the personality with which he handles the toughest games. Against Real Madrid, Genoa and Napoli, the Argentine was among Roma's most dangerous players. In the Champions League he served two assists against the Blancos, while at the Maradona he reopened a game that seemed lost with a superb left-foot strike after a exchange with Malen. It is his third league goal, after those scored against Lecce and Atalanta. Beyond the numbers, his growth in possession and in taking responsibility stands out. Soulé no longer lives only on individual flashes: he looks for the decisive pass, takes part in build-up play and carries the weight of the attack on his shoulders. Starting from the right, where he can cut inside onto his left foot, he is becoming one of Gasperini's most valuable weapons. Nahuel Molina and Santiago Castro, who came on in the second half against Napoli alongside Balerdi, also helped change the face of the match with energy, aggression and fresh attacking options. Counting Dybala, that makes five Argentines, and they are giving Roma something beyond technical quality. Molina said after the draw at the Maradona: "Having five in the squad is beautiful, we give our blood, we always want to win even when we start from the bench." Dybala's return is now on the horizon. The Argentine responded positively to the latest tests on the pitch and yesterday resumed training with his teammates after the calf problem suffered against Real Madrid. According to Angelo Mangiante, the Joya will be called up for tomorrow evening's Roma-Cagliari, initially from the bench. His recovery is a valuable boost ahead of the trip to Udine on Saturday and, above all, the Champions League clash at Manchester United on 3 November. Dybala has yet to score this season, but before his injury he was one of the team's main attacking reference points, thanks to his ability to create chances and raise quality in the final thirds. His return also opens tactical possibilities. Gasperini can alternate Dybala and Soulé, manage their energy, or look for solutions that let the two left-footers coexist, adding unpredictability and quality in the final third. Behind them, Balerdi is claiming more space, while Molina and Castro offer important alternatives. This Argentine Roma is no longer just Dybala's: it has become a collective resource built on talent, personality and the grit that stopped the giallorossi from surrendering at the Maradona.

Roma's Argentine contingent is becoming increasingly decisive, with five South American players now providing the emotional force and decisive edge in the Giallorossi's play. While the Italian core of Cristante, Mancini, Pisilli and Pellegrini supplies structure, personality and tactical backbone, the Argentines are described as the team's emotional component and the factor that tips matches. Their performances are increasingly central to Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical plans. Leonardo Balerdi scored a brace in the 3-3 draw with Napoli at the Maradona, while Matías Soulé became more central to Roma's attacking play, scoring the goal that reopened the Napoli contest with a piece of high-class skill. Santiago Castro was decisive in unlocking the match against Genoa and provided the assist for Nahuel Molina's goal against Napoli, and Molina also scored in the European fixture against Slovan Bratislava. Paulo Dybala remains the technical reference point of the attack, capable of lighting up the team and guiding its ambitions. The five players differ in technical characteristics but share a common thread of temperament and determination. When Roma must dig in to find a reaction on the pitch, the contribution of the Argentine players turns suffering into opportunity, bringing quality, pride and tactical substance.