Castro gains Totti's backing ahead of Argentina duty and bid for first Roma goal

Mario Hermoso has established himself as an indispensable fixture in Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma defence, ranking second only to Bryan Cristante in minutes played under the manager. The Spanish defender has appeared in 509 of Roma's 540 available minutes—94.2 per cent—and Gasperini has described him as a statue in the position. Hermoso's defensive output backs up his importance. He leads Serie A with 16 interceptions, a remarkable tally achieved through aggressive pressing and constant anticipation that fits seamlessly into Gasperini's tactical system. His discipline is equally striking: he has committed only 3 fouls in Serie A this season, fewer than half the tally of fellow Roma defenders Evan N'Dicka (8 fouls) and Gianluca Mancini (7 fouls). The former Atlético Madrid player has developed into an absolute leader at the club, accompanying offensive actions with progressive passes towards the opposition goal. Squawka's data collection shows Hermoso shares his interception record with Frendurp of Genoa.

Roma and the representatives of Emanuele Lulli are in talks over a contract renewal, with his current deal set to expire on 30 June. Luca Ferri reported the development on Radio Bruno, signalling the club's intention to tie down the defender before the deadline arrives. Andrea Verdenelli, speaking on the same station, expressed his frustration at Niccolò Pisilli's continued absence from Italy's senior national squad, calling it unacceptable given the midfielder's performances for Roma. Roberta Pedrelli also highlighted a significant day for Roma's stadium project, suggesting the administrative process could be completed, clearing the way for construction of the new facility to begin.

Radio studios across Rome aired debate on stadium plans, player valuations and squad rotation as Roma prepare for the weekend's fixture. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said today could bring final approval for Roma's new stadium project. He outlined the financial case: "With the stadium, there would be around 50–70 million euros of extra revenue per year, or more if you're good at it. You could increase turnover by 30–40 percent." The gains would come from ending rental payments on the Stadio Olimpico, roughly a million euros annually; roughly one hundred suites yielding 10–20 million yearly; concerts and a museum. Torri cautioned on ticket pricing: "Apart from the Curva Sud, the rest of the stadium will cost money, and it will cost a lot." On the pitch, Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport defended Roma's decision to block Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to attend Lionel Messi's farewell match with Argentina. With a Serie A fixture scheduled for Sunday, Piacentini said: "Messi, go and greet him when you're on holiday." He emphasized that ownership must set the terms with players: "The owner pays you and you serve here." Fabio Petruzzi countered that honouring invitations from great players was a professional honour, though he acknowledged the fixture clash made avoidance reasonable. Nando Orsi of Radio Radio warned that Mile Svilar will attract serious interest. "Svilar is now a finished goalkeeper with great qualities who will bring points to Roma. He's one of the best keepers in this league, and Roma must hold him tight because soon someone will arrive with 50–60 million." On transfers, Simone Tiribocchi discussed potential January signings, naming Kvernadze as a candidate but cautioning that Gasperini's system demands midfielders who move infield rather than stay wide. He praised Matías Soulé as a quality operator who gives everything when called upon. Roberto Pruzzo noted Emanuele Lulli impressed in a recent friendly in England and merits consideration as a squad alternative. Mario Corsi flagged wing depth as Roma's primary gap, saying external quality would unlock the scudetto. Riccardo Cotumaccio expressed faith that Roma's moment is near, though he stopped short of naming this season. Lorenzo Pes left open a door for Francesco Totti's potential involvement in Roma's 2027 centenary, despite current coolness in their relationship.

Simone Tiribocchi assessed Roma's prospects and squad makeup in an interview on Retesport, offering a nuanced outlook on the giallorossi's season under Gasperini. He credited Roma's transformation from last season, when they produced little and scored sparingly, into a team that now generates chances and operates fully in line with Gasperini's rhythm and approach. However, Tiribocchi maintains that Inter remain favourites and superior overall, echoing Gasperini's view that Roma lack sufficient depth in the squad. The demands of the Champions League will consume considerable energy, particularly in matches against sides like Real Madrid where rotation is impossible, but Tiribocchi believes Roma can compete in the short term—only if Inter were to falter as they have in recent years could Roma capitalize and challenge for the title. On Roma's attacking pair, Tiribocchi highlighted both Santiago Castro's and Donyell Malen's qualities and suggested they could flourish together. Castro, who recently joined Roma, "deserves a big club," Tiribocchi said, and while he still has room to improve, he "moves well, senses and sees the goal, and is quick over the first few steps." Malen is stronger in his overall play, Tiribocchi noted, though Castro "is perhaps better at linking with the team." Tiribocchi would like to see them paired together "with a trequartista more midfielder-like, such as Pellegrini." On the question of whether Roma fans should realistically expect satisfaction this season, Tiribocchi replied: "If Roma maintains Champions League football, it needs to establish this standard consistently. An important league campaign and Champions League qualification no longer as a surprise could be a further step in the development of Gasperini's project, giving you extra resources to complete the squad with quality additions." Kvernadze was also discussed, with Tiribocchi cautious about his fit: "He plays very wide at Frosinone, but Gasperini wants more central movements and different positioning—you'd need to see if he's more adaptable centrally."

Francesco Totti marked his 50th birthday on 27 September with reflections on his Roma career and a revelation about the club's recruitment. In a long interview and in his book *Oltre*, published on his birthday, Totti spoke about the debt he owes to Roma: "Roma has allowed me to realise my dream, to wear a single shirt, number 10, and to be captain." On the historic number 10, Totti insisted it should go to a player who could stay at Roma long-term rather than a passing figure. Totti also disclosed a curious behind-the-scenes transfer story involving the club's current squad. During a dinner with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini in recent months, Totti recommended several potential signings. Among them was Santiago Castro, the forward who arrived from Bologna this summer. Totti recalled: "I suggested an attacker to Gasperini—Castro, a winger, and a midfielder." Gasperini, the article reports, held a positive view of the Argentine's profile, saying: "Castro appeals to me a great deal; I think we see football in the same way." Separately, Gianluca Mancini will not travel with Italy for the Nations League away fixture against Turkey. Roberto Mancini, the Italy coach, has opted to manage the squad's workload, leaving ten players at Coverciano including Roma's defender. Daniele Ghilardi, also of Roma, has been called up and will be part of the Italian delegation for the match scheduled for tomorrow evening in Bursa. Mancini will follow a personalised training programme at the Italian Football Federation's technical centre. Former Roma players paid tribute to Totti on his milestone birthday. Fabrizio Aspri, speaking on Radio Radio, reflected on his character: "I remember feeling unwell after the goal against Genoa. I liked Totti as a man. Francesco is kind and good. At his first American press conference he said: 'Fabrizio Aspri doesn't start the press conference.' Totti is many things, you can't capture him in a book. The Totti I experienced was a daily Totti—like the desk mate we never had. If Totti missed a match, the airport was empty. His simplicity was the most beautiful thing about him."

AS Roma marked Francesco Totti's birthday with a 42-second video message on social media, a gesture that underscores the distance between the club and its former captain. The post carried only the slogan "Happy birthday Francesco"—a brief acknowledgment of a player who scored 307 goals and made 786 appearances in the Giallorossi shirt throughout his career, the only colours he ever wore as a player. The coldness of the greeting reflects the wider chill in Roma's relationship with Totti under Friedkin Group ownership. Where previous management pushed him out, the current regime keeps him at a remove—even as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has reportedly made clear he sees Totti as a resource rather than a burden. According to the article, Gasperini has discussed Totti's views on squad needs, including advice he offered: "I suggested Castro, a winger and a midfielder." Santiago Castro is currently used as a deputy to Donyell Malen. Despite Gasperini's support, the Friedkin ownership remains silent on any formal role for Totti, reportedly delegating peripheral matters to CEO Galantic—a figure who had only marginal contact with Totti during John Friedkin's time on Pallotta's board. The article notes that the ownership has expressed a wish to see Totti placed in a football governance role alongside Giovanni Malagò, though such an arrangement remains unresolved.

Simone Tiribocchi assessed Roma's prospects and squad makeup in an interview on Retesport, offering a nuanced outlook on the giallorossi's season under Gasperini. He credited Roma's transformation from last season, when they produced little and scored sparingly, into a team that now generates chances and operates fully in line with Gasperini's rhythm and approach. However, Tiribocchi maintains that Inter remain favourites and superior overall, echoing Gasperini's view that Roma lack sufficient depth in the squad. The demands of the Champions League will consume considerable energy, particularly in matches against sides like Real Madrid where rotation is impossible, but Tiribocchi believes Roma can compete in the short term—only if Inter were to falter as they have in recent years could Roma capitalize and challenge for the title. On Roma's attacking pair, Tiribocchi highlighted both Santiago Castro's and Donyell Malen's qualities and suggested they could flourish together. Castro, who recently joined Roma, "deserves a big club," Tiribocchi said, and while he still has room to improve, he "moves well, senses and sees the goal, and is quick over the first few steps." Malen is stronger in his overall play, Tiribocchi noted, though Castro "is perhaps better at linking with the team." Tiribocchi would like to see them paired together "with a trequartista more midfielder-like, such as Pellegrini." On the question of whether Roma fans should realistically expect satisfaction this season, Tiribocchi replied: "If Roma maintains Champions League football, it needs to establish this standard consistently. An important league campaign and Champions League qualification no longer as a surprise could be a further step in the development of Gasperini's project, giving you extra resources to complete the squad with quality additions." Kvernadze was also discussed, with Tiribocchi cautious about his fit: "He plays very wide at Frosinone, but Gasperini wants more central movements and different positioning—you'd need to see if he's more adaptable centrally."

Roma will return to Trigoria on 29 September to resume training under Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of their Serie A fixture against Como on 11 October at the Sinigaglia. The squad has completed a four-day rest period granted by the coaching staff. With 12 players away on international duty, Gasperini is hoping to reintegrate three key players in the coming days: Donyell Malen, Bryan Cristante and Wesley, all of whom have remained in the capital to manage ongoing physical issues during the international break and build back to full fitness for the league's resumption. Paulo Dybala has eschewed the rest period entirely, continuing intensive gym work even on 27 September to maintain his athletic condition. The Roma number 21 has decided against travelling to Argentina for a farewell friendly celebrating Lionel Messi's retirement, prioritising his fitness and focus on the club's campaign. Teammate Nahuel Molina has made the same choice, both players choosing to concentrate entirely on Roma's season rather than accept international invitations during the break.

AS Roma marked Francesco Totti's birthday with a 42-second video message on social media, a gesture that underscores the distance between the club and its former captain. The post carried only the slogan "Happy birthday Francesco"—a brief acknowledgment of a player who scored 307 goals and made 786 appearances in the Giallorossi shirt throughout his career, the only colours he ever wore as a player. The coldness of the greeting reflects the wider chill in Roma's relationship with Totti under Friedkin Group ownership. Where previous management pushed him out, the current regime keeps him at a remove—even as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has reportedly made clear he sees Totti as a resource rather than a burden. According to the article, Gasperini has discussed Totti's views on squad needs, including advice he offered: "I suggested Castro, a winger and a midfielder." Santiago Castro is currently used as a deputy to Donyell Malen. Despite Gasperini's support, the Friedkin ownership remains silent on any formal role for Totti, reportedly delegating peripheral matters to CEO Galantic—a figure who had only marginal contact with Totti during John Friedkin's time on Pallotta's board. The article notes that the ownership has expressed a wish to see Totti placed in a football governance role alongside Giovanni Malagò, though such an arrangement remains unresolved.

Radio studios across Rome aired debate on stadium plans, player valuations and squad rotation as Roma prepare for the weekend's fixture. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said today could bring final approval for Roma's new stadium project. He outlined the financial case: "With the stadium, there would be around 50–70 million euros of extra revenue per year, or more if you're good at it. You could increase turnover by 30–40 percent." The gains would come from ending rental payments on the Stadio Olimpico, roughly a million euros annually; roughly one hundred suites yielding 10–20 million yearly; concerts and a museum. Torri cautioned on ticket pricing: "Apart from the Curva Sud, the rest of the stadium will cost money, and it will cost a lot." On the pitch, Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport defended Roma's decision to block Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to attend Lionel Messi's farewell match with Argentina. With a Serie A fixture scheduled for Sunday, Piacentini said: "Messi, go and greet him when you're on holiday." He emphasized that ownership must set the terms with players: "The owner pays you and you serve here." Fabio Petruzzi countered that honouring invitations from great players was a professional honour, though he acknowledged the fixture clash made avoidance reasonable. Nando Orsi of Radio Radio warned that Mile Svilar will attract serious interest. "Svilar is now a finished goalkeeper with great qualities who will bring points to Roma. He's one of the best keepers in this league, and Roma must hold him tight because soon someone will arrive with 50–60 million." On transfers, Simone Tiribocchi discussed potential January signings, naming Kvernadze as a candidate but cautioning that Gasperini's system demands midfielders who move infield rather than stay wide. He praised Matías Soulé as a quality operator who gives everything when called upon. Roberto Pruzzo noted Emanuele Lulli impressed in a recent friendly in England and merits consideration as a squad alternative. Mario Corsi flagged wing depth as Roma's primary gap, saying external quality would unlock the scudetto. Riccardo Cotumaccio expressed faith that Roma's moment is near, though he stopped short of naming this season. Lorenzo Pes left open a door for Francesco Totti's potential involvement in Roma's 2027 centenary, despite current coolness in their relationship.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is being considered as a new option on the left wing for Gasperini after regaining form over the past week. The midfielder is targeting a starting place against Como when training resumes, and will be trialled in the role that has lacked a settled incumbent. So far, Matías Soulé has been the primary choice with 353 minutes played, while Rodrigo Mora has featured for 187 minutes. Vincenzo Pincolini, the historic athletic trainer under Arrigo Sacchi at Milan, identified insufficient intensity as a key problem in Italian football. He cited Roma–Inter as a rare positive example of the standard required: "A match the likes of which you see only a couple of times in the entire season in our league. The intensity was extremely high." Pincolini referenced Paulo Dybala's performance with specific praise: "When did you last see him run like that? It is no accident that one of the two teams is coached by Gasperini." The trainer argued that narrowing the gap with foreign football depends above all on "training more". Francesco Totti received special tributes from friends, former teammates, supporters and sports figures. Roma released a video celebrating some of his greatest moments, while messages arrived from Roberto Gualtieri and Gianni Infantino. Former player Zago recalled an amusing detail: "In the middle of the night he started shouting, 'Give me the ball, give me the ball'. Then they explained to me that he often talked in his sleep."

Emanuele Lulli has made a remarkable impression in little over a month, overturning the squad hierarchy and earning the complete confidence of coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The nineteen-year-old from Palestrina has delivered an overwhelming start to the season, in some respects unexpectedly: last summer he was on the verge of joining Avellino on loan, but Gasperini's direct intervention halted the departure. After the exit of Romano, Roma were unwilling to let another academy product leave, and Gasperini chose to back the teenager's qualities. Lulli has started in four of Roma's first five league matches, sitting out only the clash against Inter, and has also appeared in the Champions League fixture against Fenerbahçe. With his contract expiring on 30 June 2027, Lulli has become a cornerstone of Roma's present and future plans. The club intends to move quickly to secure him, and discussions are expected to open soon. His agency represents Lorenzo Pellegrini as well, a shared connection that should smooth negotiations between the parties once a meeting is arranged. Meanwhile, the club is mapping out contract renewals across the squad. For key figures such as Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala, final assessments will be made later, likely towards the end of the season. The situation is also open regarding Pierluigi Gollini and especially Mario Hermoso, whose current agreement lacks the automatic renewal clause that was present in his previous contract, necessitating fresh talks between club and player.