Castro on Argentina pride and Roma commitment

Rodrigo Mora is in line to start behind the Paulo Dybala–Donyell Malen partnership in Roma's match against Como, three days out from kick-off. The Portugal midfielder edges out Matías Soulé and Lorenzo Pellegrini not only on fitness grounds but because of his profile: Mora thrives operating between midfield and attack in the central zones, where he has already made an impact during the recent international break with Portugal. Gasperini appears likely to deploy Mora as the tactical answer to Como's build-up play from deep. Como coach Cesc Fabregas will field a conventional four-man defensive line, and Roma have already shown against Fiorentina and Atalanta that Mora can disrupt low defensive constructions through his positioning. Como have failed to impose their passing game only against Frosinone—which, like Roma, ranks among Serie A's most intense pressing teams. Mora could be tasked with marking one of Como's two playmakers (Da Cunha or Milla/Perrone), leaving Wesley and Nahuel Molina free at full-back without forcing wholesale tactical changes. Roma will press high at the Sinigaglia, and Como will attempt to exploit that on the break using the pace of Diao and the craft of Nico Paz and Baturina. Mora, however, has demonstrated he can be a potent weapon with his play in the attacking third and can elevate Roma's threat both in sustained possession and in transition, troubling Como from the opening minutes.

Rodrigo Mora is in line to start on the trequarti for Roma's trip to Como on Sunday, having impressed with Portugal Under 21 with a goal and an assist across three matches. Matías Soulé will train with the main group for the first time on 9 October, while Lorenzo Pellegrini returns after six months out through injury. Mora started today against Sorianese, putting him ahead of both teammates in the pecking order according to Sky Sport. Pellegrini featured in the second half of that friendly. The forward pairing of Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala is unchanged. At the back, Evan N'Dicka is favored over Leonardo Balerdi, while Marten de Roon steps in midfield in place of the injured Bryan Cristante.

Roma continue to monitor Endrick ahead of the winter transfer window, with the Brazilian's playing time at Real Madrid set to prove decisive in the coming months. The forward was tracked by Roma last summer, but Real Madrid opted to retain him and Endrick chose to remain in Spain. A loan move could become possible in January if his minutes fail to improve, according to Fabrizio Romano. Endrick has recorded just four minutes of action since the season began, a scarcity of game time that fuels speculation about his future. Romano stated: "Real Madrid closed the door to any negotiation in the previous transfer window, a decision shared by the player himself. However, playing time over the next two months will be decisive in determining whether to complete the season at Madrid or to seek a loan exit after his previous loan spell at Lyon." Roma are monitoring developments closely, ready to intervene if Real Madrid open the door to a temporary move. However, competition is intense—both Milan and Aston Villa are also tracking the situation, keen to explore whether January presents a concrete loan opportunity. Much for Roma will depend on the conditions Real Madrid impose and Endrick's own desire for greater continuity. The next two months will be crucial in determining whether the file can develop into a genuine negotiation.

Santiago Castro has spoken about an emotional two weeks representing Argentina, including his debut with the national team and witnessing Lionel Messi's final match. The Roma forward was intercepted by TNT Sports upon his return to the club and reflected on the experience alongside the Argentine legend. Castro emphasised the importance of performing well at Roma to maintain his place in the national team setup. "Arrivare qui è il massimo. Voglio sempre esserci e dare il mio contributo, ma per farlo devo lavorare duro con la Roma. Rappresentare l'Argentina è un motivo d'orgoglio" — reaching the national team is the maximum, he said, and to stay there he must work hard with Roma, as representing Argentina is a source of pride. He acknowledged the transitional period ahead for Argentina and stressed the need to follow the example of more experienced players in the squad, after the veterans had helped the younger contingent. On Messi's farewell, Castro said the squad had been told to savour the occasion, though the focus remained on winning out of respect for the fans: "Non lo realizzerò mai del tutto. Ho un paio di foto che ho guardato per tutta la notte e continuerò a farlo anche nei prossimi giorni" — he will never fully realise what he lived through, he explained, having spent the night watching photos he plans to keep studying in the coming days. He described Messi as part of the group like anyone else, wanting to be treated normally, and noted that once you meet him you understand what kind of person he is.

Santiago Castro returned to Rome on 7 October after his time with Argentina and is back available for Gasperini ahead of Sunday's match against Como. Before departing for international duty, the forward reflected on his experience representing his national team, describing it as a moment he will continue to process for days to come. Castro spoke of watching footage of his Argentina appearances repeatedly and cherishing time spent alongside Lionel Messi. He explained Messi's approach: "Messi told us we had to enjoy his last match, but the objective was to win out of respect for the fans present because there are no friendlies. This is the essence of the national team." On Messi's character, Castro noted: "He is one of the group like everyone else and wants us to treat him like anyone else. Once you know him you understand what kind of person he is." Castro stressed the importance of club form to his international prospects, stating: "Getting here is the maximum. I always want to be there and contribute, but to do that I must work hard with Roma. Representing Argentina is a source of pride." Coach Lionel Scaloni delivered consistent messages in his dealings with Castro, emphasising the need to prepare for a transition period ahead and learn from the squad's experienced players. Castro acknowledged: "The veterans helped us younger players," underscoring the mentorship present in the Argentina setup.

Roma held a friendly match against Sorianese, a team from the Eccellenza division, at Trigoria on the morning of 8 October as Gian Piero Gasperini's squad continued preparations for Sunday's trip to Como. The most significant development came with Donyell Malen and Wesley returning to full group training after working only partially with their teammates in recent sessions, confirming their progress towards the Sinigaglia fixture. Manu Koné and Rodrigo Mora also trained with the squad after returning from international duty. Gasperini is close to having almost his entire squad available just days before the league resumes, with Matías Soulé, Santiago Castro and Leonardo Balerdi undergoing a recovery session following their long journey back from Argentina. From tomorrow the coach should have virtually the full group at his disposal, with the exception of the injured Bryan Cristante.