Cristante on Como threat, knee injury and Mourinho reunion

Gian Piero Gasperini has reflected on his opening year as Roma head coach, emphasizing the importance of continuity and the contribution of Paulo Dybala to the club's ambitions. In an interview with La Stampa, Gasperini addressed his methods, the squad's defensive solidity and the competitive balance of Serie A after five fixtures. Asked about his impact at Roma beyond tactics alone, Gasperini said: "As in all situations, I believe the secret is to work well, with professionalism, and then have good players available, excellent people, a fine club and an enthusiastic environment. It is a bit like when you work in vineyards: you must have all these components at your disposal." On how a strong defence is built, he added: "It depends; sometimes these are characteristics unique to teams. There are seasons when offensive play prevails. But ultimately, when you play at the top level, the formations rewarded are those capable of defending and attacking." When asked directly whether he personally persuaded Dybala to remain at Roma, Gasperini stated: "I certainly believed that Dybala, as a great champion, had to remain absolutely at Roma. But the most important will was his own, united with that of the club and the entire environment." On the wider Serie A landscape, Gasperini noted that after five matches it remains early to draw firm conclusions, but described the campaign as likely to be very balanced. He identified Cagliari and Frosinone as the sides that have impressed him most in the opening rounds. On his broader philosophy, Gasperini emphasized that paths forward are never straight: "There are always cycles, you go high, then you go down. And it is precisely in those moments that you must have the strength to restart and to believe."

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has given an account of his first year in charge at Roma in an interview with La Stampa, expressing confidence in the club's current trajectory while cautioning against complacency. Gasperini described his tenure as "an intense first year, with the conviction that the path we have taken is the right one but also with the awareness that we cannot stop here." Gasperini emphasised the need for sustained progress and resilience through inevitable fluctuations. "This is a beautiful period," he said. "But we know very well that we must move forward with continuity, always with great passion and determination. The paths are never straight: there are always cycles, you go up, then you come down. And it is precisely in those moments that you must have the strength to restart and to believe." He stressed that building an important project requires multiple components working in concert: good coaching, quality players, strong staff, and an enthusiastic environment. Gasperini used a vineyard metaphor to illustrate this philosophy of holistic development. "It is a bit like when you work in the vineyards: you must have all these components at your disposal," he explained. His remarks reflect a focus on the personality the squad has developed and the collective effort required to sustain Roma's performance trajectory.

Gian Piero Gasperini has given an interview to La Stampa in which he assessed the current state of Italian football and Roma's progress, while also disclosing details of Paulo Dybala's decision to remain at the club. After just over a year in charge, Gasperini described the period as positive but cautioned that Roma must maintain continuity. "This is a good period," he said. "But we know full well we must push forward consistently, always with great passion and determination. Paths are never straight: there are always cycles, you go up, then down. It's in those moments you need the strength to restart and believe." When asked about the role he has played in shaping Roma's identity, Gasperini emphasised the collective effort required. "As in all situations, I believe the secret is working well, with professionalism, and then having good footballers at your disposal, excellent people, a strong club and an enthusiastic environment. It's a bit like when you work in vineyards: you need all these components available." On Roma's defensive solidity, he explained that defensive strength becomes decisive at the highest level: "When you play at the top, it's the teams capable of defending and attacking that are rewarded." Asked whether he personally persuaded Dybala to stay, Gasperini clarified the hierarchy of decisions. "I certainly thought that Dybala, as a great champion, absolutely had to stay at Roma. But the most important will was his own, combined with that of the club and the entire environment." On Serie A's early form, Gasperini said: "It's still early, five matches aren't many. I believe this will be a very balanced championship. But in the opening games, Cagliari and Frosinone surprised me."

Bryan Cristante appeared at an Adidas event on 6 October to present the Adidas EQT 2026–27 collection, addressing journalists about a knee issue that will keep him sidelined for matches against Como and Real Madrid. "I have discomfort in my knee and we are trying to recover as soon as possible," Cristante said. "It won't be simple, I know that, but the goal is to return to the pitch as soon as possible." Cristante reflected on Roma's season so far and their ambitions. On the campaign's opening phase, he said: "Continuity is fundamental. Last season we had a great campaign and we all want to confirm ourselves. We started from a solid, already established base, and there was a common desire to stay and try to improve further." He stressed that Roma finished third last season and are capable of competing for those positions again. "The objective is to maintain this level and reach as high as possible. Italian football is difficult and seasons are long, but we want to repeat it," he added. On the upcoming fixtures, Cristante noted: "It is still early to make assessments. They are two important matches: Como is a direct rival of ours, while Real Madrid… it is always Real Madrid. Beautiful matches and at a high level, but the league is long." Regarding a future meeting with José Mourinho, he said: "Seeing the manager again always brings pleasure. We shared beautiful moments and it will certainly be a nice reunion." On Italy's recent performances under Roberto Mancini, Cristante observed: "The squad seems to be doing well. It is normal to have some difficulties at the start, but the young players have done really excellent work. There is a great future: many young men can grow and do well from here on."

Bryan Cristante spoke at a Roma fan meet-and-greet event at an Adidas store in central Rome, where he discussed an ongoing knee issue sustained during the international break and his ambitions for the 2026–27 campaign. Gasperini has been cagey about Cristante's recovery timeline, initially ruling him out for the Como and Real Madrid matches. When asked for clarity, Cristante said: "No, this is a knee problem… We clearly need to recover as soon as possible. We hope, but honestly, I see it as a bit difficult. We'll try to get back as soon as we can anyway." Cristante emphasised the importance of continuity and Roma's desire to build on last season's success. "The year before, we had a great season, so we all wanted to repeat it. We knew we'd start from a more solid, consolidated base, so clearly there was the desire on everyone's part to stay, to repeat the performance and try to do better," he said. Cristante acknowledged that the coming fixtures against Como and Real Madrid are crucial moments in the season, though he cautioned that it remains early. He also expressed his eagerness to face José Mourinho again: "Well, of course. It's always a pleasure to see the manager again. We lived through beautiful moments and it will certainly be a great pleasure." On Italy's recent performances under Mancini, Cristante praised the young players, saying there is a strong future ahead. When asked whether he might feature for Italy in November, he replied: "We'll see how the rest of the season goes." Cristante stressed that Roma's confidence has grown despite occupying a similar league position to last season. "Confidence is certainly greater. We know we finished third in the table last season, so clearly we know we can reach those positions. As I said before, our objective is to maintain the standards of last season and so finish as high as possible. Seasons are long and Italian football is a difficult championship. We want to repeat ourselves," he said.

Bryan Cristante, Roma's captain and midfielder, has issued a rallying cry for the squad to match last season's performance and build on it. Speaking on 6 October, Cristante acknowledged a knee complaint affecting him but expressed hope to return soon. "I hope to come back as soon as possible," he said. The midfielder also expressed emotion at the prospect of José Mourinho's return, saying: "How wonderful to embrace Mourinho again."

Bryan Cristante appeared at an Adidas event on 6 October to present the Adidas EQT 2026–27 collection, addressing journalists about a knee issue that will keep him sidelined for matches against Como and Real Madrid. "I have discomfort in my knee and we are trying to recover as soon as possible," Cristante said. "It won't be simple, I know that, but the goal is to return to the pitch as soon as possible." Cristante reflected on Roma's season so far and their ambitions. On the campaign's opening phase, he said: "Continuity is fundamental. Last season we had a great campaign and we all want to confirm ourselves. We started from a solid, already established base, and there was a common desire to stay and try to improve further." He stressed that Roma finished third last season and are capable of competing for those positions again. "The objective is to maintain this level and reach as high as possible. Italian football is difficult and seasons are long, but we want to repeat it," he added. On the upcoming fixtures, Cristante noted: "It is still early to make assessments. They are two important matches: Como is a direct rival of ours, while Real Madrid… it is always Real Madrid. Beautiful matches and at a high level, but the league is long." Regarding a future meeting with José Mourinho, he said: "Seeing the manager again always brings pleasure. We shared beautiful moments and it will certainly be a nice reunion." On Italy's recent performances under Roberto Mancini, Cristante observed: "The squad seems to be doing well. It is normal to have some difficulties at the start, but the young players have done really excellent work. There is a great future: many young men can grow and do well from here on."

Bryan Cristante spoke at a Roma fan meet-and-greet event at an Adidas store in central Rome, where he discussed an ongoing knee issue sustained during the international break and his ambitions for the 2026–27 campaign. Gasperini has been cagey about Cristante's recovery timeline, initially ruling him out for the Como and Real Madrid matches. When asked for clarity, Cristante said: "No, this is a knee problem… We clearly need to recover as soon as possible. We hope, but honestly, I see it as a bit difficult. We'll try to get back as soon as we can anyway." Cristante emphasised the importance of continuity and Roma's desire to build on last season's success. "The year before, we had a great season, so we all wanted to repeat it. We knew we'd start from a more solid, consolidated base, so clearly there was the desire on everyone's part to stay, to repeat the performance and try to do better," he said. Cristante acknowledged that the coming fixtures against Como and Real Madrid are crucial moments in the season, though he cautioned that it remains early. He also expressed his eagerness to face José Mourinho again: "Well, of course. It's always a pleasure to see the manager again. We lived through beautiful moments and it will certainly be a great pleasure." On Italy's recent performances under Mancini, Cristante praised the young players, saying there is a strong future ahead. When asked whether he might feature for Italy in November, he replied: "We'll see how the rest of the season goes." Cristante stressed that Roma's confidence has grown despite occupying a similar league position to last season. "Confidence is certainly greater. We know we finished third in the table last season, so clearly we know we can reach those positions. As I said before, our objective is to maintain the standards of last season and so finish as high as possible. Seasons are long and Italian football is a difficult championship. We want to repeat ourselves," he said.

Roma resumed full-squad training at Trigoria on 6 October as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini prepares the squad for the trip to Como on Sunday 11 October at 12:30. Donyell Malen and Wesley, who had been working separately in recent sessions, returned to partial group training, a development Gasperini will monitor closely over the coming days to determine when they can take part in full sessions and what role they might play against Como. The squad's numbers swelled as international players began filtering back from national-team commitments during the break. Gianluca Mancini, Daniele Ghilardi, Emanuele Lulli, Niccolò Pisilli, Evan N'Dicka, Konstantinos Koulierakis and Giorgio De Marzi have all returned to Trigoria, allowing Gasperini to step up preparations for the Sinigaglia fixture. Not all players are yet available: Manu Koné is expected back at training from Wednesday. The international break had seen the squad work in reduced numbers, but those early returns have given the coaching staff positive signs ahead of the weekend fixture.