Cristante ruled out of Belgium Nations League opener through injury

Roma have identified Frosinone midfielder Giorgi Kvernadze as a target to strengthen Gasperini's attack, according to reports. The Georgian midfielder appeals to the Roma coach, but Frosinone—managed by Alvini—are holding firm in their valuation, demanding at least €25 million. The pursuit of other attacking options remains active: Endrick, the Brazilian currently out of favour at Real Madrid under Mourinho, continues to be monitored by Roma's sporting director D'Amico, with a potential approach planned for January. Roma's summer transfer window saw other targets slip away. Leweling, pursued by Roma until late in the window, was also on the radar of Inter under Chivu, though Stuttgart resisted both clubs' advances. The window's conclusion left gaps that Gasperini is now tasked with addressing through future recruitment cycles.

Jamie Leweling was tracked by Roma in the final stages of the summer transfer window, but the Giallorossi were not alone in their interest. Inter also made a concrete approach for the Stuttgart winger, according to Tuttomercatoweb. The Nerazzurri explored the scope for a possible deal with Stuttgart and assessed Leweling's position, though the interest never developed into a formal negotiation. Leweling remained in the Bundesliga as the window closed. Stuttgart's valuation proved a significant obstacle. The club had no intention of parting easily with the winger and set the same asking price for all interested parties: a minimum of €40 million. Roma attempted to bring Leweling to Rome in the final hours of the summer transfer window before the move collapsed entirely. The German's versatility made him a particularly attractive prospect, as he could operate in several attacking positions. The revelation adds Inter to the list of Italian clubs who pursued the player. The Nerazzurri evaluated Leweling both for the right flank and to add different qualities to their attack. Ultimately, neither Roma nor Inter succeeded in securing him. Stuttgart maintained a rigid stance on their valuation and Leweling stayed in Germany, deferring any possible move to Serie A for the time being.

Roma's attacking threat from full-back positions has transformed under Gian Piero Gasperini this season, with the discoveries of Emanuele Lulli and the arrival of Nahuel Molina — described as a clear upgrade on Zeki Çelik — providing multiple offensive weapons beyond Wesley alone. Last season the giallorossi often struggled on the wings, but now rank among Serie A's most dangerous teams in wide areas. Lulli has created 4 chances, Molina 7 and Wesley 13 from their full-back positions, totalling 24 opportunities for Gasperini's side. This figure is surpassed in Italy only by Inter, whose wing-backs Dimarco and Diouf have combined for 26.

Gasperini has cancelled Roma's scheduled training session on 25 September, granting the squad four days of rest and resuming work on Tuesday 29 September around midday. The head coach had kept players at Trigoria under a demanding schedule in recent days but opted to give them a break ahead of the international break. When training resumes on the 29th, Gasperini will still be without Malen, Cristante and Wesley as they continue their recovery, with international players expected back later. The next fixture, Roma's match against Como, does not take place until 11 October, allowing time for the squad to reintegrate.

Marten de Roon has arrived at Roma as Gasperini's trusted tactical lieutenant, and the international break is proving a crucial period for the midfielder to regain full match fitness. The Dutch midfielder joined on the final day of the transfer window after nine seasons at Atalanta, where he became Gasperini's go-to figure on the pitch. De Roon came to the capital with little playing time under his belt from his previous spell at Atalanta, and Gasperini has managed his minutes carefully in the opening weeks of the season to allow him to build back to peak condition. The technical staff regard him as a player of absolute quality—Gasperini described him as far from a "worn-out shoe"—and de Roon will alternate with Bryan Cristante in midfield as Roma face seven matches in eighteen days during October. De Roon has quickly made an impression since arriving at Trigoria, becoming a point of reference for the club's younger players thanks to his understanding of dressing-room dynamics. His game is built on relentless running, winning duels, launching counterattacks and making effective late runs into the penalty box. He averages 11 kilometres covered per match, providing a substantial contribution of experience that guarantees stability and tactical continuity to the team from the resumption of the league campaign onwards. The midfielder's playing style and accumulated know-how represent added value of the highest order for Gasperini's project.

Marten De Roon has played 361 matches under Gian Piero Gasperini — more than any other player in the world — and the midfielder's integration at Roma will be defined not by tactical learning but by physical fitness. De Roon arrived at Trigoria without having played minutes in the early part of the season under his previous manager, prompting Gasperini to use him cautiously. The international break, however, offers a chance to rebuild his athletic condition to match the high-intensity football Gasperini demands, with his role in the squad rotation set to increase substantially from October onward. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the plan is to alternate De Roon primarily with Bryan Cristante, forming a midfield pairing with either Manu Koné or Niccolò Pisilli. Rather than a rigid hierarchy, Gasperini will deploy flexible combinations that allow tactical adjustment and energy management without sacrificing balance. At 35, De Roon represents an investment in the present, not the future — unlike younger squad members such as Mora, Castro, or Koulierakis. He brings experience, reading of the game, personality, and an almost automatic understanding of what Gasperini demands on the pitch. For a coach seeking to "play in twenty" — using a deep squad across many matches — having such a player provides a shortcut. De Roon does not need to learn the system; he simply needs to regain his legs to execute it. He has already built a strong relationship with his Dutch compatriot Donyell Malen, and his prior knowledge of Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante has made his entry into the dressing room feel natural. By observation, he appears to have been at Roma far longer than a few weeks. The fixture list after the break is designed to accelerate his integration. Between Serie A and Champions League, Roma face a congested schedule that will make it impossible to demand everything constantly from Cristante, Koné, and other midfielders. In Europe, De Roon's extensive international experience under Gasperini — understanding rhythm, moment management, and composure in high-stakes matches — will prove invaluable. From October onward, he could finally become the certainty Roma needs.

Alessandro Romano has emerged as a surprise of the season's start, drawing comparisons to players such as Matic and Strootman, and threatens to become another in a line of regretted departures alongside Calafiori and Frattesi. Roma sold him to Cagliari this summer for a combined fee of approximately €6.5 million in fixed and bonus payments. The sale generated crucial financial flexibility for the club, allowing Roma to avoid selling a key player before 30 June and freeing up resources after earlier departures of Saud, Baldanzi and Sangaré. Romano is now demonstrating the quality that head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had already identified during the previous season. His market value has tripled to around €15 million and is expected to rise further. Critically, Roma hold no buy-back clause; Cagliari would need to be relegated to Serie B to trigger a repurchase obligation, but the Sardinian club's strong start to the campaign has already eased those concerns. The midfielder has also caught the attention of national team officials—Roberto Mancini called him into the Italy squad. Romano made his Italy debut as a starter on Friday against Belgium, playing at the Stadio Olimpico itself—a twist of fate for the player Roma parted with.

Marten De Roon has played 361 matches under Gian Piero Gasperini — more than any other player in the world — and the midfielder's integration at Roma will be defined not by tactical learning but by physical fitness. De Roon arrived at Trigoria without having played minutes in the early part of the season under his previous manager, prompting Gasperini to use him cautiously. The international break, however, offers a chance to rebuild his athletic condition to match the high-intensity football Gasperini demands, with his role in the squad rotation set to increase substantially from October onward. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the plan is to alternate De Roon primarily with Bryan Cristante, forming a midfield pairing with either Manu Koné or Niccolò Pisilli. Rather than a rigid hierarchy, Gasperini will deploy flexible combinations that allow tactical adjustment and energy management without sacrificing balance. At 35, De Roon represents an investment in the present, not the future — unlike younger squad members such as Mora, Castro, or Koulierakis. He brings experience, reading of the game, personality, and an almost automatic understanding of what Gasperini demands on the pitch. For a coach seeking to "play in twenty" — using a deep squad across many matches — having such a player provides a shortcut. De Roon does not need to learn the system; he simply needs to regain his legs to execute it. He has already built a strong relationship with his Dutch compatriot Donyell Malen, and his prior knowledge of Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante has made his entry into the dressing room feel natural. By observation, he appears to have been at Roma far longer than a few weeks. The fixture list after the break is designed to accelerate his integration. Between Serie A and Champions League, Roma face a congested schedule that will make it impossible to demand everything constantly from Cristante, Koné, and other midfielders. In Europe, De Roon's extensive international experience under Gasperini — understanding rhythm, moment management, and composure in high-stakes matches — will prove invaluable. From October onward, he could finally become the certainty Roma needs.

Gianluca Mancini is poised to lead Italy's defence in the upcoming match against Belgium, with the Roma centre-back a permanent fixture in Roberto Mancini's tactical drills at Coverciano. The Italian technical staff have been working primarily in a 4-3-3 formation, and the Roma defender has featured consistently alongside Di Lorenzo, Calafiori and Coppola in recent training sessions. Mancini's presence offers the squad stability, experience and continuity as the final preparations continue ahead of the team's departure for Rome. Meanwhile, Roma are monitoring Giorgi Kvernadze, the Frosinone winger, according to reports from Nicolò Schira and confirmed by Il Tempo. The 2003-born Georgian has produced five goals and two assists across Serie A and Coppa Italia in recent matches observed by Roma scouts. Napoli are also tracking the situation. In his early Roma career, Rodrigo Mora has spoken of his experience since arriving. On the adjustment to Italian football, he said: "It was a different change. I lived 19 years in Porto and played for Porto for 10 years. It's a different culture. But I'm happy with the change. It will be a positive change." Regarding his goal against Lecce in his second Roma appearance, Mora added: "I like scoring very much. Scoring for Roma was beautiful, but I want to score again at the Olimpico. It's special and I can't wait to score at the Olimpico. I'm happy with my journey so far. The atmosphere at the Olimpico is something really special and beautiful and it makes you want to play and score for Roma." Mora also reflected on his relationship with Paulo Dybala: "He's someone I admired as a child, now being able to play and train with him…seeing the things he does, that few do…He's a humble person and he's helped me a lot at the start of my Roma career. I like him as a player and as a person. I'm grateful to be able to play at his side."

Roma have made an emphatic start to the 2026-27 season, claiming four wins and two draws across their opening six matches without defeat, and their attacking shape under Gian Piero Gasperini is becoming increasingly defined. The side have generated one of Serie A's strongest offensive phases, producing 111 total shots over six matches—an average of 20.6 per game—with 68% coming from the central area, 18% from the left and 15% from the right. Gasperini's system combines aggressive pressing, high tempo and collective play with relentless shot creation, generating 14 goals so far: 12 from open play, one from a set piece and one on the counter. Donyell Malen has emerged as the attacking focal point, already on six goals with 20 shots (10 on target) as Roma's primary reference point in the box. However, the creative engine runs through Paulo Dybala on the right flank. The Argentine leads Serie A for chances created (22) and assists (4), and has completed 201 successful passes, underscoring his centrality to Roma's build-up play. Gasperini's tactical identity also involves using inverted wingers—Wesley, for instance, frequently plays on the left to cut inside onto his right foot, a pattern that generated his goal against Juventus last season in a 3-3 draw at the Olimpico. In the match against Inter, Nahuel Molina, deployed on the left, finished with three shots. While Roma shoot most from the centre, the right flank proves most productive in creating opportunities, generating 39% of offensive chances. The combination of Dybala's creativity and the movement patterns Gasperini has installed suggest Roma's attacking threat remains multifaceted and difficult to defend, grounded in the manager's clear strategic blueprint of aggressive, high-tempo football that prioritises collective movement and continuous offensive production.

Roma have set a record that has never been achieved in the club's history: ten consecutive Serie A matches in which they have scored at least two goals. The streak began on 25 April with a 0–2 win at Bologna and has survived the change of season, spanning the final five matches of last season and the opening five of the current campaign under Gasperini. During this run the squad has scored 27 goals, won nine matches and drawn one, while conceding just five goals in total—remarkably, Roma kept clean sheets in seven of these ten fixtures. The start to the 2026–27 season has accelerated the phenomenon. After five matchdays Roma have 14 goals at an average of 2.8 per game, the best offensive opening by the club since Serie A returned to 20 teams in 2004–05. The previous best in that span was 13 goals in 2016–17. Roma have not conceded more than two goals in any match; Fiorentina and Lecce each shipped four, while Atalanta, Torino and Inter conceded two apiece. The 2–2 draw with Inter left intact another distinction: Roma have not started a campaign without a loss in their opening five matches since 2014–15. All 14 goals have come from inside the penalty area, with zero from distance and zero penalties awarded. Roma have produced 99 shots, 35 on target, and 72 chances according to official Lega Serie A data, indicating that their prolificty stems from an enormous volume of dangerous situations created close to goal. Donyell Malen has scored six goals in the opening five matchdays and after just four fixtures joined an exclusive club: only Pedro Manfredini and Francesco Totti had reached six goals in their first four league matches for Roma. Malen closed last season with 14 goals in 18 Serie A appearances; across both campaigns he has now scored 20 goals in 23 league matches. Paulo Dybala has not yet scored this season but has supplied four assists in five appearances, currently leading the Serie A assists table. Three of those came together in Roma's 4–0 win over Fiorentina on matchday one. Manu Koné's brace in the first half against Inter saw him become only the fifth Roma player to score twice in the opening 45 minutes of a Serie A match against the Nerazzurri, after Roberto Pruzzo, Francesco Graziani, Abel Balbo and Francesco Totti.

Abel Balbo, the club's former striker, has backed Roma to challenge Inter for the Serie A title, praising Gian Piero Gasperini's squad as capable of competing for the championship. Speaking to Il Messaggero, Balbo said: "It's a beautiful Roma to watch, entertaining and getting results. It's a pleasure to go to the stadium to see them and I think they will have an extraordinary season." Though he acknowledged Inter's broader depth, Balbo identified Roma as their principal antagonist: "Inter is still superior because they have a more complete squad, but Roma is the only one that can compete for the title." Balbo urged the club and fanbase to embrace ambition rather than hide from it. "The season is long, there are the cup competitions and Inter can also make mistakes. The important thing is to take advantage of them at the right moment. Why not believe in it? Not always the strongest win. You also need a bit of luck," he explained. Roma's title ambitions rest significantly on Donyell Malen's goalscoring, which Balbo praised for its simplicity and effectiveness. Balbo highlighted Malen's ability to score in varied ways—including a strike against Torino—and his capacity to function as an atypical striker who roams beyond the penalty area to support Gasperini's system. "He's a simple and effective player, and the most difficult thing in football is to play with simplicity. He does it better than anyone. He's fast, he knows how to move, he attacks space and sees the goal with ease. He's very strong," Balbo said. The Argentine stressed Malen's willingness to help the team under pressure and his instinct for finding the net in any situation—qualities Balbo believes can sustain Roma's bid to narrow the gap to Inter and establish themselves as genuine title contenders.