D'Amico says Roma need a direct winger and will look for one in January

Tony D'Amico has said Roma need a winger with pace and counter-attacking quality, and the club will try to sign one in January. Speaking to SkySport before the match against Sassuolo, he said the need became clear at the end of the transfer window. "This is the problem we realised at the end of the transfer window. We lack a winger with pace, for counter-attacks. We will try to get one in January, weighing up the opportunities. We will try to give these qualities to the coach." Asked whether an extra attacking winger would help solve Roma's problem of coming back from behind, D'Amico agreed it was a key issue. He also addressed the club's dealings with national teams over Manu Koné, saying Roma talk to all national teams. Koné returns today after a good week of training, and the coach has decided to play him, which D'Amico said pleased the club. This is the ninth match in 28 days, and with Koné in the side, the club can rest others who have played a lot in these games. On the atmosphere in Manchester, D'Amico said: "You know environments like Manchester's. The stadium pushed hard, but I think it was there, and against Real, that they showed us a great Roma imposing its game. Against these teams there are moments of difficulty. The penalty, I think, was more than generous. It was a difficult moment, but that does not mean a penalty like that should be given. These experiences are still important for a Roma that, after seven years, is back in the Champions League. It serves all of us, including the club."

Roma defender D'Amico has said the club must add a pacy external attacker, with the January transfer window the next opportunity to bring in that profile. Speaking ahead of Roma-Sassuolo, a Serie A match for matchday 11, he said the issue had become clear by the end of the summer transfer window. "Sicuramente questa è una problematica che a fine mercato abbiamo capito. Per caratteristiche manca un attaccante esterno di gamba di ripartenza, quindi certamente valuteremo le opportunità nel mercato di gennaio per portare questa nuova caratteristica al mister." The question of whether another wide attacker and further signings could fix Roma's problem with late comebacks was put to him directly. D'Amico's answer makes clear that the club sees a specific gap in its attacking options, one that the squad as it stands does not fill. On Manu Koné, D'Amico was asked whether the club had been in direct contact with the French national team. He replied: "Noi ci confrontiamo un po' con tutte le nazionali. Manu oggi rientra, ha fatto una settimana di allenamenti, il mister ha deciso di schierarlo perchè lo ha visto bene. Questa è la nona partita in 28 giorni e con Manu abbiamo la possibilità di far rifiatare i ragazzi che hanno speso tanto in queste partite." He said Koné returns today after a week of training, that the coach chose to field him because he had seen him in good shape, and that this is the club's ninth match in 28 days, with Koné giving tired players a chance to rest.

Barcelona are open to a possible departure for Alejandro Balde, with Roma back in the frame for the Spanish left-back, who has fallen out of Hansi Flick's plans and could leave Catalonia in the January transfer window. Roma and Juventus have both reportedly already held exploratory contacts with Jorge Mendes, the player's agent, to learn the conditions of a possible move. The main obstacle is Balde's wage, which is particularly high for the economic parameters of the two Italian clubs. Without agreement on how the salary is split, even a loan could become complicated. According to the Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona would be willing to consider selling the 2003-born player in order to reduce their wage bill and finance new signings. The Catalan club's preference is a permanent sale, but a loan with an option or obligation to buy remains open as a possibility, a formula that could make the deal more accessible. Interest in the player is not limited to Serie A. Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham are all reportedly monitoring him in the Premier League, while Monaco are also following developments closely. For Barcelona, the number of suitors could work in their favour as they look for the most advantageous solution. Balde is described as a quick left-sided player who is particularly effective going forward, a profile that could be an interesting opportunity for Gian Piero Gasperini. For now, however, there are only preliminary enquiries and no advanced negotiations. Tony D'Amico is monitoring the situation, aware that securing the Spaniard will require favourable financial terms and the ability to overcome very strong competition.