De Roon warming up for Como chance as he settles into Roma life

Massimo Margiotta, appointed head of Roma's youth academy on 9 July 2026, has outlined his vision for the club's historically prominent youth development programme in his first months in the role. The 49-year-old, who previously worked in youth football at Vicenza and Verona, described taking charge as joining a top club with a youth structure that has always been a flagship operation. He credited his previous working relationship with Roma's sporting director Tony D'Amico at Verona as instrumental in the move to the capital. Margiotta acknowledged the weight of inheriting the legacy of figures including Bruno Conti and Alberto De Rossi in youth development. "It's a big responsibility," he said. "Bruno will always be one of the most important figures in the history of this youth department — he did something revolutionary and unique. Beyond wishing him well, I've built a good relationship with him over sixteen years. And Mister De Rossi is a person of value whom I've come to know over time. Replacing two people of this stature is a big responsibility, but it motivates me to create something beautiful as was done in the past." Margiotta distinguished between youth academy leadership and first-team management: "The main difference lies in the relationship with time and results. In the first team, results must be immediate — you build your path through results. In youth football, the true winning path is measured over time. The boys have years to become great, and our job is to accompany them while respecting each phase of their growth: age, school, family, physical, mental and psychological development. Results matter, but must always fit into a broader project of training and growth. Essentially, you're raising children who aren't yours but whom you must bring into the world of adults." One of Margiotta's early decisions was appointing Mattia Scala as Primavera coach, citing his thirteen seasons in Roma's youth structure and demonstrated quality. "His choice also represents a broader principle," Margiotta explained. "We want our youth academy to be a place where talent emerges in all roles, not just among players. Coaches and professionals must be able to grow through a meritocratic path, founded on quality, passion, competence and a sense of belonging." Margiotta described his proximity to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as a continuous learning opportunity. "It means having an enormous opportunity for growth every day. Gasperini built an important part of his development in youth football, and I believe that makes it even more valuable to observe his work up close. Seeing him train, understanding how he reads players, what he demands, how he develops talent and how he guides young players towards senior football represents a continuous lesson for me." Margiotta's playing career, which ended after a spell at Barletta, preceded his entry into youth development following a call from Paolo Cristallini at Vicenza, where he spent five years as youth academy head before joining Verona in 2017 under Maurizio Setti. He expressed pride in Roma's regional talent pipeline. "In our territory there are a series of realities that operate significantly and are known across Italy. Though I worked in the North for many years, I've established and cultivated various relationships with Roman clubs, seeking to bring players through. I know well the value of these amateur teams and how important they are to our work."

Massimo Margiotta, Roma's new head of youth development, has outlined his vision for the club's academy, emphasising that talent must be nurtured across all functions, not only among players themselves. Margiotta, who previously worked at Vicenza and Verona, arrives at Roma having developed a long-standing working relationship with sporting director Tony D'Amico, with whom he collaborated at Verona. He acknowledged the weight of following figures including Bruno Conti and Alberto De Rossi, saying: "Sicuramente è una grossa responsabilità. Per me Bruno rimarrà una delle figure più importanti nella storia del settore giovanile: ha fatto qualcosa di rivoluzionario e unico." He added that De Rossi is "una persona di valore" whom he has come to know over time, and that replacing them represents "una grossa responsabilità, però mi stimola a creare qualcosa di bello come è stato fatto in passato". Margiotta began his career in youth football at Vicenza after retiring as a player, following a call from Paolo Cristallini. He moved to Verona in 2017 when approached by Setti. He explained that youth development differs fundamentally from first-team management: "La differenza principale sta nel rapporto con il tempo e con il risultato. In prima squadra il risultato deve essere necessariamente immediato... Nel settore giovanile, invece, il vero percorso vincente si misura nel tempo." Young players need years to develop, he stressed, and the academy's role is to accompany them while respecting each phase of their growth—age, schooling, family, and physical, mental and psychological development. Margiotta's inaugural decision was to appoint Mattia Scala as Primavera coach; Scala has thirteen seasons in Roma's youth academy and has delivered good results at the start of this season. Margiotta framed this choice within a broader principle: "vogliamo che il nostro settore giovanile sia un luogo in cui far emergere talento in tutti i ruoli, non solo tra i calciatori. Allenatori e professionisti devono poter crescere attraverso un percorso meritocratico, fondato su qualità, passione, competenza e senso di appartenenza." The Primavera, representing the highest level of the academy, should embody this meritocratic pathway. On working beneath head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, Margiotta said: "Significa avere ogni giorno un'opportunità di crescita enorme... Vederlo allenare, capire come legge i giocatori, come pretende, come sviluppa talento e come accompagna i giovani verso il calcio dei grandi, rappresenta per me un insegnamento continuo." Margiotta also highlighted the importance of the Roman and regional area as a recruitment base, noting that he has cultivated relationships with local non-professional clubs over his years working in the north and understands their value to the academy's work.

Roma will attempt to bring Real Madrid forward Endrick to the club on loan in January, having come close to completing a deal in summer only for former manager José Mourinho to block the move at the last moment. The 20-year-old has barely featured for Real Madrid this season, appearing for just a few minutes so far. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has stated recently that a lack of playing time could affect players' chances of national team selection, a factor that may influence Endrick's thinking. Roma are confident that if Endrick does not receive more minutes in the coming months, he will be willing to push for a temporary exit in January, and the club are keen to capitalize. The forward thrived during a six-month loan at Lyon, where he registered eight goals and assists each in 21 appearances. It is clear that Endrick arrived at Real Madrid too early in his development; he needs to play now, and temporary solutions are preferable to continued marginalisation. Should Roma fail to secure Endrick, the club have identified other targets: Ruben van Bommel at PSV, Luiz Henrique at Zenit, and Giorgi Kvernadze at Frosinone. The article notes that Roma have established themselves as an attractive destination for young forwards at present.

Radio pundit Piero Torri has voiced concern that Bryan Cristante's injury could be more serious than initially thought, and has outlined how he would approach Roma's upcoming fixtures if the midfielder is unavailable. Speaking on Radio Manà Manà Sport Roma (90.9), Torri said: "I'm afraid Cristante's injury may not be a short one. If he's not fit, I wouldn't risk trying to get him back for Real Madrid. I would play de Roon at Como and Pisilli against Real Madrid." Torri also reflected on head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's handling of Paulo Dybala's minutes, saying the manager's approach has shifted his perspective. "What Gasperini said about Dybala struck me—it erased my previous beliefs about his playing time and management. And so far he's been proved right," Torri noted. He suggested Roma should begin discussions about Gasperini's contract intentions, given that the coach's deal will expire at the end of the season. Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo, speaking on Radio Radio Mattino (104.5), praised goalkeeper Mile Svilar's importance to the team: "Svilar is a world-class goalkeeper for Roma, I have no doubt about it. If there's a normal goalkeeper, it's easy to lose 3–1. But with him it's different."

Roma's international break will conclude this weekend, with the Serie A campaign resuming on Sunday 11 October at Como (12:30 CET, Stadio Sinigaglia). The Giallorossi arrive on the back of a 2–2 draw against Inter, a result that underlined their strong start to the season and their ability to compete with title contenders. The timing of the break is awkward—Roma must immediately shift mental gears for a relentless schedule that will see them play nine times in 27 days, a fixture run that will define their seasonal ambitions under Gasperini. The stretch begins at Como and continues without respite. Three days after the Lombard trip, on Wednesday 14 October, the Champions League returns to the Olimpico after seven years; Real Madrid, managed by José Mourinho, are the visitors. Saturday 17 brings Genoa to Rome, followed by Slovan Bratislava at home on Tuesday 20 in the Champions League league phase. Roma then travel to Napoli on Saturday 24 October, a fixture described as capable of revealing much about the Giallorossi's capacity to compete. There is no time to celebrate or recover: Tuesday 27 sees Cagliari at home in a midweek fixture. Saturday 31 brings a trip to Udinese, followed by a journey to England on 3 November to face Manchester United. The run concludes on 7 November with Sassuolo at home, the ninth and final match of the month-long cycle before the second international break of the season. The injury to Bryan Cristante is poorly timed, depriving the midfield of one of its key equilibrating figures at the start of this critical period. However, his absence opens a tactical opportunity: Marten de Roon is primed to take over the midfield and make his Roma debut from the start, likely already at Como. De Roon brings his customary aggression, solidity and experience. Niccolò Pisilli will offer freshness and enthusiasm, though he is more likely to deputise for Manu Koné than for Cristante. Lorenzo Pellegrini's return, even in a different role—more attacking midfielder than central midfielder in a two-man midfield—is the best possible news for Gasperini. The coach has made clear that there are no hierarchies at Trigoria: "those who are in better form play, for Roma's benefit." Roma's squad training resumes on Tuesday afternoon before the Como trip. The fixture list over the next month presents no respite and no room for fluctuation, with injury risk a constant concern as the team aims to navigate this pivotal stretch.

Bryan Cristante's absence through injury poses Roma's first serious tactical problem of the season, forcing Gian Piero Gasperini to decide not just who replaces him but how the midfield will function without him. Cristante has been one of the squad's most-used players and, as Gasperini described him at the Festival dello Sport, operates as the team's "control room"—providing positioning, reading, coverage and defensive balance that allows Manu Koné to focus on breaking lines and driving forward. Simply inserting the next midfielder from the bench will not replicate those functions. Gasperini has three principal options. Marten de Roon, familiar with the coach's system from their time together, would offer the most conservative approach: changing the player while preserving the team's on-field balance. Niccolò Pisilli, a product of Roma's academy, brings running power, aggression and attacking thrust, but would require Koné to shoulder greater responsibility in defensive positioning. A third path would shift Koné lower into the holding role he has played for France, giving Pisilli more freedom. The choice carries extra weight because Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, will build from the back and draw out opposition pressure—exactly where Cristante's absence could prove most costly. Gasperini has already stated he expects both teams to play to win, demanding both aggression in winning the ball back and composure once the initial press breaks. The fixture at Como represents more than three points. Until now, Gasperini has established clearly defined hierarchies within his squad; now he must demonstrate multiple ways to maintain the same equilibrium. With nine matches in 28 days ahead, Gasperini will need to confirm that his "control room" can function through different circuits. De Roon guarantees continuity, Pisilli raises tempo and vertical play, Koné can shift roles. The solution chosen will signal what kind of Roma the coach envisions when real rotation begins.

Radio pundit Piero Torri has voiced concern that Bryan Cristante's injury could be more serious than initially thought, and has outlined how he would approach Roma's upcoming fixtures if the midfielder is unavailable. Speaking on Radio Manà Manà Sport Roma (90.9), Torri said: "I'm afraid Cristante's injury may not be a short one. If he's not fit, I wouldn't risk trying to get him back for Real Madrid. I would play de Roon at Como and Pisilli against Real Madrid." Torri also reflected on head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's handling of Paulo Dybala's minutes, saying the manager's approach has shifted his perspective. "What Gasperini said about Dybala struck me—it erased my previous beliefs about his playing time and management. And so far he's been proved right," Torri noted. He suggested Roma should begin discussions about Gasperini's contract intentions, given that the coach's deal will expire at the end of the season. Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo, speaking on Radio Radio Mattino (104.5), praised goalkeeper Mile Svilar's importance to the team: "Svilar is a world-class goalkeeper for Roma, I have no doubt about it. If there's a normal goalkeeper, it's easy to lose 3–1. But with him it's different."

Roma's international break will conclude this weekend, with the Serie A campaign resuming on Sunday 11 October at Como (12:30 CET, Stadio Sinigaglia). The Giallorossi arrive on the back of a 2–2 draw against Inter, a result that underlined their strong start to the season and their ability to compete with title contenders. The timing of the break is awkward—Roma must immediately shift mental gears for a relentless schedule that will see them play nine times in 27 days, a fixture run that will define their seasonal ambitions under Gasperini. The stretch begins at Como and continues without respite. Three days after the Lombard trip, on Wednesday 14 October, the Champions League returns to the Olimpico after seven years; Real Madrid, managed by José Mourinho, are the visitors. Saturday 17 brings Genoa to Rome, followed by Slovan Bratislava at home on Tuesday 20 in the Champions League league phase. Roma then travel to Napoli on Saturday 24 October, a fixture described as capable of revealing much about the Giallorossi's capacity to compete. There is no time to celebrate or recover: Tuesday 27 sees Cagliari at home in a midweek fixture. Saturday 31 brings a trip to Udinese, followed by a journey to England on 3 November to face Manchester United. The run concludes on 7 November with Sassuolo at home, the ninth and final match of the month-long cycle before the second international break of the season. The injury to Bryan Cristante is poorly timed, depriving the midfield of one of its key equilibrating figures at the start of this critical period. However, his absence opens a tactical opportunity: Marten de Roon is primed to take over the midfield and make his Roma debut from the start, likely already at Como. De Roon brings his customary aggression, solidity and experience. Niccolò Pisilli will offer freshness and enthusiasm, though he is more likely to deputise for Manu Koné than for Cristante. Lorenzo Pellegrini's return, even in a different role—more attacking midfielder than central midfielder in a two-man midfield—is the best possible news for Gasperini. The coach has made clear that there are no hierarchies at Trigoria: "those who are in better form play, for Roma's benefit." Roma's squad training resumes on Tuesday afternoon before the Como trip. The fixture list over the next month presents no respite and no room for fluctuation, with injury risk a constant concern as the team aims to navigate this pivotal stretch.

Roma radio commentators have praised Paulo Dybala and Mile Svilar as central to the club's prospects under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini this season. Carina told Radio Radio that Dybala represents Gasperini's main gamble and is succeeding in it. "The big difference compared to the past is exactly Dybala," Carina said. "If he continues like this, at these high levels, I would sign off on it. It's clear that at Roma it can change important targets. Gasperini is right: Dybala doesn't miss a training session, he has found the key to extend Dybala's career, who is a champion of Italian football." Carina also noted that Bryan Cristante has a knee inflammation that, while not serious, is a concern. Roberto Pruzzo backed goalkeeper Svilar without reservation. "Svilar is world-class for Roma, I have no doubt," Pruzzo said on Radio Radio. "If there is a normal goalkeeper, it is easy then to lose 3–1." Orsi, also speaking on Radio Radio, observed that goalkeepers in Italy are not generally regarded as world-class figures.

Radio pundit Piero Torri has voiced concern that Bryan Cristante's injury could be more serious than initially thought, and has outlined how he would approach Roma's upcoming fixtures if the midfielder is unavailable. Speaking on Radio Manà Manà Sport Roma (90.9), Torri said: "I'm afraid Cristante's injury may not be a short one. If he's not fit, I wouldn't risk trying to get him back for Real Madrid. I would play de Roon at Como and Pisilli against Real Madrid." Torri also reflected on head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's handling of Paulo Dybala's minutes, saying the manager's approach has shifted his perspective. "What Gasperini said about Dybala struck me—it erased my previous beliefs about his playing time and management. And so far he's been proved right," Torri noted. He suggested Roma should begin discussions about Gasperini's contract intentions, given that the coach's deal will expire at the end of the season. Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo, speaking on Radio Radio Mattino (104.5), praised goalkeeper Mile Svilar's importance to the team: "Svilar is a world-class goalkeeper for Roma, I have no doubt about it. If there's a normal goalkeeper, it's easy to lose 3–1. But with him it's different."

Roma's international break will conclude this weekend, with the Serie A campaign resuming on Sunday 11 October at Como (12:30 CET, Stadio Sinigaglia). The Giallorossi arrive on the back of a 2–2 draw against Inter, a result that underlined their strong start to the season and their ability to compete with title contenders. The timing of the break is awkward—Roma must immediately shift mental gears for a relentless schedule that will see them play nine times in 27 days, a fixture run that will define their seasonal ambitions under Gasperini. The stretch begins at Como and continues without respite. Three days after the Lombard trip, on Wednesday 14 October, the Champions League returns to the Olimpico after seven years; Real Madrid, managed by José Mourinho, are the visitors. Saturday 17 brings Genoa to Rome, followed by Slovan Bratislava at home on Tuesday 20 in the Champions League league phase. Roma then travel to Napoli on Saturday 24 October, a fixture described as capable of revealing much about the Giallorossi's capacity to compete. There is no time to celebrate or recover: Tuesday 27 sees Cagliari at home in a midweek fixture. Saturday 31 brings a trip to Udinese, followed by a journey to England on 3 November to face Manchester United. The run concludes on 7 November with Sassuolo at home, the ninth and final match of the month-long cycle before the second international break of the season. The injury to Bryan Cristante is poorly timed, depriving the midfield of one of its key equilibrating figures at the start of this critical period. However, his absence opens a tactical opportunity: Marten de Roon is primed to take over the midfield and make his Roma debut from the start, likely already at Como. De Roon brings his customary aggression, solidity and experience. Niccolò Pisilli will offer freshness and enthusiasm, though he is more likely to deputise for Manu Koné than for Cristante. Lorenzo Pellegrini's return, even in a different role—more attacking midfielder than central midfielder in a two-man midfield—is the best possible news for Gasperini. The coach has made clear that there are no hierarchies at Trigoria: "those who are in better form play, for Roma's benefit." Roma's squad training resumes on Tuesday afternoon before the Como trip. The fixture list over the next month presents no respite and no room for fluctuation, with injury risk a constant concern as the team aims to navigate this pivotal stretch.

Roma's Friedkin ownership has outlined an ambitious long-term strategy spanning new infrastructure, youth recruitment and squad stability. At the Festival dello Sport in Trento, CEO John Galantic detailed the club's priorities: a new stadium project, accelerated development of young players trained at Trigoria such as Emanuele Lulli and Niccolò Pisilli, and a commitment to avoid painful departures like that of Romano. The club is also expediting the creation of an Under 23 squad to underpin sustainability. The new stadium represents the centrepiece of the project, described as "without precedent". First stone will be laid between March and April 2027, with an investment of €1.3 billion signalling the Friedkin Group's long-term commitment. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is aligned with this vision, having earned the enthusiasm of supporters while resisting title talk. Gasperini is focused on closing the gap with Inter, which he identifies as the team to beat, rather than making public promises about the Scudetto. Gasperini discussed the management of Paulo Dybala, crediting targeted athletic work with resolving previous concerns about his physical durability. He concluded on an optimistic note, saying he hopes to lead Roma in its new stadium when it is completed.