Dortmund friendly squad named: Molina included, Wesley sidelined with ankle injury

Leonardo Balerdi has impressed AS Roma in his opening weeks at the club, having arrived this summer from Marseille. The Argentine defender has quickly adapted to Gian Piero Gasperini's system and earned the coach's trust, establishing himself in Roma's defence. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma's leadership has few doubts about making his move permanent, viewing a definitive confirmation as virtually certain regardless of which contractual conditions are triggered. Barerdi arrived on a loan deal worth one million euros, paired with a purchase right that can become an obligation depending on specific performance targets. The fee Roma must pay Marseille is performance-based and structured around his playing time. If Balerdi reaches 55 per cent of available matches with at least 45 minutes played, the buyout stands at 14 million euros. Should his appearance percentage fall between 40 and 55 per cent, the cost drops to 11 million euros. With a minimum of 20 per cent of matches played, the figure would be 9 million euros. Beyond the contractual mechanisms, Balerdi's early-season displays have convinced Roma most. He has demonstrated the ability to meet Gasperini's tactical demands, showing composure in possession and leadership across the defensive line. Those qualities have earned him regular opportunities in rotation. His integration matters particularly given Gasperini's defensive system, which requires centre-backs to defend high up the pitch, regularly engage in one-on-one contests, and contribute to build-up play.

Manu Koné has emerged as Serie A's most valuable midfielder, his rapid rise through the 2026-27 season vindicating head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's decision to keep him at Roma despite summer transfer interest. The French midfielder has recorded six appearances and two goals in the campaign's opening weeks, partnering his assured play in the middle of the field with a leadership that strengthens with each fixture. According to Transfermarkt, Koné now carries a market value of €60 million—a €10 million increase since the start of the season—ahead of Barella (€50m), Sucic (€45m) and McTominay (€40m). His statistical output substantiates the narrative of improvement. Koné leads Roma's midfield in passing precision at 90.2%, second only to defender Gianluca Mancini's 91.1%. His offensive contribution has surged markedly: he attempted 1.40 shots per 90 minutes this season against 0.44 in the previous campaign, while shots on target rose from 0.18 to 0.84 per 90. Gasperini has tailored the midfielder's development into a more complete player, a shift evident in his increased physical intensity—Koné now commits 1.96 fouls per match compared to 1.72 last season, a hallmark of the coach's tactical demands. The Frenchman, who secured a first-team place with France under Deschamps and now plays for Zidane's national side, remained at Roma through the summer market upheaval and is aiming for a definitive step forward.

Mario Hermoso has established himself as an indispensable fixture in Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma defence, ranking second only to Bryan Cristante in minutes played under the manager. The Spanish defender has appeared in 509 of Roma's 540 available minutes—94.2 per cent—and Gasperini has described him as a statue in the position. Hermoso's defensive output backs up his importance. He leads Serie A with 16 interceptions, a remarkable tally achieved through aggressive pressing and constant anticipation that fits seamlessly into Gasperini's tactical system. His discipline is equally striking: he has committed only 3 fouls in Serie A this season, fewer than half the tally of fellow Roma defenders Evan N'Dicka (8 fouls) and Gianluca Mancini (7 fouls). The former Atlético Madrid player has developed into an absolute leader at the club, accompanying offensive actions with progressive passes towards the opposition goal. Squawka's data collection shows Hermoso shares his interception record with Frendurp of Genoa.

Roma's transfer activity over the summer has reinforced the club's historic connection with Argentina, adding Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé to three further Argentine arrivals: Nahuel Molina, Santiago Castro, and Leonardo Balerdi. No nation has been represented more heavily in Roma's history than Argentina: 41 Argentine players have worn the giallorossi shirt since the club's foundation in 1927. A secondary pattern, particularly pronounced from the 1990s onwards, links Roma to Boca Juniors specifically. Many of the Argentine players Roma has signed since Caniggia's era wore the Boca shirt before joining Roma, and in several cases returned there to finish their careers. Caniggia himself spent four seasons at Boca after his Roma spell, recording 58 appearances and 22 goals. In the 1990s and early 2000s, other significant names followed: Abel Balbo, Gabriel Batistuta, and Walter Samuel. Batistuta scored 13 goals in 30 appearances for Boca before moving to Florence and then Roma. Samuel won the Copa Libertadores with Boca in 77 appearances and 4 goals, then joined Roma in the year of the club's last Serie A title in 2001 for 25 billion lire. Other notable connections include Nicolas Burdisso and two midfielders central to Argentina's recent history: Fernando Gago, who made two separate moves between Roma and Boca with 70 appearances initially and 85 in his final stint before retirement, and Leandro Paredes, discovered by Sabatini at Boca and now returned to play at home. Diego Perotti played two loan matches at Boca from Sevilla before later joining Genoa and working with Gasperini. Molina was born and raised at Boca before transferring to Rosario Central. Since Caniggia in the early 1990s, Roma has signed 24 Argentine players overall, of whom 10—almost half—came from or had spells at Boca Juniors. Daniele De Rossi, a Roma icon, also chose to spend his final year at Boca before retirement.

Radio studios across Rome aired debate on stadium plans, player valuations and squad rotation as Roma prepare for the weekend's fixture. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said today could bring final approval for Roma's new stadium project. He outlined the financial case: "With the stadium, there would be around 50–70 million euros of extra revenue per year, or more if you're good at it. You could increase turnover by 30–40 percent." The gains would come from ending rental payments on the Stadio Olimpico, roughly a million euros annually; roughly one hundred suites yielding 10–20 million yearly; concerts and a museum. Torri cautioned on ticket pricing: "Apart from the Curva Sud, the rest of the stadium will cost money, and it will cost a lot." On the pitch, Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport defended Roma's decision to block Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to attend Lionel Messi's farewell match with Argentina. With a Serie A fixture scheduled for Sunday, Piacentini said: "Messi, go and greet him when you're on holiday." He emphasized that ownership must set the terms with players: "The owner pays you and you serve here." Fabio Petruzzi countered that honouring invitations from great players was a professional honour, though he acknowledged the fixture clash made avoidance reasonable. Nando Orsi of Radio Radio warned that Mile Svilar will attract serious interest. "Svilar is now a finished goalkeeper with great qualities who will bring points to Roma. He's one of the best keepers in this league, and Roma must hold him tight because soon someone will arrive with 50–60 million." On transfers, Simone Tiribocchi discussed potential January signings, naming Kvernadze as a candidate but cautioning that Gasperini's system demands midfielders who move infield rather than stay wide. He praised Matías Soulé as a quality operator who gives everything when called upon. Roberto Pruzzo noted Emanuele Lulli impressed in a recent friendly in England and merits consideration as a squad alternative. Mario Corsi flagged wing depth as Roma's primary gap, saying external quality would unlock the scudetto. Riccardo Cotumaccio expressed faith that Roma's moment is near, though he stopped short of naming this season. Lorenzo Pes left open a door for Francesco Totti's potential involvement in Roma's 2027 centenary, despite current coolness in their relationship.

Gian Piero Gasperini has made wing play central to Roma's football, and the club is working to maximise the impact of their flanks ahead of the league's resumption. Wesley, the Brazilian who has been the most brilliant performer in recent months, is recovering from an ankle distortion near the end of summer training and a subsequent muscle problem, and is using three weeks of focused work at Trigoria while sitting out national team duties to return to peak fitness for the match against Como. On the opposite flank, Nahuel Molina is asserting himself with force. The Argentine returned to Serie A with four years at Atlético Madrid and a World Cup winner's medal in his record, and has integrated quickly into Gasperini's system. He has played against both Torino and Inter, showing versatility as a left winger in the 3-4-2-1 formation, cutting infield onto his stronger foot and coming close to goals while already recording one assist. Beyond the summer transfers, a major surprise for Roma is nineteen-year-old Emanuele Lulli. Though he caught Gasperini's attention in the previous season without being a primary Primavera player, the young right-sided defender has carved out important space through pace and attacking boldness. The club is working to secure him with a meeting scheduled soon between the management and his representative to discuss a contract renewal that expires in June. With Devyne Rensch completing the full-back contingent, Gasperini has all the tools to unlock Roma's flanks.

Francesco Totti celebrated his 50th birthday on 27 September in Las Vegas, but his milestone resonated across Rome's football community and beyond. The former captain, who spent his entire career at the club and retired in 2017, holds no formal position at AS Roma despite contact and attempts in recent months to bring him back into an official role. He currently serves as an advisor to Maxima Roma, a newly promoted basketball franchise making its Serie A debut, and has recently published an autobiography titled *Oltre*. Despite his absence from the club's structure, Totti embodies the supreme symbol of Roman football identity. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has recognised and valued a unique asset in the current squad: three players developed in Roma's academy who are visceral supporters of the shirt they wear. Gasperini has demonstrated this understanding through his handling of Lorenzo Pellegrini, whom he has protected and guided through a contract renewal; Niccolò Pisilli's emergence as a significant midfielder; and his immediate block of Matteo Lulli's departure on loan to Avellino. These decisions underscore how the thread of belonging remains a determining factor for the club's present and future.

Francesco Totti celebrates his 50th birthday today, 27 September 2026, surrounded by loved ones in Las Vegas, but his significance to Rome and its football culture transcends the distance. The city's neighbourhoods—Porta Metronia, Trigoria, Casal Palocco, the Eur and Vigna Clara—mark the occasion, and Roma as a whole observes a tradition of birthday wishes that has endured since his playing days. Beyond football, Totti is now an advisor to Maxima Roma, a newly formed basketball club that debuts in Serie A today, and has released a new book, *Oltre*, documenting his life after football. Though he has been linked with a return to Roma's leadership structure, no such appointment has materialised. Gasperini has built something rare: a Roma squad featuring three academy graduates who are genuine supporters of the club they now represent—a strength rather than a limitation. The coach has nurtured this foundation, most notably with Lorenzo Pellegrini, whom he persuaded the board to tie down with a contract renewal, and Niccolò Pisilli, who has carved out a significant role despite limited initial expectations. The third is Emanuele Lulli, whose emergence proved important enough that the club blocked his planned loan move to Avellino. In Serie A's upper tier, few clubs can claim such a cohort of homegrown, emotionally invested players. Totti's enduring presence in Rome's consciousness—despite holding no official role—illustrates a singular bond between player and place. He carries the identity of the city even in his absence from the club structure, much as the academy graduates now do through their performances on the pitch.

Manu Koné impressed France manager Zinedine Zidane on Friday evening when deployed in an unfamiliar role as a regista—a deep-lying playmaker—during a 1–0 victory in Turkey. Zidane positioned Koné as the fulcrum of France's midfield and asked him to play a more withdrawn role, focusing on defensive support for the centre-backs and restoring balance across the team. After the match, Zidane said: "Manu was very good. He's not used to playing in that position, and I wanted to see how he would handle that role. And I must say he demonstrated excellent balance." Koné's performance has clear implications for Roma. Though the midfielder has typically played as a mezzala for France in previous years, he showed he could thrive in a more defensive midfield function—something he had previously demonstrated once before when then-France manager Deschamps fielded him in front of the back line at San Siro, earning widespread praise. Gasperini's Roma system typically operates with two midfielders rather than three, so a direct replica of Zidane's setup is unlikely. However, head coach Gasperini may ask Koné to undertake similar responsibilities, particularly defensive and playmaking duties, especially when partnering with Niccolò Pisilli in midfield. Koné had started this fine run of form the previous week with a brace against Inter—a first such achievement in his career—which drew the attention of the newly appointed Zidane, a manager with extensive knowledge of midfield craft.

Simone Tiribocchi assessed Roma's prospects and squad makeup in an interview on Retesport, offering a nuanced outlook on the giallorossi's season under Gasperini. He credited Roma's transformation from last season, when they produced little and scored sparingly, into a team that now generates chances and operates fully in line with Gasperini's rhythm and approach. However, Tiribocchi maintains that Inter remain favourites and superior overall, echoing Gasperini's view that Roma lack sufficient depth in the squad. The demands of the Champions League will consume considerable energy, particularly in matches against sides like Real Madrid where rotation is impossible, but Tiribocchi believes Roma can compete in the short term—only if Inter were to falter as they have in recent years could Roma capitalize and challenge for the title. On Roma's attacking pair, Tiribocchi highlighted both Santiago Castro's and Donyell Malen's qualities and suggested they could flourish together. Castro, who recently joined Roma, "deserves a big club," Tiribocchi said, and while he still has room to improve, he "moves well, senses and sees the goal, and is quick over the first few steps." Malen is stronger in his overall play, Tiribocchi noted, though Castro "is perhaps better at linking with the team." Tiribocchi would like to see them paired together "with a trequartista more midfielder-like, such as Pellegrini." On the question of whether Roma fans should realistically expect satisfaction this season, Tiribocchi replied: "If Roma maintains Champions League football, it needs to establish this standard consistently. An important league campaign and Champions League qualification no longer as a surprise could be a further step in the development of Gasperini's project, giving you extra resources to complete the squad with quality additions." Kvernadze was also discussed, with Tiribocchi cautious about his fit: "He plays very wide at Frosinone, but Gasperini wants more central movements and different positioning—you'd need to see if he's more adaptable centrally."

Lorenzo Pellegrini is being considered as a new option on the left wing for Gasperini after regaining form over the past week. The midfielder is targeting a starting place against Como when training resumes, and will be trialled in the role that has lacked a settled incumbent. So far, Matías Soulé has been the primary choice with 353 minutes played, while Rodrigo Mora has featured for 187 minutes. Vincenzo Pincolini, the historic athletic trainer under Arrigo Sacchi at Milan, identified insufficient intensity as a key problem in Italian football. He cited Roma–Inter as a rare positive example of the standard required: "A match the likes of which you see only a couple of times in the entire season in our league. The intensity was extremely high." Pincolini referenced Paulo Dybala's performance with specific praise: "When did you last see him run like that? It is no accident that one of the two teams is coached by Gasperini." The trainer argued that narrowing the gap with foreign football depends above all on "training more". Francesco Totti received special tributes from friends, former teammates, supporters and sports figures. Roma released a video celebrating some of his greatest moments, while messages arrived from Roberto Gualtieri and Gianni Infantino. Former player Zago recalled an amusing detail: "In the middle of the night he started shouting, 'Give me the ball, give me the ball'. Then they explained to me that he often talked in his sleep."

Lorenzo Pellegrini has emerged as a third option for Gian Piero Gasperini to fill Roma's left-side vacancy this season, alongside Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé. The midfielder, who recently renewed his contract, has not played since 10 April but has recovered from injury and is targeting a starting place in Roma's first match after the international break away to Como on 11 October. Gasperini has been working through the national team break to find solutions for a position Roma did not adequately address in the transfer market. Pellegrini's return to full fitness during the latest training week opens an additional tactical choice as the club enters a demanding run of fixtures. The midfielder signalled his readiness on Instagram, writing: "The true happiness is being at peace with who you are." He spent the weekend with his family at the seaside and has now regained peak condition. Roma face a sprint month ahead: after the Como trip on 11 October comes three home fixtures—Real Madrid on 14 October, Genoa on 17 October, and Slovan Bratislava on 20 October—followed by the away trip to Napoli on 24 October. Gasperini is preparing to deploy all available resources across this intensive schedule.