Dybala Reborn, But Gasperini Wants More as Bonus-Heavy Contract Rewards Performance

Manu Koné could be a surprise inclusion for Roma against Sassuolo, with Il Romanista reporting this morning that the French midfielder may not only return to Gian Piero Gasperini's squad but could even start alongside Bryan Cristante. Until recently, Koné looked set to miss the final match before the international break. The situation has changed sharply after Zinedine Zidane left the midfielder out of France's squad for their matches against Italy and Turkey. That decision appeared to confirm that Koné needed more time to recover from the muscle injury he picked up against Real Madrid. Instead, Gasperini is reportedly considering handing him a starting place straight away. Koné has gradually recovered from the thigh problem, and his return would be important for a Roma midfield that has been asked to work overtime in recent weeks. Because France did not call him up, he will stay at Trigoria during the break with no further international commitments. Two steps will confirm whether the plan becomes reality. The first comes this morning, when Roma publish their list of players called up, which will show whether Koné is available. The second is this evening, when the official line-ups for the match against Sassuolo are announced. The fixture is scheduled for 20:45 at the Stadio Olimpico. Until then caution is needed, but a return to the starting XI for Koné after the latest news would be a real surprise for Gasperini and Roma.

Gian Piero Gasperini has focused on lifting Roma's mood ahead of the home match against Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, the last game before the international break, refusing to single out anyone after the defeat to Manchester United. Roma came back from a comeback loss in England and are looking to bounce back quickly. In the few days of preparation, a training session was cancelled after the flight carrying the squad back to Italy was delayed. Gasperini's work centred in particular on the mental side of the group. From the first minutes after the final whistle in England, the head coach tried to spur the players on without pointing out the individual errors that led to Manchester United's goals and without targeting any particular player. He has followed up that message both in the dressing room and during training sessions at Trigoria. The coach is asking his players for a reaction, to show that dreams can continue. Gasperini expects the same tactical approach as always, without changing the team's identity because of setbacks. At the final training session this morning, the last team selection doubts will be resolved. Gollini is still in pain, and Vásquez is set to play again. In defence, Ghilardi is pushing for a start, as Mancini and N'Dicka are not at 100 per cent. Up front, Mora and Soulé are set for another chance behind Malen. Dybala risks missing out on the matchday squad, having not trained with the group. The report is by Filippo Biafora in Il Tempo.

Roma have the chance to move up the Serie A table when they host Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico in the late kickoff, with a win temporarily taking them above Inter and to within a single point of Lazio, who play Napoli on Sunday. Inter face Como in the same round. Gian Piero Gasperini wants to chase that target by relying on the solidity his side has shown so far in the league, despite a still-crowded treatment room and some forced selections. The match is Roma's last fixture before the international break. They arrive with seven wins, three draws and no defeats, a record that keeps them firmly in contention for the top of the table. Preparation is being shaped by injuries. In goal, Gollini has a back problem and Svilar is out, and Svilar will not return until after the break, which opens the way for Vásquez to start between the posts. In defence, Gasperini is weighing up rotation: Ghilardi is pushing Mancini for a starting place, while on the right the choice is between Molina and Lulli, with Rensch unavailable due to an adductor injury. In midfield, while Koné is still awaiting full recovery, Cristante and De Roon will be asked to hold the line. Up front, Roma will rely on their certainties: Soulé, Mora and Malen, with Castro ready to come on during the game. After this match, Trigoria will empty for the national team call-ups, from the Italy squad led by Mancini to the many leading players called up around the world, including the great honour for young Rodrigo Mora, who has been called into the Portugal senior squad.

Gian Piero Gasperini has focused on lifting Roma's mood ahead of the home match against Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, the last game before the international break, refusing to single out anyone after the defeat to Manchester United. Roma came back from a comeback loss in England and are looking to bounce back quickly. In the few days of preparation, a training session was cancelled after the flight carrying the squad back to Italy was delayed. Gasperini's work centred in particular on the mental side of the group. From the first minutes after the final whistle in England, the head coach tried to spur the players on without pointing out the individual errors that led to Manchester United's goals and without targeting any particular player. He has followed up that message both in the dressing room and during training sessions at Trigoria. The coach is asking his players for a reaction, to show that dreams can continue. Gasperini expects the same tactical approach as always, without changing the team's identity because of setbacks. At the final training session this morning, the last team selection doubts will be resolved. Gollini is still in pain, and Vásquez is set to play again. In defence, Ghilardi is pushing for a start, as Mancini and N'Dicka are not at 100 per cent. Up front, Mora and Soulé are set for another chance behind Malen. Dybala risks missing out on the matchday squad, having not trained with the group. The report is by Filippo Biafora in Il Tempo.

Roma host Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 7 November, with kick-off at 20:45, in the eleventh round of Serie A. Gian Piero Gasperini's side arrive after a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in the Champions League, a result that followed a first half in which Roma dominated and led by two goals. In the league, however, their form is excellent: they have 24 points from ten matchdays and sit third, after a convincing 5-2 win at Udinese in their last outing. Sassuolo, by contrast, are 17th on 8 points and have lost four consecutive matches. It will also be Alberto Aquilani's first game at the Olimpico as an opposing coach. Roma are without Mile Svilar, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala and Devyne Rensch. Pierluigi Gollini has not fully recovered from a back problem, so Devis Vásquez is expected to start in goal. Manu Koné is doubtful and is unlikely to start. Daniele Ghilardi is pushing Gianluca Mancini for a place in defence, while Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli are expected in midfield. Nahuel Molina and Wesley are favoured on the flanks, and Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are set to operate behind Donyell Malen. Aquilani has announced that Domenico Berardi and Volpato are absent, while the rest of the squad is available. He is expected to set out in a 4-3-3 with Turati in goal, Walukiewicz, Caleta-Car, Idzes and Doig in defence, and Thorstvedt back in midfield alongside Matic and Bakola. Up front, with Berardi out, Dominguez, Sebastiano Esposito and Laurienté are likely to start. Marco Di Bello of Brindisi referees, assisted by Peretti and Scatragli, with Abisso as fourth official, Pezzuto on VAR and Guida as AVAR. The match will be broadcast live on both DAZN and Sky. On Sky it can be watched on Sky Sport Uno, Sky Sport Calcio, Sky Sport 251 and Sky Sport 4K, while streaming is available on DAZN, Sky Go and NOW. Riccardo Gentile will provide the Sky commentary, with technical analysis from Alessio Scarchilli. Bookmakers make Roma clear favourites, with a win priced on average between 1.28 and 1.32, a draw around 6.00-6.50 and a Sassuolo win between 9.00 and 9.75. Over 2.5 goals is priced at around 1.35-1.37. Sassuolo have conceded at least two goals in each of their last four defeats, and Roma scored five in their last league game. The 2-0 scoreline to Roma is the most widely projected correct score, ahead of 2-1 and 3-0.

Roma can go to sleep level on points with Lazio and one behind Inter, and host Sassuolo at the Olimpico today at 20.45 in the last round before the international break. Gian Piero Gasperini has the chance to close the gap further at the top of the table. The most urgent question concerns the goalkeeper: Pierluigi Gollini has not fully recovered from the back problem that kept him out before the Manchester game, and his availability remains in doubt. If he is ruled out, Devis Vásquez will again start in goal. Mile Svilar will not return until after the break. In defence, Gasperini must decide how to share out the workload. Daniele Ghilardi is pushing for a place in the starting line-up and could give Gianluca Mancini a rest. On the right, the battle is open between Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli. Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso remain the first choices in the back line, with Leonardo Balerdi as another option to change at least one player. In midfield, Bryan Cristante and Marten de Roon are the most likely pairing. Up front, Donyell Malen will lead the attack, supported by Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora. Manu Koné is still out. He was not called up for Sassuolo and has also been left out of Zidane's France squad. Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini are also unavailable. Dybala is aiming to return against Parma after the break, while Pellegrini will not be back until January. The report, written by Marco Juric for La Repubblica, places the emphasis on the goalkeeper and defensive selection as Gasperini prepares his side for the Sassuolo clash.

Manu Koné could be a surprise inclusion for Roma against Sassuolo, with Il Romanista reporting this morning that the French midfielder may not only return to Gian Piero Gasperini's squad but could even start alongside Bryan Cristante. Until recently, Koné looked set to miss the final match before the international break. The situation has changed sharply after Zinedine Zidane left the midfielder out of France's squad for their matches against Italy and Turkey. That decision appeared to confirm that Koné needed more time to recover from the muscle injury he picked up against Real Madrid. Instead, Gasperini is reportedly considering handing him a starting place straight away. Koné has gradually recovered from the thigh problem, and his return would be important for a Roma midfield that has been asked to work overtime in recent weeks. Because France did not call him up, he will stay at Trigoria during the break with no further international commitments. Two steps will confirm whether the plan becomes reality. The first comes this morning, when Roma publish their list of players called up, which will show whether Koné is available. The second is this evening, when the official line-ups for the match against Sassuolo are announced. The fixture is scheduled for 20:45 at the Stadio Olimpico. Until then caution is needed, but a return to the starting XI for Koné after the latest news would be a real surprise for Gasperini and Roma.

Roma have the chance to move up the Serie A table when they host Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico in the late kickoff, with a win temporarily taking them above Inter and to within a single point of Lazio, who play Napoli on Sunday. Inter face Como in the same round. Gian Piero Gasperini wants to chase that target by relying on the solidity his side has shown so far in the league, despite a still-crowded treatment room and some forced selections. The match is Roma's last fixture before the international break. They arrive with seven wins, three draws and no defeats, a record that keeps them firmly in contention for the top of the table. Preparation is being shaped by injuries. In goal, Gollini has a back problem and Svilar is out, and Svilar will not return until after the break, which opens the way for Vásquez to start between the posts. In defence, Gasperini is weighing up rotation: Ghilardi is pushing Mancini for a starting place, while on the right the choice is between Molina and Lulli, with Rensch unavailable due to an adductor injury. In midfield, while Koné is still awaiting full recovery, Cristante and De Roon will be asked to hold the line. Up front, Roma will rely on their certainties: Soulé, Mora and Malen, with Castro ready to come on during the game. After this match, Trigoria will empty for the national team call-ups, from the Italy squad led by Mancini to the many leading players called up around the world, including the great honour for young Rodrigo Mora, who has been called into the Portugal senior squad.

Roma host Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 7 November, with kick-off at 20:45, in the eleventh round of Serie A. Gian Piero Gasperini's side arrive after a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in the Champions League, a result that followed a first half in which Roma dominated and led by two goals. In the league, however, their form is excellent: they have 24 points from ten matchdays and sit third, after a convincing 5-2 win at Udinese in their last outing. Sassuolo, by contrast, are 17th on 8 points and have lost four consecutive matches. It will also be Alberto Aquilani's first game at the Olimpico as an opposing coach. Roma are without Mile Svilar, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala and Devyne Rensch. Pierluigi Gollini has not fully recovered from a back problem, so Devis Vásquez is expected to start in goal. Manu Koné is doubtful and is unlikely to start. Daniele Ghilardi is pushing Gianluca Mancini for a place in defence, while Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli are expected in midfield. Nahuel Molina and Wesley are favoured on the flanks, and Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are set to operate behind Donyell Malen. Aquilani has announced that Domenico Berardi and Volpato are absent, while the rest of the squad is available. He is expected to set out in a 4-3-3 with Turati in goal, Walukiewicz, Caleta-Car, Idzes and Doig in defence, and Thorstvedt back in midfield alongside Matic and Bakola. Up front, with Berardi out, Dominguez, Sebastiano Esposito and Laurienté are likely to start. Marco Di Bello of Brindisi referees, assisted by Peretti and Scatragli, with Abisso as fourth official, Pezzuto on VAR and Guida as AVAR. The match will be broadcast live on both DAZN and Sky. On Sky it can be watched on Sky Sport Uno, Sky Sport Calcio, Sky Sport 251 and Sky Sport 4K, while streaming is available on DAZN, Sky Go and NOW. Riccardo Gentile will provide the Sky commentary, with technical analysis from Alessio Scarchilli. Bookmakers make Roma clear favourites, with a win priced on average between 1.28 and 1.32, a draw around 6.00-6.50 and a Sassuolo win between 9.00 and 9.75. Over 2.5 goals is priced at around 1.35-1.37. Sassuolo have conceded at least two goals in each of their last four defeats, and Roma scored five in their last league game. The 2-0 scoreline to Roma is the most widely projected correct score, ahead of 2-1 and 3-0.

Roma can go to sleep level on points with Lazio and one behind Inter, and host Sassuolo at the Olimpico today at 20.45 in the last round before the international break. Gian Piero Gasperini has the chance to close the gap further at the top of the table. The most urgent question concerns the goalkeeper: Pierluigi Gollini has not fully recovered from the back problem that kept him out before the Manchester game, and his availability remains in doubt. If he is ruled out, Devis Vásquez will again start in goal. Mile Svilar will not return until after the break. In defence, Gasperini must decide how to share out the workload. Daniele Ghilardi is pushing for a place in the starting line-up and could give Gianluca Mancini a rest. On the right, the battle is open between Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli. Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso remain the first choices in the back line, with Leonardo Balerdi as another option to change at least one player. In midfield, Bryan Cristante and Marten de Roon are the most likely pairing. Up front, Donyell Malen will lead the attack, supported by Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora. Manu Koné is still out. He was not called up for Sassuolo and has also been left out of Zidane's France squad. Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini are also unavailable. Dybala is aiming to return against Parma after the break, while Pellegrini will not be back until January. The report, written by Marco Juric for La Repubblica, places the emphasis on the goalkeeper and defensive selection as Gasperini prepares his side for the Sassuolo clash.

Rodrigo Mora has earned the trust of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and has also been called up to the Portugal senior squad, according to Daniele Aloisi writing in Il Messaggero. The young Portuguese forward is set to start against Sassuolo, with Malen and Soulé alongside him, as Roma continue to deal with an attacking shortage caused by the absences of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, who are still sidelined. Mora's performances have won over the doubters. He scored at Old Trafford, and in his last three appearances he has scored twice and provided an assist, his first goal coming at Lecce in August. He already has three league goals this season despite playing only 333 minutes. Comparisons with Baldanzi and Robinio Vaz have been dismissed. His call-up came in the week Cristiano Ronaldo bids farewell to Portugal, a player Mora idolises. Manu Koné has not been included in Zinedine Zidane's France squad, as the coach preferred not to select a player who has been sidelined for almost a month. Koné is feeling better and will be available to Gasperini today. Marten de Roon has started every match in the recent period and faces competition from Niccolò Pisilli or even Koné, if Koné shows positive signs this morning. Cristante and de Roon are expected to form the midfield pairing again tonight. Wesley plays on the left, while Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli compete for the right-back spot, with Molina slightly ahead. Changes are expected at the back compared with the trip to Manchester: Evan N'Dicka returns after recovering from a minor muscle problem and will partner Leonardo Balerdi, with either Mario Hermoso or Daniele Ghilardi alongside them. Devis Vásquez will continue in goal.

Devis Vásquez is set to start in goal for Roma again, with Pierluigi Gollini expected to miss the match against Sassuolo because of a back problem. The medical staff tried to get Gollini fit, but barring a dramatic turnaround he will not be available. Vásquez, a former Empoli and Milan goalkeeper, will make his second consecutive start after the match against Manchester United. It will be his first Serie A appearance in a year and a half; his last came in May 2025 against Verona. Ahead of him, Evan N'Dicka and Leonardo Balerdi are certain to play in defence. The only open question in the starting line-up is the central defensive berth, where Mario Hermoso and Gianluca Mancini are competing for a place.