El Shaarawy weds Pagani with Roma stars in attendance

Slim Bouaskar, a goalkeeper born and raised in Rome who chose to represent Tunisia internationally, has been named by The Guardian among the world's most talented and promising players born in 2009. Though largely unknown to Roma's supporters, Bouaskar continues to impress in the club's youth ranks and at the U17 World Championship. He has not yet made a senior debut, but Ranieri gave him an opportunity following José Mourinho's words to him: "In a few years you will train with my team." Bouaskar's dream is to compete for the number one shirt with Mile Svilar in the coming years. The two goalkeepers speak often, and Svilar's recognition of the young talent underscores Bouaskar's standing within the club's goalkeeper contingent.

José Mourinho discussed his time at Roma ahead of Real Madrid's upcoming match against the club, revealing that his dismissal stemmed from a breakdown in his relationship with owner the Friedkin Group. Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, Mourinho described the Europa League final in Budapest as both the pinnacle of his connection with Roma and the catalyst for his downfall. He said: "The Budapest final is the pinnacle of this connection" and explained the circumstances of his departure: "The day of the final in Budapest, I was fired: when I returned from vacation, I was already dead." Mourinho also addressed the controversial nature of the final itself, taking responsibility for his own conduct while distancing himself from fan reactions. When asked about referee Anthony Taylor's treatment by Roma supporters, he responded: "My responsibility is only for what happened in the tunnel with the referee, not for what happened at the airport." The Portuguese manager elaborated on the reasons for his sacking, stating: "I paid the price with my relationship with the owners, who had a different profile than mine, and a different approach to that final." Roma fans maintain a strong emotional connection with Mourinho, who became emblematic of the club's pursuit of silverware during his tenure and cultivated an us-against-the-world mentality that resonated with supporters. His return to Rome with Real Madrid next week is expected to receive a special reception from the Giallorossi faithful.

Alessandro Ciullini, an athletic trainer at Fiorentina since 1991, has warned that the lengthy international break will produce unexpected results when Serie A resumes, but Roma face particular difficulties in preparing for the restart. Ciullini highlighted the challenge of assessing players' physical condition after the break and understanding their individual needs. He identified a specific problem for Gasperini's Roma: the coach has been able to work only with the squad members who remained at Trigoria while integrating Primavera youth players. "When you have to train only 10 players and integrate young academy players, the rhythm is different and it can be difficult to raise it to match fitness levels when working at full capacity," Ciullini explained. The complexity of managing such a reduced group during the break could leave Roma at a disadvantage compared to clubs operating at normal training intensity.

Roma's radio stations have focused heavily on the upcoming Como fixture and squad selection as Gasperini's side prepares for a demanding period. Checco Oddo Casano argued that Devyne Rensch, bought for €5 million, could be sold in January for a profit to bring in a stronger left-back in the style of Moreira. "Rensch is a little player who can fit in Roma's squad, but he'll hardly become a new Gosens, a new Zappacosta or a new Wesley," Casano said. "You bought him at a good price and you can make a profit—maybe in January you can sell him and get a stronger player to improve in that area of the pitch." David Rossi noted that Roma's last league defeat came in April when they lost to Inter at San Siro, despite playing a strong first half. He questioned whether Roma are genuinely weaker than Como or whether the psychological pressure of the fixture is one-sided. Gianluca Piacentini acknowledged Como's strength—demonstrating a solid project over the past season and a half—but emphasised that Roma are equally capable, with both teams among the three strongest in the league. Fabio Petruzzi said Roma and Como have shown significant growth over the last 18 months and play the best football in Italy, even better than Inter, though Inter's superior squad makes them favourites. Piero Torri predicted De Roon will start against Como, saying "he seems made specifically to play with Gasperini." Torri noted Lorenzo Pellegrini could play as a midfielder but has never featured in that role under Gasperini and hasn't played a match since April, making an immediate start unlikely. Torri stated: "I'll be called mad, but for me the Como match is harder than the Real Madrid one." Marco Valerio Corsi reported that Bryan Cristante appears to have a lateral knee ligament problem and will miss both Como and Real Madrid, with the length of the absence still unclear. Roberto Pruzzo called De Roon "a proven reliable player" and "a solid used buy," saying he cannot be ignored as an option despite potential fitness concerns over a run of ten consecutive matches. Nando Orsi said De Roon will "challenge the titularity of one of the two sacred monsters of midfield" if he is physically fit, having praised the signing in advance. Stephan El Shaarawy was not mentioned. Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso featured prominently in defenders' debate, with Carina suggesting N'Dicka was sidelined too easily and forming the best back three with Balerdi and Hermoso. Pruzzo still favoured Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso as the core defensive line, while Mattioli predicted Balerdi will become immovable once fully integrated into Italian football and Roma's system.

Donyell Malen is ready to lead Roma's attack again after overcoming a knee problem, with the trip to Como on his mind as a crucial fixture in the club's pursuit of Champions League points. The Dutch forward, described as Roma's talisman after an outstanding start to the season, will face Como for the second time this year—a rematch of the 15 March encounter when his penalty, created by pressing from El Shaarawy, could not prevent a comeback from Douvikas and Diego Carlos. That remains the only goal Malen has scored in Serie A that failed to earn Roma a win; every other goal he has netted has brought a victory or draw. Malen's form this season is exceptional. He is averaging 1.20 goals per match through the opening five matchdays—better than the top scorers across the major leagues—and Gasperini has encouraged him to pursue historic milestones by comparing his trajectory to Higuaín and Immobile. Reaching 30 goals would be a major achievement. Dzeko's Serie A record of 29 goals in the 2016–17 season no longer looks beyond reach; the path to breaking it runs through Como, and Malen knows exactly how to deliver.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is primed to return to action for Roma after recovering from injury, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini set to lean on him heavily during a congested fixture schedule. Pellegrini was included in the squad list for matches against Torino and Inter but will make his competitive return against Como. His last appearance came on 10 April against Pisa, a gap of nearly six months before Roma's big match at the Sinigaglia on 11 October. The summer transfer window failed to bring in the wide player or attacking reinforcement Gasperini sought, forcing the coach to rely on existing resources to manage the workload ahead. The Roma squad is stretched in attack, with Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé occupying the playmaker positions on the trequarti, bolstered only by the addition of Rodrigo Mora. Pellegrini will have opportunities because of this shortage, particularly across October and November when Roma face a relentless sequence of Serie A and Champions League fixtures. He has shed the captain's armband over the past year but remains a squad leader. With Stephan El Shaarawy's departure, he is certain to serve as vice-captain to Bryan Cristante. Last season, despite some difficulties, Pellegrini was Roma's second-highest scorer with seven goals across Serie A and the Europa League, surpassed only by Donyell Malen, who netted 15 goals and has proved increasingly consistent in front of goal.

Roma face Como in less than 72 hours, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini preparing his tactical approach for the Sinigaglia. Lorenzo Pellegrini has returned from injury, but Rodrigo Mora is a candidate for a starting place alongside Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala on the attacking line. Mora offers Gasperini a tool to counter Como's four-man defences and increase Roma's threat in the middle third. The Portuguese midfielder can play from the start on the attacking line. Roma completed a friendly at their Trigoria training ground today against Sorianese, winning 20–0. Both Koné and Mora featured in the match. Malen and Wesley, fully recovered from injury concerns, are set to start from the beginning at Como.

Rodrigo Mora is in line to start behind the Paulo Dybala–Donyell Malen partnership in Roma's match against Como, three days out from kick-off. The Portugal midfielder edges out Matías Soulé and Lorenzo Pellegrini not only on fitness grounds but because of his profile: Mora thrives operating between midfield and attack in the central zones, where he has already made an impact during the recent international break with Portugal. Gasperini appears likely to deploy Mora as the tactical answer to Como's build-up play from deep. Como coach Cesc Fabregas will field a conventional four-man defensive line, and Roma have already shown against Fiorentina and Atalanta that Mora can disrupt low defensive constructions through his positioning. Como have failed to impose their passing game only against Frosinone—which, like Roma, ranks among Serie A's most intense pressing teams. Mora could be tasked with marking one of Como's two playmakers (Da Cunha or Milla/Perrone), leaving Wesley and Nahuel Molina free at full-back without forcing wholesale tactical changes. Roma will press high at the Sinigaglia, and Como will attempt to exploit that on the break using the pace of Diao and the craft of Nico Paz and Baturina. Mora, however, has demonstrated he can be a potent weapon with his play in the attacking third and can elevate Roma's threat both in sustained possession and in transition, troubling Como from the opening minutes.

Rodrigo Mora is in line to start on the trequarti for Roma's trip to Como on Sunday, having impressed with Portugal Under 21 with a goal and an assist across three matches. Matías Soulé will train with the main group for the first time on 9 October, while Lorenzo Pellegrini returns after six months out through injury. Mora started today against Sorianese, putting him ahead of both teammates in the pecking order according to Sky Sport. Pellegrini featured in the second half of that friendly. The forward pairing of Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala is unchanged. At the back, Evan N'Dicka is favored over Leonardo Balerdi, while Marten de Roon steps in midfield in place of the injured Bryan Cristante.

Roma travel to Como on Sunday at 12:30 with the aim of maintaining their position at the top of the table. Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed that Donyell Malen and Wesley are fully fit after both featured in a friendly played today, recovering from earlier absences. Gasperini has minor doubts in defence but expects to field Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso as his back three, with Leonardo Balerdi pushing for a place after returning from a trip overseas. Marten de Roon will replace Bryan Cristante in midfield alongside Manu Koné, while Nahuel Molina and Wesley occupy the flanks. Rodrigo Mora is set to start as an attacking midfielder, ahead of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, with Donyell Malen leading the line. Roma's probable formation: Svilar; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Koné, De Roon, Wesley; Dybala, Rodrigo Mora; Malen.

Roma recorded the lowest minute tally among Serie A's top sides during the latest international break, accumulating 1,204 minutes across their squad members on national duty. AC Milan led the ranking with 2,625 minutes, followed by Inter on 2,352 and Napoli on 2,094. Roma's relatively modest figure reflects fewer players being called up for the four matches played by their national teams during this fixture congestion period. Rodrígo Mora topped Roma's minutes register for Portugal Under-21 with 225, ahead of Evan N'Dicka (Ivory Coast) on 187 and Gianluca Mancini (Italy) with 180. Niccolò Pisilli matched Mancini's total for Italy Under-21, while Manu Koné accumulated 152 minutes for France. The minutes spread unevenly across the squad: Konstantinos Koulierakis (Greece) played 90 minutes, Leonardo Balerdi (Argentina) 79, Matías Soulé (Argentina) 45, and Emanuele Lulli (Italy Under-21) 45. Santiago Castro (Argentina) featured for just 21 minutes, while Daniele Ghilardi (Italy) and Giorgio De Marzi (Italy youth) saw no action. In the broader Serie A comparison, Juventus recorded 1,772 minutes with Como on 1,587 and Lazio on 1,232. Among the top three, Milan's total was driven by players such as Jashari (Switzerland, 295 minutes), Pavlovic (Serbia, 275) and Ramos (Portugal, 275). Inter's Akanji (Switzerland) and Napoli's Lobotka (Slovakia) each played the maximum 360 minutes across their respective nations' campaigns. The international window has added significant load to players' schedules as calendars become increasingly congested with fixtures.

Gianluca Mancini faces a crucial opportunity to revive his campaign in the coming matches, with the midfielder's armband at Como likely to fall to either Lorenzo Pellegrini or Mancini himself in the absence of Bryan Cristante. The defender has endured a subdued start to 2026-27, standing out for the wrong reasons in Roma's defeats to Fenerbahçe and Inter, where he was caught out for goals by Lautaro Martínez. A poor showing for the Italian national team has compounded his struggles. Mancini remains a trusted lieutenant of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, but the statistics underline his difficult period. His defensive output lags behind teammates: he averages 1.2 tackles per match compared to Mario Hermoso's 2.6 and Evan N'Dicka's 3.3. He is similarly behind in interceptions and challenges. A performance at Torino offered a rare positive, but as Daniele Aloisi writes in Il Messaggero, football can be cruel in how it magnifies the errors of defenders. However, the sport offers swift chances at redemption, and few fixtures carry greater weight than the double challenge against Como and Real Madrid ahead.