Emanuele Lulli scores first Serie A goal for Roma in win over Genoa and wins over Gasperini

Roma look for their first win in the Champions League League Phase when they host Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 20 October at 21:00, in the third matchday of the competition. Gian Piero Gasperini's side have collected just one point from their opening two games, drawing 1-1 at Fenerbahçe and losing 4-3 to Real Madrid after leading 3-1 until the closing stages. Victory is therefore vital to revive their European standing. Slovan Bratislava are still without a point and have conceded nine goals already: a 6-1 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain and a 3-0 loss to Stuttgart. The Slovaks arrive in Rome after a heavy 3-0 league win over Spartak Trnava. Roma, however, face a significant injury crisis in goal and midfield. Mile Svilar remains unavailable, so Pierluigi Gollini is set to be confirmed in goal. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are also not fit. Gasperini hopes to have Cristante back for the next league match against Napoli, while Koné will need more time after a muscle injury. The biggest blow concerns Paulo Dybala. His recovery will take longer than expected: the latest scan revealed a small tear in the calf, and Gasperini spoke of around two additional weeks before his return. La Joya will certainly miss the Slovan match. Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso are expected to return from the start in defence, after rotation against Genoa, although Balerdi could give the Ivorian N'Dicka a rest. Molina and Wesley are favoured on the flanks, with Lulli a possible option on the right. In midfield, Pisilli and De Roon are set to form the central pairing again. Gasperini has confirmed that Lorenzo Pellegrini could be deployed deeper if needed, but the pre-match signals place him mainly in the attacking midfield role. Donyell Malen returns up front after missing the league game against Genoa through suspension. Soulé and Pellegrini are expected to play behind him, with Rodrigo Mora initially on the bench. Gasperini has admitted the match could allow him to try a double striker system with Malen and Santiago Castro together, particularly once the game is underway. For Slovan Bratislava, Yaya Touré is expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1. Takáč will be in goal, with Blackman, Bajrić, Marković and Sandro Cruz in defence. Pokorný and Ibrahim will occupy central midfield. The player Roma must watch most closely is Tigran Barseghyan, one of the most dangerous and creative players in the Slovak side. Christian Martínez and Suleiman Camara are expected to support Andraž Šporar. UEFA has listed only Čerepkai as doubtful. The match will be broadcast live on Sky and streamed on NOW, shown on Sky Sport Arena, Sky Sport 253 and Sky Sport 4K, as well as via Sky Go and NOW. Fabio Caressa will provide commentary with expert analysis from Beppe Bergomi. Paolo Assogna and Angelo Mangiante will be pitchside. Bookmakers make Roma strong favourites. A Roma win is priced between 1.11 and 1.15, a draw between 7.50 and 8.75, and a Slovan Bratislava win between 14.00 and 19.00. The odds reflect the defensive problems Slovan have shown in Europe, having conceded nine goals in the first two matchdays and allowed more chances and shots than almost every other competing side. Roma, without Dybala and the important midfielders Cristante and Koné, have a very favourable opportunity to secure their first three European points. A Roma win with No Goal is offered at around 2.00. Among correct scores, 2-0 is among the most fancied and is also the score chosen by Sisal's analysis, at 8.00.

Roma's probable starting line-up for their meeting with Slovan has been published, with Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly bringing back the No. 23 and Mario Hermoso returning to the defence. Gianluca Mancini is expected to start, while Soulé and Pellegrini are set to operate behind Malen. The central defensive berth is a contest between Leonardo Balerdi and Evan N'Dicka. Molina is pushing Lulli for a place at right-back, and in midfield Marten de Roon and Niccolò Pisilli are expected to start. Beyond the selection, the wider build-up has also produced news on the injury front. Paulo Dybala has a small tear and is expected to be out for a period, while Gasperini has said Roma need 10 points to qualify for the playoffs and that Dybala's recovery will take longer.

Roma return to Champions League action tomorrow, 20 October, when they host Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico in matchday three of the league phase. Roma come into the game after a draw at Fenerbahce and a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid, and they are looking for their first European win of the season. Slovan are still on zero points and sit momentarily at the bottom of the table, with one goal scored and nine conceded. Their coach Yaya Touré arrives in Rome with his side's spirits lifted by a 3-0 win over Spartak Trnava in the Slovak derby, a result the Italian report describes as important above all psychologically, coming just days after a heavy European defeat to Stuttgart. Slovan's return to the league phase has not started as they hoped. On debut they were thrashed 6-1 by Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, with Suleiman Camara scoring their only goal. In the second matchday they lost 3-0 at home to Stuttgart. After two games the record reads zero points, one goal scored and nine conceded, a goal difference of -8. For Roma, the Olimpico trip is therefore an important chance to get their own European campaign back on track. Gasperini has warned his players not to underestimate the opponent. He said: "È una squadra sicuramente dinamica, è una squadra che, per l'aspetto atletico, è sicuramente preparata. Ha anche qualche ottimo giocatore." In English: "It is certainly a dynamic team, a team that is certainly well prepared from an athletic point of view. They also have some excellent players." The coach stressed the need to take three points to keep Roma's qualification hopes alive. Domestically, Slovan have been more competitive, though not always consistent. Their strongest signal came in the last round, when Touré's side won 3-0 away at Spartak Trnava, one of the most intense fixtures in Slovak football. Rahim Ibrahim scored a brace and Adam Griger added the other goal. Across their last five league matches Slovan have won two, drawn two and lost one, results that include a 2-0 defeat at DAC, a 3-3 draw with Zilina, a 2-1 win at Komárno, a 1-1 draw at Skalica and the 3-0 win at Spartak Trnava. The Italian report suggests a side capable of finding space, especially when they can play in transition. Touré is one of the most interesting figures in the match. The former Barcelona and Manchester City midfielder is in his first experience as head coach and took over at Slovan last summer, after also working as an assistant with the Saudi Arabia national team. The Olimpico holds special meaning for him: as a player he won the 2008/09 Champions League with Barcelona, in the final played in Rome against Manchester United. He made 70 appearances in the competition before moving into coaching. Tactically, Slovan tend to adapt closely to their opponent. Against technically superior sides they can drop deep, compact themselves in front of their box and then try to attack quickly through the wings, a approach that could lead Touré to again pick a 4-2-3-1. Slovan's main offensive reference point is Andraz Sporar, the captain and the club's top scorer last season with 12 goals. UEFA names him as one of the symbolic figures of the Slovak side. His availability against Roma is, however, in serious doubt. Touré said on the eve of the match that the striker needs a few more days and that the staff does not intend to take risks. In his absence, an alternative could be given a chance up front. The player Roma must watch most closely is Suleiman Camara, who arrived from Racing Santander in the summer. The Gambian scored twice during the qualifiers and also netted Slovan's only goal in their first two league-phase matches, against PSG. Other players to watch include Tigran Barseghyan, an experienced figure able to move between the lines, while Nino Marcelli, 21, is one of the club's most promising prospects after a season in 2025/26 with seven goals and six assists. Roma's last meeting with Slovan came in the 2011/12 Europa League play-off round, the only official double-header between the clubs. Slovan won 1-0 away through Martin Dobrotka. At the Olimpico Simone Perrotta gave Roma the lead, but Peter Stepanovský equalised late on, a 1-1 draw that eliminated Roma, then coached by Luis Enrique, on a 2-1 aggregate. Roma have never beaten Slovan in UEFA competition, with one draw and one defeat in the two previous meetings. The most likely set-up remains a 4-2-3-1. Takáč is expected in goal, with Blackman, Bajrić, Marković and Sandro Cruz forming the back line. In midfield Pokorný should be joined by either Ibrahim or Mustafić, while Barseghyan, Cristian Martínez and Suleiman Camara are the main options behind the striker. The key issue is the centre-forward: after Touré's words, Sporar's involvement looks increasingly unlikely. If he is unavailable, Griger, Maros and Yirajang are the offensive options on the Champions League list.

Roma look for their first win in the Champions League League Phase when they host Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 20 October at 21:00, in the third matchday of the competition. Gian Piero Gasperini's side have collected just one point from their opening two games, drawing 1-1 at Fenerbahçe and losing 4-3 to Real Madrid after leading 3-1 until the closing stages. Victory is therefore vital to revive their European standing. Slovan Bratislava are still without a point and have conceded nine goals already: a 6-1 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain and a 3-0 loss to Stuttgart. The Slovaks arrive in Rome after a heavy 3-0 league win over Spartak Trnava. Roma, however, face a significant injury crisis in goal and midfield. Mile Svilar remains unavailable, so Pierluigi Gollini is set to be confirmed in goal. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are also not fit. Gasperini hopes to have Cristante back for the next league match against Napoli, while Koné will need more time after a muscle injury. The biggest blow concerns Paulo Dybala. His recovery will take longer than expected: the latest scan revealed a small tear in the calf, and Gasperini spoke of around two additional weeks before his return. La Joya will certainly miss the Slovan match. Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso are expected to return from the start in defence, after rotation against Genoa, although Balerdi could give the Ivorian N'Dicka a rest. Molina and Wesley are favoured on the flanks, with Lulli a possible option on the right. In midfield, Pisilli and De Roon are set to form the central pairing again. Gasperini has confirmed that Lorenzo Pellegrini could be deployed deeper if needed, but the pre-match signals place him mainly in the attacking midfield role. Donyell Malen returns up front after missing the league game against Genoa through suspension. Soulé and Pellegrini are expected to play behind him, with Rodrigo Mora initially on the bench. Gasperini has admitted the match could allow him to try a double striker system with Malen and Santiago Castro together, particularly once the game is underway. For Slovan Bratislava, Yaya Touré is expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1. Takáč will be in goal, with Blackman, Bajrić, Marković and Sandro Cruz in defence. Pokorný and Ibrahim will occupy central midfield. The player Roma must watch most closely is Tigran Barseghyan, one of the most dangerous and creative players in the Slovak side. Christian Martínez and Suleiman Camara are expected to support Andraž Šporar. UEFA has listed only Čerepkai as doubtful. The match will be broadcast live on Sky and streamed on NOW, shown on Sky Sport Arena, Sky Sport 253 and Sky Sport 4K, as well as via Sky Go and NOW. Fabio Caressa will provide commentary with expert analysis from Beppe Bergomi. Paolo Assogna and Angelo Mangiante will be pitchside. Bookmakers make Roma strong favourites. A Roma win is priced between 1.11 and 1.15, a draw between 7.50 and 8.75, and a Slovan Bratislava win between 14.00 and 19.00. The odds reflect the defensive problems Slovan have shown in Europe, having conceded nine goals in the first two matchdays and allowed more chances and shots than almost every other competing side. Roma, without Dybala and the important midfielders Cristante and Koné, have a very favourable opportunity to secure their first three European points. A Roma win with No Goal is offered at around 2.00. Among correct scores, 2-0 is among the most fancied and is also the score chosen by Sisal's analysis, at 8.00.

Gian Piero Gasperini has warned his side not to underestimate Slovan Bratislava ahead of Roma's match against them, describing the opponents as a dynamic and athletic team. Gasperini said the attacking selections will not be forced: Malen and Castro can play together, but without disrupting a unit that is working well. Midfield remains an emergency, with Pellegrini possibly adapted into the role while Cristante is awaited back from injury. Gasperini also clarified Paulo Dybala's absence, saying the Argentine will be unavailable for at least two weeks. A recent scan revealed a small lesion, slowing his recovery. Dybala will miss the match against Slovan Bratislava and the game against Napoli, and in all likelihood the following fixtures against Cagliari and Udinese too. Gasperini also reaffirmed his confidence in the group and praised the growth of Lulli, Mora and Gollini. Lorenzo Pellegrini described a calm build-up to the match, explaining that his summer had been dedicated to regaining fitness after a long layoff. He said he found a united group with a great desire to improve, and stressed that the pressure to win is a natural part of life at Roma. On his contract renewal, Pellegrini said the choice was simple and shared: the club wanted to continue with him, and Gasperini was decisive in confirming that trust. He said the goal now is to return to 100% to help the team and the coach. For the Napoli–Roma fixture on 24 October at the Stadio Maradona, a ban has been imposed on selling tickets to residents of Lazio. The measure, signed by the prefect of Naples and based on assessments by the CASMS and the Questura, stems from the high risk profiles linked to the history between the two sets of fans. The restriction covers more than the away sector: anyone resident in Lazio will be unable to buy a ticket to attend the match. Daniele Ghilardi, who came on late against Genoa, has drawn attention amid Roma's good form and the growth of the club's young players. According to Matteo Moretto, Milan have included the 2003-born defender on their list of profiles being monitored for January. At Trigoria, however, the stance is clear: Ghilardi is considered an important prospect for the present and future, and Roma have no intention of letting him go unless a sensational offer arrives.

Roma face Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League on Tuesday 20 October at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico, just two days after beating Genoa on Saturday evening. Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the fixture at his press conference, stressing that his side will not underestimate their opponents because they need to win to keep their qualification hopes alive. Gasperini said: "We will not underestimate the opponent because we need to win to fuel our chances of going through. To reach the playoffs we need 10 points, starting from this match." Roma go into the match with a fresh fitness concern, as Paulo Dybala is set to be out for at least two weeks. Lorenzo Pellegrini, who sat alongside Gasperini at the press conference, is likely to start tomorrow. Pellegrini said: "I'm well. The annual contract was the club's choice, my priority was Roma." Two places in the starting line-up remain open heading into the match. One is the central defensive berth, a choice between Leonardo Balerdi and Evan N'Dicka, with the former ahead in the race. The other is the right-back spot, where Emanuele Lulli or Nahuel Molina are in contention, with Lulli currently ahead. Slovan Bratislava head coach Yaya Touré also spoke at his press conference: "Great respect for Roma and for Gasp, here the details count."

Roma look for their first win in the Champions League League Phase when they host Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 20 October at 21:00, in the third matchday of the competition. Gian Piero Gasperini's side have collected just one point from their opening two games, drawing 1-1 at Fenerbahçe and losing 4-3 to Real Madrid after leading 3-1 until the closing stages. Victory is therefore vital to revive their European standing. Slovan Bratislava are still without a point and have conceded nine goals already: a 6-1 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain and a 3-0 loss to Stuttgart. The Slovaks arrive in Rome after a heavy 3-0 league win over Spartak Trnava. Roma, however, face a significant injury crisis in goal and midfield. Mile Svilar remains unavailable, so Pierluigi Gollini is set to be confirmed in goal. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are also not fit. Gasperini hopes to have Cristante back for the next league match against Napoli, while Koné will need more time after a muscle injury. The biggest blow concerns Paulo Dybala. His recovery will take longer than expected: the latest scan revealed a small tear in the calf, and Gasperini spoke of around two additional weeks before his return. La Joya will certainly miss the Slovan match. Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso are expected to return from the start in defence, after rotation against Genoa, although Balerdi could give the Ivorian N'Dicka a rest. Molina and Wesley are favoured on the flanks, with Lulli a possible option on the right. In midfield, Pisilli and De Roon are set to form the central pairing again. Gasperini has confirmed that Lorenzo Pellegrini could be deployed deeper if needed, but the pre-match signals place him mainly in the attacking midfield role. Donyell Malen returns up front after missing the league game against Genoa through suspension. Soulé and Pellegrini are expected to play behind him, with Rodrigo Mora initially on the bench. Gasperini has admitted the match could allow him to try a double striker system with Malen and Santiago Castro together, particularly once the game is underway. For Slovan Bratislava, Yaya Touré is expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1. Takáč will be in goal, with Blackman, Bajrić, Marković and Sandro Cruz in defence. Pokorný and Ibrahim will occupy central midfield. The player Roma must watch most closely is Tigran Barseghyan, one of the most dangerous and creative players in the Slovak side. Christian Martínez and Suleiman Camara are expected to support Andraž Šporar. UEFA has listed only Čerepkai as doubtful. The match will be broadcast live on Sky and streamed on NOW, shown on Sky Sport Arena, Sky Sport 253 and Sky Sport 4K, as well as via Sky Go and NOW. Fabio Caressa will provide commentary with expert analysis from Beppe Bergomi. Paolo Assogna and Angelo Mangiante will be pitchside. Bookmakers make Roma strong favourites. A Roma win is priced between 1.11 and 1.15, a draw between 7.50 and 8.75, and a Slovan Bratislava win between 14.00 and 19.00. The odds reflect the defensive problems Slovan have shown in Europe, having conceded nine goals in the first two matchdays and allowed more chances and shots than almost every other competing side. Roma, without Dybala and the important midfielders Cristante and Koné, have a very favourable opportunity to secure their first three European points. A Roma win with No Goal is offered at around 2.00. Among correct scores, 2-0 is among the most fancied and is also the score chosen by Sisal's analysis, at 8.00.

Gian Piero Gasperini has warned his side not to underestimate Slovan Bratislava ahead of Roma's match against them, describing the opponents as a dynamic and athletic team. Gasperini said the attacking selections will not be forced: Malen and Castro can play together, but without disrupting a unit that is working well. Midfield remains an emergency, with Pellegrini possibly adapted into the role while Cristante is awaited back from injury. Gasperini also clarified Paulo Dybala's absence, saying the Argentine will be unavailable for at least two weeks. A recent scan revealed a small lesion, slowing his recovery. Dybala will miss the match against Slovan Bratislava and the game against Napoli, and in all likelihood the following fixtures against Cagliari and Udinese too. Gasperini also reaffirmed his confidence in the group and praised the growth of Lulli, Mora and Gollini. Lorenzo Pellegrini described a calm build-up to the match, explaining that his summer had been dedicated to regaining fitness after a long layoff. He said he found a united group with a great desire to improve, and stressed that the pressure to win is a natural part of life at Roma. On his contract renewal, Pellegrini said the choice was simple and shared: the club wanted to continue with him, and Gasperini was decisive in confirming that trust. He said the goal now is to return to 100% to help the team and the coach. For the Napoli–Roma fixture on 24 October at the Stadio Maradona, a ban has been imposed on selling tickets to residents of Lazio. The measure, signed by the prefect of Naples and based on assessments by the CASMS and the Questura, stems from the high risk profiles linked to the history between the two sets of fans. The restriction covers more than the away sector: anyone resident in Lazio will be unable to buy a ticket to attend the match. Daniele Ghilardi, who came on late against Genoa, has drawn attention amid Roma's good form and the growth of the club's young players. According to Matteo Moretto, Milan have included the 2003-born defender on their list of profiles being monitored for January. At Trigoria, however, the stance is clear: Ghilardi is considered an important prospect for the present and future, and Roma have no intention of letting him go unless a sensational offer arrives.

Roma face Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League on Tuesday 20 October at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico, just two days after beating Genoa on Saturday evening. Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the fixture at his press conference, stressing that his side will not underestimate their opponents because they need to win to keep their qualification hopes alive. Gasperini said: "We will not underestimate the opponent because we need to win to fuel our chances of going through. To reach the playoffs we need 10 points, starting from this match." Roma go into the match with a fresh fitness concern, as Paulo Dybala is set to be out for at least two weeks. Lorenzo Pellegrini, who sat alongside Gasperini at the press conference, is likely to start tomorrow. Pellegrini said: "I'm well. The annual contract was the club's choice, my priority was Roma." Two places in the starting line-up remain open heading into the match. One is the central defensive berth, a choice between Leonardo Balerdi and Evan N'Dicka, with the former ahead in the race. The other is the right-back spot, where Emanuele Lulli or Nahuel Molina are in contention, with Lulli currently ahead. Slovan Bratislava head coach Yaya Touré also spoke at his press conference: "Great respect for Roma and for Gasp, here the details count."