FIFA cuts Nahuel Molina's ban after World Cup final brawl; Leandro Paredes suspension upheld

FIFA has reduced Roma right-back Nahuel Molina's suspension from seven matches to four after Argentina's appeal, while confirming a ten-match ban for Leandro Paredes. The decisions follow incidents at the end of the World Cup final against Spain, as communicated by the AFA after the FIFA Appeals Committee ruling. Molina was initially sanctioned with seven matches for punching Rodri during the Spanish celebrations. The fine of 60,000 dollars imposed on him has been confirmed. Paredes, a Boca Juniors midfielder, must serve the ten-match suspension already set at first instance and pay a fine of 90,000 dollars. The sanction concerns his conduct towards Eric García, whom he pushed and struck during the Spanish celebrations, and the subsequent heated confrontation with Gavi. The 321,000-dollar fine imposed on the AFA by the Disciplinary Committee for discriminatory chants remains unchanged. The AFA has announced its intention to take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), contesting both Paredes's suspension and the sanction linked to the chants. Before proceeding, the federation will request the official reasons for the decisions, stating it has "sufficient factual and legal arguments to proceed with the appeal." The FIFA ruling also affects other members of the Argentina delegation. Thiago Almada has already served a one-match suspension and received a 30,000-dollar fine during the previous international window. "Ratón" Ayala received three matches and another 30,000-dollar fine for punching Dani Olmo.

Alberto Aquilani is the latest former Roma player to return to the Olimpico, joining a list of ex-players who have already appeared there this season, including Mourinho and De Rossi, with Juric and Fonseca set to follow him. Aquilani was the first of the so-called sons of Roma to be sacrificed for economic reasons, on the eve of a trip to Gent. The sacrifice was painful but necessary for Rosella Sensi, and it paved the way for the handover to the new American ownership. Yet his youth-team career at Roma and his 147 appearances and 15 goals in Serie A over five seasons cannot easily be forgotten. Hampered by a long run of injuries, Aquilani won two Coppa Italia titles and one Supercoppa Italiana with Roma, and came close to a Serie A title that might have changed his personal story at the club. Nicknamed the 'Principino' for his quality and a haircut that vaguely recalled Giannini, he has since grown up. He never became a king, but he is remembered with affection by those who have not forgotten his derby goal, complete with a run under the Curva Sud and an embrace with Totti, or the extraordinary win at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid in the round of 16.

Roma midfielder Rodrigo Mora has been called up to the senior Portugal squad for the first time, earning his first selection with the national team during the international break. Head coach Jorge Jesus included the Roma forward in his list for Portugal's decisive UEFA Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales. Mora has made a strong start to the season under Gian Piero Gasperini at Roma. The Portugal boss has praised his contribution in the Italian capital, highlighting his impact in attack. Mora has scored and provided assists for Roma this season, and his form has earned him a place in Portugal's plans for the two fixtures. During the squad announcement press conference, Jesus was asked about how Mora might be used tactically, drawing a comparison with João Félix for the role behind the central striker. He said: "They have the qualities to play that position very well." On Mora's time at Roma, Jesus added: "At Roma, Rodrigo has been very involved in the offensive phase, scoring goals and providing assists. He fits perfectly into what I have in mind for these two games." Portugal face Denmark first on 14 November in Braga, before closing their Nations League group three days later, on 17 November, away to Wales in Cardiff. The call-up gives the young Roma talent the chance to make his mark on the international stage.

FIFA has reduced Roma right-back Nahuel Molina's suspension from seven matches to four after Argentina's appeal, while confirming a ten-match ban for Leandro Paredes. The decisions follow incidents at the end of the World Cup final against Spain, as communicated by the AFA after the FIFA Appeals Committee ruling. Molina was initially sanctioned with seven matches for punching Rodri during the Spanish celebrations. The fine of 60,000 dollars imposed on him has been confirmed. Paredes, a Boca Juniors midfielder, must serve the ten-match suspension already set at first instance and pay a fine of 90,000 dollars. The sanction concerns his conduct towards Eric García, whom he pushed and struck during the Spanish celebrations, and the subsequent heated confrontation with Gavi. The 321,000-dollar fine imposed on the AFA by the Disciplinary Committee for discriminatory chants remains unchanged. The AFA has announced its intention to take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), contesting both Paredes's suspension and the sanction linked to the chants. Before proceeding, the federation will request the official reasons for the decisions, stating it has "sufficient factual and legal arguments to proceed with the appeal." The FIFA ruling also affects other members of the Argentina delegation. Thiago Almada has already served a one-match suspension and received a 30,000-dollar fine during the previous international window. "Ratón" Ayala received three matches and another 30,000-dollar fine for punching Dani Olmo.

Pierluigi Gollini will not be available for tonight's match against Sassuolo, as the back pain he suffered before the Manchester United game has not yet cleared. Devis Vásquez will therefore keep his place in goal. For the Colombian it will be a return to Serie A after 16 months; his last appearance came on 25 May 2025 in Empoli-Verona, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Roma are looking to bounce back against Sassuolo after their defeat at Manchester United. Vásquez is set to be confirmed in goal, with Gollini still doubtful. In defence, the real battle for a place is between Ghilardi and Balerdi, while Ndicka and Hermoso are favoured to complete the back line. Cristante and De Roon are expected to continue in midfield, with Molina and Wesley on the flanks. Up front, the newspapers agree on a trio of Soulé, Mora and Malen. Il Tempo, Il Messaggero, Corriere dello Sport, Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere della Sera all report the line-up picture. Separately, Koné has been in the news after France's decision, and he could even start against Sassuolo. Gasperini is also reported to be pushing the club to bring in two reinforcements in the transfer market, with the problem extending beyond the attack.

Roma host Sassuolo, coached by former Roma midfielder Aquilani, in their Serie A matchday 11 fixture at the Stadio Olimpico, with kickoff at 20:45. Gasperini wants a response from his players after the defeat in Manchester, aiming to continue an excellent start to the season and take advantage of the day's other results, Inter v Como and Napoli v Lazio, which could help Roma in the table. Gollini will not be available for the match, so Devis Vásquez is confirmed in goal. The central defensive places remain open, with Ghilardi or Mancini competing for one spot and Balerdi or N'Dicka for another. Up front, the trio of Soulé, Mora and Malen is confirmed. The Italian newspapers largely agree on the starting line-up. La Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Corriere dello Sport and La Repubblica all name Vásquez; Ghilardi, N'Dicka and Hermoso at the back; Molina, Cristante, De Roon and Wesley in midfield; and Soulé, Mora and Malen in attack. Il Romanista instead picks Balerdi alongside N'Dicka and Hermoso and gives Koné a place in midfield. Il Messaggero also selects Balerdi, with De Roon and Cristante in the middle. Tuttosport goes with Gollini in goal, Pisilli in the midfield and Malen as the lone striker, and it lists Gasperini as the coach. Il Tempo and Corriere della Sera's Italian sources differ on the defence, with Mancini in place of Ghilardi or Balerdi in some lineups. The lineups as published by the newspapers are as follows. La Gazzetta dello Sport: Vásquez; Ghilardi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, De Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Il Corriere dello Sport: Vásquez; Ghilardi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, De Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Il Romanista: Vásquez; Balerdi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, Koné, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. La Repubblica: Vásquez; Ghilardi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, De Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Tuttosport: Gollini; Ghilardi, Balerdi, Hermoso; Molina, De Roon, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Pisilli; Malen. Il Messaggero: Vásquez; Balerdi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, De Roon, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Il Tempo: Vásquez; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, De Roon, Wesley; Mora, Soulé; Malen.