Friedkin keep Totti at arm's length even on his birthday

Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar has moved into business, announcing that he has invested in Botan, presented as the first non-alcoholic distillery in Europe. The Serbian shot-stopper made the news public through his personal Instagram profile, accompanying the announcement with a statement outlining the philosophy behind the project: "We did not invent the world of non-alcoholic drinks: we want to help define its future. I have invested in Botan, the first non-alcoholic distillery in Europe. One company, a new point of reference." The venture aims to go beyond the traditional boundaries of the sector, focusing on the pursuit of flavour rather than simply removing alcohol from the equation. The company's presentation on its official website makes the same point, with the brand stressing that it has not tried to fit into an existing category. The company's own description, quoted in full: "We have not tried to fit into an existing category. Our goal has been to explore taste through distillation. The absence of alcohol is not the destination, but the consequence of choosing a precise method, designed to extract, combine and preserve the various aromatic nuances as well as possible. Botan was created to build a new creative category, capable of enhancing depth, balance and versatility in the gastronomic sphere. It is an expression of the territory in which we operate, shaped by the rhythm of the seasons. We select herbs of gastronomic quality, grown with priority given to aromatic characteristics rather than harvest quantity. Each harvest tells the story of its soil, its climate and the moment it is gathered. Nature never produces identical results, and the same is true of our creations. The differences between one harvest and another are an integral part of their identity."

Daniele De Rossi has admitted that his dismissal by Roma may have played a part in his decision to become president of Ostiamare, the club where he took his first steps as a boy. Now in charge of Genoa, the former Roma midfielder spoke about the link during the presentation of Radici, a docuserie dedicated to his return to the Ostia club. The move into club management is rooted in the past, but it is also tied to his time as a coach in the capital. De Rossi was dismissed by Roma after four matches in 2025, and the sacking has stayed with him as he builds a new path in football away from the bench of the Giallorossi. Speaking at the presentation, De Rossi said: "I always had this dream, regardless of the sacking and the fact that it was a bit abrupt and early. Perhaps it had an effect in an unconscious way, that is looking for another place that would make me happy. I left a place that always made me happy and perhaps unconsciously I went looking for another one."

Roma and AC Milan remain interested in Endrick, while Real Madrid are not yet convinced about letting the Brazilian forward go, according to The Athletic, which cites well-informed sources. The Brazilian is looking for more playing time, and Roma want a quality reinforcement in attack to take the next step. No decision has been taken on a possible departure in January. However, if his minutes stay low over the coming month, Endrick could push for a move. Real Madrid and Mourinho would prefer to keep him and continue to believe he will get his chance. For now, interest from Sporting and Arsenal appears to have been ruled out, leaving Roma and Milan as the clubs still keeping the option alive. His situation will be reviewed in January. The situation is similar to last year, but according to the English tabloid, Real Madrid this time would be less inclined to sell him in order to preserve squad depth. A permanent departure could only be considered for a fee above 60 million euros. The report places the matter firmly in the January window, with Endrick's playing time over the next month set to be the decisive factor in whether he pushes for a exit.

Former Roma striker Abel Balbo has praised Matías Soulé's personality, saying it has surprised him, and said Santiago Castro will have the chance to prove his worth behind Donyell Malen. Speaking exclusively to Retesport, Balbo also reflected on playing in the club's Scudetto-winning season. Balbo said being part of that campaign, even briefly, was the crowning moment of his career, as he had arrived near the end of it. Asked about the number of Argentines now at Roma, he said: "The Argentine player has certain characteristics, he has personality and technical qualities. They are people who form a group. We are presumptuous, we are not afraid, and we always push forward to reach a goal. They are all functional to Gasperini's game, and they will do great things." On Soulé, Balbo said: "I expected his growth because he has enormous talent and has everything to do great things. I did not think he could have so much personality. He is a young lad, he is not afraid, he goes at people and creates situations whether it is Real Madrid or the team at the bottom of the table. He is very mature in this respect and it has surprised me." On Balerdi, he said: "Very functional to Gasperini's game. He is fast, aggressive and sees the goal, scoring because he is strong in the air. He comes from Boca, has many matches behind him with Marseille and in the German league: he has experience, he is doing and will do well. Then mistakes can be made, as happened in Manchester, it can happen." Asked how it feels to play alongside a striker like Malen, and about Castro, Balbo said: "It is painful because logically he has been paid a lot, and there is a lot of expectation. He will have time, Malen is doing extraordinary things. He will have the chance to prove his value. He is not a great goalscorer but he gives his life for the team. He will be loved by Roma fans." Balbo also recalled a derby from his time at the club. "It was one derby among others, but they wrote us off because Lazio were flying while we were not. We played a great game and we played with force. Cervone even grabbed one of them by the neck, lifting him inside the small area (laughs). Mazzone deserved it, he suffered so much every Sunday: he was coach of his beloved team and did not want to make mistakes. Everyone talked about Zeman and his attacking football, and about the catenaccio of Mazzone, so it was a huge satisfaction." On the fans, he added: "Before there was a beautiful, direct and sincere relationship with the supporters, sometimes it even went too far: it is a pity that things have changed now. My football was much better from this point of view."

Santiago Castro has been named the best Serie A goal of October for his strike against Genoa, which helped Roma to a 2-0 win in the seventh matchday of the league season. The Argentine forward has scored only one goal since joining Roma in the final summer transfer window, and that was the effort against Genoa. The goal showcased the technical qualities of the centre-forward. Surrounded by three Genoa defenders inside the penalty area, Castro found space from nothing, struck a sudden and precise shot, and beat the goalkeeper to send the ball into the net. The award came ahead of the spectacular overhead kick by Orsolini against Lecce. The Serie A league's official account shared the award on social media, with video of the goal available to watch.

Santiago Castro has won the 'goal of the month' award for October with his strike against Genoa, a single but spectacular effort. The Argentine broke his duck against the Rossoblu with a delicate touch under the ball inside the penalty area, beating Riccardo Orsolini, who had scored against Lecce with an overhead kick. Despite limited playing time, Castro has been called up to Argentina by Scaloni and will be available for the friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica. He has started only two matches in the giallorossi shirt, but his opportunities should come after the November international break, with seven fixtures scheduled in just under a month.

Former Roma striker Abel Balbo has praised Matías Soulé's personality, saying it has surprised him, and said Santiago Castro will have the chance to prove his worth behind Donyell Malen. Speaking exclusively to Retesport, Balbo also reflected on playing in the club's Scudetto-winning season. Balbo said being part of that campaign, even briefly, was the crowning moment of his career, as he had arrived near the end of it. Asked about the number of Argentines now at Roma, he said: "The Argentine player has certain characteristics, he has personality and technical qualities. They are people who form a group. We are presumptuous, we are not afraid, and we always push forward to reach a goal. They are all functional to Gasperini's game, and they will do great things." On Soulé, Balbo said: "I expected his growth because he has enormous talent and has everything to do great things. I did not think he could have so much personality. He is a young lad, he is not afraid, he goes at people and creates situations whether it is Real Madrid or the team at the bottom of the table. He is very mature in this respect and it has surprised me." On Balerdi, he said: "Very functional to Gasperini's game. He is fast, aggressive and sees the goal, scoring because he is strong in the air. He comes from Boca, has many matches behind him with Marseille and in the German league: he has experience, he is doing and will do well. Then mistakes can be made, as happened in Manchester, it can happen." Asked how it feels to play alongside a striker like Malen, and about Castro, Balbo said: "It is painful because logically he has been paid a lot, and there is a lot of expectation. He will have time, Malen is doing extraordinary things. He will have the chance to prove his value. He is not a great goalscorer but he gives his life for the team. He will be loved by Roma fans." Balbo also recalled a derby from his time at the club. "It was one derby among others, but they wrote us off because Lazio were flying while we were not. We played a great game and we played with force. Cervone even grabbed one of them by the neck, lifting him inside the small area (laughs). Mazzone deserved it, he suffered so much every Sunday: he was coach of his beloved team and did not want to make mistakes. Everyone talked about Zeman and his attacking football, and about the catenaccio of Mazzone, so it was a huge satisfaction." On the fans, he added: "Before there was a beautiful, direct and sincere relationship with the supporters, sometimes it even went too far: it is a pity that things have changed now. My football was much better from this point of view."

Radio pundits have shared their views on Roma's attacking transfer plans, with the club's first choice reportedly a winger who can play on the left with a burst of pace. Camelio, speaking on Radio Radio Pomeriggio, said the club first needs to establish which transfer formula it can use, and argued that Endrick is not a winger but a second striker. Ferrajolo, also on Radio Radio Pomeriggio, described Endrick as an attacking winger who can operate on either flank depending on the team's needs, adding that he is not a pure first striker but an attacking winger. Pugliese said Roma's first choice remains a winger who can play on the left, even though the coach changes systems and rotates players. He said Roma are looking for a loan with an option to buy. According to Pugliese, a deal for Endrick was practically complete in the summer until Mourinho got involved, with the Portuguese coach continuing to be one of the player's main admirers. Roma could also work on Gittens, but Pugliese believes one of the two will arrive rather than both. He does not rule out Sporting for Endrick, pointing out that the Portuguese club know Fonseca well, the coach who developed him at Lyon, and that Sporting are playing in the Champions League. Vocalelli, also speaking on Radio Radio Pomeriggio, called Endrick a top player in world football. He noted that at 20 he has already collected 24 appearances for the Brazil national team. Vocalelli said that if Endrick were to join Roma he would be welcomed with open arms, and that he could play alongside Soulé and Malen.

Roman radio pundits have been debating a possible move for Brazilian forward Endrick, with contrasting views on whether he would suit Roma. On David Rossi's Rete Sport show, Rossi said Il Corriere dello Sport reported that both AC Milan and Roma were interested in the player, and that Endrick had said he would not join Milan because the club's symbol is the Devil. Rossi questioned whether that could be credible, adding that when a name is this obvious a deal rarely happens unless it is already done. He also said there was a danger Fonseca wanted Endrick at Sporting, where the player had felt at home under Fonseca at Lyon. "Endrick is a fantastic player," Rossi said. "Gittens may play on the left, but between him and Endrick there are, for me, three categories of difference." The debate comes as Roma are in the title conversation. Gianluca Piacentini named three reasons to believe in the scudetto: the league's strongest coach, room to improve through the January transfer market, and a levelled-down Serie A, which he said was shown by Lazio sitting top of the table. He said he hoped the race would be between Roma and Inter. Piacentini also criticised the 'atleta di Cristo' explanation, saying it was not a fair criterion for choosing a destination. Fabio Petruzzi said Endrick sees little of the pitch and may want to leave to play regularly, adding that if he has not played while Vinicius was suspended for four matches, he will never play. He said that if he were an attacker, Gasperini is the first coach he would want to work with, and that Endrick, a left-footed player, can play on the left. Mario Corsi said the Mora-Endrick comparison was a trap because the two are completely different players. He said Endrick has a strong shot, dribbling and heading ability, and that strong players must be signed. He said Malen should not be deployed on the wing because he must stay in the middle, and that Gasperini and D'Amico had not heard from Friedkin for a long time and were somewhat worried. "If they really want to win, they have to make this move." Francesca Ferrazza said Roma need two forwards with Pellegrini gone, and that Endrick offers the best value for money. Lorenzo Pes said Malen's frequent substitutions also happened last year, and that Retegui at Atalanta rarely finished matches. Valentina Catoni said that when Dybala is fit he always plays. Piero Torri recalled Mourinho saying Endrick would not leave Madrid, noted that the Brazil international has started only one match, and said Endrick is a second striker who would sit behind Soulé and Dybala. Roberto Pruzzo said Endrick wants to play and that Italian football has become a second-tier league. Nando Orsi argued Roma need a right-footed winger who plays on the left, and that Endrick would be of little use with Castro already in the squad. Mario Mattioli warned that bringing Endrick into the Roma dressing room could be an unwanted explosion, calling him very difficult to manage and saying he would have to play always and in every match. "He is not a dressing-room man," Mattioli said, adding that Endrick is not the man who says "let's arm ourselves and set off" when a common effort is needed.