Friedkin praises Roma's moment: stadium progress and league position

Alessandro Romano, a midfielder born in 2006 who debuted for Italy against Belgium, has emerged as one of the season's breakout performers after joining Cagliari on loan with a €5 million purchase option from Roma this summer. His rapid impact has triggered intense transfer interest, with Inter and Juventus now actively pursuing the 20-year-old alongside several Premier League clubs who have submitted offers to Cagliari. Roma retain a financial stake in Romano's future: the club has secured a 10% resale clause on any profit Cagliari generates above the €5 million they paid to sign him. Inter are reportedly balancing their pursuit of Romano against ongoing difficulties in renewing the contract of Turkish midfielder Gordon Stipic, while the player's development has become a priority for the club's sporting directors Marotta and Baccin, who have been tracking him for several weeks.

Roma returned to training on the afternoon of 29 September following four days of rest granted by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The squad worked with the players available at Trigoria while awaiting the return of 12 squad members involved with their national teams during the international break. Wesley, Cristante and Malen undertook differentiated training after withdrawing from their respective national team commitments due to physical issues. The rest of the group completed a session split between tactical work and field drills. Roma are preparing for their return to action on 11 October, when they face Como at the Stadio Sinigaglia.

AS Roma have prevented Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina for an event scheduled for 6 October surrounding the Argentina vs Benin match. The club cited sporting and logistical reasons for the decision, specifically the duration of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of Roma's official fixtures. Both players were part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad alongside Lionel Messi, and the event carries significance for them. However, Roma's management determined that releasing them would conflict with the club's immediate competitive schedule. The decision reflects the tension between international commitment and domestic club priorities during a congested fixture calendar. The club issued an official statement saying: "AS Roma communicates that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not participate in the event organised in Argentina for the Argentina vs Benin match on 6 October. The Society recognises the value of the appointment for the two players, linked to Lionel Messi and protagonists with him in the 2022 World Cup victory. The Club's choice responds to sporting and logistical reasons, linked to the duration of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of official commitments. AS Roma expresses the utmost respect for Lionel Messi and his extraordinary career, wishing him and the Argentine Federation a special evening."