Friedkin reject Juventus bid for Svilar and accept UEFA fine to back Gasperini

Atalanta are preparing to tie down striker Gianluca Scamacca with a contract extension to 2030, after he remained with the Bergamo club despite Roma's interest this summer. Head coach Gasperini had wanted to reunite with Scamacca at Roma, where he could have filled the role of backup to Donyell Malen. Atalanta never seriously considered selling him, viewing him as a cornerstone of their attacking unit. The 26-year-old has established himself as essential to the Bergamo side's attacking plans. According to reports, Atalanta are now moving to protect their investment and secure his future by extending his current deal, with the new contract set to run until 2030.

Endrick has emerged as a target for Roma in the January transfer window, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini identifying the Brazilian forward as a suitable reinforcement for the attacking department. The player was close to joining Roma in the summer, but the move fell through because the 2006-born attacker was committed to proving himself at Real Madrid under Mourinho, who appeared ready to give him opportunities. With limited appearances so far this season, speculation over a potential departure has resurfaced. However, Endrick's representatives have moved to dampen the Roma interest. Alan Redmond, executive vice-president and Global Head of Football at Roc Nation Sports International, the agency representing the forward, has insisted the player remains focused on Madrid. There were multiple clubs from various countries interested in Endrick over the summer, but his determination has never wavered. Redmond said: "In the summer there were many clubs from different countries interested in him. His idea has always been to stay in Madrid. I am convinced that when he gets the opportunity he will score many goals. We will see what happens in the future, honestly I think he will stay at Real for a long time."

Endrick's next move remains unclear after the Brazilian forward failed to secure playing time at Real Madrid, despite José Mourinho blocking his summer move to Roma. With the January transfer window approaching, Roma have joined AC Milan and foreign clubs including Lyon and Aston Villa in pursuing the 2006-born striker. Roc Nation Sports International, the agency representing Endrick, signalled little likelihood of a departure. Alan Redmond, vice-president and Global Head of Football at the agency, said: "In summer there were many clubs from different countries interested in him. His idea has always been to stay in Madrid. I am convinced that when he gets the opportunity he will score many goals. We'll see what happens in the future, honestly I think he will stay at Real for a long time." Redmond added that Endrick had multiple suitors last summer but remained set on continuing in Spain.

Pierluigi Gollini delivered a Man of the Match performance in Roma's visit to Como, easing fears that had gripped the club since Mile Svilar's injury sidelined the goalkeeper for a month. With nine Serie A fixtures still to play before the next international break, concern had mounted over a goalkeeper who had barely featured in recent months and had been absent from the league for over two years. Gollini answered with more than saves; he transmitted security to his teammates from the opening moments. Within seven minutes, his decisive early exit to meet Nico Paz's attempted chip allayed those doubts immediately. Throughout the match, Gollini remained alert and reactive: a low claim on Caqueret in the first half, tipping Paz's effort over the bar in the 72nd minute, and another anticipatory intervention five minutes later. His composure particularly shone in his distribution and decision-making when to leave his line—qualities that often reveal the mental state of a goalkeeper returning from an extended absence. He showed no hesitation or nervousness, choosing correctly almost every time he abandoned the goal line. Gollini maintained this concentration even as Donyell Malen's expulsion forced Roma into a prolonged period of defensive strain. The article cautions against swinging from complete distrust to exultation after a single 90-minute showing, as it would have been unfair to judge Gollini inadequate before he had played at all. Gian Piero Gasperini, who knows Gollini from their time together at Atalanta, understands his qualities and must now help him rediscover the consistency that only competitive football can restore. Svilar remains the undisputed first choice and his return will be essential. Yet Como has underscored a simpler truth: possessing an extraordinary number one does not necessarily mean the backup is unreliable. Eight further matches lie ahead before the next break—Real Madrid, Genoa, Slovan Bratislava, Napoli, Cagliari, Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo—in which continuity, reliability and concentration will determine whether this was merely a fine afternoon by the lake or the start of a convincing run.

Pierluigi Gollini spoke after Como's 0–0 draw with Roma on 11 October, reflecting on his first Serie A appearance in two years. The goalkeeper said he had approached the fixture with focused intensity, aware of the long absence from top-flight football. He praised Mile Svilar's professionalism and their relationship, saying: "I told Mile to stay calm and recover; we are all waiting for him. He is a great professional, we have an excellent relationship." Svilar had encouraged him before the match, telling him: "It is your moment, enjoy it." Gollini's return marks a significant moment for Roma's goalkeeping department. The 29-year-old has built a career worthy of respect, and he framed his opportunity as a reward for years of dedicated work. He acknowledged that doubts were natural after such a lengthy absence from Serie A competition, but insisted his mental preparation had been thorough and his confidence high during the week leading into the fixture. On his performance, Gollini credited mental clarity for his distribution and composure. "When you are in good shape mentally, everything follows," he said. "I felt good in the match. I felt fluid too, despite it being such a long time. Mental state makes the difference." He was questioned about a possible contact between Wesley and Como's Diao but had not seen the incident clearly from his position on the pitch. Regarding his positioning, he reflected: "Of course there would be doubts after two years without playing a Serie A match. I played the match in my head this week. During the match I felt good. This helped me."

Roma earned a hard-fought point on the road at Como, holding a 0–0 draw on 11 October despite playing most of the second half with ten men after Donyell Malen's dismissal. The Dutch winger was sent off early in the second half by referee Fabbri, a decision the raters found excessive given the overall nature of the play, though Malen was noted as somewhat reckless in the challenge. The result counted toward the sixth matchday of the Serie A season. Pierluigi Gollini deputised in goal and drew particular praise for his work on distribution and his alertness to Como's limited chances, keeping the bench-warmer tag away from Mile Svilar. At centre-back, Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka formed an imposing partnership; Mancini earned a 7 rating for his battling quality and composure in the tackle despite rare lapses, while N'Dicka dominated a physical duel with Como's Douvikas. Mario Hermoso supported the backline with careful defending before Leonardo Balerdi replaced him in the 60th minute. Marten de Roon covered ground reliably in midfield, earning a 7 for consistency with Gasperini's system. Paulo Dybala was handed a 6, his performance marred by a glaring early miss that could have altered the match entirely. Lorenzo Pellegrini made his return to the pitch and was credited with important work and technical quality, including a shot that struck the post from the edge of the area, though his fitness remained not yet sharp. He gave way to Matías Soulé at the 46th minute. Manu Koné was not at his sharpest, rated 6, while defender Nahuel Molina (5.5) struggled with precision; Devyne Rensch entered in the 81st minute and impressed on arrival. Gasperini himself earned a 6.5, praised for keeping Roma organised and tactically sharp after numerical disadvantage forced him to abandon attacking ambitions and deploy personnel with calculated precision through his substitutions. With parity in numbers, Roma had appeared the superior side and more threatening side before the dismissal.

Como and Roma meet in a high-quality fixture on 11 October as both sides look to test their ambitions early in the season. Gasperini's Roma face significant absences: Bryan Cristante and Mile Svilar are unavailable, with Marten de Roon and Pierluigi Gollini stepping in. Como manager Cesc Fabregas is without Kean, his backup striker. Pellegrini returns to Roma's lineup after six months out, wearing the captain's armband on the trequarti alongside Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. The fixture is early enough in the campaign to offer limited guidance on league position, but Gasperini will use it to gauge the squad's form and competitive level. Roma field a 3-4-2-1: Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, de Roon, Koné, Wesley; Dybala, Pellegrini; Malen. Substitutes: Vasquez, De Marzi, Balerdi, Ghilardi, Rensch, Lulli, Pisilli, Soulé, Castro, Mora. Como line up in 4-2-3-1: Butez; Couto, Ramon, Chalobah, Valle; Da Cunha, Perrone; Diao, Paz, Baturina; Douvikas.

Roma drew 0–0 at Como in the Serie A lunch fixture on matchday six, holding firm despite Donyell Malen's dismissal midway through the second half. Pierluigi Gollini deputised for the injured Mile Svilar and made several decisive saves, including a low stop on Nico Paz in the second half and an early intervention to deny Paz again. Roma dominated the opening 45 minutes and created several chances—Paulo Dybala fired weakly from close range, Lorenzo Pellegrini struck the post with a long-range effort, and Malen blazed over after being released in the box—but could not convert their superiority. Referee Fabbri issued a yellow to Marten de Roon in the 46th minute for a foul on Kaiki, then dismissed Malen in the 54th for a heavy challenge on the same player that Fabbri judged excessive, despite the contact appearing unintentional. From that point the game shifted decisively: Como pressed for a breakthrough as Roma retreated into defence, but the hosts could not create clear-cut chances to break the deadlock. Douvikas headed wide and fired past the far post; Jesús Rodríguez's late effort missed the mark. Matías Soulé was booked for protesting in the 62nd minute. Gian Piero Gasperini made his substitutions strategically, bringing on Leonardo Balerdi for the injured Mario Hermoso in the 60th minute and later introducing Niccolò Pisilli and Emanuele Lulli as Roma protected their numerical disadvantage. Gasperini restored Lorenzo Pellegrini to the starting lineup after six months out, deploying him as a number ten behind Dybala and Malen. Marten de Roon filled the midfield role vacated by the absent Bryan Cristante, partnering Manu Koné. Wesley and Malen returned from injury for the squad. Arbiter Fabbri had to be replaced by Sozza in the 68th minute after suffering a knee problem. The point extends Roma's unbeaten run but leaves them without a win in open play; the dismissal of Malen proved pivotal in shifting momentum decisively against them after a commanding first half.

Roma drew 1–1 away at Como in Serie A's sixth round, fighting back from a numerical disadvantage after Donyell Malen was sent off for a challenge on Kaiki. The match at the Sinigaglia on Saturday kicked off at 12:30, with Pierluigi Gollini making several decisive saves and Lorenzo Pellegrini striking the post with a shot from the edge of the area. Paulo Dybala had a glaring miss in front of goal after a fine setup by Malen, while Marten de Roon picked up a yellow card in the second half. Niccolò Koné was also cautioned. Roma made two substitutions to manage the deficit in personnel, withdrawing Dybala and Koné for Pisilli and Lulli, then replacing Nahuel Molina with Devyne Rensch. Referee Fabbri was forced to leave the pitch through injury during the second half and was replaced by the fourth official. Roma arrived without Mile Svilar, who is sidelined for a month and expected to return after November's international break, as well as Konstantinos Koulierakis, due to resume training on Monday, and Bryan Cristante. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had selection decisions to make before the match, with Emanuele Lulli competing with Molina and Wesley for positions on the flanks, and Pellegrini favoured over Matías Soulé in attack, with Rodrigo Mora deployed deeper. Gasperini has won two matches and lost two against Como across his career, while Como's manager Cesc Fabregas holds the same record against both Gasperini and Roma. The first half saw Como attempt to control possession and apply pressing, with Nico Paz testing Gollini, but Roma gradually raised their tempo and dominated phases of play. Malen's earlier chance saw him beat two defenders before failing to finish. Gollini proved crucial with a timely block on a Paz attempt and an alert clearance against Caqueret. Malen's red card, delivered by Fabbri for the challenge on Kaiki, shifted the match decisively. Despite going down to ten, Roma mounted their most dangerous attacks in the second half: Pellegrini's shot struck the woodwork, Dybala received the ball from Malen's excellent turn but fluffed his finish in front of Butez, and Paz's effort was comfortably saved by Gollini. The point left Gasperini's Roma two points behind Inter. Roma begin a punishing schedule with nine matches across 27 days, and face a super-match against Real Madrid at the Olimpico on Wednesday. Pellegrini inherited the captain's armband from Cristante for this fixture. The match, part of Serie A Enilive, was broadcast exclusively on DAZN.

Rome's radio stations dissected Lorenzo Pellegrini's prospects and Santiago Castro's playing time in depth on 8 October, with studio hosts split on whether the midfielder can justify his renewed contract under Gasperini's high-tempo system. Mario Corsi stated bluntly: "Pellegrini knows inside himself that this is the moment where he either succeeds or fails. This is his last chance, because if he has another opaque season I don't think he'll stay at Roma. From a player like Pellegrini it isn't enough to have one good match — he was Roma's captain, and people expect him to make a difference." Lorenzo Pes offered a contrasting view of the tactical fit: "I'm very curious to see how Pellegrini will slot into a Roma going at full speed. He seems a player who is a bit removed from how this team is shaped. He managed the damage in a Roma that wasn't playing at this rhythm, but honestly I struggle to imagine him in this squad." Paolo Cosenza countered that Pellegrini's ability to play vertically and his vision suited Gasperini's approach. Alessio Nardo framed the renewal as a high-stakes gamble: "The society has placed this squad and its fate in Gasperini's hands. All the players were approved by the coach — he and D'Amico are jointly responsible for the players signed, sold and renewed. Dybala has proved he deserved his renewal 100 per cent. Now we will evaluate Pellegrini on the pitch. If Pellegrini doesn't deliver, we will have to hold Gasperini to account for it, because he has always defended him." CCastro's limited first-team action also drew comment. Checco Oddo Casano explained the transfer fee: "Castro cost 35 million partly because Bologna was the only club willing to take Dovbyk, a player with continuous physical problems, absorbing his entire wage and including a purchase option. When a young but promising player has a low wage, he often costs you more in transfer fee." Gianluca Piacentini observed that Donyell Malen was scoring a goal per game, making him a regular starter, but argued Castro deserved playing time to develop. David Rossi advocated for Castro's inclusion: "He's an ambitious player, and you can see it when he takes the pitch. If at the end of the season Malen plays 38 times as a starter and Castro comes on 38 times for five minutes, he'll tell you he made a mistake, because he wants to be the main man." Roberto Pruzzo highlighted the tactical duel in the upcoming Como match: "Think of Nico Paz and Dybala — that could be the key to the game. Pisilli is in form and can give you a midfield alternative in a very static situation, because if De Roon plays, it becomes very readable against Como, who make their quality their best weapon." Nando Orsi predicted Paz would be benched, saying Fabregas uses the bench to punish occasional indolence. The match is scheduled for 12:30, with Orsi defending the early kickoff as standard in English football for years.

Roma's loanees made their mark during the international break, with Mohamed Seck delivering a commanding defensive display, Luigi Cherubini scoring for Italy's Under-21s, and Neil El Aynaoui clocking over 240 minutes for Morocco across three matches. Seck, a 2007-born defender, started the full 90 minutes in Foggia's 2-0 victory at Cosenza, keeping a clean sheet and earning praise from local media. The Corriere della Calabria awarded him 6.5, while Foggiacalciomania highlighted an almost flawless performance. He picked up a yellow card in the 28th minute but remained unaffected. Radoslaw Zelezny continued his fine form between the sticks for Perugia, playing all 90 minutes in a 3-1 derby win over Gubbio; he conceded little that was preventable and earned a 6.5 rating for his security in possession and distribution. Federico Nardin also impressed at Pescara, completing the full match in a 1-0 win at Livorno achieved by a late Sardo goal, and has now been called up to Italy's Under-19 squad for friendlies against Scotland on 10 and 13 October. Cherubini made the most impact during the break. After coming off the bench in the 79th minute of Italy U21's 1-0 win in Armenia, he was introduced again at the same stage against Poland on 4 October and scored just seven minutes later to seal a 6-2 victory and confirm Italy's direct qualification to the Under-21 European Championship final tournament. El Aynaoui started all three of Morocco's matches—a 2-0 win over Gabon (90 minutes), a 2-0 victory against Lesotho (67 minutes), and a 1-1 draw with Mali on 4 October (full 90)—demonstrating his standing with the national team. Anass Salah-Eddine also featured for Morocco, starting the full 90 minutes at left-back in the Mali friendly. Marash Kumbulla entered Albania's 3-0 Nations League win over San Marino at half-time and played the full second half. Artem Dovbyk, on loan at Bologna, skipped his Ukraine convocation to continue recovering from a muscular problem affecting his hamstring and has already resumed full training with the Bolognese squad ahead of the league's resumption.

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke at the Festival dello Sport on 2 October about the foundations of his Roma project, the character of his squad, and the club's ambitions this season. The coach outlined how he has built the team around a clear playing philosophy focused on taking the ball rather than waiting for opponents, and how he has shaped the personalities of senior players to match that vision. Gasperini praised his defensive line as "one of the best in Europe," highlighting Mario Hermoso and Gianluca Mancini as examples of players with both technical quality and the fighting spirit he demands. He also emphasised Bryan Cristante's importance as a player who sacrifices individual prominence for the collective good. On Paulo Dybala, Gasperini said the Argentine has enjoyed an exceptional start to the season with no injuries disrupting his availability: "He still has the enthusiasm to play football, you can see he is well. There have been years of physical fragility, with injuries that held him back. I always thought it was a training matter... He has remarkable fibre, he started training properly and this start to the season is extraordinary. He doesn't miss a minute." Gasperini suggested Dybala's reluctance to shoot from distance stems from past injuries but believes he will regain that ability soon. On young players, Gasperini explained his approach to developing Emanuele Lulli and Niccolò Pisilli. He brought Lulli into the first team after observing his characteristics in pre-season training. Regarding Gianluca Romano, whom Roma have sold, Gasperini said: "Another young player grown in Roma, very interesting. I was sorry he was excessively criticised after his first Nazionale match, but it is adults who must be more cautious in their judgements. Romano's sale is a capital gain; often societies are forced to sell young players, this is not a good thing. In football the finest jewels must be allowed to grow." On Donyell Malen's arrival and early goal-scoring form, Gasperini explained: "At times planets align and things happen you think are unrealisable. We needed a striker because Dovbyk was injured. There were several names, then I came to know of this opportunity. He was leaving Aston Villa for a tactical reason, he wanted to play as a centre-forward and I have always thought he must play in the penalty area. This his ability to make three very quick touches is his weapon." When asked if Malen could match the 36-goal tallies of Gonzalo Higuaín and Ciro Immobile, Gasperini replied: "I hope so, I've told him that to motivate him... If he reaches 30 goals I would be happy anyway." On Roma's prospects and the atmosphere at the club, Gasperini said: "It was a very positive surprise; outside Rome it is described as an environment that swings back and forth. I found passion and enthusiasm, beautiful but also mature attachment. At this moment the fans are happy and recognise themselves in this squad, then clearly the maximum result would be extraordinary. But the environment is beautiful, there is a desire to play well to enthuse them." He also commented on the new stadium project, saying he had seen the rendering and it was "fantastic" but that the Olimpico in Roma's colours is already "beautiful, though the stands are far from the pitch." Regarding Roma's centenary in 2027, when the first stone of the new stadium will be laid, Gasperini reflected: "A hundred years is a milestone of experience and for me also of emotion. Think of how many people have carried this society forward, how many fans have dedicated their lives to Roma. You must carry all the history without renouncing it, to have an even better future. Roma's second centenary will be even more beautiful than the first."