Galantic: Friedkin deeply involved emotionally, but we had to respect UEFA parameters

Roma have reacted angrily to remarks by Massimiliano Allegri that appeared to question how the club secured its place in the Champions League. The comments were made in the tunnel at the Diego Maradona after Saturday's 3-3 draw, and they have not gone down well at Trigoria, where the club sees them as an insinuation of favourable treatment. Roma are determined that nobody taints their late-season charge last year, which ended with a return to the Champions League after seven years. Even a veiled allusion is unwelcome. Gian Piero Gasperini's side won six matches and drew one after their defeat at Inter, overtaking Allegri's Milan along the way. Milan, however, lost their final game 2-1 at home to Cagliari, which cost them the Champions League place. Allegri, furious after being sent off, was reportedly referring to alleged refereeing favours for Roma. Gasperini was also upset by the comments. After the match, Allegri spoke out again against the refereeing, in the dressing room, with his words overheard by federal inspectors. Roma's remarks at the Maradona came in the tunnel between a television interview and the press conference. Allegri said: "L'anno scorso gli hanno messo la Champions in tasca. Sempre loro..." ("Last year they put the Champions League in their pocket. Always them..."). Sporting judge Gerardo Mastrandrea was due to announce his decisions today. Once he has made them known, federal prosecutor Giuseppe Chiné will decide whether to open an independent investigation into the other remarks.

Roma are visibly irritated by comments Massimiliano Allegri made after Napoli's match at the Maradona, which questioned how the club secured its Champions League place last season. Speaking between television interviews and his press conference, the Napoli coach said: "Last season they put the Champions League in their pocket. It's always them…" Those words have caused deep annoyance within the Roma camp, where the club's management and entourage consider it disrespectful to question a qualification earned on the pitch. At Trigoria, the reaction is that Allegri's insinuations have no foundation. Roma point to the finish of last season, when the side then coached by Gian Piero Gasperini collected 19 points from the last seven matchdays. They secured fourth place with six wins, against Pisa, Bologna, Fiorentina, Parma, Lazio and Salernitana, and a draw at Atalanta, clinching the Champions League spot on the penultimate matchday. The club insists the route was a straight run with no favours or preferential treatment. Allegri's anger was also directed at the refereeing of the match, particularly the 3-3 equaliser scored by Leonardo Balerdi. He was sent off after the final whistle for protesting and reacting vehemently against the referee. Sporting Judge Gerardo Mastrandrea is expected to rule on that dismissal today, 26 October 2026. If match officials' reports and the referee's VAR team recorded the remarks made in the tunnel or dressing room, federal prosecutor Giuseppe Chinè could open an investigation into whether the comments breached sporting rules by casting doubt on the impartiality of the referees and the integrity of the competitions.

Gian Piero Gasperini has already turned the page on Roma's 3-3 draw at Napoli, with the squad back in training for Tuesday's home match against Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico. The Roma head coach consoled himself with a traditional Roman Sunday lunch at the historic restaurant La Villetta dal 1940, where he was pictured smiling on the restaurant's social media channels. The draw at the Maradona came less than 24 hours before the lunch, and the result still stings. The smile reflects both his frustration at the result against Napoli and his belief that this side, although not at full strength and missing important players, can still compete. Gasperini will face the media at a press conference tomorrow at 13:30. Roma's focus now shifts to Cagliari, with the squad already back on the training ground to prepare for the Tuesday fixture.

Napoli 1-1 Roma ended in a point for Roma in the Capital, but the match also brought controversy and standout performances. Max Allegri has come under fire after his comments in the press room at the Maradona, and the Giudice Sportivo is expected to rule on Monday, with a possible file opened by the Procura Federale. Fans are looking to Trigoria for a response, with the Friedkins expected to defend Roma. On the pitch, two Argentines shone. Matías Soulé, wearing the number 18, carried the team on his shoulders in the Maradona, scoring his third goal of the season and posting top-level numbers, and earning praise from Giaccherini. Leonardo Balerdi became the 12th different scorer in Gasperini's total football, and the centre-back has entered the history books at the Maradona. Balerdi's fiancée dedicated a sweet message to the defender. Mancini's impression of Allegri was also widely shared and very funny. Dybala is returning from injury ahead of the Roma-Cagliari fixture.

Massimiliano Allegri could face disciplinary action after his comments following Napoli's 3-3 draw with Roma at the Maradona. His remark to Roma, “Last year they put the Champions League in their pocket. Always them…”, has been included in the report from the Federal Prosecutor's inspectors sent to the Giudice Sportivo. The report also recounts the Napoli coach's reaction after Roma's third goal, which led to his expulsion by referee Colombo. Allegri now risks a sanction, which could be a fine or a suspension of one or more matches. According to Nicolò Schira, Allegri's comments on alleged refereeing favours in the race for the Champions League were not welcomed at Trigoria. Roma are convinced they secured qualification last season purely through their results on the pitch. Milan were also drawn into the row, having lost to Cagliari in the final round of last season's Serie A, a result that forms part of the account of the battle for a Champions League place. In better news for Roma, Paulo Dybala trained with the group for part of Tuesday's session at Trigoria, moving closer to recovering from the calf injury that has kept him out of the games against Genoa, Slovan Bratislava and Napoli. La Joya is aiming to return to the matchday squad for Tuesday's game against Cagliari, possibly starting on the bench. Mile Svilar also shows encouraging signs and could be fit in time for the Champions League trip to Manchester United on 3 November. Speaking on Radio Radio, Aspri said: “I haven't seen such a negative game. I saw a lot of competitive fire and a lot of desire from both teams. Molina came on and gave quality and sparkle on the flank. I would have also brought on Lulli, who is in great form and could have been useful with the energy he has. Perhaps Gasperini preferred to rely on experienced players. Soulé is completing a maturation that was struggling to arrive, also because of the pubalgia, which the medical staff is working on very seriously. Without Dybala, it is he who has taken Roma by the hand.” On Radio Manà Manà Sport, Trevisani said: “Svilar returns before the break, perhaps in Manchester and almost certainly for Sassuolo. Dybala will also return before the break, probably in Udine.”

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 27 October at 20:45 in the ninth round of Serie A, with the game broadcast live on DAZN. Gian Piero Gasperini's side come into the fixture straight after a 3-3 draw at Napoli's Maradona, while Fabio Pisacane's Cagliari are looking to end a losing run after a 2-0 home defeat to Bologna. With only a short turnaround between matches, Gasperini may rotate several players. Svilar is still sidelined, so Gollini keeps goal. The main decisions are in defence: Mancini and Hermoso returned to the starting line-up against Napoli after both began the match on the bench against Slovan Bratislava, while N'Dicka has been one of the most used players in recent weeks. The Ivorian could be rested, opening a place for Balerdi, who is coming off a particularly positive run. Ghilardi and Koulierakis remain in contention. Wesley may start on the bench with Molina ready to return, while Lulli is gaining ground on the other flank. In midfield Gasperini must pick two from Cristante, de Roon and Pisilli, with the young midfielder able to find space during the game. Up front, the picture is clearer: Malen remains the central reference point, Soulé should keep his place after an excellent display at Napoli, and Mora may play alongside the Argentine, with Castro initially on the bench. Roma's injury list is significant. Svilar is still out with a fractured toe, Koné is sidelined with a first-degree tear of the hamstring, Dybala is out with a small calf injury, and Pellegrini continues his recovery from a high-grade lesion at the distal musculotendinous junction of the semitendinosus in his right thigh. Roma's probable line-up is Gollini; Mancini, Balerdi, Hermoso; Lulli, Cristante, de Roon, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Available substitutes: Vásquez, De Marzi, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Wesley, Rensch, Ghilardi, Pisilli, Castro. Gasperini has no suspended or cautioned players. The competing selections are Mancini-Ghilardi, Hermoso-Koulierakis, Balerdi-N'Dicka and de Roon-Pisilli. Cagliari are expected to line up in a 4-3-2-1 with Caprile in goal, Mina partnering J. Rodriguez in the centre of defence, and Zé Pedro and Obert completing the back line. The main doubt is in midfield, where Winks injured his back against Bologna and his fitness will be assessed up to the last hours. If he is ruled out, Gagliardini starts, with Romano and Adopo completing the unit. Maldini should start from the first minute, Fazzini is ahead of Massolin, and Kevin Carlos is ahead of Mendy as the centre-forward, with Nzola deeper. Idrissi and Felici are out with cruciate ligament ruptures. Cagliari's probable line-up is Caprile; Zé Pedro, Mina, J. Rodriguez, Obert; Romano, Gagliardini, Adopo; Fazzini, Maldini; Kevin Carlos. Cagliari have lost their last two league games, 4-0 to Monza and 2-0 to Bologna. Roma have the clear head-to-head advantage in Rome. There have been 49 official meetings at the Olimpico, with 26 Roma wins, 17 draws and six Cagliari victories. The most recent meeting in the capital came on 9 February 2026, when Roma won 2-0. Cagliari's last win in Rome was a 4-2 victory on 1 February 2013. The official line-ups will be announced about an hour before kick-off and will be updated live on the match page.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 27 October at 20:45 in the ninth round of Serie A, with the game broadcast live on DAZN. Gian Piero Gasperini's side come into the fixture straight after a 3-3 draw at Napoli's Maradona, while Fabio Pisacane's Cagliari are looking to end a losing run after a 2-0 home defeat to Bologna. With only a short turnaround between matches, Gasperini may rotate several players. Svilar is still sidelined, so Gollini keeps goal. The main decisions are in defence: Mancini and Hermoso returned to the starting line-up against Napoli after both began the match on the bench against Slovan Bratislava, while N'Dicka has been one of the most used players in recent weeks. The Ivorian could be rested, opening a place for Balerdi, who is coming off a particularly positive run. Ghilardi and Koulierakis remain in contention. Wesley may start on the bench with Molina ready to return, while Lulli is gaining ground on the other flank. In midfield Gasperini must pick two from Cristante, de Roon and Pisilli, with the young midfielder able to find space during the game. Up front, the picture is clearer: Malen remains the central reference point, Soulé should keep his place after an excellent display at Napoli, and Mora may play alongside the Argentine, with Castro initially on the bench. Roma's injury list is significant. Svilar is still out with a fractured toe, Koné is sidelined with a first-degree tear of the hamstring, Dybala is out with a small calf injury, and Pellegrini continues his recovery from a high-grade lesion at the distal musculotendinous junction of the semitendinosus in his right thigh. Roma's probable line-up is Gollini; Mancini, Balerdi, Hermoso; Lulli, Cristante, de Roon, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Available substitutes: Vásquez, De Marzi, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Wesley, Rensch, Ghilardi, Pisilli, Castro. Gasperini has no suspended or cautioned players. The competing selections are Mancini-Ghilardi, Hermoso-Koulierakis, Balerdi-N'Dicka and de Roon-Pisilli. Cagliari are expected to line up in a 4-3-2-1 with Caprile in goal, Mina partnering J. Rodriguez in the centre of defence, and Zé Pedro and Obert completing the back line. The main doubt is in midfield, where Winks injured his back against Bologna and his fitness will be assessed up to the last hours. If he is ruled out, Gagliardini starts, with Romano and Adopo completing the unit. Maldini should start from the first minute, Fazzini is ahead of Massolin, and Kevin Carlos is ahead of Mendy as the centre-forward, with Nzola deeper. Idrissi and Felici are out with cruciate ligament ruptures. Cagliari's probable line-up is Caprile; Zé Pedro, Mina, J. Rodriguez, Obert; Romano, Gagliardini, Adopo; Fazzini, Maldini; Kevin Carlos. Cagliari have lost their last two league games, 4-0 to Monza and 2-0 to Bologna. Roma have the clear head-to-head advantage in Rome. There have been 49 official meetings at the Olimpico, with 26 Roma wins, 17 draws and six Cagliari victories. The most recent meeting in the capital came on 9 February 2026, when Roma won 2-0. Cagliari's last win in Rome was a 4-2 victory on 1 February 2013. The official line-ups will be announced about an hour before kick-off and will be updated live on the match page.

Gian Piero Gasperini will face the media on Tuesday at 13.30 ahead of Roma's home match against Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico. The head coach is returning to press conferences after missing the one held on the eve of the trip to Maradona, where Roma drew with Napoli. Roma are back in action straight after that draw with Napoli, and the Cagliari fixture comes quickly. Paulo Dybala is in good spirits after training partially with the group today. Manu Koné, Mile Svilar and Lorenzo Pellegrini are ruled out. Rodrigo Mora could be handed a place in the starting line-up, expected to play behind Donyell Malen in a partnership with Matías Soulé.

Roma secured a draw at Napoli's Stadio Diego Armando, the Maradona, thanks to a comeback driven by their Argentine players. All three of Roma's goals came from Argentines: Matías Soulé and Leonardo Balerdi, who scored a brilliant brace. Gasperini has had little success against Allegri, and the head-to-head record offered little hope before kick-off, with the two most experienced coaches in Serie A facing each other. Gasperini avoided defeat through his substitutions, the team's response and the fierce determination of the Argentines. Roma remain unbeaten in Serie A. Balerdi came on in the second half alongside Castro and Molina to add fresh impetus. Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini were both injured and missing. Roma struggled early on to press with their usual aggression in midfield, and in the first half a magnificent bicycle kick from Anguissa upset the coach's tactical plans. At the start of the second half, the familiar dip in intensity allowed Napoli to double their lead quickly, and Roma also showed too many errors in build-up play. Without Dybala, Pellegrini, Koné and Svilar, the side lacked dynamism and creativity. Soulé was the only one regularly looking for Malen, who was often far from the area and struggled through the tight lines of the Napoli defence. Guido D'Ubaldo noted that this squad needs a few more players and a longer bench to provide constant alternatives, particularly in attack. Despite the difficulties, and a Napoli side that were struggling in the league but remained tough opponents, the response after the break was that of a great team. Roma scored two goals in four minutes, and then Balerdi struck the decisive goal two minutes from time. The draw, coming after results against Inter and Como, keeps Roma firmly close to the top of the table. It shows that, with the anger and quality of the Argentines, the path the club has taken is the right one.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 27 October at 20:45 in the ninth round of Serie A, with the game broadcast live on DAZN. Gian Piero Gasperini's side come into the fixture straight after a 3-3 draw at Napoli's Maradona, while Fabio Pisacane's Cagliari are looking to end a losing run after a 2-0 home defeat to Bologna. With only a short turnaround between matches, Gasperini may rotate several players. Svilar is still sidelined, so Gollini keeps goal. The main decisions are in defence: Mancini and Hermoso returned to the starting line-up against Napoli after both began the match on the bench against Slovan Bratislava, while N'Dicka has been one of the most used players in recent weeks. The Ivorian could be rested, opening a place for Balerdi, who is coming off a particularly positive run. Ghilardi and Koulierakis remain in contention. Wesley may start on the bench with Molina ready to return, while Lulli is gaining ground on the other flank. In midfield Gasperini must pick two from Cristante, de Roon and Pisilli, with the young midfielder able to find space during the game. Up front, the picture is clearer: Malen remains the central reference point, Soulé should keep his place after an excellent display at Napoli, and Mora may play alongside the Argentine, with Castro initially on the bench. Roma's injury list is significant. Svilar is still out with a fractured toe, Koné is sidelined with a first-degree tear of the hamstring, Dybala is out with a small calf injury, and Pellegrini continues his recovery from a high-grade lesion at the distal musculotendinous junction of the semitendinosus in his right thigh. Roma's probable line-up is Gollini; Mancini, Balerdi, Hermoso; Lulli, Cristante, de Roon, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Available substitutes: Vásquez, De Marzi, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Wesley, Rensch, Ghilardi, Pisilli, Castro. Gasperini has no suspended or cautioned players. The competing selections are Mancini-Ghilardi, Hermoso-Koulierakis, Balerdi-N'Dicka and de Roon-Pisilli. Cagliari are expected to line up in a 4-3-2-1 with Caprile in goal, Mina partnering J. Rodriguez in the centre of defence, and Zé Pedro and Obert completing the back line. The main doubt is in midfield, where Winks injured his back against Bologna and his fitness will be assessed up to the last hours. If he is ruled out, Gagliardini starts, with Romano and Adopo completing the unit. Maldini should start from the first minute, Fazzini is ahead of Massolin, and Kevin Carlos is ahead of Mendy as the centre-forward, with Nzola deeper. Idrissi and Felici are out with cruciate ligament ruptures. Cagliari's probable line-up is Caprile; Zé Pedro, Mina, J. Rodriguez, Obert; Romano, Gagliardini, Adopo; Fazzini, Maldini; Kevin Carlos. Cagliari have lost their last two league games, 4-0 to Monza and 2-0 to Bologna. Roma have the clear head-to-head advantage in Rome. There have been 49 official meetings at the Olimpico, with 26 Roma wins, 17 draws and six Cagliari victories. The most recent meeting in the capital came on 9 February 2026, when Roma won 2-0. Cagliari's last win in Rome was a 4-2 victory on 1 February 2013. The official line-ups will be announced about an hour before kick-off and will be updated live on the match page.

Roma came from behind to draw 3-3 at Napoli's Maradona stadium, their third consecutive draw in a big Serie A match after a goalless game at Como. Leonardo Balerdi, who came off the bench, scored a brace, while Matías Soulé was the standout performer in attack. The evening began badly for Roma, but the team refused to give up and fought back to level the match. Italian newspapers gave Soulé between 7 and 8 out of 10, and Balerdi between 7.5 and 8. Evan Ndicka was the only member of the starting defence to come out with credit, rated 6 to 7. Gollini earned 6 to 7, Cristante 6 to 7, and de Roon 5.5 to 6.5. Malen was below par and was rated between 5 and 6. Hermoso's marks ranged from 4.5 to 6.5. Wesley was rated between 5 and 6.5, and Mancini between 5.5 and 6. Gasperini was given between 6.5 and 7 for his handling of the game. Roma made several changes during the match. At the 58th minute, Balerdi replaced Hermoso, Molina came on for Rensch, and Castro replaced Pisilli. Ghilardi entered for Mancini in the 83rd minute, and Mora came on for Malen at the same point. Molina was rated 6 to 6.5, Castro between 5 and 6.5, and Balerdi, as a substitute, was rated 7.5 to 8.

Roma came from behind to draw at Napoli's Stadio Maradona, with Balerdi scoring a brace off the bench to rescue a point in a match that began badly for the Giallorossi. It is the third draw in three big league matches for Roma, following a goalless draw at Como. Malen was absent from the lineup, and Soulé lit up the comeback. The Italian newspapers rated the performances. Soulé was the standout performer, earning 7.5 from La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Corriere dello Sport, 7 from La Repubblica and Il Corriere della Sera, and 8 from Il Tempo. Balerdi, who came on for Hermoso at half-time, was the match-winner from the bench, rated 8 by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero and Il Tempo, and 7.5 by Il Corriere della Sera. Ndicka was the only starting defender to earn consistent praise, rated 7 by La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Corriere dello Sport. Gasperini received a 7 from La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Corriere dello Sport, and 6.5 from Il Messaggero, La Repubblica, Il Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo. Gollini was rated 6.5 by most outlets and 7 by La Repubblica. Cristante earned a 7 from Il Messaggero and 6.5 from Il Tempo. Molina came on for Rensch at half-time and was rated 6.5 by La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Tempo, and 6 by La Repubblica and Il Corriere della Sera. Castro, who replaced Pisilli, was rated 6.5 by Il Corriere dello Sport and 6 by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo. Malen was rated between 5 and 6 across the papers. Mancini and Wesley received mixed marks, while Mora and Ghilardi came on late without ratings. The ratings show the sharpest debate over the central defensive and attacking performers, with Balerdi's impact from the bench the most discussed. The papers agree that Roma's fight in the second half changed the match.