Gasperini adds wing power: Wesley races for Como, Molina shines

Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi is named in Italy's squad for a second time with the senior side and is among the substitutes for the match against France at San Siro, where he hopes to make his debut during the game. Speaking to Sky Sport before kick-off, he focused on the challenge ahead. Ghilardi, born in 2003, said: "They are all great players, but we must be calm and sure of our qualities. Obviously we will need to pay attention to their attack because they are all stars." He described the fixture as a special occasion, adding that Italy would give their maximum against a major side in a beautiful stadium. For Roma's centre-back, the match is a second call-up to the senior Italy team, which gives him another chance to test himself against top international opposition. He also reflected on the make-up of the squad. "Once again, it is a very beautiful match, we face a great team in a beautiful stadium, so we will certainly give our all. For me it is the second time, we are many young players and all very strong, and I hope everyone can show their qualities." His message was one of confidence: a young, talented group that needs to believe in itself.

Roma are looking to add two forwards to bring their squad up to 25 players, and Fulham's Kevin has emerged as one of the names. The plan has changed from the original idea. D'Amico had initially planned to let Devyne Rensch go to sign a left-sided wide player, a position the squad currently lacks. However, Lorenzo Pellegrini's new and long-term injury, together with the confirmed unreliability of Paulo Dybala, has shifted the focus to strikers, whether left- or right-footed. Kevin, 23, has been used sparingly in the Premier League, playing just 75 minutes so far this season. That is partly because Fulham's coach Arbeola prefers two attacking midfielders in place of wingers. Endrick and Lookman also remain on Roma's list. A wide midfielder to provide cover for Wesley is not a priority. Roma are, however, continuing to monitor Alejandro Balde, a left-back born in 2003. The Spaniard is not finding playing time under Flick at Barcelona and could leave the Camp Nou in January. On the financial front, UEFA's verdict on Roma's settlement agreement under Financial Fair Play will arrive in May.

Mile Svilar and Paulo Dybala are edging back towards the starting XI, with the goalkeeper's medical giving a positive result during the international break. Svilar had been sidelined by a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his right foot, picked up in training just over a month ago. He opted for conservative treatment rather than surgery, which allowed the bone callus to form correctly. The Belgian has already trained on the pitch, albeit in a differentiated programme alongside Pierluigi Gollini. The club's aim is to have him back as a regular starter for the trip to Parma when the league resumes. Dybala, who has also returned to group work, could also start from the first minute. Roma are also linked with Atalanta left-back Lorenzo Bernasconi, born in 2003, whose name is picking up transfer speculation ahead of the January window. The left-back, who has enjoyed an excellent start to the season, has attracted interest from several major clubs including Roma, Milan and Newcastle. His consistency and constant forward runs down the flank have fuelled international interest in a player considered one of the most promising young players in his position in the league. Atalanta, who value their talents highly, are reportedly valuing his contract at between 20 and 25 million euros. Artem Dovbyk, currently on loan from Roma, left the capital last summer in search of more regular football, but his spell at Bologna has not gone as hoped. Injuries and a change of coach have limited his opportunities, and his situation could change during the January window, as Bologna are reportedly considering ending the loan early in the winter session. The two clubs will discuss the matter in the coming weeks. The Ukrainian striker is not part of Gasperini's plans. On Roman radio, the return of Svilar and Dybala was debated. Alessandro Vocalelli told Radio Radio: "Dybala's absence was felt more than Svilar's. Gollini did very well, although he conceded a few goals he perhaps could have avoided. Vasquez, on the other hand, did his job: he saved a penalty, then had it retaken, and on the goals conceded he had little responsibility." Luigi Ferrajolo added: "Vasquez and Gollini conceded two goals from over 25 metres, but the calmness Svilar brings is something else. Gollini was unlucky because he was playing a good game before his injury. I would start with Soulé and Dybala and then bring on Mora during the match, because I don't think Dybala has 90 minutes in his legs and he needs managing."

Roma are looking to add two forwards to bring their squad up to 25 players, and Fulham's Kevin has emerged as one of the names. The plan has changed from the original idea. D'Amico had initially planned to let Devyne Rensch go to sign a left-sided wide player, a position the squad currently lacks. However, Lorenzo Pellegrini's new and long-term injury, together with the confirmed unreliability of Paulo Dybala, has shifted the focus to strikers, whether left- or right-footed. Kevin, 23, has been used sparingly in the Premier League, playing just 75 minutes so far this season. That is partly because Fulham's coach Arbeola prefers two attacking midfielders in place of wingers. Endrick and Lookman also remain on Roma's list. A wide midfielder to provide cover for Wesley is not a priority. Roma are, however, continuing to monitor Alejandro Balde, a left-back born in 2003. The Spaniard is not finding playing time under Flick at Barcelona and could leave the Camp Nou in January. On the financial front, UEFA's verdict on Roma's settlement agreement under Financial Fair Play will arrive in May.

Roma are monitoring the situation of Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, born 2003, who is not finding playing time under Flick and could leave the Camp Nou in January, at least on loan, according to Spanish newspaper Sport. Should he depart, Roma remain the first choice, but negotiations are currently stalled. The obstacles are his high wage, around €5.5 million net per year, and a deal structure that the clubs have not agreed on, which has halted all talks. Agent Jorge Mendes is trying to unblock the deal. Sporting director D'Amico, however, is focused on attacking reinforcements, with Gasperini having asked for forwards in January. Endrick, Gittens, Lookman and Kevin of Fulham are among the names mentioned in that search. A winger to back up Wesley is not a priority for the club, though Roma continue to monitor the situation. Any move for a flank player is reportedly postponed until the end of January, or even until June.

Roma are accelerating their transfer activity and focusing their attention on the attack, with Endrick at the top of the list. The Brazilian reportedly wants more playing time after a first spell at Real Madrid in which he did not carve out the role he had hoped for. Roma are pressing to sign him on loan, but the route remains complicated: Milan are also following the situation, and the Spanish club has not yet decided whether to let him leave. Endrick is not the only name on Gian Piero Gasperini's mind. Among the alternatives are Jamie Gittens, for whom Chelsea have reportedly opened the door to a loan move, and Ademola Lookman, a profile that continues to attract interest. The name of Rodrigo Riquelme has also returned to the discussions in recent assessments. The priority has become adding quality and options in attack, temporarily putting the search for an alternative to Wesley on hold. Lulli played an important role in this change of strategy.

Roma midfielder Marten de Roon has criticised the Netherlands, saying the Dutch national side lacks the fierce conviction Argentine players show to push beyond their limits, and he drew the comparison with his own club. Speaking to Ziggo Sport, the Dutch international, who has been called up again by his national team, said the Oranje have quality but are missing that edge. De Roon has quickly become an important figure in the Roma squad, praised for his leadership, his hundreds of recovered balls and a well-established working relationship with Gasperini. He has watched two of the Netherlands' four matches under new head coach Xavi and said the side had performed well, pointing to a positive display against Germany and an excellent second half in the away fixture against Greece. "I saw two of the four matches and we did well. Against Germany the performance was positive and the second half away to Greece was excellent. I glimpsed Xavi's imprint, we have to be positive. The quality is there. What we lack is that fierce conviction the Argentines have to go beyond the limit. I see it here at Roma too: we have several Argentines in the squad, like Molina, Dybala, Castro. Off the pitch they are sociable, but when they play they transform themselves to win. If we developed a bit more cohesion combined with the talent we have, sooner or later we will win."

Marten de Roon has said that Paulo Dybala, Nahuel Molina and Santiago Castro have a winning mentality that the Netherlands need to learn, in a long interview with Ziggo Sport. The Roma midfielder spoke about his surprise recall to the Netherlands squad for last summer's World Cup and the national team's progress under head coach Xavi Hernández. De Roon recalled a brief conversation with Ronald Koeman in March, when the then coach told him he was not part of his plans at that time but that something could change ahead of the World Cup. He was given no guarantees. He said he occasionally saw his name in the newspapers when there were injuries, but tried not to get his hopes up. Playing regularly at Atalanta gave him confidence, and he told Koeman simply to focus on his work and that he would be available if needed. He said he had never said goodbye to the national team. When Koeman phoned him at the end of the season, De Roon said he immediately sensed good news. He recalled being asked how he was and whether he was in form, before hearing: "For me there are no doubts, come with us". "From that moment I think I had a smile on my face until the end of the World Cup." De Roon said his mindset at this World Cup was different from 2022, when he set out aiming to play as much as possible. "Compared to 2022, when I left with the aim of playing as much as possible, this time I had a different mindset. If I could have helped the team on the pitch it would have been fantastic, but I was ready to do it off the pitch too. I had been told I was important to the group, for my attitude and the experience I could pass on. I tried to bring positive energy and always make myself available. I knew exactly what my role was and tried to live every moment to the full. Unfortunately we did not achieve the result we hoped for, but I enjoyed every single moment." He also praised the tournament's organisation in the United States: "There was some scepticism before the tournament started, but I have to say everything was organised excellently. The atmosphere was fantastic, as were the facilities. We had everything a national team could need. We trained at an extraordinary sports centre and people were happy to meet us in the street. We lacked nothing, and the mood within the group was exceptional." Looking ahead under Xavi, De Roon said he had watched two of the national team's last four matches and felt the signs were positive. "The performance against Germany pleased me, and the second half against Greece was very good. Xavi's influence is already visible, and we must look to the future with optimism. The quality is there. Perhaps what we need is a little more competitive aggression, that fierce mentality that allows the Argentinians to go beyond their limits. I see it here at Roma too with players like Molina, Dybala and Castro: off the pitch they are calm people, but when they step on to the pitch they completely transform themselves in order to win. If we manage to combine our talent with greater cohesion and mentality, sooner or later we will win again."

Roma's priorities have shifted: a backup for Wesley is no longer a priority, and the club are now focused on strengthening their attack ahead of the winter window. The January market opens early this year, on 28 December, between Christmas and New Year, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is reportedly hoping for at least two signings, both in attacking roles. The forward line is short of numbers, and reinforcing it is the absolute priority. Lorenzo Pellegrini will not return until 2027, while Paulo Dybala remains a question mark over his physical condition. Gasperini wants two attacking players. Compared with the summer, the priorities have changed. In the final days of the summer window Roma had also looked at a backup for Wesley, but that is no longer a priority. The coach is willing to keep his group of four wide players, largely thanks to the emergence of Lulli. The 2007-born player has quickly become a fixed point for the Giallorossi and sits ahead of Rensch in the pecking order on the right, often putting pressure on Molina. Balde was recently offered for that role, with his agent the same as Mora's, but all talks are currently frozen. Part of the reason is that a proper transfer summit has yet to take place, and part is that Roma will hunt for forwards to strengthen the attacking unit. Endrick is at the top of the list, but Gittens, van Bommel and Leweling are also under close watch. Kvernadze is considered more difficult to land.

Roma are preparing their January transfer strategy, with the aim of signing two forwards on loan, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is eager to strengthen the squad. The directions come from Trigoria and combine the ambition of Gasperini with the caution and realism of the ownership. They are simple but not final, and will be updated and shared in the coming weeks. The people handling the negotiations have been at work since early September, but every move must be assessed and approved, or rejected, by the Friedkin family. Sporting director D'Amico knows this well, having been through the same process over the summer. Gasperini said after the win over Sassuolo at the Olimpico, and before the international break: "La Roma è competitiva, ma non numericamente." The sporting director spoke in much the same way that evening, also making clear the type of player Roma want: a high, attacking winger. Roma have 23 players in the squad, which, counting three goalkeepers, leaves just 20 outfield players. Lulli nearly left at the last minute to gain experience, as often happens to players of his age. D'Amico has already understood how he must operate, even without official communication. The plan is loan deals, both of them, while avoiding exceeding the wage bill ceiling. The next step is identifying suitable players. Those considered in the summer are viable options: Luiz Henrique, Leweling and Gittens. Endrick is an obvious target. However, closing deals in the style of Malen, a loan with an obligation (or right) to buy, is too early. Roma need players who are well coached but at odds with their manager or club, ready and willing to change teams. The club are targeting unhappy players, as happened with the Dutchman under Emery at Aston Villa. Waiting is necessary, as injuries and suspensions often cause managers and directors to change their minds about discarded players. Beyond the summer attempts, the agent of Lookman has made clear that his client, little used by Simeone, is pushing to leave Atlético Madrid. Endrick's position is not new; he was close to Roma in the summer. The Brazilian wants to play more. He has no space at Real Madrid, but Mourinho is holding on to him and has already said he will not help the Friedkins. Gasperini is waiting to learn whether and how he will be satisfied. Nobody has spoken with him, not Dan, Ryan or Corbin, and Galantic cannot comment. No meeting is scheduled at present. Endrick would be ideal for Gasperini, who also needs a winger with pace and power, something the squad currently lacks. It is a promise not kept from last year.

Roma defender Emanuele Lulli has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the season, and Italy Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini has admitted he did not expect such a quick rise. Lulli earned his call-up to the Under-21 side after producing convincing performances when Gian Piero Gasperini called on him at Roma. On the eve of Italy's match against France, scheduled for tomorrow at 18:30, Baldini spoke specifically about the Roma full-back and his development. Baldini said: "I did not expect Lulli to explode so quickly, but he is a boy we have always monitored closely." The Italy coach also spoke about the spirit within the Under-21 group. Baldini said: "Here we are a family. When I see these boys I feel particular emotions. They are special because they can tell the professionalism required on the pitch from the fun off it. There are rules, but the most important is the one about cheerfulness: I want to see them smile, joke and get on well together. For me they are a divine gift."

Roma defender Emanuele Lulli is the only Giallorossi player in Italy's Under-21 squad, and coach Baldini has heaped praise on him ahead of Saturday's friendly against France at 18:30 on 13 November. Baldini said: "Lulli I didn't think would break through so quickly, but he has always been monitored." The coach's comments were the headline of his pre-match remarks, and Lulli is the Roma player at the centre of them. Baldini also spoke about two other players. On Ekhator he said: "Ekhator is very strong and more mature than his age. He can give a big hand to Juve and will have a great future." On Inacio he said: "A promising lad with great qualities, and he is doing brilliantly. He will get his chance." Baldini described the squad's atmosphere in warm terms: "Here it is a family. I make the comparison with people who work abroad and, when they come home, find celebration and harmony. When I see these boys I feel those same emotions. They are special in knowing how to separate the professionalism of work on the pitch from fun off it. There are rules, but the number one rule is cheerfulness: I want to see them joking and laughing. For me, they are a divine gift."