← All stories
Gasperini backs Soulé, Mora and Malen from the start against Sassuolo
·7 November 2026·1h ago

Gasperini backs Soulé, Mora and Malen from the start against Sassuolo

Source: Roma News

Gian Piero Gasperini is starting Matías Soulé, Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen together against Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, as Roma look to bounce back immediately from their defeat at Manchester. The three attackers all returned from international call-ups, and Gasperini is relying on their combination to drive the side forward. Paulo Dybala is absent from the squad for the match.

Roma arrive at the fixture after a second-half display at Old Trafford that disappointed, and the club need a response before the international break. The side will rebuild around the Argentine-Portuguese partnership that shone in the first half in England. Soulé has been one of the club's standout performers this season, with four goals and five assists, and earned a call-up from Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni. Rodrigo Mora, born in 2007, has also impressed, and his performances convinced Jorge Jesus to promote him to the Portugal senior squad for the Nations League. Their combination was already on show at Udine and, in spurts, at Manchester.

Their task is to set up Malen, who is also fresh from a call-up with the Netherlands. The forward is ready to face Sassuolo, coached by former Roma player Alberto Aquilani, to find the net again, put behind him the setbacks of the Champions League, and push for double figures in Serie A. Gasperini's main weapon is the combination of Soulé, Mora and Malen, turning flair and quality into three points while Serie A's leading sides also meet each other this weekend.

● AI Generated Summary

This summary was generated by an AI model. Always read the source for complete and accurate information.

Story Coverage2 sources on this story

Gian Piero Gasperini is starting Matías Soulé, Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen together in attack for Roma's home match against Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico. Both outlets say the trio all returned from international call-ups, and Paulo Dybala is absent from the squad. Roma need to bounce back from their defeat at Manchester United, where the side faded after the break.

Roma News highlights Soulé's form this season, with four goals and five assists, and his call-up from Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni. It also reports that Mora, born in 2007, was promoted to Portugal's senior squad by Jorge Jesus for the Nations League. Roma News says Malen, also fresh from Netherlands duty, wants to find the net again and push for double figures in Serie A. Forza Roma credits Malen with his eighth league goal of the season. It adds that this is Roma's ninth game in 27 days, that Marten de Roon is set to start his ninth match in a row, and that a long injury list has included Svilar, Gollini, Rensch, Koné, Cristante, Dybala and Pellegrini.

Forza Roma notes that Sassuolo have the worst defence in Serie A, having conceded 26 goals in 10 matches, 12 of them in their last three. Roma News points out that Sassuolo are coached by former Roma player Alberto Aquilani. The outlets differ on the Manchester match: Roma News calls the second-half display disappointing, while Forza Roma says the trio dominated the first half, with Soulé setting up the opener, before Roma dropped deeper after Mora's half-time substitution and United mounted a comeback.

AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.

Testo Originale / Source Text

“La sosta delle nazionali è ormai alle porte, ma prima la Roma deve superare un ostacolo fondamentale per rimettere in carreggiata le proprie ambizioni. All’Olimpico, i giallorossi si preparano alla sfida contro il Sassuolo con un obiettivo chiaro: rialzarsi subito dopo il ko di Manchester. Per…”

Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.

Read original on Roma News →

More Match Report

Gasperini can break Serie A decade scoring record with Roma
Serie AMatch Report● AI
1h ago

Gasperini can break Serie A decade scoring record with Roma

Gian Piero Gasperini can surpass his own record after Roma's best start in club history in terms of goals scored, with 28 so far this season. According to Francesco Balzani in La Gazzetta dello Sport, the decade's Serie A record belongs to Gasperini himself during his Atalanta spell, when he had scored 30 goals in the first ten matchdays in 2019 before the run was halted at the eleventh round, a 2-0 defeat to Cagliari. Roma now need three more goals against Sassuolo to pass that mark. The total of 28 is the highest the club has ever recorded in the opening rounds of a season, making the attacking start one of the most striking aspects of the campaign so far under the head coach. The chance to overtake his own benchmark gives the coach a personal milestone to chase in the coming fixture, with the attack in clear focus for Roma supporters.

Roma vs Sassuolo: Mora starts, Balerdi in the squad
Match ReportSquad News● AI
14h ago

Roma vs Sassuolo: Mora starts, Balerdi in the squad

Roma are set to face Sassuolo, with Rodrigo Mora expected to start from the first minute and Leonardo Balerdi included in the match-day selection, according to the probable line-ups published ahead of the fixture. Gian Piero Gasperini has the possible options for the clash with Sassuolo. The headline notes Gollini is in doubt, and Devis Vásquez is set to be in goal again, which the report presents as a probable change between the posts. The lineup report also touches on the wider context around the squad. Koné has been left out of the France squad by Zidane, and Roma's attack has been described as record-breaking, with Gasperini now able to surpass a record set by himself. Gasperini also commented after the defeat to Manchester, saying: "We dominated." Carrick returned to speak about the victory over Roma, saying: "The first half was not bad."

Gasperini uses video sessions to tackle Roma's comeback problem ahead of Sassuolo
Match ReportPress Conference● AI
15h ago

Gasperini uses video sessions to tackle Roma's comeback problem ahead of Sassuolo

Gian Piero Gasperini has put his Roma players in front of the screen to work on their collapses, projecting full-screen replays of the match against Manchester, mistakes included, in intense study sessions. Sassuolo visit the Stadio Olimpico, and the front three is confirmed as Mora, Malen and Soulé. The focus on the Manchester game reflects a wider concern at the club over losing leads and conceding late. Gasperini is using video analysis to show his players exactly where the errors came from, aiming to cure what the headline calls Roma's problem with comebacks against them before the home fixture.

Repubblica – RomaRead original →

More on Rodrigo Mora

Player profile →
Roma eye top spot against Sassuolo as Gasperini weighs goalkeeper and defensive options
Squad NewsSerie A● AI
just now

Roma eye top spot against Sassuolo as Gasperini weighs goalkeeper and defensive options

Roma can go to sleep level on points with Lazio and one behind Inter, and host Sassuolo at the Olimpico today at 20.45 in the last round before the international break. Gian Piero Gasperini has the chance to close the gap further at the top of the table. The most urgent question concerns the goalkeeper: Pierluigi Gollini has not fully recovered from the back problem that kept him out before the Manchester game, and his availability remains in doubt. If he is ruled out, Devis Vásquez will again start in goal. Mile Svilar will not return until after the break. In defence, Gasperini must decide how to share out the workload. Daniele Ghilardi is pushing for a place in the starting line-up and could give Gianluca Mancini a rest. On the right, the battle is open between Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli. Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso remain the first choices in the back line, with Leonardo Balerdi as another option to change at least one player. In midfield, Bryan Cristante and Marten de Roon are the most likely pairing. Up front, Donyell Malen will lead the attack, supported by Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora. Manu Koné is still out. He was not called up for Sassuolo and has also been left out of Zidane's France squad. Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini are also unavailable. Dybala is aiming to return against Parma after the break, while Pellegrini will not be back until January. The report, written by Marco Juric for La Repubblica, places the emphasis on the goalkeeper and defensive selection as Gasperini prepares his side for the Sassuolo clash.

Koné left out of France squad; Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen recalled; Roma eye Bynoe-Gittens in January
Squad NewsTransfer News● AI
10h ago

Koné left out of France squad; Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen recalled; Roma eye Bynoe-Gittens in January

Manu Koné has not been named in France's squad for their matches against Italy and Turkey, meaning the midfielder will continue his recovery from injury rather than join up with Les Bleus. Rodrigo Mora has been recalled to the Portugal squad by Jorge Jesus for the games against Denmark and Wales. For the 2007-born player, it is a return to the senior national team after more than a year, although he is still waiting for his debut. Donyell Malen has been selected by the Netherlands for the matches against Greece and Germany, while Konstantinos Koulierakis will answer Greece's call-up to face the Netherlands and Serbia. On the transfer front, Roma continue to evaluate possible reinforcements for the attack ahead of the January window. Among the profiles being monitored by the Giallorossi management is English winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, currently at Chelsea. The London club would be willing to loan him out in the next transfer window, with Roma at the front of the queue should they open talks. Competition is strong, however: Leeds, Sunderland and Crystal Palace in the Premier League, as well as Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, are also reportedly tracking the player. Ahead of the clash with Roma, Sassuolo boss Alberto Aquilani has called on his side to show character to escape their difficult run. For Aquilani, a former Roma midfielder, it will be a special match: "As a coach it is the first time I enter that stadium, and nobody can take that away from me. I have to set aside the emotions." On his team's form, Aquilani stressed the need to limit mistakes and increase intensity: "We have to run a bit more than the opponents, win the tackles and go for the second balls." Finally, his message to his players: "100% might not be enough, but we have to give 100% and more because we have dignity." Radio Bruno commentator Pedrelli said: "Leaving behind the defeat at Old Trafford and focusing on bringing home a full result against a Sassuolo in serious crisis is the primary goal. It will be a crucial day in the league, especially given Inter v Como and Napoli v Lazio. It would be wonderful to start talking about an anti-Roma in this Serie A." Radio Radio pundit Pruzzo said: "After Manchester we must restart immediately. Sassuolo have conceded ten goals in their last two matches. What is worrying is that they show no signs, they do not react. This allows Roma to manage the match and try to create danger up front. Malen occasionally has lapses, and Castro never plays: we'll see if this time there will be space for him."

Rodrigo Mora called up by Portugal for first senior squad under Jorge Jesus
Squad NewsClub News● AI
10h ago

Rodrigo Mora called up by Portugal for first senior squad under Jorge Jesus

Roma midfielder Rodrigo Mora has been called up to the senior Portugal squad for the first time, earning his first selection with the national team during the international break. Head coach Jorge Jesus included the Roma forward in his list for Portugal's decisive UEFA Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales. Mora has made a strong start to the season under Gian Piero Gasperini at Roma. The Portugal boss has praised his contribution in the Italian capital, highlighting his impact in attack. Mora has scored and provided assists for Roma this season, and his form has earned him a place in Portugal's plans for the two fixtures. During the squad announcement press conference, Jesus was asked about how Mora might be used tactically, drawing a comparison with João Félix for the role behind the central striker. He said: "They have the qualities to play that position very well." On Mora's time at Roma, Jesus added: "At Roma, Rodrigo has been very involved in the offensive phase, scoring goals and providing assists. He fits perfectly into what I have in mind for these two games." Portugal face Denmark first on 14 November in Braga, before closing their Nations League group three days later, on 17 November, away to Wales in Cardiff. The call-up gives the young Roma talent the chance to make his mark on the international stage.

More on Donyell Malen

Player profile →
Roma eye top spot against Sassuolo as Gasperini weighs goalkeeper and defensive options
Squad NewsSerie A● AI
just now

Roma eye top spot against Sassuolo as Gasperini weighs goalkeeper and defensive options

Roma can go to sleep level on points with Lazio and one behind Inter, and host Sassuolo at the Olimpico today at 20.45 in the last round before the international break. Gian Piero Gasperini has the chance to close the gap further at the top of the table. The most urgent question concerns the goalkeeper: Pierluigi Gollini has not fully recovered from the back problem that kept him out before the Manchester game, and his availability remains in doubt. If he is ruled out, Devis Vásquez will again start in goal. Mile Svilar will not return until after the break. In defence, Gasperini must decide how to share out the workload. Daniele Ghilardi is pushing for a place in the starting line-up and could give Gianluca Mancini a rest. On the right, the battle is open between Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli. Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso remain the first choices in the back line, with Leonardo Balerdi as another option to change at least one player. In midfield, Bryan Cristante and Marten de Roon are the most likely pairing. Up front, Donyell Malen will lead the attack, supported by Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora. Manu Koné is still out. He was not called up for Sassuolo and has also been left out of Zidane's France squad. Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini are also unavailable. Dybala is aiming to return against Parma after the break, while Pellegrini will not be back until January. The report, written by Marco Juric for La Repubblica, places the emphasis on the goalkeeper and defensive selection as Gasperini prepares his side for the Sassuolo clash.

Koné left out of France squad; Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen recalled; Roma eye Bynoe-Gittens in January
Squad NewsTransfer News● AI
10h ago

Koné left out of France squad; Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen recalled; Roma eye Bynoe-Gittens in January

Manu Koné has not been named in France's squad for their matches against Italy and Turkey, meaning the midfielder will continue his recovery from injury rather than join up with Les Bleus. Rodrigo Mora has been recalled to the Portugal squad by Jorge Jesus for the games against Denmark and Wales. For the 2007-born player, it is a return to the senior national team after more than a year, although he is still waiting for his debut. Donyell Malen has been selected by the Netherlands for the matches against Greece and Germany, while Konstantinos Koulierakis will answer Greece's call-up to face the Netherlands and Serbia. On the transfer front, Roma continue to evaluate possible reinforcements for the attack ahead of the January window. Among the profiles being monitored by the Giallorossi management is English winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, currently at Chelsea. The London club would be willing to loan him out in the next transfer window, with Roma at the front of the queue should they open talks. Competition is strong, however: Leeds, Sunderland and Crystal Palace in the Premier League, as well as Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, are also reportedly tracking the player. Ahead of the clash with Roma, Sassuolo boss Alberto Aquilani has called on his side to show character to escape their difficult run. For Aquilani, a former Roma midfielder, it will be a special match: "As a coach it is the first time I enter that stadium, and nobody can take that away from me. I have to set aside the emotions." On his team's form, Aquilani stressed the need to limit mistakes and increase intensity: "We have to run a bit more than the opponents, win the tackles and go for the second balls." Finally, his message to his players: "100% might not be enough, but we have to give 100% and more because we have dignity." Radio Bruno commentator Pedrelli said: "Leaving behind the defeat at Old Trafford and focusing on bringing home a full result against a Sassuolo in serious crisis is the primary goal. It will be a crucial day in the league, especially given Inter v Como and Napoli v Lazio. It would be wonderful to start talking about an anti-Roma in this Serie A." Radio Radio pundit Pruzzo said: "After Manchester we must restart immediately. Sassuolo have conceded ten goals in their last two matches. What is worrying is that they show no signs, they do not react. This allows Roma to manage the match and try to create danger up front. Malen occasionally has lapses, and Castro never plays: we'll see if this time there will be space for him."

Gollini out for Roma's trip to Sassuolo, Koné misses France call-up
Squad NewsInjury● AI
13h ago

Gollini out for Roma's trip to Sassuolo, Koné misses France call-up

Pierluigi Gollini is set to miss Roma's next match against Sassuolo, with the medical staff unable to resolve his back problem in time, barring a dramatic change. Vásquez, the former Empoli and Milan goalkeeper, is in line to start for the second match running, after the defeat to Manchester United. Koné will not be called up for France, and he is hoping to return to the matchday squad. France play Italy on 12 November and Turkey on 15 November. Zidane's side top the group with ten points, three more than the Azzurri, who can catch them in the head-to-head clash at San Siro. Ndicka will return to the starting lineup in defence. Up front, the attack will be made up of Mora, Soulé and Malen.

More on Paulo Dybala

Player profile →
Roma eye top spot against Sassuolo as Gasperini weighs goalkeeper and defensive options
Squad NewsSerie A● AI
just now

Roma eye top spot against Sassuolo as Gasperini weighs goalkeeper and defensive options

Roma can go to sleep level on points with Lazio and one behind Inter, and host Sassuolo at the Olimpico today at 20.45 in the last round before the international break. Gian Piero Gasperini has the chance to close the gap further at the top of the table. The most urgent question concerns the goalkeeper: Pierluigi Gollini has not fully recovered from the back problem that kept him out before the Manchester game, and his availability remains in doubt. If he is ruled out, Devis Vásquez will again start in goal. Mile Svilar will not return until after the break. In defence, Gasperini must decide how to share out the workload. Daniele Ghilardi is pushing for a place in the starting line-up and could give Gianluca Mancini a rest. On the right, the battle is open between Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli. Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso remain the first choices in the back line, with Leonardo Balerdi as another option to change at least one player. In midfield, Bryan Cristante and Marten de Roon are the most likely pairing. Up front, Donyell Malen will lead the attack, supported by Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora. Manu Koné is still out. He was not called up for Sassuolo and has also been left out of Zidane's France squad. Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini are also unavailable. Dybala is aiming to return against Parma after the break, while Pellegrini will not be back until January. The report, written by Marco Juric for La Repubblica, places the emphasis on the goalkeeper and defensive selection as Gasperini prepares his side for the Sassuolo clash.

Koné available again for Roma's clash with Sassuolo; Vásquez set to start in goal
InjurySquad News● AI
1h ago

Koné available again for Roma's clash with Sassuolo; Vásquez set to start in goal

Manu Koné has returned to availability ahead of Roma's home match against Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, a rare piece of good news for Gian Piero Gasperini. The French midfielder missed more than twenty days with an injury picked up in the Champions League against Real Madrid, and he has passed his final test. He can be called up but without taking any risks, and he will miss his national team commitments as a result. Koné, sidelined by a hamstring injury, is back in contention but is not yet certain to start, as the medical staff preferred not to rush his recovery and will delay his full return until after the international break. The rest of the infirmary remains crowded, forcing Gasperini into several difficult choices. Paulo Dybala still feels discomfort in his calf and is aiming to return against Parma. Mile Svilar is recovering from a stress fracture in his foot and is getting closer to a comeback. Lorenzo Pellegrini's timeline is longer, and he will not return before the end of January. Pierluigi Gollini has not recovered from the back problem he suffered before the trip to Manchester, which opens the door in goal for Devis Vásquez. Vásquez is set to play again sixteen months after his last appearance, on 25 May 2025 in Empoli-Verona. Gasperini is still weighing the final details of the starting line-up. In defence, there is an open battle between Ghilardi and Balerdi, while Molina is expected to return from the first minute on the right flank, where he is tasked with providing width and freshness. Roma are determined to finish this stretch well before the international break.

Koné available again as Vásquez returns to Serie A goal against Sassuolo
Squad NewsSerie A● AI
1h ago

Koné available again as Vásquez returns to Serie A goal against Sassuolo

Manu Koné is set to be included in the squad for tonight's home match against Sassuolo at the Olimpico, after more than twenty days on the sidelines. According to Francesco Balzani in La Gazzetta dello Sport, the final test yesterday produced positive answers, though not enough to say with certainty that he will start from the first minute. Paulo Dybala will miss the match because he still feels discomfort in his calf, and he will return when the league resumes against Parma. Mile Svilar is also set to return at that stage. Lorenzo Pellegrini faces a longer absence, with a return not expected before the end of January. Pierluigi Gollini has been given a thumbs down for tonight's game at the Olimpico. Devis Vásquez will be in goal again and will play in Serie A for the first time in 16 months. His last appearance in the top flight came on 25 May 2025 in Empoli-Verona.

Feedback