Gasperini confirms Koné in squad for Torino trip

Mile Svilar has returned to Rome, with the Roma goalkeeper set to undergo fresh instrumental tests tomorrow as he continues his recovery from injury. Reports from Manà Manà Sport Roma state that Svilar, after flying to Belgium to work on his recovery from a fracture to his toe, is back in the capital and is due to be examined again on Wednesday. The tests are another important step on his road back to the pitch, with a possible return to action as early as next week. Svilar is Roma's top player, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is eager to have him back in the side at a crucial moment in the season, with Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo all on the fixture list. The Belgian spell was aimed at getting him in the best possible shape after the injury, and the club will now assess the results of the new examinations before deciding on his return to training and matches.

Academy products Emanuele Lulli and Niccolò Pisilli turned the match around for Roma after Nzola had put Cagliari ahead, and former defender Aldair has publicly praised the pair. The two youngsters, both raised in the Roma youth system, are appearing more often in Gian Piero Gasperini's rotation, a development that has not gone unnoticed at the Stadio Olimpico. Aldair, the former Brazilian defender, singled out the personality the two players have shown on the pitch. Writing on social media, he dedicated a message to the young pair. The scene carried symbolic weight: two products of the club's youth sector made an impact in a Serie A match and are becoming an increasingly integral part of Gasperini's Roma. Aldair wrote: "It is wonderful to see Emanuele and Niccolò taking their place with this shirt. I like the personality with which they play, without fear and with a great desire to help the team." He added: "Seeing these young men grow and do well with Roma is a joy for me too. Good lads, keep it up. We are all with you."

Academy products Niccolò Pisilli and Emanuele Lulli combined to turn the game around for Roma after Nzola's penalty, and their performance has drawn praise from former Roma defender Aldair. The two youngsters, both products of the Giallorossi youth system, formed an entirely Roman pairing that impressed the Brazilian legend. Writing on social media, Aldair praised the pair for seizing their chances in the shirt. His message read: "Che bello vedere Emanuele e Niccolò prendersi il loro spazio con questa maglia. Mi piace la personalità con cui giocano, senza paura e con tanta voglia di dare una mano alla squadra." The 1990s defender also highlighted the pride of seeing young players develop at the club. Aldair continued: "Vedere questi ragazzi crescere e fare bene con la Roma è una gioia anche per me. Bravi ragazzi, continuate così. Siamo tutti con voi."

Roma defender Wesley is continuing his training even after the club's 4-2 home win over Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on the evening of 27 October. Gasperini gave the squad a day off to prepare for the next fixture, but Wesley was back at work on 28 October. He shared a photo on social media showing him still training in the gym, captioned "il lavoro continua" ("the work continues") with two yellow and red hearts. Wesley came on as a substitute on Monday night, replacing Molin. His commitment to extra work after the match underlines his determination to keep improving, at a time when Gasperini's side are looking to build on the result against Cagliari. The Brazilian's post, accompanied by the phrase "il lavoro continua" and two giallorossi hearts, was shared with supporters as a sign of his dedication to the cause.

Wesley refused the day off that Gian Piero Gasperini gave the squad, instead throwing himself into a gym session of weights, press-ups and more to stay in shape and get back to running down the flank as he knows how. Roma's Brazilian defender posted on social media: "Il lavoro continua" ("The work goes on"), and the photos accompanying the story show the session. Wesley has been at the centre of gossip around Trigoria after comments his wife made on social media, a distraction that has unsettled his usual routine. On the pitch his performances have not suffered, though there is a sense that he is offering a little less than he did last season. The story frames it as nothing to worry about, with hard work always paying off and Wesley knowing it. Udine is next on the schedule, and Wesley is expected to start there. He is determined to let his football do the talking rather than the gossip.

Roma came from behind-the-scenes adversity to beat Cagliari 4-2, with goals from Lulli, Pisilli, Mora and Malen. Reported newspaper ratings praised the young side's courage and energy, with Roma fielding a makeshift line-up. Lulli was the standout performer, receiving a 7.5 rating from the majority of outlets and his goal helped set the tone for the win. Gollini earned 7s in the goal, while Soulé was another bright spark in attack. Gasperini's side were given ratings between 6 and 7 for his tactical approach, with the Italian boss rated 6 by some and 7 by others. Mancini drew criticism for a below-par display, rated between 4.5 and 5.5 across the reports, with Ghilardi entering to earn ratings of 6.5 to 7. Mora came on and was rated 7 or 7.5, while Malen, who replaced Castro, was rated between 6.5 and 7 by most outlets. Rensch, brought on for Lulli, was marked between 5 and 6, and Wesley, who replaced Molina at half-time, received ratings of 5.5 to 6. Pisilli was rated 6 to 6.5 in midfield, with Cristante at 6 or 6.5 alongside him.

Roma will not return to Rome after their Serie A trip to Udine, instead travelling straight on to Manchester for their Champions League fixture against Manchester United on 3 November. Roma face Udinese on Saturday 31 October at 18:00. Angelo Mangiante, speaking on Mana Mana Sport, reported that the squad will train in Udine on Sunday morning, before leaving from Trieste airport for Manchester in the afternoon, in order to ease the travel burden of an intense week of league and Champions League matches. The transfer market is also on the agenda. Roma are looking to broaden the options available to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, and Carlos Forbs, a Portuguese attacking winger born in 2002 who plays for Brugge, is reportedly among the profiles being monitored. Roma have reportedly sent scouts to San Siro to watch Forbs in the match against Inter and assess the player closely. Competition is strong, however, with Tottenham and Manchester United, along with other Premier League clubs, also reportedly interested. Brugge set a valuation of around 30 million euros in the summer, a figure that could still form the basis of any negotiation. Gasperini was also remembered in a tribute to the late journalist Mario Sconcerti, at the second edition of the award dedicated to him, held at the Salone d'Onore of the CONI in Rome and aimed at younger generations. Gasperini sent a video message to the students present, highlighting the value of Sconcerti's professional legacy: "A warning about what his profession was, his capacity. It is a lesson that will stay with you in your future profession." Following Roma's recent match against Cagliari, Marcacci spoke on Radio Radio: "Mora was good: full credit to him, for taking advantage of the defender's mistake from Cagliari. We will remember Mora's goal at the end of the season, because it came at a moment when Cagliari had more energy in the tank. Gasp's rebukes started from the first minutes: he sensed the match would be difficult, and Roma suffered against Cagliari. Mancini struggled and leaves too much space behind him. A note of credit for the crowd, who were involved; the team needed that push." Pedrelli, on Radio Bruno Roma, added: "With Lulli and Pisilli the future is already here. I wish Mora and Ghilardi more space. Well done also to Gollini. What a Roma this is, who keep trying until the end. No one excluded."

Former Roma player and ex-UEFA vice-president Zibi Boniek has praised Rodrigo Mora's late goal in Roma's win over Cagliari, saying the Portuguese had shown little before and that the strike could boost his confidence. Speaking to Retesport, Boniek also discussed Gianluca Mancini's place in the side, the Lazio team Roma face in the city derby, and the importance of Roma staying focused. Boniek said the match looked over before a late finish from Mora, whom he described as a player with good individual technique whose physique had not helped him. He said: "La partita di ieri sembrava chiusa poi c'è stato un finale targato Mora che mi è piaciuto perché questo ragazzo aveva fatto vedere poco. Il portoghese è un calciatore con una buona tecnica individuale ma la sua struttura fisica non l'aveva aiutato. Spero che questo gol possa fargli aumentare il livello dell'autostima." On Mancini, who has been linked with losing his starting place to Balerdi, Boniek highlighted his attacking contribution. He said: "Quasi quasi è diventato il primo attaccante. Anche nel secondo gol di Pisilli c'è molto di Mancini che ha servito Lulli che ha fatto il cross per Niccolò. Ieri è stato raggirato da Fadera ma non mando in panchina nessuno, è chiaro che se ci sono 20 giocatori di pari livello si deve valutare chi è stanco ma questo Gasperini lo fa molto bene, infatti, poi ha messo Ghilardi e ha passato un pallone determinante a Mora. Mancini è forte nel pressing basso, anticipa gli avversari mentre quando c'è tanto spazio e deve correre può andare in difficoltà perché ha altre caratteristiche." Boniek also spoke about Lazio, who had just beaten Sassuolo, and praised coach Gennaro Gattuso. He said: "Adoro Gattuso perché è una persona vera che non si nasconde e dice quello che pensa: è un allenatore bravo. Se fa troppi punti diventa antipatico (ride ndr). La Lazio gioca bene, ieri l'ho vista con il Sassuolo, è una squadra molto veloce che va sempre in verticale con tante sovrapposizioni e non fa nessun Tiki Taka. Più la Lazio va forte e più la Roma manterrà alto il livello della concentrazione per fare altrettanto bene, vista la rivalità cittadina."

Former Roma player and ex-UEFA vice-president Zibi Boniek praised Rodrigo Mora's late winner in Roma's win over Cagliari, which came after Maldini had put the visitors ahead. Speaking to Retesport, Boniek said the game looked settled before Mora's finish. "The game yesterday seemed closed, then there was a finish from Mora that I liked because this young man had shown little. The Portuguese is a player with good individual technique, but his physical build hadn't helped him. I hope this goal can raise his self-esteem." Boniek said Roma started well but eased off in the second half, believing the result was secure, and conceded the goal from Maldini. He said the immediate response showed that players coming off the bench can make a difference. He singled out Ghilardi, who made a cross and an overlap that Boniek described as outstanding despite having played little. Boniek also noted that Cagliari played with a low block and always kept three forwards ready to counter-attack, making them a difficult side to beat. On the defence, Boniek said the starting back three was Mancini, Ndicka and Hermoso, but argued that Balerdi is a defender of real quality. He praised Gasperini's management of the squad, saying the coach did not leave anyone on the bench without reason and that his rotation was handled well. Boniek also highlighted Pisilli's second goal, which involved Mancini's pass to Lulli and Lulli's cross for Pisilli. On Mancini, he said the defender is strong in the low press and anticipates opponents well, but can struggle when there is a lot of space to cover and he must run. Boniek was also positive about Soulé, a 2003-born player he said is improving under a good coach. "He is also more resistant now, and players grow at 26-27, let alone at his age. I really liked him yesterday." Turning to Lazio, Boniek said he admires Gattuso. "I adore Gattuso because he is a genuine person who doesn't hide and says what he thinks: he is a good coach. If he gets too many points he becomes unpopular (laughs)." He described Lazio as a fast side that attacks vertically with many overlaps and no tiki-taka. He said he had watched them against Sassuolo. "The better Lazio go, the more Roma will keep their concentration high to do equally well, given the city rivalry."

Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari 4-2 without a host of first-team regulars, with Lulli, Pisilli, Mora and Malen on the scoresheet. The performance was far from polished and Roma did not control the match, but the result showed the side's determination to find a win. Gollini made key saves, Lulli provided a goal and an assist, and Ghilardi, through a burst of pace, delivered a decisive cross in the style of Cafu. Mora scored and also set Malen through on goal. Roma were missing several key players, with Svilar, Hermoso, Koné, Dybala and Pellegrini absent, and Wesley and Malen initially out. The win follows the reaction the side showed at Napoli, and it reinforced the belief that this group keeps fighting until the final whistle even when it is short of options. Argentine Matías Soulé was again outstanding. La Gazzetta dello Sport described his growing influence as another reason for optimism, saying his "dybalizzazione" was complete, and he was the team's technical leader on Tuesday, among the best players even without scoring or assisting. The result leaves Gasperini with encouraging signs as the squad rotates through injuries and rest. Soulé's displays suggest he is now one of the central figures in the team, not merely a promising attacker. Roma's ability to win without their senior names adds depth to their challenge across the season.

Roma beat Cagliari late on in a match they never fully controlled, with Soulé hailed as the team's technical leader in a performance that reflected the club's relentless search for a result. Without Mile Svilar, Mario Hermoso, Manu Koné, Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and, initially, Wesley and Donyell Malen, Roma won because Pierluigi Gollini made saves, Lulli provided an assist and a goal, Ghilardi produced a sprint and a decisive Cafu-style cross, and Rodrigo Mora scored and set up Malen. Writing in La Gazzetta dello Sport, Gian Battista Olivero said Soulé's growing influence is a further reason for optimism. He was the team's technical leader on the night and one of the best players on the pitch without scoring or assisting. Olivero argued that Soulé is widening his range of action and understands when the team needs him to take charge, just as Dybala does. Having one player of that kind in the squad is wonderful, and having two is a luxury, so Soulé must continue along this path. The result also reflects the team's character. Roma take a punch, go down, get back up and hit harder. Gasperini would probably prefer to concede less and control matches, but that is not always possible, so it is important to cling to the result and to everything the side can put on the pitch. Olivero described the win as a response to Lazio, a warning to Inter and a moment of collective hope.

Roma bounced back from their draw at the Maradona with a win over Cagliari, as goals from Mora and Malen secured three points after Maldini had equalised. The result was Gasperini's ninth consecutive positive result of this Serie A start. Speaking to Dazn shortly after the final whistle, the head coach was happy with the performance despite a flat second half. Gasperini said: "Va molto bene così. Questa sera avevamo qualche elemento in difficoltà, che non aveva recuperato al meglio. Alcuni giocatori loro, soprattutto in attacco, erano più freschi e ci mettevano in difficoltà. Il motivo è solo questo. Anche in mezzo ultimamente abbiamo giocato sempre con gli stessi uomini, per 90' ogni volta, e si è vista un po' di fatica. E' un merito ancora più grande aver vinto questa partita, un po' con i cambi e un po' con la volontà di tutti. Soprattutto sull'1-0, abbiamo avuto un ottimo momento anche di gioco. Poi anche nel finale". On the depth of the squad, Gasperini praised Ghilardi, who had recently produced strong performances. He said Ghilardi "probabilmente doveva entrare prima", but a situation made the substitution difficult, as it would have been the first change after the interval. "Sta facendo bene, è cresciuto molto rispetto all'anno scorso e troverà sempre più spazio", he added. Balerdi and Hermoso were unavailable, having left the Napoli match battered, and Gasperini said the team needed to recover. Gasperini also noted the absence of Dybala, Koné and Pellegrini, and said Svilar had been less impressive while Gollini was "strepitoso". Cristante had returned after a month out and played two 90-minute matches in three days. Gasperini said: "Non avrebbe fatto 112 partite con me se non fosse stato un portiere di livello (ride, ndr). In una squadra che ha raggiunto anche la Champions e traguardi importanti. All'epoca era molto più giovane e anche più esuberante, diciamo, aveva magari meno spirito di lavorare e migliorarsi ed è stato un peccato. Già all'inizio era il terzo portiere della Nazionale. Ci siamo ritrovati a Roma e non ho mai avuto dubbi sulle sue qualità e potenzialità, abbiamo rimesso un po' di puntini a posto e da un'anno e mezzo a questa parte si allena benissimo. Sono molto felice per quello che ha fatto stasera e in queste ultime partite. Da vicino è straordinario, a volte prende gol dalla distanza ed è sempre stato un suo limite. Ma è un portiere di grande valore". On the youth products, Gasperini said: "Sono ragazzi straordinari. Nel settore giovanile della Roma ci sono sempre belle espressioni". Lulli had trained on heading the day before and scored with a header on Monday night, which Gasperini described as "non è il suo pezzo migliore, ma è stato straordinario". On Mora, Gasperini said: "Gli ho visto fare gol col Porto, simile a quello di stasera. E' piccolino, ma è molto coordinato e salta molto bene, oltre a colpire molto bene. Dà una frustata alla palla, questo è un gran gol". Asked about Mora's development, he said: "Deve formarsi dal punto di vista tecnico e fisico anche per giocare 90 minuti. Utilizzato così è una mina vagante, lo è stato anche a Napoli". Gasperini acknowledged some defensive lapses, explaining: "Questa era la sesta di continuo ogni 2-3 giorni, qualche giocatore te lo trovi stanco contro un avversario fresco come Maldini". On Dybala, he said the forward was confident after training on Monday, but recovery from injury was taking longer than expected. Gasperini added: "Con lui e Koné puntiamo il Sassuolo ma non so se sarà possibile". On Malen, he said: "Abbiamo fatto 23 gol in 9 giornate è una bella cifra. Lo scorso anno erano solo 10". He also commented on changes to Serie A, saying: "Hanno favorito il gioco del calcio, non si vede più una simulazione e i finali di partita si giocano".