Gasperini counts the cost as Pellegrini goes down and Cristante nears return ahead of Napoli

Manu Koné is continuing his recovery and will try to return to Roma's squad for the match against Sassuolo, which takes place just before the international break, possibly with a place on the bench in the previous fixture against Manchester United to help him readjust. Gasperini hopes to have him back soon to strengthen a department that will also see the return of Bryan Cristante against Napoli. Paulo Dybala also has hopes of returning earlier than expected, but even in his case it will be very difficult to see him back before the trip to Old Trafford. Mile Svilar's rehabilitation continues after a fracture to his fifth toe, and he is likely to return after the international break. Lorenzo Pellegrini is due to undergo tests today.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is set to undergo instrumental tests today to assess a problem with his right thigh flexor, after he was forced off early in the second half of Roma's 4-0 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava. The midfielder's availability for the trip to Napoli on Saturday 24 October, kicking off at 18:00, is seriously in doubt, according to Il Messaggero. Roma's medical staff are waiting for the results to determine whether the problem is minor or whether a longer spell on the sidelines is needed. The timing is a blow for Gian Piero Gasperini, who has only just welcomed back Bryan Cristante from injury and now risks losing another important midfielder. The fear is that Pellegrini could be forced to miss further fixtures beyond the clash at the Maradona. The coming hours will be decisive in establishing his recovery timeline and when he might return to the coach's options. The win over Slovan Bratislava brought renewed enthusiasm to the club, but it has also left a fresh concern over the fitness of Pellegrini, who reportedly felt discomfort in the right thigh flexor before coming off. Roma's medical department will now decide his immediate fate based on the outcome of the scans, with the Napoli fixture the first immediate test of his availability.

Manu Koné is continuing his recovery and hopes to return to Roma's squad for the match against Sassuolo, which falls just before the international break. The French midfielder is still unavailable, but Gasperini hopes to have him back soon to strengthen the department, according to Il Tempo. Player ratings from the Italian papers rewarded Pisilli and Wesley (7.28), the best performers in the win over Slovan Bratislava. Hermoso and Malen (7.14) also earned high marks, followed by Ghilardi and Pellegrini (7.07). Mora (5.93) received the lowest rating and was the only player below the average mark. Gasperini was also praised, receiving a 7.36 for his management of the game. Donyell Malen continues to drive Roma forward. Against Slovan Bratislava he scored a penalty and provided an assist for Pisilli, following his brace against Real Madrid and his assist for Cristante against Fenerbahce. The Dutchman has risen to 9 goals this season, 6 in the league and 3 in the Champions League. He is the first Roma player to be involved in a goal in each of the first three matches of a single edition of the competition, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. There were moments of tension at the Olimpico during Roma against Slovan Bratislava. In the away section, several Slovak ultras reportedly attacked police officers who had intervened to restore order, even taking some riot shields. Police responded with charges that forced the fans back. Some supporters were reportedly identified, and further measures are not ruled out, according to Corriere della Sera.

Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo has called for the club to bring in Ademola Lookman on a six-month loan when the January window opens, arguing that Roma need a new forward. Speaking on Radio Radio (104.5 FM), Pruzzo said: "Poi dirò chi prendere a gennaio, perché serve prendere un attaccante a gennaio: la Roma deve prendere Lookman a gennaio. Fai un prestito di sei mesi." His view came in a round-up of opinions from Rome's radio stations, which also included comments on Gian Piero Gasperini's squad selection and on injuries to Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini. On Tele Radio Stereo (92.7 FM), Lorenzo Pes said Gasperini is keeping his selections very tight. For Napoli, he suggested, only Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora remain behind Donyell Malen. Pes said he saw no exaggeration in how Gasperini has used Dybala and Pellegrini, noting that Pellegrini has started twice rather than all four matches, which he described as gradual management. He added: "Pellegrini mi sembra un calciatore propenso agli infortuni, lui 2-3 a campionato ce li ha sempre. Ora ha 30 anni, comincia a entrare nella fase finale della carriera, e i problemi si acuiscono. Lui e Dybala sono molto predisposti a questo genere di infortuni." Pruzzo judged the two matches that followed the heavy defeat to Real Madrid as a necessary response, saying Roma had earned some satisfaction from them. He was critical of the forwards, however. He said Santiago Castro does not play when Malen is available, and that Mora did not take his opportunity. "Mora non è assolutamente pronto per questo palcoscenico," he said. Piero Torri, on Radio Manà Manà Sport Roma (90.9 FM), was more patient with Mora. He said Mora was less effective than the others the previous evening, but that he wanted to wait for him, as he is young and had only recently arrived. "Ieri sera ha avuto una bella occasione e non l'ha sfruttata," Torri said, adding: "La rosa è corta e questo si sapeva." He also praised Daniele Ghilardi, saying: "Bravo Ghilardi, ha una bella corsa resistente, veloce."

Roma's pundits on Rome's radio stations were largely positive about the club's recent results, but they were divided over Mora and the January market. Roberto Pruzzo, speaking on Radio Radio, said: 'Mora is absolutely not ready for this stage, and Roma must sign Lookman. Do a six-month loan.' He also said Castro does not play when Malen is fit and that Mora did not take advantage of his chance, adding that a striker is needed in January. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo was more worried: 'I said Mora had to play to get used to his teammates, but there is a Mora problem. Do you remember Bojan Krkic? I would not want him to suffer the same fate.' Corsi said Mora was an embarrassment in front of goal, had shot at a photographer and had got everything wrong on Sunday, including his passing. The debate followed a run of matches after the heavy defeat to Real Madrid. Mario Mattioli of Radio Radio said Roma were fortunate to face Genoa and Slovan Bratislava afterwards, as they could restore their mental focus, and that Roma had taken full advantage. He described Slovan as a side who do not belong in the Champions League, suggesting they were better suited to the Europa League or Conference League. Fabio Petruzzi of Rete Sport argued that Roma make their opponents look weak: 'Genoa were weak, Slovan are weak, they are all weak... even Real Madrid were weak until ten minutes from the end. I would start saying Roma are strong.' Alessio Nardo of Tele Radio Stereo said he could hardly recall a smaller side worse than Slovan Bratislava, adding that they could not keep the ball for more than three seconds. David Rossi of Rete Sport praised the defence under Gian Piero Gasperini: 'What impresses me is that the defenders have improved most with Gasperini. Ghilardi started two matches, against Lecce and against Slovan, and I remember him more for what he does in attack than in defence. Ghilardi is a starter now. Hermoso, we did not know who to pin it on, and now he is a leader. Balerdi arrived while Marseille fans were celebrating, and here he is dominant. N'Dicka has improved a lot... Roma have a back line that I believe is the strongest in Italy.' Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport noted that Roma had rotated five starters in defence over the last two matches while conceding no goals. He said the comparison between Malen and Castro and Ferguson and Dovbyk was harsh. Pes argued that Gasperini had not overused Pellegrini, who had started two matches, and said Pellegrini was prone to injury, which he had always been. Pellegrini is now 30, Pes said, and the problems are getting worse. Checco Oddo Casano said Roma should consider the futures of Dybala and Pellegrini in June, after seeing how many matches they had played. The radio hosts agreed that a striker is needed, and Pruzzo said he would name the player to be signed in January. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said he was supporting Manchester United against Como that evening, because a defeat for the English side would leave Roma with a final chance. He also said Roma had regrets about Fenerbahce and Real Madrid, where a result was possible, and warned that Roma could arrive at the third-last match ranked behind others in the table.

Niccolò Pisilli scored Roma's third goal and was named Man of the Match as the Giallorossi beat Slovan Bratislava 4-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in their Champions League league-phase third matchday. Pisilli also captained the side for the first time in his career after Lorenzo Pellegrini was forced off through injury, and he marked the occasion by scoring soon after taking the armband. The goal means Pisilli became the first Roma player to score in his first match as captain, a feat that the article notes only Francesco Totti had previously achieved. Totti first wore the armband on 17 October 1998, receiving it from Aldair, and he also scored in that match, a 2-1 win over Fiorentina in the final minutes. The result keeps Roma's Champions League campaign moving with a convincing home win, and Pisilli's double contribution as goalscorer and captain adds to a memorable evening for the academy product. Pellegrini's injury is a concern for the squad as the club continues its European and domestic programme.

Manu Koné is continuing his recovery and will try to return to Roma's squad for the match against Sassuolo, which takes place just before the international break, possibly with a place on the bench in the previous fixture against Manchester United to help him readjust. Gasperini hopes to have him back soon to strengthen a department that will also see the return of Bryan Cristante against Napoli. Paulo Dybala also has hopes of returning earlier than expected, but even in his case it will be very difficult to see him back before the trip to Old Trafford. Mile Svilar's rehabilitation continues after a fracture to his fifth toe, and he is likely to return after the international break. Lorenzo Pellegrini is due to undergo tests today.

Roma's goalscoring spread has become a major talking point after Nicolò Molina's goal against Slovan Bratislava made it 11 different scorers in just ten matches. Donyell Malen leads the way with nine goals, while Pisilli, Koné, Soulé and Hermoso have two each. Lulli, Mora, Cristante, De Roon, Castro and Molina have one apiece. In Serie A, counting cup matches too, Roma have scored from more players than Inter, who are stuck on 10. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are the only Italian club in the top bracket of the Sofascore ranking. Paulo Dybala is the notable absentee from the list and is hoping to return before the international break to add his name to the scoresheet. Every outfield player seems to be getting involved. Ghilardi, who could have been the twelfth man on Tuesday, had a goal ruled out for offside against Castro. Mancini, N'Dicka, Balerdi, Wesley, Rensch, Kouliarakis and Pellegrini are all also looking to get on the scoresheet. The key statistic, according to the article, is the number of chances created and Roma's far greater presence in the opposition box compared with last season. Apart from the match at Como, where Roma played with ten men for more than half an hour, the team have scored in every game in Serie A and the Champions League. They have almost always scored at least twice, the exception being the 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce. Across all European leagues, Brighton lead the way with 15 goals from different scorers, followed by Barcelona, Lyon, Brentford and Real Sociedad with 13. Manchester City, Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid and Freiburg have 12, while Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are on 11.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is set to undergo instrumental tests today to assess a problem with his right thigh flexor, after he was forced off early in the second half of Roma's 4-0 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava. The midfielder's availability for the trip to Napoli on Saturday 24 October, kicking off at 18:00, is seriously in doubt, according to Il Messaggero. Roma's medical staff are waiting for the results to determine whether the problem is minor or whether a longer spell on the sidelines is needed. The timing is a blow for Gian Piero Gasperini, who has only just welcomed back Bryan Cristante from injury and now risks losing another important midfielder. The fear is that Pellegrini could be forced to miss further fixtures beyond the clash at the Maradona. The coming hours will be decisive in establishing his recovery timeline and when he might return to the coach's options. The win over Slovan Bratislava brought renewed enthusiasm to the club, but it has also left a fresh concern over the fitness of Pellegrini, who reportedly felt discomfort in the right thigh flexor before coming off. Roma's medical department will now decide his immediate fate based on the outcome of the scans, with the Napoli fixture the first immediate test of his availability.

Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo has called for the club to bring in Ademola Lookman on a six-month loan when the January window opens, arguing that Roma need a new forward. Speaking on Radio Radio (104.5 FM), Pruzzo said: "Poi dirò chi prendere a gennaio, perché serve prendere un attaccante a gennaio: la Roma deve prendere Lookman a gennaio. Fai un prestito di sei mesi." His view came in a round-up of opinions from Rome's radio stations, which also included comments on Gian Piero Gasperini's squad selection and on injuries to Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini. On Tele Radio Stereo (92.7 FM), Lorenzo Pes said Gasperini is keeping his selections very tight. For Napoli, he suggested, only Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora remain behind Donyell Malen. Pes said he saw no exaggeration in how Gasperini has used Dybala and Pellegrini, noting that Pellegrini has started twice rather than all four matches, which he described as gradual management. He added: "Pellegrini mi sembra un calciatore propenso agli infortuni, lui 2-3 a campionato ce li ha sempre. Ora ha 30 anni, comincia a entrare nella fase finale della carriera, e i problemi si acuiscono. Lui e Dybala sono molto predisposti a questo genere di infortuni." Pruzzo judged the two matches that followed the heavy defeat to Real Madrid as a necessary response, saying Roma had earned some satisfaction from them. He was critical of the forwards, however. He said Santiago Castro does not play when Malen is available, and that Mora did not take his opportunity. "Mora non è assolutamente pronto per questo palcoscenico," he said. Piero Torri, on Radio Manà Manà Sport Roma (90.9 FM), was more patient with Mora. He said Mora was less effective than the others the previous evening, but that he wanted to wait for him, as he is young and had only recently arrived. "Ieri sera ha avuto una bella occasione e non l'ha sfruttata," Torri said, adding: "La rosa è corta e questo si sapeva." He also praised Daniele Ghilardi, saying: "Bravo Ghilardi, ha una bella corsa resistente, veloce."

Roma's pundits on Rome's radio stations were largely positive about the club's recent results, but they were divided over Mora and the January market. Roberto Pruzzo, speaking on Radio Radio, said: 'Mora is absolutely not ready for this stage, and Roma must sign Lookman. Do a six-month loan.' He also said Castro does not play when Malen is fit and that Mora did not take advantage of his chance, adding that a striker is needed in January. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo was more worried: 'I said Mora had to play to get used to his teammates, but there is a Mora problem. Do you remember Bojan Krkic? I would not want him to suffer the same fate.' Corsi said Mora was an embarrassment in front of goal, had shot at a photographer and had got everything wrong on Sunday, including his passing. The debate followed a run of matches after the heavy defeat to Real Madrid. Mario Mattioli of Radio Radio said Roma were fortunate to face Genoa and Slovan Bratislava afterwards, as they could restore their mental focus, and that Roma had taken full advantage. He described Slovan as a side who do not belong in the Champions League, suggesting they were better suited to the Europa League or Conference League. Fabio Petruzzi of Rete Sport argued that Roma make their opponents look weak: 'Genoa were weak, Slovan are weak, they are all weak... even Real Madrid were weak until ten minutes from the end. I would start saying Roma are strong.' Alessio Nardo of Tele Radio Stereo said he could hardly recall a smaller side worse than Slovan Bratislava, adding that they could not keep the ball for more than three seconds. David Rossi of Rete Sport praised the defence under Gian Piero Gasperini: 'What impresses me is that the defenders have improved most with Gasperini. Ghilardi started two matches, against Lecce and against Slovan, and I remember him more for what he does in attack than in defence. Ghilardi is a starter now. Hermoso, we did not know who to pin it on, and now he is a leader. Balerdi arrived while Marseille fans were celebrating, and here he is dominant. N'Dicka has improved a lot... Roma have a back line that I believe is the strongest in Italy.' Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport noted that Roma had rotated five starters in defence over the last two matches while conceding no goals. He said the comparison between Malen and Castro and Ferguson and Dovbyk was harsh. Pes argued that Gasperini had not overused Pellegrini, who had started two matches, and said Pellegrini was prone to injury, which he had always been. Pellegrini is now 30, Pes said, and the problems are getting worse. Checco Oddo Casano said Roma should consider the futures of Dybala and Pellegrini in June, after seeing how many matches they had played. The radio hosts agreed that a striker is needed, and Pruzzo said he would name the player to be signed in January. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said he was supporting Manchester United against Como that evening, because a defeat for the English side would leave Roma with a final chance. He also said Roma had regrets about Fenerbahce and Real Madrid, where a result was possible, and warned that Roma could arrive at the third-last match ranked behind others in the table.

Manu Koné is continuing his recovery and will try to return to Roma's squad for the match against Sassuolo, which takes place just before the international break, possibly with a place on the bench in the previous fixture against Manchester United to help him readjust. Gasperini hopes to have him back soon to strengthen a department that will also see the return of Bryan Cristante against Napoli. Paulo Dybala also has hopes of returning earlier than expected, but even in his case it will be very difficult to see him back before the trip to Old Trafford. Mile Svilar's rehabilitation continues after a fracture to his fifth toe, and he is likely to return after the international break. Lorenzo Pellegrini is due to undergo tests today.