Gasperini demands closer Friedkin involvement and rules out Koné departure

Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed reservations about the extended international break, questioning whether it will disrupt Roma's rhythm as the club prepares for a gruelling month ahead. Speaking to Sky at his wine estate in Asti, the coach acknowledged the unusual length of the stoppage—comparing it only to the Qatar World Cup break—and noted that Roma's reduced squad during the pause meant the team could not hold friendlies. "This long break is an experiment that I don't think many people liked," Gasperini said. "We had so few players available that we couldn't play friendlies. It is what it is; the decision-makers will assess whether to repeat it." The concern reflects Roma's recent history with international breaks. Last season, Roma lost three of four matches upon returning from national team duties—defeats to Torino and two losses to Inter—managing only a win over Cremonese. Gasperini suggested stopping a team in full flow was hardly ideal, though he acknowledged the situation applies to all clubs. From Sunday onward, Roma face nine matches in a month where rotation will prove essential. The five-substitute rule will be crucial during this demanding run, though Gasperini noted that only four changes carry real significance. "The energy expenditure is considerable," he explained. "For coaches, management isn't as complicated—you can rotate more players and use the whole squad with fewer complications. The disadvantage is only injuries; with so many matches, the risk of injury increases." Gasperini stressed the value of squad depth in managing fixture congestion, emphasising that rotation and tactical planning will determine how Roma navigate the period ahead.

Gian Piero Gasperini has praised Paulo Dybala's importance to Roma in an interview given six days before the club's fixture against Como. Speaking from his family wine business, Gasperini reflected on Roma's extended break during the international window, which he described as an experiment that appears not to have been well received. "We had never had a stoppage like this before," he explained. "The executives will evaluate whether it should happen again. We had a reduced number of players so we couldn't arrange friendlies. We took rest days like today. From tomorrow we'll start getting immersed in the reality of a league we left in a very positive way." Gasperini has settled into his role at Roma since his appointment in 2025 and highlighted the quality of the playing squad as a key factor in the club's recent success. He described the dynamic with ownership: "There are many small factors that have contributed to these results. The first is finding players with enormous availability. The relationship with the Friedkins? I feel their confidence from a distance. They come to Rome rarely. My objective is to involve them more." On the transfer market activity that saw Manu Koné linked with Chelsea, Gasperini clarified Roma's position: "We couldn't replace him in such a short time. The market lasted a long time and making a sale at the last moment was impossible."

Gian Piero Gasperini outlined one of his key ambitions for the season as Roma prepare to travel to Como on Sunday. The head coach said: "I feel their confidence, but I want to bring the Friedkin Group closer to Rome. Bringing greater presence with the centenary and the new stadium in mind is an objective of mine." Roma will return to their Trigoria base from Tuesday as players rejoin from international duty, ahead of the Como fixture and a demanding stretch of nine matches in 27 days. Gasperini also addressed the fitness of Bryan Cristante, who continues his recovery from injury. "Cristante is recovering but it will take time," the coach said. On Manu Koné, who did not leave the club during the transfer window, Gasperini explained: "For Koné there were no suitable timings." The coach also paid tribute to José Mourinho, describing him as "a special person." In a lighter moment with Como manager Cesc Fabregas, the two coaches discussed pressing tactics using a Subbuteo table football set, with Gasperini joking: "He beat me here, but on Sunday..."

Roman radio pundit Piero Torri has drawn a comparison between Endrick and Donyell Malen, suggesting the former could develop into a key player under Gasperini's system. Speaking on Radio Manà Manà Sport Roma, Torri said: "Endrick could become the new Muriel for Gasperini. Another one who, like Malen, when he gets the ball his first thought is the goal, regardless of the role he would play." The comment reflects analysis of how attacking players operate within Gasperini's tactical framework, with Malen already established in Roma's squad and now serving as a reference point for how such players function in the coach's system. Simone Valdarchi, also of Radio Manà Manà Sport Roma, addressed tensions between Gasperini and Carlo Fabregas, noting: "That there is no particular friendship between Gasperini and Fabregas is something known for some time. There have been various episodes, from missed handshakes to declarations about each other's football. There is certainly technical respect, but the Subbuteo episode also fits into this discourse."

Evan N'Dicka is set to return to Trigoria after international duty with Ivory Coast and will target a starting berth against Como. Physical complaints, a virus, and Leonardo Balerdi's strong performances have limited his appearances; he was benched for tactical reasons against Inter. Bryan Cristante remains under assessment following a left knee collateral problem. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini explained the situation: "Bryan is recovering, he's being treated and it takes time. It's not certain he'll definitely miss Como and Real Madrid, but we won't be willing to risk anything. If he has to miss one or two more matches, the objective is to get him back in top condition." Wesley reportedly reached out directly to his friend Endrick, expressing how pleased he would be to welcome him to Roma as early as January. The contact between the two Brazilians drew on a bond formed through difficult moments; last June, Endrick had himself called Wesley after an injury forced him to leave Brazil's training camp. The roles have now reversed, with the Roma winger ready to tell Endrick about the club and Trigoria. The pair will have a chance to meet at the Olimpico on 14 October when Roma face Real Madrid. According to Football Benchmark estimates, Roma's squad is valued at approximately €600 million, the third-highest figure in Serie A behind Inter (€829 million) and Juventus (€777 million). The valuation is linked to resources invested by the Friedkin Group and Gasperini's work during his first year. Two Roma players feature in the top 10 in the league: Manu Koné at €64 million and Donyell Malen at €58 million. Roma supporters will return to away fixtures without residency restrictions for the first time in nine months. The away section at Sinigaglia will be full for the Como match, despite technical issues many fans encountered during ticket sales. From Sunday, Roma enter an intense stretch of nine matches in 27 days across Serie A and the Champions League, with approximately 62,000 spectators expected at the Olimpico for Real Madrid's visit.

Radio commentators Simone Valdarchi and Piero Torri have offered contrasting views on Roma's squad and management in separate interviews. Valdarchi addressed the relationship between head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and Como's Cesc Fabregas, stating: "Between Gasperini and Fabregas there is a bit of tension, it is something known for some time. Various episodes have shown it: missed handshakes and comments on each other's football. There is certainly technical respect, but if we look at the Subbuteo episode it fits into this context." Torri, speaking on Radio Manà Manà, expressed his unwavering faith in midfielder Manu Koné, saying: "Doumbia seems strong to me, but I find it absurd to think of a life after Koné. I am completely in love with Koné as a footballer. I would never consider the idea of selling Koné, but if someone comes with 100 million you have to sit down and I think it is almost inevitable. The objective, in my opinion, is to prevent his departure." On prospective forward Endrick, Torri added: "For Roma, Endrick would not play 20 matches out of 20. If there are two spots up front they are booked by Dybala and Malen."

Bryan Cristante will miss Roma's match against Como—the first time Gasperini has left him out since his appointment in 2025, aside from a suspension against Sassuolo. Cristante has been ever-present under the coach, a midfielder who operates with minimal visibility but maximum impact: he disrupts play, recovers possession, covers ground and consistently ranks among Roma's leaders in distance covered and ball recoveries. His absence forces Gasperini to deploy a different solution in midfield. Instead of recalling Niccolò Pisilli, as he did for the Sassuolo match, Gasperini will pair Marten de Roon alongside Manu Koné. The shift prioritises greater physicality, experience and midfield weight to withstand Como's attacking threat under manager Fabregas. De Roon is a well-known option for Gasperini, but the coach will now rely on him without one of his tactical certainties. Cristante's quiet, almost invisible presence has proved fundamental to Roma's structure this season. Gasperini has signalled that Cristante's layoff may extend beyond Como; he could miss the Real Madrid fixture as well. Two consecutive matches without him will test how heavily his contribution weighs on Roma's midfield balance and offer a genuine audition for De Roon as the coach's latest "trusted lieutenant".

Evan N'Dicka is set to return to Trigoria after international duty with Ivory Coast and will target a starting berth against Como. Physical complaints, a virus, and Leonardo Balerdi's strong performances have limited his appearances; he was benched for tactical reasons against Inter. Bryan Cristante remains under assessment following a left knee collateral problem. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini explained the situation: "Bryan is recovering, he's being treated and it takes time. It's not certain he'll definitely miss Como and Real Madrid, but we won't be willing to risk anything. If he has to miss one or two more matches, the objective is to get him back in top condition." Wesley reportedly reached out directly to his friend Endrick, expressing how pleased he would be to welcome him to Roma as early as January. The contact between the two Brazilians drew on a bond formed through difficult moments; last June, Endrick had himself called Wesley after an injury forced him to leave Brazil's training camp. The roles have now reversed, with the Roma winger ready to tell Endrick about the club and Trigoria. The pair will have a chance to meet at the Olimpico on 14 October when Roma face Real Madrid. According to Football Benchmark estimates, Roma's squad is valued at approximately €600 million, the third-highest figure in Serie A behind Inter (€829 million) and Juventus (€777 million). The valuation is linked to resources invested by the Friedkin Group and Gasperini's work during his first year. Two Roma players feature in the top 10 in the league: Manu Koné at €64 million and Donyell Malen at €58 million. Roma supporters will return to away fixtures without residency restrictions for the first time in nine months. The away section at Sinigaglia will be full for the Como match, despite technical issues many fans encountered during ticket sales. From Sunday, Roma enter an intense stretch of nine matches in 27 days across Serie A and the Champions League, with approximately 62,000 spectators expected at the Olimpico for Real Madrid's visit.

Evan N'Dicka's start to the 2026-27 season has not matched the consistency he showed in the previous campaign, when he made 31 league starts as an automatic choice for Gian Piero Gasperini. A series of physical setbacks and the increased depth of Roma's defensive ranks have forced the Ivorian centre-back to manage a fragmented opening, punctuated by alternating appearances and enforced rest. After solid performances as a starter against Fiorentina and in Champions League against Atalanta and Fenerbahçe, N'Dicka was sidelined by adductor trouble and then an inflammation in the groin area that forced him to withdraw from the trip to Lecce at the last moment. A viral fever on the day of the Turin fixture prevented him from starting that match. The arrival of Leonardo Balerdi on loan with an obligation to buy from Marseille has further complicated his path back to the eleven; Gasperini chose the Argentine for the recent Inter clash on tactical grounds, preferring his mobility and speed to handle Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram at the centre of defence. N'Dicka accepted the decision and came on during the game with the right attitude, but is determined to reclaim the defence's primary role. During the international break, N'Dicka sent clear signals of intent. He played two full matches for Ivory Coast against Cameroon before returning to Rome ahead of schedule, putting himself straight back at the disposal of the coaching staff to regain his physical sharpness and the defensive compactness Gasperini demands. Training resumes today at Trigoria, officially opening preparation for Sunday's match against Como at the Sinigaglia. N'Dicka is a strong candidate to reclaim a starting place in the lineup. Bryan Cristante remains under careful medical management as he recovers from inflammation of the left knee's collateral ligament. He will not be risked to avoid setbacks, with the focus on a full return ahead of the prestigious European fixture against Real Madrid.

Roma will renew their search for a forward in the January transfer window after failing to secure a speedster during the summer. The club saved money through the structure of the Rodrigo Mora deal and is monitoring both established and familiar targets for the position, according to Corriere dello Sport. Endrick, a Real Madrid forward, is on Roma's radar and could potentially leave on loan if his minutes continue to be limited. However, securing him would require negotiating a permanent option to buy, which Real Madrid are unlikely to grant. Jaime Leweling, who came close to joining in the summer, remains a target with a potentially reduced price tag after struggling for regular minutes. Jamie Gittens, who has yet to play in the Premier League this campaign, is also under consideration. Roma are interested in Giorgi Kvernadze, an emerging Serie A prospect at Frosinone, though convincing the club to sell mid-season will prove difficult. Luiz Henrique from Zenit is another option, though he is left-footed, which could complicate matters given Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé's fitness status. Buying in January typically carries a premium, but the article notes that new opportunities frequently emerge as players seek more regular football. The possibility remains that Mora could develop into the solution, potentially negating the need for another attacker.

Radio commentators Simone Valdarchi and Piero Torri have offered contrasting views on Roma's squad and management in separate interviews. Valdarchi addressed the relationship between head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and Como's Cesc Fabregas, stating: "Between Gasperini and Fabregas there is a bit of tension, it is something known for some time. Various episodes have shown it: missed handshakes and comments on each other's football. There is certainly technical respect, but if we look at the Subbuteo episode it fits into this context." Torri, speaking on Radio Manà Manà, expressed his unwavering faith in midfielder Manu Koné, saying: "Doumbia seems strong to me, but I find it absurd to think of a life after Koné. I am completely in love with Koné as a footballer. I would never consider the idea of selling Koné, but if someone comes with 100 million you have to sit down and I think it is almost inevitable. The objective, in my opinion, is to prevent his departure." On prospective forward Endrick, Torri added: "For Roma, Endrick would not play 20 matches out of 20. If there are two spots up front they are booked by Dybala and Malen."

Lorenzo Pellegrini is poised to start for Roma at Como on Sunday lunchtime as Gian Piero Gasperini prepares a tactical masterclass against Cesc Fàbregas. The Roma midfielder has spent the international break working intensively at Trigoria to restore his physical condition and has positioned himself as a strong candidate for a starting place. The fixture promises to be a refined chess match between two coaches renowned for their strategic approach; the pair already registered counter-moves and in-game adjustments in their two direct meetings last season that shifted match momentum. Pellegrini's versatility is set to be the tactical switch of the game. Should Fàbregas confirm a four-man defence in his starting 4-2-3-1, Gasperini will deploy Pellegrini on the attacking midfield line, free to move between the lines and supply the attacking pair of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. This setup is designed to remove reference points for Como's centre-backs and break the opposition's pressing lines. Roma's current strength lies in their capacity to adapt to the opponent's reading of play. In their last meeting by Lake Como, when Como switched to a three-man defence, Roma suffered from defensive escalation and had to shift Pellegrini into an unnatural wide position on the right. On Sunday, Gasperini's response will be far more fluid and effective. Should Fàbregas move to a three-man line mid-match, Roma will redraw their attacking setup without losing balance: Dybala on the right, Pellegrini in his favoured left position, and Malen as the central pivot. This variety of solutions is also supported by alternatives on the bench, where Matías Soulé and young Rodrigo Mora offer guarantees to replace either Dybala or the Dutch forward in the closing stages.