Gasperini faces final market stretch as Roma chase Champions League preparations

Cicinho, who joined Roma from Real Madrid in August 2007 and won a Coppa Italia and Supercoppa during his time in giallorosso, has backed the club to challenge for honours and urged young Brazilian forward Endrick to make the switch from Madrid if the opportunity arises. Speaking exclusively to Forzaroma.info ahead of Wednesday's match at the Olimpico, the former right-back reflected on Endrick's situation and Roma's current trajectory under Gian Piero Gasperini. Asked whether he would advise Endrick to join Roma or remain at Real Madrid awaiting his chance, Cicinho said: "If I were Endrick, I would go to Roma without thinking twice. I think Real Madrid should also consider this possibility, because it would be very positive for him. A player with his talent needs to be on the pitch, not getting rusty on the bench. He still has a lot to learn and I think he would adapt very well to Gasperini's energetic style and the intensity of his game." Cicinho also addressed Paulo Dybala's worthiness of Roma's number 10 shirt, a subject on which Francesco Totti recently expressed reservations. "The Captain gave Roma's number 10 a meaning that goes well beyond football and borders on magic," Cicinho reflected. "Twenty-four years of devotion to the giallorosso shirt, during which he brought professionalism and dedication to the highest levels and, above all, reminded everyone in the dressing room that they had a duty to represent that fanbase. Dybala is also, as they say in Italy, a fantasist, a player capable of making fans dream, and has already shown great attachment to the club, even refusing economically more advantageous offers. I think the number 10 would be in good hands with Dybala, but we must make peace with the idea that we will never find another Totti." On Roma's title prospects, Cicinho expressed cautious optimism about Gasperini's project but suggested it remains in a growth phase. "Yes, I believe in it, but it seems to me that the Roma-Gasperini project is still in a phase of growth and could reach its peak perhaps in the next season, provided we manage to retain the most important players, like Manu Koné, and continue to strengthen well in the market," he said. "Roma's starting eleven is exceptional, but I believe it is necessary to increase the depth of the squad. The second half against Inter was an example. Matches like that decide the title, not only for the points in the table, but also for the message they send to opponents." Cicinho also spoke of finding contentment away from football, having previously described a period in which he "saw no joy in anything." He credited his family and simpler life with providing genuine happiness. "Being able to be with my wife and my children, seeing them grow. True happiness lies in simple things, in the possibility of enjoying them without rush and with a clear mind, to fully live these beautiful moments. That is the real luxury of life, not cars, parties or spotlights."

Atalanta are preparing to tie down striker Gianluca Scamacca with a contract extension to 2030, after he remained with the Bergamo club despite Roma's interest this summer. Head coach Gasperini had wanted to reunite with Scamacca at Roma, where he could have filled the role of backup to Donyell Malen. Atalanta never seriously considered selling him, viewing him as a cornerstone of their attacking unit. The 26-year-old has established himself as essential to the Bergamo side's attacking plans. According to reports, Atalanta are now moving to protect their investment and secure his future by extending his current deal, with the new contract set to run until 2030.

Endrick has emerged as a target for Roma in the January transfer window, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini identifying the Brazilian forward as a suitable reinforcement for the attacking department. The player was close to joining Roma in the summer, but the move fell through because the 2006-born attacker was committed to proving himself at Real Madrid under Mourinho, who appeared ready to give him opportunities. With limited appearances so far this season, speculation over a potential departure has resurfaced. However, Endrick's representatives have moved to dampen the Roma interest. Alan Redmond, executive vice-president and Global Head of Football at Roc Nation Sports International, the agency representing the forward, has insisted the player remains focused on Madrid. There were multiple clubs from various countries interested in Endrick over the summer, but his determination has never wavered. Redmond said: "In the summer there were many clubs from different countries interested in him. His idea has always been to stay in Madrid. I am convinced that when he gets the opportunity he will score many goals. We will see what happens in the future, honestly I think he will stay at Real for a long time."

Pierluigi Gollini marked his return to Serie A action after two years with a clean sheet, prompting a message on social media reflecting on the team's collective effort. In his post, Gollini wrote: "This match is the fruit of the work we put in every day, the sacrifices and the desire to be ready for the team. This is us, a group of real substance that knows how to play, suffer and fight. Because when your moment comes, everyone's work becomes your strength. Focus on Wednesday for another battle." The goalkeeper's performance drew immediate support from his Roma teammates. Rodrigo Mora commented "Well done," while Lorenzo Pellegrini wrote "Great Gollo." Mario Hermoso, Emanuele Lulli and Marten de Roon also joined in the praise, as did Konstantinos Koulierakis.

Como and Roma meet in a high-quality fixture on 11 October as both sides look to test their ambitions early in the season. Gasperini's Roma face significant absences: Bryan Cristante and Mile Svilar are unavailable, with Marten de Roon and Pierluigi Gollini stepping in. Como manager Cesc Fabregas is without Kean, his backup striker. Pellegrini returns to Roma's lineup after six months out, wearing the captain's armband on the trequarti alongside Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. The fixture is early enough in the campaign to offer limited guidance on league position, but Gasperini will use it to gauge the squad's form and competitive level. Roma field a 3-4-2-1: Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, de Roon, Koné, Wesley; Dybala, Pellegrini; Malen. Substitutes: Vasquez, De Marzi, Balerdi, Ghilardi, Rensch, Lulli, Pisilli, Soulé, Castro, Mora. Como line up in 4-2-3-1: Butez; Couto, Ramon, Chalobah, Valle; Da Cunha, Perrone; Diao, Paz, Baturina; Douvikas.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is the leading candidate to start in Roma's attacking midfield in today's fixture against Como, kick-off 12:30 at the Sinigaglia, according to the consensus of major Italian sports newspapers published this morning. Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera and Tuttosport all identify the number 7 as the favourite to complete Gian Piero Gasperini's attacking line-up. The selection is not yet settled. Rodrigo Mora remains the most credible alternative following positive performances during the international break and in recent training at Trigoria, while Matías Soulé remains in contention. Team news before the match had left the choice open among all three, but the morning's press output shifted noticeably toward Pellegrini. For the attacking midfielder it would represent a significant return to first-team action after an extended period rebuilding his match fitness and condition. During the international break Pellegrini worked continuously at Trigoria and reported himself fully available to Gasperini when training resumed. Team sheets remain a prediction until official confirmation arrives. The decision belongs to Gasperini, who may yet surprise with a different choice, potentially deploying Mora or Soulé instead. For now the consensus signal is clear: Pellegrini has overtaken his rivals in the pre-match predictions and stands as the principal favourite to start against Como.