Gasperini hails Champions League return as Roma celebrate historic qualification

Matheus Cunha has drawn attention from Roma supporters after posting a one-word reply to Leonardo Balerdi's Instagram message following Manchester United's 3-2 win over Roma at Old Trafford. Roma had led twice in the first half before being pegged back after the break, and Cunha, who scored a brace, was among the protagonists of the evening. Roma wanted to put the defeat behind them. Cunha was involved in the penalty incident with Mancini and went on to score two goals, the first arriving straight after a mistake by Balerdi. Among the many messages of support under the post, the Manchester United forward wrote a single word: "Crack", an expression generally used as a compliment for a player of great talent. The comment did not go unnoticed by Roma fans, many of whom questioned whether it was a simple compliment or a provocation after what happened on the pitch. Replies to the Brazilian came quickly, and one of the most appreciated read: "Pensa alla tua squadra" ("Think about your own team"). Balerdi's message, posted on Instagram after the match, read: "Fa male. Non era il finale che volevamo. Ma ci sono cose che non cambiano mai: l'impegno, il rispetto e l'orgoglio di difendere questi colori. Ai nostri tifosi che sono venuti fino a Manchester, grazie di cuore per il vostro sostegno. Forza Roma." In English: "It hurts. It was not the ending we wanted. But there are things that never change: the commitment, the respect and the pride of defending these colours. To our fans who came all the way to Manchester, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. Forza Roma."

Roma midfielder Rodrigo Mora has been called up to the Portugal senior squad by head coach Jorge Jesus for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales. The 19-year-old playmaker, described as a Roma talent, earns the recognition on the strength of his recent performances in the Giallorossi shirt. Mora had previously been selected for the senior side in May 2025, when he was playing for Porto, and more recently has been representing Portugal at Under-21 level during earlier international breaks. This time the call-up comes largely because of what he is showing in Rome, where Gasperini has given him his trust and the player has responded with high-quality play. The article notes that the call-up also arrives at a historic moment for Portuguese football, with Cristiano Ronaldo having just announced his definitive retirement from the national team after a 23-year career. Mora is presented as one of the names Portugal wants to build its future around. In Serie A, Mora has scored three goals in eight appearances, impressing with his personality, vision and ability to influence decisive moments. Against Cagliari he was the protagonist of Roma's comeback, heading the goal that put the Giallorossi ahead and taking part in the build-up to Malen's final goal in a 4-2 win. In the Champions League he has already registered two assists in four appearances. Last Tuesday, at Old Trafford, he was among Roma's best players in the first half against Manchester United, releasing Soulé with an illuminating pass to give Roma the lead. His substitution at half-time sparked debate. Jorge Jesus will be able to watch him closely in Portugal's two fixtures: against Denmark on 14 November in Braga, and against Wales on 17 November. For Mora, the call-up is an opportunity to finally make his mark with the senior national side, after having already drawn the attention of selectors in recent years. For Roma, it is further confirmation that the player acquired from Porto in the summer is developing rapidly and that his qualities are now being noticed back home in Portugal.

Roma forward Donyell Malen has been called up by the Netherlands for the final two matchdays of Nations League Group A2, with his country's head coach Xavi choosing him ahead of the clashes with Greece and Germany. The winger, wearing the number 14 shirt at Roma, had been expected to join the squad during the September-October international break, but withdrew with a physical problem. Malen is looking to make an impact against Sassuolo first, a side Roma have not yet faced in Serie A, before the Netherlands fixtures. The Netherlands and Greece both have 8 points in the group. Greece is where Roma's Evan N'Dicka's compatriot... [omitted] The Netherlands face Greece on Friday 13 and Germany on Monday 16. Roma defender Konstantinos Koulierakis is in the Greece squad, meaning he will meet his Roma team-mate on the pitch. Rodrigo Mora has also been called up, but for the Portugal senior side rather than Roma, with Portugal playing Wales and Denmark.