Gasperini joins Totti's book launch by video call, with Roma-Slovan Bratislava looming

Francesco Totti has presented his book "Oltre" at the Teatro Brancaccio in Rome, where he spoke about his choices, wounds, rebirths and love, and about the most difficult moments of his career. Speaking to an audience of more than 1,600 people, he described his farewell to Roma as a forced one. The event was attended by his partner Noemi Bocchi, Arianna Mihajlović, widow of Sinisa, and former Roma player Vincent Candela. On stage, Totti explained how difficult it had been to put his story down on paper. "The public and the fans are the most important part. I have always let my football do the talking, I am a man of few words, but this time they backed me into a corner: they forced me to write this book. I was hesitant. After 50 years I have to write another one, maybe when I am 60. It has been ten intense years, which went beyond the pitch. I still have to read this book myself." He then turned to his departure from Roma, the most powerful part of the evening. "The 28th of May was like dying, in some ways. A forced goodbye, which I did not want. It was painful, but it is part of football: when you are needed, you are needed; when you are not needed, you no longer are. I reluctantly accepted the decision of that management. I was afraid of turning the page, I did not know what I would find. I felt lost. What am I afraid of? Of death. I hope to continue with the desire and passion I have inside." Love is a word that recurs throughout the book. "It is a strong word. In these 50 years I have given and received so much love: from my family, from my children, from the people. It has been a simple, transparent give and take. I have done the work I always wanted to do: for me, this is true love. It is not easy to turn what you feel into words, but in that moment I was sure of myself. I hope I have managed to put this love into the book." Totti also spoke about a dinner with Gian Piero Gasperini. "That evening at dinner, Gasperini gave me an enormous awareness. The love he feels for this city and for Roma got inside me. A coach who comes from outside and has this idea, this desire to turn everything upside down, gratifies me. The higher he takes Roma, the happier we are. At this moment he is the right person: tough, demanding, someone who commands respect. In an environment like this, that is fundamental." On a possible return to the club, Totti said: "They have other ideas about life and work, and that is right. I accept it willingly. Things are done together, otherwise they are not done: if the other side does not share the same thinking, there is no point in going further. I am happy with what they are doing even without me. I am behind the scenes, but I am always there for Roma." Gasperini sent his own message: "The other evening, against Real and Genoa, the most beautiful spectacle was the stadium. Seeing so much enthusiasm in this city was something exciting."

Gian Piero Gasperini has warned his side not to underestimate Slovan Bratislava ahead of Roma's match against them, describing the opponents as a dynamic and athletic team. Gasperini said the attacking selections will not be forced: Malen and Castro can play together, but without disrupting a unit that is working well. Midfield remains an emergency, with Pellegrini possibly adapted into the role while Cristante is awaited back from injury. Gasperini also clarified Paulo Dybala's absence, saying the Argentine will be unavailable for at least two weeks. A recent scan revealed a small lesion, slowing his recovery. Dybala will miss the match against Slovan Bratislava and the game against Napoli, and in all likelihood the following fixtures against Cagliari and Udinese too. Gasperini also reaffirmed his confidence in the group and praised the growth of Lulli, Mora and Gollini. Lorenzo Pellegrini described a calm build-up to the match, explaining that his summer had been dedicated to regaining fitness after a long layoff. He said he found a united group with a great desire to improve, and stressed that the pressure to win is a natural part of life at Roma. On his contract renewal, Pellegrini said the choice was simple and shared: the club wanted to continue with him, and Gasperini was decisive in confirming that trust. He said the goal now is to return to 100% to help the team and the coach. For the Napoli–Roma fixture on 24 October at the Stadio Maradona, a ban has been imposed on selling tickets to residents of Lazio. The measure, signed by the prefect of Naples and based on assessments by the CASMS and the Questura, stems from the high risk profiles linked to the history between the two sets of fans. The restriction covers more than the away sector: anyone resident in Lazio will be unable to buy a ticket to attend the match. Daniele Ghilardi, who came on late against Genoa, has drawn attention amid Roma's good form and the growth of the club's young players. According to Matteo Moretto, Milan have included the 2003-born defender on their list of profiles being monitored for January. At Trigoria, however, the stance is clear: Ghilardi is considered an important prospect for the present and future, and Roma have no intention of letting him go unless a sensational offer arrives.

Roma face Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League on Tuesday 20 October at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico, just two days after beating Genoa on Saturday evening. Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the fixture at his press conference, stressing that his side will not underestimate their opponents because they need to win to keep their qualification hopes alive. Gasperini said: "We will not underestimate the opponent because we need to win to fuel our chances of going through. To reach the playoffs we need 10 points, starting from this match." Roma go into the match with a fresh fitness concern, as Paulo Dybala is set to be out for at least two weeks. Lorenzo Pellegrini, who sat alongside Gasperini at the press conference, is likely to start tomorrow. Pellegrini said: "I'm well. The annual contract was the club's choice, my priority was Roma." Two places in the starting line-up remain open heading into the match. One is the central defensive berth, a choice between Leonardo Balerdi and Evan N'Dicka, with the former ahead in the race. The other is the right-back spot, where Emanuele Lulli or Nahuel Molina are in contention, with Lulli currently ahead. Slovan Bratislava head coach Yaya Touré also spoke at his press conference: "Great respect for Roma and for Gasp, here the details count."