Gasperini names Malen, Soulé and Mora up front for Udinese clash as injuries bite

Roma travel to the Bluenergy Stadium to face Udinese today, the last match before the international break, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side aiming to keep their winning run going despite a heavy injury list. Roma then fly to Manchester for their Champions League clash at Old Trafford and close the cycle at the Olimpico against Sassuolo. According to Corriere della Sera, Svilar, Koné, Pellegrini and Dybala are all absent, yet Gasperini's team approach the fixture with confidence. Roma have already collected four more points than at this stage last season against the same opponents, and the side are showing clear progress. Around 5,000 fans will travel to Friuli to back the team. Gasperini can also reach a notable landmark: becoming the fastest coach in Roma history to reach 30 Serie A wins, ahead of Spalletti, Capello and Mourinho. The coach is expected to rely on his core players and rotate the squad. Ghilardi and Hermoso are set to start either side of N'Dicka, with Wesley on the flanks and Soulé and Mora operating behind Donyell Malen, the team's main focal point up front.

Roma travel to Udine this evening, Halloween, for a 6pm kickoff against an Udinese side in deep crisis, with Gian Piero Gasperini's team looking to close the gap at the top of Serie A. The match comes in the middle of a demanding run that sees Roma head to Manchester on Tuesday for the Champions League. Udinese have collected just five points from their first nine matches, the club's worst start in the three-points-for-a-win era, and coach Kosta Runjaic's position is under growing pressure. On paper Roma are clear favourites, but the article warns not to underestimate a side desperate for results. Inter and Lazio lead the table, four points ahead of the Giallorossi, and Milan's derby is also being played tonight. A win in Udine would put pressure on the leaders and extend a run that, in Serie A, has yet to suffer a defeat. Udinese's home record is poor, particularly at the Bluenergy Stadium: one point from five home games, two goals scored and nine conceded. Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Parma did at least end a run of six consecutive defeats. Runjaic's side still have weapons that could trouble Roma, starting with their physicality, intensity in duels and ability to win second balls. The last meeting in Friuli, won 1-0 by the Bianconeri with a goal from Ekkelenkamp, is a warning Gasperini knows well. Roma's recent win over Cagliari was tougher than it should have been, with tiredness and some defensive lapses nearly costing them, before Lulli and Mora's contributions secured the points. Gasperini will again be without Svilar, Dybala, Koné and Pellegrini. Gollini is set to keep his place in goal, while Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso are pushing for selection in defence. De Roon may be rested, with Cristante and Pisilli favoured in midfield. Up front, Mora is aiming for a starting place alongside Soulé, behind Malen. Around 5,000 Roma fans are expected to travel to Friuli. The article notes that the temptation to rest players for Old Trafford exists, but Gasperini cannot afford to drop points in Serie A while thinking about Europe. The match is presented as a test of a side that wants to stay among the top places in the table. Against the big teams motivation comes almost naturally, the article says, while against teams fighting relegation concentration, patience and the ability to impose themselves when energy runs low are required. As the article puts it, Manchester can wait; first comes Udine.

Roma travel to Udinese for their Serie A round 10 fixture at the Bluenergy Stadium, with kickoff at 18:00. Gasperini is reportedly preparing his side around the players in the best form, and Ghilardi is expected to start in defence, while Mancini is set to begin on the bench. Lulli is expected to be confirmed at right-back, while the central defensive berth remains a contest between Hermoso and Balerdi. Up front, the Soulé, Mora and Malen trio is set to be retained, the attacking line that has given the most assurances in recent weeks. The Italian sports dailies have published their probable line-ups for the match, and several of them agree on the broad shape of the side. Gollini is in goal for every outlet, with Lulli, Cristante, Pisilli and Wesley featuring prominently in midfield and defence. Roma's head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to name the side that he believes gives his team the best chance of taking maximum points from the trip north, as the club looks to avoid dropping points on the road. La Gazzetta dello Sport projects: Gollini; Ghilardi, Balerdi, Hermoso; Lulli, Cristante, Pisilli, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Corriere dello Sport, Tuttosport: Gollini; Ghilardi, N'Dicka, Balerdi; Lulli, De Roon, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Pisilli; Malen. Il Tempo: Gollini; Ghilardi, Balerdi, Hermoso; Lulli, Cristante, De Roon, Wesley; Pisilli, Soulé; Malen. Il Messaggero and RomaNews EU: Gollini; Ghilardi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Lulli, Cristante, Pisilli, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. All predicted line-ups are under Gasperini.

Former Roma director Walter Sabatini has continued to praise Gian Piero Gasperini's side, focusing on the spirit within the group. Sabatini said: "The spiritual cohesion is a superior factor. Roma are going through this collective state of mind." He added: "Gasperini teaches the orthodoxy of winning, he is a coach who makes you take giant strides." On the 3-3 draw in Naples, Sabatini said: "It is a tonic for Italian football. Both sides played very well." Roma open their final week before the international break in Udine, and the fixture will be followed by matches against Manchester United and Sassuolo. Gasperini does not plan to rotate and wants to field the best possible Roma side in Udine. Gollini will be confirmed in goal, while Ghilardi is named by all the newspapers among the starters in defence. The other two central defensive places remain a contest between Balerdi, N'Dicka and Hermoso. Lulli and Wesley are favoured on the flanks, while Cristante, De Roon and Pisilli rotate in midfield. Up front, Soulé and Malen are certain to start, with Pisilli and Mora in contention to complete the attack. Roma have 21 points after nine matches, the same total as after nine matchdays last season, but they have collected four more points than in the same fixtures last year. Gasperini is close to his 30th Serie A win as Roma coach and could reach it in his 48th game in charge, ahead of Spalletti (54), Capello (55) and Mourinho (59).

Roma travel to the Bluenergy Stadium to face Udinese today, the last match before the international break, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side aiming to keep their winning run going despite a heavy injury list. Roma then fly to Manchester for their Champions League clash at Old Trafford and close the cycle at the Olimpico against Sassuolo. According to Corriere della Sera, Svilar, Koné, Pellegrini and Dybala are all absent, yet Gasperini's team approach the fixture with confidence. Roma have already collected four more points than at this stage last season against the same opponents, and the side are showing clear progress. Around 5,000 fans will travel to Friuli to back the team. Gasperini can also reach a notable landmark: becoming the fastest coach in Roma history to reach 30 Serie A wins, ahead of Spalletti, Capello and Mourinho. The coach is expected to rely on his core players and rotate the squad. Ghilardi and Hermoso are set to start either side of N'Dicka, with Wesley on the flanks and Soulé and Mora operating behind Donyell Malen, the team's main focal point up front.

Radio pundits across Rome's airwaves have made Roma's home clash with Udinese a must-win fixture, with several arguing that a victory would allow the club to push on in a manageable run of fixtures. Carina, speaking on Radio Radio, said: "On paper it is a round that should help the two Roman clubs. I am convinced Milan can win this derby. Udinese are a big unknown: last year Roma played a bad game, and if Udinese manage to produce a match like that, Roma can run into difficulties. Malen is incredible: he scores a goal a game. Roma were "Svilar-dependent", this year that is not the case, they score a lot. It is a more "Gasperinian" side than last year's and it is bearing fruit. What surprises me is not so much the play as the number of injuries. It would surprise me to see De Roon start, because against Cagliari he seemed tired to me. It seems to me a game to play with two behind Malen. This is a game Roma must win: if they win today, they have an affordable schedule and can push on emphatically." Sabatini, also on Radio Radio, said Udinese are going through a negative period. "Seeing them rack up five or six defeats seems an anomaly to me for a side that is not destined for last place. Roma have every chance of winning, but beware: Udinese can wake up." Pruzzo, on the same station, said Roma's game is within reach and could help them move closer to the top, noting that Inter have not won the derby in seven matches. He added that Pisilli adapts to anything and must play, and that the team seems capable of a less physical game: "If you get into a physical battle with them it can become complicated. You have to focus on technique and quality." Orsi, also on Radio Radio, said: "Udinese come off five defeats, and they lost them deservedly: this is the worst Udinese of recent years. Roma must take advantage. I am sorry, because Udinese are a tough side, but Roma cannot waste this match."

Former Roma director Walter Sabatini has continued to praise Gian Piero Gasperini's side, focusing on the spirit within the group. Sabatini said: "The spiritual cohesion is a superior factor. Roma are going through this collective state of mind." He added: "Gasperini teaches the orthodoxy of winning, he is a coach who makes you take giant strides." On the 3-3 draw in Naples, Sabatini said: "It is a tonic for Italian football. Both sides played very well." Roma open their final week before the international break in Udine, and the fixture will be followed by matches against Manchester United and Sassuolo. Gasperini does not plan to rotate and wants to field the best possible Roma side in Udine. Gollini will be confirmed in goal, while Ghilardi is named by all the newspapers among the starters in defence. The other two central defensive places remain a contest between Balerdi, N'Dicka and Hermoso. Lulli and Wesley are favoured on the flanks, while Cristante, De Roon and Pisilli rotate in midfield. Up front, Soulé and Malen are certain to start, with Pisilli and Mora in contention to complete the attack. Roma have 21 points after nine matches, the same total as after nine matchdays last season, but they have collected four more points than in the same fixtures last year. Gasperini is close to his 30th Serie A win as Roma coach and could reach it in his 48th game in charge, ahead of Spalletti (54), Capello (55) and Mourinho (59).

Roma travel to the Bluenergy Stadium to face Udinese today, the last match before the international break, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side aiming to keep their winning run going despite a heavy injury list. Roma then fly to Manchester for their Champions League clash at Old Trafford and close the cycle at the Olimpico against Sassuolo. According to Corriere della Sera, Svilar, Koné, Pellegrini and Dybala are all absent, yet Gasperini's team approach the fixture with confidence. Roma have already collected four more points than at this stage last season against the same opponents, and the side are showing clear progress. Around 5,000 fans will travel to Friuli to back the team. Gasperini can also reach a notable landmark: becoming the fastest coach in Roma history to reach 30 Serie A wins, ahead of Spalletti, Capello and Mourinho. The coach is expected to rely on his core players and rotate the squad. Ghilardi and Hermoso are set to start either side of N'Dicka, with Wesley on the flanks and Soulé and Mora operating behind Donyell Malen, the team's main focal point up front.

Roma travel to Udine this evening, Halloween, for a 6pm kickoff against an Udinese side in deep crisis, with Gian Piero Gasperini's team looking to close the gap at the top of Serie A. The match comes in the middle of a demanding run that sees Roma head to Manchester on Tuesday for the Champions League. Udinese have collected just five points from their first nine matches, the club's worst start in the three-points-for-a-win era, and coach Kosta Runjaic's position is under growing pressure. On paper Roma are clear favourites, but the article warns not to underestimate a side desperate for results. Inter and Lazio lead the table, four points ahead of the Giallorossi, and Milan's derby is also being played tonight. A win in Udine would put pressure on the leaders and extend a run that, in Serie A, has yet to suffer a defeat. Udinese's home record is poor, particularly at the Bluenergy Stadium: one point from five home games, two goals scored and nine conceded. Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Parma did at least end a run of six consecutive defeats. Runjaic's side still have weapons that could trouble Roma, starting with their physicality, intensity in duels and ability to win second balls. The last meeting in Friuli, won 1-0 by the Bianconeri with a goal from Ekkelenkamp, is a warning Gasperini knows well. Roma's recent win over Cagliari was tougher than it should have been, with tiredness and some defensive lapses nearly costing them, before Lulli and Mora's contributions secured the points. Gasperini will again be without Svilar, Dybala, Koné and Pellegrini. Gollini is set to keep his place in goal, while Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso are pushing for selection in defence. De Roon may be rested, with Cristante and Pisilli favoured in midfield. Up front, Mora is aiming for a starting place alongside Soulé, behind Malen. Around 5,000 Roma fans are expected to travel to Friuli. The article notes that the temptation to rest players for Old Trafford exists, but Gasperini cannot afford to drop points in Serie A while thinking about Europe. The match is presented as a test of a side that wants to stay among the top places in the table. Against the big teams motivation comes almost naturally, the article says, while against teams fighting relegation concentration, patience and the ability to impose themselves when energy runs low are required. As the article puts it, Manchester can wait; first comes Udine.

Roma travel to the Bluenergy Stadium to face Udinese today, the last match before the international break, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side aiming to keep their winning run going despite a heavy injury list. Roma then fly to Manchester for their Champions League clash at Old Trafford and close the cycle at the Olimpico against Sassuolo. According to Corriere della Sera, Svilar, Koné, Pellegrini and Dybala are all absent, yet Gasperini's team approach the fixture with confidence. Roma have already collected four more points than at this stage last season against the same opponents, and the side are showing clear progress. Around 5,000 fans will travel to Friuli to back the team. Gasperini can also reach a notable landmark: becoming the fastest coach in Roma history to reach 30 Serie A wins, ahead of Spalletti, Capello and Mourinho. The coach is expected to rely on his core players and rotate the squad. Ghilardi and Hermoso are set to start either side of N'Dicka, with Wesley on the flanks and Soulé and Mora operating behind Donyell Malen, the team's main focal point up front.

Roma travel to Udine this evening, Halloween, for a 6pm kickoff against an Udinese side in deep crisis, with Gian Piero Gasperini's team looking to close the gap at the top of Serie A. The match comes in the middle of a demanding run that sees Roma head to Manchester on Tuesday for the Champions League. Udinese have collected just five points from their first nine matches, the club's worst start in the three-points-for-a-win era, and coach Kosta Runjaic's position is under growing pressure. On paper Roma are clear favourites, but the article warns not to underestimate a side desperate for results. Inter and Lazio lead the table, four points ahead of the Giallorossi, and Milan's derby is also being played tonight. A win in Udine would put pressure on the leaders and extend a run that, in Serie A, has yet to suffer a defeat. Udinese's home record is poor, particularly at the Bluenergy Stadium: one point from five home games, two goals scored and nine conceded. Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Parma did at least end a run of six consecutive defeats. Runjaic's side still have weapons that could trouble Roma, starting with their physicality, intensity in duels and ability to win second balls. The last meeting in Friuli, won 1-0 by the Bianconeri with a goal from Ekkelenkamp, is a warning Gasperini knows well. Roma's recent win over Cagliari was tougher than it should have been, with tiredness and some defensive lapses nearly costing them, before Lulli and Mora's contributions secured the points. Gasperini will again be without Svilar, Dybala, Koné and Pellegrini. Gollini is set to keep his place in goal, while Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso are pushing for selection in defence. De Roon may be rested, with Cristante and Pisilli favoured in midfield. Up front, Mora is aiming for a starting place alongside Soulé, behind Malen. Around 5,000 Roma fans are expected to travel to Friuli. The article notes that the temptation to rest players for Old Trafford exists, but Gasperini cannot afford to drop points in Serie A while thinking about Europe. The match is presented as a test of a side that wants to stay among the top places in the table. Against the big teams motivation comes almost naturally, the article says, while against teams fighting relegation concentration, patience and the ability to impose themselves when energy runs low are required. As the article puts it, Manchester can wait; first comes Udine.

Roma travel to the Bluenergy Stadium to face Udinese this afternoon, on Halloween, with the chance to stay near the top of Serie A. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are the clear favourites on paper, but the match is not expected to be straightforward. Udinese have made one of the worst starts in their history, and coach Runjaic's position is reportedly under threat. Gasperini has taken a cautious approach ahead of the fixture. Roma are still without Svilar, Koné, Dybala and Pellegrini. The Giallorossi also have to avoid looking ahead to their upcoming Champions League trip to Manchester, which is described as a fascinating away game. Udinese's physicality and recent meetings between the sides demand full focus. The article stresses that wounded, hungry opponents fighting for points are exactly where a big team must prove its worth. Roma need to secure their path in the league before turning their attention to the results at the top of the table in Milan.