Gasperini on Dybala's fitness, Svilar's return and Allegri's comments

Gian Piero Gasperini has urged his Roma side to set no limits as they prepare to host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico tonight in a midweek fixture. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the head coach praised the steady growth and clear identity the team has built, and said the squad has put the weekend's controversy behind it to focus solely on the pitch. Gasperini also responded to Massimiliano Allegri's comments after the draw at the "Maradona". Gasperini said: "Uscita infelice di Allegri, per noi parlano i numeri", which translates as: "An unfortunate remark from Allegri; our numbers speak for us." He rejected the suggestions about Roma's past Champions League qualification, stressing that the place was earned purely through work on the pitch and consistent performances over the season. Roma are producing twice as much as they did last season and approach big matches with greater awareness of their capabilities. Gasperini pointed to a solid attacking mentality as the foundation of that growth. The team collected nineteen points from the last seven matchdays of last season's Serie A campaign, and their form has never dipped, giving them a well-defined identity. Against Cagliari, Gasperini is ready to make some rotations to manage the squad's energy ahead of upcoming fixtures played in quick succession, while stressing the importance of maintaining concentration. He said the squad is answering the call and fears no opponent, aiming to consolidate its ambitions of a place in the top half of the table. Roma, he added, intend to pursue this path without setting any boundaries.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico tonight (kickoff 20:45, Dazn), with Gian Piero Gasperini preparing to rotate his squad after a demanding start to the season. Paulo Dybala is expected to return, at least on the bench, and Gasperini has indicated changes are coming because the team plays every three days. The fixture is the first of five matches on paper more manageable than the opening eight rounds, which saw Roma face Atalanta, Como, Inter and Napoli. Gasperini said: "He is feeling better, I am confident. We will change something since we play every three days. The squad has shown it can rotate during matches." Roma's next trip is to Udine on Saturday, and the coach is looking to share the midfield load, with Cristante expected to return to midfield to give de Roon a little breathing space. Gasperini gave a positive assessment of the campaign so far: "The attitude is always excellent, some technical errors are fine because we are not machines. We scored 2 goals against Inter, 3 against Real and 3 against Napoli, showing we are not an inch less than them and that we can compete on equal terms. So far I am really satisfied." He singled out Soulé as one of the players improving rapidly: "He has played all high-level matches. We are talking about a 23-year-old who still has wide margins of maturity that can make him stronger and stronger." Asked about Lulli's contract renewal, Gasperini said: "He deserves it, I am happy for him." The winger has extended his deal with Roma until 2031 and is expected to start tonight. Mora gets another chance, while at least one of Ghilardi and Balerdi will play in defence. Malen, described as a fixed starter, is looking for a goal after a drought at the Maradona, and Wesley may be rested.

Roma have officially extended the contract of Emanuele Lulli until 30 June 2031, with coach Gian Piero Gasperini expressing satisfaction ahead of the Cagliari match. The club's news roundup, published after the 3-3 draw at Napoli, also covered fitness updates, Gasperini's comments on the injured players, and Napoli's appeal against Massimiliano Allegri's suspension. Roma now turn their attention to the home fixture against Cagliari. Gasperini gave an update on the injured players in his press conference. Paulo Dybala is the player closest to a return and could be named among the substitutes, a decision expected after the afternoon training session. Manu Koné is unlikely to return before the international break. Mile Svilar's availability is closer, and he could return within the week, or at the latest for the matches against Manchester United or Sassuolo. Gasperini praised the progress of the team and of individual players, with a mention for Matías Soulé, who was prominent at the Maradona. He said Roma are showing courage, solidity and continuity, and coming through well against top-level opponents. Cagliari coach Fabio Pisacane described Roma as a side that "rarely goes to the canvas", highlighting their ability to recover ground and stay dangerous when they push forward. He said Cagliari must identify and exploit the few weaknesses in the Giallorossi while staying focused and intense throughout the match. Roma officially confirmed the renewal of Emanuele Lulli until 30 June 2031. The winger, who made his professional debut and scored his first goal against Genoa, has signed a five-year deal confirming the club's intention to build around him for the future. Gasperini said: "Lulli's progress has been remarkable" in recognition of a player born in 2007 who has been rewarded with a long-term contract. Napoli have rejected the decision of the Giudice Sportivo and announced an appeal against the two-match suspension handed to Massimiliano Allegri after the 3-3 draw with Roma. The Napoli coach had been punished for protests directed at match officials in the tense closing stages at the Maradona. In a club statement, Napoli said: "La SSC Napoli, in seguito alla richiesta di accesso agli atti, comunica che presenterà ricorso per le due giornate di squalifica inflitte a mister Massimiliano Allegri."

Roma have released their squad list for tonight's Serie A ninth-round match against Cagliari, which kicks off at 20:45. Paulo Dybala is ruled out, as he has not yet fully recovered from a calf muscle injury. Mile Svilar and Manu Koné are also absent, though both are reportedly close to returning to action. The squad list features ten defenders: Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi. The midfield options are Cristante, De Roon, Pisilli, Di Nunzio and Mora. The forward line comprises Castro, Malen, Soulé and Camara. The Cagliari fixture is part of the ninth round of Serie A, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side looking to continue their league campaign with the injury situation of Dybala, Svilar and Koné the main talking point before kickoff.

Paulo Dybala has been left out of Gian Piero Gasperini's squad for Roma's home match against Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico this evening. The Argentine had returned to training with the rest of the group, but the medical staff preferred not to risk him. There is no relapse, and he will be available for the away trip to Udine. The squad news adds to the absences of Mile Svilar and Manu Koné, who are both ruled out. Youngster Camara has been called up to the squad, with the list also featuring a wide range of options across all areas of the pitch. Roma will need to manage their resources carefully as the fixtures pile up. Gasperini's full squad is as follows. Goalkeepers: Vásquez, De Marzi, Gollini. Defenders: Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli, Ghilardi. Midfielders: Cristante, De Roon, Pisilli, Di Nunzio, Mora. Forwards: Castro, Malen, Soulé, Camara.

Roman radio pundits have split over the photo Wesley posted, with David Rossi of Rete Sport saying he would sell the Brazilian in January if he were Roma's sporting director. Speaking on Rete Sport, Rossi said: "On all this Wesley business, it seems clear to me that private matters are private, even if they did little to keep them private. Moreover, she committed a crime by transferring her husband's phone data onto her own. That said, it certainly wasn't an afternoon of very high cultural and social standing. The worst thing was perhaps the photo of the watches and the money. It looked like those TG reports on drug dens seized by the Guardia di Finanza... frankly we could have done without it. I've seen a few things, having been inside, and if I were Roma's sporting director, a player who publishes that photo I would sell in January. Someone who does something like that shows poor sensitivity, and doesn't have football as the priority in his life. I'd already be looking for him a club in January, and I'd be working to find his replacement..." Gianluca Piacentini, also on Rete Sport, urged a clear separation between what happens on the pitch and private life. He said: "I would make the effort to keep what happens on the field separate from what happens in private life, without necessarily linking them. Nainggolan and Maicon had particular situations, but we judged what we saw on the pitch, and I would do the same with Wesley. And I wouldn't say that if he plays badly, it's because he separated from his wife..." Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo was blunter about the spending on show. He said: "Wesley should think a moment before putting all that money up there. It's the only thing that can irritate, the rest are his private matters, I don't care. There are people who have to collect money to go and watch matches at the stadium, throwing all that money around like that is ridiculous... And the other thing that interests me is when the wife says 'when he gets drunk he can do anything'. So, drink less, in general. For the rest, he plays, runs, is good and we love him. He's a likeable lad. But let's try to go less to the newspapers... It was stupid to do all this, because now as soon as he plays badly they'll say he's been drinking, when a player can make mistakes in matches..." Francesca Ferrazza, also of Tele Radio Stereo, said Roma and Gasperini always keep a close eye on their players, especially young ones from modest backgrounds who suddenly find fame and are surrounded by people who may take advantage. Lorenzo Pes, also on Tele Radio Stereo, turned to the Ballon d'Or, saying Kane deserved it for his career, with his goalscoring numbers last year being "monstrous". He added that Yamal could have been in contention for the title but had a poor World Cup, and that he would have rewarded someone from PSG, probably Kvaratskhelia. On Dybala, Pes said: "If he said yes to the call-up, it's because he can play, and I expect him on the pitch tonight for twenty minutes or so." The match occupied the rest of the debate. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said: "Tonight's game worries me like all of them, and Cagliari come off two consecutive defeats, which I don't like at all. But they have 13 points in the table, they're very calm and can play with a certain serenity. The worry is that we are in the sixth match of a nine-game cycle, and the physical and mental fatigue, and the thought of the next ones, may in some way affect us. Roma tonight must win to add further confidence, I hope they manage it without struggling too much. If football were mathematics Roma would win without too many problems, but matches are strange. I hope this Roma is ever more Argentine in the spirit with which it goes on the pitch..." Nando Orsi of Radio Radio gave a sharper verdict on the Wesley affair, calling the intelligence level on both sides "very low", but said he would keep Wesley in the team. Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio said Cagliari were in freefall, having lost ground to ten points above the relegation zone after a fast start. He said: "Cagliari are in freefall. Roma must take advantage. Find out what kind of match you can put together, and then thanks to the quality of your players you should be able to get on top of it. Winning tonight with minimal effort and bringing home points..."

Roma have released their squad list for tonight's Serie A ninth-round match against Cagliari, which kicks off at 20:45. Paulo Dybala is ruled out, as he has not yet fully recovered from a calf muscle injury. Mile Svilar and Manu Koné are also absent, though both are reportedly close to returning to action. The squad list features ten defenders: Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi. The midfield options are Cristante, De Roon, Pisilli, Di Nunzio and Mora. The forward line comprises Castro, Malen, Soulé and Camara. The Cagliari fixture is part of the ninth round of Serie A, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side looking to continue their league campaign with the injury situation of Dybala, Svilar and Koné the main talking point before kickoff.

Paulo Dybala has been left out of Gian Piero Gasperini's squad for Roma's home match against Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico this evening. The Argentine had returned to training with the rest of the group, but the medical staff preferred not to risk him. There is no relapse, and he will be available for the away trip to Udine. The squad news adds to the absences of Mile Svilar and Manu Koné, who are both ruled out. Youngster Camara has been called up to the squad, with the list also featuring a wide range of options across all areas of the pitch. Roma will need to manage their resources carefully as the fixtures pile up. Gasperini's full squad is as follows. Goalkeepers: Vásquez, De Marzi, Gollini. Defenders: Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli, Ghilardi. Midfielders: Cristante, De Roon, Pisilli, Di Nunzio, Mora. Forwards: Castro, Malen, Soulé, Camara.

AS Roma have secured the futures of two young players, with Emanuele Lulli and Giorgio De Marzi both signing new contracts running until 2031. Further renewals are reportedly close, with Mario Hermoso and Pierluigi Gollini expected to sign soon. Both Lulli and De Marzi were due to expire at the end of the season, and the club has confirmed them. Four players have contracts expiring in June: Gollini, Hermoso, Pellegrini and Dybala. Il Tempo reports that a deal for Gollini was already close last summer for another season, and that the club is still moving in that direction. Gollini is set to be Svilar's deputy again next season. Hermoso, now indispensable for Gasperini, had an option for one additional year activated in the spring. Initial contacts have taken place, and Gasperini has never hidden his high regard for the Spaniard, who has returned to top form under the coach. The situation is different for Dybala and Pellegrini. The club has opted for a one-year renewal for both players, allowing it to assess their performances on the pitch before deciding whether to make a longer commitment. The expectation is that a decision on either player will only come late into 2027, once the picture of their appearances is clearer.

Roma have released their squad list for tonight's Serie A ninth-round match against Cagliari, which kicks off at 20:45. Paulo Dybala is ruled out, as he has not yet fully recovered from a calf muscle injury. Mile Svilar and Manu Koné are also absent, though both are reportedly close to returning to action. The squad list features ten defenders: Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi. The midfield options are Cristante, De Roon, Pisilli, Di Nunzio and Mora. The forward line comprises Castro, Malen, Soulé and Camara. The Cagliari fixture is part of the ninth round of Serie A, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side looking to continue their league campaign with the injury situation of Dybala, Svilar and Koné the main talking point before kickoff.

Paulo Dybala has been left out of Gian Piero Gasperini's squad for Roma's home match against Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico this evening. The Argentine had returned to training with the rest of the group, but the medical staff preferred not to risk him. There is no relapse, and he will be available for the away trip to Udine. The squad news adds to the absences of Mile Svilar and Manu Koné, who are both ruled out. Youngster Camara has been called up to the squad, with the list also featuring a wide range of options across all areas of the pitch. Roma will need to manage their resources carefully as the fixtures pile up. Gasperini's full squad is as follows. Goalkeepers: Vásquez, De Marzi, Gollini. Defenders: Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli, Ghilardi. Midfielders: Cristante, De Roon, Pisilli, Di Nunzio, Mora. Forwards: Castro, Malen, Soulé, Camara.

AS Roma have secured the futures of two young players, with Emanuele Lulli and Giorgio De Marzi both signing new contracts running until 2031. Further renewals are reportedly close, with Mario Hermoso and Pierluigi Gollini expected to sign soon. Both Lulli and De Marzi were due to expire at the end of the season, and the club has confirmed them. Four players have contracts expiring in June: Gollini, Hermoso, Pellegrini and Dybala. Il Tempo reports that a deal for Gollini was already close last summer for another season, and that the club is still moving in that direction. Gollini is set to be Svilar's deputy again next season. Hermoso, now indispensable for Gasperini, had an option for one additional year activated in the spring. Initial contacts have taken place, and Gasperini has never hidden his high regard for the Spaniard, who has returned to top form under the coach. The situation is different for Dybala and Pellegrini. The club has opted for a one-year renewal for both players, allowing it to assess their performances on the pitch before deciding whether to make a longer commitment. The expectation is that a decision on either player will only come late into 2027, once the picture of their appearances is clearer.