Gasperini reunites with returning internationals ahead of Como clash

Donyell Malen and Wesley have recovered from injury and will be available for Roma's trip to Como on Sunday, bringing a significant boost to Gian Piero Gasperini's squad as the campaign resumes after the international break. Both players showed positive signs in training on 6 October, taking part in sessions alongside their teammates, and are now considered fit for selection. Malen's return is particularly important for Gasperini, who will be able to rely on his attacking reference point after the physical problem that sidelined him before the break. The forward is heading towards a central attacking role in the Sinigaglia fixture. Wesley, the Brazilian defender, has used the pause to recover and is also back in full availability for the coach as the league campaign restarts.

Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing Roma for Sunday's trip to Como, kickoff 12:30 at the Sinigaglia, with three key selection dilemmas to resolve. The primary question concerns who will partner Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen in attack, with Lorenzo Pellegrini reportedly in front-runner status against Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora. Pellegrini has completed his recovery and trained encouragingly on Saturday; crucially, he is the only one of the three who worked at Trigoria throughout the international break without travelling for his national team. Soulé will return from Argentina only in the coming days after participating in the Albiceleste's fixtures and Messi farewell celebrations, meaning Gasperini will not have him available until Friday—just 48 hours before kickoff. Rodrigo Mora, engaged with Portugal Under-21, will also return during the week. Pellegrini's case is strengthened not only by continuity of preparation but by defensive contribution: without the injured Bryan Cristante, Gasperini may need the attacking midfielder to provide additional midfield cover and pressing against Como's possession-based approach under Fabregas, helping to compress spaces between the lines. In midfield, Marten de Roon is the leading candidate to replace Cristante, whose knee problem makes his availability in Como highly unlikely. Gasperini will not take risks and can draw on his knowledge of the Dutch midfielder from their Atalanta days. Manu Koné, expected at Trigoria today after France duty, will partner him, tasked with ball recovery, pressing support and rapid transition from defence to attack. At the back, Evan N'Dicka and Leonardo Balerdi are competing for a place, with N'Dicka potentially returning to the starting eleven after international football. N'Dicka has already returned to Trigoria; Balerdi faces the long journey from Argentina and is not expected to train with the group until Friday. Energy management may therefore influence Gasperini's choices. More positive news arrives from Donyell Malen and Wesley, both of whom took part in Saturday's session and are expected to be available for Sunday barring late problems. Malen's return would allow Gasperini to maintain his primary attacking reference, while Wesley provides important resources for pressing Como's wide areas. The Sinigaglia trip opens a particularly intense phase of the season. After Como, Roma will host Real Madrid in the Champions League, followed by a fixture against Genoa. Three close-fixture demands will force Gasperini to think beyond Sunday's starting eleven and into energy distribution across all three matches. For that reason, Soulé, Mora and Pellegrini may all find minutes in the coming fixtures regardless of who starts against Como.

Roma have resumed training at Trigoria after three days' rest as they prepare for Sunday's Serie A match against Como, which will mark the restart of the league campaign. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has ruled out talk of title ambitions at this stage, stating: "It is only possible to speak concretely about objectives after 20 matches. Inter are the strongest, and we must think about improving ourselves every day." Rather than view the season as a direct battle with Inter, Gasperini faces the challenge of raising Roma's standards beyond the third-place finish achieved last season. Historically, Roma have struggled in direct encounters against top clubs. In the previous campaign, the Giallorossi managed only seven points from matches against the top seven teams — six excluding Roma themselves — with three of those points coming from a win at the Olimpico against Como. The current season shows improvement on that metric: in home fixtures against Inter and Atalanta in the opening five matches, Roma have earned four points, compared to just one point against Atalanta twelve months earlier. Gasperini has repeatedly praised the squad's attitude and commitment, but these early weeks offer a chance to demonstrate tangible progress in the competitions that matter most. The manager's focus remains on steady, incremental improvement rather than external comparisons, with Sunday's encounter against Como offering an early test of whether Roma's stronger start translates into consistent results against established rivals.

Roma returned to training at Trigoria on 6 October in preparation for Sunday's away fixture against Como. After the international break, Gian Piero Gasperini found a larger squad available: Wesley and Malen completed part of the session with their teammates, marking an early stage in their recovery. Seven internationals — Mancini, Ghilardi, Lulli, Pisilli, N'Dicka, Koulierakis and De Marzi — also returned, while Koné is expected back on Wednesday. Bryan Cristante confirmed he remains sidelined by a knee issue that will keep him out of the Como and Real Madrid matches, though he is targeting a return as soon as possible. Cristante spoke at an Adidas event on Via del Corso, emphasizing the importance of continuity within the group and the shared determination to build something more solid. He described Roma as a more conscious squad, capable of competing steadily in the top positions of a long league campaign. He expressed emotion at the prospect of facing Mourinho and backed the new direction of the Italy national team, leaving open the possibility of a future call-up: "We'll see how the season goes." Gasperini told La Stampa he is in "a good period" but stressed the need for continuity and determination to sustain a high level. He spoke of natural cycles in a team—rising and falling—and the importance of having the strength to rebuild during difficult moments. The coach employed what he called a "vineyard metaphor" to describe his vision: building an important path requires daily work, professionalism, quality players, a solid club and an enthusiastic environment—elements Roma is now putting into place.

Bryan Cristante appeared at an Adidas event on 6 October to present the Adidas EQT 2026–27 collection, addressing journalists about a knee issue that will keep him sidelined for matches against Como and Real Madrid. "I have discomfort in my knee and we are trying to recover as soon as possible," Cristante said. "It won't be simple, I know that, but the goal is to return to the pitch as soon as possible." Cristante reflected on Roma's season so far and their ambitions. On the campaign's opening phase, he said: "Continuity is fundamental. Last season we had a great campaign and we all want to confirm ourselves. We started from a solid, already established base, and there was a common desire to stay and try to improve further." He stressed that Roma finished third last season and are capable of competing for those positions again. "The objective is to maintain this level and reach as high as possible. Italian football is difficult and seasons are long, but we want to repeat it," he added. On the upcoming fixtures, Cristante noted: "It is still early to make assessments. They are two important matches: Como is a direct rival of ours, while Real Madrid… it is always Real Madrid. Beautiful matches and at a high level, but the league is long." Regarding a future meeting with José Mourinho, he said: "Seeing the manager again always brings pleasure. We shared beautiful moments and it will certainly be a nice reunion." On Italy's recent performances under Roberto Mancini, Cristante observed: "The squad seems to be doing well. It is normal to have some difficulties at the start, but the young players have done really excellent work. There is a great future: many young men can grow and do well from here on."

Bryan Cristante has addressed his knee injury and Roma's outlook for the season ahead, speaking at the launch of Adidas's EQT 2026-27 collection. The midfielder confirmed he is managing discomfort in the knee and hopes to recover as soon as possible, though he acknowledged the timeline remains uncertain. "I have this problem with my knee. We are clearly trying to recover as soon as possible. We hope we can manage it, but we see it as a bit difficult. We are trying to do it as soon as possible," he said. Cristante credited the decision by the squad to remain at Roma for the continuity that has been built. "Yes, absolutely. I think continuity is fundamental. Last season we had a great season, so we all wanted to repeat it. We knew we would start from a more solid and consolidated base, so clearly there was a desire from everyone to stay and repeat ourselves and try to do better," he explained. Roma finished third in Serie A last season, and Cristante said the group is aware of the standards required to compete at that level again. "We know we can reach those positions. Our objective is to maintain these standards, those of last season, and to reach as high as possible. Then seasons are long, Italian football is difficult, but we want to repeat ourselves," he added. The midfielder highlighted Como and Real Madrid as significant fixtures coming up. "It is still early. Clearly everything will still be open, but certainly they are two big matches. There is Como, which is a direct rival of ours, and then there is Real Madrid. They are two important and beautiful matches, but it is early: the championship is still long," Cristante said. He also expressed warmth about the prospect of facing José Mourinho, who formerly managed Roma. "It is always nice to see the coach again. We lived beautiful moments together and it will certainly be a great pleasure," he said. On the new Italy squad under Roberto Mancini, Cristante offered encouragement. "It seems good to me. Clearly it is normal that there were some initial difficulties, but I am happy with the young players. I think they did very well, that there is a great future and that there are many players who can do well from here on and who will only grow," he said. When asked if he would be available for Italy in November, he remained non-committal: "Let's see how the rest of the season goes."

Roma returned to training at Trigoria on 6 October in preparation for Sunday's away fixture against Como. After the international break, Gian Piero Gasperini found a larger squad available: Wesley and Malen completed part of the session with their teammates, marking an early stage in their recovery. Seven internationals — Mancini, Ghilardi, Lulli, Pisilli, N'Dicka, Koulierakis and De Marzi — also returned, while Koné is expected back on Wednesday. Bryan Cristante confirmed he remains sidelined by a knee issue that will keep him out of the Como and Real Madrid matches, though he is targeting a return as soon as possible. Cristante spoke at an Adidas event on Via del Corso, emphasizing the importance of continuity within the group and the shared determination to build something more solid. He described Roma as a more conscious squad, capable of competing steadily in the top positions of a long league campaign. He expressed emotion at the prospect of facing Mourinho and backed the new direction of the Italy national team, leaving open the possibility of a future call-up: "We'll see how the season goes." Gasperini told La Stampa he is in "a good period" but stressed the need for continuity and determination to sustain a high level. He spoke of natural cycles in a team—rising and falling—and the importance of having the strength to rebuild during difficult moments. The coach employed what he called a "vineyard metaphor" to describe his vision: building an important path requires daily work, professionalism, quality players, a solid club and an enthusiastic environment—elements Roma is now putting into place.

Rodrigo Mora started for Portugal's Under-21 side in their UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier against the Czech Republic on 6 October, playing 74 minutes in a 2–0 victory. The match was the opening fixture of Group B in the qualifying campaign. Mora's international commitment comes as Roma resumed training at Trigoria ahead of their Serie A fixture against Como. The club welcomed back Evan N'Dicka, Gianluca Mancini and Daniele Ghilardi after their own national-team duties.

Roma's pursuit of Real Madrid forward Endrick remains at an impasse two months after a summer rejection, with the Spanish club offering neither discussion nor closure on a potential move. The international break has revived interest in the 20-year-old, who has made only four minutes of league action and no Champions League appearances under Carlo Ancelotti and remains keen to leave in search of regular playing time. Endrick has repeatedly told Real Madrid he wants to join Roma and wear the giallorosso, most recently reiterating this to José Mourinho before reporting to the Brazilian national team two weeks ago. Ancelotti has publicly acknowledged the forward needs consistent minutes to develop. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has not prioritised the signing, concentrating instead on upcoming fixtures rather than transfer activity—a perspective that makes sense given the January window lies three months away. Roma's primary target remains a winger with specific qualities: physically strong and capable of explosive pace. Endrick is not that profile, though Gasperini would accept him as a secondary option, potentially deploying him on the right wing or as a second striker. The first-choice targets remain Chelsea's Gittens, Stuttgart's Lewelling and Zenit's Luiz Henrique, all of whom were discussed in the closing stages of the summer market and remain on Roma's radar. Only Henrique received significant playing time after negotiations halted in August. Another barrier exists: the Friedkin family's likely demands for departures before any arrival. Soulé has been repeatedly pursued—both in summer and now through the winter window—while a possible move for defender Oosterwolde could mean Rensch or Ghilardi leaving. Oosterwolde was abandoned at the end of August due to physical problems, which are reportedly now resolved. For any Endrick deal to progress, Real Madrid must break its silence, the player must remain committed despite minimal minutes, and Roma must find clarity on squad-trimming priorities.

Roma returned to training at Trigoria on 6 October in preparation for Sunday's away fixture against Como. After the international break, Gian Piero Gasperini found a larger squad available: Wesley and Malen completed part of the session with their teammates, marking an early stage in their recovery. Seven internationals — Mancini, Ghilardi, Lulli, Pisilli, N'Dicka, Koulierakis and De Marzi — also returned, while Koné is expected back on Wednesday. Bryan Cristante confirmed he remains sidelined by a knee issue that will keep him out of the Como and Real Madrid matches, though he is targeting a return as soon as possible. Cristante spoke at an Adidas event on Via del Corso, emphasizing the importance of continuity within the group and the shared determination to build something more solid. He described Roma as a more conscious squad, capable of competing steadily in the top positions of a long league campaign. He expressed emotion at the prospect of facing Mourinho and backed the new direction of the Italy national team, leaving open the possibility of a future call-up: "We'll see how the season goes." Gasperini told La Stampa he is in "a good period" but stressed the need for continuity and determination to sustain a high level. He spoke of natural cycles in a team—rising and falling—and the importance of having the strength to rebuild during difficult moments. The coach employed what he called a "vineyard metaphor" to describe his vision: building an important path requires daily work, professionalism, quality players, a solid club and an enthusiastic environment—elements Roma is now putting into place.

Roma resumed full-squad training at Trigoria on 6 October as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini prepares the squad for the trip to Como on Sunday 11 October at 12:30. Donyell Malen and Wesley, who had been working separately in recent sessions, returned to partial group training, a development Gasperini will monitor closely over the coming days to determine when they can take part in full sessions and what role they might play against Como. The squad's numbers swelled as international players began filtering back from national-team commitments during the break. Gianluca Mancini, Daniele Ghilardi, Emanuele Lulli, Niccolò Pisilli, Evan N'Dicka, Konstantinos Koulierakis and Giorgio De Marzi have all returned to Trigoria, allowing Gasperini to step up preparations for the Sinigaglia fixture. Not all players are yet available: Manu Koné is expected back at training from Wednesday. The international break had seen the squad work in reduced numbers, but those early returns have given the coaching staff positive signs ahead of the weekend fixture.

Roma returned to training at Trigoria on Monday afternoon following their international break, with positive developments in the recovery of Donyell Malen and Wesley. Both players completed part of the session with the main squad as they continue their path back to full fitness. The progress is significant as Roma prepare for their trip to Como in five days, though their condition will continue to be assessed throughout the week under Gian Piero Gasperini's supervision. Gasperini has begun welcoming back international players over recent days. Gianluca Mancini, Daniele Ghilardi, Emanuele Lulli, Niccolò Pisilli, Evan N'Dicka, Konstantinos Koulierakis and Giorgio De Marzi have returned to Trigoria. The full squad will progressively return in the coming days as players complete their international commitments. With the Como fixture at Stadio Sinigaglia on Sunday, Gasperini will be able to prepare the match in greater detail from this point forward, with particular focus on securing the complete recovery of Malen and Wesley ahead of the weekend.