Gasperini: Roma made important steps forward, Balerdi was superb, Koné cannot play 90 minutes yet

Manchester United came back from two goals down at half-time to beat Roma 3-2. Roma's dip in form helped United turn the game around, as did a generous penalty that was ordered to be retaken after the first attempt was missed. United are coached by Carrick. Wayne Rooney, the club's former striker and now a sports pundit for Prime Video, assessed the result after the final whistle. Roma had been in control of the first half, and United's comeback was built on a much stronger second half. Rooney said: "The second half was fantastic, they played aggressively and in the end they deserved to win." He added: "The first half was terrible, but in the second half we saw the passion and the grit we wanted. The crowd got behind the team with real enthusiasm, and you could feel that they could really win the game."

Roma's momentum collapsed after the interval at Old Trafford, with Manchester United taking control and completing their comeback. Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé had lit up the first half for Gasperini's side, with goals, assists and quality play, and United could not contain them as Roma flew. Then, at half-time, something went wrong. When the teams came back out, Roma faded, United took over and the comeback became reality. Mora, the standout performer of the first half, stayed in the dressing room, and Pisilli came on in his place. The article suggests the switch may have been driven by a need to manage the minutes of the young talent, or by a wish to give the midfield more cover. Whatever the reason, Mora's departure changed the balance of the team, and it may have mattered far more than it appeared. The first half belonged to Mora and Soulé, the Portuguese and Argentine pairing whose understanding had been Roma's main threat. The collapse that followed was hard to explain, but the change at half-time offers a possible tactical key, and it leads straight back to Mora.

Roma led Manchester United at Old Trafford for 45 minutes and played outstandingly, but lost 3-2 after a controversial penalty and a late collapse. The article argues Roma were strong in the first half despite heavy absences, including a third-choice goalkeeper in goal and a squad less deep than United's. Roma scored two goals in that opening period and came close to a third. Gasperini's side then gradually lost the ability to play out from their own half once United raised their pressing, continuing with solutions that had worked in the first half. The article says Roma needed to change approach, accept some long balls, break the rhythm and accept that defending a lead does not mean abandoning their identity. Some reserves, the article states, have not yet shown the same reliability as the starters. It describes this as not a condemnation but an observation that becomes evident when a Champions League match suddenly changes intensity. Gasperini has built a competitive side, but not yet a squad able to maintain the same level through all of its substitutions. The article, however, says this cannot excuse what happened at the 55th minute. It describes the penalty Gil Manzano awarded for contact between Mancini and Cunha as a decision that leaves observers frankly astonished: a very light touch, an attacker who seems to lose his balance alone, and a referee pointing to the spot with a certainty inversely proportional to the foul. According to a rigorous technical assessment, the article says, the penalty should never have existed. On the retake, Cristante entered the area early and intervened on the rebound from Vasquez's save, which made the rule applicable. The article calls this the paradox: VAR intervened over a marginal infringement but did not correct the original decision. After Bruno Fernandes missed and Vasquez saved, the retake led to the goal that changed the match's momentum, and United regained enthusiasm as Old Trafford came alive. The article calls the handling of that episode scandalous, while stressing that this is not a search for an alibi. Gasperini referred to the usual "rigorini" (small penalties) but did not turn the post-match into a trial of the referee. The article suggests this restraint could be read in light of Roma's delicate relationship with UEFA, given the settlement agreement and the economic monitoring to which the club is subject, though it calls this an interpretation rather than a certainty. Such a low institutional profile would be understandable, the article says, but not necessarily agreeable. Roma need no theatrics, yet should not accept every decision passively; defending their case through the appropriate channels should be a normal form of protection. The article concludes that work must now focus on Trigoria and on what the pitch revealed: physical decline, the alternatives on the bench, the inability to manage certain moments, and the two goals conceded late that turned a prestigious win at a historically cursed ground into a painful defeat. Roma must learn not to be pegged back, it says, but must not get used to being refereed this way. These are two distinct problems, and both deserve an answer.

Rodrigo Mora has spoken warmly about team-mate Wesley after Roma's defeat at Manchester United, where Mora was among the Giallorossi's best players in the first half. Mora said: "Today he played another great match. He is a great player and he will reach the highest levels of football." The Portuguese midfielder also described their relationship: "We talk mostly about Brazil and Brazilian football. The language helps us a lot. He gave me a big hand when I joined Roma and I am really grateful to him." Mora's comments were reported by TNT Sports. Manchester United celebrated the win on social media with a post recalling their previous meetings with Roma, from a 7-1 result through to the comeback of last night. The caption, "Absolute cinema", referred to a contest in which Roma, under Gasperini, had dominated the first half and gone two goals ahead before the Red Devils turned the game around. Newspaper ratings favoured Soulé, who earned a 7.00 as Roma's best player thanks to a very strong first half that included a goal and a penalty won. Mora followed on 6.75, while Cristante and Wesley received generally positive marks of 6.25. At the bottom of the ratings, Balerdi scored 4.42, penalised for the error that started United's comeback. Pisilli (4.83) and Lulli (5.08) also struggled, while Vasquez and Ghilardi, both on 5.50, remained below the pass mark. Rensch left the Manchester United match early with a muscle problem in his right adductor and was replaced by Lulli. The Dutchman will undergo further assessments in the coming hours by the Roma medical staff to establish the extent of the problem. Rensch is a serious doubt for the Saturday fixture against Sassuolo.

Roma lost 3-2 at Old Trafford in Manchester, having led by two goals before being pegged back, a result that makes qualification for the Champions League knockout phase harder. Italian newspapers were unanimous in praising the first half as very high level, but the second half was markedly less bright, and a much-disputed penalty awarded to the hosts added to Roma's frustration. The papers' player ratings were widely critical of Balerdi, who received a 4.5 from La Gazzetta dello Sport, a 4 from Corriere dello Sport and La Repubblica, and a 5 from Il Messaggero. Soulé was the standout performer, rated 7.5 by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport and La Repubblica, and 7 by Il Messaggero and Corriere della Sera. Mora also earned strong marks, with a 7 from Corriere dello Sport and La Repubblica. Pisilli was judged harshly, rated 5 by La Gazzetta dello Sport, 4.5 by Corriere dello Sport, La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera, and 5 by Il Messaggero and Il Tempo. Gasperini was given a 5.5 by La Gazzetta dello Sport and La Repubblica, a 5 by Corriere dello Sport and Corriere della Sera, and a 6 by Il Messaggero and Il Tempo. Vásquez received 5.5 from Il Messaggero and 6 from La Repubblica, Il Tempo and Romanews.eu. Cristante earned 6.5 from La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere della Sera, and Wesley was rated 6.5 by Corriere dello Sport and Il Tempo. Malen was rated 7 by La Repubblica, with Castro's late cameo marked between 5 and 6 across the papers.

Roma were dominant for 45 minutes at Manchester United before collapsing in the second half, a defeat that Italian newspapers describe as a painful one. It is the club's second Champions League blackout, following the defeat against Real Madrid, and a collapse that Gian Piero Gasperini will have to work on for a long time. Matías Soulé was named the best Roma player on the pitch, playing a perfect first half, opening the scoring and winning the penalty that made it 2-0. However, he faded in the second half, as did the rest of the team. Defender Leonardo Balerdi was rated the worst player on the pitch, with his error on United's equaliser to make it 2-2 weighing heavily on him. The collapse after such a strong start is seen as difficult to explain, and it puts a spotlight on the team's ability to hold a lead against top opposition. The Italian sports press rated the Roma players in a range of marks across five newspapers. Gazzetta dello Sport gave Soulé 6.5 and Balerdi 4, and Corriere dello Sport gave Soulé 7.5 and Balerdi 4. Il Messaggero gave Soulé 7 and Balerdi 5, while Il Tempo gave Soulé 7 and Balerdi 4.5. Corriere della Sera rated Soulé 7 and Balerdi 4.5, and Leggo gave Soulé 7 and Balerdi 4.5. Gasperini received marks between 5 and 6 across the papers. Roma lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Vásquez started in goal, with Mancini, Balerdi and Hermoso in defence, and Rensch, Cristante, de Roon and Wesley in midfield. Soulé and Mora played behind Malen. Rensch was replaced by Lulli at 21 minutes, Mora by Pisilli at half-time, and Mancini and Hermoso were replaced by Ghilardi and Ndicka at 75 minutes. Malen made way for Castro at 80 minutes.

Manu Koné is reportedly close to full recovery from a thigh muscle injury and could return to the bench for Saturday's Serie A trip against Sassuolo, the eleventh round of the season. Il Tempo reports that Gian Piero Gasperini may have one of his key midfield figures available, at least among the substitutes, after Koné missed 20 days with the injury. The focus turns to the weekend immediately after Roma's Champions League defeat to Manchester United, with the disappointment of that result giving way to preparation for the Sassuolo fixture. Koné's possible return would be a welcome boost for Gasperini as Roma look to bounce back in Serie A. The report also states that Paulo Dybala remains in doubt for the match. Further details on the squad's fitness and selection are expected as the week progresses.

Manu Koné is moving quickly towards a return from injury in time for Saturday's match against Sassuolo, according to Il Tempo. Paulo Dybala also hopes to be available and has resumed training on the pitch, aiming to return to availability as soon as possible. Roma need their big players. They have managed without some of their most dazzling names in Serie A, winning and convincing, but the comeback conceded against Manchester United exposed a problem: when matches become hard and tense, the giallorossi risk losing their composure. The issue is more mental than physical, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will have to work on it. The infirmary could offer some help in the meantime. Gasperini hopes to count on both players. Starting them appears unlikely, but having them available, even only on the bench, makes all the difference, and Gasperini knows it.

Roma threw away a two-goal lead at Manchester United in the Champions League, losing 3-2 after a dominant first half in which Soulé and Malen (from the penalty spot) had put them ahead. The collapse follows a similar late unravelling against Real Madrid, and this time the defeat is even more painful. Roma controlled the first half, rattling a United side that looked unrecognisable, before disappearing from the pitch after the break with no reaction and no ability to ease the English pressure. The responsibility, the article argues, must be shared, and head coach Gasperini must accept his part. Taking off Rodrigo Mora at half-time, after the Portuguese had lit up Roma's attacking play, was hard to understand. Pisilli's introduction was meant to bring more substance and dynamism but removed quality and unpredictability, and from that point Roma barely threatened. Replacing the injured Rensch with Lulli, rather than the more experienced Molina, also raised doubts; the young winger suffered badly under the weight of the match and United's pressure. Both choices failed and Gasperini will have to reflect on them. The squad is also showing strain. The absences of Manu Koné and Paulo Dybala were felt, especially when the team needed fresh legs and quality to escape difficult moments. Roma still lack a quick attacking winger who can beat a man and turn a move, something the club sought without success during the summer transfer window. Balerdi, probably the best player on the pitch until then, made a costly error, missing the ball on the cross that allowed Cunha to equalise. A few minutes later it was 3-2. The decisive moment was the penalty awarded to United for a very light contact between Mancini and Cunha, which looked utterly incomprehensible. The retake, after Vásquez had saved the first attempt, was justified because Cristante's foot was already inside the box, but the initial decision that revived a struggling United side remains a source of enormous doubt. Bruno Fernandes's goal reignited United and Old Trafford. The real problem, the article says, was what happened in the minds and legs of the Roma players: as the pace rose and United pressed harder, Roma were gripped by fear of losing a victory already within reach and could not respond. Gasperini acknowledged after the game that this defeat could teach Roma even more than the loss to Real Madrid, and the article agrees, while insisting the problem must be faced rather than hidden behind the refereeing call or the absences. The result leaves Roma's hopes of reaching the Champions League play-off round harder to secure. The club now face Sassuolo on Saturday evening at the Olimpico, a final push before the international break. The article says Roma must recover injured players, energy and composure, and collect three points, while the championship remains the season's main target. Roma have repeatedly shown they can bounce back from disappointment, and the article concludes that the real frustration is seeing how strong this team can be, and how little it still takes for them to stop being so.

Roma's momentum collapsed after the interval at Old Trafford, with Manchester United taking control and completing their comeback. Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé had lit up the first half for Gasperini's side, with goals, assists and quality play, and United could not contain them as Roma flew. Then, at half-time, something went wrong. When the teams came back out, Roma faded, United took over and the comeback became reality. Mora, the standout performer of the first half, stayed in the dressing room, and Pisilli came on in his place. The article suggests the switch may have been driven by a need to manage the minutes of the young talent, or by a wish to give the midfield more cover. Whatever the reason, Mora's departure changed the balance of the team, and it may have mattered far more than it appeared. The first half belonged to Mora and Soulé, the Portuguese and Argentine pairing whose understanding had been Roma's main threat. The collapse that followed was hard to explain, but the change at half-time offers a possible tactical key, and it leads straight back to Mora.

Rodrigo Mora has spoken warmly about team-mate Wesley after Roma's defeat at Manchester United, where Mora was among the Giallorossi's best players in the first half. Mora said: "Today he played another great match. He is a great player and he will reach the highest levels of football." The Portuguese midfielder also described their relationship: "We talk mostly about Brazil and Brazilian football. The language helps us a lot. He gave me a big hand when I joined Roma and I am really grateful to him." Mora's comments were reported by TNT Sports. Manchester United celebrated the win on social media with a post recalling their previous meetings with Roma, from a 7-1 result through to the comeback of last night. The caption, "Absolute cinema", referred to a contest in which Roma, under Gasperini, had dominated the first half and gone two goals ahead before the Red Devils turned the game around. Newspaper ratings favoured Soulé, who earned a 7.00 as Roma's best player thanks to a very strong first half that included a goal and a penalty won. Mora followed on 6.75, while Cristante and Wesley received generally positive marks of 6.25. At the bottom of the ratings, Balerdi scored 4.42, penalised for the error that started United's comeback. Pisilli (4.83) and Lulli (5.08) also struggled, while Vasquez and Ghilardi, both on 5.50, remained below the pass mark. Rensch left the Manchester United match early with a muscle problem in his right adductor and was replaced by Lulli. The Dutchman will undergo further assessments in the coming hours by the Roma medical staff to establish the extent of the problem. Rensch is a serious doubt for the Saturday fixture against Sassuolo.

Roma lost 3-2 at Old Trafford in Manchester, having led by two goals before being pegged back, a result that makes qualification for the Champions League knockout phase harder. Italian newspapers were unanimous in praising the first half as very high level, but the second half was markedly less bright, and a much-disputed penalty awarded to the hosts added to Roma's frustration. The papers' player ratings were widely critical of Balerdi, who received a 4.5 from La Gazzetta dello Sport, a 4 from Corriere dello Sport and La Repubblica, and a 5 from Il Messaggero. Soulé was the standout performer, rated 7.5 by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport and La Repubblica, and 7 by Il Messaggero and Corriere della Sera. Mora also earned strong marks, with a 7 from Corriere dello Sport and La Repubblica. Pisilli was judged harshly, rated 5 by La Gazzetta dello Sport, 4.5 by Corriere dello Sport, La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera, and 5 by Il Messaggero and Il Tempo. Gasperini was given a 5.5 by La Gazzetta dello Sport and La Repubblica, a 5 by Corriere dello Sport and Corriere della Sera, and a 6 by Il Messaggero and Il Tempo. Vásquez received 5.5 from Il Messaggero and 6 from La Repubblica, Il Tempo and Romanews.eu. Cristante earned 6.5 from La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere della Sera, and Wesley was rated 6.5 by Corriere dello Sport and Il Tempo. Malen was rated 7 by La Repubblica, with Castro's late cameo marked between 5 and 6 across the papers.