Gasperini rules out Manu Koné exit to Chelsea as Roma beat Lecce 4-0

Roma's collapse against Real Madrid on Wednesday exposed a critical weakness: the absence of potent attacking alternatives on the bench. José Mourinho was able to deploy Arda Güler, Carlos Espí and Endrick to reshape Madrid's attack and mount their comeback, while Gasperini had to manage a squad already stretched by the injuries of Koné and Dybala, limiting his ability to shift the match through substitutions. The disparity underscores gaps in Roma's summer recruitment and points to unmet requests from the coaching staff. The club's priority remains a left-sided attacking winger, preferably right-footed, capable of beating defenders, creating numerical superiority and offering a concrete alternative to the regular starters. Roma also needs a left-footed full-back to broaden the manager's tactical options. Endrick would have represented one of the most appealing opportunities, as he demonstrated against Madrid, but Mourinho has publicly restated his determination to keep the Brazilian, declaring that anyone wanting to take him away in January will have to "fight" with him—language that makes any deal particularly difficult. Inspection has turned to other targets. Jamie Gittens at Chelsea has accumulated only 56 minutes in official competitions this season and may be open to a move in the next transfer window due to limited opportunities. Jamie Leweling at Stuttgart decided to stay over the summer but has not secured a regular starting place; in the first five Bundesliga matches he started only once, though he played over seventy minutes in the last fixture against Paderborn. His situation remains unresolved. New names on the radar include Kvernadze and Van Bommel. Tony D'Amico's task in the coming weeks will be to assess which opportunities can materialise—either from targets already monitored in summer or from new situations involving discontented players, those with limited game time, or those who become suddenly available. In January, Roma will seek above all another signing in the mould of Malen: a ready-made reinforcement to slot into rotation and immediately strengthen attacking depth. Wednesday's match against Real highlighted once more how heavily alternatives can weigh, especially when a contest is decided in the final twenty minutes.

Endrick came off Real Madrid's bench at the Olimpico on Tuesday night and delivered a masterclass in exactly why Roma had pursued him as a potential signing. The Brazilian entered with Madrid trailing 3–1 and proved decisive in their comeback: his header forced Gollini into a save that led to Espí's goal to make it 3–2, then Endrick himself scored to level at 3–3. Beyond those moments, his aggression, dribbling and ability to create danger in the box transformed Madrid's attacking threat in the final stages—a painful reminder to Gasperini's squad of what they lacked. The contrast between the two benches laid bare one of Roma's remaining gaps. Mourinho could call on Arda Güler, Carlos Espí and Endrick to shift momentum; Gasperini, already without the injured Koné and Dybala, had no equivalent tools for tactical change through substitution. The issue points directly to the transfer market. Although Roma acted in the summer, not all of Gasperini's targets were met, and some roster vacancies remain unresolved. The primary gap is a left-sided attacking winger—preferably right-footed, capable of beating defenders, creating superiority and offering a genuine alternative to the regular starters. Gasperini has also requested greater depth at left wing-back. Endrick would have been one of the most attractive opportunities, but Mourinho has publicly protected him, stating he has no intention of letting him leave and declaring that anyone wishing to sign him in January would have to "fight" him. That firm stance complicates any move now. However, Endrick did not entirely rule out a winter departure after the Olimpico match, explaining that if he leaves in January, he will do so. Roma must now find an alternative. Jamie Gittens at Chelsea remains under observation: he has logged only 56 minutes across official competitions so far this season, little playing time that could prompt a January exit. Jamie Leweling presents a different picture. The German chose to stay at Stuttgart in the summer and has not become a fixture; in the Bundesliga he started only one of the first five matchdays, though he played over seventy minutes against Paderborn most recently. His use has been inconsistent, and his name could regain relevance if his situation does not improve. Tony D'Amico's task is now to identify which opportunities may emerge in the coming weeks—not necessarily names already chased in the summer, but perhaps deals that develop unexpectedly by exploiting a dissatisfied, underused or suddenly available player. Roma will seek in January what they need: another signing like Malen, a player who can slot immediately into rotation and alter the squad's attacking weight. The night against Real showed how vital alternatives become when matches enter their final twenty minutes.

Endrick put on a devastating performance against Roma on Wednesday evening at the Olimpico, dismantling the defence and extinguishing the enthusiasm of 60,000 supporters. The Brazilian winger spent half an hour terrorising the flanks with pace and dribbling that exhausted the energy of Hermoso and Molina before leaving Koulierakis in disarray. Roma had pursued Endrick intensely throughout the summer transfer window before Real Madrid blocked the move. The club remained in contact with the player, aware that a January opportunity might yet arise. That calculation may now have shifted. Endrick had played only four minutes all season before facing Roma and had made his frustration public. His standout display at the Olimpico was made all the more striking by the return to Rome of Mourinho.

Roma face Genoa without Malen, Dybala, Svilar, Koné and Cristante, forcing Gasperini to rely on an unfamiliar attack centred on two summer arrivals. Rodrigo Mora (Portugal) and Santiago Castro (Argentina) will make their first competitive pairing, with Soulé alongside them. De Roon and Pisilli will lead midfield against Daniele De Rossi's Genoa, while Lulli replaces Molina at right-back. Both young forwards carry significant investment and expectation: Mora arrived on a €25 million deal with a further €25 million option to secure him permanently, while Castro cost €30 million plus performance bonuses and reportedly took the train to Rome to complete the move. Their combined valuation approaches €100 million. The squad's depleted state means Gasperini has little margin for error. Roma nearly overcame Real Madrid in their last outing and must translate that character into the league. Mora made an impression against Madrid, coming off the bench to provide an assist for Malen, a display that would have earned him a rating of seven or better had the comeback succeeded. Castro has not played since the final stages of the Torino match, though he has since made his Argentina debut. Both players now carry the weight of the club's summer faith on their shoulders. Mora, 19, and Castro, 22, have yet to score their first goals at the Olimpico despite joining this summer with significant pedigree and investment. For Roma, victory against Genoa is almost obligatory as the season enters its autumn phase.

Roma's collapse against Real Madrid on Wednesday exposed a critical weakness: the absence of potent attacking alternatives on the bench. José Mourinho was able to deploy Arda Güler, Carlos Espí and Endrick to reshape Madrid's attack and mount their comeback, while Gasperini had to manage a squad already stretched by the injuries of Koné and Dybala, limiting his ability to shift the match through substitutions. The disparity underscores gaps in Roma's summer recruitment and points to unmet requests from the coaching staff. The club's priority remains a left-sided attacking winger, preferably right-footed, capable of beating defenders, creating numerical superiority and offering a concrete alternative to the regular starters. Roma also needs a left-footed full-back to broaden the manager's tactical options. Endrick would have represented one of the most appealing opportunities, as he demonstrated against Madrid, but Mourinho has publicly restated his determination to keep the Brazilian, declaring that anyone wanting to take him away in January will have to "fight" with him—language that makes any deal particularly difficult. Inspection has turned to other targets. Jamie Gittens at Chelsea has accumulated only 56 minutes in official competitions this season and may be open to a move in the next transfer window due to limited opportunities. Jamie Leweling at Stuttgart decided to stay over the summer but has not secured a regular starting place; in the first five Bundesliga matches he started only once, though he played over seventy minutes in the last fixture against Paderborn. His situation remains unresolved. New names on the radar include Kvernadze and Van Bommel. Tony D'Amico's task in the coming weeks will be to assess which opportunities can materialise—either from targets already monitored in summer or from new situations involving discontented players, those with limited game time, or those who become suddenly available. In January, Roma will seek above all another signing in the mould of Malen: a ready-made reinforcement to slot into rotation and immediately strengthen attacking depth. Wednesday's match against Real highlighted once more how heavily alternatives can weigh, especially when a contest is decided in the final twenty minutes.

Endrick came off Real Madrid's bench at the Olimpico on Tuesday night and delivered a masterclass in exactly why Roma had pursued him as a potential signing. The Brazilian entered with Madrid trailing 3–1 and proved decisive in their comeback: his header forced Gollini into a save that led to Espí's goal to make it 3–2, then Endrick himself scored to level at 3–3. Beyond those moments, his aggression, dribbling and ability to create danger in the box transformed Madrid's attacking threat in the final stages—a painful reminder to Gasperini's squad of what they lacked. The contrast between the two benches laid bare one of Roma's remaining gaps. Mourinho could call on Arda Güler, Carlos Espí and Endrick to shift momentum; Gasperini, already without the injured Koné and Dybala, had no equivalent tools for tactical change through substitution. The issue points directly to the transfer market. Although Roma acted in the summer, not all of Gasperini's targets were met, and some roster vacancies remain unresolved. The primary gap is a left-sided attacking winger—preferably right-footed, capable of beating defenders, creating superiority and offering a genuine alternative to the regular starters. Gasperini has also requested greater depth at left wing-back. Endrick would have been one of the most attractive opportunities, but Mourinho has publicly protected him, stating he has no intention of letting him leave and declaring that anyone wishing to sign him in January would have to "fight" him. That firm stance complicates any move now. However, Endrick did not entirely rule out a winter departure after the Olimpico match, explaining that if he leaves in January, he will do so. Roma must now find an alternative. Jamie Gittens at Chelsea remains under observation: he has logged only 56 minutes across official competitions so far this season, little playing time that could prompt a January exit. Jamie Leweling presents a different picture. The German chose to stay at Stuttgart in the summer and has not become a fixture; in the Bundesliga he started only one of the first five matchdays, though he played over seventy minutes against Paderborn most recently. His use has been inconsistent, and his name could regain relevance if his situation does not improve. Tony D'Amico's task is now to identify which opportunities may emerge in the coming weeks—not necessarily names already chased in the summer, but perhaps deals that develop unexpectedly by exploiting a dissatisfied, underused or suddenly available player. Roma will seek in January what they need: another signing like Malen, a player who can slot immediately into rotation and alter the squad's attacking weight. The night against Real showed how vital alternatives become when matches enter their final twenty minutes.

José Mourinho returned to the Olimpico for the first time in nearly three years as Real Madrid defeated Roma 4–3 in a comeback victory on Wednesday. Malen and his teammates dominated for 80 minutes but were undone by a dramatic rally in the closing stages. The loss stung, but Roma's supporters across the city, in bars, on social media and on radio programmes applauded the team's display—frustration exists, but fans believe the club can dream big this season after a disappointing year previously. The stadium paid tribute to Mourinho before and during the match, but the gesture divided the fanbase. Many on social media criticised the former coach for his final celebrations and jibes at his successor, with some supporters declaring him ungrateful and no longer a romanista. The current manager on Roma's bench draws less charisma than Mourinho but carries significant pedigree. The club's three-year project to win the Serie A title for the first time in 25 years remains on track, and supporters believe the direction is correct. While some supporters welcomed Mourinho's homecoming, others felt the Olimpico's pre-match and in-game tribute was inappropriate given his departure from the club. The overriding sentiment, however, reflects optimism about Roma's path forward under new leadership.

Roma face Genoa without Malen, Dybala, Svilar, Koné and Cristante, forcing Gasperini to rely on an unfamiliar attack centred on two summer arrivals. Rodrigo Mora (Portugal) and Santiago Castro (Argentina) will make their first competitive pairing, with Soulé alongside them. De Roon and Pisilli will lead midfield against Daniele De Rossi's Genoa, while Lulli replaces Molina at right-back. Both young forwards carry significant investment and expectation: Mora arrived on a €25 million deal with a further €25 million option to secure him permanently, while Castro cost €30 million plus performance bonuses and reportedly took the train to Rome to complete the move. Their combined valuation approaches €100 million. The squad's depleted state means Gasperini has little margin for error. Roma nearly overcame Real Madrid in their last outing and must translate that character into the league. Mora made an impression against Madrid, coming off the bench to provide an assist for Malen, a display that would have earned him a rating of seven or better had the comeback succeeded. Castro has not played since the final stages of the Torino match, though he has since made his Argentina debut. Both players now carry the weight of the club's summer faith on their shoulders. Mora, 19, and Castro, 22, have yet to score their first goals at the Olimpico despite joining this summer with significant pedigree and investment. For Roma, victory against Genoa is almost obligatory as the season enters its autumn phase.

Roma's collapse against Real Madrid on Wednesday exposed a critical weakness: the absence of potent attacking alternatives on the bench. José Mourinho was able to deploy Arda Güler, Carlos Espí and Endrick to reshape Madrid's attack and mount their comeback, while Gasperini had to manage a squad already stretched by the injuries of Koné and Dybala, limiting his ability to shift the match through substitutions. The disparity underscores gaps in Roma's summer recruitment and points to unmet requests from the coaching staff. The club's priority remains a left-sided attacking winger, preferably right-footed, capable of beating defenders, creating numerical superiority and offering a concrete alternative to the regular starters. Roma also needs a left-footed full-back to broaden the manager's tactical options. Endrick would have represented one of the most appealing opportunities, as he demonstrated against Madrid, but Mourinho has publicly restated his determination to keep the Brazilian, declaring that anyone wanting to take him away in January will have to "fight" with him—language that makes any deal particularly difficult. Inspection has turned to other targets. Jamie Gittens at Chelsea has accumulated only 56 minutes in official competitions this season and may be open to a move in the next transfer window due to limited opportunities. Jamie Leweling at Stuttgart decided to stay over the summer but has not secured a regular starting place; in the first five Bundesliga matches he started only once, though he played over seventy minutes in the last fixture against Paderborn. His situation remains unresolved. New names on the radar include Kvernadze and Van Bommel. Tony D'Amico's task in the coming weeks will be to assess which opportunities can materialise—either from targets already monitored in summer or from new situations involving discontented players, those with limited game time, or those who become suddenly available. In January, Roma will seek above all another signing in the mould of Malen: a ready-made reinforcement to slot into rotation and immediately strengthen attacking depth. Wednesday's match against Real highlighted once more how heavily alternatives can weigh, especially when a contest is decided in the final twenty minutes.

Roma's midfield has been plunged into an emergency with Bryan Cristante sidelined, Manu Koné unavailable, and 35-year-old Marten de Roon facing the prospect of playing every match in a punishing fixture schedule. Gasperini currently has only two senior midfielders available in de Roon and Niccolò Pisilli, and is likely to ask Lorenzo Pellegrini to drop deeper into midfield. The club faces seven matches in 24 days beginning with tomorrow's fixture against Genoa, with a January transfer reinforcement not ruled out for the remainder of the season. The crisis is forcing Gasperini to look to Roma's youth ranks, mirroring his approach last season with Romano. Francesco Panico, born in 2007, is the leading candidate for promotion. The midfielder was aggregated for the team's preparation before the Real Madrid match and has been evaluated by Gasperini in pre-season training. Panico joined Roma's academy in 2021 from Real Cesarea and won the Under 17 title, signing his first professional contract in the summer of 2024. He represents Italy at youth level, holding caps for the U18 national team, and is one of the cornerstones of Roma's Primavera squad under coach Mattia Scala. Gasperini could include him in the squad for tomorrow's match against Genoa.

Roma face Genoa at the Olimpico on Thursday at 20.45 after a devastating Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday night, when the club conceded three goals in seven minutes to lose a match they had dominated for 70 minutes. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini must rebuild morale quickly, drawing on the squad's awareness of their own quality to avoid a repeat of last season's collapse. After Roma surrendered a 3–1 lead to Juventus in a late turnaround, they lost to Como and Genoa and exited the Europa League to Bologna. The injury toll threatens to derail the recovery. Mile Svilar and Bryan Cristante were already sidelined; Manu Koné and Paulo Dybala have now joined them on the casualty list. Koné left the field in tears after 15 minutes with a hamstring strain that raises fears of a muscle tear. Dybala has a calf complaint and is likely to be rested against Genoa ahead of fixtures against Slovan and Napoli in a congested schedule. Both players are due for medical tests on Thursday. Donyell Malen is suspended, further stretching the squad's options. Gasperini is expected to field Rodrigo Mora, Niccolò Pisilli and Santiago Castro from the start in attack. A defensive reshuffle may see Leonardo Balerdi replace either Mario Hermoso or Evan N'Dicka. With Koné potentially facing a lengthy absence, midfield cover is tight and Lorenzo Pellegrini will be asked to drop deeper to provide support.

Roma must rebuild on the fly after a devastating collapse against Real Madrid in the Champions League left them with a mounting injury list and fractured morale ahead of tomorrow's trip to Genoa. The 3–4 defeat, in which Roma led 3–1 before conceding three goals in seven minutes, has forced Gasperini to contemplate a squad stripped of key personnel: goalkeeper Mile Svilar and midfielder Bryan Cristante are injured, Paulo Dybala and Manu Koné picked up injuries during the Real Madrid match, and forward Donyell Malen is suspended. Five men who, regardless of how Gasperini categorises his team roles, represent core pillars of Roma's season so far. Koné's condition is the most pressing concern. The French midfielder was withdrawn after just 15 minutes against Real Madrid, visibly distressed, and will undergo medical assessment today. The fear is a hamstring injury that could force him into an extended absence. Dybala is also being assessed, though initial indications are more encouraging, though only the tests will confirm the severity. Against Genoa he is expected to sit out. The midfield will bear the greatest pressure without both Cristante and Koné simultaneously: Marten de Roon will have to anchor the department again, with Niccolò Pisilli set for substantially more playing time and Lorenzo Pellegrini potentially dropping deeper. However, the issue extends beyond the starting eleven—the depth of alternatives has been drastically reduced. In attack, with Dybala sidelined and Malen suspended, Rodrigo Mora and Santiago Castro will see their share of responsibility increase. Gasperini may also rotate in defence, with Leonardo Balerdi a possible option. The real danger lies not simply in the absences but in how they arrive. Roma have expended enormous physical and emotional energy over a night in which they dominated Real Madrid for over 70 minutes, built a 3–1 lead, and watched it dissolve in seven minutes. That scale of deflation carries heavy psychological weight, and the fixture schedule offers almost no time for recovery. Gasperini must work on two fronts: reconstructing a squad with minimal options and several young players suddenly thrust into greater responsibility, and convincing the group to draw what was positive from the Real Madrid display—their ability to trouble an opponent of that calibre—without being dragged down by frustration at victory snatched away. The opponent carries additional emotional weight: Genoa are managed by Daniele De Rossi, Roma's former captain, who described Roma's performance against Real Madrid as "truly frightening", notwithstanding the errors from set-pieces. Roma must win tomorrow not only for the table but to prevent the loss to Real Madrid becoming anything more than a single defeat. They arrive exhausted, wounded, and with half their formation to rebuild.