Gasperini says Roma are limitless as he hits back at Allegri ahead of Cagliari clash

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 host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday in a midweek fixture for Serie A's ninth matchday, and the club have confirmed that defender Emanuele Lulli has signed a new contract running to 2031. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini admitted the schedule leaves no time to rest, saying at his pre-match press conference: "Today is the first training session and it is already the eve of the match." Gasperini did not rule out changes to his starting eleven. Hermoso and de Roon could be rested, with a chance for Mora, while Balerdi and Lulli are in contention for a place from the first minute. Paulo Dybala's return also looks likely, at least as part of the matchday squad. Gasperini said: "We will try to get him onto the bench. I have good confidence." Cagliari coach Pisacane spoke on the eve of the game, saying: "Gasperini is extraordinary. We have to exploit Roma's weaknesses." Referee Feliciani will take charge of the match. He has been a lucky charm for Roma, who have won all five of the matches he has officiated, while Cagliari have lost all three of theirs under him.