Gasperini says Roma have come through the recent big matches well and sees a positive path ahead

Roma left Naples with a draw that still rankles, not so much for the point as for how the match unfolded: they started poorly and nearly conceded against a good Napoli side. The Maradona clash is still being talked about, particularly among coaches, and Napoli's Ivan Juric, speaking at his press conference, devoted some time to it. Juric praised Napoli's performance over the opening hour, while acknowledging the threat Roma posed later in the game. He said Roma were physically devastating once they got going and pushed hard. He also pointed to a change in Napoli's style, which he sees as far more attacking now, with pressing and forward play, a noticeable departure from the Allegri-era side he was used to when Massimiliano Allegri coached Milan and Juventus. Juric's full comments: "Contro la Roma ho visto un Napoli favoloso per 60 minuti. Doveva andare sul 3-0, ho visto una squadra di una qualità immensa. Poi la Roma è stata fisicamente devastante, hanno spinto tanto. Adesso il gioco del Napoli mi sembra molto molto più offensivo, in pressing, in avanti. Un po' diverso rispetto all'Allegri a cui ero abituato quando allenava Milan e Juventus."

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 host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico in a midweek fixture as they look to stay close to the top of Serie A and hope for slips from their rivals. Gian Piero Gasperini's side come into the match after a 1-1 draw...

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his Roma squad for tonight's midweek home match against Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico, with Paulo Dybala again absent. The Argentine forward is not in the list and will therefore be unavailable against Cagliari. Manu Koné and Mile Svilar are also left out of the squad. Young Camara has been included in the group Gasperini has available for the Olimpico fixture, and is listed among the forwards. The rest of the squad includes goalkeepers Vásquez, De Marzi and Gollini. The defenders are 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 attacking options are Castro, Malen, Soulé and Camara. The selection makes clear which players are available to Gasperini for a match that comes just days into the stretch of fixtures ahead. With Dybala and Koné absent, the squad relies on the defensive and midfield depth listed, while Camara's inclusion gives the coach an additional option up front.

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.