Gasperini sets transfer blueprint for Roma: young and elite

Gian Piero Gasperini is set to retain the front three of Soulé, Rodrigo Mora and Malen, according to a convergence of the main Italian dailies' probable line-ups published this morning on the eve of Roma's next fixture. Devis Vasquez is tipped to start in goal by six of the seven newspapers, while only Tuttosport suggests Pierluigi Gollini could return. Given the condition of the Italian goalkeeper, the Colombian is firmly favoured to start. The defence is where the picture is less certain. The most popular option is Ghilardi, N'Dicka and Hermoso. Leonardo Balerdi, tipped by Il Messaggero, Tuttosport and Corriere della Sera, and Gianluca Mancini, picked by Il Tempo, remain in contention. On the flanks, there is near-unanimous agreement: Molina on the right and Wesley on the left. There is also no doubt in midfield, where Gasperini is expected to rely again on the pairing of Cristante and De Roon. Up front, the choice also appears settled. Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are set to operate behind Donyell Malen, who remains Roma's central attacking reference. The only dissenting voice is Tuttosport, which proposes Niccolò Pisilli in place of the Portuguese forward. The probable Roma line-up in a 3-4-2-1 formation is: Vasquez; Ghilardi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, De Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Rodrigo Mora; Malen.

Roberto Pruzzo believes Roma should have little trouble against Sassuolo, saying the visitors lack energy and the Giallorossi must take advantage. Radio pundits across Rome's stations previewed the fixture with a range of views on the lineup and the team's approach. Marco Juric of Manà Manà Sport (90.9) said Roma must not underestimate the commitment required tonight. He reported that Molina is ahead of Lulli for the right flank. In defence, Ghilardi and Mancini are competing for a place in the back line. In midfield, de Roon and Cristante are expected to start again, with Mora, Soulé and Malen forming the attacking trio. Juric added: "Against certain opponents, in my opinion, it makes the right difference to play with Gollini rather than with Vasquez." Pruzzo, on Radio Radio Mattino (104.5), said: "It is difficult to find a danger for Roma in tonight's match, because Sassuolo have no energy. I don't know if Aquilani will be able to keep his place. Roma must take advantage of it, they are not finding it hard to win these games. After the cup match there is a need to play a game that allows you to win." Nando Orsi, also on Radio Radio Mattino (104.5), said: "Apparently tonight's match for Roma is a walkover. This Sassuolo side has looked like a weak team, which always concedes goals. Today I cannot imagine Roma not returning home with the three points. Sixty minutes are enough, three goals and then they manage the game. I would have played Ndicka against Manchester, not against Sassuolo, but the changes are forced." Orsi added: "The only thing that is asked of Roma is to be more consistent in performance over 90 minutes: it is hard to maintain those rhythms, they need to be managed."

Roma host Sassuolo tonight in their last match before the international break, with more than 62,000 spectators expected at the Stadio Olimpico. Gian Piero Gasperini's side return to action after their defeat in Manchester. The Olimpico is set to be packed for the fixture, the last before the November international break. Roma will be looking to bounce back from the heavy loss in Manchester with the backing of a full house behind them. The club's official website said: "Over 62,000 spectators are expected in the stands, ready to push the team on. The Distinto Nord-Ovest will be entirely giallorossi, helping to make the setting even more atmospheric and stirring." The gates will open at 18.45.