Gasperini sticks with Soulé, Mora and Malen up front against Sassuolo

Roma must put the sting of their Champions League defeat to Manchester United behind them and refocus on Serie A, when Sassuolo visit the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday. Sassuolo are coached by Aquilani, a former Roma player, and are in serious difficulty, although they had impressed earlier in the season with their football and individual quality. It is a test that should not be taken lightly for Gian Piero Gasperini's side. Roma have closed the gap on Inter, moving to within one point of them, but they are four points behind league leaders Lazio. Roma remain without Svilar, Dybala and Koné, as well as Rensch and Pellegrini. Sassuolo will be missing Volpato, Koné, Boloca and Leysen. The match is available to watch on Sky and Dazn, with kickoff time and probable line-ups also confirmed in the build-up to the fixture.

Matheus Cunha has stirred fresh tension with Roma fans after posting a one-word comment under a message from Leonardo Balerdi, just hours after Roma's 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Balerdi had used Instagram to voice his regret after a difficult evening, largely marked by the error leading to Cunha's own goal for the 2-2 equaliser, which preceded the Red Devils' comeback. Among the many messages of support Balerdi received, Cunha wrote: "Crack.", followed by a full stop. The comment could be read as a compliment, but given what happened on the pitch, many Giallorossi supporters took it as a provocation. Cunha had also been at the centre of the tense closing stages of the match, which ended early for him after a second yellow card, and he had already irritated Roma supporters with his conduct on the touchline. Roma fans reacted quickly on social media, with many replying directly to the Brazilian and strongly criticising his intervention under Balerdi's post. The bitter night in Manchester is clearly still causing repercussions well beyond the pitch.

Roma defender Leonardo Balerdi has taken to Instagram to express his regret over the error that paved the way for Cunha's 2-2 equaliser, and the subsequent comeback by Manchester United, in the defeat at Old Trafford. The loss came in dramatic and bitter fashion. Most of the comments under Balerdi's post were supportive, but Manchester United forward Cunha also left one: "Crack.", with a full stop. Few read it as praise, and most took it as mockery. Cunha was sent off late in the match after a second yellow card, and was involved in several questionable scenes on the touchline while waiting for the final whistle. Many Roma supporters condemned the gesture and reacted furiously, with the most popular response reading: "Pensa alla tua squadra schifosa" ("Think about your own disgusting team"). The episode has kept the Manchester United game in the headlines beyond the final whistle, with the spotlight falling on Balerdi's error and the reaction it provoked among Roma's fanbase. Cunha's comment, the centrepiece of the row, was a single word, but its delivery and timing drew sharp criticism from Roma fans, who felt the Brazilian had mocked a player who was already facing the consequences of a costly mistake.

Roma continue to battle an injury crisis ahead of their home match against Sassuolo, with Gian Piero Gasperini left with a severely reduced set of options. The latest absence is Devyne Rensch, whose instrumental tests revealed a first-degree tear of the long adductor in his right leg. He is expected to be out for around three weeks, with a return planned after the international break. Paulo Dybala will not feature. He has yet to recover and will continue personalised training, aiming to be available again directly after the national team commitments. There is slightly better news on Manu Koné, the French midfielder, who has completed individualised work on the pitch and will undergo the final decisive test today to determine whether he can be included at least in the matchday squad and start on the bench. In midfield, given the fatigue accumulated over recent weeks, Cristante and De Roon will form the pairing to lead the engine room, with Pisilli ready to contribute. The goalkeeping position also needs close monitoring. Pierluigi Gollini remains in serious doubt because of a back problem that could force him to withdraw, despite attempting to play through with infiltrations. If Gollini cannot recover, Devis Vásquez is ready to return to the starting lineup from the first minute, a place in Serie A he would win back after many months. Ndicka is set to return to the defence, while Mancini is being managed under a planned programme. Up front, Malen and Soulé will lead the attack with Mora in support.

Donyell Malen is set to lead Roma's attack again when they host Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, as the Giallorossi look to climb to the top of Serie A despite a growing injury list and the demands of the Champions League. Malen has never faced Sassuolo in a Roma shirt, as he had not yet arrived in the capital for their last meeting in January. The Dutch forward has scored 12 goals this season and has 27 in 33 appearances for the club overall. He scored 14 Serie A goals in the second half of last season and has eight in the first 10 matchdays of this campaign. He scored again in Manchester, confirming his role as the focal point of an attack that has found valuable support in Soulé and Mora. Argentine Soulé creates, Portuguese Mora supports, and Malen finishes. The match pits the best attack in Serie A against the worst defence. Roma have scored 28 goals, the most in the league, while Sassuolo, under Aquilani, have conceded 26 and arrive on the back of four consecutive defeats. Roma are fighting to put pressure on their rivals at the top of the table, having been forced to manage a squad hit by a lengthening list of absentees. The report, written by Marco Juric for La Repubblica, underlines how Gasperini's side are relying on a familiar formula. Soulé's invention, Mora's movement and Malen's finishing have made the forward line the team's most potent force, and Roma will be looking to keep that partnership productive against a Sassuolo side desperate for a result.

Roma are battling a growing injury crisis ahead of Saturday's clash with Sassuolo, with Daniele Rensch's absence joined by doubts over Paulo Dybala and goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini. Devyne Rensch has a first-degree adductor tear, the tests revealed, and will not return until the Parma match after the international break. Dybala, who did not train with the rest of the group at Monday's resumption, is heading towards missing tomorrow's game. The squad is stretched thin. Il Messaggero's Daniele Aloisi reports that Gasperini has only sixteen outfield players available, leaving him with very few choices and few decisions to make. Mile Svilar will certainly miss out, and Gollini's involvement is also at risk because of a back problem that persists, though he will try to play to the end with the help of infiltrations. Devis Vásquez is ready to step in, having not played a Serie A match since 25 May 2025. Manu Koné offers some hope. He has carried out individualised work on the pitch and will undergo a fitness test today in an attempt to return to the matchday squad. Mancini did not train yesterday for a planned, routine rest. Malen and Soulé are expected to lead the attack, with Mora pushing for a place to complete the front three. Pisilli is further down the pecking order and is set to operate in the central space alongside Cristante and de Roon. If de Roon starts, he would become the only player to have started each of Roma's last nine matches. On the right, Molina and Lulli are in contention for a spot, while Wesley will play on the left. At the back, N'Dicka is set to return, alongside Mancini or Balerdi and Hermoso.

Radio pundits across Rome's stations have debated whether Manu Koné should be called up by France and whether Roma are over-reliant on Malen and Dybala ahead of the match against Sassuolo. Alessio Nardo of Tele Radio Stereo said: "If Koné, after missing several matches, answered France's call-up, it would annoy me. He is coming back after a long stop and it would not be ideal. Everyone looks after their own interests. Zidane could also consider him available, let's see what happens, but I hope not." He added that France have plenty of alternatives and that Koné, returning from a long injury, could be rested. The debate follows the defeat to Manchester, which David Rossi of Rete Sport called unjustified. He said: "I am surprised by the negativity that has been generated after the defeat at Manchester. It is unjustifiable; you lost to teams with greater resources than yours. Wouldn't you have signed up, at this point, to have lost only to Real and Manchester? We always lose sight of the bigger picture. Roma are a very strong side, built to earn more points than last year: the starting base is 73 points. For me this is an 80-point side, which certainly means Champions League again. Contrary to what some think, that is very important. It is unacceptable to hear that Roma must leave the Champions League." Rossi also noted that a draw between Inter and Como, combined with a Napoli win over Lazio, would make the round unfavourable if Roma failed to beat Sassuolo. Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport said Roma must take advantage of their chances. He said: "If that defeat to Manchester had not come, with that dynamic and yet another comeback conceded, we would now be saying Roma started clear favourites against Sassuolo. The fear is that there are more psychological than physical after-effects. The same applies as after Real: one way or another, you have to bring it home. Tactically, it is better to face Sassuolo than Genoa, because putting up barricades is not in their DNA." Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio said Roma need to bounce back immediately. He said: "Against Sassuolo you need to restart immediately after the disappointment of Manchester. Sassuolo have conceded 10 goals in their last two matches, Aquilani is in great difficulty, and his side does not have the strength to react. Roma must face the game in the best possible way, looking for satisfaction in attack. Malen also has the odd lapse, and I back Castro, but apart from that great goal he never plays. Maybe there is room for him too. I often refer to the transfer market: you have had only reserves, there is no first-choice player apart from De Roon." Nando Orsi of Radio Radio questioned the dependence on Malen and Dybala. He said: "If Malen is in a slump and Dybala does not play, what happens? Isn't Roma too dependent on those two? Malen was scoring a lot alongside Dybala, now he seems more in difficulty. You need alternatives, because if Malen does not score, you struggle. On Dybala, perhaps Gasperini's management was wrong, making him play ninety minutes every time to prove what..." Mario Mattioli of Radio Radio said Sassuolo are unpredictable and that Roma are not at their brightest. He said: "Sassuolo are a team on a rollercoaster and could wake up and become the side of three weeks ago. Roma are not going through one of their most brilliant moments; I have noticed glaring flaws. This is not the Roma of three weeks ago. Sassuolo's last outing did not leave them unscathed, but if they have recovered they can put Roma in difficulty. Roma can win, but not comfortably." On Dybala, Mattioli also questioned his diet, saying: "Are we sure he is not eating something that affects his muscle tissue? I did a lot of athletics and they even controlled your food." Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said there was something about Koné's intentions that remained unclear, asking whether he wanted to play for France. He said: "I would not sincerely send him to risk it, also because France play two real matches, one against Italy. Koné knows he has strong competition in his role for his national team, but Roma pay the price. If he gets injured again, we are back to square one." Lorenzo Pes of Tele Radio Stereo said Koné is fit and that a call-up could be justified, while Roma would have the final say. He said Roma may prefer caution, in which case Koné would be unlikely to be called up. He added that Roma would like to keep him, while the player has recovered. Pes said the decisive day was expected to be the one that followed, and on Gollini: "It's unlikely he will be available tomorrow; he will try until the end, but until yesterday it was very complicated. So I think Vásquez will play, but I don't see that much difference." The pundits' comments centre on how Roma respond to the Manchester defeat and their Sassuolo fixture, with the Koné decision and Dybala's condition still being discussed.

Roma are back in pursuit of Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens, according to Italian transfer reporting, with the Blues now reportedly willing to consider letting the 22-year-old leave on loan while keeping control of his future. The English forward is once again among the names being evaluated by Tony D'Amico to strengthen Gian Piero Gasperini's attack in the January window. According to the English outlet TEAMtalk, Chelsea would be prepared to consider a loan move for Gittens, while retaining some control over the player's future. This marks a significant change from the summer, when Chelsea rejected a Roma proposal worth 3 million for an onerous loan and 40 million for a purchase option. Gittens, a 2004-born England international, is finding limited game time in London and could move to play with greater regularity. Competition is strong, however, as several English and European clubs are reportedly interested in the former Borussia Dortmund player, who would also be reunited with Donyell Malen, his former team-mate at the German club, if he joins Roma. Finding a quick, attacking winger capable of beating his man remains a priority for Gasperini, particularly after the difficulties shown in Roma's recent Champions League matches. Gittens fits the profile in terms of his characteristics, but he is not the only option being pursued by D'Amico. Endrick, Leweling and Kvernadze also remain under consideration.

Roma head into their next Serie A fixture against Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, and several radio pundits on Radio Radio have weighed in on the match, the squad and the aftermath of the Manchester defeat. Carina said Sassuolo are a side in difficulty, having conceded four goals per game recently, but warned that Roma arrive tired, including mentally, because the blow of Manchester was heavy. He said returning to the Olimpico helps, since the level in Serie A allows a little dip in form. "The aim is to string together a run of wins over the next four matches, so you reach the derby in a high position," Carina said. On the Inter–Como fixture, he added: "Any positive result is fine: it is a round Roma must know how to steer in the right direction." Carina also raised concerns about Paulo Dybala's fitness. "With Dybala you never really understand the recovery times: first they talk about muscle fatigue, then a small tear, then he disappears from the radar. He is a sublime, fantastic player, but now he becomes a problem: between Dybala and Pellegrini, if you have one, that is already a lot. So the squad becomes short: if you want to be a protagonist in the league, you are missing players." He also said he expected Santiago Castro to play more, adding: "He had given a signal with the wonderful goal against Genoa, but he must give continuity, despite the difficulties, because playing once in a while is complicated." Giuseppe Pruzzo, speaking on Radio Radio, said: "After Manchester, we must restart immediately. Sassuolo in their last two matches have conceded ten goals; the worrying thing is that they show no signs and do not react. This allows Roma to manage the match and try to create danger up front." He added that Donyell Malen has the occasional lapse, and that Castro never plays, asking whether there would be room for him this time. Mattioli, also on Radio Radio, described Sassuolo as a side on a rollercoaster, capable of collapsing or producing a big performance. He said: "Roma, in my opinion, are not at their best moment. At Manchester I saw some errors in the game. I don't know if it is tiredness, which can happen, or some players below their level. If Sassuolo do not change gear, they will not leave the Olimpico in good shape. Roma can win." Orsi argued that Roma are too dependent on Malen and Dybala, noting that Malen scored a lot when the two played together but now struggles more, while Dybala may not score but always provides assists.

Roma must put the sting of their Champions League defeat to Manchester United behind them and refocus on Serie A, when Sassuolo visit the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday. Sassuolo are coached by Aquilani, a former Roma player, and are in serious difficulty, although they had impressed earlier in the season with their football and individual quality. It is a test that should not be taken lightly for Gian Piero Gasperini's side. Roma have closed the gap on Inter, moving to within one point of them, but they are four points behind league leaders Lazio. Roma remain without Svilar, Dybala and Koné, as well as Rensch and Pellegrini. Sassuolo will be missing Volpato, Koné, Boloca and Leysen. The match is available to watch on Sky and Dazn, with kickoff time and probable line-ups also confirmed in the build-up to the fixture.

Gian Piero Gasperini is eagerly awaiting Mile Svilar's return from the international break. Roma have conceded 4 goals in 6 matches with Svilar in goal, an average of 0.66 per game. Without him, Pierluigi Gollini and Vásquez have let in 14 goals in 8 matches, pushing the average up to 1.75. After a difficult October, Roma's fixture list looks set to ease. Sassuolo, Parma and Monza will take them towards the end of November, with the Champions League clash against PSG in between. Roma have now gone 17 consecutive Serie A matches unbeaten, with 13 wins and 4 draws, and Gasperini can aim to reach 20 before the head-to-head clashes in December. The unbeaten runs of Ranieri (19) and Spalletti (20) remain ahead of them. The Olimpico is preparing to fill up once again. The Roma-Sassuolo match on Saturday evening is close to selling out, and the Distinto Nord-Ovest has been opened to meet the high demand. Fans are responding strongly after the European disappointment against Manchester United. After the break, Roma face Parma and PSG away, and will not return to the Olimpico until 29 November, when they host Monza. Roma arrive at the Sassuolo match after a punishing run of nine matches in 27 days, roughly one every three days. Gasperini had already stressed the strain: "In this period we have played eight matches on a knife's edge." Marten de Roon has been the most-used player, with 673 minutes in the last eight games, and could be rested for the Sassuolo fixture. Doubts remain over the recovery of Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Pierluigi Gollini.

Roma face Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow evening in their final match before the November international break, and the club's injury crisis shows no sign of easing. It is the ninth game in 27 days for Gian Piero Gasperini's side. Mile Svilar and Devyne Rensch are certainly out, as is Paulo Dybala, who trained apart from the squad again yesterday. Gianluca Mancini did not train when the squad returned to work, but there is no cause for alarm, with the club only managing his workload. He is in a race with Leonardo Balerdi to start from the first minute against Sassuolo. Roma hope to recover one or two more players, but that looks unlikely. Sassuolo are coached by former Roma captain Fabio Grosso, and the match marks a return for Roma's recent schedule to the sort of pressure that has defined this period. Manu Koné offers the brightest hope. According to Il Messaggero, the French midfielder completed a personalised session on the pitch yesterday and will take a fitness test today to try to return to the matchday squad. Leggo reports that Koné wants to play against Sassuolo and then answer the call from France. Roma are holding back, however, given his long layoff and frequent setbacks. The feeling is that the next few hours could be decisive. Pierluigi Gollini is also in doubt. Roma's medical staff are proceeding with infiltrations to resolve the back problem that forced him to withdraw from the match against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The goalkeeper will do everything he can to recover, but in the meantime Devis Vásquez is warming up. Vásquez's last Serie A appearance came on 25 May 2025, in an Empoli shirt.