Gasperini studies Como tactics ahead of Sunday clash

Bryan Cristante has been ruled out following a back injury that forced him to withdraw from international duty, with additional knee soreness now sidelining him for a period. Moise Kean, meanwhile, was spared from Italy's final match of the international break due to an ailment and is questionable for Roma's fixture after the break. The international break brought mixed fortunes across Serie A. While some players recovered from injury, others sustained fresh problems during the two-week window. Across the league, notable casualties include AC Milan's Alexis Saelemaekers, whose ankle injury in training has raised serious concerns: the joint, which has undergone previous surgery, is no longer stable. Mediaset reports he will visit a specialist, with a new operation deemed very likely, potentially sidelining him for three to four months. Albert Gudmundsson sprained his shoulder and faces around a month out. Napoli recovered Alex Meret, Leonardo Spinazzola, and Luca Marianucci but lost Mathias Olivera to a hip strain lasting a couple of weeks and Costantino Favasuli for one and a half months due to a serious thigh issue. Bologna's Emil Holm underwent surgery to repair a torn thigh tendon and will miss most of the season. Udinese's Idrissa Gueye sustained a severe ankle injury requiring three months recovery. Pervis Estupinan suffered a minor knee sprain. Frosinone will be without two centre-forwards: Antonio Raimondo with Achilles tendonitis and Daniel Birligea with a quad strain. Cagliari's Alessandro Deiola tore a meniscus.

Matías Soulé, Leonardo Balerdi and Santiago Castro will arrive back in Rome on Thursday after three weeks away with Argentina, leaving head coach Gian Piero Gasperini just one day to assess their fitness before the match against Como. The trio will not train on Thursday, needing time to recover from a 13–14 hour transatlantic flight and adjust to the time difference after an extended spell away from the club. Friday's training session will be Gasperini's first opportunity to evaluate their condition on the pitch—a crucial window given the toll a long absence across the Atlantic can take both physically and mentally. With so little preparation time, the initial expectation is that all three may start on the bench. Castro was already considered a candidate for such a role, though Soulé and Balerdi present greater uncertainty about their readiness. Rodrigo Mora or Lorenzo Pellegrini could replace Soulé in the squad, while Evan N'Dicka remains the most natural solution in defence. However, a match lasts 90 minutes, and all three Argentine players retain the capacity to become decisive from the bench—a possibility Gasperini clearly understands. The timeline is tight: the players depart Argentina following a farewell celebration linked to Lionel Messi, then face the long journey home and the immediate challenge of reintegration ahead of the Como fixture.

Como manager Fabregas is monitoring two fitness concerns ahead of Roma's visit in less than a week for the sixth Serie A fixture. Kean left Italy's international camp due to a physical problem, and while tests will clarify the severity, recovery in time for Sunday appears difficult. Paz, Como's young talent, is fit but must make a long overseas journey with Roma's Soulé, Castro and Balerdi, returning just three days before the match. Fabregas may opt not to risk him from the start and keep him fresh for the second half. Gasperini's Roma side arrives nearly at full strength, though Bryan Cristante is unavailable. The Roma head coach and Fabregas respect each other despite not being close. The main tactical uncertainty surrounds the Argentina internationals' condition after their late return from international duty.

Matías Soulé, Leonardo Balerdi and Santiago Castro will arrive back in Rome on Thursday after three weeks away with Argentina, leaving head coach Gian Piero Gasperini just one day to assess their fitness before the match against Como. The trio will not train on Thursday, needing time to recover from a 13–14 hour transatlantic flight and adjust to the time difference after an extended spell away from the club. Friday's training session will be Gasperini's first opportunity to evaluate their condition on the pitch—a crucial window given the toll a long absence across the Atlantic can take both physically and mentally. With so little preparation time, the initial expectation is that all three may start on the bench. Castro was already considered a candidate for such a role, though Soulé and Balerdi present greater uncertainty about their readiness. Rodrigo Mora or Lorenzo Pellegrini could replace Soulé in the squad, while Evan N'Dicka remains the most natural solution in defence. However, a match lasts 90 minutes, and all three Argentine players retain the capacity to become decisive from the bench—a possibility Gasperini clearly understands. The timeline is tight: the players depart Argentina following a farewell celebration linked to Lionel Messi, then face the long journey home and the immediate challenge of reintegration ahead of the Como fixture.

Evan N'Dicka is set to return to Trigoria after international duty with Ivory Coast and will target a starting berth against Como. Physical complaints, a virus, and Leonardo Balerdi's strong performances have limited his appearances; he was benched for tactical reasons against Inter. Bryan Cristante remains under assessment following a left knee collateral problem. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini explained the situation: "Bryan is recovering, he's being treated and it takes time. It's not certain he'll definitely miss Como and Real Madrid, but we won't be willing to risk anything. If he has to miss one or two more matches, the objective is to get him back in top condition." Wesley reportedly reached out directly to his friend Endrick, expressing how pleased he would be to welcome him to Roma as early as January. The contact between the two Brazilians drew on a bond formed through difficult moments; last June, Endrick had himself called Wesley after an injury forced him to leave Brazil's training camp. The roles have now reversed, with the Roma winger ready to tell Endrick about the club and Trigoria. The pair will have a chance to meet at the Olimpico on 14 October when Roma face Real Madrid. According to Football Benchmark estimates, Roma's squad is valued at approximately €600 million, the third-highest figure in Serie A behind Inter (€829 million) and Juventus (€777 million). The valuation is linked to resources invested by the Friedkin Group and Gasperini's work during his first year. Two Roma players feature in the top 10 in the league: Manu Koné at €64 million and Donyell Malen at €58 million. Roma supporters will return to away fixtures without residency restrictions for the first time in nine months. The away section at Sinigaglia will be full for the Como match, despite technical issues many fans encountered during ticket sales. From Sunday, Roma enter an intense stretch of nine matches in 27 days across Serie A and the Champions League, with approximately 62,000 spectators expected at the Olimpico for Real Madrid's visit.

Evan N'Dicka's start to the 2026-27 season has not matched the consistency he showed in the previous campaign, when he made 31 league starts as an automatic choice for Gian Piero Gasperini. A series of physical setbacks and the increased depth of Roma's defensive ranks have forced the Ivorian centre-back to manage a fragmented opening, punctuated by alternating appearances and enforced rest. After solid performances as a starter against Fiorentina and in Champions League against Atalanta and Fenerbahçe, N'Dicka was sidelined by adductor trouble and then an inflammation in the groin area that forced him to withdraw from the trip to Lecce at the last moment. A viral fever on the day of the Turin fixture prevented him from starting that match. The arrival of Leonardo Balerdi on loan with an obligation to buy from Marseille has further complicated his path back to the eleven; Gasperini chose the Argentine for the recent Inter clash on tactical grounds, preferring his mobility and speed to handle Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram at the centre of defence. N'Dicka accepted the decision and came on during the game with the right attitude, but is determined to reclaim the defence's primary role. During the international break, N'Dicka sent clear signals of intent. He played two full matches for Ivory Coast against Cameroon before returning to Rome ahead of schedule, putting himself straight back at the disposal of the coaching staff to regain his physical sharpness and the defensive compactness Gasperini demands. Training resumes today at Trigoria, officially opening preparation for Sunday's match against Como at the Sinigaglia. N'Dicka is a strong candidate to reclaim a starting place in the lineup. Bryan Cristante remains under careful medical management as he recovers from inflammation of the left knee's collateral ligament. He will not be risked to avoid setbacks, with the focus on a full return ahead of the prestigious European fixture against Real Madrid.

Matías Soulé, Leonardo Balerdi and Santiago Castro will arrive back in Rome on Thursday after three weeks away with Argentina, leaving head coach Gian Piero Gasperini just one day to assess their fitness before the match against Como. The trio will not train on Thursday, needing time to recover from a 13–14 hour transatlantic flight and adjust to the time difference after an extended spell away from the club. Friday's training session will be Gasperini's first opportunity to evaluate their condition on the pitch—a crucial window given the toll a long absence across the Atlantic can take both physically and mentally. With so little preparation time, the initial expectation is that all three may start on the bench. Castro was already considered a candidate for such a role, though Soulé and Balerdi present greater uncertainty about their readiness. Rodrigo Mora or Lorenzo Pellegrini could replace Soulé in the squad, while Evan N'Dicka remains the most natural solution in defence. However, a match lasts 90 minutes, and all three Argentine players retain the capacity to become decisive from the bench—a possibility Gasperini clearly understands. The timeline is tight: the players depart Argentina following a farewell celebration linked to Lionel Messi, then face the long journey home and the immediate challenge of reintegration ahead of the Como fixture.

Como manager Fabregas is monitoring two fitness concerns ahead of Roma's visit in less than a week for the sixth Serie A fixture. Kean left Italy's international camp due to a physical problem, and while tests will clarify the severity, recovery in time for Sunday appears difficult. Paz, Como's young talent, is fit but must make a long overseas journey with Roma's Soulé, Castro and Balerdi, returning just three days before the match. Fabregas may opt not to risk him from the start and keep him fresh for the second half. Gasperini's Roma side arrives nearly at full strength, though Bryan Cristante is unavailable. The Roma head coach and Fabregas respect each other despite not being close. The main tactical uncertainty surrounds the Argentina internationals' condition after their late return from international duty.

Rome's radio stations offered contrasting takes on Roma's prospects heading into Sunday's visit to Como, with Endrick dominating transfer discussion and debate over the unconventional international break shaping preparation. Piero Torri suggested Endrick could develop into Gasperini's answer to Juan Fernando Muriel, saying: "Endrick for me could become the new Muriel of Gasperini, another player who, like Malen, when he gets the ball his first thought is the goal regardless of the role he would play." Lorenzo Pes compared the situation to last summer's protracted Zirkzee saga but expressed cautiously optimistic sentiment: "Endrick as a telenovela is very similar to Zirkzee's from last year, and I think we'll carry it with us for a long time. Last summer if he had left on loan there would have been excellent opportunities. Endrick is not playing despite Mourinho wanting to keep him, and Roma are watching. I hope the ending is not the same as Zirkzee—this time there are better foundations: Roma wants to sign a player there. If the squad stays close to the top of the table, I think you'll have to make an effort. Endrick has all the characteristics that appeal, and he is intrigued by Roma. Behind closed doors the contacts continue, it's a profile that appeals greatly." Torri added that Wesley has been in contact with Endrick, relaying: "There have been some conversations between Wesley and Endrick: 'Come here and have fun, with Gasp you score and play Champions League.' That's fine, in all transfer dealings these dynamics exist. For January I think there is the owner's willingness to make an effort." Alessio Nardo countered that Endrick does not match Roma's ideal profile, as "he is not the left-winger with right foot, he is not a winger." Gianluca Piacentini raised concerns about fielding Leonardo Balerdi and Matías Soulé together: "They are not Svilar and Koné. What scares me more is what the Argentines will do after the match than during it." Francesca Ferrazza noted the Como fixture's kickoff time as problematic: "How do you put a big match like Como–Roma at 12:30?" Stefano Carina praised Aurélien Tchouaméni's performance in international duty, saying "Doumbia is the best on the pitch, he has elegance and physical strength, you can see he is a top-level player. Our clubs slept, and Sporting took him away for €20 million. You'll see, they'll sell him for €50 million now." Roberto Pruzzo questioned the reported €600 million squad valuation, and Nardo Orsi observed that Como's squad, also valued at €580 million, was assembled far more economically—built from youth development at roughly €10 million outlay versus Roma's €400 million spend.

Rome's radio stations offered contrasting takes on Roma's prospects heading into Sunday's visit to Como, with Endrick dominating transfer discussion and debate over the unconventional international break shaping preparation. Piero Torri suggested Endrick could develop into Gasperini's answer to Juan Fernando Muriel, saying: "Endrick for me could become the new Muriel of Gasperini, another player who, like Malen, when he gets the ball his first thought is the goal regardless of the role he would play." Lorenzo Pes compared the situation to last summer's protracted Zirkzee saga but expressed cautiously optimistic sentiment: "Endrick as a telenovela is very similar to Zirkzee's from last year, and I think we'll carry it with us for a long time. Last summer if he had left on loan there would have been excellent opportunities. Endrick is not playing despite Mourinho wanting to keep him, and Roma are watching. I hope the ending is not the same as Zirkzee—this time there are better foundations: Roma wants to sign a player there. If the squad stays close to the top of the table, I think you'll have to make an effort. Endrick has all the characteristics that appeal, and he is intrigued by Roma. Behind closed doors the contacts continue, it's a profile that appeals greatly." Torri added that Wesley has been in contact with Endrick, relaying: "There have been some conversations between Wesley and Endrick: 'Come here and have fun, with Gasp you score and play Champions League.' That's fine, in all transfer dealings these dynamics exist. For January I think there is the owner's willingness to make an effort." Alessio Nardo countered that Endrick does not match Roma's ideal profile, as "he is not the left-winger with right foot, he is not a winger." Gianluca Piacentini raised concerns about fielding Leonardo Balerdi and Matías Soulé together: "They are not Svilar and Koné. What scares me more is what the Argentines will do after the match than during it." Francesca Ferrazza noted the Como fixture's kickoff time as problematic: "How do you put a big match like Como–Roma at 12:30?" Stefano Carina praised Aurélien Tchouaméni's performance in international duty, saying "Doumbia is the best on the pitch, he has elegance and physical strength, you can see he is a top-level player. Our clubs slept, and Sporting took him away for €20 million. You'll see, they'll sell him for €50 million now." Roberto Pruzzo questioned the reported €600 million squad valuation, and Nardo Orsi observed that Como's squad, also valued at €580 million, was assembled far more economically—built from youth development at roughly €10 million outlay versus Roma's €400 million spend.

Roman radio pundit Piero Torri has drawn a comparison between Endrick and Donyell Malen, suggesting the former could develop into a key player under Gasperini's system. Speaking on Radio Manà Manà Sport Roma, Torri said: "Endrick could become the new Muriel for Gasperini. Another one who, like Malen, when he gets the ball his first thought is the goal, regardless of the role he would play." The comment reflects analysis of how attacking players operate within Gasperini's tactical framework, with Malen already established in Roma's squad and now serving as a reference point for how such players function in the coach's system. Simone Valdarchi, also of Radio Manà Manà Sport Roma, addressed tensions between Gasperini and Carlo Fabregas, noting: "That there is no particular friendship between Gasperini and Fabregas is something known for some time. There have been various episodes, from missed handshakes to declarations about each other's football. There is certainly technical respect, but the Subbuteo episode also fits into this discourse."

Evan N'Dicka is set to return to Trigoria after international duty with Ivory Coast and will target a starting berth against Como. Physical complaints, a virus, and Leonardo Balerdi's strong performances have limited his appearances; he was benched for tactical reasons against Inter. Bryan Cristante remains under assessment following a left knee collateral problem. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini explained the situation: "Bryan is recovering, he's being treated and it takes time. It's not certain he'll definitely miss Como and Real Madrid, but we won't be willing to risk anything. If he has to miss one or two more matches, the objective is to get him back in top condition." Wesley reportedly reached out directly to his friend Endrick, expressing how pleased he would be to welcome him to Roma as early as January. The contact between the two Brazilians drew on a bond formed through difficult moments; last June, Endrick had himself called Wesley after an injury forced him to leave Brazil's training camp. The roles have now reversed, with the Roma winger ready to tell Endrick about the club and Trigoria. The pair will have a chance to meet at the Olimpico on 14 October when Roma face Real Madrid. According to Football Benchmark estimates, Roma's squad is valued at approximately €600 million, the third-highest figure in Serie A behind Inter (€829 million) and Juventus (€777 million). The valuation is linked to resources invested by the Friedkin Group and Gasperini's work during his first year. Two Roma players feature in the top 10 in the league: Manu Koné at €64 million and Donyell Malen at €58 million. Roma supporters will return to away fixtures without residency restrictions for the first time in nine months. The away section at Sinigaglia will be full for the Como match, despite technical issues many fans encountered during ticket sales. From Sunday, Roma enter an intense stretch of nine matches in 27 days across Serie A and the Champions League, with approximately 62,000 spectators expected at the Olimpico for Real Madrid's visit.