Gasperini targets another Malen-type forward after Champions League push

Barcelona are open to a possible departure for Alejandro Balde, with Roma back in the frame for the Spanish left-back, who has fallen out of Hansi Flick's plans and could leave Catalonia in the January transfer window. Roma and Juventus have both reportedly already held exploratory contacts with Jorge Mendes, the player's agent, to learn the conditions of a possible move. The main obstacle is Balde's wage, which is particularly high for the economic parameters of the two Italian clubs. Without agreement on how the salary is split, even a loan could become complicated. According to the Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona would be willing to consider selling the 2003-born player in order to reduce their wage bill and finance new signings. The Catalan club's preference is a permanent sale, but a loan with an option or obligation to buy remains open as a possibility, a formula that could make the deal more accessible. Interest in the player is not limited to Serie A. Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham are all reportedly monitoring him in the Premier League, while Monaco are also following developments closely. For Barcelona, the number of suitors could work in their favour as they look for the most advantageous solution. Balde is described as a quick left-sided player who is particularly effective going forward, a profile that could be an interesting opportunity for Gian Piero Gasperini. For now, however, there are only preliminary enquiries and no advanced negotiations. Tony D'Amico is monitoring the situation, aware that securing the Spaniard will require favourable financial terms and the ability to overcome very strong competition.

Roma sporting director Tony D'Amico is already working on strengthening Gian Piero Gasperini's squad ahead of the January transfer window, and Alejandro Balde is among his targets. The left-back is leaving Barcelona, and Spanish outlet SPORT reports that his agent Jorge Mendes is already looking for the best solution. D'Amico has reportedly already met Mendes to test the ground and assess whether the deal is feasible. Barcelona want to recoup money quickly, reportedly seeking around €40 million, but the most concrete option is a loan with an obligation to buy if certain conditions are met. Balde is among the Barcelona players considered most likely to leave, with Hansi Flick wanting a new central defender and the club's difficult financial situation forcing a sale. The left-back has played only 124 minutes this season. Several clubs are interested, mainly in the Premier League, where Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester United are monitoring the situation without having made any official approach. In Italy, Juventus are also interested, but Roma are the most prominent suitors. Balde is highly rated by Gasperini, but the main obstacle is the player's wage. The final decision by Balde and his agent is expected in December, and Roma may not give up on bringing him to the Italian capital until the last moment.

Donyell Malen has become one of the key figures in Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma side, and his market value has more than doubled since he arrived at the club. According to Transfermarkt, the Dutch forward's valuation has risen from €25 million to €55 million, an increase of €30 million, or 120% on the initial figure. At 27 years old, Malen is going through an important phase of his career, and the article credits his time in the Italian capital with relaunching him. Roma exercised their option to buy him in June for €27 million, securing the forward on a permanent basis. The current valuation of €55 million is €28 million more than the purchase price. The article notes that this gap reflects growth in the player's estimated value rather than a profit already realised on a sale. For the Giallorossi, the move is also a positive sign on the balance sheet, as the club's investment in a player whose valuation has risen sharply in just a few months. The article's central point is that Malen's contribution goes beyond his performances on the pitch. He has established himself as one of the team's main reference points and holds a central role in the project, a rise that is reflected in his economic valuation.

Roma host Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico this evening in Serie A's eleventh matchday, looking to bounce back quickly from the painful comeback they suffered against Manchester United in the Champions League and to stay in the top reaches of the table. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are without Mile Svilar, Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch, while Pierluigi Gollini is not yet fully fit and is expected to give way again to Devis Vásquez. Sassuolo, coached by Alberto Aquilani, arrive without Berardi and Volpato and after four consecutive league defeats. Gasperini is expected to keep Vásquez in goal, with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence. Nahuel Molina is favoured on the right flank, while Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are set to operate behind Donyell Malen up front. Manu Koné is back available and is expected to start. The probable Roma formation is a 3-4-2-1: Vásquez; Balerdi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, Koné, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. The Roma bench lists De Marzi, Kilvinger, Ghilardi, Koulierakis, Lulli, De Roon, Pisilli, Di Nunzio, Castro, Arena and Maccaroni. Sassuolo line up in a 3-4-2-1 as well: Turati; Walukiewicz, Idzes, Candé; Cinquegrano, Matic, Thorstvedt, Doig; Esposito, Laurienté; Bowie. Their bench includes Muric, Satalino, Van der Brempt, Odenthal, Caleta-Car, Obrador, Ghion, Sulemana, Adzic, Lipani, Dominguez, Pierini and Skjellerup. The match is refereed by Di Bello of Brindisi, with Peretti and Scatragli as assistant referees, Abisso as fourth official, Pezzuto as VAR and Guida as assistant VAR.

Roma return to Serie A action at the Stadio Olimpico against Sassuolo, looking to bounce back from their Champions League defeat at Manchester and to record a third consecutive league win. Sassuolo, coached by former Roma player Alberto Aquilani, arrive on the back of four consecutive defeats. Gian Piero Gasperini regains Manu Koné, who returns to the squad after more than 20 days out and will start on the bench, but he is without Gianluca Mancini, who is sidelined with a muscle strain and will also miss the national team fixtures. Paulo Dybala, Mile Svilar and Pierluigi Gollini remain unavailable. Devis Vásquez keeps his place in goal. Roma's starting XI is Vásquez; Balerdi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Koné, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Gasperini's bench includes De Marzi, Kilvinger, Koulierakis, Ghilardi, Lulli, De Roon, Pisilli, Castro, Maccaroni and Arena. Sassuolo line up in a 4-3-3 with Turati in goal, supported by Walukiewicz, Idzes, Odenthal, Doig; Bakola, Matic, Thorstvedt; Dominguez, Esposito and Laurienté. Aquilani's options include Muric, Satalino, Candé, Berardi, Sulemana and Pierini. The match is the eleventh round of Serie A Enilive. Kick-off is at 20:45. Di Bello of Brindisi referees, assisted by Peretti and Scatragli, with Abisso as fourth official, Pezzuto as VAR and Guida as AVAR. The game is broadcast live and exclusively on DAZN, with co-exclusive coverage on Sky, and is also available on Sky Sport Calcio, Sky Go and streaming on Now. Roma go into the fixture with the head-to-head record on their side. They have been unbeaten in 22 of 24 Serie A meetings with Sassuolo (13 wins, 9 draws, 2 defeats) and have won all of the last four. Sassuolo have won only one of their 12 trips to the Olimpico. Roma are also one of four teams still unbeaten across Europe's top five leagues. Their 28 goals are the most they have ever scored in the first ten rounds of Serie A. Donyell Malen leads the line and is the top scorer across Europe's top five leagues in calendar year 2026 with 22 goals, ahead of Raphinha and Harry Kane on 21 each. Rodrigo Mora, who scored against Cagliari and Udinese, is aiming to score in a third consecutive appearance, a feat not previously achieved by a Porto or Roma player.

Roma host Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico in Serie A's eleventh round, and Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad without Gianluca Mancini and Pierluigi Gollini. Mancini is out with a muscle strain in his right hamstring, and his recovery time will be monitored in the coming days. Gollini is struggling with a back problem that first emerged on the eve of the Manchester United game. Paulo Dybala, Devyne Rensch and Lorenzo Pellegrini are also absent. The Giallorossi are looking to move on from their European disappointment against Manchester United at Old Trafford and get their league campaign back on track. Losing Mancini removes one of the key figures from the defensive line, and Gasperini will have to rework his back four. Mile Svilar is also missing from the list, so the goalkeeping options are limited. The main positive news is the return of Manu Koné, who is back in the squad after the physical problem that had sidelined him. His availability is an encouraging sign, although it is not yet clear how he will be used during the match. Among the goalkeepers called up are Vásquez, De Marzi and Kilvinger. The defensive options are Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi. The midfield includes Cristante, De Roon, Koné, Pisilli and Mora. The attacking group is Castro, Malen, Soulé, Maccaroni and Arena, with the young Maccaroni and Arena completing the forward line.