Gasperini the European: Roma go on the attack with a cup specialist focused on play and mentality

Roma scouts were among those watching Porto against PSV Eindhoven at the Estádio do Dragão in the Champions League, as the club keeps working ahead of the January transfer window to strengthen Gian Piero Gasperini's squad. Sporting director D'Amico is looking for talent to complete the attack and the wide areas, where a left-sided midfield winger is still missing. Scouts from Everton, Manchester United, Brentford and Nottingham Forest were also present, according to English outlet Sport Witness. Many talents featured for PSV as well as for Porto, who are coached by Farioli. Among the possible targets Roma are monitoring is Sven Mijnans, an attacking midfielder born in 2000 who had already been followed in the summer. Also on the list is Bajraktarević, a Bosnian left-sided winger born in 2005. Roma will keep working on these ideas in the coming weeks, as a side that has made a top start still needs reinforcements. Porto's young standouts also drew attention. Oscar Pietuszewski, a right-footed winger born in 2008, is very young. Alberto Costa, a 23-year-old full-back, was close to joining Roma in January 2025.

Roma's defence has been named in the Sofascore Team of the Week for the latest Champions League round, with Mario Hermoso, Leonardo Balerdi and Daniele Ghilardi all selected and dominating the back line of the ideal side. The trio's performance earned the recognition after they kept a clean sheet against Slovan Bratislava, the club's first clean sheet in Europe this season, and gave nothing away to Yaya Touré's side. The spotlight on the defence comes as Roma prepare for a big match against Napoli, with the squad continuing its work at Trigoria. The back line has been one of the strengths of the start to the campaign, conceding just three goals in the first seven Serie A matches. The Italian report adds that the award reflects the solid form of a unit that has been central to Roma's strong start, with the three defenders combining for a shutout that underlined the club's improved resilience at the back. Roma are next in action against Napoli, with the squad focused on maintaining that defensive record.

Roma's central defenders Hermoso, Balerdi and Ghilardi have been named in Sofascore's Team of the Week for the latest Champions League round, after a performance that kept Slovan Bratislava out completely. The three Roma defenders gave away nothing to the side coached by Yaya Touré. Roma have conceded only three goals in their first seven Serie A matches, a record built on a back line that is growing more solid despite the absence of several players who were fundamental in recent years. The arrivals of Balerdi and Koulierakis, and the continued development of Ghilardi, have given Gasperini the option to rest two first-team regulars, Ndicka and Mancini. Sofascore's selection was described as deserved. The Team of the Week's defence, drawn from the best side in the League Phase, was dominated by Gasperini's Roma backline. The selection also includes attackers Doué, Nico Paz, Foden and Ngumoha from the wider group of top clubs in the competition.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 27 October at 20:45 in the ninth round of Serie A, with the game broadcast live on DAZN. Gian Piero Gasperini's side come into the fixture straight after a 3-3 draw at Napoli's Maradona, while Fabio Pisacane's Cagliari are looking to end a losing run after a 2-0 home defeat to Bologna. With only a short turnaround between matches, Gasperini may rotate several players. Svilar is still sidelined, so Gollini keeps goal. The main decisions are in defence: Mancini and Hermoso returned to the starting line-up against Napoli after both began the match on the bench against Slovan Bratislava, while N'Dicka has been one of the most used players in recent weeks. The Ivorian could be rested, opening a place for Balerdi, who is coming off a particularly positive run. Ghilardi and Koulierakis remain in contention. Wesley may start on the bench with Molina ready to return, while Lulli is gaining ground on the other flank. In midfield Gasperini must pick two from Cristante, de Roon and Pisilli, with the young midfielder able to find space during the game. Up front, the picture is clearer: Malen remains the central reference point, Soulé should keep his place after an excellent display at Napoli, and Mora may play alongside the Argentine, with Castro initially on the bench. Roma's injury list is significant. Svilar is still out with a fractured toe, Koné is sidelined with a first-degree tear of the hamstring, Dybala is out with a small calf injury, and Pellegrini continues his recovery from a high-grade lesion at the distal musculotendinous junction of the semitendinosus in his right thigh. Roma's probable line-up is Gollini; Mancini, Balerdi, Hermoso; Lulli, Cristante, de Roon, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Available substitutes: Vásquez, De Marzi, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Wesley, Rensch, Ghilardi, Pisilli, Castro. Gasperini has no suspended or cautioned players. The competing selections are Mancini-Ghilardi, Hermoso-Koulierakis, Balerdi-N'Dicka and de Roon-Pisilli. Cagliari are expected to line up in a 4-3-2-1 with Caprile in goal, Mina partnering J. Rodriguez in the centre of defence, and Zé Pedro and Obert completing the back line. The main doubt is in midfield, where Winks injured his back against Bologna and his fitness will be assessed up to the last hours. If he is ruled out, Gagliardini starts, with Romano and Adopo completing the unit. Maldini should start from the first minute, Fazzini is ahead of Massolin, and Kevin Carlos is ahead of Mendy as the centre-forward, with Nzola deeper. Idrissi and Felici are out with cruciate ligament ruptures. Cagliari's probable line-up is Caprile; Zé Pedro, Mina, J. Rodriguez, Obert; Romano, Gagliardini, Adopo; Fazzini, Maldini; Kevin Carlos. Cagliari have lost their last two league games, 4-0 to Monza and 2-0 to Bologna. Roma have the clear head-to-head advantage in Rome. There have been 49 official meetings at the Olimpico, with 26 Roma wins, 17 draws and six Cagliari victories. The most recent meeting in the capital came on 9 February 2026, when Roma won 2-0. Cagliari's last win in Rome was a 4-2 victory on 1 February 2013. The official line-ups will be announced about an hour before kick-off and will be updated live on the match page.

Matías Soulé continued his outstanding form in Roma's clash with Napoli, scoring the goal that sparked the Giallorossi comeback with a powerful, precise left-foot strike from outside the box that left Meret with no chance. Former Italy midfielder and now pundit Emanuele Giaccherini, speaking in the Dazn studios after the match, lavished praise on the Argentine forward. The display reflects growing technical and mental maturity from Soulé, who is in what Giaccherini described as the prime of his career. Roma's comeback against Napoli was built on his contribution, and Giaccherini noted that the forward carried the team while Donyell Malen had not played a strong game. Giaccherini said: "He's in his prime, he's the technical driving force of this team. Malen didn't have a great game and he carried the team." On the goal, he added: "The goal is crazy, for the speed of foot and of leg it reminds me of Messi's goals. He asks for the one-two and there's very little time between the control and the shot."

Matías Soulé has been one of Roma's standout performers, and former midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini has praised the Argentine forward after his goal against Napoli. Soulé scored Roma's third goal of the season in the match, drawing compliments from across the club and beyond. Giaccherini, speaking on Dazn, said Soulé is at the peak of his powers and described him as the technical driving force of the team. Roma's play was carried by Soulé as Malen had a below-par game, according to Giaccherini's assessment. Soulé has already contributed goals, assists and key touches this season. "He's in his prime, he's the technical leader of this team. Malen didn't have a great game and he carried the team. The goal is crazy, for the speed of his feet and legs it reminds me of Messi's goals. He asks for the one-two and there's very little time between the first touch and the shot." Soulé is eager to keep his form going and is ready for Tuesday's match against Cagliari, where he is expected to start in attack alongside Malen and Mora. Dybala returns to the matchday squad.

Napoli 1-1 Roma ended in a point for Roma in the Capital, but the match also brought controversy and standout performances. Max Allegri has come under fire after his comments in the press room at the Maradona, and the Giudice Sportivo is expected to rule on Monday, with a possible file opened by the Procura Federale. Fans are looking to Trigoria for a response, with the Friedkins expected to defend Roma. On the pitch, two Argentines shone. Matías Soulé, wearing the number 18, carried the team on his shoulders in the Maradona, scoring his third goal of the season and posting top-level numbers, and earning praise from Giaccherini. Leonardo Balerdi became the 12th different scorer in Gasperini's total football, and the centre-back has entered the history books at the Maradona. Balerdi's fiancée dedicated a sweet message to the defender. Mancini's impression of Allegri was also widely shared and very funny. Dybala is returning from injury ahead of the Roma-Cagliari fixture.

Massimiliano Allegri could face disciplinary action after his comments following Napoli's 3-3 draw with Roma at the Maradona. His remark to Roma, “Last year they put the Champions League in their pocket. Always them…”, has been included in the report from the Federal Prosecutor's inspectors sent to the Giudice Sportivo. The report also recounts the Napoli coach's reaction after Roma's third goal, which led to his expulsion by referee Colombo. Allegri now risks a sanction, which could be a fine or a suspension of one or more matches. According to Nicolò Schira, Allegri's comments on alleged refereeing favours in the race for the Champions League were not welcomed at Trigoria. Roma are convinced they secured qualification last season purely through their results on the pitch. Milan were also drawn into the row, having lost to Cagliari in the final round of last season's Serie A, a result that forms part of the account of the battle for a Champions League place. In better news for Roma, Paulo Dybala trained with the group for part of Tuesday's session at Trigoria, moving closer to recovering from the calf injury that has kept him out of the games against Genoa, Slovan Bratislava and Napoli. La Joya is aiming to return to the matchday squad for Tuesday's game against Cagliari, possibly starting on the bench. Mile Svilar also shows encouraging signs and could be fit in time for the Champions League trip to Manchester United on 3 November. Speaking on Radio Radio, Aspri said: “I haven't seen such a negative game. I saw a lot of competitive fire and a lot of desire from both teams. Molina came on and gave quality and sparkle on the flank. I would have also brought on Lulli, who is in great form and could have been useful with the energy he has. Perhaps Gasperini preferred to rely on experienced players. Soulé is completing a maturation that was struggling to arrive, also because of the pubalgia, which the medical staff is working on very seriously. Without Dybala, it is he who has taken Roma by the hand.” On Radio Manà Manà Sport, Trevisani said: “Svilar returns before the break, perhaps in Manchester and almost certainly for Sassuolo. Dybala will also return before the break, probably in Udine.”

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 27 October at 20:45 in the ninth round of Serie A, with the game broadcast live on DAZN. Gian Piero Gasperini's side come into the fixture straight after a 3-3 draw at Napoli's Maradona, while Fabio Pisacane's Cagliari are looking to end a losing run after a 2-0 home defeat to Bologna. With only a short turnaround between matches, Gasperini may rotate several players. Svilar is still sidelined, so Gollini keeps goal. The main decisions are in defence: Mancini and Hermoso returned to the starting line-up against Napoli after both began the match on the bench against Slovan Bratislava, while N'Dicka has been one of the most used players in recent weeks. The Ivorian could be rested, opening a place for Balerdi, who is coming off a particularly positive run. Ghilardi and Koulierakis remain in contention. Wesley may start on the bench with Molina ready to return, while Lulli is gaining ground on the other flank. In midfield Gasperini must pick two from Cristante, de Roon and Pisilli, with the young midfielder able to find space during the game. Up front, the picture is clearer: Malen remains the central reference point, Soulé should keep his place after an excellent display at Napoli, and Mora may play alongside the Argentine, with Castro initially on the bench. Roma's injury list is significant. Svilar is still out with a fractured toe, Koné is sidelined with a first-degree tear of the hamstring, Dybala is out with a small calf injury, and Pellegrini continues his recovery from a high-grade lesion at the distal musculotendinous junction of the semitendinosus in his right thigh. Roma's probable line-up is Gollini; Mancini, Balerdi, Hermoso; Lulli, Cristante, de Roon, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Available substitutes: Vásquez, De Marzi, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Wesley, Rensch, Ghilardi, Pisilli, Castro. Gasperini has no suspended or cautioned players. The competing selections are Mancini-Ghilardi, Hermoso-Koulierakis, Balerdi-N'Dicka and de Roon-Pisilli. Cagliari are expected to line up in a 4-3-2-1 with Caprile in goal, Mina partnering J. Rodriguez in the centre of defence, and Zé Pedro and Obert completing the back line. The main doubt is in midfield, where Winks injured his back against Bologna and his fitness will be assessed up to the last hours. If he is ruled out, Gagliardini starts, with Romano and Adopo completing the unit. Maldini should start from the first minute, Fazzini is ahead of Massolin, and Kevin Carlos is ahead of Mendy as the centre-forward, with Nzola deeper. Idrissi and Felici are out with cruciate ligament ruptures. Cagliari's probable line-up is Caprile; Zé Pedro, Mina, J. Rodriguez, Obert; Romano, Gagliardini, Adopo; Fazzini, Maldini; Kevin Carlos. Cagliari have lost their last two league games, 4-0 to Monza and 2-0 to Bologna. Roma have the clear head-to-head advantage in Rome. There have been 49 official meetings at the Olimpico, with 26 Roma wins, 17 draws and six Cagliari victories. The most recent meeting in the capital came on 9 February 2026, when Roma won 2-0. Cagliari's last win in Rome was a 4-2 victory on 1 February 2013. The official line-ups will be announced about an hour before kick-off and will be updated live on the match page.

Roma have not lost a Serie A match in 15 games, a run that continued after a crazy 3-3 draw at Napoli's Maradona stadium. Gian Piero Gasperini analysed the result on the night, saying: "We are in a great moment, we have great conviction, we play good football, we try to carry it forward, the morale is high. We have more the feeling of having lost two points, but it went well even like this." In the hours after the match, fans were divided on social media and in bars between regret at not taking all three points and the belief that Roma are a strong side able to overcome any difficulty and give everything even in the toughest games. The statistic underlines the progress of Gasperini's project. Roma's last league defeat, counting back into the previous season, came on 5 April, when Inter beat Gasperini's side 5-2 at San Siro. Since then, the chase for Champions League qualification has produced only wins against Pisa, Bologna, Fiorentina, Parma, Lazio and Verona, plus a home draw with Atalanta. This season's record is similar: five wins and three draws against the other three Champions League sides, Inter, Como and, most recently, Napoli. The run also helped Gasperini reach 300 Serie A wins, achieved against Genoa last week. The Napoli match ended 3-3, a result that left the supporters torn between frustration and pride in a team that refuses to fold under pressure.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 27 October at 20:45 in the ninth round of Serie A, with the game broadcast live on DAZN. Gian Piero Gasperini's side come into the fixture straight after a 3-3 draw at Napoli's Maradona, while Fabio Pisacane's Cagliari are looking to end a losing run after a 2-0 home defeat to Bologna. With only a short turnaround between matches, Gasperini may rotate several players. Svilar is still sidelined, so Gollini keeps goal. The main decisions are in defence: Mancini and Hermoso returned to the starting line-up against Napoli after both began the match on the bench against Slovan Bratislava, while N'Dicka has been one of the most used players in recent weeks. The Ivorian could be rested, opening a place for Balerdi, who is coming off a particularly positive run. Ghilardi and Koulierakis remain in contention. Wesley may start on the bench with Molina ready to return, while Lulli is gaining ground on the other flank. In midfield Gasperini must pick two from Cristante, de Roon and Pisilli, with the young midfielder able to find space during the game. Up front, the picture is clearer: Malen remains the central reference point, Soulé should keep his place after an excellent display at Napoli, and Mora may play alongside the Argentine, with Castro initially on the bench. Roma's injury list is significant. Svilar is still out with a fractured toe, Koné is sidelined with a first-degree tear of the hamstring, Dybala is out with a small calf injury, and Pellegrini continues his recovery from a high-grade lesion at the distal musculotendinous junction of the semitendinosus in his right thigh. Roma's probable line-up is Gollini; Mancini, Balerdi, Hermoso; Lulli, Cristante, de Roon, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Available substitutes: Vásquez, De Marzi, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Wesley, Rensch, Ghilardi, Pisilli, Castro. Gasperini has no suspended or cautioned players. The competing selections are Mancini-Ghilardi, Hermoso-Koulierakis, Balerdi-N'Dicka and de Roon-Pisilli. Cagliari are expected to line up in a 4-3-2-1 with Caprile in goal, Mina partnering J. Rodriguez in the centre of defence, and Zé Pedro and Obert completing the back line. The main doubt is in midfield, where Winks injured his back against Bologna and his fitness will be assessed up to the last hours. If he is ruled out, Gagliardini starts, with Romano and Adopo completing the unit. Maldini should start from the first minute, Fazzini is ahead of Massolin, and Kevin Carlos is ahead of Mendy as the centre-forward, with Nzola deeper. Idrissi and Felici are out with cruciate ligament ruptures. Cagliari's probable line-up is Caprile; Zé Pedro, Mina, J. Rodriguez, Obert; Romano, Gagliardini, Adopo; Fazzini, Maldini; Kevin Carlos. Cagliari have lost their last two league games, 4-0 to Monza and 2-0 to Bologna. Roma have the clear head-to-head advantage in Rome. There have been 49 official meetings at the Olimpico, with 26 Roma wins, 17 draws and six Cagliari victories. The most recent meeting in the capital came on 9 February 2026, when Roma won 2-0. Cagliari's last win in Rome was a 4-2 victory on 1 February 2013. The official line-ups will be announced about an hour before kick-off and will be updated live on the match page.

Matías Soulé has been one of Roma's standout performers, and former midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini has praised the Argentine forward after his goal against Napoli. Soulé scored Roma's third goal of the season in the match, drawing compliments from across the club and beyond. Giaccherini, speaking on Dazn, said Soulé is at the peak of his powers and described him as the technical driving force of the team. Roma's play was carried by Soulé as Malen had a below-par game, according to Giaccherini's assessment. Soulé has already contributed goals, assists and key touches this season. "He's in his prime, he's the technical leader of this team. Malen didn't have a great game and he carried the team. The goal is crazy, for the speed of his feet and legs it reminds me of Messi's goals. He asks for the one-two and there's very little time between the first touch and the shot." Soulé is eager to keep his form going and is ready for Tuesday's match against Cagliari, where he is expected to start in attack alongside Malen and Mora. Dybala returns to the matchday squad.