Gasperini to keep squad united at Verona despite injuries and suspension

Manu Koné could be a surprise inclusion for Roma against Sassuolo, with Il Romanista reporting this morning that the French midfielder may not only return to Gian Piero Gasperini's squad but could even start alongside Bryan Cristante. Until recently, Koné looked set to miss the final match before the international break. The situation has changed sharply after Zinedine Zidane left the midfielder out of France's squad for their matches against Italy and Turkey. That decision appeared to confirm that Koné needed more time to recover from the muscle injury he picked up against Real Madrid. Instead, Gasperini is reportedly considering handing him a starting place straight away. Koné has gradually recovered from the thigh problem, and his return would be important for a Roma midfield that has been asked to work overtime in recent weeks. Because France did not call him up, he will stay at Trigoria during the break with no further international commitments. Two steps will confirm whether the plan becomes reality. The first comes this morning, when Roma publish their list of players called up, which will show whether Koné is available. The second is this evening, when the official line-ups for the match against Sassuolo are announced. The fixture is scheduled for 20:45 at the Stadio Olimpico. Until then caution is needed, but a return to the starting XI for Koné after the latest news would be a real surprise for Gasperini and Roma.

Gian Piero Gasperini has focused on lifting Roma's mood ahead of the home match against Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, the last game before the international break, refusing to single out anyone after the defeat to Manchester United. Roma came back from a comeback loss in England and are looking to bounce back quickly. In the few days of preparation, a training session was cancelled after the flight carrying the squad back to Italy was delayed. Gasperini's work centred in particular on the mental side of the group. From the first minutes after the final whistle in England, the head coach tried to spur the players on without pointing out the individual errors that led to Manchester United's goals and without targeting any particular player. He has followed up that message both in the dressing room and during training sessions at Trigoria. The coach is asking his players for a reaction, to show that dreams can continue. Gasperini expects the same tactical approach as always, without changing the team's identity because of setbacks. At the final training session this morning, the last team selection doubts will be resolved. Gollini is still in pain, and Vásquez is set to play again. In defence, Ghilardi is pushing for a start, as Mancini and N'Dicka are not at 100 per cent. Up front, Mora and Soulé are set for another chance behind Malen. Dybala risks missing out on the matchday squad, having not trained with the group. The report is by Filippo Biafora in Il Tempo.

Roma have the chance to move up the Serie A table when they host Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico in the late kickoff, with a win temporarily taking them above Inter and to within a single point of Lazio, who play Napoli on Sunday. Inter face Como in the same round. Gian Piero Gasperini wants to chase that target by relying on the solidity his side has shown so far in the league, despite a still-crowded treatment room and some forced selections. The match is Roma's last fixture before the international break. They arrive with seven wins, three draws and no defeats, a record that keeps them firmly in contention for the top of the table. Preparation is being shaped by injuries. In goal, Gollini has a back problem and Svilar is out, and Svilar will not return until after the break, which opens the way for Vásquez to start between the posts. In defence, Gasperini is weighing up rotation: Ghilardi is pushing Mancini for a starting place, while on the right the choice is between Molina and Lulli, with Rensch unavailable due to an adductor injury. In midfield, while Koné is still awaiting full recovery, Cristante and De Roon will be asked to hold the line. Up front, Roma will rely on their certainties: Soulé, Mora and Malen, with Castro ready to come on during the game. After this match, Trigoria will empty for the national team call-ups, from the Italy squad led by Mancini to the many leading players called up around the world, including the great honour for young Rodrigo Mora, who has been called into the Portugal senior squad.

Gian Piero Gasperini has focused on lifting Roma's mood ahead of the home match against Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, the last game before the international break, refusing to single out anyone after the defeat to Manchester United. Roma came back from a comeback loss in England and are looking to bounce back quickly. In the few days of preparation, a training session was cancelled after the flight carrying the squad back to Italy was delayed. Gasperini's work centred in particular on the mental side of the group. From the first minutes after the final whistle in England, the head coach tried to spur the players on without pointing out the individual errors that led to Manchester United's goals and without targeting any particular player. He has followed up that message both in the dressing room and during training sessions at Trigoria. The coach is asking his players for a reaction, to show that dreams can continue. Gasperini expects the same tactical approach as always, without changing the team's identity because of setbacks. At the final training session this morning, the last team selection doubts will be resolved. Gollini is still in pain, and Vásquez is set to play again. In defence, Ghilardi is pushing for a start, as Mancini and N'Dicka are not at 100 per cent. Up front, Mora and Soulé are set for another chance behind Malen. Dybala risks missing out on the matchday squad, having not trained with the group. The report is by Filippo Biafora in Il Tempo.

Roma can go to sleep level on points with Lazio and one behind Inter, and host Sassuolo at the Olimpico today at 20.45 in the last round before the international break. Gian Piero Gasperini has the chance to close the gap further at the top of the table. The most urgent question concerns the goalkeeper: Pierluigi Gollini has not fully recovered from the back problem that kept him out before the Manchester game, and his availability remains in doubt. If he is ruled out, Devis Vásquez will again start in goal. Mile Svilar will not return until after the break. In defence, Gasperini must decide how to share out the workload. Daniele Ghilardi is pushing for a place in the starting line-up and could give Gianluca Mancini a rest. On the right, the battle is open between Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli. Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso remain the first choices in the back line, with Leonardo Balerdi as another option to change at least one player. In midfield, Bryan Cristante and Marten de Roon are the most likely pairing. Up front, Donyell Malen will lead the attack, supported by Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora. Manu Koné is still out. He was not called up for Sassuolo and has also been left out of Zidane's France squad. Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini are also unavailable. Dybala is aiming to return against Parma after the break, while Pellegrini will not be back until January. The report, written by Marco Juric for La Repubblica, places the emphasis on the goalkeeper and defensive selection as Gasperini prepares his side for the Sassuolo clash.

Rodrigo Mora has earned the trust of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and has also been called up to the Portugal senior squad, according to Daniele Aloisi writing in Il Messaggero. The young Portuguese forward is set to start against Sassuolo, with Malen and Soulé alongside him, as Roma continue to deal with an attacking shortage caused by the absences of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, who are still sidelined. Mora's performances have won over the doubters. He scored at Old Trafford, and in his last three appearances he has scored twice and provided an assist, his first goal coming at Lecce in August. He already has three league goals this season despite playing only 333 minutes. Comparisons with Baldanzi and Robinio Vaz have been dismissed. His call-up came in the week Cristiano Ronaldo bids farewell to Portugal, a player Mora idolises. Manu Koné has not been included in Zinedine Zidane's France squad, as the coach preferred not to select a player who has been sidelined for almost a month. Koné is feeling better and will be available to Gasperini today. Marten de Roon has started every match in the recent period and faces competition from Niccolò Pisilli or even Koné, if Koné shows positive signs this morning. Cristante and de Roon are expected to form the midfield pairing again tonight. Wesley plays on the left, while Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli compete for the right-back spot, with Molina slightly ahead. Changes are expected at the back compared with the trip to Manchester: Evan N'Dicka returns after recovering from a minor muscle problem and will partner Leonardo Balerdi, with either Mario Hermoso or Daniele Ghilardi alongside them. Devis Vásquez will continue in goal.

Roma host Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 7 November, with kick-off at 20:45, in the eleventh round of Serie A. Gian Piero Gasperini's side arrive after a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in the Champions League, a result that followed a first half in which Roma dominated and led by two goals. In the league, however, their form is excellent: they have 24 points from ten matchdays and sit third, after a convincing 5-2 win at Udinese in their last outing. Sassuolo, by contrast, are 17th on 8 points and have lost four consecutive matches. It will also be Alberto Aquilani's first game at the Olimpico as an opposing coach. Roma are without Mile Svilar, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala and Devyne Rensch. Pierluigi Gollini has not fully recovered from a back problem, so Devis Vásquez is expected to start in goal. Manu Koné is doubtful and is unlikely to start. Daniele Ghilardi is pushing Gianluca Mancini for a place in defence, while Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli are expected in midfield. Nahuel Molina and Wesley are favoured on the flanks, and Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are set to operate behind Donyell Malen. Aquilani has announced that Domenico Berardi and Volpato are absent, while the rest of the squad is available. He is expected to set out in a 4-3-3 with Turati in goal, Walukiewicz, Caleta-Car, Idzes and Doig in defence, and Thorstvedt back in midfield alongside Matic and Bakola. Up front, with Berardi out, Dominguez, Sebastiano Esposito and Laurienté are likely to start. Marco Di Bello of Brindisi referees, assisted by Peretti and Scatragli, with Abisso as fourth official, Pezzuto on VAR and Guida as AVAR. The match will be broadcast live on both DAZN and Sky. On Sky it can be watched on Sky Sport Uno, Sky Sport Calcio, Sky Sport 251 and Sky Sport 4K, while streaming is available on DAZN, Sky Go and NOW. Riccardo Gentile will provide the Sky commentary, with technical analysis from Alessio Scarchilli. Bookmakers make Roma clear favourites, with a win priced on average between 1.28 and 1.32, a draw around 6.00-6.50 and a Sassuolo win between 9.00 and 9.75. Over 2.5 goals is priced at around 1.35-1.37. Sassuolo have conceded at least two goals in each of their last four defeats, and Roma scored five in their last league game. The 2-0 scoreline to Roma is the most widely projected correct score, ahead of 2-1 and 3-0.

Roma can go to sleep level on points with Lazio and one behind Inter, and host Sassuolo at the Olimpico today at 20.45 in the last round before the international break. Gian Piero Gasperini has the chance to close the gap further at the top of the table. The most urgent question concerns the goalkeeper: Pierluigi Gollini has not fully recovered from the back problem that kept him out before the Manchester game, and his availability remains in doubt. If he is ruled out, Devis Vásquez will again start in goal. Mile Svilar will not return until after the break. In defence, Gasperini must decide how to share out the workload. Daniele Ghilardi is pushing for a place in the starting line-up and could give Gianluca Mancini a rest. On the right, the battle is open between Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli. Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso remain the first choices in the back line, with Leonardo Balerdi as another option to change at least one player. In midfield, Bryan Cristante and Marten de Roon are the most likely pairing. Up front, Donyell Malen will lead the attack, supported by Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora. Manu Koné is still out. He was not called up for Sassuolo and has also been left out of Zidane's France squad. Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini are also unavailable. Dybala is aiming to return against Parma after the break, while Pellegrini will not be back until January. The report, written by Marco Juric for La Repubblica, places the emphasis on the goalkeeper and defensive selection as Gasperini prepares his side for the Sassuolo clash.

Manu Koné has returned to availability ahead of Roma's home match against Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, a rare piece of good news for Gian Piero Gasperini. The French midfielder missed more than twenty days with an injury picked up in the Champions League against Real Madrid, and he has passed his final test. He can be called up but without taking any risks, and he will miss his national team commitments as a result. Koné, sidelined by a hamstring injury, is back in contention but is not yet certain to start, as the medical staff preferred not to rush his recovery and will delay his full return until after the international break. The rest of the infirmary remains crowded, forcing Gasperini into several difficult choices. Paulo Dybala still feels discomfort in his calf and is aiming to return against Parma. Mile Svilar is recovering from a stress fracture in his foot and is getting closer to a comeback. Lorenzo Pellegrini's timeline is longer, and he will not return before the end of January. Pierluigi Gollini has not recovered from the back problem he suffered before the trip to Manchester, which opens the door in goal for Devis Vásquez. Vásquez is set to play again sixteen months after his last appearance, on 25 May 2025 in Empoli-Verona. Gasperini is still weighing the final details of the starting line-up. In defence, there is an open battle between Ghilardi and Balerdi, while Molina is expected to return from the first minute on the right flank, where he is tasked with providing width and freshness. Roma are determined to finish this stretch well before the international break.

Roma are training at Manchester United's historic Cliff training ground on the eve of their trip to face the Red Devils, with Gian Piero Gasperini set to finalise his team selection doubts in the morning session. The session is scheduled for 11am local time at the Cliff. The Cliff is the club's former first-team base, which Manchester United used for years until Sir Alex Ferguson pushed for a move in 2000. Ferguson's reason was a lack of privacy: he felt the facility was too open, with training sessions easily watched by journalists and, above all, by scouts working for rival clubs. He called them "spies" and suggested the club relocate, and it did. Manchester United now train at Carrington, while the Cliff remains in use by the youth teams and the women's side. For one day, the Cliff is also being used by Roma and by their Primavera side, who will face the English club in the Youth League. Ahead of the trip, Roma have already held a rehearsal session the previous day, followed by the morning training on the day of the match.

Roma's pundits on Rome's radio stations were largely positive about the club's recent results, but they were divided over Mora and the January market. Roberto Pruzzo, speaking on Radio Radio, said: 'Mora is absolutely not ready for this stage, and Roma must sign Lookman. Do a six-month loan.' He also said Castro does not play when Malen is fit and that Mora did not take advantage of his chance, adding that a striker is needed in January. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo was more worried: 'I said Mora had to play to get used to his teammates, but there is a Mora problem. Do you remember Bojan Krkic? I would not want him to suffer the same fate.' Corsi said Mora was an embarrassment in front of goal, had shot at a photographer and had got everything wrong on Sunday, including his passing. The debate followed a run of matches after the heavy defeat to Real Madrid. Mario Mattioli of Radio Radio said Roma were fortunate to face Genoa and Slovan Bratislava afterwards, as they could restore their mental focus, and that Roma had taken full advantage. He described Slovan as a side who do not belong in the Champions League, suggesting they were better suited to the Europa League or Conference League. Fabio Petruzzi of Rete Sport argued that Roma make their opponents look weak: 'Genoa were weak, Slovan are weak, they are all weak... even Real Madrid were weak until ten minutes from the end. I would start saying Roma are strong.' Alessio Nardo of Tele Radio Stereo said he could hardly recall a smaller side worse than Slovan Bratislava, adding that they could not keep the ball for more than three seconds. David Rossi of Rete Sport praised the defence under Gian Piero Gasperini: 'What impresses me is that the defenders have improved most with Gasperini. Ghilardi started two matches, against Lecce and against Slovan, and I remember him more for what he does in attack than in defence. Ghilardi is a starter now. Hermoso, we did not know who to pin it on, and now he is a leader. Balerdi arrived while Marseille fans were celebrating, and here he is dominant. N'Dicka has improved a lot... Roma have a back line that I believe is the strongest in Italy.' Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport noted that Roma had rotated five starters in defence over the last two matches while conceding no goals. He said the comparison between Malen and Castro and Ferguson and Dovbyk was harsh. Pes argued that Gasperini had not overused Pellegrini, who had started two matches, and said Pellegrini was prone to injury, which he had always been. Pellegrini is now 30, Pes said, and the problems are getting worse. Checco Oddo Casano said Roma should consider the futures of Dybala and Pellegrini in June, after seeing how many matches they had played. The radio hosts agreed that a striker is needed, and Pruzzo said he would name the player to be signed in January. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said he was supporting Manchester United against Como that evening, because a defeat for the English side would leave Roma with a final chance. He also said Roma had regrets about Fenerbahce and Real Madrid, where a result was possible, and warned that Roma could arrive at the third-last match ranked behind others in the table.

Malen and Castro have already outscored Dovbyk and Ferguson's entire Serie A campaign of last season, after just seven matchdays. The two current forwards have scored seven goals between them in Serie A this term, against one from Dovbyk and Ferguson across the whole of 2025-26. Roma have 16 points after seven rounds this season, compared with 15 at the same stage last year, so the points tally is almost identical. The difference lies in the attack. Roma have found the forwards they lacked a year ago, with the Dutchman and the Argentine both scoring and each able to make the difference when the other is missing. Last season, Ferguson and Dovbyk struggled to make an impact and to get shots away. Their combined Serie A tally that year was six goals, a figure Malen and Castro have already surpassed in only seven matches. The two strikers have also combined for nine goals in all competitions this season: eight from the Dutchman and one from the Argentine. Dovbyk and Ferguson were never really an option together, as they were too similar and too cumbersome to make a two-man attack work. Gasperini has preferred to play with a single striker, but that is not a written rule, and the head coach could now change his mind. With Dybala's physical condition a factor, Malen and Castro are in contention to start together from the first minute in the Champions League against Slovan. It would be a test of whether the pair can coexist. Their characteristics differ, but the quality is there. Castro has already shown he deserves a place, scoring a spectacular goal on his first start, and he does not want to be merely an alternative. Gasperini has recognised that. The Argentine has shown he can make an impact, and the big question now is whether Gasperini will field the two of them together against Slovan.