Gasperini: Unity across club, squad and fans is helping us. Roma-Inter is not a title race yet

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has spoken ahead of his side's clash with Roma, saying the match means a great deal and that he has fond memories of playing against Roma in this competition over the years. Speaking to Sky Sport before kick-off, Carrick said: "It means a lot, this competition is important. I have played against Roma a few times in this competition over the years and I have good memories. They were a very good team and they still are. We were very impressed watching their start to the season, which has been very positive. We know we have a tough game tonight." Carrick said his side wanted to produce a good performance and secure a good result for their own reasons. He praised Roma's approach, adding: "They play very intense football and ask a lot of questions. They press a lot and they are good on the ball. They are a complete team, and we have to do a lot and give our best to win the game." The comments underline the importance of the fixture for United, with Carrick stressing the quality of the opposition and the demands his side face on the night.

Roma director Tony D'Amico has confirmed that Pierluigi Gollini will miss the match against Manchester United because of a severe back pain he suffered this morning, with Devis Vásquez starting in goal instead. Speaking to SkySport before kickoff, D'Amico also explained that the team had arrived late because of traffic, and he was speaking in place of Gasperini. D'Amico said the club had tried to get Gollini fit in time. "This morning he had a strong back pain, we tried to recover him during the day but he could not make it. Vasquez plays, we have confidence in him." Asked what guarantees Vásquez could offer, he said: "It's an opportunity, also for him. He is part of the four goalkeepers we have available. These things happen. He will face a game, a beautiful one, with great serenity. It will be a great opportunity for him, we are calm that he can have a good game." On the delayed arrival, D'Amico was asked how long the journey from the hotel had taken. He replied: "More than expected, things happen. Without escort, but we are here."

Roma's Primavera side drew 1-1 with Manchester United in the fourth matchday of the UEFA Youth League, with Antonio Arena equalising from the penalty spot late in the game. Coach Mattia Scala said the result was a good point, with an excellent second half and a less convincing first half. Roma started the match well and had an early chance to score. However, they began to struggle against United's passing game, which pulled them across the pitch, and they faded. United took the lead at that moment, although they did not create many big chances. Scala said the team was sorted tactically at half-time, with the players urged to show more courage. Roma brought on three forwards to push for the win. Scala described the United side as more ready than his own. Several of their players born in 2007 were already playing with their Under-21 team, and some had already made their Premier League debuts. Roma had brought many 2009-born players, so Scala said the gap was one of experience rather than technical quality. He added that United had shown themselves to be a very good side. Scala also confirmed that Arduini and Romero Corredera were called up to train with the first team after the session on the previous day. He said the club was fully available to the first team's needs, and that the staff's preparation had not changed. Scala said the team was going through a very positive period, and that he had seen many tired players who were still ready to give everything. He said the players never give up and that some of them were disappointed not to win. He described this as a sign of maturity and growth. Roma face one more match in this mini-cycle on Sunday before recharging for the restart. Arena, who scored the 1-1 penalty late in the match, said pressure was normal when trailing 1-0 with a few minutes left. He said he approached the spot-kick with great confidence, as he always tries to do, and that the point was important, away from home against a strong side. He said Roma had played a great second half, playing together, and had deserved the equaliser. On the change after the break, Arena said United had been physical and had handled Roma's pressure well in the second half of the first half. In the second half, he said, the team showed more hunger, ran more and put United under pressure. He said those who came on had done very well, whether defenders or attackers, and that the group is united and never gives up. He added that it was not the first time they had come from behind to get back into a game. Asked about disappointment, Arena said Roma always want the three points, but that sometimes a point is good too, as the match was not simple. He said the team should be happy with the draw, having suffered and played well together. Looking ahead, he noted the squad returns to Rome after leaving there last Thursday. He described the time away as a little training camp. He said two good performances had come out of it, and that the group gets on well, which he believed had done them a lot of good.

Roma travel to Old Trafford on Tuesday for a high-stakes UEFA Champions League clash that could decide Michael Carrick's future at Manchester United, with the home side enduring their worst run of form since the late 1980s. United lost 2-0 at home to Chelsea on Saturday and are level on points with 18th-placed Crystal Palace in the Premier League. They are on a nine-game winless streak in all competitions (D3, L6), their worst run since 1988. Carrick's position is under scrutiny ahead of what is described as a must-win game. United beat Champions League debutants Sabah Baku 4-0, but have since lost back-to-back group-phase matches, suffering multi-goal defeats at Atletico Madrid and Como. Roma arrive in better shape. Gian Piero Gasperini's side recovered from a two-game winless start (D1, L1) to thrash Slovan Bratislava 4-0 on matchday three. That win is part of a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions (W4, D1), capped by a dominant 5-2 win at Udinese last weekend. Roma are unbeaten in 17 Serie A matches (W13, D4), and the Giallorossi will take the Old Trafford pitch in high spirits, seeking their maiden win on United's home ground. United have beaten Roma in all four previous meetings at the Theatre of Dreams, including a 7-1 rout in 2007, when Carrick scored a brace. The under-pressure United boss will be desperate to repeat that success, knowing anything other than a win would likely seal his fate at the club. United have won 13 of their 17 Champions League home matches against Italian opposition at Old Trafford (D1, L3) and bring a seven-game winning streak in European home games into the fixture, with each of their last four wins in that sequence seeing them score at least four goals. However, the 20-time English champions are enduring their worst-ever ten-game Champions League run (W2, D1, L7), and they have failed to score in five of their seven defeats this season. Roma's scoring has been prolific, with Gasperini's side netting two or more goals in six consecutive outings across all competitions. That run started with a 4-3 home loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League, and Roma have since won five straight games without defeat (W4, D1). Their domestic form has not translated to Europe, however. They have secured just two wins from their last 20 Champions League road fixtures (D6, L12) and have gone 32 successive Champions League road trips without a clean sheet. They are also seeking their first-ever away win over English opposition in the Champions League proper (D3, L7). That said, Roma have not lost any of their last six European away games (W3, D3). Patrick Dorgu, Luke Shaw and Benjamin Sesko are definite absentees for United, while Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo could be on the bench. Bryan Mbeumo is expected to lead the line amid Matheus Cunha's rough patch, with Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Youri Tielemans behind him in Carrick's 4-2-3-1 set-up. Roma remain without Paulo Dybala, Manu Kone and first-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is struggling with a thigh injury, is also out, meaning Matias Soule is likely to start behind Donyell Malen. Roma's probable lineup is Gollini; N'Dicka, Mancini, Hermoso; Molina, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante, Soule; Malen. The prediction is a Roma win.

Gian Piero Gasperini is set to reshape Roma for tonight's Champions League clash away at Manchester United, with Bryan Cristante potentially moving into the attacking midfield role behind the front line. Il Messaggero's Daniele Aloisi reports that Niccolò Pisilli would take Cristante's place in midfield alongside Marten de Roon. The match marks the halfway point of the Champions League league phase. Cristante is expected to operate in the number ten area, although a start for Rodrigo Mora cannot be ruled out. Donyell Malen and Matías Soulé remain untouchable as the front pair. On the left, Wesley is set to play, while Devyne Rensch is pushing Emanuele Lulli on the right. At the back, Gasperini will rely on his best men, with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso ready to form the three-man defence. Leonardo Balerdi is at risk after training on Monday with a heavy bandage on his right knee. Gollini is expected in goal, returning to Manchester where he spent time in the youth ranks from 2012 to 2014. Mile Svilar, Manu Koné and Paulo Dybala are once again out. Koné and Dybala are hoping to be available for Saturday's match against Sassuolo, though their involvement is not guaranteed.

Lazio supporter Giuseppe Cruciani has named Roma as the clear favourites for the Scudetto, saying the club can only lose the title itself. Speaking on the Numer1 podcast, the La Zanzara presenter pointed to Gian Piero Gasperini's side as the team to beat. "Not out of superstition, but based on what we've seen so far. Roma have never dropped a match, maybe once a long time ago. The only game they lost was when they were ahead five minutes from the end against Real Madrid. Apart from that, they have always dominated," Cruciani said, impressed by the consistency of the giallorossi. Cruciani also highlighted that Roma have kept going despite the absences of three key players: Svilar, Koné and Dybala. He said those losses had not stopped the team from continuing to get results and produce high-level performances, which made their campaign all the more significant. His prediction was emphatic: "Roma are the real favourites for the Scudetto. If they don't win it, it's because something strange happens. It's almost impossible that they don't win it." Cruciani gave Roma a 55% chance of winning the title, ahead of Inter on 40% and Milan on 5%. His view stands apart from his fellow panellists. Ivan Zazzaroni still considers Inter the favourites, while Sandro Sabatini sees the two clubs as essentially level. Cruciani, by contrast, has no doubts. For Roma fans, hearing such words from a Lazio supporter makes the prediction all the more striking.

Donyell Malen says Roma are ready for their Champions League fixture at Manchester United, which is the fourth matchday of the league phase, but insists the squad must be careful. Asked about United's current form, Malen said they are not getting the best results but are a good side, so Roma have to be careful. Malen is an established part of the Roma squad, and his comments come ahead of a difficult away trip in the Champions League. He is looking forward to the occasion at Old Trafford and sees the match as a test of Roma's focus against a side that remains dangerous despite its recent results. Asked whether Roma are ready, Malen said: "Yes, we are ready. I can't wait to play. It will be a great evening." On the numbers he has posted, he said: "Yes, those are good numbers. I hope I can add to them today." Asked about the atmosphere at Old Trafford, he said: "It's a fantastic stadium, I can't wait to play there. It will be a great evening."

Roma travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the fourth matchday of the Champions League league phase, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side looking to add to their four points from the first three European rounds after a heavy win over Slovan Bratislava. Michael Carrick's Manchester United are on three points and are going through a difficult spell. Roma's starting line-up was announced by Sky Sport at 19:48. Devis Vásquez takes over in goal after Pierluigi Gollini was ruled out, with the decision confirmed at 18:55. Vásquez starts behind a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi and Mario Hermoso. Devyne Rensch, Marten de Roon, Bryan Cristante and Wesley make up the midfield line, with Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora in support of Donyell Malen up front. Balerdi, Rensch and Mora were all named from the first minute. Earlier in the build-up, Balerdi had been pushing Mancini for his place, while Mora had been tipped for a starting role. Manchester United line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation: Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Dalot; Mainoo, Baleba; Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Diallo; Cunha. Their bench includes Darlow, Heaton, De Ligt, Mazraoui, Lisandro Martinez, Amass, Andrey Santos, Mount, Tielemans, Zirkzee and Lacey. Roma's bench includes De Marzi, Gollini, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Ghilardi, Lulli, Molina, Di Nunzio, Pisilli and Castro. Roma are set out in a 3-4-2-1 formation. The match is refereed by Jesús Gil Manzano (Spain), with assistants Guadalupe Porras Ayuso and Diego Barbero. The fourth official is Juan Martínez Munuera. The VAR is Carlos del Cerro Grande, with Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez as assistant VAR.

Roma head to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, coached by Carrick, in the fourth matchday of the Champions League league phase, with Gasperini forced into a change in goal. Pierluigi Gollini has withdrawn at the last hour, so Devis Vásquez starts. Leonardo Balerdi comes in at centre-back instead of Evan N'Dicka, and Devyne Rensch is the right wing-back. Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli are on the bench. The midfield and attack are unchanged, with Rodrigo Mora starting from the first minute. Manchester United line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Lammens in goal, Yoro, Maguire, Heaven and Dalot in defence, Mainoo and Baleba in midfield, Cunha, Fernandes and Diallo behind Mbeumo. Roma play a 3-4-2-1, with Vásquez; Mancini, Balerdi and Hermoso at the back; Rensch, Cristante, de Roon and Wesley in midfield; Soulé and Mora in support of Malen up front. United's bench includes Darlow, Heaton, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Mount, Tielemans, Santos, Lacey, Fletcher, Amass and Zirkzee. Roma's bench features De Marzi, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Pisilli, Ghilardi, Molina, Lulli, Di Nunzio and Castro.

Roma travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the fourth matchday of the Champions League league phase, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side looking to add to their four points from the first three European rounds after a heavy win over Slovan Bratislava. Michael Carrick's Manchester United are on three points and are going through a difficult spell. Roma's starting line-up was announced by Sky Sport at 19:48. Devis Vásquez takes over in goal after Pierluigi Gollini was ruled out, with the decision confirmed at 18:55. Vásquez starts behind a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi and Mario Hermoso. Devyne Rensch, Marten de Roon, Bryan Cristante and Wesley make up the midfield line, with Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora in support of Donyell Malen up front. Balerdi, Rensch and Mora were all named from the first minute. Earlier in the build-up, Balerdi had been pushing Mancini for his place, while Mora had been tipped for a starting role. Manchester United line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation: Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Dalot; Mainoo, Baleba; Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Diallo; Cunha. Their bench includes Darlow, Heaton, De Ligt, Mazraoui, Lisandro Martinez, Amass, Andrey Santos, Mount, Tielemans, Zirkzee and Lacey. Roma's bench includes De Marzi, Gollini, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Ghilardi, Lulli, Molina, Di Nunzio, Pisilli and Castro. Roma are set out in a 3-4-2-1 formation. The match is refereed by Jesús Gil Manzano (Spain), with assistants Guadalupe Porras Ayuso and Diego Barbero. The fourth official is Juan Martínez Munuera. The VAR is Carlos del Cerro Grande, with Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez as assistant VAR.

Roma head to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, coached by Carrick, in the fourth matchday of the Champions League league phase, with Gasperini forced into a change in goal. Pierluigi Gollini has withdrawn at the last hour, so Devis Vásquez starts. Leonardo Balerdi comes in at centre-back instead of Evan N'Dicka, and Devyne Rensch is the right wing-back. Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli are on the bench. The midfield and attack are unchanged, with Rodrigo Mora starting from the first minute. Manchester United line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Lammens in goal, Yoro, Maguire, Heaven and Dalot in defence, Mainoo and Baleba in midfield, Cunha, Fernandes and Diallo behind Mbeumo. Roma play a 3-4-2-1, with Vásquez; Mancini, Balerdi and Hermoso at the back; Rensch, Cristante, de Roon and Wesley in midfield; Soulé and Mora in support of Malen up front. United's bench includes Darlow, Heaton, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Mount, Tielemans, Santos, Lacey, Fletcher, Amass and Zirkzee. Roma's bench features De Marzi, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Pisilli, Ghilardi, Molina, Lulli, Di Nunzio and Castro.

Roma travel to Old Trafford tonight for their fourth League Phase match of the Champions League, facing Manchester United under head coach Michael Carrick, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side looking for points after a comprehensive win over Slovan Bratislava. Roma have four points from their first three European matches, while United sit on three points and are going through a very difficult spell. Gollini has been ruled out, and Devis Vásquez will start in goal in his place. The Roma line-up is a 3-4-2-1 formation: Vásquez; Balerdi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, De Roon, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Leonardo Balerdi is pushing Mancini for a place in the defence, while Rodrigo Mora is set for a starting spot. On the bench for Roma are De Marzi, Gollini, Koulierakis, Mancini, Ghilardi, Lulli, Rensch, Di Nunzio, Pisilli and Castro. Manchester United line up in a 4-2-3-1: Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Dalot; Mainoo, Andrey Santos; Mbeumo, Tielemans, Bruno Fernandes; Cunha. Their substitutes are Darlow, Heaton, De Ligt, Mazraoui, Heaven, Amass, Baleba, Mount, Diallo, Zirkzee and Lacey. The referee is Jesús Gil Manzano (Spain), assisted by Guadalupe Porras Ayuso and Diego Barbero, with Juan Martínez Munuera as fourth official. The VAR is Carlos del Cerro Grande, with Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez as assistant VAR.