Gasperini's cure works for Soulé as Argentina move looms

Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not travel to Argentina for Lionel Messi's international farewell match, a decision made by mutual agreement between the players and the club. Despite their affection for Messi, both declined to force the issue, understanding Roma's preference to avoid a cross-continental journey just hours before the Como fixture. Dybala's focus is entirely on the upcoming match at the Sinigaglia. He has been a regular starter this season and used his four rest days granted by Gasperini to train in his home gym, preparing himself for the showdown against Fabregas's side. Dybala has already recorded four assists this season but remains goalless, with his last goal coming on 18 January against Torino. He will feature on 11 October and later face Mourinho in the Champions League clash against Real Madrid on 14 October. Sunday's match will pit two Argentine talents against each other: Dybala versus Como's Nico Paz, a generational duel between players considered among the strongest in their country. Paz, who will return from international duty on 8 October, is regarded in Argentina as Messi's successor—a player Como are unlikely to rest. Dybala, despite a twelve-year age gap with Paz, remains intent on proving he can deliver decisive moments.

Roma have prevented Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina during the international break, citing logistical reasons and a desire to spare the pair a long intercontinental journey just days before the domestic season resumes. The club chose to make its position public, a move that attracted attention given Roma's typical reluctance to issue public statements on such matters. Journalist Lorenzo Pes explained the decision on TeleRadioStereo, noting that Roma's stance had been known for several days and there was no significant friction with the players over the matter. Pes said: "I was surprised by Roma, they are not prone to issuing statements. Honestly it seems more of a demonstration of position than anything else." He added that both players would have liked to attend the event in Argentina but were not prepared to turn the issue into a confrontation with the club. Pes observed: "On the one hand they wanted to be there, but to make that long journey just to be spectators?" According to Pes, the players did not push back against the decision. "Honestly no, the matter was known from a couple of days ago. There was no major opposition from the players, who did not force the issue," he stated. Pes acknowledged wider regret that all Argentina's World Cup winners were not called to the celebration, concluding that the decision ultimately served Roma's interests as the season restarts.

Roma radio commentators analysed the club's decision to prevent Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina for Lionel Messi's farewell celebration. The move generated widespread backing among on-air voices in Rome, with observers noting that the players did not push to attend and that the club's public statement underlined its resolve. Jacobelli at Radio Radio Mattino said the choice was "absolutely understandable", separating official international duties from a one-off event that could have been scheduled differently. Pes at TeleRadioStereo stressed there would be no lasting friction: "The players did not force to be in Buenos Aires for Messi's goodbye. Roma have a delicate and important match on 11 October and the club's statement demonstrates the strength of the ownership." Rossomando at Radio Manà Manà Sport added: "The decision not to let Dybala and Molina leave for Argentina was in the air. Certainly, the decision to issue an official statement surprised me and I must say pleased me. Roma demonstrated itself to be a strong and present club. It is important to have Dybala at Trigoria during the entire break. Behind this decision I believe Gasperini is also there." Carina noted that Marten de Roon would find minutes in the upcoming run of fixtures and recover full fitness after arriving in non-optimal condition. Valdarchi suggested Gasperini might rotate the three Argentina internationals who returned late, with Leonardo Balerdi unlikely to start at centre-back given Mario Hermoso's availability and Evan N'Dicka's early return to training.

Roma resumed training on 29 September, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini beginning preparations for the 11 October match against Como. Three players are currently unavailable: Donyell Malen, Wesley and Bryan Cristante are working separately following ongoing treatment. Malen is managing a knee issue, Cristante is dealing with lower back pain, and Wesley is recovering from a right thigh strain sustained in the most recent match against Inter. The medical staff are monitoring all three players closely, with their status to be assessed day by day as they return to group training progressively. Cristante is closest to full recovery and is expected to return to the squad by the end of the week, after which the other two will follow.

Roma returned to training on the afternoon of 29 September following four days of rest granted by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The squad worked with the players available at Trigoria while awaiting the return of 12 squad members involved with their national teams during the international break. Wesley, Cristante and Malen undertook differentiated training after withdrawing from their respective national team commitments due to physical issues. The rest of the group completed a session split between tactical work and field drills. Roma are preparing for their return to action on 11 October, when they face Como at the Stadio Sinigaglia.

Roma resumed training at Trigoria on 29 September after a four-day break. The focus is now on the upcoming Serie A fixture against Como at the Sinigaglia. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini must work with a depleted squad, with 12 players away on international duty. Three players trained on site but remained under careful management: Bryan Cristante, Donyell Malen and Wesley all carried out differentiated work rather than joining full sessions. The club has mapped out a structured recovery plan. Individual work will come first, followed by a gradual return to group training, with the aim of having the squad fully ready for Como without rushing the process. Gasperini is waiting for the 12 internationals to return before building back to full strength.

Roma radio commentators analysed the club's decision to prevent Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina for Lionel Messi's farewell celebration. The move generated widespread backing among on-air voices in Rome, with observers noting that the players did not push to attend and that the club's public statement underlined its resolve. Jacobelli at Radio Radio Mattino said the choice was "absolutely understandable", separating official international duties from a one-off event that could have been scheduled differently. Pes at TeleRadioStereo stressed there would be no lasting friction: "The players did not force to be in Buenos Aires for Messi's goodbye. Roma have a delicate and important match on 11 October and the club's statement demonstrates the strength of the ownership." Rossomando at Radio Manà Manà Sport added: "The decision not to let Dybala and Molina leave for Argentina was in the air. Certainly, the decision to issue an official statement surprised me and I must say pleased me. Roma demonstrated itself to be a strong and present club. It is important to have Dybala at Trigoria during the entire break. Behind this decision I believe Gasperini is also there." Carina noted that Marten de Roon would find minutes in the upcoming run of fixtures and recover full fitness after arriving in non-optimal condition. Valdarchi suggested Gasperini might rotate the three Argentina internationals who returned late, with Leonardo Balerdi unlikely to start at centre-back given Mario Hermoso's availability and Evan N'Dicka's early return to training.

Matías Soulé has impressed Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni in training and is being considered for a starting place in Wednesday's friendly against Bolivia, kicking off at 02:00 Italian time on 30 September. The Roma forward is in contention with Mastantuono for a spot in the Argentina XI. Santiago Castro and Leonardo Balerdi, also Roma players on international duty, face different prospects: Castro is expected to start on the bench with Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez confirmed as Argentina's attacking pair, while Balerdi could feature in defence alongside or competing with Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero in the starting line-up. Twelve Roma players are currently away on international duty during this break. Manu Koné, Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka have already begun their commitments with their respective nations, while Soulé, Castro and Balerdi are among the Argentina contingent preparing for their upcoming fixtures. Scaloni has indicated he will not simply repeat the World Cup final winning side, creating opportunities for fresh personnel across the squad. The Argentina camp's evaluation of Soulé marks a significant endorsement after his performances in training, with the coaching staff weighing whether to give him immediate playing time. Castro's likely bench role reflects the settled attacking pair already in place, though he remains available for the three matches Argentina will play during this international window. Balerdi's defence situation remains open, with the established pairing of Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero holding the primary claim but space potentially available for the Roma centre-back to contribute.

Evan N'Dicka will start for Ivory Coast in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Somalia today, with new Ivory Coast manager Renard continuing to deploy the Roma defender in the centre of the pitch. N'Dicka has recently returned to international football after missing the last World Cup through injury. N'Dicka is the sole Roma player on duty in the African qualifiers today. Three other Giallorossi have been unavailable: Santiago Castro, Matías Soulé and Leonardo Balerdi. Soulé will target a starting place when Argentina face Bolivia on Wednesday night.

Matías Soulé has impressed Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni in training and is being considered for a starting place in Wednesday's friendly against Bolivia, kicking off at 02:00 Italian time on 30 September. The Roma forward is in contention with Mastantuono for a spot in the Argentina XI. Santiago Castro and Leonardo Balerdi, also Roma players on international duty, face different prospects: Castro is expected to start on the bench with Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez confirmed as Argentina's attacking pair, while Balerdi could feature in defence alongside or competing with Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero in the starting line-up. Twelve Roma players are currently away on international duty during this break. Manu Koné, Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka have already begun their commitments with their respective nations, while Soulé, Castro and Balerdi are among the Argentina contingent preparing for their upcoming fixtures. Scaloni has indicated he will not simply repeat the World Cup final winning side, creating opportunities for fresh personnel across the squad. The Argentina camp's evaluation of Soulé marks a significant endorsement after his performances in training, with the coaching staff weighing whether to give him immediate playing time. Castro's likely bench role reflects the settled attacking pair already in place, though he remains available for the three matches Argentina will play during this international window. Balerdi's defence situation remains open, with the established pairing of Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero holding the primary claim but space potentially available for the Roma centre-back to contribute.

Evan N'Dicka will start for Ivory Coast in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Somalia today, with new Ivory Coast manager Renard continuing to deploy the Roma defender in the centre of the pitch. N'Dicka has recently returned to international football after missing the last World Cup through injury. N'Dicka is the sole Roma player on duty in the African qualifiers today. Three other Giallorossi have been unavailable: Santiago Castro, Matías Soulé and Leonardo Balerdi. Soulé will target a starting place when Argentina face Bolivia on Wednesday night.

AS Roma has confirmed that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not travel to Argentina for a farewell celebration organised in honour of Lionel Messi on 6 October, which coincides with an Argentina–Benin match. Both players, World Cup winners with Messi in 2022, had been invited to the event in Buenos Aires. With twelve Roma players on international duty across their respective national teams, the club is closely monitoring the situation of three Argentine internationals—Leonardo Balerdi, Santiago Castro and Matías Soulé—all called up by the Albiceleste. Their return to Trigoria carries particular sensitivity given Roma's fixture against Como on 11 October, which falls just days after the players' expected arrival. Dybala and Molina's potential absence from training would have compounded the tight turnaround, creating further uncertainty over their readiness for the match. AS Roma released a statement explaining the decision: "The Club recognises the value of the appointment for the two players, linked to Lionel Messi and protagonists with him in the 2022 World Cup victory. The choice responds to sporting and logistical reasons, related to the duration of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of official commitments. AS Roma expresses the maximum respect for Lionel Messi and his extraordinary career, wishing him and the Argentine Federation a special evening."