Gasperini's Methods: Molina Thrives on the Left

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has received a new injury setback, with Devyne Rensch suffering a muscle injury and expected to return after the international break. The club's pause for the national team fixtures comes at a useful time to recover several players and prepare for upcoming commitments. The defeat at Manchester has left Gasperini with clear lessons, particularly the need to widen the options available in the squad. Until the derby in mid-December, the fixture list contains no other big league match. Gasperini will not speak at a press conference on the eve of the match against Sassuolo. From the English trip, a message came from Matías Soulé, who urged the team to learn from the defeats and keep working with the same commitment. The Argentine is now one of the main attacking reference points alongside Malen, but it is precisely this dependence that worries the coach. Even without Svilar, the team has shown fragility: goals conceded have increased and the save percentage has dropped noticeably.

Roma midfielder Emanuele Lulli has been named in Italy Under-21 coach Carlo Baldini's squad for two friendlies against France and Belgium. The call-up comes during the international break, which has also brought recognition for Daniele Ghilardi and Niccolò Pisilli, who have been called up to the senior Italy squad by head coach Roberto Mancini. The Under-21 fixtures are high-profile international tests against peers from France and Belgium, and will help the young side continue its development after qualifying for the European Under-21 Championship finals, to be held in 2027 in Albania and Serbia. Lulli's inclusion is a further sign of the progress of the club's young players, with Lulli representing Roma in the Azzurrini squad. Baldini's provisional squad lists the following players. Goalkeepers: Giovanni Daffara (Parma), Diego Mascardi (Torino), Lorenzo Palmisani (Frosinone), Massimo Pessina (Bologna). Defenders: Davide Bartesaghi (Milan), Gabriele Calvani (Frosinone), Fabio Chiarodia (Borussia M'Gladbach), Pietro Comuzzo (Torino), Eddy Kouadio (Monza), Emanuele Lulli (Roma), Filippo Mane (Borussia Dortmund), Brando Moruzzi (Avellino). Midfielders: Lorenzo Amatucci (Deportivo La Coruna), Tommaso Berti (Cremonese), Matteo Cichella (Frosinone), Matteo Dagasso (Venezia), Giacomo Faticanti (Avellino), Luca Lipani (Sassuolo), Cher Ndour (Fiorentina). Forwards: Alessio Cacciamani (Torino), Francesco Camarda (Milan), Luigi Cherubini (Benevento), Jeff Ekhator (Juventus), Seydou Fini (Frosinone), Samuele Inacio (Borussia Dortmund), Dominic Vavassori (Palermo).

Roma defender Emanuele Lulli has been called up by Italy Under-21 coach Baldini for two prestigious friendlies against France and Belgium, after Italy qualified for the 2027 European Championship in Albania and Serbia. While Ghilardi and Pisilli have been summoned by Roberto Mancini to the senior national team, Lulli is the only Roma player in the Under-21 group. Baldini's squad includes three players making their first Under-21 appearance: Bologna goalkeeper Massimo Pessina, Monza defender Eddy Kouadio and Borussia Dortmund striker Samuele Inacio, all of whom came through the senior Italy set-up last October. Filippo Mane of Borussia Dortmund returns in defence, while Lorenzo Amatucci returns in midfield. Three players return in attack: Alessio Cacciamani of Torino, who has been absent since March 2026, Jeff Ekhator and Dominic Vavassori. The full squad is as follows. Goalkeepers: Giovanni Daffara (Parma), Diego Mascardi (Torino), Lorenzo Palmisani (Frosinone), Massimo Pessina (Bologna). Defenders: Davide Bartesaghi (Milan), Gabriele Calvani (Frosinone), Fabio Chiarodia (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Pietro Comuzzo (Torino), Eddy Kouadio (Monza), Emanuele Lulli (Roma), Filippo Mane (Borussia Dortmund), Brando Moruzzi (Avellino). Midfielders: Lorenzo Amatucci (Deportivo La Coruña), Tommaso Berti (Cremonese), Matteo Cichella (Frosinone), Matteo Dagasso (Venezia), Giacomo Faticanti (Avellino), Luca Lipani (Sassuolo), Cher Ndour (Fiorentina). Forwards: Alessio Cacciamani (Torino), Francesco Camarda (Milan), Luigi Cherubini (Benevento), Jeff Ekhator (Juventus), Seydou Fini (Frosinone), Samuele Inacio (Borussia Dortmund), Dominic Vavassori (Palermo).

Paulo Dybala and Manu Koné did not appear in images of Roma's group training session at Trigoria, a sign that their return for Saturday's match against Sassuolo is becoming more difficult. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are preparing for the Serie A fixture, which kicks off at 20:45 at the Olimpico, two days after the club's disappointing defeat to Manchester United. Dybala is not yet ready, while Koné, who is close to returning, is being treated with caution. A call-up for Koné remains to be decided in the coming hours. Gasperini appears set to keep Rodrigo Mora in the number ten role behind Matías Soulé, with Donyell Malen leading the attack. Mora is expected to get another start after strong recent performances. In defence, Evan N'Dicka is likely to return to the heart of the back line, while Nahuel Molina and Wesley could reclaim the full-back positions. Molina is in line to regain a starting place following the injury to Devyne Rensch, who has suffered a mild muscle lesion to his right adductor and will be out for around three weeks. Gollini, who is struggling with a back problem, remains doubtful. The aim is clear: return to winning immediately after the comeback Roma suffered against Manchester United and close out this demanding phase of the season in the best possible way. A long-awaited break will follow, giving Gasperini time to recover energy and, hopefully, a significant number of injured players. First, though, there are three points to win against Sassuolo, whose coach is Alberto Aquilani. Roma's training session on Thursday was shared by the club on its social channels in a video showing several moments of the session.

Roma return to Serie A on Saturday evening, hosting Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico in the eleventh round, the last fixture before the international break. Kickoff is at 20:45 on Saturday 7 November. Sassuolo are coached by former Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani, and Gasperini's side will look to bounce back from the disappointment of a late comeback against Manchester United in the Champions League. Roma lost 3-2 at Old Trafford, having led 2-0 at half-time through goals from Soulé and Malen before Manchester United completed the turnaround in the second half. In Serie A the mood is far brighter. Roma beat Udinese 5-2 in their last outing and sit third after ten rounds with 24 points, from seven wins and three draws. They have scored 28 and conceded 10, and remain unbeaten in the league this season. Sassuolo, by contrast, are seventeenth with 8 points from ten matches. They arrive on a run of four consecutive defeats and have the worst defence in Serie A. Their last game ended in a 4-2 defeat at the Mapei Stadium to Fiorentina, and they have also lost to Lazio, Como and Frosinone in recent weeks. Gasperini faces an early selection problem in goal. Pierluigi Gollini missed the Manchester United game with a back problem that came up during training, and his condition will be monitored up to the match. If he is ruled out, Devis Vásquez, who started at Old Trafford, will again be in goal. Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso are expected back in defence, although Ghilardi remains a concrete option after good performances in recent weeks. Molina and Wesley are favoured on the flanks. Devyne Rensch will not be available, having suffered a right adductor injury against Manchester United. Cristante is expected to keep his place in midfield, while the partner alongside him is still open, with Pisilli possibly giving de Roon a rest. Up front, Soulé and Malen look certain to start, with Mora expected to play behind or alongside the Argentine. Koné and Dybala are doubtful, with both hoping to be available at least on the bench. Svilar will certainly miss the game, as he completes his recovery from a stress fracture to his fifth toe and is expected back after the break. Pellegrini is also out, still recovering from the muscle problem he suffered against Slovan Bratislava. Sassuolo are expected to line up in a 4-3-3. Turati is the favourite in goal, protected by a back line of Walukiewicz, Idzes, Candé and Doig. Thorstvedt returns in midfield after serving his suspension against Fiorentina, and is expected to be joined by Matic and one of Bakola or Adzic. Up front, Aquilani will rely on his most creative players: Berardi on the right, Laurienté on the opposite flank and Sebastiano Esposito as the central reference point. Leysen, who has a serious knee injury, and Ismaël Koné, who is recovering from a leg fracture, are out for Sassuolo, along with Boloca and Volpato. Roma's head-to-head record at the Olimpico against Sassuolo is strong. Of 12 Serie A meetings played in Rome, Roma have won six, five have ended level and Sassuolo have won just once, a 4-3 victory in March 2023. The most recent meeting was on 10 January 2026, when Roma won 2-0. Overall, including matches in Emilia, the record reads 13 wins for Roma, 9 draws and just 2 wins for Sassuolo. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN and Sky Sport Calcio, and streamed via Sky Go and NOW. Official line-ups will be announced about an hour before kickoff at 20:45 on Saturday 7 November.

Roma's injury problems have deepened after tests confirmed a tear to the adductor muscle for Devyne Rensch, who came off during the Champions League clash with Manchester United. The Dutch full-back is expected to be sidelined for around twenty days, forcing Gian Piero Gasperini to do without another player in the coming weeks. Rensch had been struggling with the problem in the first half at Old Trafford, when he was forced off and replaced by Emanuele Lulli. The examinations have confirmed the muscular nature of the injury. He will now begin his recovery with the aim of being available again after the international break, while the situation leaves Lulli and Nahuel Molina with more options on the flanks. Gasperini will not hold his usual press conference on the eve of Roma's next fixture, so he will not speak to reporters tomorrow.

Paulo Dybala and Manu Koné did not appear in images of Roma's group training session at Trigoria, a sign that their return for Saturday's match against Sassuolo is becoming more difficult. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are preparing for the Serie A fixture, which kicks off at 20:45 at the Olimpico, two days after the club's disappointing defeat to Manchester United. Dybala is not yet ready, while Koné, who is close to returning, is being treated with caution. A call-up for Koné remains to be decided in the coming hours. Gasperini appears set to keep Rodrigo Mora in the number ten role behind Matías Soulé, with Donyell Malen leading the attack. Mora is expected to get another start after strong recent performances. In defence, Evan N'Dicka is likely to return to the heart of the back line, while Nahuel Molina and Wesley could reclaim the full-back positions. Molina is in line to regain a starting place following the injury to Devyne Rensch, who has suffered a mild muscle lesion to his right adductor and will be out for around three weeks. Gollini, who is struggling with a back problem, remains doubtful. The aim is clear: return to winning immediately after the comeback Roma suffered against Manchester United and close out this demanding phase of the season in the best possible way. A long-awaited break will follow, giving Gasperini time to recover energy and, hopefully, a significant number of injured players. First, though, there are three points to win against Sassuolo, whose coach is Alberto Aquilani. Roma's training session on Thursday was shared by the club on its social channels in a video showing several moments of the session.

Roma return to Serie A on Saturday evening, hosting Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico in the eleventh round, the last fixture before the international break. Kickoff is at 20:45 on Saturday 7 November. Sassuolo are coached by former Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani, and Gasperini's side will look to bounce back from the disappointment of a late comeback against Manchester United in the Champions League. Roma lost 3-2 at Old Trafford, having led 2-0 at half-time through goals from Soulé and Malen before Manchester United completed the turnaround in the second half. In Serie A the mood is far brighter. Roma beat Udinese 5-2 in their last outing and sit third after ten rounds with 24 points, from seven wins and three draws. They have scored 28 and conceded 10, and remain unbeaten in the league this season. Sassuolo, by contrast, are seventeenth with 8 points from ten matches. They arrive on a run of four consecutive defeats and have the worst defence in Serie A. Their last game ended in a 4-2 defeat at the Mapei Stadium to Fiorentina, and they have also lost to Lazio, Como and Frosinone in recent weeks. Gasperini faces an early selection problem in goal. Pierluigi Gollini missed the Manchester United game with a back problem that came up during training, and his condition will be monitored up to the match. If he is ruled out, Devis Vásquez, who started at Old Trafford, will again be in goal. Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso are expected back in defence, although Ghilardi remains a concrete option after good performances in recent weeks. Molina and Wesley are favoured on the flanks. Devyne Rensch will not be available, having suffered a right adductor injury against Manchester United. Cristante is expected to keep his place in midfield, while the partner alongside him is still open, with Pisilli possibly giving de Roon a rest. Up front, Soulé and Malen look certain to start, with Mora expected to play behind or alongside the Argentine. Koné and Dybala are doubtful, with both hoping to be available at least on the bench. Svilar will certainly miss the game, as he completes his recovery from a stress fracture to his fifth toe and is expected back after the break. Pellegrini is also out, still recovering from the muscle problem he suffered against Slovan Bratislava. Sassuolo are expected to line up in a 4-3-3. Turati is the favourite in goal, protected by a back line of Walukiewicz, Idzes, Candé and Doig. Thorstvedt returns in midfield after serving his suspension against Fiorentina, and is expected to be joined by Matic and one of Bakola or Adzic. Up front, Aquilani will rely on his most creative players: Berardi on the right, Laurienté on the opposite flank and Sebastiano Esposito as the central reference point. Leysen, who has a serious knee injury, and Ismaël Koné, who is recovering from a leg fracture, are out for Sassuolo, along with Boloca and Volpato. Roma's head-to-head record at the Olimpico against Sassuolo is strong. Of 12 Serie A meetings played in Rome, Roma have won six, five have ended level and Sassuolo have won just once, a 4-3 victory in March 2023. The most recent meeting was on 10 January 2026, when Roma won 2-0. Overall, including matches in Emilia, the record reads 13 wins for Roma, 9 draws and just 2 wins for Sassuolo. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN and Sky Sport Calcio, and streamed via Sky Go and NOW. Official line-ups will be announced about an hour before kickoff at 20:45 on Saturday 7 November.

Roma's attack now depends almost entirely on Donyell Malen and Matías Soulé, with the pair accounting for 31 successful dribbles in the Champions League (16 and 15, with Wesley third on 6) and 23 shots on target (15 and 8, with Lorenzo Pellegrini third on 4). The Italian commentary argues that a third forward is missing from an attack that almost always lines up with three players up front. The Giallorossi's team statistics place them between 15th and 21st among Champions League clubs, including behind Sabah for successful dribbles, a sharp drop from Serie A where Roma are in the top three. The writer argues that the Champions League and Serie A are completely different in technical quality and physicality. The second half at Old Trafford reminded Roma that they can never relax, and showed again that the squad lacks the players to change the course of a match. Gasperini replaced Rodrigo Mora with Niccolò Pisilli, a decision the article describes as right or wrong depending on your view, but asks who else could have been used to exploit the space behind a Manchester side that was simply attacking. Roma have no players capable of a sudden burst of pace, and Malen and Soulé both faded mentally and physically after the break. The article says Gasperini is missing a third of his attack. Mora is an incredible talent but is not a winger, Pellegrini showed his fragility again, and neither Dybala nor Soulé is comfortable on the left flank, where they cannot cut inside onto their left foot. Gasperini had said on 30 August: "We still need one more piece there on the left to complete the squad." A high winger never arrived, and the club were left with an empty slot on the left. The writer concludes that the team remains incomplete today.

Emanuele Lulli has been one of the surprises of the season, and Gian Piero Gasperini is the coach who insisted on keeping him at Roma and turning him into one of the most interesting wingers in Serie A. After just seven matches in the giallorossi shirt, Lulli has already shown he has what it takes to establish himself: he runs, he fights, he scores and he creates goals for team-mates. He is a complete winger who makes an impact in both phases of play, giving Gasperini exactly what he was looking for. For the coach, it is a return to familiar ground. At Roma he has found the wide players he likes, the same kind that allowed him to build a side capable of making the difference at Bergamo. The greatest credit, though, goes to Gasperini for believing in Lulli when others might have let him go. Looking back shows how much has changed. Turkish full-back Zeki Çelik, who played in that role, collected two goals in 151 appearances for Roma. Lulli needed just seven matches to match that tally. The article describes that gap as enormous, and it says it reflects the weight of this new bet on the young player. Çelik's departure to Juventus, which initially looked hard to swallow, now takes on a different meaning, described as a genuine sliding door moment for the giallorossi season. Roma have found a new protagonist, Gasperini has another winger to back, and the fans have a young player to cherish. Lulli comes from Palestrina, is a 2007-born player and has a world of opportunity ahead of him. Above all, the article concludes, he has already found his place: at Roma, his team.

Roma lost Celik in the transfer market, a departure that many considered painful, but the positive side has been the emergence of Pierluigi Lulli, who has moved from the Primavera to scoring his first Serie A goal. The development has been described as the defining 'sliding door' of the window. The Italian coverage frames Lulli's breakthrough as the positive counterweight to losing Zeki Çelik, whose exit was widely viewed as a painful one for the club. Lulli's first league goal marks a significant step for a player who has come through the youth ranks to the first team. The report was published on 19 October 2026 and is headlined around the idea that Lulli is the key figure to emerge from the market, as Roma look to build on his progress.

Roma's full-backs have become a cornerstone of Gian Piero Gasperini's push to the top of Serie A, a marked shift from last season when they proved problematic. Wesley and Nahuel Molina are now among the club's key strengths, and both will start when Roma resume the league campaign against Como, where they will face manager Fabregas. The turnaround reflects Gasperini's tactical evolution since arriving at the club: in his first season, Wesley was the only defender fully convincing on the flanks, while Zeki Çelik had to make do elsewhere. Now the picture is entirely different. Gasperini has uncovered Emanuele Lulli in the course of the season, and Molina has gradually built his fitness, delivering quality and assists to Roma's attacking phase. For the Como fixture, Gasperini plans to deploy Molina on the right and Wesley on the left. The selection reflects not just Roma's attacking ambitions but also Gasperini's defensive strategy: by using two attacking full-backs, he aims to stretch Como's wide players—Baturina on one flank and Diao on the other—and occupy them throughout the match. Wesley, the more naturally offensive of the pair, will be tasked with driving forward and supporting the build-up play. Molina is likely to carry greater defensive responsibility, balancing his own contributions with the need to contain Como's threats on the wing.