Gasperini's Roma stands alone: Inter test awaits

Roma travel to Udinese for matchday 10 of Serie A, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side needing to keep pace with Inter and Lazio, who lead on 4 points more, while also keeping an eye on Como, who are just one point behind. Roma are coming off a win over Cagliari, and Lulli is on course to be retained in the starting line-up. Malen is ready to return from the start alongside Soulé, while Rodrigo Mora, decisive in the last round, is pushing for a starting place. Dybala remains out. For Udinese, there is a return to the past for Zaniolo, who is ready to help his side climb a table that is very complicated for the Friulani. The article also covers where to watch the match on television (Sky and Dazn), the kickoff time, the probable line-ups and the current Serie A standings.

Matías Soulé has established himself as a key figure in Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma, growing from a young talent in search of consistency into a central point of reference for the attack. With Paulo Dybala absent through injury, the Argentine has taken on responsibility for carrying the team, producing high-level performances and steadily improving numbers: 3 goals and 2 assists in the first nine league matches of the season. Among those goals was the one that gave Roma the temporary lead against Napoli at the Maradona, a strike that underlines his ability to influence matches at decisive moments. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the impact of the 2003-born forward on Gasperini's side is clear in the statistics. Compared with his first nine games in previous seasons in Italy, from his debut with Juventus through his spells with Frosinone and with Roma in earlier campaigns, the new Soulé is enjoying his best start ever in terms of attacking output and involvement in play. He averages 2.78 shots on target per match and 2.22 successful dribbles, and contributes consistently to the press, winning the ball back from opponents. The Argentine combines individual quality with the work rate demanded by the Piedmontese coach. These performances not only justify the club's investment in him but also position him to push firmly for a permanent call-up to the Argentina national team under coach Scaloni.

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has turned his attention to Saturday's home match against Roma after his side drew 0-0 with Parma. Speaking to Dazn at the final whistle, the Nigerian said: "We always want to win and we need points. At Parma we took one and that's fine, now straight away our focus is on the next one." Udinese have been unlucky in recent games, and Okoye pointed to the absence of key players as a factor. "In these matches we have been unlucky, and then we were missing players like Zaniolo, whose importance we saw today." The Italian headline's quote, "We will play to win", reflects the same determination heading into the clash with Roma. The Friuli side face Roma at home on Saturday, with the Giallorossi arriving in Udine looking to continue their campaign. Okoye's comments underline Udinese's need for points as they look to climb the table, and his praise for Zaniolo highlights how much the hosts have missed their creative presence during recent fixtures.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has drawn up a shopping list as the club looks to strengthen its squad, with three signings reportedly in mind before the international break. Roma face Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo as the last three matches of a gruelling run of nine games in 28 days, and they are doing so short of numbers. Svilar, Dybala and Koné will not be available tomorrow, and only the last two are hoping to return from the next fixtures. The squad is stretched thin. Gasperini said earlier in the season: "La rosa va allungata" ("The squad needs to be lengthened"). While awaiting the UEFA ruling expected in November, the sporting director is already working to reinforce the team. Last January, Malen, Vaz, Venturino and Zaragoza arrived at the club. Gasperini would be content with three targeted signings: an attacking winger, a backup for Wesley and a dynamic central midfielder. For the attacking unit, the names linked are Leweling and Gittens. A surprise could be van Bommel of PSV Eindhoven, a player Roma have been monitoring for some time. Roma are also not giving up on Endrick. Real Madrid have little room for the Brazilian, who wants to leave. D'Amico will need to find the right formula, which could resemble the deal that brought Bobby in a year ago: a loan with an obligation to buy on certain conditions. Attention then turns to the wide midfield. Mendes has offered Balde of Barcelona, while the new name is Pascini of Atlético Mineiro. The most pressing problem, however, is midfield. Pellegrini will return in 2027, and Koné has frequent physical problems. Roma need a energetic runner in the centre of the park, and Moses of Slavia Prague is on the notebook.

Roma travel to Udinese for matchday 10 of Serie A, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side needing to keep pace with Inter and Lazio, who lead on 4 points more, while also keeping an eye on Como, who are just one point behind. Roma are coming off a win over Cagliari, and Lulli is on course to be retained in the starting line-up. Malen is ready to return from the start alongside Soulé, while Rodrigo Mora, decisive in the last round, is pushing for a starting place. Dybala remains out. For Udinese, there is a return to the past for Zaniolo, who is ready to help his side climb a table that is very complicated for the Friulani. The article also covers where to watch the match on television (Sky and Dazn), the kickoff time, the probable line-ups and the current Serie A standings.

Hermoso has played the most minutes of any Roma player this season, with 812 minutes on the pitch across the first twelve matches in Serie A and the Champions League. Wesley follows closely on 806 minutes, having just been called up by the Brazilian national team, and Gianluca Mancini has logged 798 minutes. Il Tempo reports that the figures show Gian Piero Gasperini is rotating his squad rather than relying on fixed starters. The rotation has become necessary because of a demanding run of nine matches in 27 days, which ends with games against Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo. Mancini has shown some signs of fatigue in recent outings, which has given Gasperini the chance to turn to fresher options such as Ghilardi, Koulierakis and Balerdi. On the flanks, Molina, Lulli and Rensch take turns, while Ndicka remains a reliable presence in defence with 727 minutes played. In midfield, Cristante and Koné have been used consistently, alongside Pisilli and De Roon. In attack, Soulé (770 minutes) and Malen (752 minutes) have been the most used forwards. Dybala, who is currently sidelined, is next on the list, followed by younger players Mora and Castro, who continue to earn valuable spells within the season's rotations.

Roma are expected to rotate their defence and flanks for their upcoming match against Udinese, according to Simone Valdarchi of Radio Manà Manà (90.9). Valdarchi said: "In the defensive department and on the flanks I expect rotations. Compared with the last outing, we could see Koulierakis and Mancini leave the field, while at least two of Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso could play. If he had the chance, I believe Gasp would give Ndicka a rest too, but maybe it's not the moment." Lorenzo Pes of Teleradiostereo (92.7) reports that Balerdi and Hermoso have recovered from their issues, and he expects de Roon to start again. Svilar will return against Parma, as the medical staff decided not to take a risk, and the goalkeeper could go back to work in Belgium. Koné resumed training on the pitch yesterday, with his aim being to return for Sassuolo and then join up with the national team. Pes also said Dybala wants to be available against Manchester United, but it will depend on him. Dybala also did individualised work yesterday, and Pes said: "For now it is difficult to see him in the Champions League." Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio Mattino (104.5) said: "Roma must immediately steer tomorrow's match. Udinese have recovered Davis and Zaniolo and could create some problems. In the last game Gollini made some saves, and the giallorossi must be careful. In midfield Roma have few alternatives. The moment of the season is delicate." Nando Orsi, also of Radio Radio Mattino, said: "There is too much of a gap between Roma and Udinese. Matches are all difficult, but on the pitch you see the differences in value. I don't see any other result than a Roma win. Como also risked it against Torino, but in the end they won with their individual players."

Hermoso has played the most minutes of any Roma player this season, with 812 minutes on the pitch across the first twelve matches in Serie A and the Champions League. Wesley follows closely on 806 minutes, having just been called up by the Brazilian national team, and Gianluca Mancini has logged 798 minutes. Il Tempo reports that the figures show Gian Piero Gasperini is rotating his squad rather than relying on fixed starters. The rotation has become necessary because of a demanding run of nine matches in 27 days, which ends with games against Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo. Mancini has shown some signs of fatigue in recent outings, which has given Gasperini the chance to turn to fresher options such as Ghilardi, Koulierakis and Balerdi. On the flanks, Molina, Lulli and Rensch take turns, while Ndicka remains a reliable presence in defence with 727 minutes played. In midfield, Cristante and Koné have been used consistently, alongside Pisilli and De Roon. In attack, Soulé (770 minutes) and Malen (752 minutes) have been the most used forwards. Dybala, who is currently sidelined, is next on the list, followed by younger players Mora and Castro, who continue to earn valuable spells within the season's rotations.

Mile Svilar will not return to action before the international break, with his comeback now set for 21 November against Parma after a follow-up MRI scan on his toe showed the bone callus has not yet formed. Pierluigi Gollini will keep goal in the next games against Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo. Paulo Dybala is also a major concern. The Argentine has trained individually and is determined to travel to England, but the problem with the lateral gastrocnemius (the outer calf muscle) is not yet fully resolved. Roma's technical and medical staff do not intend to take risks to avoid a relapse, which puts his availability for Old Trafford in doubt. Manu Koné, who has resumed training on the pitch, is aiming to return against Sassuolo before the break. With two matches in four days and a squad under pressure, Gian Piero Gasperini must manage his resources and rotate heavily. Neither Dybala nor Koné is in the squad for the trip to Friuli. Donyell Malen starts up front, with Soulé alongside him, while the wide positions will see alternating options such as Celik, Rensch and Wesley on the left. Balerdi and Hermoso are fully recovered. Ghilardi is pushing for a place and could start at Udine, allowing Ndicka or Mancini to rest ahead of the Champions League night in Manchester.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has drawn up a shopping list as the club looks to strengthen its squad, with three signings reportedly in mind before the international break. Roma face Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo as the last three matches of a gruelling run of nine games in 28 days, and they are doing so short of numbers. Svilar, Dybala and Koné will not be available tomorrow, and only the last two are hoping to return from the next fixtures. The squad is stretched thin. Gasperini said earlier in the season: "La rosa va allungata" ("The squad needs to be lengthened"). While awaiting the UEFA ruling expected in November, the sporting director is already working to reinforce the team. Last January, Malen, Vaz, Venturino and Zaragoza arrived at the club. Gasperini would be content with three targeted signings: an attacking winger, a backup for Wesley and a dynamic central midfielder. For the attacking unit, the names linked are Leweling and Gittens. A surprise could be van Bommel of PSV Eindhoven, a player Roma have been monitoring for some time. Roma are also not giving up on Endrick. Real Madrid have little room for the Brazilian, who wants to leave. D'Amico will need to find the right formula, which could resemble the deal that brought Bobby in a year ago: a loan with an obligation to buy on certain conditions. Attention then turns to the wide midfield. Mendes has offered Balde of Barcelona, while the new name is Pascini of Atlético Mineiro. The most pressing problem, however, is midfield. Pellegrini will return in 2027, and Koné has frequent physical problems. Roma need a energetic runner in the centre of the park, and Moses of Slavia Prague is on the notebook.

Roma are expected to rotate their defence and flanks for their upcoming match against Udinese, according to Simone Valdarchi of Radio Manà Manà (90.9). Valdarchi said: "In the defensive department and on the flanks I expect rotations. Compared with the last outing, we could see Koulierakis and Mancini leave the field, while at least two of Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso could play. If he had the chance, I believe Gasp would give Ndicka a rest too, but maybe it's not the moment." Lorenzo Pes of Teleradiostereo (92.7) reports that Balerdi and Hermoso have recovered from their issues, and he expects de Roon to start again. Svilar will return against Parma, as the medical staff decided not to take a risk, and the goalkeeper could go back to work in Belgium. Koné resumed training on the pitch yesterday, with his aim being to return for Sassuolo and then join up with the national team. Pes also said Dybala wants to be available against Manchester United, but it will depend on him. Dybala also did individualised work yesterday, and Pes said: "For now it is difficult to see him in the Champions League." Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio Mattino (104.5) said: "Roma must immediately steer tomorrow's match. Udinese have recovered Davis and Zaniolo and could create some problems. In the last game Gollini made some saves, and the giallorossi must be careful. In midfield Roma have few alternatives. The moment of the season is delicate." Nando Orsi, also of Radio Radio Mattino, said: "There is too much of a gap between Roma and Udinese. Matches are all difficult, but on the pitch you see the differences in value. I don't see any other result than a Roma win. Como also risked it against Torino, but in the end they won with their individual players."

Roma head into a double away trip with several absentees, though there are signs of improvement across the squad. Svilar's tests have confirmed he will return after the international break, while Dybala still feels discomfort in his calf and continues with individualised work. Manu Koné, recovered from injury, has returned to partial training on the pitch, and both he and Dybala could return against Sassuolo. Hermoso and Balerdi have overcome their respective knocks, while Mora is favoured over De Roon. The Giallorossi will be followed by a large travelling support on their upcoming away fixtures. Between Udine and Manchester, close to 10,000 Roma fans are expected to be present, around 5,000 for the trip to Udine tomorrow and 3,000 for Tuesday's match at Old Trafford. Many supporters in England are also set to travel without tickets just to experience the Champions League atmosphere. Before the international break, another sell-out is expected at the Olimpico for the match against Sassuolo. Gian Piero Gasperini is the oldest coach in Serie A, yet his style of football remains among the most modern and attacking in the league. As Il Messaggero reports, the Roma coach continues to work with the same innovative drive as his younger colleagues, building an identity partly rooted in the study of Van Gaal's Ajax: a back three, high pressing and a constant search for goals.