Ghilardi benched as Italy faces Turkey; Koné out for France against Belgium

Roma's new stadium at Pietralata has been approved by the Services Conference following the signature of commissioner Sessa and the countersignature of Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri. The single authorisation is now effective immediately, marking a significant acceleration of the project after years of procedures and consultations between multiple stakeholders. Sessa stated: "We have the modern projection of a stadium that will be open and vibrant 365 days a year. Will everything run smoothly? Let's see—I'm an optimist by nature. I believe things must be prepared well so that everything works." Gualtieri provided a timeline for construction and completion. "This is the first great new facility that will raise Rome's football standard and represents an important redevelopment of a part of our city," the mayor said. "Now the conditions exist to proceed quickly and open the building site at the beginning of 2027, and in three years have the stadium ready because the construction lasts precisely two and a half years, so the stadium could be ready even in 2029." The project removes a long-standing obstacle to Roma's infrastructure ambitions and will end annual stadium rental payments of several million euros, while also generating significant revenue from approximately one hundred premium suites. On the pitch, Roma resume training tomorrow after a four-day rest period granted by the coaching staff. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is confident of reintegrating three key players shortly: Donyell Malen, Bryan Cristante and Wesley, all of whom remained in Rome to address physical issues during the international break with the aim of returning to full fitness for Serie A's resumption. Paulo Dybala did not ease off during the pause, continuing to work in the gym on the previous day to maintain athletic condition. Roma face Como at the Sinigaglia on 11 October in their next league fixture. In a separate development, Francesco Totti, marking his 50th birthday, granted Il Messaggero an extended letter reflecting on significant moments in his life. On a possible return to playing, Totti said: "A couple of years ago I said no to coming back. I was tempted, I admit it, but then the bond with my city, my team and my people made me say no. And I think in the end I did the right thing. I would have been perhaps selfish, would have made Francesco happy but would have disappointed millions of fans."

Italy took the lead through Alessio Bastoni in the ninth minute at the Belediye Stadium in Bursa against Turkey in a UEFA Nations League fixture on 28 September 2026. Roberto Mancini's side sought to recover from a home defeat to Belgium, with the match representing a crucial juncture to avoid relegation to League B. Turkey, managed by Vincenzo Montella, came into the game having lost to France on their opening fixture. From a Roma perspective, Gianluca Mancini was not included in the Italian squad, while Daniele Ghilardi was named on the substitutes' bench. Three players made their debuts: Kayode, Ruggeri and Sebastiano Esposito started for Italy in a 4-3-3 formation alongside Donnarumma, Scalvini, Bastoni, Frattesi, Tonali, Fagioli, Raspadori and Paolo Esposito. Turkey lined up in a 3-4-2-1 with Bayindir in goal, Celik, Demiral and Kabak in defence, and Yilmaz leading the attack. Bastoni's opening goal came from a corner on the left after Celik lost possession.

Leonardo Balerdi has impressed AS Roma in his opening weeks at the club, having arrived this summer from Marseille. The Argentine defender has quickly adapted to Gian Piero Gasperini's system and earned the coach's trust, establishing himself in Roma's defence. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma's leadership has few doubts about making his move permanent, viewing a definitive confirmation as virtually certain regardless of which contractual conditions are triggered. Barerdi arrived on a loan deal worth one million euros, paired with a purchase right that can become an obligation depending on specific performance targets. The fee Roma must pay Marseille is performance-based and structured around his playing time. If Balerdi reaches 55 per cent of available matches with at least 45 minutes played, the buyout stands at 14 million euros. Should his appearance percentage fall between 40 and 55 per cent, the cost drops to 11 million euros. With a minimum of 20 per cent of matches played, the figure would be 9 million euros. Beyond the contractual mechanisms, Balerdi's early-season displays have convinced Roma most. He has demonstrated the ability to meet Gasperini's tactical demands, showing composure in possession and leadership across the defensive line. Those qualities have earned him regular opportunities in rotation. His integration matters particularly given Gasperini's defensive system, which requires centre-backs to defend high up the pitch, regularly engage in one-on-one contests, and contribute to build-up play.

Italy took the lead through Alessio Bastoni in the ninth minute at the Belediye Stadium in Bursa against Turkey in a UEFA Nations League fixture on 28 September 2026. Roberto Mancini's side sought to recover from a home defeat to Belgium, with the match representing a crucial juncture to avoid relegation to League B. Turkey, managed by Vincenzo Montella, came into the game having lost to France on their opening fixture. From a Roma perspective, Gianluca Mancini was not included in the Italian squad, while Daniele Ghilardi was named on the substitutes' bench. Three players made their debuts: Kayode, Ruggeri and Sebastiano Esposito started for Italy in a 4-3-3 formation alongside Donnarumma, Scalvini, Bastoni, Frattesi, Tonali, Fagioli, Raspadori and Paolo Esposito. Turkey lined up in a 3-4-2-1 with Bayindir in goal, Celik, Demiral and Kabak in defence, and Yilmaz leading the attack. Bastoni's opening goal came from a corner on the left after Celik lost possession.

Francesco Totti marked his 50th birthday on 27 September with reflections on his Roma career and a revelation about the club's recruitment. In a long interview and in his book *Oltre*, published on his birthday, Totti spoke about the debt he owes to Roma: "Roma has allowed me to realise my dream, to wear a single shirt, number 10, and to be captain." On the historic number 10, Totti insisted it should go to a player who could stay at Roma long-term rather than a passing figure. Totti also disclosed a curious behind-the-scenes transfer story involving the club's current squad. During a dinner with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini in recent months, Totti recommended several potential signings. Among them was Santiago Castro, the forward who arrived from Bologna this summer. Totti recalled: "I suggested an attacker to Gasperini—Castro, a winger, and a midfielder." Gasperini, the article reports, held a positive view of the Argentine's profile, saying: "Castro appeals to me a great deal; I think we see football in the same way." Separately, Gianluca Mancini will not travel with Italy for the Nations League away fixture against Turkey. Roberto Mancini, the Italy coach, has opted to manage the squad's workload, leaving ten players at Coverciano including Roma's defender. Daniele Ghilardi, also of Roma, has been called up and will be part of the Italian delegation for the match scheduled for tomorrow evening in Bursa. Mancini will follow a personalised training programme at the Italian Football Federation's technical centre. Former Roma players paid tribute to Totti on his milestone birthday. Fabrizio Aspri, speaking on Radio Radio, reflected on his character: "I remember feeling unwell after the goal against Genoa. I liked Totti as a man. Francesco is kind and good. At his first American press conference he said: 'Fabrizio Aspri doesn't start the press conference.' Totti is many things, you can't capture him in a book. The Totti I experienced was a daily Totti—like the desk mate we never had. If Totti missed a match, the airport was empty. His simplicity was the most beautiful thing about him."

Italy manager Roberto Mancini brushed off criticism after the national team's loss to Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico, ahead of tomorrow's Nations League fixture against Turkey in Turkey. Mancini said in a press conference: "The criticism does not touch me, there is too much agitation, let's stay calm. With Turkey I will make changes to evaluate other players. Anyway, no one would have played four matches in close succession. There are cycles, and unfortunately Italy is going through one like this, without a generation with Totti, Del Piero and people like that. We only need time to work and put together a competitive squad. Nothing else." Gianluca Mancini, the Roma defender, was left out of the squad for the match, while Daniele Ghilardi of Roma is included and hopes to find playing time during the game.

Italy took the lead through Alessio Bastoni in the ninth minute at the Belediye Stadium in Bursa against Turkey in a UEFA Nations League fixture on 28 September 2026. Roberto Mancini's side sought to recover from a home defeat to Belgium, with the match representing a crucial juncture to avoid relegation to League B. Turkey, managed by Vincenzo Montella, came into the game having lost to France on their opening fixture. From a Roma perspective, Gianluca Mancini was not included in the Italian squad, while Daniele Ghilardi was named on the substitutes' bench. Three players made their debuts: Kayode, Ruggeri and Sebastiano Esposito started for Italy in a 4-3-3 formation alongside Donnarumma, Scalvini, Bastoni, Frattesi, Tonali, Fagioli, Raspadori and Paolo Esposito. Turkey lined up in a 3-4-2-1 with Bayindir in goal, Celik, Demiral and Kabak in defence, and Yilmaz leading the attack. Bastoni's opening goal came from a corner on the left after Celik lost possession.

Manu Koné has emerged as Serie A's most valuable midfielder, his rapid rise through the 2026-27 season vindicating head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's decision to keep him at Roma despite summer transfer interest. The French midfielder has recorded six appearances and two goals in the campaign's opening weeks, partnering his assured play in the middle of the field with a leadership that strengthens with each fixture. According to Transfermarkt, Koné now carries a market value of €60 million—a €10 million increase since the start of the season—ahead of Barella (€50m), Sucic (€45m) and McTominay (€40m). His statistical output substantiates the narrative of improvement. Koné leads Roma's midfield in passing precision at 90.2%, second only to defender Gianluca Mancini's 91.1%. His offensive contribution has surged markedly: he attempted 1.40 shots per 90 minutes this season against 0.44 in the previous campaign, while shots on target rose from 0.18 to 0.84 per 90. Gasperini has tailored the midfielder's development into a more complete player, a shift evident in his increased physical intensity—Koné now commits 1.96 fouls per match compared to 1.72 last season, a hallmark of the coach's tactical demands. The Frenchman, who secured a first-team place with France under Deschamps and now plays for Zidane's national side, remained at Roma through the summer market upheaval and is aiming for a definitive step forward.

Mario Hermoso has established himself as an indispensable fixture in Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma defence, ranking second only to Bryan Cristante in minutes played under the manager. The Spanish defender has appeared in 509 of Roma's 540 available minutes—94.2 per cent—and Gasperini has described him as a statue in the position. Hermoso's defensive output backs up his importance. He leads Serie A with 16 interceptions, a remarkable tally achieved through aggressive pressing and constant anticipation that fits seamlessly into Gasperini's tactical system. His discipline is equally striking: he has committed only 3 fouls in Serie A this season, fewer than half the tally of fellow Roma defenders Evan N'Dicka (8 fouls) and Gianluca Mancini (7 fouls). The former Atlético Madrid player has developed into an absolute leader at the club, accompanying offensive actions with progressive passes towards the opposition goal. Squawka's data collection shows Hermoso shares his interception record with Frendurp of Genoa.