Ghilardi says Roma must stay calm ahead of Nations League clash with France

Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi is named in Italy's squad for a second time with the senior side and is among the substitutes for the match against France at San Siro, where he hopes to make his debut during the game. Speaking to Sky Sport before kick-off, he focused on the challenge ahead. Ghilardi, born in 2003, said: "They are all great players, but we must be calm and sure of our qualities. Obviously we will need to pay attention to their attack because they are all stars." He described the fixture as a special occasion, adding that Italy would give their maximum against a major side in a beautiful stadium. For Roma's centre-back, the match is a second call-up to the senior Italy team, which gives him another chance to test himself against top international opposition. He also reflected on the make-up of the squad. "Once again, it is a very beautiful match, we face a great team in a beautiful stadium, so we will certainly give our all. For me it is the second time, we are many young players and all very strong, and I hope everyone can show their qualities." His message was one of confidence: a young, talented group that needs to believe in itself.

Roma are looking to add two forwards to bring their squad up to 25 players, and Fulham's Kevin has emerged as one of the names. The plan has changed from the original idea. D'Amico had initially planned to let Devyne Rensch go to sign a left-sided wide player, a position the squad currently lacks. However, Lorenzo Pellegrini's new and long-term injury, together with the confirmed unreliability of Paulo Dybala, has shifted the focus to strikers, whether left- or right-footed. Kevin, 23, has been used sparingly in the Premier League, playing just 75 minutes so far this season. That is partly because Fulham's coach Arbeola prefers two attacking midfielders in place of wingers. Endrick and Lookman also remain on Roma's list. A wide midfielder to provide cover for Wesley is not a priority. Roma are, however, continuing to monitor Alejandro Balde, a left-back born in 2003. The Spaniard is not finding playing time under Flick at Barcelona and could leave the Camp Nou in January. On the financial front, UEFA's verdict on Roma's settlement agreement under Financial Fair Play will arrive in May.

Mile Svilar and Paulo Dybala are edging back towards the starting XI, with the goalkeeper's medical giving a positive result during the international break. Svilar had been sidelined by a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his right foot, picked up in training just over a month ago. He opted for conservative treatment rather than surgery, which allowed the bone callus to form correctly. The Belgian has already trained on the pitch, albeit in a differentiated programme alongside Pierluigi Gollini. The club's aim is to have him back as a regular starter for the trip to Parma when the league resumes. Dybala, who has also returned to group work, could also start from the first minute. Roma are also linked with Atalanta left-back Lorenzo Bernasconi, born in 2003, whose name is picking up transfer speculation ahead of the January window. The left-back, who has enjoyed an excellent start to the season, has attracted interest from several major clubs including Roma, Milan and Newcastle. His consistency and constant forward runs down the flank have fuelled international interest in a player considered one of the most promising young players in his position in the league. Atalanta, who value their talents highly, are reportedly valuing his contract at between 20 and 25 million euros. Artem Dovbyk, currently on loan from Roma, left the capital last summer in search of more regular football, but his spell at Bologna has not gone as hoped. Injuries and a change of coach have limited his opportunities, and his situation could change during the January window, as Bologna are reportedly considering ending the loan early in the winter session. The two clubs will discuss the matter in the coming weeks. The Ukrainian striker is not part of Gasperini's plans. On Roman radio, the return of Svilar and Dybala was debated. Alessandro Vocalelli told Radio Radio: "Dybala's absence was felt more than Svilar's. Gollini did very well, although he conceded a few goals he perhaps could have avoided. Vasquez, on the other hand, did his job: he saved a penalty, then had it retaken, and on the goals conceded he had little responsibility." Luigi Ferrajolo added: "Vasquez and Gollini conceded two goals from over 25 metres, but the calmness Svilar brings is something else. Gollini was unlucky because he was playing a good game before his injury. I would start with Soulé and Dybala and then bring on Mora during the match, because I don't think Dybala has 90 minutes in his legs and he needs managing."

Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi is named in Italy's squad for a second time with the senior side and is among the substitutes for the match against France at San Siro, where he hopes to make his debut during the game. Speaking to Sky Sport before kick-off, he focused on the challenge ahead. Ghilardi, born in 2003, said: "They are all great players, but we must be calm and sure of our qualities. Obviously we will need to pay attention to their attack because they are all stars." He described the fixture as a special occasion, adding that Italy would give their maximum against a major side in a beautiful stadium. For Roma's centre-back, the match is a second call-up to the senior Italy team, which gives him another chance to test himself against top international opposition. He also reflected on the make-up of the squad. "Once again, it is a very beautiful match, we face a great team in a beautiful stadium, so we will certainly give our all. For me it is the second time, we are many young players and all very strong, and I hope everyone can show their qualities." His message was one of confidence: a young, talented group that needs to believe in itself.

Italy face France tonight in the Nations League, kicking off at 20:45, and coach Roberto Mancini has named his squad, leaving out Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli. Pisilli will watch the match from the stands alongside Cissé, Liberali, Cassano, Palma, Lontani, Ahanor and Gatti. Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi is among the players available to the Italy boss. The Italy squad is made up of three goalkeepers: Donnarumma, Carnesecchi and Vicario. The defenders are Kayode, Scalvini, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco, Palestra and Ghilardi. The midfield options are Ricci, Tonali, Fagioli, Doumbia, Frattesi, Romano, Barella and Vergara. The forwards are S. Esposito, P. Esposito, Scamacca, Cambiaghi and Koleosho. For Roma, Ghilardi's call-up is the main point of interest, while Pisilli's omission means he will not be involved in the national side's fixture against France.

Former Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni has strongly backed Roma signing Endrick, saying the Brazilian is exactly what the club needs, speaking on Te la do io Tokyo. Stramaccioni said: "Endrick is a different player, one that Roma don't have in their striking group. He was born a centre-forward, and has done it with Brazil too, but he has shown he is a top player in every position in attack. He is different and has no weak points. He is a player who would take Roma to another level." He added that the lack of a left-sided wide player with pace is a separate issue and has nothing to do with Endrick. He also drew a comparison with Nico Paz's move to Como. Stramaccioni believes Roma still need more than one addition to take the squad up a level under Gian Piero Gasperini. He argued that the attacking options are not enough on their own, and that a left-footed full-back or winger would be a major boost. The former coach said that a left-footed player on the flank would be "impressive" for Gasperini, adding that Roma currently lack one. He also said that a full-back who attacks the depth of the pitch can create very interesting situations. On the title race, Stramaccioni said: "Roma can fight for the Scudetto. Inter, when they have all their players available, are a really strong side and have something extra. But Roma have cut the gap. Como are a little bit further behind." On Gasperini, he said: "Gasp takes the best qualities of a player, enhances them and minimises their flaws. Hermoso is an example of this, as is Ghilardi." He also spoke about José Mourinho and his time at Real Madrid, saying: "Mourinho put the dots on the i's in Madrid, and he has qualities that other coaches don't have."