Gollini out for Roma's trip to Sassuolo, Koné misses France call-up

Manu Koné has not been called up by France. Coach Zinedine Zidane left the Roma midfielder out of his squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Italy and Turkey. The decision is linked to the fitness of the Roma player, who is still recovering from a muscle injury picked up against Real Madrid. Koné had hoped to return to action tomorrow against Sassuolo, which would also have shown he was ready to answer the call from the Bleus. Roma, however, have consistently preferred caution and have not sought to rush back one of the most important players in the squad. With the non-selection, the question of international commitments no longer applies. The absence from Zidane's squad allows Roma to manage his recovery without the pressure of international duty, with the break potentially used to bring Koné back to full condition. Koné has only partially resumed training with the group, and his availability for Sassuolo remains in serious doubt. Gasperini and the medical staff will assess until the last moment whether to include him in the matchday squad, but another setback remains a real possibility. The goal is to have Koné at one hundred per cent when the league resumes, when Roma face Parma and Paris Saint-Germain.

France coach Zinedine Zidane has left Roma midfielder Manu Koné out of the squad for France's upcoming Nations League fixtures against Italy and Turkey, with the injury keeping him out of action confirmed as the reason. Koné has been sidelined by a physical problem that has kept him away from the pitch, and his absence from the French list makes clear he will not take part in the Bleus' next matches. Roma continue to monitor the condition of the 26-year-old, who is still working his way back from the injury that forced him to miss their most recent fixtures. The France midfielder is an important piece in the plans of Gian Piero Gasperini, who hopes to have him back available soon. His condition had already made a possible call-up uncertain, and the French federation's decision confirms that he will not feature in those international games, allowing him to continue his recovery without the commitments planned for the break. The news came on the eve of Roma's Serie A fixture against Sassuolo, with the international break bringing developments from the national-team front as well. For Koné, the omission means a period of uninterrupted rehabilitation at Trigoria while Roma prepare for their domestic programme.

Roma are set to face Sassuolo, with Rodrigo Mora expected to start from the first minute and Leonardo Balerdi included in the match-day selection, according to the probable line-ups published ahead of the fixture. Gian Piero Gasperini has the possible options for the clash with Sassuolo. The headline notes Gollini is in doubt, and Devis Vásquez is set to be in goal again, which the report presents as a probable change between the posts. The lineup report also touches on the wider context around the squad. Koné has been left out of the France squad by Zidane, and Roma's attack has been described as record-breaking, with Gasperini now able to surpass a record set by himself. Gasperini also commented after the defeat to Manchester, saying: "We dominated." Carrick returned to speak about the victory over Roma, saying: "The first half was not bad."

Roma are set to face Sassuolo, with Rodrigo Mora expected to start from the first minute and Leonardo Balerdi included in the match-day selection, according to the probable line-ups published ahead of the fixture. Gian Piero Gasperini has the possible options for the clash with Sassuolo. The headline notes Gollini is in doubt, and Devis Vásquez is set to be in goal again, which the report presents as a probable change between the posts. The lineup report also touches on the wider context around the squad. Koné has been left out of the France squad by Zidane, and Roma's attack has been described as record-breaking, with Gasperini now able to surpass a record set by himself. Gasperini also commented after the defeat to Manchester, saying: "We dominated." Carrick returned to speak about the victory over Roma, saying: "The first half was not bad."

Devis Vásquez is set to start in goal for Roma again, with Pierluigi Gollini expected to miss the match against Sassuolo because of a back problem. The medical staff tried to get Gollini fit, but barring a dramatic turnaround he will not be available. Vásquez, a former Empoli and Milan goalkeeper, will make his second consecutive start after the match against Manchester United. It will be his first Serie A appearance in a year and a half; his last came in May 2025 against Verona. Ahead of him, Evan N'Dicka and Leonardo Balerdi are certain to play in defence. The only open question in the starting line-up is the central defensive berth, where Mario Hermoso and Gianluca Mancini are competing for a place.

Radio pundits across Rome's stations have debated whether Manu Koné should be called up by France and whether Roma are over-reliant on Malen and Dybala ahead of the match against Sassuolo. Alessio Nardo of Tele Radio Stereo said: "If Koné, after missing several matches, answered France's call-up, it would annoy me. He is coming back after a long stop and it would not be ideal. Everyone looks after their own interests. Zidane could also consider him available, let's see what happens, but I hope not." He added that France have plenty of alternatives and that Koné, returning from a long injury, could be rested. The debate follows the defeat to Manchester, which David Rossi of Rete Sport called unjustified. He said: "I am surprised by the negativity that has been generated after the defeat at Manchester. It is unjustifiable; you lost to teams with greater resources than yours. Wouldn't you have signed up, at this point, to have lost only to Real and Manchester? We always lose sight of the bigger picture. Roma are a very strong side, built to earn more points than last year: the starting base is 73 points. For me this is an 80-point side, which certainly means Champions League again. Contrary to what some think, that is very important. It is unacceptable to hear that Roma must leave the Champions League." Rossi also noted that a draw between Inter and Como, combined with a Napoli win over Lazio, would make the round unfavourable if Roma failed to beat Sassuolo. Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport said Roma must take advantage of their chances. He said: "If that defeat to Manchester had not come, with that dynamic and yet another comeback conceded, we would now be saying Roma started clear favourites against Sassuolo. The fear is that there are more psychological than physical after-effects. The same applies as after Real: one way or another, you have to bring it home. Tactically, it is better to face Sassuolo than Genoa, because putting up barricades is not in their DNA." Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio said Roma need to bounce back immediately. He said: "Against Sassuolo you need to restart immediately after the disappointment of Manchester. Sassuolo have conceded 10 goals in their last two matches, Aquilani is in great difficulty, and his side does not have the strength to react. Roma must face the game in the best possible way, looking for satisfaction in attack. Malen also has the odd lapse, and I back Castro, but apart from that great goal he never plays. Maybe there is room for him too. I often refer to the transfer market: you have had only reserves, there is no first-choice player apart from De Roon." Nando Orsi of Radio Radio questioned the dependence on Malen and Dybala. He said: "If Malen is in a slump and Dybala does not play, what happens? Isn't Roma too dependent on those two? Malen was scoring a lot alongside Dybala, now he seems more in difficulty. You need alternatives, because if Malen does not score, you struggle. On Dybala, perhaps Gasperini's management was wrong, making him play ninety minutes every time to prove what..." Mario Mattioli of Radio Radio said Sassuolo are unpredictable and that Roma are not at their brightest. He said: "Sassuolo are a team on a rollercoaster and could wake up and become the side of three weeks ago. Roma are not going through one of their most brilliant moments; I have noticed glaring flaws. This is not the Roma of three weeks ago. Sassuolo's last outing did not leave them unscathed, but if they have recovered they can put Roma in difficulty. Roma can win, but not comfortably." On Dybala, Mattioli also questioned his diet, saying: "Are we sure he is not eating something that affects his muscle tissue? I did a lot of athletics and they even controlled your food." Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said there was something about Koné's intentions that remained unclear, asking whether he wanted to play for France. He said: "I would not sincerely send him to risk it, also because France play two real matches, one against Italy. Koné knows he has strong competition in his role for his national team, but Roma pay the price. If he gets injured again, we are back to square one." Lorenzo Pes of Tele Radio Stereo said Koné is fit and that a call-up could be justified, while Roma would have the final say. He said Roma may prefer caution, in which case Koné would be unlikely to be called up. He added that Roma would like to keep him, while the player has recovered. Pes said the decisive day was expected to be the one that followed, and on Gollini: "It's unlikely he will be available tomorrow; he will try until the end, but until yesterday it was very complicated. So I think Vásquez will play, but I don't see that much difference." The pundits' comments centre on how Roma respond to the Manchester defeat and their Sassuolo fixture, with the Koné decision and Dybala's condition still being discussed.

Roma are set to face Sassuolo, with Rodrigo Mora expected to start from the first minute and Leonardo Balerdi included in the match-day selection, according to the probable line-ups published ahead of the fixture. Gian Piero Gasperini has the possible options for the clash with Sassuolo. The headline notes Gollini is in doubt, and Devis Vásquez is set to be in goal again, which the report presents as a probable change between the posts. The lineup report also touches on the wider context around the squad. Koné has been left out of the France squad by Zidane, and Roma's attack has been described as record-breaking, with Gasperini now able to surpass a record set by himself. Gasperini also commented after the defeat to Manchester, saying: "We dominated." Carrick returned to speak about the victory over Roma, saying: "The first half was not bad."

Devis Vásquez is set to start in goal for Roma again, with Pierluigi Gollini expected to miss the match against Sassuolo because of a back problem. The medical staff tried to get Gollini fit, but barring a dramatic turnaround he will not be available. Vásquez, a former Empoli and Milan goalkeeper, will make his second consecutive start after the match against Manchester United. It will be his first Serie A appearance in a year and a half; his last came in May 2025 against Verona. Ahead of him, Evan N'Dicka and Leonardo Balerdi are certain to play in defence. The only open question in the starting line-up is the central defensive berth, where Mario Hermoso and Gianluca Mancini are competing for a place.

Radio pundits across Rome's stations have debated whether Manu Koné should be called up by France and whether Roma are over-reliant on Malen and Dybala ahead of the match against Sassuolo. Alessio Nardo of Tele Radio Stereo said: "If Koné, after missing several matches, answered France's call-up, it would annoy me. He is coming back after a long stop and it would not be ideal. Everyone looks after their own interests. Zidane could also consider him available, let's see what happens, but I hope not." He added that France have plenty of alternatives and that Koné, returning from a long injury, could be rested. The debate follows the defeat to Manchester, which David Rossi of Rete Sport called unjustified. He said: "I am surprised by the negativity that has been generated after the defeat at Manchester. It is unjustifiable; you lost to teams with greater resources than yours. Wouldn't you have signed up, at this point, to have lost only to Real and Manchester? We always lose sight of the bigger picture. Roma are a very strong side, built to earn more points than last year: the starting base is 73 points. For me this is an 80-point side, which certainly means Champions League again. Contrary to what some think, that is very important. It is unacceptable to hear that Roma must leave the Champions League." Rossi also noted that a draw between Inter and Como, combined with a Napoli win over Lazio, would make the round unfavourable if Roma failed to beat Sassuolo. Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport said Roma must take advantage of their chances. He said: "If that defeat to Manchester had not come, with that dynamic and yet another comeback conceded, we would now be saying Roma started clear favourites against Sassuolo. The fear is that there are more psychological than physical after-effects. The same applies as after Real: one way or another, you have to bring it home. Tactically, it is better to face Sassuolo than Genoa, because putting up barricades is not in their DNA." Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio said Roma need to bounce back immediately. He said: "Against Sassuolo you need to restart immediately after the disappointment of Manchester. Sassuolo have conceded 10 goals in their last two matches, Aquilani is in great difficulty, and his side does not have the strength to react. Roma must face the game in the best possible way, looking for satisfaction in attack. Malen also has the odd lapse, and I back Castro, but apart from that great goal he never plays. Maybe there is room for him too. I often refer to the transfer market: you have had only reserves, there is no first-choice player apart from De Roon." Nando Orsi of Radio Radio questioned the dependence on Malen and Dybala. He said: "If Malen is in a slump and Dybala does not play, what happens? Isn't Roma too dependent on those two? Malen was scoring a lot alongside Dybala, now he seems more in difficulty. You need alternatives, because if Malen does not score, you struggle. On Dybala, perhaps Gasperini's management was wrong, making him play ninety minutes every time to prove what..." Mario Mattioli of Radio Radio said Sassuolo are unpredictable and that Roma are not at their brightest. He said: "Sassuolo are a team on a rollercoaster and could wake up and become the side of three weeks ago. Roma are not going through one of their most brilliant moments; I have noticed glaring flaws. This is not the Roma of three weeks ago. Sassuolo's last outing did not leave them unscathed, but if they have recovered they can put Roma in difficulty. Roma can win, but not comfortably." On Dybala, Mattioli also questioned his diet, saying: "Are we sure he is not eating something that affects his muscle tissue? I did a lot of athletics and they even controlled your food." Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said there was something about Koné's intentions that remained unclear, asking whether he wanted to play for France. He said: "I would not sincerely send him to risk it, also because France play two real matches, one against Italy. Koné knows he has strong competition in his role for his national team, but Roma pay the price. If he gets injured again, we are back to square one." Lorenzo Pes of Tele Radio Stereo said Koné is fit and that a call-up could be justified, while Roma would have the final say. He said Roma may prefer caution, in which case Koné would be unlikely to be called up. He added that Roma would like to keep him, while the player has recovered. Pes said the decisive day was expected to be the one that followed, and on Gollini: "It's unlikely he will be available tomorrow; he will try until the end, but until yesterday it was very complicated. So I think Vásquez will play, but I don't see that much difference." The pundits' comments centre on how Roma respond to the Manchester defeat and their Sassuolo fixture, with the Koné decision and Dybala's condition still being discussed.

Roma are set to face Sassuolo, with Rodrigo Mora expected to start from the first minute and Leonardo Balerdi included in the match-day selection, according to the probable line-ups published ahead of the fixture. Gian Piero Gasperini has the possible options for the clash with Sassuolo. The headline notes Gollini is in doubt, and Devis Vásquez is set to be in goal again, which the report presents as a probable change between the posts. The lineup report also touches on the wider context around the squad. Koné has been left out of the France squad by Zidane, and Roma's attack has been described as record-breaking, with Gasperini now able to surpass a record set by himself. Gasperini also commented after the defeat to Manchester, saying: "We dominated." Carrick returned to speak about the victory over Roma, saying: "The first half was not bad."

Gian Piero Gasperini has put his Roma players in front of the screen to work on their collapses, projecting full-screen replays of the match against Manchester, mistakes included, in intense study sessions. Sassuolo visit the Stadio Olimpico, and the front three is confirmed as Mora, Malen and Soulé. The focus on the Manchester game reflects a wider concern at the club over losing leads and conceding late. Gasperini is using video analysis to show his players exactly where the errors came from, aiming to cure what the headline calls Roma's problem with comebacks against them before the home fixture.

Roma midfielder Rodrigo Mora has been called up to the Portugal senior national team for the upcoming matches, after raising his level notably in recent games and catching the attention of the national team set-up. The 2007-born playmaker is expected to train with the senior side, and his debut with the full national team is considered likely. Mora has so far only represented Portugal at Under-21 level. His call-up marks a significant step up for the young Roma player, who has been impressing for the club in recent weeks. The article notes that Mora will be joining the senior group for the coming fixtures, with a first cap now a realistic prospect. Portugal's decision to bring him into the full squad reflects the quality of his recent performances and his growing reputation as one of the most promising talents in the Roma squad.