Heart and Head: Roma Soaring

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.

Radio pundit Simone Valdarchi expects Gian Piero Gasperini to rotate Roma's defence and flanks for the upcoming match. Speaking on Radio Manà Manà, he said Koulierakis and Mancini could drop out of the starting line-up compared with the last outing, while at least two of Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso could feature. Valdarchi also believes Gasperini would give Evan N'Dicka a rest if he had the chance, but he thinks it is not the right moment to do so. The comments come as Roma prepare for Saturday's league fixture against Udinese and the Champions League trip to Manchester. Piero Torri, also speaking on Radio Manà Manà, said: "Dell'Udinese temo la classifica. Non è una squadra che merita di essere nel punto in cui si trova per i valori che ha. Hanno recuperato quasi tutti gli infortunati Solet a parte. Tra la gara di sabato e quella di Manchester è più importante la prima." In English: "I fear Udinese's league position. It is not a team that deserves to be where it is, given the quality it has. They have recovered almost all their injured players except Solet. Between Saturday's match and the one in Manchester, the first is more important."

Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing significant changes for tomorrow's trip to Udinese, with Donyell Malen returning to the starting XI. Malen's last visit to Udine was his worst performance in a Roma shirt, though he did find the net that day, sadly the wrong one: his deflection was the decisive touch on Ekkelenkamp's free kick. Behind him, Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé are set to play. Marten de Roon, who needs a rest after six matches in twenty days, drops out, along with the other three midfielders who were in the previous selection. Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli will form the central midfield pairing. Roma face two games in four days, with the squad still stretched by injuries and absences. Wesley will start on the left in both fixtures. On the right, Nahuel Molina, Emanuele Lulli and Devyne Rensch are in contention, with Rensch surprisingly named in the starting line-up in Istanbul and Naples. Rotation is also on the cards at the back, the department with the most players available. Leonardo Balerdi has put behind him a tough setback and will start. Mario Hermoso has recovered after not being at his best and is also available. Gianluca Mancini is likely to miss out, having run low on energy and been among the weakest performers of the season so far, with some physical complaints picked up on international duty that have never fully cleared. Daniele Aloisi, writing in Il Messaggero, reports that Daniele Ghilardi is looking for minutes and consistency and could take Mancini's place. Evan N'Dicka is the defender in the best form, and Gasperini does not want to do without him. If N'Dicka plays, Balerdi will operate on the left of the centre-back pairing. If N'Dicka rests, Balerdi will move into the middle with Hermoso alongside him. Gasperini will settle those doubts in the coming hours. Roma's focus then turns to Old Trafford, where the hope is that, for once, the 'theatre of dreams' does not turn back into a nightmare.

Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing another reshuffled Roma side for Saturday's trip to Udine, kicking off at 18:00 on 31 October, with changes expected mainly in defence and midfield after the rotations used against Cagliari. Mancini and N'Dicka risk a rest, with Ghilardi and Balerdi candidates to start from the first minute. Balerdi, along with Hermoso, has recovered from the knocks that forced him onto the bench against Cagliari. Changes on the flanks are also possible, while the midfield pairing of Cristante and Pisilli is gaining ground, with De Roon initially on the bench. These are pre-match indications only, with several places still open. Up front, Malen is ready to win back his starting spot, alongside the untouchable Soulé, who has 3 goals and 3 assists to his name this season. Behind them, Rodrigo Mora could start, having been favoured for a place from the first minute after his decisive goal against Cagliari. The Portuguese impressed Gasperini with his second-half introduction and now aims to gain more consistency. The absences remain heavy. Dybala will certainly miss Udine and is seriously doubtful for Manchester United: the calf injury is reportedly now overcome, but the Argentine continues to feel discomfort and trained individually again yesterday. A return against Sassuolo on 7 November is more likely, when Gasperini hopes to also get Koné back, who has resumed individual work on the pitch. For Svilar, his return has been postponed until after the international break, so Gollini will again be in goal in Udine, in the Champions League and against Sassuolo. Gasperini is forced into fresh choices, a situation that also confirms his intention to involve the whole squad for a increasingly demanding schedule.

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 sporting director D'Amico is looking to Brazil to strengthen the squad, with Kaua Pascini on his shortlist, according to Tuttomercatoweb. The 2008-born left-back plays for Atlético Mineiro and is already part of the Brazil under-20 squad. Several clubs in Europe, as well as Roma, have turned their attention to him, and Juventus have also made enquiries in Italy. Pascini's style is reminiscent of Marcelo. His contract with the Brazilian club runs until 2030, but Atlético Mineiro could consider selling him during the January transfer window if a good offer arrives. The move is part of a search for a deputy for Wesley. Roma also intend to conclude at least two signings, one of them in attack, with the second possibly being Wesley's backup.

AS Roma are reportedly monitoring Atlético Mineiro left-back Kauã Pascini as they look to strengthen their flanks, with sporting director Tony D'Amico already working ahead of the January transfer window. According to Niccolò Ceccarini of Tuttomercatoweb, the 18-year-old, born in 2008, is one of the profiles Roma are tracking as a possible alternative to Wesley. Left-footed by nature and strongly inclined to get forward, Pascini is considered one of the emerging prospects in Brazilian football. He came through the Atlético Mineiro academy and has entered the first-team picture this year, attracting the attention of several European scouts. His qualities have also drawn a notable comparison with Marcelo, particularly for his technique and his ability to support attacks down the flank. That is a flattering comparison for a player still at the start of his career. Roma could try to beat the competition as early as January, taking advantage of a valuation that is still potentially accessible compared with more established full-backs. Juventus are also interested in the Brazilian, as are other international clubs. Pascini is already part of the Brazil youth national team set-up and is tied to Atlético Mineiro until 2030, meaning Roma would be looking at a long-term investment rather than an immediate solution.

Roma will travel from Udine to Manchester after Saturday's match at Udinese, having decided not to return to Rome in between. Their schedule is packed: Saturday's match in Friuli, then a Sunday morning training session at Udinese's sports centre, where the Friulani will host the giallorossi. Roma leave Trieste at 16:00 for England for the Champions League tie against Manchester United. On Monday, the eve of the game, Malen and his team-mates will train at Old Trafford at 19:00 Italian time. Gasperini's press conference, featuring one player, is scheduled for 18:20. The match against the Red Devils kicks off on Tuesday at 21:00. Roma will return to Italy on Wednesday morning rather than immediately after the game. Roma's next Serie A fixture is on Saturday 7 November, when they host Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico.

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.