Roma led Slovan Bratislava 4-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in their third League Phase match of the Champions League, with Hermoso (21'), Molina (38'), Pisilli (52') and Malen (57') on the scoresheet. Roma had dominated the first half, and the game had long since been settled by the time of the latest update.
Roma came into the match with one point from their first two games, a draw at Fenerbahçe and a 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid in a chaotic game. Slovan, coached by Yaya Touré, had made a difficult start to their European campaign, losing 6-1 to Paris Saint-Germain and 3-0 to Stuttgart. More than 60,000 Roma fans were expected at the stadium. Gian Piero Gasperini's side lined up in a 3-4-2-1, with Gollini in goal, Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso in defence, and Molina, Pisilli, De Roon and Wesley in midfield. Mora and Pellegrini were behind Malen, who was back from a league suspension.
Hermoso opened the scoring with a header at 21', from a free kick by Pellegrini that Ghilardi nodded across for him to finish at the far post. Molina doubled the lead at 38', following up to on the rebound after Malen's right-footed strike was blocked by Takác. Pellegrini had earlier shot wide from the edge of the box at 28', and Takác made a diving save. Pellegrini had a problem at 50' and was replaced by Soulé at 51'. Pisilli made it 3-0 at 52' with a left-footed finish under the keeper, playing in on a pass from Malen after a mistake by the Slovan defence. Wesley was brought down in the area at 56', and Malen converted the resulting penalty at 57' with a right-footed shot into the corner.
Wesley had a chance at 32', going past his man and delivering a fine ball to the second post, where Molina's volley went over the bar. Roma made two changes at 58', with Wesley and Malen replaced by Castro and Rensch. Slovan made three changes at 68', bringing off Ibrahim, Gajdos and Suleiman Camara for Mustafic, Martinez and Maros. Barseghyan was booked for simulation at 20', and Suleiman Camara was cautioned at 65' for holding Rensch. The match was refereed by Sandro Schärer of Switzerland, with Fedayi San as VAR.
At 70', Rensch tried his luck with a low right-footed shot from the edge of the box, and the effort went just wide.
Story Coverage4 sources on this story
Roma beat Slovan Bratislava 4-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in their third Champions League League Phase match. Hermoso (21'), Molina (38'), Pisilli (52') and Malen (57', penalty) scored, with Malen back from a league suspension. Roma had one point from their first two games, a draw at Fenerbahçe and a 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid. Slovan, coached by Yaya Touré, had lost 6-1 to Paris Saint-Germain and 3-0 to Stuttgart. More than 60,000 fans were expected.
The outlets differ on the lineups. The pre-match previews predicted Mancini, Balerdi and Hermoso in defence, but the match report lists Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso. Previews also split on right-back: Corriere dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Il Tempo and Corriere della Sera named Lulli, while La Gazzetta dello Sport and Leggo picked Molina. Roma News, however, credited Corriere dello Sport, La Gazzetta and Leggoroma with Molina. Forza Roma said Svilar, Cristante, Koné and Dybala were absent. GialloRossi.net reported that Dybala could return to the bench, with a training session to decide his availability for Saturday's match against Napoli, according to Corriere della Sera.
Roma's youth policy was also in the news. GialloRossi.net noted that the starting XI against Genoa averaged 24.5 years, with seven players born after 2003 alongside de Roon. Il Messaggero reported that CEO Galantic has backed an Under-23 side, which would cost around €20 million, though no suit
AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.
