Hermoso praises Roma's strength and squad depth after Slovan Bratislava win

Gian Piero Gasperini and Massimiliano Allegri shared a light-hearted exchange on Sky Sport after both sides won their Champions League matches, setting up Napoli against Roma. Roma beat Slovan Bratislava 4-0, while Napoli beat Bodø/Glimt 4-3. The fixture is at the Maradona on Saturday. The pair's on-air banter was a playful preview of the weekend's clash. Gasperini opened by telling Allegri, "Ciao Max, arrivo arrivo. Ci vediamo sabato" ("Hi Max, I'm coming, I'm coming. See you Saturday"). Allegri replied that both teams had won and were arriving in good spirits, adding: "Non avevate nemmeno bisogno, noi un po' di più di voi" ("You didn't even need to, we needed it a bit more than you"). Gasperini had the final word, laughing as he said: "Adesso basta però, non esageriamo" ("That's enough now, let's not overdo it"). The exchange was a lighthearted moment as both coaches looked ahead to Saturday's Serie A encounter at the Maradona, with Roma arriving on a strong European result.

Niccolò Pisilli has described his time as captain as a great honour, saying every minute he played wearing the armband was an honour, with many players absent and the responsibility falling to him. Pisilli is a Roma academy product who has been at the club since the youth ranks, and he is now leading the side. Asked what has changed for him and the team, Pisilli said: "We are growing a lot. Last year we had to absorb the concepts well. This year we start with one more year behind us and we know what is asked of us. I put myself at the disposal of the team and the coach. When there is defending to do I defend, and when there is attacking to do I attack." Florenzi put it to him that he carries on the tradition of Roman and Roma captains, and offered him his compliments. Pisilli replied: "Thank you very much."

Daniele Ghilardi spoke to reporters after Roma's 3-0 win...

Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi said his Champions League debut was a huge emotional moment and that the squad also wants to win against Napoli. Ghilardi said: "Tanta emozione per l'esordio in Champions. Vogliamo vincere anche col Napoli", which translates as: "A lot of emotion for the Champions League debut. We want to win against Napoli too." The comments follow Roma's 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava, which the Italian coverage rated in player ratings that picked out Ghilardi and Hermoso, with Malen also singled out. Roma's Champions League campaign has begun with that result, and the club now turns its attention to Napoli. Elsewhere in the club's news, Gian Piero Gasperini said of team selection: "Chi gioca deve essere all'altezza della Roma. Spero di riavere presto Dybala, davanti siamo pochi", meaning those who play must be up to the standard of Roma, and he hopes to have Dybala back soon as the attack is thin. Lorenzo Pellegrini has a muscle injury, and Gasperini said: "Nulla di grave, ma rischia di stare out 20 giorni", meaning it is nothing serious but he could be out for 20 days. Niccolò Pisilli said wearing the Roma captain's armband is an honour and that he has grown a lot under Gasperini.

Mario Hermoso produced another top-level display in Roma's win over Slovan Bratislava, neutralising the Slovak side's attacking threat while also posing danger in the opposition box, and he scored in the match. Aldair, the Roma legend, lavished praise on the Spaniard on Instagram. Aldair said Hermoso's performances often go almost unnoticed because he has accustomed everyone to a very high standard. As a defender himself, Aldair said he especially values the solidity Hermoso brings to Roma, describing the self-assurance that only great players can pass on to the whole team. Aldair said: "Le sue prestazioni passano quasi inosservate perché ci ha abituati a un livello altissimo. Da difensore, apprezzo tanto la solidità che ha dato alla Roma. Quella sicurezza che solo i grandi giocatori sanno trasmettere a tutta la squadra. E poi la grinta, la cattiveria agonistica con cui lotta su ogni pallone. Bravo Mario, continua così." English translation: "His performances almost go unnoticed because he has accustomed us to a very high level. As a defender, I really appreciate the solidity he has given Roma. That confidence that only great players know how to transmit to the whole team. And then the grit, the competitive aggression with which he fights for every ball. Well done Mario, keep it up."

Roma secured their first win of the Champions League league phase, beating Slovan Bratislava 4-0 with a dominant display under Gian Piero Gasperini. The result follows a draw with Fenerbahce and a late defeat to Real Madrid. Hermoso opened the scoring with a header, and Molina doubled the lead just before half-time. After the break, Pisilli added a goal and Malen converted a penalty to seal the win. Roma never looked at risk of conceding in the match. Ghilardi also scored late on, but the goal was disallowed for offside. The victory lifts Gasperini's side to 4 points in the league phase standings. Roma's next big match is against Napoli at the weekend. Molina's goal was his first in a Roma shirt. Wesley was described as unplayable in the player ratings, which award Hermoso a 7, Molina a 6.5 and Wesley a 7.5.