Hermoso, Wesley and Mancini lead Roma's minutes count under Gasperini

Roma head into a double away trip with several absentees, though there are signs of improvement across the squad. Svilar's tests have confirmed he will return after the international break, while Dybala still feels discomfort in his calf and continues with individualised work. Manu Koné, recovered from injury, has returned to partial training on the pitch, and both he and Dybala could return against Sassuolo. Hermoso and Balerdi have overcome their respective knocks, while Mora is favoured over De Roon. The Giallorossi will be followed by a large travelling support on their upcoming away fixtures. Between Udine and Manchester, close to 10,000 Roma fans are expected to be present, around 5,000 for the trip to Udine tomorrow and 3,000 for Tuesday's match at Old Trafford. Many supporters in England are also set to travel without tickets just to experience the Champions League atmosphere. Before the international break, another sell-out is expected at the Olimpico for the match against Sassuolo. Gian Piero Gasperini is the oldest coach in Serie A, yet his style of football remains among the most modern and attacking in the league. As Il Messaggero reports, the Roma coach continues to work with the same innovative drive as his younger colleagues, building an identity partly rooted in the study of Van Gaal's Ajax: a back three, high pressing and a constant search for goals.

Roma's loan players had a busy week across the Champions League, the Bundesliga, the German Cup, La Liga, Serie C and the Europa Conference League. Neil El Aynaoui was involved in three matches for RB Leipzig, while Luigi Cherubini was back in the Benevento starting line-up and came close to scoring twice. Robinio Vaz has returned to action after a physical problem he suffered against Fulham, and Mohamed Seck helped Foggia to a win. El Aynaoui, a Moroccan midfielder on a loan deal with a buy option, started Leipzig's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, a 4-1 loss, and played until the 63rd minute. On Saturday he played the full 90 minutes of a 4-0 win over Elversberg. His most eventful match came on Tuesday against Rot-Weiss Essen in the German Cup last 16. He began on the bench, but came on at half-time with Leipzig trailing 1-0 and reduced to ten men after Seiwald was sent off in the 44th minute. Baumgartner scored twice, in the 78th and 82nd minutes, to complete the comeback and send Leipzig through 2-1. El Aynaoui was booked in the 76th minute and played 45 minutes without a goal or assist. The win came after heavy defeats to Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Cherubini, a winger born in 2004, returned to the starting line-up on Saturday in a 3-0 win at Arezzo. He played 74 minutes and twice came close to scoring, first with a spectacular scissor kick that was saved by goalkeeper Nunziante, then with a shot that hit the post. He started again on Tuesday in a 1-1 home draw with Catanzaro. He won the decisive penalty early in the second half, which Salvemini converted in the 51st minute after Candela fouled him, a decision confirmed by VAR. He was substituted for Saio in the 86th minute. Buso equalised for Catanzaro in added time, in the 92nd minute. Cherubini did not score or assist, but BeneventoNews24 and CalcioBenevento both gave him a 6.5. Mattia Mannini, a midfielder born in 2006, was an unused substitute for both matches, with Floro Flores opting for other players during the second-half changes. Mannini had played for Italy's Under-20 side during the previous international break. Mohamed Seck started at centre-back in Auteri's three-man defence as Foggia beat Cavese 1-0 at the Zaccheria, ending two straight defeats to Potenza and Giugliano. Foggiacalciomania gave him a 6 for a solid performance, noting his willingness to move forward from the defensive line. Goalkeeper Saro saved a penalty from Orlando, and Ravasio scored the winner in the 87th minute. Federico Nardin, a defender born in 2007, started for Pescara in a 2-1 win at Perugia, playing all 90 minutes without a booking. Merola scored twice for Pescara, first from open play and then from a penalty, after Carriero had given Perugia a lead inside the first minute. Radoslaw Zelezny, the Polish goalkeeper for Perugia, played the full match but conceded both Pescara goals, with Merola scoring in the 47th and 51st minutes. Marash Kumbulla, an Albanian defender on loan with a buy option, started for Rayo Vallecano in a 3-2 extra-time win over Recreativo Huelva in the first round of the Copa del Rey. He played 80 minutes after being on the bench for the 3-0 home defeat to Elche. Alemão scored Rayo's equaliser from the penalty spot and then the winner in extra time, with De Frutos also scoring. Anass Salah-Eddine, a Moroccan left-back playing for Panathinaikos, was not used in the 5-1 Conference League win over Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan on Thursday. He started on Sunday in a 1-0 league win at Volos.

Roma have returned to training ahead of a crowded run of fixtures, with Koné now fully recovered from his injury and aiming to return against Sassuolo. The squad travels to Friuli today for Sunday's Serie A match against Udinese, before moving on to Manchester on Monday on the eve of the Champions League clash with United, and the club are facing both games with a depleted list of players. Mile Svilar's medical tests confirmed that his return has been pushed back until after the international break. Paulo Dybala gave no cause for optimism after yesterday's session, as the Argentine forward trained on a personalised programme because he is still feeling discomfort in his calf. His availability for the trip to England is therefore very uncertain. Koné, by contrast, is over his injury and has started working apart from the group on the pitch. The French midfielder, like Dybala, is determined to be back in action for the league meeting with Sassuolo. For the trip to Udine, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who has chosen not to hold his usual pre-match press conference, is weighing up solutions and changes in defence, where Hermoso and Balerdi have shaken off their respective knocks. In midfield, De Roon is the favourite to play alongside the pairing of Cristante and Pisilli, while up front Malen is set to return from the start alongside Soulé.

Roma head into a double away trip with several absentees, though there are signs of improvement across the squad. Svilar's tests have confirmed he will return after the international break, while Dybala still feels discomfort in his calf and continues with individualised work. Manu Koné, recovered from injury, has returned to partial training on the pitch, and both he and Dybala could return against Sassuolo. Hermoso and Balerdi have overcome their respective knocks, while Mora is favoured over De Roon. The Giallorossi will be followed by a large travelling support on their upcoming away fixtures. Between Udine and Manchester, close to 10,000 Roma fans are expected to be present, around 5,000 for the trip to Udine tomorrow and 3,000 for Tuesday's match at Old Trafford. Many supporters in England are also set to travel without tickets just to experience the Champions League atmosphere. Before the international break, another sell-out is expected at the Olimpico for the match against Sassuolo. Gian Piero Gasperini is the oldest coach in Serie A, yet his style of football remains among the most modern and attacking in the league. As Il Messaggero reports, the Roma coach continues to work with the same innovative drive as his younger colleagues, building an identity partly rooted in the study of Van Gaal's Ajax: a back three, high pressing and a constant search for goals.

Roma have returned to training ahead of a crowded run of fixtures, with Koné now fully recovered from his injury and aiming to return against Sassuolo. The squad travels to Friuli today for Sunday's Serie A match against Udinese, before moving on to Manchester on Monday on the eve of the Champions League clash with United, and the club are facing both games with a depleted list of players. Mile Svilar's medical tests confirmed that his return has been pushed back until after the international break. Paulo Dybala gave no cause for optimism after yesterday's session, as the Argentine forward trained on a personalised programme because he is still feeling discomfort in his calf. His availability for the trip to England is therefore very uncertain. Koné, by contrast, is over his injury and has started working apart from the group on the pitch. The French midfielder, like Dybala, is determined to be back in action for the league meeting with Sassuolo. For the trip to Udine, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who has chosen not to hold his usual pre-match press conference, is weighing up solutions and changes in defence, where Hermoso and Balerdi have shaken off their respective knocks. In midfield, De Roon is the favourite to play alongside the pairing of Cristante and Pisilli, while up front Malen is set to return from the start alongside Soulé.

Mile Svilar will not return to action before the international break, with his comeback now set for 21 November against Parma after a follow-up MRI scan on his toe showed the bone callus has not yet formed. Pierluigi Gollini will keep goal in the next games against Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo. Paulo Dybala is also a major concern. The Argentine has trained individually and is determined to travel to England, but the problem with the lateral gastrocnemius (the outer calf muscle) is not yet fully resolved. Roma's technical and medical staff do not intend to take risks to avoid a relapse, which puts his availability for Old Trafford in doubt. Manu Koné, who has resumed training on the pitch, is aiming to return against Sassuolo before the break. With two matches in four days and a squad under pressure, Gian Piero Gasperini must manage his resources and rotate heavily. Neither Dybala nor Koné is in the squad for the trip to Friuli. Donyell Malen starts up front, with Soulé alongside him, while the wide positions will see alternating options such as Celik, Rensch and Wesley on the left. Balerdi and Hermoso are fully recovered. Ghilardi is pushing for a place and could start at Udine, allowing Ndicka or Mancini to rest ahead of the Champions League night in Manchester.

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.

Mile Svilar will not return to action before the international break, with his comeback now set for 21 November against Parma after a follow-up MRI scan on his toe showed the bone callus has not yet formed. Pierluigi Gollini will keep goal in the next games against Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo. Paulo Dybala is also a major concern. The Argentine has trained individually and is determined to travel to England, but the problem with the lateral gastrocnemius (the outer calf muscle) is not yet fully resolved. Roma's technical and medical staff do not intend to take risks to avoid a relapse, which puts his availability for Old Trafford in doubt. Manu Koné, who has resumed training on the pitch, is aiming to return against Sassuolo before the break. With two matches in four days and a squad under pressure, Gian Piero Gasperini must manage his resources and rotate heavily. Neither Dybala nor Koné is in the squad for the trip to Friuli. Donyell Malen starts up front, with Soulé alongside him, while the wide positions will see alternating options such as Celik, Rensch and Wesley on the left. Balerdi and Hermoso are fully recovered. Ghilardi is pushing for a place and could start at Udine, allowing Ndicka or Mancini to rest ahead of the Champions League night in Manchester.

Mile Svilar will not return to action before the international break, with his comeback now set for 21 November against Parma after a follow-up MRI scan on his toe showed the bone callus has not yet formed. Pierluigi Gollini will keep goal in the next games against Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo. Paulo Dybala is also a major concern. The Argentine has trained individually and is determined to travel to England, but the problem with the lateral gastrocnemius (the outer calf muscle) is not yet fully resolved. Roma's technical and medical staff do not intend to take risks to avoid a relapse, which puts his availability for Old Trafford in doubt. Manu Koné, who has resumed training on the pitch, is aiming to return against Sassuolo before the break. With two matches in four days and a squad under pressure, Gian Piero Gasperini must manage his resources and rotate heavily. Neither Dybala nor Koné is in the squad for the trip to Friuli. Donyell Malen starts up front, with Soulé alongside him, while the wide positions will see alternating options such as Celik, Rensch and Wesley on the left. Balerdi and Hermoso are fully recovered. Ghilardi is pushing for a place and could start at Udine, allowing Ndicka or Mancini to rest ahead of the Champions League night in Manchester.

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.