Italiano compares PSG–Bayern clash to Roma–Bologna Europa League encounter

Roma have initiated contact with the representatives of Endrick, the Brazilian forward at Real Madrid, as they monitor him for potential recruitment in forthcoming transfer windows. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the club are watching the player closely, particularly if his playing time at the Spanish club remains limited. A significant opportunity may arise on 14 October when Real Madrid visit the Olimpico to face Roma in the Champions League, a fixture that could allow the club's executives to meet directly and explore the forward's availability. Roma are believed to be interested in a temporary arrangement that would give Endrick greater consistency. The 22-year-old has been on Roma's radar as a player capable of adding depth to their attacking options. Club scouts are attempting to gauge whether concrete margins for a deal might open in the coming months, contingent on his situation at Madrid. The presence of Real Madrid's board members in the capital during the Champions League encounter presents a unique chance for direct negotiations between the two organisations, potentially accelerating discussions. However, Roma face competition for the Brazilian. AC Milan have also been tracking Endrick for several weeks, with club owner Gerry Cardinale reportedly monitoring the player. Milan had attempted to move for him during the most recent summer window before ultimately opting for the loan of Omari Hutchinson. Should Hutchinson fail to impress and Endrick continue to see limited minutes at Real Madrid, the Rossoneri may reignite their interest.

Roma have moved ahead of AC Milan in the pursuit of Real Madrid's Endrick, already opening discussions with the player's representative agency Roc Nation and positioning themselves for direct talks with Madrid's hierarchy during the Champions League match at the Olimpico on 14 October. The Brazilian winger has endured a difficult start at Madrid, limited to just four minutes of playing time due to a muscle injury and seeking rhythm through Brazil's friendlies against Australia and India. Madrid rejected approaches from Milan and Aston Villa in the summer, but that stance could shift in January if Endrick's minutes remain scarce through the congested autumn fixture schedule. Roma intends to exploit the Champions League encounter to speak directly with Madrid's board and press their case for either a loan or transfer move. Milan, for their part, rely on owner Cardinale's established partnership with Roc Nation, strengthened by joint investments in the United States. However, Madrid holds the final say: the club has previously loaned Endrick out—to Lyon without recall options—to aid his development. Should the player seek regular playing time midway through the season, Roma are ready to move decisively into the running.

Roma return to action after the international break with two crucial fixtures ahead: a Serie A visit to Como on Sunday 11 October at 12:30, followed by a Champions League match against Real Madrid. Marten de Roon is poised to seize a starting role in midfield after Bryan Cristante sustained a collateral ligament injury that will sideline him for approximately twenty days. The Dutch midfielder, who has joined Roma after several years at Bergamo, has impressed since his arrival and adapted well to the club's training environment at Trigoria. With Cristante sidelined, Gasperini's midfield setup has opened up significant space that de Roon is well-positioned to fill. The 33-year-old midfielder carries the tactical knowledge and versatility that suits the coach's system, making him a strong candidate for a starting berth in what will be a demanding double test across the domestic league and Europe's elite competition. Training resumes on Tuesday afternoon following a weekend rest period given to the squad after Friday's session. Gasperini will hold his pre-match press conference on Saturday before Roma's departure for Lombardy. The Real Madrid encounter follows immediately after the Como fixture, bringing the intensity of back-to-back high-stakes matches in rapid succession.