Koné could start for Roma against Sassuolo despite France snub

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini is pressing the club's management and ownership for at least two signings in the January transfer window, as a thin squad struggles under the weight of congested fixtures. Corriere della Sera reported the coach's push ahead of the winter session. The most pressing issue is the attack, where resources have become very limited. Gasperini continues to rely mainly on Soulé and Malen, and Rodrigo Mora is likely to complete the front three again tonight against Sassuolo, having started both in Udine and at Old Trafford. Alternatives exist, but the options for genuinely changing the look of the department are limited. The absences of Dybala and Pellegrini weigh heavily. Dybala could return after the international break, but his physical condition remains a question mark. Pellegrini's situation is more complicated, with his return appearing further away. In recent weeks there had even been talk of possible surgery, a hypothesis on which no definitive clarification has yet emerged. The difficulties extend beyond the front line. Midfield rotation has been reduced to a minimum, with Cristante and De Roon forced to shoulder a particularly heavy workload during the Koné emergency. Over the summer Gasperini had chosen to rely on just four central midfielders, to guarantee continuity and give everyone space. The recent struggles may now lead him to reconsider that decision. Hence the request for at least two additions to increase selection options and handle the double commitment of Serie A and the Champions League. They do not necessarily have to be two strikers: the discussion with the club will define where to intervene, taking into account technical priorities and market opportunities. Sporting director Tony D'Amico is already working to identify the right profiles and economically sustainable formulas. Gasperini has stressed what he considers necessary: to stay competitive across several fronts, a quality starting XI is not enough. Quality alternatives are also needed, especially when injuries concentrate in the same areas. January, this time, must deliver concrete answers.

Gasperini has already entered pressing mode with the club, demanding two reinforcements to lengthen the squad before the January transfer window, with sporting director D'Amico reportedly working on the request. The push comes ahead of Roma's home match against Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, a fixture that the coach has learned not to take for granted after a difficult week that included a 2-1 defeat...

Manu Koné has not been named in France's squad for their matches against Italy and Turkey, meaning the midfielder will continue his recovery from injury rather than join up with Les Bleus. Rodrigo Mora has been recalled to the Portugal squad by Jorge Jesus for the games against Denmark and Wales. For the 2007-born player, it is a return to the senior national team after more than a year, although he is still waiting for his debut. Donyell Malen has been selected by the Netherlands for the matches against Greece and Germany, while Konstantinos Koulierakis will answer Greece's call-up to face the Netherlands and Serbia. On the transfer front, Roma continue to evaluate possible reinforcements for the attack ahead of the January window. Among the profiles being monitored by the Giallorossi management is English winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, currently at Chelsea. The London club would be willing to loan him out in the next transfer window, with Roma at the front of the queue should they open talks. Competition is strong, however: Leeds, Sunderland and Crystal Palace in the Premier League, as well as Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, are also reportedly tracking the player. Ahead of the clash with Roma, Sassuolo boss Alberto Aquilani has called on his side to show character to escape their difficult run. For Aquilani, a former Roma midfielder, it will be a special match: "As a coach it is the first time I enter that stadium, and nobody can take that away from me. I have to set aside the emotions." On his team's form, Aquilani stressed the need to limit mistakes and increase intensity: "We have to run a bit more than the opponents, win the tackles and go for the second balls." Finally, his message to his players: "100% might not be enough, but we have to give 100% and more because we have dignity." Radio Bruno commentator Pedrelli said: "Leaving behind the defeat at Old Trafford and focusing on bringing home a full result against a Sassuolo in serious crisis is the primary goal. It will be a crucial day in the league, especially given Inter v Como and Napoli v Lazio. It would be wonderful to start talking about an anti-Roma in this Serie A." Radio Radio pundit Pruzzo said: "After Manchester we must restart immediately. Sassuolo have conceded ten goals in their last two matches. What is worrying is that they show no signs, they do not react. This allows Roma to manage the match and try to create danger up front. Malen occasionally has lapses, and Castro never plays: we'll see if this time there will be space for him."

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini is pressing the club's management and ownership for at least two signings in the January transfer window, as a thin squad struggles under the weight of congested fixtures. Corriere della Sera reported the coach's push ahead of the winter session. The most pressing issue is the attack, where resources have become very limited. Gasperini continues to rely mainly on Soulé and Malen, and Rodrigo Mora is likely to complete the front three again tonight against Sassuolo, having started both in Udine and at Old Trafford. Alternatives exist, but the options for genuinely changing the look of the department are limited. The absences of Dybala and Pellegrini weigh heavily. Dybala could return after the international break, but his physical condition remains a question mark. Pellegrini's situation is more complicated, with his return appearing further away. In recent weeks there had even been talk of possible surgery, a hypothesis on which no definitive clarification has yet emerged. The difficulties extend beyond the front line. Midfield rotation has been reduced to a minimum, with Cristante and De Roon forced to shoulder a particularly heavy workload during the Koné emergency. Over the summer Gasperini had chosen to rely on just four central midfielders, to guarantee continuity and give everyone space. The recent struggles may now lead him to reconsider that decision. Hence the request for at least two additions to increase selection options and handle the double commitment of Serie A and the Champions League. They do not necessarily have to be two strikers: the discussion with the club will define where to intervene, taking into account technical priorities and market opportunities. Sporting director Tony D'Amico is already working to identify the right profiles and economically sustainable formulas. Gasperini has stressed what he considers necessary: to stay competitive across several fronts, a quality starting XI is not enough. Quality alternatives are also needed, especially when injuries concentrate in the same areas. January, this time, must deliver concrete answers.

Roma have the chance to move up the Serie A table when they host Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico in the late kickoff, with a win temporarily taking them above Inter and to within a single point of Lazio, who play Napoli on Sunday. Inter face Como in the same round. Gian Piero Gasperini wants to chase that target by relying on the solidity his side has shown so far in the league, despite a still-crowded treatment room and some forced selections. The match is Roma's last fixture before the international break. They arrive with seven wins, three draws and no defeats, a record that keeps them firmly in contention for the top of the table. Preparation is being shaped by injuries. In goal, Gollini has a back problem and Svilar is out, and Svilar will not return until after the break, which opens the way for Vásquez to start between the posts. In defence, Gasperini is weighing up rotation: Ghilardi is pushing Mancini for a starting place, while on the right the choice is between Molina and Lulli, with Rensch unavailable due to an adductor injury. In midfield, while Koné is still awaiting full recovery, Cristante and De Roon will be asked to hold the line. Up front, Roma will rely on their certainties: Soulé, Mora and Malen, with Castro ready to come on during the game. After this match, Trigoria will empty for the national team call-ups, from the Italy squad led by Mancini to the many leading players called up around the world, including the great honour for young Rodrigo Mora, who has been called into the Portugal senior squad.

Roma host Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 7 November, with kick-off at 20:45, in the eleventh round of Serie A. Gian Piero Gasperini's side arrive after a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in the Champions League, a result that followed a first half in which Roma dominated and led by two goals. In the league, however, their form is excellent: they have 24 points from ten matchdays and sit third, after a convincing 5-2 win at Udinese in their last outing. Sassuolo, by contrast, are 17th on 8 points and have lost four consecutive matches. It will also be Alberto Aquilani's first game at the Olimpico as an opposing coach. Roma are without Mile Svilar, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala and Devyne Rensch. Pierluigi Gollini has not fully recovered from a back problem, so Devis Vásquez is expected to start in goal. Manu Koné is doubtful and is unlikely to start. Daniele Ghilardi is pushing Gianluca Mancini for a place in defence, while Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli are expected in midfield. Nahuel Molina and Wesley are favoured on the flanks, and Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are set to operate behind Donyell Malen. Aquilani has announced that Domenico Berardi and Volpato are absent, while the rest of the squad is available. He is expected to set out in a 4-3-3 with Turati in goal, Walukiewicz, Caleta-Car, Idzes and Doig in defence, and Thorstvedt back in midfield alongside Matic and Bakola. Up front, with Berardi out, Dominguez, Sebastiano Esposito and Laurienté are likely to start. Marco Di Bello of Brindisi referees, assisted by Peretti and Scatragli, with Abisso as fourth official, Pezzuto on VAR and Guida as AVAR. The match will be broadcast live on both DAZN and Sky. On Sky it can be watched on Sky Sport Uno, Sky Sport Calcio, Sky Sport 251 and Sky Sport 4K, while streaming is available on DAZN, Sky Go and NOW. Riccardo Gentile will provide the Sky commentary, with technical analysis from Alessio Scarchilli. Bookmakers make Roma clear favourites, with a win priced on average between 1.28 and 1.32, a draw around 6.00-6.50 and a Sassuolo win between 9.00 and 9.75. Over 2.5 goals is priced at around 1.35-1.37. Sassuolo have conceded at least two goals in each of their last four defeats, and Roma scored five in their last league game. The 2-0 scoreline to Roma is the most widely projected correct score, ahead of 2-1 and 3-0.