Koné departure looms as Premier League clubs circle; Roma eye Sunderland midfielder as replacement

Roma are reportedly looking to add another attacking player in the winter transfer window, with Endrick at the top of their list, according to TMW. Sporting director D'Amico continues to work on a move for the Brazilian from Real Madrid, but Mourinho has no intention of letting him go. Roma's focus, however, is currently on the pitch under Gasperini as the club goes through one of the most intense spells of the season. As an alternative, Roma are considering Kvernadze, a 2003-born forward at Frosinone who has scored 5 goals across Serie A and the Coppa Italia so far. Frosinone value the player highly, and convincing president Stirpe could require between 20 and 25 million euros. Foreign profiles including Gomes, Leweling and Gittens also remain in the running. In the meantime, the club's attention is rightly turned to Cagliari.

AS Roma have extended the contract of young full-back Emanuele Lulli until 30 June 2031, the club confirmed in an official statement. The deal keeps one of the club's emerging players tied to the Giallorossi for five years, with the previous contract had been set to expire at the end of the season. Lulli has made his professional debut this season and scored his first goal for Roma in the match against Genoa. The club described the renewal as a decision strongly shared by both parties, following the winger's growth. He has become a regular part of Gian Piero Gasperini's rotation and has recently put pressure on the established starters on the right flank. The club's official statement read: "AS Roma is delighted to announce the extension of Emanuele Lulli's contract. The Giallorossi winger, who has made his professional debut this season, also finding the first goal of his Roma career in the match against Genoa, has signed a five-year agreement until 30 June 2031. Lulli and Roma continue to write their future together, in the spirit of continuity and belonging to the giallorossi colours. Congratulations, Emanuele!" The new deal is reportedly set to include a gradual increase in salary over the years. The starting base is reportedly around 300 thousand euros, with easily achievable bonuses to be added.

AS Roma have officially extended the contract of young winger Emanuele Lulli until 30 June 2031, with the defender-turned-winger signing a five-year deal. The club announced the renewal through its official channels after reports circulated in recent days. The extension confirms the club's commitment to Lulli, whose development has been significant in the first part of the 2026-27 season. The 2026-27 campaign has brought his professional debut and his first goal for the club, scored against Genoa. The renewal reflects the club's intention to build around a player emerging from within the squad. In the club's statement, Roma said: "AS Roma is delighted to announce the extension of Emanuele Lulli's contract. The giallorossi winger, who has made his professional debut this season and also scored his first goal in the match against Genoa, has signed a five-year agreement until 30 June 2031. Lulli and Roma continue to write their future together, in the spirit of continuity and belonging to the giallorossi colours." Gasperini also praised the player in his press conference.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 27 October at 20:45 in the ninth round of Serie A, with Gian Piero Gasperini weighing up some changes after the 3-3 draw at Napoli's Maradona. Roma remain unbeaten in Serie A and sit third with 18 points from eight matches, having drawn their head-to-head clashes against Inter, Como and Napoli. Cagliari, coached by Fabio Pisacane, are ninth on 13 points and come into the game on the back of two consecutive defeats, against Monza and Bologna. Roma are looking to return immediately to winning ways to stay within touching distance of the top of the table. The trip to Naples was described as a costly one, and Gasperini is considering some rotation. Dybala is returning towards the matchday squad but is expected to start on the bench. Svilar, Koné and Pellegrini are ruled out. Gollini keeps his place in goal, while Ghilardi could get a chance in defence alongside N'Dicka and Balerdi. Cristante starts in midfield from the first minute alongside Pisilli. Lulli and Molina are favoured on the flanks, with Soulé and Rodrigo Mora expected to support Malen up front. For Cagliari, Pisacane must do without Winks, who is sidelined by lumbar pain, as well as Felici and Idrissi. Trepy returns to the matchday squad. Yerry Mina is set to return to the starting line-up in defence, while Sugawara and Zé Pedro compete for a place on the right. Gagliardini will take Winks' place in midfield, with Maldini and Adopo expected to play behind Mendy, although Kevin Carlos remains a possible option. The match will be broadcast exclusively on DAZN, available through the DAZN app on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, consoles and computers. There will be no live broadcast on the traditional Sky Sport channels. Kick-off at the Stadio Olimpico is set for 20:45 on Tuesday 27 October. Bookmakers make Roma clear favourites. A Roma win is priced on average between 1.33 and 1.35, a draw around 4.90-5.00, and a Cagliari win between 8.25 and 9.60. The market also expects a game with at least three goals, with Over 2.5 favoured over Under, and No Goal offered at a slightly lower price than Goal. The 2-0 correct score to Roma carries the shortest odds at around 6.50, ahead of 1-0 and 2-1. ROMA (3-4-2-1): Gollini; Ghilardi, Ndicka, Balerdi; Lulli, Cristante, Pisilli, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Manager: Gasperini. CAGLIARI (4-3-2-1): Caprile; Sugawara, Mina, Rodriguez, Obert; Romano, Gagliardini, Deiola; Adopo, Maldini; Mendy. Manager: Pisacane. Referee: Ermanno Feliciani (Teramo). Assistants: Zingarelli and Fontani. Fourth official: Mariani. VAR: Ghersini. AVAR: Camplone.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday in midweek Serie A action, with both sides looking to bounce back from disappointing weekend results. Roma came from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Napoli at the Maradona Stadium on Saturday, while Cagliari lost 2-0 at home to Bologna. Gian Piero Gasperini's side remain unbeaten in Serie A (W5, D3) and have avoided defeat in their first eight league matches of the season for the first time since 2013/14. However, a third draw in their last four league outings has left the Giallorossi four points behind joint leaders Inter and Lazio. Roma are vying for their first Scudetto since the beginning of the century and will be desperate to return to winning ways against a Cagliari side they have enjoyed plenty of success against at the Olimpico lately. Fabio Pisacane's team face a stern test. Cagliari have suffered nine defeats in their last 11 league visits to Rome (D2) and have not scored in any of their four away league meetings with Roma since 2022 (L4), including a 2-0 defeat in the corresponding fixture last season. Bologna's win condemned Cagliari to back-to-back league defeats for the first time since April, and the Sardinians have slipped to mid-table after a promising five-game start (W4, L1). They are winless in three consecutive league games (D1, L2), following a 4-0 defeat at Monza on their last Serie A trip. Their defence has also struggled: after conceding just twice in the opening five rounds, they have let in seven goals in their last three league outings. Cagliari last beat Roma at the Olimpico in February 2013. Roma have been strong at home, winning three of their four home league matches in 2026/27 (D1) and scoring at least two goals on each occasion. They have lost only one of their last 11 home games in all competitions (W8, D2), the exception being a 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid in this season's Champions League. The Giallorossi have won six of their last seven Tuesday Serie A fixtures (L1) and have netted two or more goals in eight consecutive home outings. That feat has been managed in three of their last five home clashes against Cagliari. Gasperini's attacking football has not come at the expense of defensive stability, as Roma have conceded just one first-half goal in Serie A this season and have opened the scoring in 63% of their league matches. Cagliari have been much more impressive away from home, with three wins from four league games on the road (L1), just one shy of the four road victories they recorded in the whole of the 2025/26 season. Maintaining that form would significantly boost their chances of a first top-half finish in Serie A since 2008/06. Bryan Cristante has returned from injury at a good time for Roma, giving the team a major midfield boost, as Gasperini cannot call upon Lorenzo Pellegrini or Manu Kone. First-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar is also sidelined, but Paulo Dybala could make the bench on Tuesday. For Cagliari, long-term absentees Riyad Idrissi and Mattia Felici remain out. Harry Winks had to come off early against Bologna and is unlikely to start, with veteran Roberto Gagliardini expected to take his place in midfield. Roma (3-4-2-1): Gollini; Balerdi, Ndicka, Koulierakis; Lulli, De Roon, Cristante, Molina; Mora, Soule; Malen. Cagliari (4-3-2-1): Caprile; Ze Pedro, Mina, Rodriguez, Obert; Adopo, Gagliardini, Romano; Fadera, Maldini; Mendy. Roma are the favourites, with the preview predicting a Roma win.

Roma face Cagliari tomorrow, the first of a run of fixtures that should be relatively manageable, at least in Serie A. Gasperini is expected to rotate the side as he did against Genoa, though not too heavily. Ghilardi and Balerdi are likely to have at least one of them in defence, while Wesley could rest on the flank. Lulli is ready to return at right-back, with Molina or the Brazilian on the left. The real question mark is in the number ten role, where Rodrigo Mora could get another opportunity. If that happens, Cristante would drop back into midfield, probably alongside Pisilli, to give de Roon a breather. Up front, Soulé and Malen are confirmed in the starting line-up, while Dybala is likely to start from the bench. The match comes straight after the crazy 1-1 draw at Napoli, so the focus now turns quickly back to the pitch. Gasperini's approach, as shown against Genoa, is to rest key players without overdoing it. The fixtures that follow are seen as relatively accessible, at least in the league, which gives the coach room to balance fitness and form across the squad. The main selection debate centres on the attacking midfield, where Mora's form will be tested. Cristante's possible switch to midfield would also reshape the engine room, offering de Roon some rest while keeping a settled shape around Pisilli.

Neil El Aynaoui has impressed at RB Leipzig, and a permanent move to the German club in June is looking increasingly likely. The midfielder had asked to leave Roma towards the end of the summer transfer window, having not fully convinced Gasperini to give him a leading role at the club. Player and coach spoke calmly with each other and found a solution in the final week of the window, which allowed the Moroccan to win a place in the Leipzig starting line-up. He has made 9 appearances this season, with one assist and three consecutive starts in the Champions League. According to the latest information from Germany, Leipzig are satisfied with the Moroccan's performances, and the obligation to buy is looking more and more probable in June. Leipzig have already paid 3 million plus 1 million in bonuses for his loan. They hold an option to buy for 25 million plus 3 million, up to a maximum of 28 million. Roma could therefore make a useful profit on a sale in June. The club also holds a 20% sell-on clause, which it could collect in the future should Leipzig increase his value further.

Robinio Vaz's injury scare has eased, with the Roma loanee back in training after tests ruled out significant damage, while Neil El Aynaoui endured a bruising week in Europe and Bundesliga. Vaz, on loan at Hull City, came on in the 68th minute of their Premier League trip to Fulham, a 1-0 defeat decided by a goal from Iwobi. In stoppage time, at the 94th minute, he was hit hard by Ryan Sessegnon in the Achilles area. Sessegnon was sent off with a straight red card, and Vaz had to leave the pitch accompanied by medical staff. Initial impressions were worrying, but the subsequent checks were far more reassuring: the MRI scan showed no significant injury and Vaz returned to training on Tuesday 20 October. He recorded no goals or assists in the minutes he played against Fulham. Whether he will be available for the next game against Brentford remains to be confirmed. El Aynaoui, on loan at RB Leipzig, played three matches in a few days with mixed results. Leipzig beat PSV Eindhoven 1-0 in the Champions League thanks to a goal from Gruda, and El Aynaoui started and played the full 90 minutes. The Moroccan midfielder then started the Bundesliga trip to Bayern Munich, who thrashed Leipzig 6-1. He stayed on the pitch from start to finish but could not turn the game, which Bayern dominated. On 21 October Leipzig suffered another European defeat, losing 4-1 at the Bernabéu to Real Madrid. El Aynaoui again started alongside Seiwald but was replaced in the 63rd minute by Rocco Reitz, with Leipzig already two goals down. He recorded no goals or assists across the three matches, but he logged significant minutes that confirm his place in Demichelis's rotation. The heavy defeats to Bayern and Real Madrid left the team with a very negative overall record. Anass Salah-Eddine, on loan at Panathinaikos, is showing encouraging signs as the Moroccan wing-back fights for a place in the Greek side. He was not in the squad for the 2-1 win over Borac Banja Luka in the first matchday of the Conference League League Phase on 15 October. Three days later he started and played all 90 minutes of a comprehensive 5-1 league win over Asteras Tripolis. In the 47th minute he surged down the left flank and delivered a precise ball to Taborda, whose header was cleared off the line by Papakanellos. It was a good move that could have brought an assist but did not appear on the scoresheet. Salah-Eddine recorded no goal, official assist or card, but gave positive indications of his ability to support the attack. Panathinaikos return to Conference League action today against Kairat Almaty. Filippo Reale continues his good form at Carrarese, where he is increasingly picked by Guido Pagliuca. The centre-back, born in 2006, started and played the full 90 minutes in Carrarese's 2-1 home win over Modena, with goals from Abiuso and Rubino before Belotti replied for the visitors. He helped protect the lead in the closing stages as part of the back three. The most unusual moment came in the 96th minute, when Reale embarked on a long run from his own half, covered the entire left flank and shot into the box, only to send his diagonal effort wide. Carrarese have now won consecutive matches. Radoslaw Zelezny was also impressive for Perugia, starting in their 5-1 win at Campobasso. He played the entire game and conceded only Stoppa's equaliser in the 35th minute, before Perugia pulled clear in the second half. He was not held responsible for the goal, and SportPerugia gave him a 6 for his precise handling and his lack of blame. Marco Litti came off the bench for Lecco in their 5-0 win over Pro Vercelli, replacing Manetti in the 59th minute, when Manetti had scored the goal that made it 3-0. Litti took up position on the flank and helped manage the lead over the final half hour. He recorded no goal, assist or booking. Mohamed Seck, meanwhile, remains in a difficult spell with Foggia, who lost 3-1 at Giugliano in the Monday 19 October fixture. Seck was named in the back three by Gaetano Auteri and played the full game. Ravasio gave Foggia the lead in the 16th minute, but Baldé and De Rosa turned the match around before the break, and Esposito added the final goal after the restart. Seck was booked in the 21st minute. Foggia have conceded six goals in their last two league games. Luigi Cherubini, on loan at Benevento, was on the bench for their 2-2 home draw with Vicenza, having scored against Cesena. He came on for Lamesta in the 65th minute, with Benevento ahead 2-0 through Siatounis and Kouan. In the second half Benevento gradually lost control and were pegged back by goals from Corazza and Caferri.

Roma's loan contingent produced mixed results across European and domestic competitions this week, with midfielder Luigi Cherubini and midfielder Neil El Aynaoui delivering attacking contributions while others awaited their chance. Cherubini, on loan at Benevento with a right of option and obligation to buy, scored in the 93rd minute of Benevento's 2–0 win over Cesena. Introduced from the bench in the 79th minute, the 2004-born winger capitalized on a defensive error by Ilic, rounded the goalkeeper and finished to seal victory. He was booked in the 81st minute and initially had a goal ruled out for offside before his late winner. The performance earned him a rating of 7 from BeneventoNews24 and PianetaSerieB as Benevento secured a third consecutive victory. El Aynaoui, a midfielder on loan at RB Lipsia with a right of rescission, provided the assist for Banzuzi's opening goal after just one minute in a 6–0 Bundesliga demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt. Deployed in the starting lineup by Demichelis, El Aynaoui contributed to a dominant first half that saw Lipsia lead 4–0 at the interval, including a hat-trick from Nkunku. He was booked in the 27th minute and substituted in the 58th when the scoreline already stood at 5–0. Elsewhere, defender Filippo Reale (Carrarese, on loan with option and counter-option) played the full 90 minutes in a 2–0 away win over Padova, maintaining a clean sheet. Young defender Mohamed Seck (Foggia, on loan) completed all 90 minutes in a 3–1 home defeat to Potenza and received a rating of 5, criticized for poor positioning during the opposition's counter-attacks. Forward Artem Dovbyk (Bologna, on loan with right of rescission) returned to the squad after a muscular injury to his flexors but remained unused on the bench in Bologna's 2–1 away win at Lecce. Forward Robinio Vaz (Hull City) was named in the squad for a 2–2 Premier League draw against Everton but played no part, remaining on the bench for the full 90 minutes.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 27 October at 20:45 in the ninth round of Serie A, with Gian Piero Gasperini weighing up some changes after the 3-3 draw at Napoli's Maradona. Roma remain unbeaten in Serie A and sit third with 18 points from eight matches, having drawn their head-to-head clashes against Inter, Como and Napoli. Cagliari, coached by Fabio Pisacane, are ninth on 13 points and come into the game on the back of two consecutive defeats, against Monza and Bologna. Roma are looking to return immediately to winning ways to stay within touching distance of the top of the table. The trip to Naples was described as a costly one, and Gasperini is considering some rotation. Dybala is returning towards the matchday squad but is expected to start on the bench. Svilar, Koné and Pellegrini are ruled out. Gollini keeps his place in goal, while Ghilardi could get a chance in defence alongside N'Dicka and Balerdi. Cristante starts in midfield from the first minute alongside Pisilli. Lulli and Molina are favoured on the flanks, with Soulé and Rodrigo Mora expected to support Malen up front. For Cagliari, Pisacane must do without Winks, who is sidelined by lumbar pain, as well as Felici and Idrissi. Trepy returns to the matchday squad. Yerry Mina is set to return to the starting line-up in defence, while Sugawara and Zé Pedro compete for a place on the right. Gagliardini will take Winks' place in midfield, with Maldini and Adopo expected to play behind Mendy, although Kevin Carlos remains a possible option. The match will be broadcast exclusively on DAZN, available through the DAZN app on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, consoles and computers. There will be no live broadcast on the traditional Sky Sport channels. Kick-off at the Stadio Olimpico is set for 20:45 on Tuesday 27 October. Bookmakers make Roma clear favourites. A Roma win is priced on average between 1.33 and 1.35, a draw around 4.90-5.00, and a Cagliari win between 8.25 and 9.60. The market also expects a game with at least three goals, with Over 2.5 favoured over Under, and No Goal offered at a slightly lower price than Goal. The 2-0 correct score to Roma carries the shortest odds at around 6.50, ahead of 1-0 and 2-1. ROMA (3-4-2-1): Gollini; Ghilardi, Ndicka, Balerdi; Lulli, Cristante, Pisilli, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Manager: Gasperini. CAGLIARI (4-3-2-1): Caprile; Sugawara, Mina, Rodriguez, Obert; Romano, Gagliardini, Deiola; Adopo, Maldini; Mendy. Manager: Pisacane. Referee: Ermanno Feliciani (Teramo). Assistants: Zingarelli and Fontani. Fourth official: Mariani. VAR: Ghersini. AVAR: Camplone.

AS Roma have officially extended the contract of 19-year-old Emanuele Lulli until 30 June 2031. The club announced a five-year deal for the 2007-born player, one of the standout young talents of the season under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The renewal follows a start to the league campaign in which Lulli has earned an increasing share of minutes in Gasperini's rotation. He has also scored his first Serie A goal, against Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico. Over the summer, the player appeared destined for a loan move to find regular football. Gasperini instead chose to keep him, recognising his potential and quickly turning him into a first-team option. The signing marks another step in the club's strategy of developing players from its youth academy. Roma's official statement read: "AS Roma is pleased to announce the extension of Emanuele Lulli's contract. The giallorosso wide player, who this season made his professional debut and also scored his first goal in the match against Genoa, has signed a five-year agreement until 30 June 2031. Lulli and Roma will continue to write their future together, in the spirit of continuity and belonging to the giallorosso colours. Congratulations, Emanuele!" The previous agreement was due to expire in June 2027. Reports suggest the new contract includes a progressively rising salary and bonuses linked to individual performances and team results. CEO Galantic recently named Lulli and Niccolò Pisilli as examples of the club's youth development path, and the renewal is seen as a signal of the club's commitment to its academy players for both the present and the future.

Former Cagliari figure Cappioli has praised Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma, saying the side is showing important margins and that Gasperini "is and remains an added value". Speaking in an exclusive interview with RS, Cappioli said he would have enjoyed playing in a team built so firmly around attack. He suggested the club's strong attacking identity could sometimes be adjusted, warning: "There are moments in some games that can be managed, otherwise in certain matches you risk having to score 4 goals to win." He added: "I see a Roma in great growth." On Niccolò Pisilli, Cappioli said: "Roman players, Romanisti and midfielders must not be touched (laughs). He has grown a lot, he is strengthening physically, I think he is working well, and in the centre alongside the two midfielders he is improving game by game. It will be important for the national team too." Turning to Cagliari, Roma's next opponents, he said the Sardinian side "has started very well, but comes off two heavy consecutive defeats. It has lost something defensively, and Roma cannot be afraid of the Sardinian side." Cappioli also spoke about the troubled exit of Claudio Ranieri, the former manager. "I was sorry, he was the coach who gave me my Serie C debut with Cagliari, when I came back from military service on Saturdays he always played me. I am sorry about how things went. Claudio is Roman, a Romanista, and he cares about this shirt." Asked whether Roma can fight for the Scudetto, he replied: "I think they will be in the race until the end, because it is a team in constant growth, although Inter are objectively superior to everyone."