Koné enters peak form: no midfielder in Serie A is worth more

Mile Svilar and Paulo Dybala are edging back towards the starting XI, with the goalkeeper's medical giving a positive result during the international break. Svilar had been sidelined by a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his right foot, picked up in training just over a month ago. He opted for conservative treatment rather than surgery, which allowed the bone callus to form correctly. The Belgian has already trained on the pitch, albeit in a differentiated programme alongside Pierluigi Gollini. The club's aim is to have him back as a regular starter for the trip to Parma when the league resumes. Dybala, who has also returned to group work, could also start from the first minute. Roma are also linked with Atalanta left-back Lorenzo Bernasconi, born in 2003, whose name is picking up transfer speculation ahead of the January window. The left-back, who has enjoyed an excellent start to the season, has attracted interest from several major clubs including Roma, Milan and Newcastle. His consistency and constant forward runs down the flank have fuelled international interest in a player considered one of the most promising young players in his position in the league. Atalanta, who value their talents highly, are reportedly valuing his contract at between 20 and 25 million euros. Artem Dovbyk, currently on loan from Roma, left the capital last summer in search of more regular football, but his spell at Bologna has not gone as hoped. Injuries and a change of coach have limited his opportunities, and his situation could change during the January window, as Bologna are reportedly considering ending the loan early in the winter session. The two clubs will discuss the matter in the coming weeks. The Ukrainian striker is not part of Gasperini's plans. On Roman radio, the return of Svilar and Dybala was debated. Alessandro Vocalelli told Radio Radio: "Dybala's absence was felt more than Svilar's. Gollini did very well, although he conceded a few goals he perhaps could have avoided. Vasquez, on the other hand, did his job: he saved a penalty, then had it retaken, and on the goals conceded he had little responsibility." Luigi Ferrajolo added: "Vasquez and Gollini conceded two goals from over 25 metres, but the calmness Svilar brings is something else. Gollini was unlucky because he was playing a good game before his injury. I would start with Soulé and Dybala and then bring on Mora during the match, because I don't think Dybala has 90 minutes in his legs and he needs managing."

Roma are using the international break to take stock of the transfer market and the club's finances, with the UEFA verdict on financial fair play now postponed to May. The decision on the settlement agreement will arrive in spring 2027 rather than November, but the delay does not free Roma from their economic constraints: the club must continue to respect UEFA parameters in the winter window too. Gasperini and D'Amico are waiting for direction from the ownership. In attack, Paulo Dybala is nearing a return from injury, reopening the Dovbyk question. Gasperini faces a delicate choice: during Dybala's absence, Matías Soulé has become increasingly influential playing on the right, the position Dybala prefers. Among the possible solutions is moving the number 21 to the opposite flank, a tactical dilemma ahead of the match against Parma. Meanwhile, Bologna are reportedly considering terminating Artem Dovbyk's loan early in January, after just five appearances and one league goal. According to Moretto, a return to Trigoria would not be automatic and would require agreement between the clubs and the player, unless specific clauses apply. The summit to plan January is approaching, but according to Il Tempo, the American ownership is not expected to travel to the Capital. The talks could therefore involve chief executive John Galantic above all. The key issue remains the budget available for reinforcements, with Gasperini and D'Amico awaiting answers. On other targets, Endrick is a Real Madrid player whom Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil's head coach, wants to see in more regular action, while Mourinho continues to oppose his departure. The player's entourage has denied a reported Milan refusal on religious grounds. Roma remain interested in a loan, but the deal cannot progress without Real Madrid's approval. Roma continue to monitor Lookman, who has been used less and less at Atlético Madrid. According to Mundo Deportivo, Simeone is unlikely to accept a sale without a worthy replacement, and the move remains complicated. Gasperini would gladly reunite with the Nigerian, a key figure in the 2024 Europa League triumph. Gasperini is also pushing for Frosinone winger Kvernadze, who has scored three goals and provided four assists in the first eleven matchdays. According to La Gazzetta, Roma could move as early as January rather than waiting for the summer, but Frosinone are preparing a significant salary increase to keep the Georgian. Elsewhere, Jorge Mendes is reportedly seeking a formula to facilitate a move for Barcelona full-back Balde, a Roma target, according to Sport. Roma would prefer a loan, while Barcelona want to recoup a fee, and the possible breakthrough could come in the final days of January. Off the pitch, Roma are accelerating plans for the new stadium. The club aims to deliver the executive project before Christmas, as announced by Lucia Bernabé, the club's head of institutional relations, speaking at the Social Football Summit. The goal is to advance through the process for the new venue following its recognition of public utility.

Roma are preparing their January transfer strategy, with the aim of signing two forwards on loan, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is eager to strengthen the squad. The directions come from Trigoria and combine the ambition of Gasperini with the caution and realism of the ownership. They are simple but not final, and will be updated and shared in the coming weeks. The people handling the negotiations have been at work since early September, but every move must be assessed and approved, or rejected, by the Friedkin family. Sporting director D'Amico knows this well, having been through the same process over the summer. Gasperini said after the win over Sassuolo at the Olimpico, and before the international break: "La Roma è competitiva, ma non numericamente." The sporting director spoke in much the same way that evening, also making clear the type of player Roma want: a high, attacking winger. Roma have 23 players in the squad, which, counting three goalkeepers, leaves just 20 outfield players. Lulli nearly left at the last minute to gain experience, as often happens to players of his age. D'Amico has already understood how he must operate, even without official communication. The plan is loan deals, both of them, while avoiding exceeding the wage bill ceiling. The next step is identifying suitable players. Those considered in the summer are viable options: Luiz Henrique, Leweling and Gittens. Endrick is an obvious target. However, closing deals in the style of Malen, a loan with an obligation (or right) to buy, is too early. Roma need players who are well coached but at odds with their manager or club, ready and willing to change teams. The club are targeting unhappy players, as happened with the Dutchman under Emery at Aston Villa. Waiting is necessary, as injuries and suspensions often cause managers and directors to change their minds about discarded players. Beyond the summer attempts, the agent of Lookman has made clear that his client, little used by Simeone, is pushing to leave Atlético Madrid. Endrick's position is not new; he was close to Roma in the summer. The Brazilian wants to play more. He has no space at Real Madrid, but Mourinho is holding on to him and has already said he will not help the Friedkins. Gasperini is waiting to learn whether and how he will be satisfied. Nobody has spoken with him, not Dan, Ryan or Corbin, and Galantic cannot comment. No meeting is scheduled at present. Endrick would be ideal for Gasperini, who also needs a winger with pace and power, something the squad currently lacks. It is a promise not kept from last year.

Italy face France tonight in the Nations League, kicking off at 20:45, and coach Roberto Mancini has named his squad, leaving out Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli. Pisilli will watch the match from the stands alongside Cissé, Liberali, Cassano, Palma, Lontani, Ahanor and Gatti. Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi is among the players available to the Italy boss. The Italy squad is made up of three goalkeepers: Donnarumma, Carnesecchi and Vicario. The defenders are Kayode, Scalvini, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco, Palestra and Ghilardi. The midfield options are Ricci, Tonali, Fagioli, Doumbia, Frattesi, Romano, Barella and Vergara. The forwards are S. Esposito, P. Esposito, Scamacca, Cambiaghi and Koleosho. For Roma, Ghilardi's call-up is the main point of interest, while Pisilli's omission means he will not be involved in the national side's fixture against France.

Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli will watch Italy's match against France from the stands, after Italy coach Mancini chose not to include him in the squad for today's fixture. The exclusion halts the midfielder's return to the senior national team. Pisilli had returned to the Italy senior setup after helping the Under-21 side qualify for the next European Championship. This time, however, he will only be a spectator. Cissé and Liberali will also be in the stands. Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi, who was called up during the previous international break, has been retained by Mancini and could feature against France, coached by Zidane. The article notes it is hard to imagine him starting, but Ghilardi is viewed as an extra option to bring on once the match is underway.

Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli will not be available to Italy for the match against France, with Roberto Mancini naming him among the players who will be in the stands just hours before kickoff. Reporting by TMW, which the Italian source relays through TeleRadioStereo, says Pisilli will be joined on the sidelines by Honest Ahanor, Matteo Palma, Federico Gatti, Alphadjo Cisse and Mattia Liberali. Pisilli will not be able to add to his tally with the senior national team against France. The Roma midfielder has already made 4 appearances and scored one goal for Italy, but Mancini has decided not to include him in the list of players available for tonight's game. He remains with the Azzurri squad for this international break. Pisilli's selection snub comes after a strong start to the season with Roma under Gian Piero Gasperini, where he is finding consistency and a growing influence, including in front of goal. Born in 2004, he has been one of the more prominent young Italians in the Giallorossi midfield this campaign.