Koné on Roma future: 'There were dynamics, now I'm focused and will give 100%'

Midfielder Manu Koné acknowledged that transfer talk has surrounded him but insisted his concentration is now entirely on AS Roma and delivering everything for the club. Speaking ahead of international fixtures, Koné addressed the speculation that marked the summer window and outlined his commitment to the Giallorossi's objectives. Koné noted the teasing he receives from teammates and opponents alike because of his status as a Roma player. He acknowledged that Italy, his upcoming opponents, are in a period of reconstruction and going through a difficult moment, but emphasised that both squads approach the fixture with genuine ambition. "There are many jibes, being a Roma player," Koné said. "They have the desire to win, it's an important match, they are rebuilding and going through a complicated moment. We have training this afternoon but we'll set out with the same dynamic to work on the two upcoming matches. We'll do what the coach asks of us."

Niccolò Pisilli has outlined his ambitions for both club and country, telling Vivo Azzurro TV in their Generazione Azzurra format: "Win a Serie A title with Roma and a World Cup with Italy." The Roma midfielder is currently with Italy's Under-21 squad, preparing for two decisive European Championship qualifiers. Tomorrow he faces Armenia in the first of those two crucial matches. Pisilli reflected on key moments in his international career, highlighting 10 October as his lucky date. He made his senior Italy debut on 10 October 2024 at the Stadio Olimpico—Roma's home ground and the club of his heart—in Rome. Exactly one year later, on 10 October 2025, he scored his first Under-21 brace. The 21-year-old has become a central figure at Roma this season and continues to be a focal point of Italy's youth development.

Manu Koné addressed his future at Roma in a press conference on 30 September, the day before France's international fixture against Italy on 2 October at 20:45. The midfielder acknowledged that "things have happened" but reaffirmed his commitment to the club: "I am a Roma player and I will give 100% for this club. We are focused and we have objectives." Koné's remarks come after reported summer interest from other clubs. He emphasized his willingness to adapt to tactical demands, noting that he has already played in the regista role at Roma. "A midfielder must be able to play anywhere," he said. "I have already played there at Roma—it is not something that changes much. I try to respond to the coach's demands." Speaking about France's upcoming match, Koné acknowledged the rivalry: "There is a lot of banter, being a Roma player. They want to win, it is an important match; they are in rebuilding and going through a complicated moment. We have training this afternoon but we will depart with the same dynamic to work on the two upcoming matches. We will do what the coach asks of us." He also praised France's new coaching staff, saying: "It is nice to be coached by Zinedine Zidane, a world legend. He manages us in a human way, very sincere, close to the players. He goes by feel, takes us aside. He transmits confidence to all of us; each of us is natural. He told me to play freely. What struck me most is his technical repertoire—seeing that he still has that technique, I tell myself that in his time he must have been incredible."

Roma radio commentators have weighed in on squad selection for the fixture on 11 October, with particular focus on players on international duty with Argentina. Lorenzo Pes of Teleradiostereo stated that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina did not force their way into the Buenos Aires trip for Lionel Messi's farewell, and there will be no lasting friction from the club's decision to keep them in Rome. Pes added: "The players did not push to be in Buenos Aires for Messi's goodbye. Roma has a delicate and important match on 11 October and the club's statement shows the strength of the ownership." Simone Valdarchi of Radio Manà Manà predicted Gian Piero Gasperini will make tactical adjustments based on the return of Argentina internationals. He suggested Santiago Castro poses no selection problem in attack, as he would not have dislodged Donyell Malen anyway. In defence, Valdarchi expects Mario Hermoso's continued presence at Trigoria, Evan N'Dicka's early return, and the measured workload of Gianluca Mancini to mean Leonardo Balerdi will not start. He forecast the usual competition between Matías Soulé for a forward berth. Pes also reflected on Lorenzo Pellegrini's form, stating: "Pellegrini did not fully meet expectations. His first year under Mourinho went very well, then he stopped a bit. He has not managed to capture people's hearts." Rome's radio coverage underscores the complexity of balancing international commitments with domestic fixture demands.

Bryan Cristante remains Gian Piero Gasperini's fixture in midfield at Roma, continuing a pattern that has defined his tenure across multiple managers. A midfielder often criticised by supporters but consistently deployed by coaches—from Di Francesco, Ranieri, Fonseca, Mourinho, De Rossi and Juric to Gasperini, who praised him as a roaming attacking midfielder during his time at Bergamo—Cristante has again started the season strongly. He scored on Roma's return to the Champions League and delivered positive displays from the opening Serie A fixture, with a standout first-half performance against Inter alongside Manu Koné, where he matched the quality of the Nerazzurri's midfield. Gasperini awaits Cristante's return following back problems that prevented him from answering Italy national team manager Mancini's call-up. The midfielder's durability and physical presence have made him an indispensable shield in midfield across successive regimes, valued for both his structural contribution and reading of the game without the ball. His prominence this season underscores his continued importance to Roma's tactical setup.

Roma's decision to prevent Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina for Lionel Messi's farewell celebration has drawn widespread commentary from Italian radio pundits, with most backing the club's position as a demonstration of institutional resolve. Rossomando told Radio Manà Manà Sport that the choice was expected but that Roma's decision to issue an official statement surprised and pleased him. "The Roma has demonstrated itself to be a strong and present society," he said. "It is important to have Dybala at Trigoria during the entire break. Behind this decision I believe there is also Gasperini." The club's resolve comes at a sensitive point in the season, with a match against Como described as important and delicate by radio commentators. Other radio voices offered varied perspectives on the decision. Jacobelli at Radio Radio Mattino stated: "The choice of Roma not to let Dybala and Molina go to Argentina is absolutely understandable. One thing is official commitments, another is celebrations like this one for Messi that could have been organised at another moment in the season." Camelio at Radio Radio pomeriggio characterised it as "a shared choice: by Roma, by the players and by Gasperini," noting that it was unlikely Dybala would have been a starter had he returned Friday evening anyway. Ferrajolo disagreed with the restriction, arguing that "a true professional, when he returns, gives his best," though he added that Roma would "neither win nor lose the championship for this." Squad availability for the upcoming fixture remains fluid. Several commentators discussed potential lineup changes during the international break. Valdarchi suggested Gasperini could rotate the three players who departed with Argentina, noting that Castro's absence posed minimal concern given Donyell Malen's status. In defence, he anticipated Mario Hermoso's presence, Evan N'Dicka's early return and Gianluca Mancini's limited exertion would mean Leonardo Balerdi would not start. Carina highlighted Marten de Roon's potential role during the congested fixture schedule, observing that his athletic condition had improved since arrival and would prove useful.

Roma's training ground atmosphere remained positive on 30 September, with Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina among the smiling faces in footage released by the club. The pair had been withdrawn the previous day from an event organised in Argentina to mark Lionel Messi's retirement, a decision that appeared to cause no ill feeling based on the images distributed by the club. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini maintains a calm environment despite ongoing absences. Wesley, Donyell Malen and Bryan Cristante have not yet returned to full group training and continue their recovery programmes, while international players remain away on duty with their national teams. Lorenzo Pellegrini is working hard to regain peak condition during the extended break and may feature in a friendly against the Primavera to build match fitness ahead of competitive action. Roma face Como in eleven days, providing Gasperini with adequate time to prepare for the Sinigaglia fixture and monitor the recovery of unavailable players. The objective is to have the largest possible squad available when the league campaign resumes.

Gian Piero Gasperini has changed his approach to Roma's three-week break between the Inter match and the Como fixture on 11 October. The coach had previously indicated he wanted to arrange two friendlies at Trigoria to keep the squad sharp during the layoff, telling reporters: "We would like to do two." However, Gasperini has now opted instead to organize only an internal match against the Primavera. The decision stems from a shortage of available players. Several squad members are away on international duty, while Bryan Cristante, Wesley and Donyell Malen are dealing with injury problems. Rather than attempting to arrange competitive warm-up matches under these circumstances, Gasperini judged a single training fixture against Roma's youth team the more practical solution.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has reversed his intention to arrange friendly matches during the international break, citing a shortage of available players. Gasperini had said in a press conference that Roma would like to play two friendlies, but changed course after assessing his squad. With attacking depth particularly thin—Paulo Dybala is the only recognised forward currently at the club—the plan has shifted. According to Corriere della Sera, Roma are now considering an internal test match against the Primavera instead, though nothing has yet been confirmed. From next week, international players will begin returning to the capital. Evan N'Dicka is expected to arrive on Sunday, followed by the gradual return of Donyell Malen, Wesley, and Bryan Cristante to group training.