Koné targets Sassuolo return as Dybala hopes rise; Roma injury update

Lorenzo Pellegrini has been ruled out with a new muscle problem, while Bryan Cristante is back in the squad and aiming to be fully available for Saturday's trip to Napoli, coach Gian Piero Gasperini has said. Speaking after the 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, Gasperini said: "Now we have recovered Cristante but we lose Pellegrini. In certain areas we are a bit stretched." Roma regained their winning form in Europe and rotated their squad, but the injury list grew. Pellegrini was forced off early in the second half against Slovan with a muscle problem, interrupting a spell in which he had been steadily regaining continuity and condition. Gasperini played down the severity of the injury but indicated a recovery of some length: "I don't think it's a serious thing. However small it is, when it's muscular it takes 20 days, I think it's around that value." Further tests will clarify the situation, but Pellegrini is set to miss the Napoli match and several of the games that follow. His absence further complicates the selection in the attacking midfield, already affected by the absence of Paulo Dybala. Cristante had been out for recent weeks with a knee problem sustained after the Roma-Inter match. Against Slovan he was officially named back in the matchday squad, although he did not play, with Gasperini preferring not to rush his return. Being on the bench is still a significant step towards full recovery. The aim now is for him to be genuinely available against Napoli at the Maradona, a date Gasperini had earlier identified as a possible return. His availability could prove particularly valuable given the shortage in midfield. Dybala's situation has changed since the first indications after the Real Madrid match. Initially a simple calf strain was mentioned, but the latest checks revealed a small tear. Ahead of the Slovan game, Gasperini explained the Argentine must rest for at least a couple of weeks. After the European match the coach stressed how much his absence weighs on the attack: "If we don't recover Dybala quickly we will really be few in number." Dybala will therefore miss Napoli, and his recovery will be managed with caution. Manu Koné's rehabilitation continues. Tests carried out after the Roma-Real Madrid match showed a first-degree tear of the right hamstring. The Frenchman will not be available at the Maradona and is working towards a return in the coming weeks. Gasperini had pointed to the Sassuolo match as a possible reference point for his return: "Koné has had an MRI: it is a first-degree tear, not particularly significant. It needs the necessary time for recovery and we hope to have him available for Sassuolo." Whether he could be available sooner for the Champions League trip to Manchester United remains to be assessed. Mile Svilar is also still out, recovering from a stress fracture to a finger. The goalkeeper is continuing his programme and will not be available for the trip to the Maradona. The aim is to have him back after the next international break, once the necessary consolidation work is complete. In the meantime Pierluigi Gollini continues to inspire confidence in goal, having kept two consecutive clean sheets against Genoa and Slovan Bratislava. Until Svilar returns, Gollini will remain Roma's first choice in goal. The absences of Dybala, Pellegrini and Koné mainly reduce the options between midfield and the attacking midfield, but Gasperini can count on Malen's return and the possible recovery of Cristante. The most natural solution remains a 3-4-2-1, with Soulé and Mora behind the Dutchman, although a two-striker system with Malen and Castro, supported by one of the two attacking midfielders, is not ruled out. If Cristante is fully available, an alternative would be to pair him with De Roon in midfield, allowing Pisilli to push forward into the attacking midfield. As of 21 October, the probable Roma line-up is: Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Wesley, De Roon, Pisilli, Molina; Mora, Soulé; Malen. Coach: Gasperini.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is set to undergo instrumental tests today to assess a problem with his right thigh flexor, after he was forced off early in the second half of Roma's 4-0 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava. The midfielder's availability for the trip to Napoli on Saturday 24 October, kicking off at 18:00, is seriously in doubt, according to Il Messaggero. Roma's medical staff are waiting for the results to determine whether the problem is minor or whether a longer spell on the sidelines is needed. The timing is a blow for Gian Piero Gasperini, who has only just welcomed back Bryan Cristante from injury and now risks losing another important midfielder. The fear is that Pellegrini could be forced to miss further fixtures beyond the clash at the Maradona. The coming hours will be decisive in establishing his recovery timeline and when he might return to the coach's options. The win over Slovan Bratislava brought renewed enthusiasm to the club, but it has also left a fresh concern over the fitness of Pellegrini, who reportedly felt discomfort in the right thigh flexor before coming off. Roma's medical department will now decide his immediate fate based on the outcome of the scans, with the Napoli fixture the first immediate test of his availability.

Manu Koné is continuing his recovery and hopes to return to Roma's squad for the match against Sassuolo, which falls just before the international break. The French midfielder is still unavailable, but Gasperini hopes to have him back soon to strengthen the department, according to Il Tempo. Player ratings from the Italian papers rewarded Pisilli and Wesley (7.28), the best performers in the win over Slovan Bratislava. Hermoso and Malen (7.14) also earned high marks, followed by Ghilardi and Pellegrini (7.07). Mora (5.93) received the lowest rating and was the only player below the average mark. Gasperini was also praised, receiving a 7.36 for his management of the game. Donyell Malen continues to drive Roma forward. Against Slovan Bratislava he scored a penalty and provided an assist for Pisilli, following his brace against Real Madrid and his assist for Cristante against Fenerbahce. The Dutchman has risen to 9 goals this season, 6 in the league and 3 in the Champions League. He is the first Roma player to be involved in a goal in each of the first three matches of a single edition of the competition, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. There were moments of tension at the Olimpico during Roma against Slovan Bratislava. In the away section, several Slovak ultras reportedly attacked police officers who had intervened to restore order, even taking some riot shields. Police responded with charges that forced the fans back. Some supporters were reportedly identified, and further measures are not ruled out, according to Corriere della Sera.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has been ruled out with a new muscle problem, while Bryan Cristante is back in the squad and aiming to be fully available for Saturday's trip to Napoli, coach Gian Piero Gasperini has said. Speaking after the 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, Gasperini said: "Now we have recovered Cristante but we lose Pellegrini. In certain areas we are a bit stretched." Roma regained their winning form in Europe and rotated their squad, but the injury list grew. Pellegrini was forced off early in the second half against Slovan with a muscle problem, interrupting a spell in which he had been steadily regaining continuity and condition. Gasperini played down the severity of the injury but indicated a recovery of some length: "I don't think it's a serious thing. However small it is, when it's muscular it takes 20 days, I think it's around that value." Further tests will clarify the situation, but Pellegrini is set to miss the Napoli match and several of the games that follow. His absence further complicates the selection in the attacking midfield, already affected by the absence of Paulo Dybala. Cristante had been out for recent weeks with a knee problem sustained after the Roma-Inter match. Against Slovan he was officially named back in the matchday squad, although he did not play, with Gasperini preferring not to rush his return. Being on the bench is still a significant step towards full recovery. The aim now is for him to be genuinely available against Napoli at the Maradona, a date Gasperini had earlier identified as a possible return. His availability could prove particularly valuable given the shortage in midfield. Dybala's situation has changed since the first indications after the Real Madrid match. Initially a simple calf strain was mentioned, but the latest checks revealed a small tear. Ahead of the Slovan game, Gasperini explained the Argentine must rest for at least a couple of weeks. After the European match the coach stressed how much his absence weighs on the attack: "If we don't recover Dybala quickly we will really be few in number." Dybala will therefore miss Napoli, and his recovery will be managed with caution. Manu Koné's rehabilitation continues. Tests carried out after the Roma-Real Madrid match showed a first-degree tear of the right hamstring. The Frenchman will not be available at the Maradona and is working towards a return in the coming weeks. Gasperini had pointed to the Sassuolo match as a possible reference point for his return: "Koné has had an MRI: it is a first-degree tear, not particularly significant. It needs the necessary time for recovery and we hope to have him available for Sassuolo." Whether he could be available sooner for the Champions League trip to Manchester United remains to be assessed. Mile Svilar is also still out, recovering from a stress fracture to a finger. The goalkeeper is continuing his programme and will not be available for the trip to the Maradona. The aim is to have him back after the next international break, once the necessary consolidation work is complete. In the meantime Pierluigi Gollini continues to inspire confidence in goal, having kept two consecutive clean sheets against Genoa and Slovan Bratislava. Until Svilar returns, Gollini will remain Roma's first choice in goal. The absences of Dybala, Pellegrini and Koné mainly reduce the options between midfield and the attacking midfield, but Gasperini can count on Malen's return and the possible recovery of Cristante. The most natural solution remains a 3-4-2-1, with Soulé and Mora behind the Dutchman, although a two-striker system with Malen and Castro, supported by one of the two attacking midfielders, is not ruled out. If Cristante is fully available, an alternative would be to pair him with De Roon in midfield, allowing Pisilli to push forward into the attacking midfield. As of 21 October, the probable Roma line-up is: Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Wesley, De Roon, Pisilli, Molina; Mora, Soulé; Malen. Coach: Gasperini.

Roma's goalscoring spread has become a major talking point after Nicolò Molina's goal against Slovan Bratislava made it 11 different scorers in just ten matches. Donyell Malen leads the way with nine goals, while Pisilli, Koné, Soulé and Hermoso have two each. Lulli, Mora, Cristante, De Roon, Castro and Molina have one apiece. In Serie A, counting cup matches too, Roma have scored from more players than Inter, who are stuck on 10. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are the only Italian club in the top bracket of the Sofascore ranking. Paulo Dybala is the notable absentee from the list and is hoping to return before the international break to add his name to the scoresheet. Every outfield player seems to be getting involved. Ghilardi, who could have been the twelfth man on Tuesday, had a goal ruled out for offside against Castro. Mancini, N'Dicka, Balerdi, Wesley, Rensch, Kouliarakis and Pellegrini are all also looking to get on the scoresheet. The key statistic, according to the article, is the number of chances created and Roma's far greater presence in the opposition box compared with last season. Apart from the match at Como, where Roma played with ten men for more than half an hour, the team have scored in every game in Serie A and the Champions League. They have almost always scored at least twice, the exception being the 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce. Across all European leagues, Brighton lead the way with 15 goals from different scorers, followed by Barcelona, Lyon, Brentford and Real Sociedad with 13. Manchester City, Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid and Freiburg have 12, while Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are on 11.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is set to undergo instrumental tests today to assess a problem with his right thigh flexor, after he was forced off early in the second half of Roma's 4-0 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava. The midfielder's availability for the trip to Napoli on Saturday 24 October, kicking off at 18:00, is seriously in doubt, according to Il Messaggero. Roma's medical staff are waiting for the results to determine whether the problem is minor or whether a longer spell on the sidelines is needed. The timing is a blow for Gian Piero Gasperini, who has only just welcomed back Bryan Cristante from injury and now risks losing another important midfielder. The fear is that Pellegrini could be forced to miss further fixtures beyond the clash at the Maradona. The coming hours will be decisive in establishing his recovery timeline and when he might return to the coach's options. The win over Slovan Bratislava brought renewed enthusiasm to the club, but it has also left a fresh concern over the fitness of Pellegrini, who reportedly felt discomfort in the right thigh flexor before coming off. Roma's medical department will now decide his immediate fate based on the outcome of the scans, with the Napoli fixture the first immediate test of his availability.

Roma's pundits on Rome's radio stations were largely positive about the club's recent results, but they were divided over Mora and the January market. Roberto Pruzzo, speaking on Radio Radio, said: 'Mora is absolutely not ready for this stage, and Roma must sign Lookman. Do a six-month loan.' He also said Castro does not play when Malen is fit and that Mora did not take advantage of his chance, adding that a striker is needed in January. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo was more worried: 'I said Mora had to play to get used to his teammates, but there is a Mora problem. Do you remember Bojan Krkic? I would not want him to suffer the same fate.' Corsi said Mora was an embarrassment in front of goal, had shot at a photographer and had got everything wrong on Sunday, including his passing. The debate followed a run of matches after the heavy defeat to Real Madrid. Mario Mattioli of Radio Radio said Roma were fortunate to face Genoa and Slovan Bratislava afterwards, as they could restore their mental focus, and that Roma had taken full advantage. He described Slovan as a side who do not belong in the Champions League, suggesting they were better suited to the Europa League or Conference League. Fabio Petruzzi of Rete Sport argued that Roma make their opponents look weak: 'Genoa were weak, Slovan are weak, they are all weak... even Real Madrid were weak until ten minutes from the end. I would start saying Roma are strong.' Alessio Nardo of Tele Radio Stereo said he could hardly recall a smaller side worse than Slovan Bratislava, adding that they could not keep the ball for more than three seconds. David Rossi of Rete Sport praised the defence under Gian Piero Gasperini: 'What impresses me is that the defenders have improved most with Gasperini. Ghilardi started two matches, against Lecce and against Slovan, and I remember him more for what he does in attack than in defence. Ghilardi is a starter now. Hermoso, we did not know who to pin it on, and now he is a leader. Balerdi arrived while Marseille fans were celebrating, and here he is dominant. N'Dicka has improved a lot... Roma have a back line that I believe is the strongest in Italy.' Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport noted that Roma had rotated five starters in defence over the last two matches while conceding no goals. He said the comparison between Malen and Castro and Ferguson and Dovbyk was harsh. Pes argued that Gasperini had not overused Pellegrini, who had started two matches, and said Pellegrini was prone to injury, which he had always been. Pellegrini is now 30, Pes said, and the problems are getting worse. Checco Oddo Casano said Roma should consider the futures of Dybala and Pellegrini in June, after seeing how many matches they had played. The radio hosts agreed that a striker is needed, and Pruzzo said he would name the player to be signed in January. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said he was supporting Manchester United against Como that evening, because a defeat for the English side would leave Roma with a final chance. He also said Roma had regrets about Fenerbahce and Real Madrid, where a result was possible, and warned that Roma could arrive at the third-last match ranked behind others in the table.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has been ruled out with a new muscle problem, while Bryan Cristante is back in the squad and aiming to be fully available for Saturday's trip to Napoli, coach Gian Piero Gasperini has said. Speaking after the 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, Gasperini said: "Now we have recovered Cristante but we lose Pellegrini. In certain areas we are a bit stretched." Roma regained their winning form in Europe and rotated their squad, but the injury list grew. Pellegrini was forced off early in the second half against Slovan with a muscle problem, interrupting a spell in which he had been steadily regaining continuity and condition. Gasperini played down the severity of the injury but indicated a recovery of some length: "I don't think it's a serious thing. However small it is, when it's muscular it takes 20 days, I think it's around that value." Further tests will clarify the situation, but Pellegrini is set to miss the Napoli match and several of the games that follow. His absence further complicates the selection in the attacking midfield, already affected by the absence of Paulo Dybala. Cristante had been out for recent weeks with a knee problem sustained after the Roma-Inter match. Against Slovan he was officially named back in the matchday squad, although he did not play, with Gasperini preferring not to rush his return. Being on the bench is still a significant step towards full recovery. The aim now is for him to be genuinely available against Napoli at the Maradona, a date Gasperini had earlier identified as a possible return. His availability could prove particularly valuable given the shortage in midfield. Dybala's situation has changed since the first indications after the Real Madrid match. Initially a simple calf strain was mentioned, but the latest checks revealed a small tear. Ahead of the Slovan game, Gasperini explained the Argentine must rest for at least a couple of weeks. After the European match the coach stressed how much his absence weighs on the attack: "If we don't recover Dybala quickly we will really be few in number." Dybala will therefore miss Napoli, and his recovery will be managed with caution. Manu Koné's rehabilitation continues. Tests carried out after the Roma-Real Madrid match showed a first-degree tear of the right hamstring. The Frenchman will not be available at the Maradona and is working towards a return in the coming weeks. Gasperini had pointed to the Sassuolo match as a possible reference point for his return: "Koné has had an MRI: it is a first-degree tear, not particularly significant. It needs the necessary time for recovery and we hope to have him available for Sassuolo." Whether he could be available sooner for the Champions League trip to Manchester United remains to be assessed. Mile Svilar is also still out, recovering from a stress fracture to a finger. The goalkeeper is continuing his programme and will not be available for the trip to the Maradona. The aim is to have him back after the next international break, once the necessary consolidation work is complete. In the meantime Pierluigi Gollini continues to inspire confidence in goal, having kept two consecutive clean sheets against Genoa and Slovan Bratislava. Until Svilar returns, Gollini will remain Roma's first choice in goal. The absences of Dybala, Pellegrini and Koné mainly reduce the options between midfield and the attacking midfield, but Gasperini can count on Malen's return and the possible recovery of Cristante. The most natural solution remains a 3-4-2-1, with Soulé and Mora behind the Dutchman, although a two-striker system with Malen and Castro, supported by one of the two attacking midfielders, is not ruled out. If Cristante is fully available, an alternative would be to pair him with De Roon in midfield, allowing Pisilli to push forward into the attacking midfield. As of 21 October, the probable Roma line-up is: Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Wesley, De Roon, Pisilli, Molina; Mora, Soulé; Malen. Coach: Gasperini.

Roma's goalscoring spread has become a major talking point after Nicolò Molina's goal against Slovan Bratislava made it 11 different scorers in just ten matches. Donyell Malen leads the way with nine goals, while Pisilli, Koné, Soulé and Hermoso have two each. Lulli, Mora, Cristante, De Roon, Castro and Molina have one apiece. In Serie A, counting cup matches too, Roma have scored from more players than Inter, who are stuck on 10. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are the only Italian club in the top bracket of the Sofascore ranking. Paulo Dybala is the notable absentee from the list and is hoping to return before the international break to add his name to the scoresheet. Every outfield player seems to be getting involved. Ghilardi, who could have been the twelfth man on Tuesday, had a goal ruled out for offside against Castro. Mancini, N'Dicka, Balerdi, Wesley, Rensch, Kouliarakis and Pellegrini are all also looking to get on the scoresheet. The key statistic, according to the article, is the number of chances created and Roma's far greater presence in the opposition box compared with last season. Apart from the match at Como, where Roma played with ten men for more than half an hour, the team have scored in every game in Serie A and the Champions League. They have almost always scored at least twice, the exception being the 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce. Across all European leagues, Brighton lead the way with 15 goals from different scorers, followed by Barcelona, Lyon, Brentford and Real Sociedad with 13. Manchester City, Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid and Freiburg have 12, while Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are on 11.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has been ruled out with a new muscle problem, while Bryan Cristante is back in the squad and aiming to be fully available for Saturday's trip to Napoli, coach Gian Piero Gasperini has said. Speaking after the 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, Gasperini said: "Now we have recovered Cristante but we lose Pellegrini. In certain areas we are a bit stretched." Roma regained their winning form in Europe and rotated their squad, but the injury list grew. Pellegrini was forced off early in the second half against Slovan with a muscle problem, interrupting a spell in which he had been steadily regaining continuity and condition. Gasperini played down the severity of the injury but indicated a recovery of some length: "I don't think it's a serious thing. However small it is, when it's muscular it takes 20 days, I think it's around that value." Further tests will clarify the situation, but Pellegrini is set to miss the Napoli match and several of the games that follow. His absence further complicates the selection in the attacking midfield, already affected by the absence of Paulo Dybala. Cristante had been out for recent weeks with a knee problem sustained after the Roma-Inter match. Against Slovan he was officially named back in the matchday squad, although he did not play, with Gasperini preferring not to rush his return. Being on the bench is still a significant step towards full recovery. The aim now is for him to be genuinely available against Napoli at the Maradona, a date Gasperini had earlier identified as a possible return. His availability could prove particularly valuable given the shortage in midfield. Dybala's situation has changed since the first indications after the Real Madrid match. Initially a simple calf strain was mentioned, but the latest checks revealed a small tear. Ahead of the Slovan game, Gasperini explained the Argentine must rest for at least a couple of weeks. After the European match the coach stressed how much his absence weighs on the attack: "If we don't recover Dybala quickly we will really be few in number." Dybala will therefore miss Napoli, and his recovery will be managed with caution. Manu Koné's rehabilitation continues. Tests carried out after the Roma-Real Madrid match showed a first-degree tear of the right hamstring. The Frenchman will not be available at the Maradona and is working towards a return in the coming weeks. Gasperini had pointed to the Sassuolo match as a possible reference point for his return: "Koné has had an MRI: it is a first-degree tear, not particularly significant. It needs the necessary time for recovery and we hope to have him available for Sassuolo." Whether he could be available sooner for the Champions League trip to Manchester United remains to be assessed. Mile Svilar is also still out, recovering from a stress fracture to a finger. The goalkeeper is continuing his programme and will not be available for the trip to the Maradona. The aim is to have him back after the next international break, once the necessary consolidation work is complete. In the meantime Pierluigi Gollini continues to inspire confidence in goal, having kept two consecutive clean sheets against Genoa and Slovan Bratislava. Until Svilar returns, Gollini will remain Roma's first choice in goal. The absences of Dybala, Pellegrini and Koné mainly reduce the options between midfield and the attacking midfield, but Gasperini can count on Malen's return and the possible recovery of Cristante. The most natural solution remains a 3-4-2-1, with Soulé and Mora behind the Dutchman, although a two-striker system with Malen and Castro, supported by one of the two attacking midfielders, is not ruled out. If Cristante is fully available, an alternative would be to pair him with De Roon in midfield, allowing Pisilli to push forward into the attacking midfield. As of 21 October, the probable Roma line-up is: Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Wesley, De Roon, Pisilli, Molina; Mora, Soulé; Malen. Coach: Gasperini.

Roma responded straight away to their dramatic defeat to Real Madrid, beating Slovan Bratislava 4-0 at the Stadio Olimpico to move up to 4 points in the Champions League. Gian Piero Gasperini made six changes from the side that played Genoa, yet the team kept its identity, intensity and competitiveness. The night was spoiled by a fresh blow from the treatment room: Lorenzo Pellegrini suffered a muscular problem that rekindled concern ahead of the big match against Napoli. The 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava brought Roma confidence and breathing space, confirming the soundness of Gasperini's choices and his ability to manage the squad's energy without changing the tactical set-up. After the match the coach stressed how vital it is to have a squad ready to respond at all times, especially with a calendar that allows no pause. Pellegrini's injury is a problem to the right thigh flexor, and he will undergo tests and be sidelined for about twenty days. It is a heavy setback that adds to the absences of Dybala, Svilar and Koné, further complicating the management of the attacking department. Roma face a Champions League that promises fascinating challenges against Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, but the squad is thin for the delicate trip to the Maradona. The club will have to grit its teeth and make a virtue of necessity.

Roma host Slovan Bratislava tonight at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico in the third matchday of the Champions League league phase, and Bryan Cristante is back in Gian Piero Gasperini's squad. The midfielder had been out of the last few matches with a knee problem. His return gives Roma an extra option in midfield during a period of closely spaced fixtures. The match comes after Roma's defeat to Real Madrid, and Gasperini's side are looking to collect important points on their European campaign. Paulo Dybala is not in the squad. Gasperini confirmed at the eve-of-match press conference that the Argentine has a small muscle tear, and his recovery will take another couple of weeks. Manu Koné is also absent and does not feature in the list of players available for the European fixture. Mile Svilar is missing with a foot injury. The full squad list names Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi in defence. The midfield selection is Cristante, Pellegrini, De Roon, Pisilli, Di Nunzio and Mora. Alessandro Di Nunzio is a young midfielder from the youth sector, and he was also called up for the league match against Genoa. Pierluigi Gollini, Devis Vásquez and De Marzi are the goalkeepers. In attack, Gasperini can call on Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro to lead the line. More than 60,000 fans are expected at the Olimpico for the game.