Koné to stay at Roma after eventful summer: midfielder commits fully to Gasperini's project

Argentina defeated Bolivia 4–0 in a friendly, with Nico Paz of Como stealing the spotlight by scoring and assisting. The standout performance came from Paz, who has now positioned himself as a new face in the Argentina national team's future. Two Roma players remained unused: Matías Soulé, listed as a possible starter in pre-match reports, was benched throughout by manager Scaloni, though the coach signalled he would give the forward greater playing time in upcoming fixtures. Santiago Castro also saw no action across the full 90 minutes. Leonardo Balerdi was the sole Roma representative to feature, entering the pitch in the second half and helping to secure the clean sheet. His appearance capped a positive run in form that has also defined his performances with Roma in this early part of the season. Balerdi's contribution on the night reinforces the improvement he has shown since the campaign began. Argentina will face Burkina Faso next in another friendly fixture. The fixture will precede the eagerly anticipated clash against Benin, which will serve as the backdrop to Lionel Messi's farewell celebration. Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not participate in that match, though both will be present in spirit for what is set to become a historic evening in Argentine football.

Roma face a grueling October fixture list that will test their credentials in their first major run of the season. Between 11 and 31 October, Gian Piero Gasperini's side will play seven matches across Serie A and the Champions League—one every three days. The month begins with a trip to Como on Sunday, followed 80 hours later by a return visit from José Mourinho's side to the Olimpico. That clash carries particular weight as Roma seek points in the Champions League following a draw with Fenerbahce. The month closes with away fixtures at Napoli and Udine, separated by a midweek Serie A home match against Cagliari. The recovery of Lorenzo Pellegrini is among the priorities ahead of these tests; he remains the only squad member awaiting his debut this season. Roma's recent record against top-flight opponents has been a concern, and their ability to perform in such high-stakes fixtures will largely define their ambitions. According to Simone Valdarchi in the Corriere della Sera, the challenge facing Roma in October is a formidable one.

Roma's three-week international break offers Gian Piero Gasperini time to recover Wesley and resolve a tactical question about how to deploy him when Serie A resumes. Wesley arrives at the break after an intense campaign last season, during which he made 69 appearances and played effectively on the left wing alongside his natural right-flank position. His progress was interrupted by a serious injury against Egypt ahead of the World Cup, and more recently a right-thigh strain cost him a Brazil call-up. Despite the setback, Wesley showed promise in the first half against Inter, operating on his natural right side in sync with Dybala and causing problems for Dimarco. Roma, sitting top of the league and relying on the consistency of players like Dybala, Malen, Svilar and Koné, recognise that Wesley's full recovery is essential to achieving the next level. The break comes at a critical moment: after months without a pause, his body has demanded rest and restoration to full fitness. Upon the resumption of the season, Gasperini faces a key tactical decision. Wesley may remain on the right with Molina shifted to the left, or he could return to the left wing to open up rotations with other wide options. Gasperini is taking time to reflect on the choice during the international break.