Lo Monaco says Gittens and Endrick would make Roma title contenders; radio pundits debate Lookman and the January market

Roma are already looking beyond the expiry of Marten de Roon's contract, with the club reportedly keen to extend the Dutch midfielder's deal for next season if he continues playing at his current level. Il Corriere dello Sport reports that the board would be prepared to retain him beyond his current contract, should the 35-year-old decide to keep playing and the season continue at the current standard, a scenario considered likely at present. De Roon arrived in the summer to reunite with Gian Piero Gasperini and bring experience and reliability to the new Giallorossi project. He has shown important qualities both technically and physically, and he will turn 36 in March, an age that does not appear to be an obstacle. The former Atalanta player has shown he can meet the demands of Gasperini's football, quickly becoming a reference point for the midfield and the dressing room. The financial side is not expected to complicate any agreement. Over the summer the player had already preferred the chance to work again with Gasperini, who had personally contacted him to convince him to move to the capital. De Roon's priority, the report says, remains to be useful to Roma and to his longtime coach. After his first weeks were devoted mainly to recovering his best condition, following a complicated summer, De Roon has gradually settled into his new daily life. He has moved to Casal Palocco, close to some of his teammates, and his relationship with Roma and the environment at Trigoria is strengthening. The first assessment is therefore already strongly positive, and according to the newspaper, should De Roon decide to continue his career, agreeing a renewal could become little more than a formality.

Roma are interested in Atletico Madrid winger Ademola Lookman as they look for a high-level signing in January, according to Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo. The Nigerian forward has slipped down Diego Simeone's pecking order, and the report says Gian Piero Gasperini knows him well, having coached him at Atalanta. The move is complicated by Atletico's reluctance to weaken their attack. Lookman has lost regular game time this season. He has made 15 appearances across La Liga and the Champions League, scoring twice and providing one assist, but his role in Simeone's rotations has steadily shrunk. The clearest sign came in the recent match against Barcelona: although Atletico were behind on the scoreboard, Simeone left Lookman on the bench for the entire game without using all of his substitutions. That decision fuelled questions in Spain about the Nigerian's role and his ability to win back the coach's trust. For Roma, Lookman would represent the quality, pace and unpredictability that Gasperini has long asked for to complete his attack. Mundo Deportivo describes him as a player who is ready now, with international experience and a deep understanding of his coach's methods. Gasperini led Atalanta to victory in the 2024 Europa League final, when Lookman scored a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen. However, the main obstacle is Atletico. Spanish reports suggest Simeone would be unlikely to let Lookman go without a replacement of equal or greater quality. Atletico invested 35 million euros plus five million in bonuses to sign him from Atalanta last February, and his contract runs until 2030, which strengthens the club's position. Even with his reduced playing time, Atletico do not need to sell him, and a departure mid-season appears particularly difficult. The interest therefore remains a tempting option but, for now, more complicated than concrete. Simeone would only reconsider if he received adequate guarantees over a suitable replacement.

Roma sporting director D'Amico has Nigerian winger Lookman on his list of attacking reinforcements, as the club look to give Gian Piero Gasperini the final pieces needed to compete on all fronts. Endrick remains the top name on the list, but a route to the former Atalanta forward has emerged in recent hours. Gasperini knows Lookman well, having been the coach who developed him into one of the best players in his role at Atalanta. That reputation convinced Atlético Madrid to invest millions to bring him to Spain. His time in the Spanish capital, however, has not gone as planned. After a strong start, Lookman has found it harder, playing less and having less impact. That has sparked early talk about his future and the possibility of a departure. According to Mundo Deportivo, Alemany does not want to let him leave without first identifying a concrete alternative. The message from Atlético is clear: a replacement must arrive first, and only then can a sale be discussed. Finding a player with Lookman's characteristics in January will not be simple, which is why the move could heat up mainly in the summer.

Former Roma striker Abel Balbo has praised Matías Soulé's personality, saying it has surprised him, and said Santiago Castro will have the chance to prove his worth behind Donyell Malen. Speaking exclusively to Retesport, Balbo also reflected on playing in the club's Scudetto-winning season. Balbo said being part of that campaign, even briefly, was the crowning moment of his career, as he had arrived near the end of it. Asked about the number of Argentines now at Roma, he said: "The Argentine player has certain characteristics, he has personality and technical qualities. They are people who form a group. We are presumptuous, we are not afraid, and we always push forward to reach a goal. They are all functional to Gasperini's game, and they will do great things." On Soulé, Balbo said: "I expected his growth because he has enormous talent and has everything to do great things. I did not think he could have so much personality. He is a young lad, he is not afraid, he goes at people and creates situations whether it is Real Madrid or the team at the bottom of the table. He is very mature in this respect and it has surprised me." On Balerdi, he said: "Very functional to Gasperini's game. He is fast, aggressive and sees the goal, scoring because he is strong in the air. He comes from Boca, has many matches behind him with Marseille and in the German league: he has experience, he is doing and will do well. Then mistakes can be made, as happened in Manchester, it can happen." Asked how it feels to play alongside a striker like Malen, and about Castro, Balbo said: "It is painful because logically he has been paid a lot, and there is a lot of expectation. He will have time, Malen is doing extraordinary things. He will have the chance to prove his value. He is not a great goalscorer but he gives his life for the team. He will be loved by Roma fans." Balbo also recalled a derby from his time at the club. "It was one derby among others, but they wrote us off because Lazio were flying while we were not. We played a great game and we played with force. Cervone even grabbed one of them by the neck, lifting him inside the small area (laughs). Mazzone deserved it, he suffered so much every Sunday: he was coach of his beloved team and did not want to make mistakes. Everyone talked about Zeman and his attacking football, and about the catenaccio of Mazzone, so it was a huge satisfaction." On the fans, he added: "Before there was a beautiful, direct and sincere relationship with the supporters, sometimes it even went too far: it is a pity that things have changed now. My football was much better from this point of view."

Santiago Castro has been named the best Serie A goal of October for his strike against Genoa, which helped Roma to a 2-0 win in the seventh matchday of the league season. The Argentine forward has scored only one goal since joining Roma in the final summer transfer window, and that was the effort against Genoa. The goal showcased the technical qualities of the centre-forward. Surrounded by three Genoa defenders inside the penalty area, Castro found space from nothing, struck a sudden and precise shot, and beat the goalkeeper to send the ball into the net. The award came ahead of the spectacular overhead kick by Orsolini against Lecce. The Serie A league's official account shared the award on social media, with video of the goal available to watch.

Santiago Castro has won the 'goal of the month' award for October with his strike against Genoa, a single but spectacular effort. The Argentine broke his duck against the Rossoblu with a delicate touch under the ball inside the penalty area, beating Riccardo Orsolini, who had scored against Lecce with an overhead kick. Despite limited playing time, Castro has been called up to Argentina by Scaloni and will be available for the friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica. He has started only two matches in the giallorossi shirt, but his opportunities should come after the November international break, with seven fixtures scheduled in just under a month.

Former Roma striker Abel Balbo has praised Matías Soulé's personality, saying it has surprised him, and said Santiago Castro will have the chance to prove his worth behind Donyell Malen. Speaking exclusively to Retesport, Balbo also reflected on playing in the club's Scudetto-winning season. Balbo said being part of that campaign, even briefly, was the crowning moment of his career, as he had arrived near the end of it. Asked about the number of Argentines now at Roma, he said: "The Argentine player has certain characteristics, he has personality and technical qualities. They are people who form a group. We are presumptuous, we are not afraid, and we always push forward to reach a goal. They are all functional to Gasperini's game, and they will do great things." On Soulé, Balbo said: "I expected his growth because he has enormous talent and has everything to do great things. I did not think he could have so much personality. He is a young lad, he is not afraid, he goes at people and creates situations whether it is Real Madrid or the team at the bottom of the table. He is very mature in this respect and it has surprised me." On Balerdi, he said: "Very functional to Gasperini's game. He is fast, aggressive and sees the goal, scoring because he is strong in the air. He comes from Boca, has many matches behind him with Marseille and in the German league: he has experience, he is doing and will do well. Then mistakes can be made, as happened in Manchester, it can happen." Asked how it feels to play alongside a striker like Malen, and about Castro, Balbo said: "It is painful because logically he has been paid a lot, and there is a lot of expectation. He will have time, Malen is doing extraordinary things. He will have the chance to prove his value. He is not a great goalscorer but he gives his life for the team. He will be loved by Roma fans." Balbo also recalled a derby from his time at the club. "It was one derby among others, but they wrote us off because Lazio were flying while we were not. We played a great game and we played with force. Cervone even grabbed one of them by the neck, lifting him inside the small area (laughs). Mazzone deserved it, he suffered so much every Sunday: he was coach of his beloved team and did not want to make mistakes. Everyone talked about Zeman and his attacking football, and about the catenaccio of Mazzone, so it was a huge satisfaction." On the fans, he added: "Before there was a beautiful, direct and sincere relationship with the supporters, sometimes it even went too far: it is a pity that things have changed now. My football was much better from this point of view."

Radio pundits have shared their views on Roma's attacking transfer plans, with the club's first choice reportedly a winger who can play on the left with a burst of pace. Camelio, speaking on Radio Radio Pomeriggio, said the club first needs to establish which transfer formula it can use, and argued that Endrick is not a winger but a second striker. Ferrajolo, also on Radio Radio Pomeriggio, described Endrick as an attacking winger who can operate on either flank depending on the team's needs, adding that he is not a pure first striker but an attacking winger. Pugliese said Roma's first choice remains a winger who can play on the left, even though the coach changes systems and rotates players. He said Roma are looking for a loan with an option to buy. According to Pugliese, a deal for Endrick was practically complete in the summer until Mourinho got involved, with the Portuguese coach continuing to be one of the player's main admirers. Roma could also work on Gittens, but Pugliese believes one of the two will arrive rather than both. He does not rule out Sporting for Endrick, pointing out that the Portuguese club know Fonseca well, the coach who developed him at Lyon, and that Sporting are playing in the Champions League. Vocalelli, also speaking on Radio Radio Pomeriggio, called Endrick a top player in world football. He noted that at 20 he has already collected 24 appearances for the Brazil national team. Vocalelli said that if Endrick were to join Roma he would be welcomed with open arms, and that he could play alongside Soulé and Malen.

Roman radio pundits have been debating a possible move for Brazilian forward Endrick, with contrasting views on whether he would suit Roma. On David Rossi's Rete Sport show, Rossi said Il Corriere dello Sport reported that both AC Milan and Roma were interested in the player, and that Endrick had said he would not join Milan because the club's symbol is the Devil. Rossi questioned whether that could be credible, adding that when a name is this obvious a deal rarely happens unless it is already done. He also said there was a danger Fonseca wanted Endrick at Sporting, where the player had felt at home under Fonseca at Lyon. "Endrick is a fantastic player," Rossi said. "Gittens may play on the left, but between him and Endrick there are, for me, three categories of difference." The debate comes as Roma are in the title conversation. Gianluca Piacentini named three reasons to believe in the scudetto: the league's strongest coach, room to improve through the January transfer market, and a levelled-down Serie A, which he said was shown by Lazio sitting top of the table. He said he hoped the race would be between Roma and Inter. Piacentini also criticised the 'atleta di Cristo' explanation, saying it was not a fair criterion for choosing a destination. Fabio Petruzzi said Endrick sees little of the pitch and may want to leave to play regularly, adding that if he has not played while Vinicius was suspended for four matches, he will never play. He said that if he were an attacker, Gasperini is the first coach he would want to work with, and that Endrick, a left-footed player, can play on the left. Mario Corsi said the Mora-Endrick comparison was a trap because the two are completely different players. He said Endrick has a strong shot, dribbling and heading ability, and that strong players must be signed. He said Malen should not be deployed on the wing because he must stay in the middle, and that Gasperini and D'Amico had not heard from Friedkin for a long time and were somewhat worried. "If they really want to win, they have to make this move." Francesca Ferrazza said Roma need two forwards with Pellegrini gone, and that Endrick offers the best value for money. Lorenzo Pes said Malen's frequent substitutions also happened last year, and that Retegui at Atalanta rarely finished matches. Valentina Catoni said that when Dybala is fit he always plays. Piero Torri recalled Mourinho saying Endrick would not leave Madrid, noted that the Brazil international has started only one match, and said Endrick is a second striker who would sit behind Soulé and Dybala. Roberto Pruzzo said Endrick wants to play and that Italian football has become a second-tier league. Nando Orsi argued Roma need a right-footed winger who plays on the left, and that Endrick would be of little use with Castro already in the squad. Mario Mattioli warned that bringing Endrick into the Roma dressing room could be an unwanted explosion, calling him very difficult to manage and saying he would have to play always and in every match. "He is not a dressing-room man," Mattioli said, adding that Endrick is not the man who says "let's arm ourselves and set off" when a common effort is needed.

Dybala and Mancini have returned to training with the group at Trigoria, with both now in contention for Roma's trip to Parma on 21 November. The squad resumed work after three days' rest with thirteen players away on international duty, and Gian Piero Gasperini used the break to clear the injury list. Paulo Dybala is gradually overcoming a calf injury, while Gianluca Mancini has almost shaken off a muscle complaint. Their responses will be assessed over the coming days, but the chances of both being available at the Tardini are growing. There are also encouraging signs for Mile Svilar, who is still training apart from the group but has put his boots back on after weeks in a protective boot for a foot injury, boosting hopes of his return in goal against Parma. His recovery will also allow Pierluigi Gollini to recover more calmly from the back problem that cost him the last two matches. Gasperini is now looking ahead to the January window and will discuss the matter this week with sporting director Tony D'Amico and chief executive John Galantic. The coach's priority is to add offensive options with a profile offering pace and unpredictability. Three different options are on the club's list, though none has yet become a concrete negotiation. The internal discussions come against a backdrop of a cool and distant relationship between Gasperini and the Friedkin family. No meetings with the ownership are currently planned to define winter strategy, so the talks with D'Amico and Galantic will serve to set priorities and room for manoeuvre while awaiting decisions from the American owners.

Paulo Dybala's return from injury is excellent news for Gian Piero Gasperini, but it brings a tactical dilemma, as Matías Soulé has raised his level considerably during Dybala's absence, mainly playing on the right flank. That is the area of the pitch Dybala also considers ideal for showcasing his qualities, so the coach must find a way to fit both Argentinians together without sacrificing the good form Soulé has shown in recent weeks. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Soulé has used his compatriot's injury to become an increasingly central figure in Roma's attacking play. Starting on the right, he can receive the ball on his stronger foot, cut inside and look for a shot or a through ball for team-mates. It is a position that lets him make the most of his strengths, and he has been offering particularly convincing performances from there. The problem is that Dybala also prefers that flank. When Gasperini has had both players available at the same time, he has often chosen to deploy the Joya on the right and move Soulé to the opposite side. That arrangement could now be reconsidered, precisely because of the growth of the former Frosinone player. One option under study could be to use Dybala on the left, leaving Soulé free to start from the right. The No. 21 has enough technical quality and experience to adapt to other areas of the final third, although he naturally prefers to receive the ball on his left foot. Gasperini, moreover, considers versatility a fundamental trait of his attacking players. The alternative is to alternate the two Argentinians, even during matches, using Dybala's recovery to increase rotation in a department that has had to cope with numerous absences in recent weeks. Dybala has resumed partial training with the group and, barring setbacks, will be available for the match against Parma on 21 November. His return could therefore change Roma's attacking balance, but this time the certainty to build from is an increasingly prominent Soulé. It will be up to Gasperini to decide how to make the most of both players without holding back the development of the younger of the two Argentinians.

Police in France have cut the number of tickets available to Roma supporters for the Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain, reducing the away allocation at the Parc des Princes from 2,376 to 1,500. The move, reported by Daniele Aloisi in Il Messaggero, is linked to a friendship between PSG's ultras and Napoli's supporters, which has raised public order concerns for the French authorities. Tickets go on sale from today at 12:00. The decision comes as Roma prepare for the fixture in Paris on 25 November. Dybala has returned to partial training with the group in Trigoria, nearly a month after the injury he picked up against Real Madrid on 14 October. Yesterday he showed sharp touches and scored in a training-ground game, which is good news for Gasperini. Gollini's return has slipped, but it is not a cause for concern. Rensch is heading towards missing the trip to Parma's Tardini. Roma fans will still be present at the Parc des Princes, although the decision on Parma remains on standby. The goal is for the squad to be fit for Paris on 25 November.