Lulli earns Gasperini's backing as Roma open contract renewal talks

Roma's summer recruits have been involved in 36.5% of the club's goals this season, with 15 of the team's 41 strikes involving one of them. Gian Piero Gasperini has relied heavily on seven players who were not part of the squad in the last match of the previous campaign: Nahuel Molina, Marten de Roon, Leonardo Balerdi, Rodrigo Mora, Emanuele Lulli, Santiago Castro and Konstantinos Koulierakis. Lulli came up from the Primavera. Molina has been the most-used player, with 751 minutes, one goal and two assists. He is followed by De Roon (732 minutes), Balerdi (639), Mora (595), Lulli (546), Castro (370) and Koulierakis (225). Gasperini has given minutes to every summer arrival, including the Primavera graduate, showing confidence in the quality of the new players. Mora has been the most productive, with four goals and two assists. His recent form, with a sharp improvement in the latest matches, has eased doubts about the investment made in the summer, reported at €25 million plus 50% of a future resale, for a valuation of €50 million. Across all competitions, the new players have taken part in 15 of Roma's 41 goals. By comparison, at the same stage of last season, Massara's summer signings from that campaign had contributed to just three goals: Wesley with one goal, Ferguson with one assist and Tsimikas with one assist.

Mario Hermoso is close to signing a contract extension at Roma, with negotiations underway and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini pushing to finalise the agreement. According to La Repubblica, as reported by TeleRadioStereo, the deal would add two more years with an option. The centre-back's current contract expires at the end of the season. Hermoso has enjoyed a strong run in Rome, scoring 8 goals in 49 appearances for the club, three of them in the current campaign. Gasperini was influential in keeping him at the club in the first place. Hermoso joined as a free agent in 2024 after his time at Atlético Madrid, but he struggled to win regular minutes in his first few months. He was loaned to Bayer Leverkusen in January, and a shoulder injury prevented the German side from buying him outright, so he returned to Roma. Hermoso was reportedly on the chopping block in the summer of 2025, until Gasperini took a liking to him. The coach made him a linchpin of the side, as his skill set and dynamism suited his style well. The Real Madrid product also spent time at Espanyol earlier in his career and has five caps for Spain, although he has not been called up since 2019. Gasperini likes good ball handlers and sound athletes in every position, and especially in the 'braccetti' role. Hermoso's goalscoring is a bonus that has served the team well, as they can bring almost the whole side into the final third when they are firing. The extension is seen as a no-brainer, as the financial sums are not expected to be a problem.

Diego Tavano, agent of several players including Edoardo Bove, has spoken out about goalkeeper Slim Bouaskar, who has struggled to earn playing time with Roma this season, having made just two appearances for the Primavera side. Tavano spoke to journalist Eleonora Trotta. The goalkeeper, born in 2009, was included by The Guardian among the best emerging talents in world football, yet his season in Roma colours has so far failed to take off. Asked why Bouaskar is not finding the space everyone expected, Tavano said: "It's nice that so many people follow him and know him. They have certainly seen him also in the Tunisian national team, where he has worn the shirt of every age group. Now the call-up to the senior national team has also arrived. These are technical choices and we respect them. We have a year and a half left on his contract. It's a shame, because his path had been clean. He has always played in every championship. Last year, under age, he played in the Under-18s and helped the team of coach Scala achieve excellent results. We certainly expected that with Scala's promotion to the Primavera, there would be continuity. At the moment that is not the case, and we take note of it. The boy keeps training well and doing everything he has to do. Again, we have a year and a half left on the contract." Tavano acknowledged that a year and a half remaining on the deal is not a long time, yet several clubs are interested in the player. He said: "Certainly, also because The Guardian is one of the most important newspapers in Europe, but I don't think that is what makes the difference. I think that, if they are gathering information on him, it is above all because of what they have seen with Roma and with the national team. We start again from there. The contract is not long, but the opportunity to talk with Roma will not be missing. Again, I am certainly sorry, because today young players should have more space and there should be people with more courage. I always imagined him as a stable part of the first-team squad, and certainly playing in the Primavera." Asked whether Roma's recent situation had given the goalkeeper an important shop window, Tavano replied: "I have dealt with many goalkeepers, I have managed many of them. It is a rather particular role. At the moment, unfortunately, we are the anvil. We hope that one day we will be the hammer and that he can play for a important club. The dream is to play for Roma, since he grew up here."

Roma's summer recruits have been involved in 36.5% of the club's goals this season, with 15 of the team's 41 strikes involving one of them. Gian Piero Gasperini has relied heavily on seven players who were not part of the squad in the last match of the previous campaign: Nahuel Molina, Marten de Roon, Leonardo Balerdi, Rodrigo Mora, Emanuele Lulli, Santiago Castro and Konstantinos Koulierakis. Lulli came up from the Primavera. Molina has been the most-used player, with 751 minutes, one goal and two assists. He is followed by De Roon (732 minutes), Balerdi (639), Mora (595), Lulli (546), Castro (370) and Koulierakis (225). Gasperini has given minutes to every summer arrival, including the Primavera graduate, showing confidence in the quality of the new players. Mora has been the most productive, with four goals and two assists. His recent form, with a sharp improvement in the latest matches, has eased doubts about the investment made in the summer, reported at €25 million plus 50% of a future resale, for a valuation of €50 million. Across all competitions, the new players have taken part in 15 of Roma's 41 goals. By comparison, at the same stage of last season, Massara's summer signings from that campaign had contributed to just three goals: Wesley with one goal, Ferguson with one assist and Tsimikas with one assist.

Radio Radio Mattino pundit Carina has named Bryan Cristante, Donyell Malen and Matías Soulé as Roma's three most important players at present, while adding that Lulli has been a very pleasant surprise so far this season. Speaking on the same station, Giuseppe Pruzzo said Marten de Roon has been a fundamental signing in midfield. Carina said: "At this moment the three most important players at Roma are Cristante, Malen and Soulé, although Lulli has been a very pleasant surprise at the start of this season. With Dybala's return there will be a switch back of Soulé to the left, which is the side where he performs a little less well." He added: "I still think it is always better to have many players available, because after the international break there will again be a cycle with many closely spaced fixtures." Pruzzo said: "De Roon has been a fundamental signing in midfield. I cannot say whether Roma have an ace up their sleeve regarding a signing who could start in this team at certain moments. If they don't, we will try to go all the way with this squad. At some point in the season, the injury situation will be decisive, especially if Roma are still in the running in the Champions League." The comments come as Roma prepare for a demanding run of fixtures, with Champions League football in the mix this season. Pruzzo's remarks point to the importance of squad depth as the campaign develops.

Roma's focus for the January transfer window has settled on a single target: an attacking winger, ideally left-footed, who is already capable of making a difference at the highest level. The club's primary objective is Real Madrid's Endrick. The Brazilian and Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly admired each other before ever working together, and that admiration grew during the Champions League match between Roma and Real Madrid, when the coach valued the forward's versatility and his physical and technical qualities up close. Endrick was reportedly impressed by Roma's attacking style, which the report suggests would give him more enjoyment than the bench in Madrid. The transfer is constrained by two conditions. Roma can only pursue a deal along the lines of the Malen operation, meaning a loan with an obligation and a right of redemption linked to Champions League qualification, and nothing more. The player must also be of international standard, young but already able to make a difference at high levels, rather than an inexperienced prospect in the mould of Vaz or Venturino. The main obstacle is Real Madrid coach Mourinho, who has said he does not want to sell Endrick. Endrick himself spoke this morning and opened the door to a sale, and his entourage has been pushing for a move away from Spain for some time. Relations between the player and Roma have remained unchanged since the failed summer attempt, and a meeting was held after the Champions League game at the Olimpico to reaffirm their mutual desire to get together in January. The report says Endrick's mood is worsening by the day. Ancelotti has made clear he must play more or risk losing his place in the Brazil squad, which the article describes as a crime for a Brazilian. A loan has therefore returned to the conversation. Endrick could also return to Real Madrid in June, where Vinicius is reportedly running out of months. Roma would not be caught unprepared: a target is already marked for the summer in Kvernadze of Frosinone. The Georgian is much loved by Gasperini and could be available for less in the summer thanks to a reported 4 million euro clause with a high resale percentage. Frosinone currently do not intend to sell him unless they receive crazy offers, but the situation would change in June. The plan, the article says, is clear: Endrick now for the title race, Kvernadze tomorrow. The alternative to the Brazilian could be Gittens, but the fact that the Englishman has never actually played for Chelsea raises legitimate questions. Gasperini had recently expressed a desire to invest in midfield, but that possibility has faded as the days pass. Roma do not want to disrupt a department that has functioned well even during a real emergency, and the club is counting on Pellegrini's return in January. On the left side of defence, Lulli's emergence does not create any urgency, and loan opportunities will be taken if they arise. Oosterwoolde will not arrive, as his physical condition is not convincing, while Balde of Barcelona is of interest.

Roma are looking to strengthen in January, with sporting director Tony D'Amico prioritising a quick, right-footed winger who can operate from the left, cut inside and beat his man, as Gian Piero Gasperini has been waiting for since the summer. The club's room for manoeuvre is limited by the settlement agreement with UEFA, which is preparing a new fine for the Friedkin Group's club in November. For that reason, D'Amico is working on a model similar to the Donyell Malen deal: a loan with a option to buy, which could be turned into an obligation under certain conditions, spreading the investment over several financial years. The first name remains Endrick. The Brazilian from Real Madrid is still D'Amico's dream target, and contacts are being kept alive to see whether a door could open in January. The 2006-born talent is getting very little playing time and needs regular football. However, Roma must overcome the resistance of the Spanish club and its coach José Mourinho. Endrick also does not perfectly fit the profile of the left-sided winger with pace that Gasperini wants, although he would represent an opportunity of the highest level. The other concrete option leads to Jamie Gittens of Chelsea. The Englishman, already chased last summer, is a winger closer to the characteristics the coach is seeking. He too is struggling to find minutes, and the Blues could consider a temporary move. Competition is not lacking, but the possibility of a loan makes this option particularly interesting for Roma. The name of Giorgi Kvernadze of Frosinone also remains warm, but mainly with a view to next summer. The Ciociaro club does not seem willing to part with the Georgian mid-season and is working to tie him down with a renewal and a significant salary increase, so a January move appears complicated, while the discussion could reopen at the end of the season. Gasperini is also reportedly weighing the addition of a midfielder to his rotations. Over the summer he considered four central players sufficient, but the tight schedule of matches and the injury to Manu Koné have shown how thin the midfield cover can become. Among the names circulating again is Pierre-Emile Højbjerg of Marseille, a club facing financial difficulties. The Dane was already evaluated in the summer and could come back into focus. Wiafe of Genoa and Darryl Bakola of Sassuolo are also attracting interest, the latter a young profile with long-term potential on whom competition is already significant. For now these are interests to be explored, with no defined negotiations. Jayden Oosterwolde, by contrast, does not look set to be revisited, the move having fallen through over the summer after problems emerged in his medical tests. The striker therefore remains the absolute priority, but January could also bring a second signing. D'Amico must balance Gasperini's requests, the opportunities offered by the market and the club's financial constraints. Roma are showing they can compete at the top of Serie A, and the goal now is to give the coach more options to face the second half of the season without constantly asking the same players for extra effort.

Roma are beginning to plan for the January transfer window, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and sporting director D'Amico both weighing up targets. Before the match against Sassuolo, D'Amico reiterated Roma's desire to bring an attacking winger to the capital. Gasperini is also pushing for an attacking winger and a midfielder. The advice to strengthen the squad carries Francesco Totti's signature, even though it came from Kuwait. Roma's options are limited, however. Any deal will have to be a loan with a possible obligation to buy, in the style of the Malen signing, because of an impending UEFA fine. Chelsea's Gittens and Real Madrid's Endrick are the front-runners in attack, while Hojbjerg has moved up the list in midfield as Marseille face a deep economic crisis. Genoa's Wiafe and Sassuolo's Bakola are also liked by the club. Oosterwolde has been ruled out. Totti's message was direct: "One or two reinforcements, then Roma can win the Scudetto." Gasperini is understood to share that view, and D'Amico has already started work on the market. Meanwhile, the squad is enjoying a rest period during the international break at Trigoria, where Dybala and Svilar are preparing to return to full training with the group.

Francesco Totti has said Roma need one or two new signings to become genuine title contenders, in comments that come amid reports linking him with a role at Fenerbahce. Speaking as a guest on SashaSports, the former captain also dismissed talk of a return to Roma, but his remarks carry weight given his status as a club legend. Totti said: "Le cose si devono fare in due o non si fanno." In English: "Things have to be done by two people or they don't get done." He added: "Forse bisognerebbe chiedere ad altre persone per capire i motivi, ma io non mi lamento, non recrimino e non voglio creare alcun tipo di problema. Loro stanno facendo bene, tutto funziona, la società è in salute, c'è un grande allenatore e la squadra è forte." Translated: "Perhaps you should ask other people to understand the reasons, but I'm not complaining, I'm not looking back in anger and I don't want to create any kind of problem. They are doing well, everything works, the club is healthy, there is a great coach and the team is strong." Totti was at the centre of strong rumours on Sunday that he could become a director at Fenerbahce, reports officially denied by the Turkish club and by Totti's own entourage. Fenerbahce had earlier also denied interest in Greenwood. Totti's view is that the squad is not yet strong enough to compete for the Scudetto. He said: "Probabilmente servirebbero uno o due innesti per rinforzare la squadra e renderla una vera candidata, una squadra capace di sognare il campionato fino alla fine. In Champions ad esempio questo si è visto, serve una rosa più attrezzata." Translated: "Probably one or two additions would be needed to strengthen the team and make it a real contender, a side capable of dreaming of the title until the end. In the Champions League, for example, this has been seen, a better-equipped squad is needed." Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is reportedly pushing hard for an attacking winger of "gamba" and a midfielder, according to Francesco Balzani writing in Leggo. Sporting director is working on deals, but only operations in the style of Malen are possible, meaning loans with a possible obligation to buy, given an imminent UEFA fine. Gittens of Chelsea and Endrick of Real Madrid are reportedly the front-runners up front, while Hojbjerg is advancing in midfield as Marseille are in deep financial crisis. Wiafe of Genoa and Bakola of Sassuolo are also liked, while Oosterwolde has been ruled out. Meanwhile, Roma are enjoying a break during the international pause at Trigoria, where Dybala and Svilar are preparing to return to the group.

Roma's summer recruits have been involved in 36.5% of the club's goals this season, with 15 of the team's 41 strikes involving one of them. Gian Piero Gasperini has relied heavily on seven players who were not part of the squad in the last match of the previous campaign: Nahuel Molina, Marten de Roon, Leonardo Balerdi, Rodrigo Mora, Emanuele Lulli, Santiago Castro and Konstantinos Koulierakis. Lulli came up from the Primavera. Molina has been the most-used player, with 751 minutes, one goal and two assists. He is followed by De Roon (732 minutes), Balerdi (639), Mora (595), Lulli (546), Castro (370) and Koulierakis (225). Gasperini has given minutes to every summer arrival, including the Primavera graduate, showing confidence in the quality of the new players. Mora has been the most productive, with four goals and two assists. His recent form, with a sharp improvement in the latest matches, has eased doubts about the investment made in the summer, reported at €25 million plus 50% of a future resale, for a valuation of €50 million. Across all competitions, the new players have taken part in 15 of Roma's 41 goals. By comparison, at the same stage of last season, Massara's summer signings from that campaign had contributed to just three goals: Wesley with one goal, Ferguson with one assist and Tsimikas with one assist.

Former Roma player Vincent Candela has urged the club not to settle for less, backing Gian Piero Gasperini's approach and insisting the side can push Inter until the end of the Serie A title race. Speaking to Il Messaggero, Candela praised Gasperini's work, the progress of Matías Soulé and the solidity of the midfield, while also highlighting the impact of Donyell Malen. He also sent a message to the transfer market: "If a couple of missing pieces arrive, we can have even more fun." Roma return to training at Trigoria tomorrow afternoon, and Gasperini is set to gradually bring back Paulo Dybala and Mile Svilar. Svilar, recovering from a stress fracture in the fifth toe of his foot, will undergo a new check-up. Koné and Nahuel Molina will remain at Trigoria during the break. Molina's recall to the national squad has been halted by the club, a call-up that would have meant returning to the capital just two days before the league resumes. Gasperini's side have set a new record in the club's history, scoring 31 goals in the first 11 Serie A matchdays, a figure never previously reached. The previous best was 28 goals in the 1960-61 season. Roma remain unbeaten in Serie A, as are Lazio, and among the top five European leagues they share this record only with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Roma have also not lost at the Stadio Olimpico for over a year.

Gian Piero Gasperini can count on the return of Mile Svilar and Paulo Dybala for Roma's Serie A trip to Parma on 21 November, barring setbacks. The international break gives the coach a welcome boost as Roma aim to stay near the top of Serie A and climb the table in the Champions League. After two rest days granted by Gasperini, Roma reconvene at Trigoria tomorrow afternoon and train until Saturday morning. Dybala and Svilar will gradually rejoin the group. Svilar is due a further check-up after recovering from a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his foot. His rehabilitation, carried out between Belgium and Italy, has gone well, and he is set to be in goal against Parma on 21 November. Manu Koné and Nahuel Molina will also remain at Trigoria. Molina's omission has been decided by Roma; Scaloni has accepted the situation, making do with Balerdi, Soulé and Castro. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the break comes at the right moment to recover Dybala, the Joya, who is one of the key players for the squad. Roma are looking to stay in contention at the top of Serie A while working their way back up the Champions League standings.