Lulli impresses, but Gasperini wants another: Cacciamani, Udogie, and Luis Henrique on Roma's radar

Manu Koné has dismissed the prospect of a Chelsea move and reaffirmed his commitment to Roma after the midfielder came close to leaving the club during the summer transfer window. The French midfielder has become a key player for Roma this season, notably scoring twice in a 2–2 draw against Inter. He was also called up to the French national team during the international break. Koné's importance to Gasperini's plans meant the club resisted Chelsea's late approach. The midfielder has credited Roma with his development since joining from Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he played from 2021 to 2024. He arrived at the Serie A club at age 23 and has grown considerably both tactically and physically in that time. Speaking at a France press conference ahead of a fixture against Italy, Koné said: "Things have happened for me, but I'm at Roma, I'm focused. What happened has happened. I give 100% for this club, I'll give everything to meet expectations, and that's all." On his time in Rome, he added: "When I arrived in Italy, I was younger (I was 23), and that brought maturity to my playing style. I became more focused. Tactically, I didn't have the skills I have now. I also improved my energy management, which made me the player I am today. I was going through a difficult period at Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Roma approached me; I'm very grateful to them."

Roma attempted to sign Lucas Da Cunha from Como during the summer transfer window that closed a month ago, but the French midfielder and Como captain declined the move to remain with Fabregas's side. Napoli and Atalanta also showed interest in the 2001-born player, as did several Premier League clubs, but Da Cunha opted against leaving. The failed pursuit comes as Roma successfully resisted late-window pressure to sell Manu Koné, a key midfielder for the club. Da Cunha has since impressed for France's national team and earned widespread praise in his home country, making the missed opportunity notable for the Giallorossi as they navigated the summer market.

Alessandro Romano, a midfielder born in 2006 who debuted for Italy against Belgium, has emerged as one of the season's breakout performers after joining Cagliari on loan with a €5 million purchase option from Roma this summer. His rapid impact has triggered intense transfer interest, with Inter and Juventus now actively pursuing the 20-year-old alongside several Premier League clubs who have submitted offers to Cagliari. Roma retain a financial stake in Romano's future: the club has secured a 10% resale clause on any profit Cagliari generates above the €5 million they paid to sign him. Inter are reportedly balancing their pursuit of Romano against ongoing difficulties in renewing the contract of Turkish midfielder Gordon Stipic, while the player's development has become a priority for the club's sporting directors Marotta and Baccin, who have been tracking him for several weeks.

Como's squad has accumulated more minutes in international duty during the current break than Roma's, a factor that could influence the upcoming league fixture between the two sides. Cesc Fabregas's Como squad saw 15 players called up across various national teams and age groups, while Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma contingent numbered 12. Como's representatives included Kean and Ricci (Italy), Da Cunha and Butez (France), Baturina and Smolcic (Croatia), Douvikas (Greece), Chalobah (England), Diao (Senegal), Paz (Argentina), Kambwala (Congo), Liberali (Italy Under 21), Ramon, Valle and Rodriguez (Spain Under 21). Roma's included Mancini and Ghilardi (Italy), Koné (France), Balerdi, Soulé and Castro (Argentina), N'Dicka (Ivory Coast), Koulierakis (Greece), Lulli and Pisilli (Italy Under 21), Mora (Portugal U21), and De Marzi (USA Under 19). As of yesterday evening, Como's 15 players had accumulated 770 minutes of international action, while Roma's 12 had totalled 450 minutes. Further matches remain to be played in the international window, meaning the figures will change.

Roman radio stations aired opinions on three key Roma stories on 28 September 2026. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport (90.9) predicted that a new stadium would transform the club's finances. 'Today could be an important day for Roma's stadium,' Torri said. 'There should be final approval, then it will be up to Roma to build it and deliver it quickly. It would be a guarantee of revenue growth that would bring you closer to the elite of European football. There is an absolute need for the stadium, otherwise everything becomes complicated. For starters, you would no longer pay the rent on the stadium, which is several million euros. Plus there will be around a hundred suites that cost a lot of money to purchase for a year, and those can guarantee you 10–20 million euros a year. You could increase revenue by 30–40%.' Other commentators assessed Roma's recent decisions. Lorenzo Pes of Tele Radio Stereo (92.7) discussed the transfer of Gianluca Romano and a potential return for Francesco Totti at the 2027 centenary. 'On Romano, things have turned around: from a phenomenon he has become a flop,' Pes said. 'I hope the policy of rejuvenation continues, even if it means tough evenings like the one the other night. The road is long and uphill, but at least it is a road to travel. Totti? There is certainly coolness in relations with Roma, but I will leave a small door open for the centenary.' Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo (92.7) addressed a report about Francesco Totti's image rights and Roma's sale of shirts bearing his number 10. 'Roma has put the proceeds of shirts sold with the 10 in the accounts,' Ferrazza explained, 'and at that point Totti's legal team contacted Roma to discuss it. That is a different issue, because presented that way it looks as though Totti is obsessed with money.' Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio (104.5) praised Emanuele Lulli's display in a friendly match in England, saying the defender 'seems like a lad who deserves it' in Roma's context. Nando Orsi of Radio Radio (104.5) defended the loan of Romano to Spezia, noting that player development often takes time and that scouting errors must be minimised.

Roma and Emanuele Lulli's representatives are working on a contract renewal, with his current deal set to expire on 30 June. The update came as part of a roundup of commentary from Rome radio stations on club matters. Lulli, a young squad member, impressed in a recent friendly in England, prompting radio commentator Roberto Pruzzo to note: "He made a good showing in that friendly in England. It was a pleasant surprise. For Roma, where you need alternatives, he seems like a lad who deserves his chance." The defender's extension reflects the club's confidence in his development as a long-term option at the Stadio Olimpico. Separately, radio analyst Andrea Verdenelli criticised Italy's national team selection, saying: "It is unacceptable not to see Pisilli in the senior national team." Niccolò Pisilli remains a Roma academy product and has established himself in the club's midfield setup this season. His absence from the latest Italy squad drew public frustration from the broadcaster, underlining the belief among some observers that he merits a higher level of international recognition. The radio coverage also touched on broader club developments. Commentators discussed the stadium project as a critical priority for Roma's future revenue and competitiveness in European football, with several noting stadium income through match-day operations, corporate suites and the elimination of rental costs as key drivers of financial growth. Francesco Totti's relationship with the club also featured in discussion, with one analyst noting lingering distance in relations but suggesting a potential opening for involvement in Roma's centenary celebrations in 2027.