Malen and Castro: Why Gasperini demands two elite strikers

Chelsea remain interested in Roma midfielder Manu Koné, according to Ben Jacobs, with the Premier League club reportedly wanting to add a midfielder in January. Koné is currently out with an injury and is expected to return after the international break, but he remains closely watched by top clubs across Europe. Koné joined Roma from Borussia Mönchengladbach in August 2024 on a loan with an obligation to buy, a deal worth €18m. His continued appeal to Chelsea underlines the attention his performances have attracted from elite clubs. Chelsea's interest is not the only pressure on the club's midfield situation, as the London side are also linked with other targets. Chelsea's other reported midfield targets include Scott of Bournemouth and Camara of Monaco.

Manu Koné remains one of Roma's most sought-after players, with Premier League clubs monitoring the French midfielder. He is currently sidelined with a first-degree injury picked up in the Champions League clash with Real Madrid, but his strong start to the season has not gone unnoticed at Chelsea. According to Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport and TalkSport, the Blues consider him one of their main targets to strengthen their squad. Koné is not the only name on Chelsea's list. Camara of Monaco is also included, and most notably Scott of Bournemouth, who is reportedly Xabi Alonso's preferred option but is valued at around €100 million. After Chelsea's pressure this summer, a fresh attempt in January is not ruled out. Roma, however, have no intention of letting Koné go midway through the season, particularly in a campaign full of ambition and prospects.

Roma sporting director D'Amico is already working ahead of the January transfer window, with David Moses of Slavia Prague emerging as a target, according to Africafoot and Ekrem Konur. The aim is to broaden the squad available to Gasperini, who continues to request reinforcements in several key roles. Midfield is a priority. Recent injuries to Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante have highlighted the need for more alternatives in the department. Moses, born in 2002, is one of the fixed starters at Slavia Prague, who are currently dominating the Czech league. Moses's contract runs until June 2029, and his valuation is reportedly around €10 million.

Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari 4-2 at the Stadio Olimpico in their ninth Serie A match of the season, with Lulli, Pisilli, Mora and Malen on the scoresheet. The result was made to look harder than it was by a performance that Giallorossi.net's player ratings describe as one of the least convincing of the season. Gollini, standing in for the injured Svilar, was named the best Roma player despite conceding twice, rated 7.5 for a string of saves, including a decisive stop on Adopo in the first half and another in the second half, mainly against Mendy. Mancini was given a 5, the lowest mark in the Roma side, after being repeatedly troubled by Fadera's acceleration. Ndicka (6) struggled against Nzola and Mendy, while Koulierakis (6) was solid without standing out. Lulli was the standout of the first half, rated 7.5. He headed in the equaliser and then supplied the pass that set up Pisilli for the go-ahead goal. Pisilli (6) was a mix of error and reward: his handball gave Cagliari a penalty, before he struck a powerful right-foot shot past Caprile to put Roma back in front. The match had been levelled by Obert, who beat Rensch in the move that brought the equaliser, after Rensch (5.5) came on in the 76th minute. De Roon (5.5) had a quiet game and was replaced by Rodrigo Mora in the 56th minute. Mora's introduction changed the match. He was rated 7 after starting on the right, a position that appeared to limit him, before Gasperini moved him to the left. He first scored with a towering header, then played the ball to Malen for the 4-2. Malen, who had wasted a clear chance set up by Mora, came on in the 56th minute and was rated 7 after firing a second right-foot effort past Caprile to seal the win. Molina (6.5) had a good first half, providing the right-foot cross for Lulli's goal, and Wesley (6) was rated 6 after coming on at half-time. Soulé (6) faded after a bright start, and Cristante (5.5) and Castro (5) both had poor games. Ghilardi (7) came on in the 83rd minute and delivered the cross for Mora's winner. Gasperini was rated 6.5. The article says Roma suffered against a strong Cagliari side and often looked close to conceding, but the coach's substitutions turned the game. Its concern was his decision to start Mora on the right and Soulé on the left, which Gasperini reversed at the break, after which Mora changed the match. The reviewer concluded: "Non sarà stata una bella Roma, ma proprio per questo i tre punti valgono ancora di più."

Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari, with substitutes Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen breaking a 2-2 deadlock after goals from Lulli and Pisilli. The win was built on the bench: Mora headed in a decisive goal, and Malen added a third for Roma against Cagliari, scoring the winner with a sharp finish. Gasperini's side were far from comfortable for long spells, and the match was tough and rugged throughout. The game was tense and difficult for the hosts. Roma's attacking DNA left space at the back, and Cagliari exploited it, particularly when they raised the tempo. Gollini was outstanding in goal, making several saves, while Soulé also earned praise for his performance. Ghilardi, who came on in the 81st minute, made an immediate impact with a sharp overlap and a cross that drew praise. Gasperini directed the team from the first minutes and was seen gesturing to his players and taking off his jacket during a tense spell. Lulli had a standout display, scoring the first goal after a fine run and an elegant finish, and he also assisted Pisilli for the second. Lulli's new contract was described as a boost of pure energy. Pisilli, who had to defend an accidental handball early on that was punished after the on-field review, recovered with a quick, sharp finish. Molina created the equaliser with a sharp turn and a perfect cross, though his flank was the quieter one in the first half. Mora's goal came with a header, and he celebrated with a line that the short guy is often forgotten. Mora was praised for his talent and humour. Malen came on and created chaos before his decisive finish. Rensch, who replaced Lulli in the 76th minute, was caught out on the flank as Cagliari levelled, nearly complicating matters further. De Roon was praised for his workrate despite the rotation, and Castro struggled to find his rhythm, touching the ball only 17 times after the break. Mancini had a mixed match, starting as a centre-forward and firing an early shot at Caprile, but was visibly tired and was outpaced by Fadera before being replaced by Ghilardi. Koulierakis won several duels and made a crucial save in one instance, though his build-up play was still a work in progress. N'Dicka stayed calm and held his position despite Nzola's more determined attempts. Cristante was active, touching countless balls and contributing to Lulli's goal before taking a defensive role late on.

Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari 4-2, with Niccolò Pisilli scoring the equaliser and Mora netting a headed goal after coming on at half-time. Cagliari were awarded a penalty early on after a rash arm from Pisilli, and Nzola converted it, but Pisilli soon levelled. Pisilli was sharp for the goal, pouncing like a falcon to beat Caprile on 20 minutes for the 2-1, though the article notes he was far from flawless, with several loose touches and a sloppy second half that nearly allowed Cagliari an equaliser. The result came in a game where Roma's defence was tested repeatedly. Nzola beat Ndicka only once, from the penalty spot, while Cagliari's striker had another dangerous chance against him. Gollini was praised for his work in goal: he was beaten by the spot-kick from Nzola, but made a crucial save on Adopo close to the line and a stop on Obert shortly before half-time. In the second half he made three saves, and the match report highlights his efficiency. The rating given to Gollini was 6.5, the same as Koulierakis and Pisilli. Mancini was given a 5 for a performance that was more like an advanced winger than a central defender. He tested Caprile early on, but his attacking runs left space for Cagliari down his flank, and Fadera exploited it to pressure him throughout. Ghilardi came on for him on 82 minutes and immediately delivered a cross for Mora, earning a 6.5 rating. De Roon was rated 5.5 after a sluggish start, needing support from Cristante when Cagliari attacked through the middle, and was replaced on 56 minutes by Mora. Mora, rated 7, took the spotlight as expectations surrounded him. His first minutes were awkward, but he produced two good assists that teammates failed to convert. He then scored with his head, despite his height not being an obvious advantage, and was also involved in the build-up to Roma's fourth goal. Molina was rated 6 for his cross play, which was visible in the build-up to the equaliser, though he offered little else in the first half. Wesley came on at half-time with a 6 rating, described as clear-minded despite recent talk about social media, alleged infidelity and money. Soulè was rated 6.5 and was involved on several occasions: he released Mancini down the right after five minutes, dropped deep to create space for teammates, and came close to scoring from a free kick. Castro was rated 5.5 for struggling to provide the depth Malen offers, and Gasperini gave him another ten minutes to prove himself. Malen replaced him on 56 minutes and was rated 7, converting the chance that came his way with a powerful finish past Caprile.

Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari on a midweek night at the Stadio Olimpico, with two youth-team products, Emanuele Lulli and Niccolò Pisilli, at the centre of the win. Cagliari took the lead in the 7th minute after Pisilli won a penalty, a handball that went to VAR before referee Feliciani pointed to the spot. Nzola sent the kick past Gollini to make it 0-1. Lulli then equalised, and Pisilli turned from culprit to decisive figure within 11 minutes. Their energy and willingness to take responsibility, from shots to runs to final passes, broke down a stubborn Cagliari side and reignited the crowd during a difficult spell. The match was not a polished performance, and the article describes this Roma side as young in its flaws. Just as it seemed the game was won, Maldini slipped past Mancini and beat Gollini, silencing the Olimpico. Gasperini was seen gesturing from the touchline as the tempo dropped and Mancini struggled. Mora and Malen, both thrown on to add freshness and weight to the final attack, changed the momentum and the scoreboard. Roma won, though more narrowly than expected. The article contrasts this response with the previous match against Real Madrid, where the pride to hit back was missing. Lulli, who recently signed a contract extension until 2031, opened Roma's scoring and was described as having been protected to avoid repeating past mistakes. Pisilli and Lulli together brought a contagious energy to the pitch, with their surges and hunger for loose balls breaking Cagliari's resistance. Their approach to the match, following a difficult game against Napoli, was seen as a sign of personality. The article also notes that the win recalled the phrase 'La Roma di Pisulli', a nod to the two young players who had dreamed of wearing the shirt from the stands or from Trigoria. The article leaves no further fixtures or decisions to report at this stage.

Roma came back to winning ways in Serie A with a 4-2 victory over Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico, a match full of drama that was opened by a penalty from Nzola and decided by a late one-two from Mora and Malen. The win moves Gasperini's side to within four points of league leaders Lazio. The Giallorossi were made to work for the points after Cagliari's early spot-kick. Mora and Malen then combined in the closing stages to restore the three points and keep Roma in touch with the top of the table. The other two goals for Roma were scored by the young Lulli and Pisilli, meaning the squad's younger players also found the net in a result that lifted the mood in the capital. In the player ratings, Soulé was given a 7 for his bright performance, Ghilardi earned a 7 for a decisive assist, Malen a 6.5 and Mora a 7.5 for the goals that sealed victory. Mora and Malen, the two scorers who settled the contest, were the difference between the sides at the end of a match that swung several times.

Rodrigo Mora came off the bench to decide the match, heading a goal and then setting up Donyell Malen, with the result secured after Cagliari had equalised. Speaking to DAZN after the game, the Portuguese midfielder said: "Sogno serate così, voglio essere decisivo." Asked whether it was a win for the young players, he replied: "Sì, è un gruppo davvero giovane ma anche forte. Tutti sono pronti a giocare, giovani o più 'vecchi' che siano. La cosa importante è la squadra. Due settimane fa è stato decisivo Soulé, questa sera io nella stessa posizione. A prescindere dall'età, tutti stiamo dando il meglio e rendendo possibile questo percorso." Mora said that his goal and assist came in a difficult match and that helping the team mattered most to him. On playing on the left, he said: "Per me giocare a sinistra è meglio in modo da andare dentro il campo, lo stesso vale per Soulé che parte da destra per accentrarsi. Ma gioco in ogni posizione per aiutare la squadra." Matías Soulé was the player who had been decisive in the same role two weeks earlier. On his header, Mora said: "Non segno tanto di testa, ma qualche volta gli avversari dimenticano il giocatore più basso. Quindi riesco a trovare lo spazio per segnare di testa." On working under Gian Piero Gasperini, he said: "Il mister vuole che andiamo all'attacco, a volte è difficile ma ci proviamo. E' una cosa positiva, pensare sempre a fare gol è importante per vincere le gare." He added that Gasperini had asked him to play with confidence and to take on opponents without fear, and that he could still improve his physical condition. Mora thanked the supporters who kept singing after Cagliari levelled, saying: "Da quando sono arrivato mi hanno accolto benissimo e avevo voglia di una serata così per ripagarli, sono contento di aver segnato. Nel momento più difficile, quando il Cagliari ha pareggiato, i tifosi hanno continuato a cantare e ci hanno dato la spinta per ribaltarla." On starting, he said: "Tutti i giocatori vorrebbero partire titolari ma quello che più importa e che chiunque giochi anche entrando dalla panchina dia il massimo." He acknowledged that adapting to Italian football is a process: "Continuerò a lavorare per guadagnare più minuti."

Artem Dovbyk's loan at Bologna could be cut short as early as January, with the Ukrainian forward continuing to struggle for playing time and full fitness. After Bologna's win at Cagliari, coach Raffaele Palladino sent a clear message to the striker: "Artem must push harder in training, because by doing so he too will have his chance." The words reflect a difficult moment for Dovbyk, who has scored just one goal and has yet to start a Serie A match. He has also been hampered by trouble regaining his condition after a long lay-off for an injury in January. The latest match seemed to offer an opening: with Piccoli unavailable and Enem dealing with a tendon problem, Palladino chose Odgaard as the centre-forward, leaving Dovbyk on the bench for the full ninety minutes. "Odgaard played because he has gone well in training and he has deserved it. Dovbyk has to give me more," the coach reiterated. Bologna signed Dovbyk on loan from Roma with a buy-back option set at €15 million, but it currently looks difficult for the club to exercise it. According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Bologna intend to wait until January to assess any developments. An early termination of the loan is not ruled out, with Dovbyk potentially returning temporarily to Rome before seeking a new club. That scenario remains hypothetical and would require agreement between the parties. The situation would be a dramatic turn, given the expectations with which the Ukrainian began his new adventure. Last summer Dovbyk said he wanted to rediscover the joy of playing at Bologna after the difficulties he had experienced in the capital. So far, however, his revival has not arrived, and the competition appears to have once again pushed him to the margins. Palladino is waiting for a response on the pitch, while Roma are following a situation that could reopen a transfer file considered closed.

Bologna coach Palladino has delivered a pointed message to Artem Dovbyk, saying the Ukrainian striker must push harder in training if he wants to play. Asked why Odgaard, a trequartista, was started ahead of Dovbyk, Palladino said: "Deve spingere di più in allenamento e a quel punto avrà anche lui la sua occasione…" ("He has to push harder in training, and at that point he too will get his chance…"). Dovbyk, on loan at Bologna from Roma, has now been on the bench for six consecutive matches, including against Cagliari. The run is a serious setback after his goal against Sassuolo, which seemed to mark a turning point in his fortunes. Bologna's hopes of making the loan permanent look even harder to justify now. They hold the right to buy Dovbyk for around €20 million until the end of the season. For Roma, the situation leaves the striker's future uncertain. The club sent Dovbyk out on loan, and his lack of game time at Bologna means his return to Trigoria becomes more likely to be discussed as the season develops.

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.