Malen and Wesley nearing return as Roma prepare for Como; Gasperini on Dybala's commitment

Konstantinos Koulierakis has had limited playing time at Roma so far but is determined to develop under Gian Piero Gasperini. During the international break, after spells on the bench against Serbia and Netherlands and absence from the first match against Germany, Koulierakis returned to the starting lineup for Greece's encounter with Klopp's Germany on Sunday. He was among the best performers in Greece's 0–0 draw. Speaking to NovaSports after the match, the Roma defender said: "Now I can say I'm Italian. But I played for two years in Germany, I've faced most of the players. Players of the highest level. But it seemed we weren't inferior anywhere, we're simply very combative on the pitch, alongside the quality we have. We suffered on the pitch because they are a team of the highest level. In the end, we managed to get a precious point, which makes us look very good."

Roma returned to training at Trigoria on 6 October in preparation for Sunday's away fixture against Como. After the international break, Gian Piero Gasperini found a larger squad available: Wesley and Malen completed part of the session with their teammates, marking an early stage in their recovery. Seven internationals — Mancini, Ghilardi, Lulli, Pisilli, N'Dicka, Koulierakis and De Marzi — also returned, while Koné is expected back on Wednesday. Bryan Cristante confirmed he remains sidelined by a knee issue that will keep him out of the Como and Real Madrid matches, though he is targeting a return as soon as possible. Cristante spoke at an Adidas event on Via del Corso, emphasizing the importance of continuity within the group and the shared determination to build something more solid. He described Roma as a more conscious squad, capable of competing steadily in the top positions of a long league campaign. He expressed emotion at the prospect of facing Mourinho and backed the new direction of the Italy national team, leaving open the possibility of a future call-up: "We'll see how the season goes." Gasperini told La Stampa he is in "a good period" but stressed the need for continuity and determination to sustain a high level. He spoke of natural cycles in a team—rising and falling—and the importance of having the strength to rebuild during difficult moments. The coach employed what he called a "vineyard metaphor" to describe his vision: building an important path requires daily work, professionalism, quality players, a solid club and an enthusiastic environment—elements Roma is now putting into place.

Roma made a concrete bid of €25 million for Flamengo winger Samuel Lino during the summer transfer window, but the Brazilian club rejected the offer and chose to retain the player as central to their project. Lino fits the precise profile Gian Piero Gasperini has been seeking: a left-sided winger who plays with inverted footwork and can operate wide on the flank. This summer's approach was not Roma's first attempt to sign him. In the summer of 2025, when Lino was at Atlético Madrid, Roma reached a broad agreement with the Spanish club worth approximately €22 million plus bonuses, and personal terms with the player for a four-year deal at around €2.5 million per season. That deal did not reach completion because Lino would have occupied a non-EU slot, and Gasperini opted to keep that registration spot available to pursue either Richard Rios or Wesley instead. Lino subsequently joined Flamengo, but Roma maintained their interest. In the current transfer window, Roma's sporting director attempted to revive negotiations with a significant formal proposal. However, Flamengo declined the €25 million offer. This summer, Lino has delivered nine goals and seven assists in 27 appearances in Brazil's championship, reinforcing his standing as one of Flamengo's most productive players. The rejected bid underscores Roma's continued search for an attacking option of Lino's type to complete Gasperini's attack, and demonstrates how the player has remained on the club's radar across multiple transfer windows despite two failed attempts to secure his signature.

Roma returned to training at Trigoria on 6 October in preparation for Sunday's away fixture against Como. After the international break, Gian Piero Gasperini found a larger squad available: Wesley and Malen completed part of the session with their teammates, marking an early stage in their recovery. Seven internationals — Mancini, Ghilardi, Lulli, Pisilli, N'Dicka, Koulierakis and De Marzi — also returned, while Koné is expected back on Wednesday. Bryan Cristante confirmed he remains sidelined by a knee issue that will keep him out of the Como and Real Madrid matches, though he is targeting a return as soon as possible. Cristante spoke at an Adidas event on Via del Corso, emphasizing the importance of continuity within the group and the shared determination to build something more solid. He described Roma as a more conscious squad, capable of competing steadily in the top positions of a long league campaign. He expressed emotion at the prospect of facing Mourinho and backed the new direction of the Italy national team, leaving open the possibility of a future call-up: "We'll see how the season goes." Gasperini told La Stampa he is in "a good period" but stressed the need for continuity and determination to sustain a high level. He spoke of natural cycles in a team—rising and falling—and the importance of having the strength to rebuild during difficult moments. The coach employed what he called a "vineyard metaphor" to describe his vision: building an important path requires daily work, professionalism, quality players, a solid club and an enthusiastic environment—elements Roma is now putting into place.

Roma resumed full-squad training at Trigoria on 6 October as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini prepares the squad for the trip to Como on Sunday 11 October at 12:30. Donyell Malen and Wesley, who had been working separately in recent sessions, returned to partial group training, a development Gasperini will monitor closely over the coming days to determine when they can take part in full sessions and what role they might play against Como. The squad's numbers swelled as international players began filtering back from national-team commitments during the break. Gianluca Mancini, Daniele Ghilardi, Emanuele Lulli, Niccolò Pisilli, Evan N'Dicka, Konstantinos Koulierakis and Giorgio De Marzi have all returned to Trigoria, allowing Gasperini to step up preparations for the Sinigaglia fixture. Not all players are yet available: Manu Koné is expected back at training from Wednesday. The international break had seen the squad work in reduced numbers, but those early returns have given the coaching staff positive signs ahead of the weekend fixture.

Roma returned to training at Trigoria on Monday afternoon following their international break, with positive developments in the recovery of Donyell Malen and Wesley. Both players completed part of the session with the main squad as they continue their path back to full fitness. The progress is significant as Roma prepare for their trip to Como in five days, though their condition will continue to be assessed throughout the week under Gian Piero Gasperini's supervision. Gasperini has begun welcoming back international players over recent days. Gianluca Mancini, Daniele Ghilardi, Emanuele Lulli, Niccolò Pisilli, Evan N'Dicka, Konstantinos Koulierakis and Giorgio De Marzi have returned to Trigoria. The full squad will progressively return in the coming days as players complete their international commitments. With the Como fixture at Stadio Sinigaglia on Sunday, Gasperini will be able to prepare the match in greater detail from this point forward, with particular focus on securing the complete recovery of Malen and Wesley ahead of the weekend.

Roma returned to training at Trigoria on 6 October in preparation for Sunday's away fixture against Como. After the international break, Gian Piero Gasperini found a larger squad available: Wesley and Malen completed part of the session with their teammates, marking an early stage in their recovery. Seven internationals — Mancini, Ghilardi, Lulli, Pisilli, N'Dicka, Koulierakis and De Marzi — also returned, while Koné is expected back on Wednesday. Bryan Cristante confirmed he remains sidelined by a knee issue that will keep him out of the Como and Real Madrid matches, though he is targeting a return as soon as possible. Cristante spoke at an Adidas event on Via del Corso, emphasizing the importance of continuity within the group and the shared determination to build something more solid. He described Roma as a more conscious squad, capable of competing steadily in the top positions of a long league campaign. He expressed emotion at the prospect of facing Mourinho and backed the new direction of the Italy national team, leaving open the possibility of a future call-up: "We'll see how the season goes." Gasperini told La Stampa he is in "a good period" but stressed the need for continuity and determination to sustain a high level. He spoke of natural cycles in a team—rising and falling—and the importance of having the strength to rebuild during difficult moments. The coach employed what he called a "vineyard metaphor" to describe his vision: building an important path requires daily work, professionalism, quality players, a solid club and an enthusiastic environment—elements Roma is now putting into place.

Roma made a concrete bid of €25 million for Flamengo winger Samuel Lino during the summer transfer window, but the Brazilian club rejected the offer and chose to retain the player as central to their project. Lino fits the precise profile Gian Piero Gasperini has been seeking: a left-sided winger who plays with inverted footwork and can operate wide on the flank. This summer's approach was not Roma's first attempt to sign him. In the summer of 2025, when Lino was at Atlético Madrid, Roma reached a broad agreement with the Spanish club worth approximately €22 million plus bonuses, and personal terms with the player for a four-year deal at around €2.5 million per season. That deal did not reach completion because Lino would have occupied a non-EU slot, and Gasperini opted to keep that registration spot available to pursue either Richard Rios or Wesley instead. Lino subsequently joined Flamengo, but Roma maintained their interest. In the current transfer window, Roma's sporting director attempted to revive negotiations with a significant formal proposal. However, Flamengo declined the €25 million offer. This summer, Lino has delivered nine goals and seven assists in 27 appearances in Brazil's championship, reinforcing his standing as one of Flamengo's most productive players. The rejected bid underscores Roma's continued search for an attacking option of Lino's type to complete Gasperini's attack, and demonstrates how the player has remained on the club's radar across multiple transfer windows despite two failed attempts to secure his signature.

Roma made a €25 million bid for Flamengo winger Samuel Lino this summer, but the Brazilian club turned it down. The move represented another attempt by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to land the left-sided winger he has sought since his arrival at the club. Lino, a right-footed left winger born in 1999, registered 9 goals and 7 assists in 27 appearances in the Brazilian league. The 27-year-old had already attracted Roma's attention last season while at Atlético Madrid. At that time, despite a four-year contract worth €2.5 million per year and a €22 million fee to Atlético on the table, Gasperini vetoed the move. He wanted to preserve the non-EU player slot for either Rios or Wesley. Lino subsequently joined Flamengo, where he remains, though Roma's interest in him continues.

Rodrigo Mora started for Portugal's Under-21 side in their UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier against the Czech Republic on 6 October, playing 74 minutes in a 2–0 victory. The match was the opening fixture of Group B in the qualifying campaign. Mora's international commitment comes as Roma resumed training at Trigoria ahead of their Serie A fixture against Como. The club welcomed back Evan N'Dicka, Gianluca Mancini and Daniele Ghilardi after their own national-team duties.

Rodrigo Mora started for Portugal's Under-21 side in a qualifying match against the Czech Republic on 6 October, with the Lusitanian selection winning 2–0. Portugal's qualification for the next European Under-21 Championship was already assured following their victory against Gibraltar. Goals from Banjaqui and Moreira sealed the win, with Mora playing 74 minutes in midfield as Portugal confirmed top place in Group 2, seven points clear of the Czech Republic. The Roma midfielder was among several club players on international duty during the current international break. Mora's performance contributed to Portugal's commanding position in their qualifying campaign, having already secured progression to the tournament.

Napoli will be without Antonio Vergara for their Serie A trip to Roma on Saturday 24 October, kickoff 18:00. Vergara sustained a mid-grade calf strain in Italy's Nations League match against Turkey on 5 October and faces a recovery period of 3–4 weeks. Favasuli is also unavailable after sustaining a second-degree femoral rectus injury in an Under 21 fixture in recent days, and will return after the November international break. Defender Buongiorno, the club's long-term absentee, is not expected back until January 2027. Manager Massimiliano Allegri will be able to call on Meret, Spinazzola, Marianucci, Giovane, Alisson Santos and Anguissa for the eighth-round fixture against Gasperini's side. However, the availability of two key midfielders remains uncertain. McTominay is due to receive medical clearance on 7 October following ablation for a benign cardiac arrhythmia, while Oliveira is sidelined with a strain to his right adductor muscle and is expected to be out for between two weeks and a month.