Malen corre con la Roma. Recuperato per il Como

Gian Piero Gasperini has outlined Roma's long-term strategy in an interview, stating that the club's blueprint targets a Serie A title within three years but remains open to accelerating that timeline. "Our plan was to get there in three years. We wouldn't mind bringing it forward," Gasperini said. "But we are aware that the road is long. In football there are no straight paths or clear routes. There will be ups and downs. If we manage them well, who knows…" The interview took place at an event marking the launch of Gasperini's Freisa 3-4-3 wine, named after the tactical formation that has defined his managerial philosophy. When asked about the comparison between the wine's modest status—it is not considered at the level of Barolo or Barbaresco—and Atalanta's rise, Gasperini reflected on his attachment to building something great gradually from a lower starting point. "It's an excellent grape, but it's not a big one, not considered at the level of Barolo or Barbaresco. My grandfather and my father bottled Freisa from demijohns. I have an emotional bond with Freisa. And I love the idea of building something great, step by step, starting from a rung perhaps below." Gasperini also addressed his departure from Atalanta after nine years, where he secured consistent Champions League qualification and won the Europa League. He acknowledged that leaving came when he "realised it was humanly impossible to do more." On his emotional farewell press conference last season ahead of Roma's fixture against Atalanta, he disclosed his deep connection to Bergamo: "Bergamo was the longest and most intense stage of my existence as a wanderer of football. I have no regrets, but I feel a profound nostalgia for a community where I had integrated perfectly. Unsurprisingly, I often go back. I miss everything about Bergamo." He revealed he has not sold his house in Bergamo, leaving open the possibility of a future return.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has declared himself ready to return as Roma prepare to resume their campaign, speaking at a prize ceremony in Rome on the eve of the international break's end. The captain said he has recovered well from injury over the past two weeks and expressed full availability to Gian Piero Gasperini for selection, though he acknowledged that the coach will make the final decision on whether to start him in Sunday's match against Como at the Sinigaglia. Pellegrini was named in the squad before the break but had not yet reached full fitness. Pellegrini struck an optimistic tone about Roma's early-season form and invited the fanbase to maintain enthusiasm. However, he counselled patience on questions about title ambitions and any anti-Inter challenge, emphasising that the season is still in its early phase and concrete objectives should only be discussed from March onwards. He singled out the squad's internal harmony and cohesion as Roma's greatest strength, saying he and the club's senior players work daily to preserve and enhance that atmosphere.

Lorenzo Pellegrini was among 13 personalities from journalism, sport, television, entertainment and public life recognised at the twelfth edition of the Premio Giuseppe Colalucci, held at the Circolo Antico Tiro a Volo in Rome on 7 October. The award, established by Guido D'Ubaldo, current president of the Lazio journalists' association, honours the legacy of Giuseppe Colalucci, the historic founder of Il Tifone. Other recipients included former Roma defender Ubaldo Righetti and Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso. Pellegrini spoke to Sky Sport before the ceremony about his current condition after the international break. "I'm feeling well; during this international break I was able to push harder and recover," he said. "I'm very happy and very motivated for the restart." At his award presentation, the Roma midfielder emphasised the club's unity and ambition: "At Roma we are a united, strong group that works and knows what its objective is. I'm happy to have stayed at Roma." Pellegrini and Gattuso shared a warm moment at the event despite the derby rivalry between their clubs. The two exchanged hugs and conversation in a relaxed atmosphere, with photographers capturing the friendly encounter between the Roma captain and the Lazio manager.