Malen does more than score: pushes the Giallorossi scooter in Trastevere

Alberto Aquilani is the latest former Roma player to return to the Olimpico, joining a list of ex-players who have already appeared there this season, including Mourinho and De Rossi, with Juric and Fonseca set to follow him. Aquilani was the first of the so-called sons of Roma to be sacrificed for economic reasons, on the eve of a trip to Gent. The sacrifice was painful but necessary for Rosella Sensi, and it paved the way for the handover to the new American ownership. Yet his youth-team career at Roma and his 147 appearances and 15 goals in Serie A over five seasons cannot easily be forgotten. Hampered by a long run of injuries, Aquilani won two Coppa Italia titles and one Supercoppa Italiana with Roma, and came close to a Serie A title that might have changed his personal story at the club. Nicknamed the 'Principino' for his quality and a haircut that vaguely recalled Giannini, he has since grown up. He never became a king, but he is remembered with affection by those who have not forgotten his derby goal, complete with a run under the Curva Sud and an embrace with Totti, or the extraordinary win at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid in the round of 16.

Roma midfielder Rodrigo Mora has been called up to the senior Portugal squad for the first time, earning his first selection with the national team during the international break. Head coach Jorge Jesus included the Roma forward in his list for Portugal's decisive UEFA Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales. Mora has made a strong start to the season under Gian Piero Gasperini at Roma. The Portugal boss has praised his contribution in the Italian capital, highlighting his impact in attack. Mora has scored and provided assists for Roma this season, and his form has earned him a place in Portugal's plans for the two fixtures. During the squad announcement press conference, Jesus was asked about how Mora might be used tactically, drawing a comparison with João Félix for the role behind the central striker. He said: "They have the qualities to play that position very well." On Mora's time at Roma, Jesus added: "At Roma, Rodrigo has been very involved in the offensive phase, scoring goals and providing assists. He fits perfectly into what I have in mind for these two games." Portugal face Denmark first on 14 November in Braga, before closing their Nations League group three days later, on 17 November, away to Wales in Cardiff. The call-up gives the young Roma talent the chance to make his mark on the international stage.

AS Roma have responded after Retesport broadcast the complaint of a Roma supporter, Emanuele, who said he was mistreated by local authorities and stewards in Manchester during pre-match security checks. Retesport says it gave a voice to the testimony after numerous messages from other Roma fans, received on air and privately, who reported similar alleged abuses outside the stadium. Retesport says it contacted AS Roma before publishing the claims. According to the broadcaster, the club's staff responsible for supporter relations and away-travel logistics worked throughout the evening, both before and during the match, to resolve the problems raised by Emanuele and other supporters in similar situations. The club also followed, up until the morning of 6 November, the case of a Roma fan who was arrested and later released. Retesport presents this as evidence of the club's constant commitment to resolving, where possible, any problem facing supporters travelling with the team. On fans who held tickets for sectors other than the away end and were escorted out of the stadium during the first half, Retesport says it was not possible for them to buy a seat in the stands, as this would have breached the stadium's regulations on use of the venue. Retesport said it acknowledged the club's full availability and willingness to cooperate, which it said the club showed again in this case. However, the broadcaster argues that, more generally, when episodes of this kind occur, the club should be able to take a public position in support of its supporters, because some accounts point to treatment that amounts at the very least to absolute incivility. It also warned that security measures appear excessively restrictive where they risk crossing the line from legitimate public order protection into repression, even if only indirect, against supporters.

Gian Piero Gasperini has focused on lifting Roma's mood ahead of the home match against Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, the last game before the international break, refusing to single out anyone after the defeat to Manchester United. Roma came back from a comeback loss in England and are looking to bounce back quickly. In the few days of preparation, a training session was cancelled after the flight carrying the squad back to Italy was delayed. Gasperini's work centred in particular on the mental side of the group. From the first minutes after the final whistle in England, the head coach tried to spur the players on without pointing out the individual errors that led to Manchester United's goals and without targeting any particular player. He has followed up that message both in the dressing room and during training sessions at Trigoria. The coach is asking his players for a reaction, to show that dreams can continue. Gasperini expects the same tactical approach as always, without changing the team's identity because of setbacks. At the final training session this morning, the last team selection doubts will be resolved. Gollini is still in pain, and Vásquez is set to play again. In defence, Ghilardi is pushing for a start, as Mancini and N'Dicka are not at 100 per cent. Up front, Mora and Soulé are set for another chance behind Malen. Dybala risks missing out on the matchday squad, having not trained with the group. The report is by Filippo Biafora in Il Tempo.

Roma have the chance to move up the Serie A table when they host Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico in the late kickoff, with a win temporarily taking them above Inter and to within a single point of Lazio, who play Napoli on Sunday. Inter face Como in the same round. Gian Piero Gasperini wants to chase that target by relying on the solidity his side has shown so far in the league, despite a still-crowded treatment room and some forced selections. The match is Roma's last fixture before the international break. They arrive with seven wins, three draws and no defeats, a record that keeps them firmly in contention for the top of the table. Preparation is being shaped by injuries. In goal, Gollini has a back problem and Svilar is out, and Svilar will not return until after the break, which opens the way for Vásquez to start between the posts. In defence, Gasperini is weighing up rotation: Ghilardi is pushing Mancini for a starting place, while on the right the choice is between Molina and Lulli, with Rensch unavailable due to an adductor injury. In midfield, while Koné is still awaiting full recovery, Cristante and De Roon will be asked to hold the line. Up front, Roma will rely on their certainties: Soulé, Mora and Malen, with Castro ready to come on during the game. After this match, Trigoria will empty for the national team call-ups, from the Italy squad led by Mancini to the many leading players called up around the world, including the great honour for young Rodrigo Mora, who has been called into the Portugal senior squad.

Roma host Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 7 November, with kick-off at 20:45, in the eleventh round of Serie A. Gian Piero Gasperini's side arrive after a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in the Champions League, a result that followed a first half in which Roma dominated and led by two goals. In the league, however, their form is excellent: they have 24 points from ten matchdays and sit third, after a convincing 5-2 win at Udinese in their last outing. Sassuolo, by contrast, are 17th on 8 points and have lost four consecutive matches. It will also be Alberto Aquilani's first game at the Olimpico as an opposing coach. Roma are without Mile Svilar, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala and Devyne Rensch. Pierluigi Gollini has not fully recovered from a back problem, so Devis Vásquez is expected to start in goal. Manu Koné is doubtful and is unlikely to start. Daniele Ghilardi is pushing Gianluca Mancini for a place in defence, while Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli are expected in midfield. Nahuel Molina and Wesley are favoured on the flanks, and Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are set to operate behind Donyell Malen. Aquilani has announced that Domenico Berardi and Volpato are absent, while the rest of the squad is available. He is expected to set out in a 4-3-3 with Turati in goal, Walukiewicz, Caleta-Car, Idzes and Doig in defence, and Thorstvedt back in midfield alongside Matic and Bakola. Up front, with Berardi out, Dominguez, Sebastiano Esposito and Laurienté are likely to start. Marco Di Bello of Brindisi referees, assisted by Peretti and Scatragli, with Abisso as fourth official, Pezzuto on VAR and Guida as AVAR. The match will be broadcast live on both DAZN and Sky. On Sky it can be watched on Sky Sport Uno, Sky Sport Calcio, Sky Sport 251 and Sky Sport 4K, while streaming is available on DAZN, Sky Go and NOW. Riccardo Gentile will provide the Sky commentary, with technical analysis from Alessio Scarchilli. Bookmakers make Roma clear favourites, with a win priced on average between 1.28 and 1.32, a draw around 6.00-6.50 and a Sassuolo win between 9.00 and 9.75. Over 2.5 goals is priced at around 1.35-1.37. Sassuolo have conceded at least two goals in each of their last four defeats, and Roma scored five in their last league game. The 2-0 scoreline to Roma is the most widely projected correct score, ahead of 2-1 and 3-0.