Malen hunts for striking partners as Gasperini builds a goalscoring coalition

Lorenzo Pellegrini is using the international break to complete his recovery and return to full fitness ahead of Roma's resumption of the Serie A season. The club captain has been named in the squad for recent matches against Torino and Inter but has not yet featured, with his last appearance dating to 10 April against Pisa when he suffered a thigh injury. An attempted comeback for the derby in the closing stages of last season resulted in a setback, leading to surgical intervention in Finland in early June. Gasperini indicated before Roma–Inter that the international break presented an opportunity for Pellegrini to increase his workload further. The midfielder is targeting availability for the away fixture at Como and aims to accumulate minutes in the following sequence of fixtures. Pellegrini renewed his contract in the summer for a single season on a net wage of €2.5 million and must now compete for a place on the attacking midfield line, where Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora represent the principal competition. Last season he started 25 of 37 matches in which he was named in the squad, underlining his significance to the group, and Gasperini had pushed for his retention. After six months without a competitive appearance, the focus now centres on his return to the pitch.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is working to return to full fitness and reclaim a starting place in Roma's squad. The captain has not played since sustaining an injury on 10 April against Pisa, meaning a potential appearance against Como would come 184 days after that setback. During his career, the 30-year-old has never spent such an extended period sidelined. Pellegrini's recovery path has been complicated. After the initial injury forced him off at half-time against Pisa, he suffered a setback while attempting to accelerate his return for the derby, requiring surgical intervention in Finland. Despite the prolonged absence, his importance to Roma remains central to both the dressing room and Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical setup. Last season he made 25 starts in 37 appearances. His standing was reinforced by a recent contract renewal worth 2.5 million euros per season, a deal strongly backed by Gasperini, who pressed the club's management to keep him in the squad. During the current international break, Pellegrini will intensify his training load at Trigoria to reach full fitness ahead of the campaign's resumption. Gasperini said of the extended break: "The long break will be an opportunity to do something more," signalling his confidence in the midfielder's recovery. The aim is to convince the manager to reintegrate him into the rotation system and provide support during the coming fixture congestion.

Mile Svilar holds both Belgian and Serbian passports, yet today he has no national team to call his own. The Roma goalkeeper, now a regular fixture in Italian football's top tier, finds himself trapped by a regulatory paradox born from a decision made in 2021. Svilar rose through Belgium's youth system from Under-15 onwards, but on his father's advice accepted a call-up from Serbia in 2021 and made his senior debut in a friendly against Qatar at Debrecen, entering the match only as a substitute. He believed the friendly nature of the fixture would leave the door open for a future switch back to Belgium. When he later expressed his wish to represent Belgium, however, FIFA intervened. Having completed the entire Belgian youth pathway before choosing Serbia at senior level, the rulebook prevented him from changing federations again. The result: Serbia no longer calls him up, Belgium cannot call him up. So one of Roma's most important players sits out every international break. The timing has never been more acute. Thibaut Courtois recently decided against playing the full Nations League campaign for Belgium, creating a temporary gap in their goalkeeper hierarchy. Under different circumstances, Svilar would have had an enormous opportunity to fight for the position. Instead, he remains at Trigoria. His Roma form has only strengthened. Since Daniele De Rossi promoted him to number one, Svilar has recorded 48 clean sheets, equivalent to 38.4 per cent of the matches he has played. He has developed into a commanding presence through his personality, distribution, and one-on-one reading, and his footwork has improved markedly—attributes that have made him fully compatible with Gian Piero Gasperini's aggressive football. For Roma, the paradox offers a small silver lining: Svilar remains in the capital during international breaks, working with the staff and avoiding travel and fixture fatigue. For the player, though, it remains a painful situation. Two passports, two possible national teams, none available today—all because of a choice made in 2021, when he thought a brief appearance in a friendly would not permanently close a door. That door has stayed firmly shut.

Gian Piero Gasperini has granted Roma an additional day off, cancelling training and rescheduling the squad's return to Trigoria for Tuesday afternoon. The head coach will spend the intervening days away from Rome. Lorenzo Pellegrini is back fit and ready to feature in the trip to Como on 11 October after sitting out the last two consecutive matches against Torino and Inter. Wesley, Bryan Cristante and Donyell Malen are all available with no fitness concerns. The main talking point, however, centres on a potential trip to Argentina for Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina. Both players have received official invitations from the Argentine Football Association to attend a tribute ceremony for Lionel Messi's international retirement on 6 October at the Monumental stadium, an event open to all members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad. Gasperini would prefer to avoid the lengthy intercontinental journey for the pair just days before the Como league fixture, particularly given that neither would feature in that match. Dybala and Molina are both keenly motivated to attend an occasion of profound emotional and historical significance to Argentine supporters. Discussions between the club, coaching staff and players are set to continue in the coming days.

Beppe Bergomi, the former Inter captain and television pundit, has delivered a detailed assessment of Donyell Malen's emergence as a focal point for Roma's attack this season. In a wide-ranging interview with Corriere dello Sport, Bergomi examined the main themes of Serie A, with Malen's consecration at the centre of his analysis. Bergomi praised Malen's completeness and his ability to thrive in Gasperini's system. When asked directly if Malen is truly so difficult to stop, Bergomi replied: "Tutti pur sapendo che gli attaccanti di Gasp hanno sempre fatto gol, ma questo è uscito dal campo. Poi è incredibile come classe e convinzione: 'se vengo mi fai fare il centravanti?', gli ha detto. La prima cosa che voleva Gasperini. Ricordo ancora il suo debutto a Udine: gli ho visto fare dei movimenti fuori linea, sul corto, sul lungo, degli smarcamenti… Quando hai queste doti e con il primo controllo, fare gol sembra la cosa più facile." He highlighted how Malen combines tight control, off-the-ball movement, depth runs, physical duelling and finishing into a complete attacking repertoire despite having a different physical profile from classical strikers of 190 cm. On Malen's style specifically, Bergomi drew a striking comparison: "Malen è unico al tempo stesso: crede di essere un bomber. Non dico che mi ricorda Ronaldo il Fenomeno, ma ha quel tipo di movimento con un motore simile. Unisce nello stretto, smarcamenti, attacco alla profondità, capacità di duellare coi compagni, conclusioni: ha un repertorio completo, pur avendo un 'fisichetto' diverso dai centravanti classici di 190 cm che vanno per la maggiore." In broader remarks on the title race, Bergomi stated that Roma and Napoli possess the strength to challenge, describing the competitive gap between Inter and the rest as not insurmountable. He also touched on defensive trends, noting that Serie A is returning to man-marking principles, with Gasperini as the best exponent of this approach. Bergomi expressed curiosity about how Como will develop when Kean plays more frequently and remarked on the impact of new refereeing rules in accelerating play across Italian football.

Gasperini has cancelled training on 25 September, giving the squad an extra day's rest before Roma's match at Como on 11 October. The head coach will spend the coming days away from Rome. Lorenzo Pellegrini's physical condition is improving and he should be available for the Como fixture after two spells on the bench during matches against Torino and Inter. Wesley, Bryan Cristante and Donyell Malen are not a concern. The central issue, however, is the planned Argentina trip by Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina. Both have been invited by the Argentine Football Federation to attend Messi's farewell match for the national team on 6 October at the Monumental stadium. All members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad will be present, but Gasperini would prefer not to release them. With Roma's fixture at Como scheduled for 11 October, the coach wants to avoid an intercontinental journey for two players who would not even be taking the field. Both Dybala and Molina are keen to attend an occasion that will be historic for all Argentines.

Gian Piero Gasperini has granted Roma an additional day off, cancelling training and rescheduling the squad's return to Trigoria for Tuesday afternoon. The head coach will spend the intervening days away from Rome. Lorenzo Pellegrini is back fit and ready to feature in the trip to Como on 11 October after sitting out the last two consecutive matches against Torino and Inter. Wesley, Bryan Cristante and Donyell Malen are all available with no fitness concerns. The main talking point, however, centres on a potential trip to Argentina for Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina. Both players have received official invitations from the Argentine Football Association to attend a tribute ceremony for Lionel Messi's international retirement on 6 October at the Monumental stadium, an event open to all members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad. Gasperini would prefer to avoid the lengthy intercontinental journey for the pair just days before the Como league fixture, particularly given that neither would feature in that match. Dybala and Molina are both keenly motivated to attend an occasion of profound emotional and historical significance to Argentine supporters. Discussions between the club, coaching staff and players are set to continue in the coming days.

Emanuele Lulli's summer turned from a near-certain departure into one of Roma's most compelling stories of the season's opening weeks. A loan move to Avellino with a right of redemption appeared all but done in early July, until Gian Piero Gasperini intervened during the club's pre-season training camp. Struck by Lulli's physical attributes, the head coach halted the transfer and insisted on assessing him for first-team action—a decision backed entirely by the young defender's performances. Lulli has made four starts and accumulated 332 minutes across Roma's opening fixtures against Fiorentina, Lecce and Torino, displaying ball-carrying progression and athletic endurance at the highest level. His form has prompted his first call-up to the Italian Under-21 national team under Carmine Nunziata. With his contract set to expire in 2027, Roma's board is now opening talks with his representatives to secure a renewal that reflects his on-field development. Gasperini elaborated on his confidence in the player: "For athletic values, speed and resistance, he is superior to everyone, even Wesley. A force of nature. And he is a golden lad. He must grow technically." The tactical transformation underlines how thoroughly Lulli has altered his standing at the club in the space of weeks.

Gasperini has cancelled training on 25 September, giving the squad an extra day's rest before Roma's match at Como on 11 October. The head coach will spend the coming days away from Rome. Lorenzo Pellegrini's physical condition is improving and he should be available for the Como fixture after two spells on the bench during matches against Torino and Inter. Wesley, Bryan Cristante and Donyell Malen are not a concern. The central issue, however, is the planned Argentina trip by Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina. Both have been invited by the Argentine Football Federation to attend Messi's farewell match for the national team on 6 October at the Monumental stadium. All members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad will be present, but Gasperini would prefer not to release them. With Roma's fixture at Como scheduled for 11 October, the coach wants to avoid an intercontinental journey for two players who would not even be taking the field. Both Dybala and Molina are keen to attend an occasion that will be historic for all Argentines.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is using the international break to complete his recovery and return to full fitness ahead of Roma's resumption of the Serie A season. The club captain has been named in the squad for recent matches against Torino and Inter but has not yet featured, with his last appearance dating to 10 April against Pisa when he suffered a thigh injury. An attempted comeback for the derby in the closing stages of last season resulted in a setback, leading to surgical intervention in Finland in early June. Gasperini indicated before Roma–Inter that the international break presented an opportunity for Pellegrini to increase his workload further. The midfielder is targeting availability for the away fixture at Como and aims to accumulate minutes in the following sequence of fixtures. Pellegrini renewed his contract in the summer for a single season on a net wage of €2.5 million and must now compete for a place on the attacking midfield line, where Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora represent the principal competition. Last season he started 25 of 37 matches in which he was named in the squad, underlining his significance to the group, and Gasperini had pushed for his retention. After six months without a competitive appearance, the focus now centres on his return to the pitch.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is stepping up his recovery from a long injury layoff with the aim of forcing his way back into Gian Piero Gasperini's starting plans. The Roma midfielder has not played since 10 April, when he suffered an injury against Pisa and was substituted at half-time—a gap of 184 days that represents the longest absence of his career. After a setback while attempting to recover in time for the derby, Pellegrini underwent surgery in Finland, but he is now accelerating his rehabilitation ahead of the resumption of the Serie A campaign. Gasperini has previously indicated his intention to use the extended break productively, stating: "The long break will be an opportunity to do something more." Pellegrini, who renewed his contract for one year on a salary of €2.5 million per season, is working to reach full fitness and return to the squad rotation. Last season he started in 25 of his 37 appearances, underscoring his importance as one of the senior figures in the dressing room. The club backed his contract renewal significantly, with Gasperini pushing the management hard to retain him. Pellegrini's bid to reclaim a regular role comes amid competition for midfield places from Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora. His rehabilitation will accelerate in the coming days, according to reporting, as he targets readiness for when the campaign resumes and aims to contribute minutes while building match fitness through a busy fixture schedule.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has prolonged his Roma contract on reduced terms and is preparing for his comeback after six months out injured, with Como the likely stage for his return to first-team action. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini pushed to keep the midfielder at the club, and Pellegrini accepted the deal despite what had seemed a permanent rupture in his relationship with the Giallorossi. His last match came on 10 April against Pisa, when a thigh problem forced him to stop. A recurrence followed, an unsuccessful attempt to recover for the end-of-season derby, and then surgery in Finland in early June. Should he play against Como, 184 days will have elapsed since his last official appearance—the longest absence of his entire career. Pellegrini offers solutions to problems Roma has carried into the new season. Gasperini had requested an attacking player capable of starting from the left and moving infield during the summer window—a major signing that never materialised. Now, in the revamped setup, Pellegrini can become a natural solution in that zone alongside Rodrigo Mora, simultaneously allowing Matías Soulé to return more consistently to the right-centre, where he can alternate with Paulo Dybala. There is also another tactical possibility: when facing teams lined up in a four-man defence, Gasperini often deploys a central attacking midfielder behind two forwards—a position where Pellegrini can rediscover freedom to make runs, deliver the final pass and, above all, that proximity to goal which in his best years allowed him to impact scoring. Last season, Gasperini himself redeployed him in that zone against Lazio, a match in which Pellegrini responded with the decisive goal and one of his best recent performances. Pellegrini has returned to squad selection in the last two matches against Torino and Inter, but Gasperini chose not to rush his return. The extended international break now offers the perfect opportunity to complete the work. Gasperini explained before the Inter match: "The long break will be an opportunity to do something more." The number 7 is now increasing his training load at Trigoria, and if friendly matches are organised by the staff, he will finally accumulate the minutes no training session can truly replace. Pellegrini carries qualities the squad desperately needs: experience, knowledge of the environment, ability to play between the lines and an attacking output that, even in a complicated season, saw him finish with seven goals across all competitions. Gasperini retained Pellegrini not out of nostalgia but because he believes he can still be useful. Pellegrini's second chance with Roma has begun with a contract signature; the real one will arrive when he returns to playing. Como could be the opening chapter of the new story. Roma may employ a 3-4-1-2 formation against Como, and the coming three weeks could prove decisive in Gasperini's decisions. Pellegrini will continue daily work at Trigoria with Gasperini, whilst Mora is engaged with Portugal's Under 21 side.