Malen included in Netherlands squad for World Cup

Manu Koné could be a surprise inclusion for Roma against Sassuolo, with Il Romanista reporting this morning that the French midfielder may not only return to Gian Piero Gasperini's squad but could even start alongside Bryan Cristante. Until recently, Koné looked set to miss the final match before the international break. The situation has changed sharply after Zinedine Zidane left the midfielder out of France's squad for their matches against Italy and Turkey. That decision appeared to confirm that Koné needed more time to recover from the muscle injury he picked up against Real Madrid. Instead, Gasperini is reportedly considering handing him a starting place straight away. Koné has gradually recovered from the thigh problem, and his return would be important for a Roma midfield that has been asked to work overtime in recent weeks. Because France did not call him up, he will stay at Trigoria during the break with no further international commitments. Two steps will confirm whether the plan becomes reality. The first comes this morning, when Roma publish their list of players called up, which will show whether Koné is available. The second is this evening, when the official line-ups for the match against Sassuolo are announced. The fixture is scheduled for 20:45 at the Stadio Olimpico. Until then caution is needed, but a return to the starting XI for Koné after the latest news would be a real surprise for Gasperini and Roma.

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.

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.

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 can go to sleep level on points with Lazio and one behind Inter, and host Sassuolo at the Olimpico today at 20.45 in the last round before the international break. Gian Piero Gasperini has the chance to close the gap further at the top of the table. The most urgent question concerns the goalkeeper: Pierluigi Gollini has not fully recovered from the back problem that kept him out before the Manchester game, and his availability remains in doubt. If he is ruled out, Devis Vásquez will again start in goal. Mile Svilar will not return until after the break. In defence, Gasperini must decide how to share out the workload. Daniele Ghilardi is pushing for a place in the starting line-up and could give Gianluca Mancini a rest. On the right, the battle is open between Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli. Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso remain the first choices in the back line, with Leonardo Balerdi as another option to change at least one player. In midfield, Bryan Cristante and Marten de Roon are the most likely pairing. Up front, Donyell Malen will lead the attack, supported by Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora. Manu Koné is still out. He was not called up for Sassuolo and has also been left out of Zidane's France squad. Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini are also unavailable. Dybala is aiming to return against Parma after the break, while Pellegrini will not be back until January. The report, written by Marco Juric for La Repubblica, places the emphasis on the goalkeeper and defensive selection as Gasperini prepares his side for the Sassuolo clash.

Rodrigo Mora has earned the trust of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and has also been called up to the Portugal senior squad, according to Daniele Aloisi writing in Il Messaggero. The young Portuguese forward is set to start against Sassuolo, with Malen and Soulé alongside him, as Roma continue to deal with an attacking shortage caused by the absences of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, who are still sidelined. Mora's performances have won over the doubters. He scored at Old Trafford, and in his last three appearances he has scored twice and provided an assist, his first goal coming at Lecce in August. He already has three league goals this season despite playing only 333 minutes. Comparisons with Baldanzi and Robinio Vaz have been dismissed. His call-up came in the week Cristiano Ronaldo bids farewell to Portugal, a player Mora idolises. Manu Koné has not been included in Zinedine Zidane's France squad, as the coach preferred not to select a player who has been sidelined for almost a month. Koné is feeling better and will be available to Gasperini today. Marten de Roon has started every match in the recent period and faces competition from Niccolò Pisilli or even Koné, if Koné shows positive signs this morning. Cristante and de Roon are expected to form the midfield pairing again tonight. Wesley plays on the left, while Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli compete for the right-back spot, with Molina slightly ahead. Changes are expected at the back compared with the trip to Manchester: Evan N'Dicka returns after recovering from a minor muscle problem and will partner Leonardo Balerdi, with either Mario Hermoso or Daniele Ghilardi alongside them. Devis Vásquez will continue in goal.

Filippo Reale endured a difficult afternoon as Carrarese were beaten 3-0 by Verona at the Bentegodi, with the Roma loanee's mistake directly leading to the second goal. Neil El Aynaoui continued to earn important minutes for RB Leipzig, starting in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League, while Robinio Vaz was left out of the Hull City squad. Mohamed Seck impressed again for Foggia, and Anass Salah-Eddine won the Greek derby but remained out of the following European fixture. Here is the full roundup of Roma's players on loan away from the capital. Reale, a defender born in 2006, was already under pressure after a penalty he conceded against Arezzo. He was named in the starting line-up for the trip to Verona, where Carrarese were overwhelmed 3-0. Harroui gave Verona the lead in the 10th minute, before the decisive moment for Reale in the 22nd minute. He anticipated Mosquera on a long ball from goalkeeper Perilli but misplayed a backpass towards Pizzignacco. Colombian forward Mosquera stole the ball, rounded the keeper and made it 2-0. Sarr sealed the result in the 38th minute. Reale played all 90 minutes but could not recover. Tuttomercatoweb gave him a 4.5, highlighting the mistake for the second goal. He was not booked, but two decisive errors in a few days represent a sharp step back after his good performances in previous weeks. (Loan with an option and counter-option to buy) El Aynaoui, the Moroccan midfielder, continued to find playing time in Bundesliga and Champions League matches. On Saturday he started the 2-0 win at Schalke 04, with goals from Nusa, from the penalty spot, and Rômulo. He played the full 90 minutes and contributed to the management of the midfield. A tougher test followed on Wednesday, when he was again picked from the start against Manchester City in the Champions League. Leipzig lost 3-2 after a competitive game in which they twice came back from behind before conceding the decisive goal from Haaland in the 78th minute. El Aynaoui was booked in the 48th minute and played until the 74th, when Demichelis replaced him with Seiwald. He had no goals or assists across the two games, but his 164 combined minutes confirm he is now an important presence in the German side's rotation. (Loan with an option to buy) Vaz, the French forward, had a particular week. Having recovered from injury, he continues to struggle for a place in the Premier League. On Saturday he was left out of the Hull City squad for the 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town. Head coach Sergej Jakirovic said the young player must improve his physical condition and increase the intensity of his training, partly because of an incomplete summer preparation. That decision led to him playing for the Under-21 side. On Monday Vaz featured against Derby County in the Premier League Cup, helping the Tigers to a 1-0 win. He came close in the 23rd minute with a shot on target, saved by goalkeeper Djedje. The winner arrived only in stoppage time, from Kieran Wilson. Vaz had no goals or assists, but the match helped him regain rhythm and fitness. It remains to be seen when he will return to the first-team squad. (Loan with an option to buy) Seck continues to earn the trust of Gaetano Auteri. On Monday he was confirmed as a starter in the trip to Casarano, which ended in a spectacular 2-2 draw. Foggia led in the 24th minute through Ravasio, were levelled by Mercadante in stoppage time of the first half and, despite a numerical advantage after Negro was sent off in the 54th minute, conceded the lead to Ciotti in the 84th. Luciani equalised in the 95th minute. Seck played all 90 minutes without a booking, offering an attentive display and limiting individual errors. Foggiacalciomania rated him a positive 6.6, highlighting the progress of the young defender. (Loan) Salah-Eddine, the Moroccan full-back, had a week of highs and spells on the bench. On Sunday he came on in the 71st minute of the derby against AEK Athens, which Panathinaikos won 2-0 with goals from Tetteh and Andino. Neestrup brought him on for Kyriakopoulos to manage the lead, with the hosts two goals ahead and a numerical advantage after Kangwa was sent off in the 70th minute. The Roma loanee played the final 19 minutes plus stoppage time and was booked in the 92nd minute, without a goal or assist. On Thursday Panathinaikos beat CSKA Sofia 2-1 in the Conference League, with goals from Calabria and Taborda, but Salah-Eddine was not in the matchday squad. He was therefore a bench appearance in the league and did not play in the European match. Competition on the left flank remains high despite his progress in recent weeks. (Loan with an option to buy) Federico Nardin, a defender born in 2007, continues to develop and is increasingly selected by Antonio Buscè. On Saturday he started the 0-0 draw with Torres at the Adriatico and played the full 90 minutes, helping to keep a clean sheet. His most notable moment came in the 64th minute, when he came close to his first professional goal. Served by Meazzi, he found a good position but shot over the bar. Pescara created several chances without converting them.

Roma return to the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday to host Sassuolo, coached by Aquilani, and face the chance to bounce back straight after their defeat at Old Trafford. Referee Di Bello will take charge of the match, assisted by linesmen Peretti and Scatragli, with Abisso as fourth official. Pezzuto is the VAR, with Guida working as AVAR. The head-to-head record with Di Bello is encouraging for Roma. They have met him 34 times, winning 21, drawing 6 and losing 7. More striking are the recent results: Roma have won all of their last eight matches refereed by Di Bello and have been unbeaten in ten games. Their last defeat under him came on 8 February 2022, when Inter won 2-0 in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia. The most recent meeting was on 25 April, when Roma beat Bologna 2-0 at the Dall'Ara, with goals from Malen and El Aynaoui. The focus now is on moving on from the Old Trafford result. Roma have to look ahead and go again, with the future the only thing that counts from here on.

Roma's loan players had a busy week across the Champions League, the Bundesliga, the German Cup, La Liga, Serie C and the Europa Conference League. Neil El Aynaoui was involved in three matches for RB Leipzig, while Luigi Cherubini was back in the Benevento starting line-up and came close to scoring twice. Robinio Vaz has returned to action after a physical problem he suffered against Fulham, and Mohamed Seck helped Foggia to a win. El Aynaoui, a Moroccan midfielder on a loan deal with a buy option, started Leipzig's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, a 4-1 loss, and played until the 63rd minute. On Saturday he played the full 90 minutes of a 4-0 win over Elversberg. His most eventful match came on Tuesday against Rot-Weiss Essen in the German Cup last 16. He began on the bench, but came on at half-time with Leipzig trailing 1-0 and reduced to ten men after Seiwald was sent off in the 44th minute. Baumgartner scored twice, in the 78th and 82nd minutes, to complete the comeback and send Leipzig through 2-1. El Aynaoui was booked in the 76th minute and played 45 minutes without a goal or assist. The win came after heavy defeats to Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Cherubini, a winger born in 2004, returned to the starting line-up on Saturday in a 3-0 win at Arezzo. He played 74 minutes and twice came close to scoring, first with a spectacular scissor kick that was saved by goalkeeper Nunziante, then with a shot that hit the post. He started again on Tuesday in a 1-1 home draw with Catanzaro. He won the decisive penalty early in the second half, which Salvemini converted in the 51st minute after Candela fouled him, a decision confirmed by VAR. He was substituted for Saio in the 86th minute. Buso equalised for Catanzaro in added time, in the 92nd minute. Cherubini did not score or assist, but BeneventoNews24 and CalcioBenevento both gave him a 6.5. Mattia Mannini, a midfielder born in 2006, was an unused substitute for both matches, with Floro Flores opting for other players during the second-half changes. Mannini had played for Italy's Under-20 side during the previous international break. Mohamed Seck started at centre-back in Auteri's three-man defence as Foggia beat Cavese 1-0 at the Zaccheria, ending two straight defeats to Potenza and Giugliano. Foggiacalciomania gave him a 6 for a solid performance, noting his willingness to move forward from the defensive line. Goalkeeper Saro saved a penalty from Orlando, and Ravasio scored the winner in the 87th minute. Federico Nardin, a defender born in 2007, started for Pescara in a 2-1 win at Perugia, playing all 90 minutes without a booking. Merola scored twice for Pescara, first from open play and then from a penalty, after Carriero had given Perugia a lead inside the first minute. Radoslaw Zelezny, the Polish goalkeeper for Perugia, played the full match but conceded both Pescara goals, with Merola scoring in the 47th and 51st minutes. Marash Kumbulla, an Albanian defender on loan with a buy option, started for Rayo Vallecano in a 3-2 extra-time win over Recreativo Huelva in the first round of the Copa del Rey. He played 80 minutes after being on the bench for the 3-0 home defeat to Elche. Alemão scored Rayo's equaliser from the penalty spot and then the winner in extra time, with De Frutos also scoring. Anass Salah-Eddine, a Moroccan left-back playing for Panathinaikos, was not used in the 5-1 Conference League win over Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan on Thursday. He started on Sunday in a 1-0 league win at Volos.