Malen named Serie A Player of the Month ahead of Roma-Genoa clash

Donyell Malen was awarded Serie A's player of the month by Lega Serie A ahead of Roma's match against Genoa at the Olimpico on 17 October, recognised for his six goals in the opening five matchdays of the season. The Dutch forward will miss the fixture through suspension following a red card at Como, though he plans to support his teammates from the stands throughout the match. Malen has been overtaken in the scoring chart by Raimondo but remains confident of resuming his goalscoring form from next matchday. The Real Madrid defence, among others, has already experienced his threat. The award reflects a remarkable period in which Malen has redefined standards in Italian football across recent months.

Daniele De Rossi and Stephan El Shaarawy were both given standing ovations by the Stadio Olimpico crowd during the team-sheet reading before Roma's match against Genoa on 17 October. De Rossi, now Genoa's head coach, and El Shaarawy, returning to face his former club for the first time as an opponent, were applauded as their names were announced. El Shaarawy scored a crucial goal in May that secured Roma's place in the Champions League, and started in the match against the Giallorossi. Both men remain important figures in Roma's history. De Rossi managed the club until 2025, while El Shaarawy departed after six years in his second spell at the club. The reception underlined the affection Roma supporters hold for both players despite their current positions on opposing benches.

Stephan El Shaarawy spoke ahead of Roma's Serie A fixture against Genoa on matchday seven, reflecting on his emotional return to a stadium where he left part of his heart. "I allow myself a few minutes to look at the stadium, but then on the pitch there will be a battle to be fought and we need to think about taking three points, which will be very important for us," he said. El Shaarawy acknowledged the significance of Roma's recent victory over Fiorentina in breaking what he felt was a period of stagnation. "It was a fundamental win. Winning helps you win," he said. He warned that Genoa would present a tough challenge despite their absences, urging his side to fight hard and secure points. "Today it certainly won't be easy given the opponent, who despite the absences remain a very strong team. There will really be a battle to be fought and we must try to get points," he added.

Donyell Malen was awarded Serie A's player of the month by Lega Serie A ahead of Roma's match against Genoa at the Olimpico on 17 October, recognised for his six goals in the opening five matchdays of the season. The Dutch forward will miss the fixture through suspension following a red card at Como, though he plans to support his teammates from the stands throughout the match. Malen has been overtaken in the scoring chart by Raimondo but remains confident of resuming his goalscoring form from next matchday. The Real Madrid defence, among others, has already experienced his threat. The award reflects a remarkable period in which Malen has redefined standards in Italian football across recent months.

Roma face a mounting injury crisis ahead of their match against Genoa, with Paulo Dybala, Donyell Malen, Bryan Cristante, Mile Svilar and Manu Koné all unavailable. In midfield, Niccolò Pisilli starts alongside Marten de Roon. Gasperini has made significant changes in defence, dropping Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso for Leonardo Balerdi and Konstantinos Koulierakis. Santiago Castro makes his first start for the club up front. Roma line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Pierluigi Gollini in goal; Balerdi, Evan N'Dicka and Koulierakis in defence; Emanuele Lulli, de Roon, Pisilli and Devyne Rensch across the midfield; Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora behind Castro. Genoa, managed by former Roma manager Claudio Ranieri, counter with a 4-4-1-1 setup. Roma's bench includes Wesley, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Antonio Arena and several others available for deployment.

Roma host Genoa at Stadio Olimpico this evening in Serie A's seventh matchday, seeking to end a run without a league win stretching back to their trip to Turin. The match carries extra weight with Daniele De Rossi returning to the stadium as Genoa's manager, having previously led Roma. Genoa arrive in Rome boosted by their recent victory over Fiorentina. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini faces significant absences: Svilar, Cristante, Koné and Dybala are all unavailable, while Malen is suspended. These enforced changes have prompted a reshuffle across the side. Leonardo Balerdi replaces Gianluca Mancini in defence, while Rodrigo Mora starts in attack alongside Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro. Marten de Roon and Niccolò Pisilli form the midfield pairing, with Emanuele Lulli deployed at full-back and Wesley in the backline. Roma line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Pierluigi Gollini; Balerdi, Evan N'Dicka, Mario Hermoso; Lulli, Pisilli, De Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Castro. Substitutes include Mancini. Genoa field a 4-4-1-1 under De Rossi: Bijlow; Ehizibue, Otoa, Ostigard, Vasquez; Ellertsson, Traoré, Frendrup, El Shaarawy; Messias; Osmajic. Referee: Abisso.