Malen named Serie A player of the month as suspension ruling looms over Roma-Genoa

Donyell Malen was honoured as the EA Sports FC Player of the Month for this season by Lega Serie A before Roma's match against Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico in matchday 7, despite being unavailable to play due to suspension following a red card received in the fixture against Como. The Dutch forward attended the stadium to support the squad despite his inability to feature. Malen received the award in a pre-match ceremony at the ground where Roma faced their visitors.

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.

Genoa's director spoke ahead of the Serie A match against Roma on matchday seven, highlighting the positive atmosphere at the club and the tactical flexibility shown by his manager. Modesto emphasised the continuity of work from the previous season, saying: "The group has not changed, we are continuing on this path because the environment is positive." He stressed De Rossi's influence on team selection and squad development, noting that the manager "decides everything" and has shown courage in deploying young players. Modesto praised De Rossi's stewardship in the previous season despite early-campaign difficulties. "The manager did excellent work last year," he said. "Even though it was difficult at the start of the campaign, the squad always played well. Today something changes tactically but the squad is used to it, has worked well this week and we hope tonight to be able to play the match we need to play." He highlighted De Rossi's composure in returning to face his former club, stating that the manager "comes against his old squad without fear. He has no fear. It is a very positive signal." Modesto described the environment at Genoa as "incredible, with an incredible fan base," noting he had found "people who know what it means to play in this shirt." He acknowledged that the squad needs to find answers quickly, adding: "Of course when you don't win immediately there is a need for something." Modesto defended the decision to field young players, saying it "demonstrates the quality of our manager, who has the courage to launch two young players against Roma, which is a very strong squad."

Donyell Malen was honoured as the EA Sports FC Player of the Month for this season by Lega Serie A before Roma's match against Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico in matchday 7, despite being unavailable to play due to suspension following a red card received in the fixture against Como. The Dutch forward attended the stadium to support the squad despite his inability to feature. Malen received the award in a pre-match ceremony at the ground where Roma faced their visitors.

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.