Manu Koné puts Chelsea saga behind him and commits fully to Roma

Donyell Malen was a special guest at the Stadio Tre Fontane on 30 September 2026, attending Roma Women's debut in the UEFA Women's Champions League against Barcelona. The Roma forward arrived with his partner Delisha and took a seat in the stands. When spotted by supporters, he stopped to sign autographs and pose for photographs with fans of all ages. Roma's social media captured his arrival at the stadium. Malen's presence at the fixture had a particular purpose: to watch his partner's sister, Silver Van Hetten, who has recently signed with Roma's women's youth academy (Primavera femminile). Van Hetten will train and compete alongside the Roma Women squad.

Manu Koné addressed speculation about a potential move away from Roma during a France national team press conference ahead of their match against Italy on Friday 2 October at 20:45. The midfielder acknowledged the late summer transfer window interest but reaffirmed his commitment to the club. "Things happened… I'm at Roma, I'm focused, we have objectives. I'm a Roma player and I'll give 100% for this club," Koné said. Roma are preparing to mark their centenary year, which begins in 2027. The club will launch the celebrations at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 2 January when they face Frosinone. In a significant gesture, Roma will wear a special one-off commemorative shirt for that fixture—a kit designed exclusively to honour the club's hundred years since foundation and distinct from the kits that will be used throughout the 2027–28 season. Midfielder Nicolò Pisilli spoke separately about a recurring date in his career. "10 October is my date—it's a day bringing me luck in recent years," he told Vivo Azzurro TV in the Generazione Azzurra format. "In 2024 I made my senior Italy debut at the Olimpico, my club's stadium and my home city. In 2025 I scored my first Under-21 double." Pisilli added that his ambitions include winning a Serie A title with Roma and a World Cup with Italy.

Portugal are one step away from qualifying for the next Under-21 European Championship. Tonight's match against Gibraltar at 21:00 is effectively a decider, with Rodrigo Mora confirmed in the starting lineup wearing the number 10. The Roma midfielder will be keen to play a leading role as Portugal look to secure qualification. Victory would take Portugal to 22 points, four clear of the Czech Republic who have already completed their fixtures. With only one round of matches remaining in qualifying Group B, a win would guarantee Portugal's place at the Euros and secure them as group winners, earning automatic passage to the tournament.