Margiotta set for youth academy role after Hellas Verona spell

Gianluca Mancini has opened up about his passion for cycling, a long-standing hobby that has become an important part of his life away from football. The Roma defender will appear on the new episode of 'A Ruota Libera', which airs on 23 September on Eurosport, discussing his journey into the sport in a preview clip shared on the broadcaster's social channels. Mancini, currently with the Italian national team, traced the origins of his cycling interest with humour. He explained how he began with a rental bike before deciding to buy his own, recalling that his friends joked he had bought "a gate" because of the old model he chose initially. He described his progression through different bikes and setups, eventually settling on a Canyon model—the same brand used by Mathieu van der Poel—specifically selected for its colour scheme. "Now I wanted the bike of Mathieu van der Poel, the Canyon, with colouring similar to Roma's colours. Great stuff," he said. Mancini credited his cycling friends with transforming his approach to the hobby. "I have wanted the bike of Mathieu van der Poel, the Canyon, with a colour scheme similar to Roma's colours. It's something else. These guys I go cycling with have changed everything for me—they are really passionate about it. They go out every day and give me advice every single day," he reflected, noting that he had initially struggled with manual gears while watching others use automatic systems.

Roma head into the three-week international break in first place after four victories in five matches this season. Head coach Gasperini's side showed solidity against Inter and produced a solid return to Champions League football with a draw at Fenerbahce. During the pause, Gasperini will work with the squad members who remain at Trigoria, including Wesley, Malen and Cristante, who are managing physical knocks, plus players not selected by their national teams. Two friendly matches are scheduled to maintain match rhythm and provide opportunities for young players. Francesco Totti has revealed in his new book *Oltre* that he received playing offers from both Como and Genoa at age 48, with the prospect serious enough to prompt him to train intensively. Ultimately, however, a fundamental conviction prevailed. "Can you play for a team that isn't Roma?" Totti wrote, explaining his decision to turn down the moves. The book also chronicles other chapters from his life since retirement: his gradual rapprochement with Luciano Spalletti after years of silence, facilitated by work together on advertising campaigns; the beginning of his relationship with Noemi Bocchi, from their first meeting to their first kiss near Piazza del Popolo; and the death of his father Enzo, "the Sheriff", which Totti describes as the moment "the world collapsed". On disciplinary matters, the sporting judge issued no suspensions for the fifth round of Serie A but handed down multiple fines for fan misconduct. Roma were fined €3,000, matching Inter's sanction. Juventus received the heaviest penalty at €10,000 for failing to observe a minute's silence dedicated to Sandro Mazzola. Defender Leonardo Balerdi has regained Argentina's confidence following his strong start at Roma. Now at an Albiceleste training camp, Balerdi said: "I had huge hunger to return. Coming back here is a new challenge and I must face it the right way." His rapid integration into Gasperini's defensive system and return to regular football have restored him to Scaloni's squad after missing the World Cup.

The Sports Judge has announced disciplinary decisions following matchday five of Serie A, with no players suspended. Roma received a €3,000 fine for supporter misconduct, alongside similar penalties for Inter. Juventus was hit with a €10,000 fine after a section of their supporters failed to observe a minute's silence in memory of Sandro Mazzola. The judge noted that Juventus's penalty was reduced because of "the timely formal position taken by the Club in response to such deplorable behaviour, as well as the dissociation shown by the rest of the crowd present at the stadium." Other clubs also faced fines: Fiorentina received €6,000, Como €5,000, and Fiorentina, Lazio and Venezia were each fined €5,000 for crowd-related incidents. Inter and Roma each drew €3,000 penalties for similar offences by their respective supporters.