Marten de Roon's form makes him a standout figure for Roma

Roma currently sit on 4 points in the Champions League, but simulations have already mapped out their possible European path. Data compiled by Football Meets Data, produced by a supercomputer model, projects Roma finishing 20th in the league phase. That position would be enough to reach the playoffs, which are reserved for teams placed from ninth to 24th. In this scenario, PSV Eindhoven would be Roma's likely playoff opponent and the first obstacle on the road to the round of 16. The model's outcome would become even tougher if Roma won the playoffs. The simulation suggests Roma could then face either Manchester United, who are already in Roma's league-phase group, or Borussia Dortmund in the last 16. Both are clubs with long European traditions. The projection is purely statistical and not a confirmed pairing. The final league-phase table and the draw will determine the actual matchups.

Roma's pundits on Rome's radio stations were largely positive about the club's recent results, but they were divided over Mora and the January market. Roberto Pruzzo, speaking on Radio Radio, said: 'Mora is absolutely not ready for this stage, and Roma must sign Lookman. Do a six-month loan.' He also said Castro does not play when Malen is fit and that Mora did not take advantage of his chance, adding that a striker is needed in January. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo was more worried: 'I said Mora had to play to get used to his teammates, but there is a Mora problem. Do you remember Bojan Krkic? I would not want him to suffer the same fate.' Corsi said Mora was an embarrassment in front of goal, had shot at a photographer and had got everything wrong on Sunday, including his passing. The debate followed a run of matches after the heavy defeat to Real Madrid. Mario Mattioli of Radio Radio said Roma were fortunate to face Genoa and Slovan Bratislava afterwards, as they could restore their mental focus, and that Roma had taken full advantage. He described Slovan as a side who do not belong in the Champions League, suggesting they were better suited to the Europa League or Conference League. Fabio Petruzzi of Rete Sport argued that Roma make their opponents look weak: 'Genoa were weak, Slovan are weak, they are all weak... even Real Madrid were weak until ten minutes from the end. I would start saying Roma are strong.' Alessio Nardo of Tele Radio Stereo said he could hardly recall a smaller side worse than Slovan Bratislava, adding that they could not keep the ball for more than three seconds. David Rossi of Rete Sport praised the defence under Gian Piero Gasperini: 'What impresses me is that the defenders have improved most with Gasperini. Ghilardi started two matches, against Lecce and against Slovan, and I remember him more for what he does in attack than in defence. Ghilardi is a starter now. Hermoso, we did not know who to pin it on, and now he is a leader. Balerdi arrived while Marseille fans were celebrating, and here he is dominant. N'Dicka has improved a lot... Roma have a back line that I believe is the strongest in Italy.' Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport noted that Roma had rotated five starters in defence over the last two matches while conceding no goals. He said the comparison between Malen and Castro and Ferguson and Dovbyk was harsh. Pes argued that Gasperini had not overused Pellegrini, who had started two matches, and said Pellegrini was prone to injury, which he had always been. Pellegrini is now 30, Pes said, and the problems are getting worse. Checco Oddo Casano said Roma should consider the futures of Dybala and Pellegrini in June, after seeing how many matches they had played. The radio hosts agreed that a striker is needed, and Pruzzo said he would name the player to be signed in January. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said he was supporting Manchester United against Como that evening, because a defeat for the English side would leave Roma with a final chance. He also said Roma had regrets about Fenerbahce and Real Madrid, where a result was possible, and warned that Roma could arrive at the third-last match ranked behind others in the table.

Donyell Malen was again decisive in Roma's 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, and he is now one of the in-form forwards in Europe, second only to Harry Kane. Roma must quickly refocus on Serie A, with Napoli, coached by Allegri, visiting the Stadio Maradona on Saturday. Malen's display in Bratislava added to his growing impact since he joined Roma last January. He laid on a perfect assist for Niccolò Pisilli and converted a penalty coolly. With 24 goals and 4 assists since wearing the giallorosso, Malen has become the first Roma player ever to be involved in a goal in each of the first three matches of a single Champions League campaign. He remains the focal point of Gasperini's attack, even without Paulo Dybala alongside him. The Napoli trip is complicated, but it gives Malen the chance to return to Serie A action after his suspension. He has already left his mark at the Maradona, scoring a brace there last season. Roma head into the fixture with confidence and a forward in outstanding form, and Malen looks like the biggest threat to the Napoli defence.

Niccolò Pisilli scored while wearing the captain's armband in Roma's European win over Slovan Bratislava, echoing Francesco Totti, who scored his first goal as captain against Fiorentina in 1998. It is the third goal of the season for the 2004-born midfielder, who may now get a chance on the trequarti in the next match away to Napoli at the Maradona. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are enjoying a strong spread of goals: eleven different players have scored in the first ten matches, which puts the capitolini ahead of the other Italian clubs, Inter included. Donyell Malen leads the attacking output with nine goals and now faces the trip to Napoli. Roma are also dealing with a complicated injury situation. Marten de Roon has made an important contribution as well. He has accumulated 170 minutes across his last three matches, played in six days, and scored his first Champions League goal. The Dutchman leads the team's midfielders for ball recoveries and attempted clearances, confirming his physical condition is improving.

Lorenzo Pellegrini's scans are due tomorrow after he left the pitch during the match against Slovan Bratislava with a muscle problem in his right thigh. Speaking after the game, Gian Piero Gasperini suggested he could be out for around 20 days, but the instrumental tests will give a clearer picture of the diagnosis and recovery time for the number 7. Andrea Colombo of the Como section will referee Napoli-Roma on Saturday at 18:00 at the Maradona, with Bindoni and Rossi as assistants, Sacchi as fourth official, Aureliano on VAR and Meraviglia as AVAR. Roma's record under Colombo is five wins, five draws and one defeat in eleven matches. His most recent Roma games include a 2-1 win over Atalanta and a 2-2 draw in Naples last season. Napoli's record under him is seven wins, one draw and three defeats in eleven meetings. Wesley's form for Roma has attracted attention in the Premier League, where Manchester United are reportedly monitoring the Brazilian winger and could try to bring him to England as early as January. Gasperini has been clear: the player is considered untouchable and the club do not intend to sell him in the winter window. Chelsea also tested the water in the summer with a €50 million offer, which was rejected by Trigoria. Roma would only consider a proposal that is significantly higher. Pruzzo, speaking to Radio Radio, said: "The two matches after Real were needed, because they gave presence and satisfaction. It is a pity that the strikers, in these games, are the ones who should have more space: Castro does not play. I am sorry that Castro never plays. Mora did not take advantage of the opportunity, he is not ready for this stage. It seems to me that it is time to think about another striker." Pes, speaking to TeleRadioStereo, said: "De Roon and Cristante have the same characteristics, I do not think they can play together. De Roon can manage a game from the bench, he has played all of them so far. For me, Cristante-Pisilli is the right pairing. It seems to me it was also the pairing last year, because Koné was injured."

Roma travel to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday at 18:00 to face Napoli in Serie A matchday eight, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side arriving after a 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, while Napoli beat Bodø/Glimt 4-3 on the same evening. Gasperini has to contend with several absences, and the problem Lorenzo Pellegrini suffered against Slovan Bratislava adds to his worries. Pellegrini left the pitch with a muscle issue to his right hamstring and will undergo further tests, so his availability for the Maradona is in doubt. Gollini is set to keep his place in goal in the absence of Svilar. Svilar is still out with a micro-fracture to his fifth toe and will only return in the coming weeks. Koné will also miss out, having picked up a first-degree muscle injury against Real Madrid, with his return expected later on. Dybala is yet to recover from a small tear to his calf muscle. Roma reached the Maradona after a positive week in Serie A and the Champions League. They first beat Genoa 2-0 at the Olimpico, returning to winning ways in Serie A after a draw at Como, and then thrashed Slovan Bratislava 4-0 to secure their first win in the Champions League league phase. Hermoso, Molina, Pisilli and Malen scored against the Slovaks, in a practically perfect evening for Gasperini's side, marred only by Pellegrini's injury. Gasperini also managed his regulars, initially resting Mancini, Ndicka and Soulé. Napoli also come into the match after a European win. They beat Bodø/Glimt 4-3 at the Maradona thanks to an opening goal from Politano, a brace from McTominay and an own goal from Bjørtuft. The result, after difficulties in the first two Champions League matchdays, lets Allegri's side approach the clash with Roma with greater confidence. Napoli have also been hit by absences: Favasuli is out with a second-degree tear to his rectus femoris, Vergara is recovering from a calf problem and Alisson Santos is out with a biceps femoris injury. Buongiorno and Neres remain doubtful, the latter with a thigh muscle injury. The head-to-head record stands at 90 official meetings played in Campania. Napoli have won 39, Roma 25, with 26 draws. Roma have not won at Napoli's ground since the 2017/18 season, when they triumphed 4-2. The last meeting at the Maradona, on 15 February 2026, ended 2-2. Ticket sales for the match have been banned for residents of the Lazio region, a measure adopted by the prefect of Naples, Michele di Bari, on the basis of the determination of the Committee for the analysis of security at sporting events and the proposal of the Naples Police Headquarters. The restriction applies to the sale of tickets to Lazio residents in general, not only to the away section. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN, with kick-off at 18:00 on Saturday 24 October at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Official line-ups will be announced about an hour before kick-off. Gasperini's probable Roma XI is Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Wesley, de Roon, Pisilli, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Mancini and Ndicka are expected to return alongside Hermoso, with Balerdi and Ghilardi as alternatives, while Wesley and Lulli are favoured on the flanks. Cristante, recovering from knee inflammation, could be in the squad at least. Mora is favoured to complete the attack in Dybala's absence, while Malen is confirmed up front after returning to scoring against Slovan Bratislava from the penalty spot. Napoli are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 with Meret in goal, Beukema, Rrahmani and Badiashile at the back, Di Lorenzo and the former Roma player Spinazzola on the flanks, Lobotka and Gilmour in midfield, Giovane and McTominay behind Hojlund. Anguissa is a candidate to return to the starting line-up after a spell on the bench in the last league fixture.

Niccolò Pisilli scored while wearing the captain's armband in Roma's European win over Slovan Bratislava, echoing Francesco Totti, who scored his first goal as captain against Fiorentina in 1998. It is the third goal of the season for the 2004-born midfielder, who may now get a chance on the trequarti in the next match away to Napoli at the Maradona. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are enjoying a strong spread of goals: eleven different players have scored in the first ten matches, which puts the capitolini ahead of the other Italian clubs, Inter included. Donyell Malen leads the attacking output with nine goals and now faces the trip to Napoli. Roma are also dealing with a complicated injury situation. Marten de Roon has made an important contribution as well. He has accumulated 170 minutes across his last three matches, played in six days, and scored his first Champions League goal. The Dutchman leads the team's midfielders for ball recoveries and attempted clearances, confirming his physical condition is improving.

Lorenzo Pellegrini's scans are due tomorrow after he left the pitch during the match against Slovan Bratislava with a muscle problem in his right thigh. Speaking after the game, Gian Piero Gasperini suggested he could be out for around 20 days, but the instrumental tests will give a clearer picture of the diagnosis and recovery time for the number 7. Andrea Colombo of the Como section will referee Napoli-Roma on Saturday at 18:00 at the Maradona, with Bindoni and Rossi as assistants, Sacchi as fourth official, Aureliano on VAR and Meraviglia as AVAR. Roma's record under Colombo is five wins, five draws and one defeat in eleven matches. His most recent Roma games include a 2-1 win over Atalanta and a 2-2 draw in Naples last season. Napoli's record under him is seven wins, one draw and three defeats in eleven meetings. Wesley's form for Roma has attracted attention in the Premier League, where Manchester United are reportedly monitoring the Brazilian winger and could try to bring him to England as early as January. Gasperini has been clear: the player is considered untouchable and the club do not intend to sell him in the winter window. Chelsea also tested the water in the summer with a €50 million offer, which was rejected by Trigoria. Roma would only consider a proposal that is significantly higher. Pruzzo, speaking to Radio Radio, said: "The two matches after Real were needed, because they gave presence and satisfaction. It is a pity that the strikers, in these games, are the ones who should have more space: Castro does not play. I am sorry that Castro never plays. Mora did not take advantage of the opportunity, he is not ready for this stage. It seems to me that it is time to think about another striker." Pes, speaking to TeleRadioStereo, said: "De Roon and Cristante have the same characteristics, I do not think they can play together. De Roon can manage a game from the bench, he has played all of them so far. For me, Cristante-Pisilli is the right pairing. It seems to me it was also the pairing last year, because Koné was injured."

Roma travel to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday at 18:00 to face Napoli in Serie A matchday eight, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side arriving after a 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, while Napoli beat Bodø/Glimt 4-3 on the same evening. Gasperini has to contend with several absences, and the problem Lorenzo Pellegrini suffered against Slovan Bratislava adds to his worries. Pellegrini left the pitch with a muscle issue to his right hamstring and will undergo further tests, so his availability for the Maradona is in doubt. Gollini is set to keep his place in goal in the absence of Svilar. Svilar is still out with a micro-fracture to his fifth toe and will only return in the coming weeks. Koné will also miss out, having picked up a first-degree muscle injury against Real Madrid, with his return expected later on. Dybala is yet to recover from a small tear to his calf muscle. Roma reached the Maradona after a positive week in Serie A and the Champions League. They first beat Genoa 2-0 at the Olimpico, returning to winning ways in Serie A after a draw at Como, and then thrashed Slovan Bratislava 4-0 to secure their first win in the Champions League league phase. Hermoso, Molina, Pisilli and Malen scored against the Slovaks, in a practically perfect evening for Gasperini's side, marred only by Pellegrini's injury. Gasperini also managed his regulars, initially resting Mancini, Ndicka and Soulé. Napoli also come into the match after a European win. They beat Bodø/Glimt 4-3 at the Maradona thanks to an opening goal from Politano, a brace from McTominay and an own goal from Bjørtuft. The result, after difficulties in the first two Champions League matchdays, lets Allegri's side approach the clash with Roma with greater confidence. Napoli have also been hit by absences: Favasuli is out with a second-degree tear to his rectus femoris, Vergara is recovering from a calf problem and Alisson Santos is out with a biceps femoris injury. Buongiorno and Neres remain doubtful, the latter with a thigh muscle injury. The head-to-head record stands at 90 official meetings played in Campania. Napoli have won 39, Roma 25, with 26 draws. Roma have not won at Napoli's ground since the 2017/18 season, when they triumphed 4-2. The last meeting at the Maradona, on 15 February 2026, ended 2-2. Ticket sales for the match have been banned for residents of the Lazio region, a measure adopted by the prefect of Naples, Michele di Bari, on the basis of the determination of the Committee for the analysis of security at sporting events and the proposal of the Naples Police Headquarters. The restriction applies to the sale of tickets to Lazio residents in general, not only to the away section. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN, with kick-off at 18:00 on Saturday 24 October at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Official line-ups will be announced about an hour before kick-off. Gasperini's probable Roma XI is Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Wesley, de Roon, Pisilli, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Mancini and Ndicka are expected to return alongside Hermoso, with Balerdi and Ghilardi as alternatives, while Wesley and Lulli are favoured on the flanks. Cristante, recovering from knee inflammation, could be in the squad at least. Mora is favoured to complete the attack in Dybala's absence, while Malen is confirmed up front after returning to scoring against Slovan Bratislava from the penalty spot. Napoli are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 with Meret in goal, Beukema, Rrahmani and Badiashile at the back, Di Lorenzo and the former Roma player Spinazzola on the flanks, Lobotka and Gilmour in midfield, Giovane and McTominay behind Hojlund. Anguissa is a candidate to return to the starting line-up after a spell on the bench in the last league fixture.

Roma travel to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday at 18:00 to face Napoli in Serie A matchday eight, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side arriving after a 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, while Napoli beat Bodø/Glimt 4-3 on the same evening. Gasperini has to contend with several absences, and the problem Lorenzo Pellegrini suffered against Slovan Bratislava adds to his worries. Pellegrini left the pitch with a muscle issue to his right hamstring and will undergo further tests, so his availability for the Maradona is in doubt. Gollini is set to keep his place in goal in the absence of Svilar. Svilar is still out with a micro-fracture to his fifth toe and will only return in the coming weeks. Koné will also miss out, having picked up a first-degree muscle injury against Real Madrid, with his return expected later on. Dybala is yet to recover from a small tear to his calf muscle. Roma reached the Maradona after a positive week in Serie A and the Champions League. They first beat Genoa 2-0 at the Olimpico, returning to winning ways in Serie A after a draw at Como, and then thrashed Slovan Bratislava 4-0 to secure their first win in the Champions League league phase. Hermoso, Molina, Pisilli and Malen scored against the Slovaks, in a practically perfect evening for Gasperini's side, marred only by Pellegrini's injury. Gasperini also managed his regulars, initially resting Mancini, Ndicka and Soulé. Napoli also come into the match after a European win. They beat Bodø/Glimt 4-3 at the Maradona thanks to an opening goal from Politano, a brace from McTominay and an own goal from Bjørtuft. The result, after difficulties in the first two Champions League matchdays, lets Allegri's side approach the clash with Roma with greater confidence. Napoli have also been hit by absences: Favasuli is out with a second-degree tear to his rectus femoris, Vergara is recovering from a calf problem and Alisson Santos is out with a biceps femoris injury. Buongiorno and Neres remain doubtful, the latter with a thigh muscle injury. The head-to-head record stands at 90 official meetings played in Campania. Napoli have won 39, Roma 25, with 26 draws. Roma have not won at Napoli's ground since the 2017/18 season, when they triumphed 4-2. The last meeting at the Maradona, on 15 February 2026, ended 2-2. Ticket sales for the match have been banned for residents of the Lazio region, a measure adopted by the prefect of Naples, Michele di Bari, on the basis of the determination of the Committee for the analysis of security at sporting events and the proposal of the Naples Police Headquarters. The restriction applies to the sale of tickets to Lazio residents in general, not only to the away section. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN, with kick-off at 18:00 on Saturday 24 October at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Official line-ups will be announced about an hour before kick-off. Gasperini's probable Roma XI is Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Wesley, de Roon, Pisilli, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Mancini and Ndicka are expected to return alongside Hermoso, with Balerdi and Ghilardi as alternatives, while Wesley and Lulli are favoured on the flanks. Cristante, recovering from knee inflammation, could be in the squad at least. Mora is favoured to complete the attack in Dybala's absence, while Malen is confirmed up front after returning to scoring against Slovan Bratislava from the penalty spot. Napoli are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 with Meret in goal, Beukema, Rrahmani and Badiashile at the back, Di Lorenzo and the former Roma player Spinazzola on the flanks, Lobotka and Gilmour in midfield, Giovane and McTominay behind Hojlund. Anguissa is a candidate to return to the starting line-up after a spell on the bench in the last league fixture.

Roma travel to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday at 18:00 to face Napoli in Serie A matchday eight, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side still short of several players. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN. Roma arrive after a positive week, having beaten Genoa 2-0 at the Olimpico to return to winning ways in Serie A following the draw at Como, and then thrashing Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in the Champions League for their first win in the league phase of the competition. Against the Slovaks, Hermoso, Molina, Pisilli and Malen scored, in a near-perfect evening for Gasperini's team that was marred only by the injury to Lorenzo Pellegrini. Napoli also come into the game on the back of a European win, beating Bodø/Glimt 4-3 at the Maradona thanks to an opening goal from Politano, a brace from McTominay and an own goal by Bjørtuft. That result came after a difficult first two Champions League matchdays and gives Allegri's side more confidence ahead of the clash with Roma. Roma's injury list is a concern. Svilar is out with a micro-fracture to his fifth toe and will return only in the coming weeks. Manu Koné is sidelined with a first-degree muscle injury sustained against Real Madrid, while Dybala is still recovering from a small tear to his calf muscle. Cristante, who has gradually overcome knee inflammation, could return to the squad at least. Pellegrini left the pitch against Slovan Bratislava with a muscular problem to his right hamstring and will undergo further tests, leaving his availability for the Maradona in doubt. Gollini is expected to keep his place in goal in Svilar's absence. On the Napoli side, Favasuli is out with a second-degree rectus femoris injury, Vergara is recovering from a calf problem and Alisson Santos is ruled out with a biceps femoris injury. Buongiorno and Neres are being assessed, with Neres suffering a thigh muscle injury. Allegri is expected to field a 3-4-2-1, with Meret in goal, Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani and Badiashile in defence, and Politano and Spinazzola on the flanks. Lobotka and McTominay are expected to start in midfield, with Anguissa a candidate to return from the start after coming off the bench in the last league match. Lang and De Bruyne are likely to operate behind Hojlund, favoured over Lucca to lead the attack. Lang versus Giovane is a open selection battle. For Roma, Gasperini's probable XI is a 3-4-2-1 with Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka and Hermoso; Wesley, de Roon, Pisilli and Molina; Soulé and Mora; Malen. Mancini and Ndicka are expected back after rotation in Europe, with Balerdi and Ghilardi as alternatives. Wesley and Lulli are currently favoured on the flanks, while de Roon and Pisilli could be confirmed in midfield. Cristante's return is the main news, and Soulé is expected to regain a place from the start after beginning on the bench in the Champions League, with Mora favoured to complete the attack in Dybala's absence. Malen is set to lead the line after returning to scoring against Slovan Bratislava from the penalty spot. The match is scheduled for 18:00 on Saturday 24 October at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona and will be shown live on DAZN. Official line-ups will be announced about an hour before kickoff.

Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo has said the club must sign a striker in January and named Ademola Lookman as the man to target, on a six-month loan. Pruzzo was one of several Roman radio pundits giving their views on Gasperini's side after a run of two matches that followed a heavy defeat to Real Madrid. The debate centred on the forward line. Pruzzo said Castro does not play when Malen is fit, and that Mora did not take advantage of his chance. He said Mora is not ready for this stage. Ugo Trani, of Tele Radio Stereo 92,7 and Te la do io Tokyo, also called for signings in January, saying two attackers are needed. He said the club can spend in January, noting that 30 million euros was ready for Leweling on the last day of August. Trani suggested moving Mancini into midfield as one option, while adding that Gasperini does not want to change the team's shape and is right not to. Trani said Lulli can play at Napoli and that Mora has not received many passes, so he would not load him with responsibility. He added that Koné is feeling better and Cristante has returned, which he called two good pieces of news, because de Roon is short of oxygen. Lorenzo Pes of Tele Radio Stereo 92,7 said Gasperini is keeping his selections very tight, with only Soulé and Mora behind Malen for the Napoli game. On the injuries to Dybala and Pellegrini, Pes said: "I don't see any exaggeration from Gasperini in how he has used them. Pellegrini starts two games, he hasn't played four out of four, there has been a gradual approach." He added: "Pellegrini seems to me a player prone to injuries, he always has two or three a season. Now he is 30, he is entering the final phase of his career, and the problems get worse. He and Dybala are very predisposed to this kind of injury." Piero Torri of Radio Manà Manà Sport Roma said: "Mora was less good than the others yesterday, but I still want to wait for him, he is young and has only just arrived. He is struggling but I don't want to be harsh. Last night he had a good chance and didn't take it. The squad is short and that was known." He praised Ghilardi, saying he has a good, resistant and fast run.