Mora and Pellegrini: Roma bank on two weapons during the break

Roma head into the international break with their whole squad available to Gian Piero Gasperini, and the fixture list is now working in their favour. The club have played nine matches in 27 days, and a run of more winnable games is set to follow. This Saturday Sassuolo visit the Stadio Olimpico, a side in serious crisis with coach Aquilani reportedly at risk of being dismissed despite a strong start to the season. The break comes at a crucial moment for Roma, allowing Gasperini to gradually bring back all of his injured players. Manu Koné and Paulo Dybala both hope to be available in two days' time, but after a month out both will certainly be ready for the trip to Parma. Mile Svilar returns in goal at the Tardini. Devyne Rensch, who is dealing with an adductor strain, undergoes instrumental tests today and has two weeks to return to full availability. The next league fixtures for Malen and his team are, on paper at least, easier: Sassuolo, Parma, Monza and Bologna in a row. That gives Roma the chance to build a winning run before the derby against Lazio. In between come the daunting trip to Paris and the Champions League clash with Sporting CP.

Lorenzo Pisilli's strong start to the season has earned him a place in the Italy squad, with Italy coach Roberto Mancini reportedly set to call him up for the Nations League fixtures against France and Belgium, according to Il Messaggero. Pisilli has also won the trust of Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, despite a poor display in Manchester. Gianluca Mancini and Daniele Ghilardi are also possible call-ups from Roma, according to the report. Bryan Cristante's involvement is in doubt. The squad list for the double header, which decides qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals, is expected to be announced today. The Manchester performance did not overshadow what the report describes as a season started at a high level by Pisilli. The Italian daily says the 2026-27 campaign has been a strong one for the midfielder, who has earned the confidence of both his club boss and the national team coach.

Roma are reflecting on a narrow defeat at Manchester United's Old Trafford, with Corriere della Sera highlighting both the individual progress within Gian Piero Gasperini's squad and the structural limits of a group that must compete on three fronts. Those limits, the report says, will require corrections in the January transfer window. Matías Soulé, now a key technical reference on the right side of the attack, is among the bright spots, along with the impact of Malen, who has produced important numbers in the giallorossi shirt, and the consistent form of Ndicka. However, a thin squad and an injury crisis have restricted Gasperini's rotations and exposed the gap with the top sides on Europe's biggest stages. The difficulties against the Red Devils were made worse by heavy absences in goal and in midfield. The club's management and Tony D'Amico, who is already working to identify the profiles needed in January, are reportedly targeting a midfielder and a left-sided winger to give Gasperini the alternatives he has asked for. The squad has returned to Trigoria to prepare for the Serie A clash with Sassuolo. The medical staff are monitoring Manu Koné, who is aiming for a rapid recovery, while the goalkeeping situation centres on Gollini, who is dealing with a back problem, with Colombian Devis Vásquez ready to step in again.

Fabio Capello has blamed mental and physical fragility for Roma's collapse in Manchester, where the Giallorossi dominated Manchester United in the first half only to fade completely after the break. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Roma manager said the defeat at Old Trafford exposed the club's limits in terms of stamina and mental strength, while also stressing the good work the side has shown against Europe's biggest clubs. Capello described a first half in which Roma were in control in every department: aggression, ball recovery, danger and vision. "In the first half Roma were masters of the game, dominant in everything: aggression, ball recovery, danger and vision. It seemed like an easy match, United had never been dangerous (…)" he said. He then asked whether Roma had believed the game was too easy and gone out too relaxed. "In the second half they did nothing, they didn't play, and never had a shot on goal. It looked like the shirts had been swapped, it's true." Capello said United improved considerably after their substitutions, but above all found an aggression that is typical of Roma. "Roma aren't used to facing teams this aggressive, you don't find opponents like that in Italy. And on Tuesday Roma showed mental cracks, in attention and vigour." He also questioned whether Gasperini's players had spent too much in the first half, adding that the intensity of English football made the difference. Asked whether Gasperini's style is simply too demanding, Capello was clear. "Absolutely, it is a very demanding style of football, but also very beautiful. Roma show exciting things, and that is an advantage for Italian football. But when you compare yourself with players who have certain characteristics, it has been seen that resisting for a long time is difficult. Concentration is extremely important (…)." He recalled a similar collapse against Real Madrid, but said that against Madrid the danger was clear: "if you give the Spaniards 15-20 minutes they punish you immediately." In Manchester, he felt, the impression was of general tiredness. "It was not the outstandingly good United, and perhaps that was also the moral key to the match." On the squad, Capello said Roma's group is shorter than last year, but that Gasperini is well placed in Italy with this group. "In Europe you would probably need a higher level." He also pointed to injuries, saying the numbers speak clearly. "Five substitutions help with player recovery, but the fact is that now you play so much and at such close intervals that it becomes difficult to maintain consistency of performance (…)." Capello acknowledged the regret. "There is disappointment, Roma came close to two wins they would have deserved to put in the trophy cabinet. And instead you end up with zero points (…). But these defeats are part of a process. (…) What Roma showed against Real and United cannot be erased. And they did not do it against a team of Scirocco, but against European powers."

Roma's problems after half-time are showing up in the numbers: 83% of their goals conceded this season have come in the second half. In their 14 official matches they have conceded three goals in first halves against 15 in second halves, while scoring 19 goals in each half. The issue is defensive resilience rather than attacking output. Roma have now lost a lead again after the comeback against Real Madrid. At Old Trafford they dominated the first half before fading after the restart. Mora's withdrawal at half-time and the introduction of Lulli for Rensch have both drawn debate, and the squad has few quality alternatives. Gasperini is under scrutiny, and an editorial asks why this Roma is not yet ready for the Champions League. On the transfer front, Balerdi's place is secure despite his error on United's equaliser. According to Fabrizio Romano, the club is satisfied with the Argentine and intends to buy him outright from Marseille. The fee is reported at between 11 and 14 million euros, depending on his seasonal appearances. Inter and Juventus showed interest in the defender this summer. Spanish referee Gil Manzano received heavy ratings: 4 from Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport and 3 from Romanista. The penalty awarded for the Mancini-Cunha contact was criticised, as was the failure to send off Maguire for a second yellow card. The retake of the penalty for Cristante's early entry into the box was judged correct. Roma supporters have also made serious accusations against English police after the tensions at Old Trafford. Some fans describe long waits, aggressive treatment and medical emergencies on entry and exit, and one fan was reportedly immobilised by officers before receiving medical assistance. On Radio Roma, Ferrazza suggested focusing on the league, Corsi criticised some of Gasperini's assessments, and Torri blamed the officiating. In the transfer market, Roma's clear priority is to strengthen the attack, with Endrick at the top of the list. In midfield, Issa Doumbia of Sporting Lisbon and Gabriel Sara of Galatasaray are also attracting interest. Roma's next fixture is the Rome derby's rival-free home test against Sassuolo, a match in the eleventh round at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 7 November at 20:45. Marco Di Bello will referee, assisted by Peretti and Scatragli, with Pezzuto at VAR and Guida as AVAR.

Gian Piero Gasperini is facing a barrage of criticism after Roma squandered a two-goal lead and lost 3-2 at Manchester United in the Champions League, with the coach's decisions, substitutions and tactical handling of the second half all called into question. The defeat was Roma's second of the season, following their first loss in the Champions League, and it came after they had also thrown away a two-goal advantage against Inter and Real Madrid. Roma have scored six goals in those three matches yet have taken only one point from them, the draw against Chivu's Inter, while Mourinho's and Carrick's sides took three points each. The article also recalls the 3-1 lead against Juventus last season that became a 3-3 draw. The critique is seen as legitimate, though the article argues the debate needs to go deeper. Gasperini has already responded that the comebacks were different but share similar ingredients: Roma often conceded immediately after half-time rather than only after returning to the field with a lead. That happened at Manchester, unlike against Real Madrid at the Olimpico, where three goals were conceded at the death. The article argues the problem is mental rather than technical: when Roma concede, they seem to switch off from the match. Balerdi's misplaced pass at Old Trafford is cited as the latest confirmation. Roma have been unbeaten in Serie A for seven months. The article criticises the handling of the match itself. Two halves cannot be played at the same intensity, and the substitutions made were questioned, particularly with Rensch already off in the first half, which meant the team had to pay attention to the wing-back slots too. Individual errors were highlighted, along with changes that saw two of three central defenders replaced, which would have unbalanced the back line. The article notes that the player who stayed on as the least tired, and arguably the best of the night, was the one who went on to err on United's second and third goals. Gasperini admitted a drop-off after the break and a lack of clarity, but did not mention absences. The article argues that Svilar, Koné and Dybala's absences do affect results, and points out that a fourth goalkeeper played, with De Marzi the third choice, a player who was outside the squad list until a month ago. Gasperini described the penalty awarded to Manchester as a "rigorino" (a soft penalty) without criticising the silent VAR over Mancini's foul, or the VAR who was quick to flag Cristante's encroachment for the retaken penalty. He did not protest about Maguire escaping a red card, already booked earlier, for his foul on Castro. He also did not address Rosetti, who had assigned the same referee, Spaniard Gil Manzano, for the first two Champions League away trips, a referee already criticised after Istanbul. Gasperini admitted the lesson would help, saying: "in Europa il percorso da fare è ancora lungo" ("in Europe the road ahead is still long"). The article concludes that Roma are not yet competitive at these levels. The most significant criticism, the article argues, is inconsistent: Gasperini was faulted for leaving Mora in the dressing room at half-time, which the article calls the coach's main error in England. Only days ago, the Portuguese's signing had been considered the worst mistake of the last transfer window. The article describes Rodrigo Mora as low, useless and expensive, someone who would struggle to become a starter at Roma. Today he plays in place of Dybala, is decisive, and drops onto the flank when needed, as at Manchester. The article sums up the shift as out of role yet suddenly fundamental.

Roma head to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the Champions League, with Gian Piero Gasperini's preparations disrupted by a back problem that has ruled Lorenzo Pellegrini's fellow goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini out, leaving Devis Vásquez to start in goal. The match kicks off at 21:00 Italian time. Roma come into the fixture after an away win over Udinese. Gasperini has confirmed Rodrigo Mora in attack, alongside Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen. Gianluca Mancini returns to the defence, with Leonardo Balerdi completing the back line in place of Evan N'Dicka. Devyne Rensch and Wesley are named on the flanks. Roma line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Vásquez; Mancini, Balerdi, Hermoso; Rensch, Cristante, de Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Manchester United, coached by Carrick, line up in a 4-2-3-1 with Lammens in goal, Yoro, Maguire, Heaven and Dalot in defence, Mainoo and Baleba in midfield, and Cunha, Fernandes and Diallo supporting Mbeumo. Tielemans replaces Baleba at the 50th minute. Roma's Rensch was replaced by Lulli in the 22nd minute, and Mora was substituted by Pisilli in the 46th minute of the second half. The referee is Gil Manzano (Spain), assisted by Porras Ayuso-Barbero and Barbero, with Martínez Munuera as fourth official, Del Cerro Grande on VAR and Cuadra Fernandez as AVAR. Goals came from Soulé in the 9th minute, Malen in the 18th minute and Fernandes in the 53rd minute. Yellow cards were shown to Soulé and Bruno Fernandes in the 21st minute, Lulli in the 35th minute, Malen in the 41st minute and Heaven in the 70th minute.

Roma travel to Old Trafford on Tuesday for a high-stakes UEFA Champions League clash that could decide Michael Carrick's future at Manchester United, with the home side enduring their worst run of form since the late 1980s. United lost 2-0 at home to Chelsea on Saturday and are level on points with 18th-placed Crystal Palace in the Premier League. They are on a nine-game winless streak in all competitions (D3, L6), their worst run since 1988. Carrick's position is under scrutiny ahead of what is described as a must-win game. United beat Champions League debutants Sabah Baku 4-0, but have since lost back-to-back group-phase matches, suffering multi-goal defeats at Atletico Madrid and Como. Roma arrive in better shape. Gian Piero Gasperini's side recovered from a two-game winless start (D1, L1) to thrash Slovan Bratislava 4-0 on matchday three. That win is part of a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions (W4, D1), capped by a dominant 5-2 win at Udinese last weekend. Roma are unbeaten in 17 Serie A matches (W13, D4), and the Giallorossi will take the Old Trafford pitch in high spirits, seeking their maiden win on United's home ground. United have beaten Roma in all four previous meetings at the Theatre of Dreams, including a 7-1 rout in 2007, when Carrick scored a brace. The under-pressure United boss will be desperate to repeat that success, knowing anything other than a win would likely seal his fate at the club. United have won 13 of their 17 Champions League home matches against Italian opposition at Old Trafford (D1, L3) and bring a seven-game winning streak in European home games into the fixture, with each of their last four wins in that sequence seeing them score at least four goals. However, the 20-time English champions are enduring their worst-ever ten-game Champions League run (W2, D1, L7), and they have failed to score in five of their seven defeats this season. Roma's scoring has been prolific, with Gasperini's side netting two or more goals in six consecutive outings across all competitions. That run started with a 4-3 home loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League, and Roma have since won five straight games without defeat (W4, D1). Their domestic form has not translated to Europe, however. They have secured just two wins from their last 20 Champions League road fixtures (D6, L12) and have gone 32 successive Champions League road trips without a clean sheet. They are also seeking their first-ever away win over English opposition in the Champions League proper (D3, L7). That said, Roma have not lost any of their last six European away games (W3, D3). Patrick Dorgu, Luke Shaw and Benjamin Sesko are definite absentees for United, while Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo could be on the bench. Bryan Mbeumo is expected to lead the line amid Matheus Cunha's rough patch, with Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Youri Tielemans behind him in Carrick's 4-2-3-1 set-up. Roma remain without Paulo Dybala, Manu Kone and first-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is struggling with a thigh injury, is also out, meaning Matias Soule is likely to start behind Donyell Malen. Roma's probable lineup is Gollini; N'Dicka, Mancini, Hermoso; Molina, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante, Soule; Malen. The prediction is a Roma win.

Roma's radio commentators have looked ahead to Thursday night's Champions League trip to Manchester United at Old Trafford, with several pundits stressing that a win would carry weight well beyond the three points. David Rossi of Rete Sport said: "Gasperini has understood that Manchester won't be a walk in the park, and that he would really like to win. Beyond the three points at stake tonight, because winning would take you a good way forward in the qualification, playing and doing well in Manchester would bring a series of positive consequences across the board. Winning 1-0 at Old Trafford tonight would be worth more than 5-2 at Udine; a win tonight would carry over to the Olimpico against Sassuolo…" Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport declined to make a prediction, saying Gasperini had got it right in insisting Roma should not be influenced by Manchester's recent form. He added that United manager Carrick could be sacked if he fails to get a result against Roma, noting that the club has saved many coaches in its history. Piacentini joked that a hat-trick of dismissed coaches would not be a bad outcome, with Runjaic dismissed first, Carrick tonight and Aquilani on Saturday, "with all due respect to Alberto." Giorgio Marota of Rete Sport expects Gasperini to rely on his senior players in such big games, meaning Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso are likely to start. He said Ghilardi is growing rapidly and looks like the player who has developed most. Marota described the squad as having two strong groups, the Italians and the Argentines, and said dressing-room dynamics exist but Gasperini will not be swayed by them, as shown by his removing Pellegrini's captaincy as soon as he arrived. He said Mancini is even more Gasperini-like in his role than Ghilardi, though Ghilardi could challenge him in the long run. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo said tonight's match has great appeal and that, against the Roma side Carrick faced before, Roma would have returned the 7-1 scoreline. He argued Roma would have done well to sign 21- and 22-year-olds ready to break through, citing Moreira, Mastantuono, Alajbegovic and Mora, who has already scored three goals. He said these players cost money but have a future, and expressed hope of signing Endrick, adding that Mora would not be bothered by his arrival. Corsi also warned about AC Milan, saying they want to invest heavily, and that with Moreira and Endrick they could start to take shape, though he noted they have a major brake in Amorim. Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo said that in January a club cannot take a gamble and should instead sign established players who may not be performing at their clubs, a loan move that could help Roma take a step up and push for the title. She said that in the summer a different kind of investment is needed, and recalled that last January the 19-year-old was not signed, which is why people say Roma need another Malen, a fully formed player who provides the final step. Lorenzo Pes of Tele Radio Stereo said Roma must focus on the present rather than the ghosts of the past. On Rensch, he said he had been picked from the first minute, but the battle for that place is open, adding that he was not convinced by him in Naples. He said a win on such an important pitch would, for now, place Roma among Europe's elite and represent a real step up in quality. On United, he said the quality is there with Bruno Fernandes, Mbuemo, Cunha and Mainoo, but that the side does not deserve its league position and looks very disjointed. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said that if Roma beat Sassuolo, Parma and Monza in their next three league games, they would be close to first place. He said Bologna, Lazio and Juventus also follow, and that Lazio must be considered. He suggested Balerdi should start tonight and that Molina should be backed for his experience of big stages. He would also play Mora with Soulé and Malen. Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio said United in these conditions are like Juventus, but Roma must not fall into the trap. He warned that Roma cannot go there and do what they did at Udine, and that a different mental and physical resilience will be needed. On Soulé, Pruzzo said he thinks all the good possible of him and that the club waited for him too long given his qualities, though he has not yet taken the team by the hand and still lacks something to be a recognised leader. He said he backed him because he deserves it. Nando Orsi of Radio Radio said Manchester United having Dorgu, the former Lecce player, means they are no longer the Manchester United of old if they invest in him. He called tonight's match complicated and difficult, noting Roma always play at Old Trafford, and that by the law of big numbers one match must go their way. He hoped it would not be so for Roma, adding that if Roma score first, United may collapse because they are mentally weak, while if they score first, they may become elated. For that reason, Roma must be careful.

Roma head into the international break with their whole squad available to Gian Piero Gasperini, and the fixture list is now working in their favour. The club have played nine matches in 27 days, and a run of more winnable games is set to follow. This Saturday Sassuolo visit the Stadio Olimpico, a side in serious crisis with coach Aquilani reportedly at risk of being dismissed despite a strong start to the season. The break comes at a crucial moment for Roma, allowing Gasperini to gradually bring back all of his injured players. Manu Koné and Paulo Dybala both hope to be available in two days' time, but after a month out both will certainly be ready for the trip to Parma. Mile Svilar returns in goal at the Tardini. Devyne Rensch, who is dealing with an adductor strain, undergoes instrumental tests today and has two weeks to return to full availability. The next league fixtures for Malen and his team are, on paper at least, easier: Sassuolo, Parma, Monza and Bologna in a row. That gives Roma the chance to build a winning run before the derby against Lazio. In between come the daunting trip to Paris and the Champions League clash with Sporting CP.

Matías Soulé has been the standout Roma performer in a grey night at Old Trafford, scoring his first Champions League goal and winning the penalty that Donyell Malen converted, in a game Roma ultimately lost. According to Daniele Aloisi in Il Messaggero, the Argentine is enjoying his best form yet, and the attacking hub for Roma's offence has been Soulé rather than Paulo Dybala, who is currently absent. Soulé has already scored four goals this season, against Lecce, Atalanta, Napoli and Manchester United, and has provided five assists, with his assists coming against Atalanta, Real Madrid (two) and Udinese (two). Last season, at the same stage, he had also scored the same number of goals but only two assists. He is playing a more decisive role than before, and for the first time since joining the club he is not leaving a noticeable gap without Dybala. The article describes Dybala as having become a technical leader, having put behind him the groin problem and, above all, a complicated summer. Soulé had been in the shadows during big matches last season, when his goals came against Pisa, Verona, Fiorentina, Rangers, Cremonese, Genoa and Sassuolo. Soulé has also been recalled to the Argentina squad by coach Scaloni, alongside Leonardo Balerdi and Santiago Castro, and he is set to be the focus of the two friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica.

Roma returned to Trigoria on Wednesday evening after their Champions League trip to Manchester United and began preparing immediately for the Serie A match against Sassuolo, with little time to regroup. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is hoping to recover several key players from the treatment room. Manu Koné is progressing well towards full recovery and is aiming to be in contention for a place in the side against the neroverdi. Paulo Dybala has been back training on the pitch for a few days, but the medical staff's caution means he is unlikely to risk excessive effort, making a return to the matchday squad after the international break more likely. In goal, the situation is being monitored closely after recent physical problems. Gasperini returned from England still doubtful over Pierluigi Gollini, who is struggling with back discomfort that will be assessed day by day up to the eve of the match. If Gollini is ruled out, Colombian Devis Vásquez, who started at Old Trafford, is ready to keep his place between the posts for the league fixture as well. Devyne Rensch has also joined the injury list, suffering a muscle strain in his right adductor, and will undergo instrumental tests to determine his recovery time precisely. Gasperini and his staff are weighing up alternatives to reshape the team for the home match against Sassuolo. The Italian report confirms that the Roma squad's fitness updates will continue to be assessed through the coming days, with the coach balancing the returns of Koné and Dybala against the continued uncertainty at goalkeeper and right-back.