Mora Dazzles with Bicycle Kick; Balerdi Debuts for Argentina

Gianluca Mancini has been recalled to the Italy squad for Friday 2 October's match against France, kickoff 20:45, after missing the recent trip to Turkey. Coach Roberto Mancini has named him in his selections while dropping Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi, who will miss one of Italy's final three matches in this international window. The Italy manager continues to rotate his squad on a match-by-match basis, with nine players omitted for the France fixture. He applied the same approach in recent games against Belgium and Turkey. Following victory over Turkey, Italy will look to secure another win against France in what the article describes as a delicate fixture. Mancini's return to the squad gives Roma another player available for selection after his Turkey absence.

Italy's national team coach has recalled Gianluca Mancini for Thursday's match against France on 2 October at 20:45, after the Roma defender missed the recent trip to Turkey. Daniele Ghilardi has been dropped and will miss his second fixture in the last three. The coach's selection pattern continues to involve rotation, with nine players omitted from the squad; Romano is also absent. Mancini's return provides a boost for Roma's central defender as Italy prepare to build on their victory over Turkey. The fixture against France represents a significant test for the national team, with the coach seeking to add momentum to the campaign.

Argentina defeated Bolivia 4-0 in a friendly on 1 October 2026, with Leonardo Balerdi (Argentina) the only AS Roma player to take the field. Balerdi came on at the start of the second half, replacing Cristian Romero at the 45-minute mark. Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro remained unused on the bench throughout the 90 minutes, contrary to pre-match indications that Soulé might start. Argentina's next fixture is against Burkina Faso on Sunday at 02:00 Italian time. The Argentina squad will then prepare for a forthcoming match against Benin, which will serve as the backdrop to Lionel Messi's farewell celebration. Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not be available for that encounter.

Pes reported that Manu Koné was honest about external interest in him during the transfer window, saying: "Koné was sincere, he didn't hide. He could have said '0-0', but he told the truth. Someone was interested in him, more or less. On the last day there was a Chelsea bid, which Roma rejected. The Blues' interest was significant: between 31 August and 1 September Roma had some hesitation, but then didn't flinch." Chelsea's attempt came late in the window but was turned down. Pes added that Gasperini considers Koné very important to his plans, and that Roma would not have let him depart in the final days of the market had he been surplus to requirements. On UEFA matters, Pes indicated that Trigoria is not deeply worried about potential sanctions, with Roma's expectation being no major penalties. He assessed that the club has reduced costs and that a heavy fine is the most likely outcome. Radio commentators discussed rotation in the squad ahead of upcoming fixtures, with Torri noting that Roma have more quality this season compared to the previous year: "There's no one you'd say doesn't play. Everyone can rotate, and I think Gasperini will have them all play in these next matches." Valdarchi and Rossomando both highlighted Marten de Roon as a tactical asset for upcoming games. Valdarchi stated: "De Roon is useful both as a starter and as a substitute: there's no one like him for tactical intelligence in Gasperini's concepts." Rossomando suggested De Roon could start against Como, saying: "For me this time against Como Mora can start. Watch out also for De Roon: that way you have an extra midfielder. I see De Roon against Como. For one reason or another, against Como the others aren't at 100%: Pellegrini, Soulé and Mora. That's why I see De Roon, and then you push Cristante forward." Rossomando noted that Soulé will have limited training time before the Como match.

Rodrigo Mora announced his arrival at Serie A with a stunning overhead kick for Portugal Under 21 against Gibraltar, drawing comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo's famous acrobatic finish and earning a standing ovation when substituted after 61 minutes. Playing in a 4-0 victory, the 19-year-old delivered a display that left observers speechless and left no doubt about his quality at the highest level. Mora is now keen to press his case for a starting place when Roma face Como, having made a promising early impact in the league with a goal and flashes of brilliance, though occasional moments of timidity are understandable given his age and the adjustment to Italian football. Roma invested 50 million euros in Mora because of the player he can become. The club recognises his potential, and he is gradually beginning to demonstrate it day by day. He has not yet reached 100% of his capability, but time is on his side. Gasperini will be watching the trajectory closely: if Mora continues to produce performances like the one witnessed with Portugal, the coach will soon have another attacking weapon to deploy. Head coach Giampiero Gasperini confirmed his assessment, saying: "I haven't seen it yet, but I think it was a superb goal." The match came during the international break, offering Mora the platform to make his case for increased involvement in Serie A.

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.

Argentina defeated Bolivia 4-0 in a friendly on 1 October 2026, with Leonardo Balerdi (Argentina) the only AS Roma player to take the field. Balerdi came on at the start of the second half, replacing Cristian Romero at the 45-minute mark. Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro remained unused on the bench throughout the 90 minutes, contrary to pre-match indications that Soulé might start. Argentina's next fixture is against Burkina Faso on Sunday at 02:00 Italian time. The Argentina squad will then prepare for a forthcoming match against Benin, which will serve as the backdrop to Lionel Messi's farewell celebration. Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not be available for that encounter.

Argentina defeated Bolivia 4–0 in a friendly, with Nico Paz of Como stealing the spotlight by scoring and assisting. The standout performance came from Paz, who has now positioned himself as a new face in the Argentina national team's future. Two Roma players remained unused: Matías Soulé, listed as a possible starter in pre-match reports, was benched throughout by manager Scaloni, though the coach signalled he would give the forward greater playing time in upcoming fixtures. Santiago Castro also saw no action across the full 90 minutes. Leonardo Balerdi was the sole Roma representative to feature, entering the pitch in the second half and helping to secure the clean sheet. His appearance capped a positive run in form that has also defined his performances with Roma in this early part of the season. Balerdi's contribution on the night reinforces the improvement he has shown since the campaign began. Argentina will face Burkina Faso next in another friendly fixture. The fixture will precede the eagerly anticipated clash against Benin, which will serve as the backdrop to Lionel Messi's farewell celebration. Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not participate in that match, though both will be present in spirit for what is set to become a historic evening in Argentine football.

Evan N'Dicka has returned to form for his national team and will intensify the competition for his defensive place at Roma, with Leonardo Balerdi having recently earned promotion to the starting XI by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini in a match against Inter. N'Dicka featured in two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for Ivory Coast, both won 2–0 against Ghana and Somalia, delivering statistical performances that underline his claim to a central role in Roma's defence. Last season, Roma's backline was the second-stingiest in Serie A. An injury in the derby and limited involvement in the World Cup had put N'Dicka under scrutiny, but he has begun this campaign positively. Balerdi's emergence as a starter, however, has intensified the battle for a regular berth. The competition for places will sharpen when Balerdi returns from Argentina only 48 hours before Roma's fixture with Como.

Evan N'Dicka has returned to form for his national team and will intensify the competition for his defensive place at Roma, with Leonardo Balerdi having recently earned promotion to the starting XI by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini in a match against Inter. N'Dicka featured in two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for Ivory Coast, both won 2–0 against Ghana and Somalia, delivering statistical performances that underline his claim to a central role in Roma's defence. Last season, Roma's backline was the second-stingiest in Serie A. An injury in the derby and limited involvement in the World Cup had put N'Dicka under scrutiny, but he has begun this campaign positively. Balerdi's emergence as a starter, however, has intensified the battle for a regular berth. The competition for places will sharpen when Balerdi returns from Argentina only 48 hours before Roma's fixture with Como.

Evan N'Dicka has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in the derby against Lazio and has now re-established himself as a key player for Ivory Coast's defence. The Roma defender missed all four matches of his country's World Cup campaign but has since featured in two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, recording outstanding individual displays in victories over Ghana and Somalia, both ending 2–0. N'Dicka was sidelined by injury for Roma's match against Torino but came on as a substitute in the club's last fixture before the international break, the meeting with Inter. At Trigoria, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is monitoring the defender's progress as he manages competition for places in the Roma defence. Leonardo Balerdi, a recent arrival, has already won over the Roma fanbase, but Gasperini has repeatedly stated that there is no formal hierarchy in defence—selection depends on form and match fitness. Against Ghana six days ago, N'Dicka made 99 touches, functioning almost as a midfielder. He recorded four defensive blocks, one interception, one blocked shot and seven recoveries, with 91% passing accuracy across 78 successful passes from 86 attempts (per SofaScore) and one key pass that went unconverted. Against Somalia, the 1999-born player asserted his physical dominance, winning 100% of his aerial duels—six from six. He made five recoveries and two interceptions with a crucial defensive clearance, maintaining 97% passing accuracy with only three errors across 90 attempts.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has reversed his intention to arrange friendly matches during the international break, citing a shortage of available players. Gasperini had said in a press conference that Roma would like to play two friendlies, but changed course after assessing his squad. With attacking depth particularly thin—Paulo Dybala is the only recognised forward currently at the club—the plan has shifted. According to Corriere della Sera, Roma are now considering an internal test match against the Primavera instead, though nothing has yet been confirmed. From next week, international players will begin returning to the capital. Evan N'Dicka is expected to arrive on Sunday, followed by the gradual return of Donyell Malen, Wesley, and Bryan Cristante to group training.