Mora seeks his place between dream and reality as Soulé faces a crossroads

Roberto Mancini has named his 23-man squad for Italy's Nations League opener against Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico on 25 September, with AS Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi among those excluded. The match marks the official start of Mancini's new cycle as Italy manager. Ghilardi was omitted alongside Matteo Pessina, Alessandro Bastoni (muscle fatigue), Ruggeri, Ricci, Fagioli, Vergara, Nicolò Zaniolo, Sebastiano Esposito, Kouadio and Inácio.

Donyell Malen's condition is improving after a left knee problem sustained during Roma's match against Inter forced him to withdraw from the Netherlands' first squad call-up following the World Cup. Medical tests ruled out serious damage but advised caution, prompting Malen to skip the international break and use the time to recover fully. Malen has trained separately from his Roma teammates in recent days, focusing on individual work and physiotherapy to reduce discomfort and avoid overloading the knee. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini granted the squad four days' rest, with training resuming Tuesday afternoon. Malen is expected to continue his personalised programme initially before being gradually reintegrated into group sessions. Roma are in no rush to accelerate his return, prioritising a complete recovery ahead of the demanding fixture list that awaits after the break. Netherlands manager Xavi offered reassurance on Malen's status, saying: "It's a shame because Donyell is in excellent form. He had to say no at the last moment, but that's football. In my opinion he's fine, I don't know how much time it will take him to recover, but the injury is not serious."

Roman radio stations have weighed in on whether Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina should attend Lionel Messi's farewell match in Argentina, with most commentators backing head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's decision to prevent the journey ahead of Roma's fixture against Como. The debate reflects wider discussion of player welfare and club priorities during a congested fixture schedule. Gasperini has kept Dybala and Molina in Rome, citing the physical demands of his tactical system and the recovery time needed between matches. Other Roma players—Donyell Malen, Bryan Cristante and Wesley—have also been unavailable for selection due to what commentators described as "tactical" injury concerns. The Argentina national team coach has already raised questions about the club's handling of Malen's absence, adding external pressure to Roma's management. Most radio voices acknowledged the emotional pull of attending Messi's retirement event—a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for players who competed alongside him—but sided with Gasperini's assertion that club duty must come first. Stefano Agresti said: "Dybala and Molina think of Roma, they are professionals, but they are tempted by this trip, by this almost national party. They would gladly go, he is a teammate, a point of reference. But I believe that respect also for a club that pays your contract, for which you work, imposes a different decision and they will greet Messi on another occasion. I believe Gasperini is right. Already Wesley, Malen and Cristante did not go because they were not well; making trips like this for a party is a distraction to avoid. If Dybala doesn't touch the ball with Como or is tired, what happens?" Roberto Pruzzo took a middle ground: "If you can avoid sending Dybala and Molina to Argentina it is better, but it is also true that it is a unique opportunity. I believe common sense will prevail in the end." Nando Orsi disagreed, stating: "I understand the intercontinental trip, the matches, that the coach makes his interests but it is only once. It seems exaggerated that Dybala and Molina are not sent to Messi's farewell match." Piero Torri critiqued Roma's transfer strategy separately, observing: "It seems a bit exaggerated this exaltation of Romano. Certainly Roma made a mistake in not putting a buy-back clause on this player: they did not leave themselves a safety valve." The question of whether Dybala and Molina will travel remains officially unresolved, though Simone Valdarchi suggested it was "more probable" they would stay.

Roman radio stations have weighed in on whether Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina should attend Lionel Messi's farewell match in Argentina, with most commentators backing head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's decision to prevent the journey ahead of Roma's fixture against Como. The debate reflects wider discussion of player welfare and club priorities during a congested fixture schedule. Gasperini has kept Dybala and Molina in Rome, citing the physical demands of his tactical system and the recovery time needed between matches. Other Roma players—Donyell Malen, Bryan Cristante and Wesley—have also been unavailable for selection due to what commentators described as "tactical" injury concerns. The Argentina national team coach has already raised questions about the club's handling of Malen's absence, adding external pressure to Roma's management. Most radio voices acknowledged the emotional pull of attending Messi's retirement event—a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for players who competed alongside him—but sided with Gasperini's assertion that club duty must come first. Stefano Agresti said: "Dybala and Molina think of Roma, they are professionals, but they are tempted by this trip, by this almost national party. They would gladly go, he is a teammate, a point of reference. But I believe that respect also for a club that pays your contract, for which you work, imposes a different decision and they will greet Messi on another occasion. I believe Gasperini is right. Already Wesley, Malen and Cristante did not go because they were not well; making trips like this for a party is a distraction to avoid. If Dybala doesn't touch the ball with Como or is tired, what happens?" Roberto Pruzzo took a middle ground: "If you can avoid sending Dybala and Molina to Argentina it is better, but it is also true that it is a unique opportunity. I believe common sense will prevail in the end." Nando Orsi disagreed, stating: "I understand the intercontinental trip, the matches, that the coach makes his interests but it is only once. It seems exaggerated that Dybala and Molina are not sent to Messi's farewell match." Piero Torri critiqued Roma's transfer strategy separately, observing: "It seems a bit exaggerated this exaltation of Romano. Certainly Roma made a mistake in not putting a buy-back clause on this player: they did not leave themselves a safety valve." The question of whether Dybala and Molina will travel remains officially unresolved, though Simone Valdarchi suggested it was "more probable" they would stay.

Roma's radio stations have intensified debate over whether Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina should be permitted to travel to Argentina to attend Lionel Messi's farewell celebration, with head coach Gasperini reportedly opposed to the plan and the club siding with him. The pair would return just 72 hours before Roma's Serie A match at Como—described by one commentator as the second-most difficult fixture in the league after Inter–Roma—raising concerns about recovery time and squad focus. Dybala and Molina both played with Messi for Argentina at the last World Cup and feel the personal pull strongly, but the consensus among most analysed voices is that allowing them to make an intercontinental journey so close to a crucial match would damage Roma's preparation. David Rossi on Rete Sport argued that professional players should not have requested permission in the first place: "They should have said, 'Caro Messi, you could have organised this on 1 October, we leave for Como on the 10th.'" He added that the club "always makes two weights and two measures" regarding Dybala specifically, suggesting he receives disproportionate scrutiny. Francesca Ferrazza on Tele Radio Stereo declared: "I wouldn't even send them to Capri on holiday now that everyone is leaving for these four days off, let alone to Argentina four days before Como–Roma." Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport stated: "Molina and Dybala in Argentina would be counterproductive for Roma, returning 72 hours before the Como match. I think Gasperini and the club are absolutely not in agreement with it." Lorenzo Pes on Tele Radio Stereo said a decision would come "next week." The debate also touched on squad renewal: Lulli and Mario Hermoso are out of contract in June, with Lulli's renewal already under way through Pellegrini's agent. Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini are also approaching contract expiration, with much depending on how the season unfolds. The situation remains unresolved, with some voices—including Roberto Pruzzo—suggesting that "common sense will prevail" and that "common sense is staying in Rome," while others like Mario Mattioli believe the players will ultimately travel to what is described as a unique, unrepeatable event in football history.

Amantino Mancini, former Roma and Inter player, has analysed Saturday's 2–2 draw between the clubs at the Olimpico, telling Tribuna.com that the result was fair and that the title race will stretch beyond just Roma and Inter. "It was undoubtedly the most just result; Roma played well in the first half, while Inter played better in the second," he said. Mancini believes five teams will contest the Scudetto this season. "There will be other squads fighting for the title; I believe Napoli, Juventus and Milan can compete for it alongside Roma and Inter. It's a long championship and there is still a lot of football to be played, but I think these five teams will battle for the title." He acknowledged Roma's improvement over the past year but said Inter still hold a slight edge. "Roma have strengthened well and are a more competitive squad, but I still see Inter slightly ahead because they have been playing together as a group for longer. That said, Roma have improved considerably from last year." On Paulo Dybala, Mancini offered high praise: "We know Dybala's quality and technical gifts. When he is in physical condition and plays with continuity, he is a world-class talent. Fortunately for Roma and for him, this year he has not suffered injuries and is playing really well. He is at the peak of his career." Mancini also highlighted a defensive problem for Inter, noting: "Inter are struggling in defence; the numbers confirm it. They concede too many goals and must fix the back line. Chivu knows it well; he knows how to solve the situation." On Inter striker Lautaro, Mancini rated him highly: "Lautaro pleases me; he is a very strong player, both physically and technically, and he knows how to score. For me he ranks among the five best strikers in the world."

Roma's sporting director D'Amico continues to pursue two positions ahead of the January transfer window after failing to complete moves during the summer window. The club's primary need remains an attacking winger, preferably left-footed, to operate on the left flank and provide depth, power and speed. The secondary target is a midfielder with left-sided capability who can add running, physicality and solidity to the squad. Gasperini's requests have been clear since the summer window closed. For the defensive winger role, D'Amico has identified Oosterwolde as the primary candidate. The Dutch player was sent to Istanbul by D'Amico following medical tests and is currently recovering from femoral tendon surgery, with his return to action targeted for the end of October. D'Amico is prepared to wait for Oosterwolde's recovery and will evaluate him in Fenerbahce's matches over the final two months of the year. The Roma director is unbothered by the timeline because Oosterwolde would become both the most defensive of Roma's wingers and the most structurally robust option. A loan deal can be arranged if he returns to full fitness. Looking further ahead to next season, D'Amico is also monitoring Bakola, a French midfielder born in 2007 at Sassuolo, and Kvernadze, a Georgian attacking winger born in 2003 at Frosinone. This mirrors the approach taken with Santiago Castro, who was under observation last winter before being acquired this summer.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is using the international break to complete his recovery and return to full fitness ahead of Roma's resumption of the Serie A season. The club captain has been named in the squad for recent matches against Torino and Inter but has not yet featured, with his last appearance dating to 10 April against Pisa when he suffered a thigh injury. An attempted comeback for the derby in the closing stages of last season resulted in a setback, leading to surgical intervention in Finland in early June. Gasperini indicated before Roma–Inter that the international break presented an opportunity for Pellegrini to increase his workload further. The midfielder is targeting availability for the away fixture at Como and aims to accumulate minutes in the following sequence of fixtures. Pellegrini renewed his contract in the summer for a single season on a net wage of €2.5 million and must now compete for a place on the attacking midfield line, where Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora represent the principal competition. Last season he started 25 of 37 matches in which he was named in the squad, underlining his significance to the group, and Gasperini had pushed for his retention. After six months without a competitive appearance, the focus now centres on his return to the pitch.

Donyell Malen has withdrawn from the Netherlands squad due to left-knee discomfort sustained in Roma's match against Inter. Medical tests have ruled out serious damage, and the forward has been undergoing targeted work and physiotherapy in recent days. When training resumes on Tuesday, he will initially continue on an individual programme before gradually returning to group work. Roma are taking a cautious approach and aim to have him fully fit when the season resumes. Francesco Totti will take on a role within the new Maxima Roma structure, though not in player recruitment. Instead, he will work to grow the club's fan base. Totti has reiterated his enduring attachment to the club, saying: "Roma remains always magical for me. That is my first skin." Despite two recent meetings with Ryan Friedkin over recent months, a return to Trigoria has not materialised. Among the tactical strengths of Gasperini's Roma is one-on-one play. The club has improved dramatically from a 39.2 per cent successful dribbling rate last season to 61.73 per cent so far this campaign, climbing from 19th place to the top of that category. Malen and Soulé lead with 2.6 successful dribbles per match, followed by Mora at 2.1 and Ghilardi at 1.9. Dybala trails at 0.9.

Donyell Malen's condition is improving after a left knee problem sustained during Roma's match against Inter forced him to withdraw from the Netherlands' first squad call-up following the World Cup. Medical tests ruled out serious damage but advised caution, prompting Malen to skip the international break and use the time to recover fully. Malen has trained separately from his Roma teammates in recent days, focusing on individual work and physiotherapy to reduce discomfort and avoid overloading the knee. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini granted the squad four days' rest, with training resuming Tuesday afternoon. Malen is expected to continue his personalised programme initially before being gradually reintegrated into group sessions. Roma are in no rush to accelerate his return, prioritising a complete recovery ahead of the demanding fixture list that awaits after the break. Netherlands manager Xavi offered reassurance on Malen's status, saying: "It's a shame because Donyell is in excellent form. He had to say no at the last moment, but that's football. In my opinion he's fine, I don't know how much time it will take him to recover, but the injury is not serious."

Roman radio stations have weighed in on whether Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina should attend Lionel Messi's farewell match in Argentina, with most commentators backing head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's decision to prevent the journey ahead of Roma's fixture against Como. The debate reflects wider discussion of player welfare and club priorities during a congested fixture schedule. Gasperini has kept Dybala and Molina in Rome, citing the physical demands of his tactical system and the recovery time needed between matches. Other Roma players—Donyell Malen, Bryan Cristante and Wesley—have also been unavailable for selection due to what commentators described as "tactical" injury concerns. The Argentina national team coach has already raised questions about the club's handling of Malen's absence, adding external pressure to Roma's management. Most radio voices acknowledged the emotional pull of attending Messi's retirement event—a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for players who competed alongside him—but sided with Gasperini's assertion that club duty must come first. Stefano Agresti said: "Dybala and Molina think of Roma, they are professionals, but they are tempted by this trip, by this almost national party. They would gladly go, he is a teammate, a point of reference. But I believe that respect also for a club that pays your contract, for which you work, imposes a different decision and they will greet Messi on another occasion. I believe Gasperini is right. Already Wesley, Malen and Cristante did not go because they were not well; making trips like this for a party is a distraction to avoid. If Dybala doesn't touch the ball with Como or is tired, what happens?" Roberto Pruzzo took a middle ground: "If you can avoid sending Dybala and Molina to Argentina it is better, but it is also true that it is a unique opportunity. I believe common sense will prevail in the end." Nando Orsi disagreed, stating: "I understand the intercontinental trip, the matches, that the coach makes his interests but it is only once. It seems exaggerated that Dybala and Molina are not sent to Messi's farewell match." Piero Torri critiqued Roma's transfer strategy separately, observing: "It seems a bit exaggerated this exaltation of Romano. Certainly Roma made a mistake in not putting a buy-back clause on this player: they did not leave themselves a safety valve." The question of whether Dybala and Molina will travel remains officially unresolved, though Simone Valdarchi suggested it was "more probable" they would stay.

Donyell Malen has withdrawn from the Netherlands squad due to left-knee discomfort sustained in Roma's match against Inter. Medical tests have ruled out serious damage, and the forward has been undergoing targeted work and physiotherapy in recent days. When training resumes on Tuesday, he will initially continue on an individual programme before gradually returning to group work. Roma are taking a cautious approach and aim to have him fully fit when the season resumes. Francesco Totti will take on a role within the new Maxima Roma structure, though not in player recruitment. Instead, he will work to grow the club's fan base. Totti has reiterated his enduring attachment to the club, saying: "Roma remains always magical for me. That is my first skin." Despite two recent meetings with Ryan Friedkin over recent months, a return to Trigoria has not materialised. Among the tactical strengths of Gasperini's Roma is one-on-one play. The club has improved dramatically from a 39.2 per cent successful dribbling rate last season to 61.73 per cent so far this campaign, climbing from 19th place to the top of that category. Malen and Soulé lead with 2.6 successful dribbles per match, followed by Mora at 2.1 and Ghilardi at 1.9. Dybala trails at 0.9.