Mora shines for Portugal U21 as central playmaker, but role puzzle remains for Gasperini

Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina want to attend a farewell match for Lionel Messi with Argentina on 6 October, but the timing poses a logistical and sporting problem for Roma. The event is scheduled for 22:00 in Argentina, and factoring in travel, time zones and recovery, both players would not be available until 8 October. Roma face Como three days later on 11 October at 12:30 in a crucial fixture for the top of the league that also opens a demanding run of consecutive Serie A and Champions League matches. The question of whether the pair should travel has become one of the most delicate issues during Roma's current international break. Reports differ on where the resistance lies. According to Il Messaggero, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini gave approval for Dybala and Molina to depart, recognising the special significance of the occasion for two players who won the 2022 World Cup with Messi. However, Corriere dello Sport reports that the Friedkin family themselves have applied the brakes, judging the cost in fatigue, travel and recovery too high ahead of such an important match. No final decision has been made. The situation remains open, though the lean of opinion is currently towards preventing the trip. A definitive resolution is expected on Tuesday when training resumes at Trigoria, when the club, Gasperini and the players must weigh sporting demands against personal wishes and reach a shared conclusion. Meanwhile, other Argentina internationals will attend the Messi event regardless. Santiago Castro, Matías Soulé and Leonardo Balerdi are all on regular national team duty and will participate in the farewell ceremony, meaning they will be among the last national team players to return to Rome ahead of the Como fixture.

Santiago Castro arrived at Roma as the club's primary summer signing and most expensive acquisition, with the Friedkin Group paying Bologna €36 million plus 10% of any future sale. However, the Argentine forward has struggled to establish himself in the opening weeks of the 2026-27 season, accumulating just 105 minutes in Serie A and zero appearances in the Champions League, while Dutch striker Donyell Malen has taken control of the attacking role with six goals in the first five league matches. Castro knew when he joined that he would have to compete for the centre-forward position against a player in exceptional form. Gasperini keeps all contests open in team selection, but the 2004-born forward has spent most of the early campaign on the sidelines. He was also unlucky in the recent match against Atalanta, striking the woodwork twice. Despite the slow start, Castro's credentials are strengthened by the endorsement of Francesco Totti, Roma's former captain and legend. In his new book *Oltre*, Totti revealed a noteworthy exchange from a dinner with Gasperini in March. Totti said: "I advised him about an attacker who was Santiago Castro, a winger and a midfielder, all foreigners. He thought for a moment, then said: 'The winger costs a lot, I hadn't thought about the midfielder and he wouldn't be bad, I really like the attacker. I think we see football the same way, like you did years ago.' It's not about taste, boss. I based it on the philosophy of your squads, particularly how you had Atalanta play for so many years." The convergence of vision between Totti and Gasperini underscores Castro's tactical fit within Roma's system. Castro has been called up to the Argentina national team under Scaloni. With the fixture schedule becoming increasingly congested after the international break, his playing time is expected to increase considerably.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is set to end a six-month absence from Roma action, having recovered from a right thigh rectus femoris tendon injury that required surgery and forced him to miss 12 matches across the end of last season and the start of the 2026-27 campaign. The captain's last appearance came on 10 April against Pisa. He has completed his rehabilitation programme and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear he considers Pellegrini a fundamental piece, pushing decisively for him to remain in the squad. Gasperini has used Matías Soulé and young midfielder Rodrigo Mora in the left attacking midfield role without establishing a clear starter, leaving an opening for Pellegrini to claim the position as his own. The 30-year-old will target a starting berth on the left of the attack in the upcoming match against Como. His return offers Roma an experienced solution for the forward line and gives Pellegrini the chance to establish himself in the role at least until the transfer window reopens in January, when sporting director Tony D'Amico may explore the market for a classic right-footed left-side playmaker. Pellegrini's motivation has been evident: he posted a message from Trigoria training that read, "True happiness is being at peace with who you are." The captain's recuperation comes as a significant lift for Roma as the season progresses.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is set to end a six-month absence from Roma action, having recovered from a right thigh rectus femoris tendon injury that required surgery and forced him to miss 12 matches across the end of last season and the start of the 2026-27 campaign. The captain's last appearance came on 10 April against Pisa. He has completed his rehabilitation programme and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear he considers Pellegrini a fundamental piece, pushing decisively for him to remain in the squad. Gasperini has used Matías Soulé and young midfielder Rodrigo Mora in the left attacking midfield role without establishing a clear starter, leaving an opening for Pellegrini to claim the position as his own. The 30-year-old will target a starting berth on the left of the attack in the upcoming match against Como. His return offers Roma an experienced solution for the forward line and gives Pellegrini the chance to establish himself in the role at least until the transfer window reopens in January, when sporting director Tony D'Amico may explore the market for a classic right-footed left-side playmaker. Pellegrini's motivation has been evident: he posted a message from Trigoria training that read, "True happiness is being at peace with who you are." The captain's recuperation comes as a significant lift for Roma as the season progresses.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is fit again and will become a major reinforcement for Gian Piero Gasperini when Roma resume after the international break. The midfielder has completed his recovery from a right thigh strain that sidelined him since 10 April, when Roma played Pisa—his last match. The injury forced him to undergo surgery and miss 12 matches in total. At Como, Pellegrini is expected to return to the starting lineup after six months away. Gasperini does not yet have a settled starter on the left of the attacking midfield, with Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora alternating in the role. Pellegrini is the real candidate to establish himself as the regular occupant of that position.

Roma players scattered across international fixtures during the latest international break produced mixed results, with midfielder Manu Koné earning praise from France coach Zidane after a strong display in a 1–0 loss to France. Koné operated in a new midfield role that drew positive signals from Zidane, who was encouraged by his performance. Evan N'Dicka started for Ivory Coast in a win over Ghana, while Konstantinos Koulierakis remained on the bench as Greece lost to Serbia. Daniele Ghilardi did not feature in Italy's 2–0 defeat to Belgium. Gianluca Mancini started for Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in a poor display but now risks losing his place for Monday's match against Turkey. Rodrigo Mora contributed an assist for Portugal U21. Argentina's players remain on different timelines: Santiago Castro, Matías Soulé and Leonardo Balerdi are set to face Bolivia in four days, while Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not attend Argentina's celebration for Messi on 6 October.