Mora shines with assist, Koné and N'Dicka impress in international duty; Mancini endures difficult night

Manu Koné impressed for France in yesterday's 1–0 Nations League victory over Turkey, playing as a central midfielder in Zinedine Zidane's 4-3-3 formation alongside Rabiot and Cherki—a position outside his usual remit. The Roma midfielder delivered a strong performance that caught the attention of France's new head coach. Koné continues to be a key figure both at Roma and for the French national team. His ability to adapt tactically and maintain balance in an unfamiliar position has made him a valuable asset for club and country. Zidane commented on the display after the match: "Manu is not used to playing in that position, I wanted to see this side of him and he was very good in terms of balance." The midfielder's versatility and quality in execution have proven decisive performances for both the Giallorossi and France.

Roma's international contingent made an impact during the first round of matches across their respective national teams. Rodrigo Mora, representing Portugal's Under-21 side, delivered an assist and created multiple chances in a 90-minute display against Bulgaria that drew praise. Manu Koné continued his strong form for France, deployed as a defensive midfielder against Turkey in a different role than his usual positioning, yet still ranked first for successful dribbles and maintained his stellar start to the season. Koné has now established himself as a cornerstone of the French setup under Zinedine Zidane. Roma sent 12 players on international duty during this break, giving head coach Gian Piero Gasperini a chance to recharge ahead of a strong start to the 2026-27 campaign while maintaining focus on rhythm and fitness. Rodrigo's performance underlined the club's expectations following a €50 million investment, with his growth trajectory in a Roma shirt becoming increasingly significant. The break comes at a critical juncture, balancing necessary rest with the imperative to sustain momentum after the club's impressive opening. Gianluca Mancini's display for Italy proved disappointing, marked by an error leading to Belgium's opening goal and imprecision in the first half, though he improved after the break and came close to scoring. Daniele Ghilardi was not selected for Italy and awaits his national team debut. Konstantinos Koulierakis remained unused on the bench in Greece's match against Serbia. Evan N'Dicka returned to action with Ivory Coast, delivering a solid performance in their victory against Ghana. The three Roma players on Argentina duty—Santiago Castro, Matías Soulé and Leonardo Balerdi—face a friendly against Bolivia in four days, followed by Argentina's tribute match to Lionel Messi, a fixture where Nahuel Molina and Paulo Dybala are hoped to appear, though Roma has yet to confirm their release.

Chelsea winger Gittens has suffered an ankle injury during an England Under 21 match against Kazakhstan that threatens to derail Roma's interest in signing him. The incident occurred in the 39th minute, forcing Gittens to leave the pitch on crutches. He has since withdrawn from international duty, and tests are pending to determine the severity of the injury and length of his absence. Roma tracked Gittens throughout the summer transfer window, with the club attempting to bring him to the Stadio Olimpico on loan before the deadline passed. Chelsea blocked any temporary move, but Roma continued monitoring him as a possible reinforce for the January window. At that point, a potential opening existed given that Xabi Alonso has offered Gittens limited first-team minutes in the current season. The ankle injury now threatens to reshape Roma's calculus: the outcome of medical examinations and his recovery timeline will determine whether he remains a target or slips down the club's priorities.

Roma's international contingent made an impact during the first round of matches across their respective national teams. Rodrigo Mora, representing Portugal's Under-21 side, delivered an assist and created multiple chances in a 90-minute display against Bulgaria that drew praise. Manu Koné continued his strong form for France, deployed as a defensive midfielder against Turkey in a different role than his usual positioning, yet still ranked first for successful dribbles and maintained his stellar start to the season. Koné has now established himself as a cornerstone of the French setup under Zinedine Zidane. Roma sent 12 players on international duty during this break, giving head coach Gian Piero Gasperini a chance to recharge ahead of a strong start to the 2026-27 campaign while maintaining focus on rhythm and fitness. Rodrigo's performance underlined the club's expectations following a €50 million investment, with his growth trajectory in a Roma shirt becoming increasingly significant. The break comes at a critical juncture, balancing necessary rest with the imperative to sustain momentum after the club's impressive opening. Gianluca Mancini's display for Italy proved disappointing, marked by an error leading to Belgium's opening goal and imprecision in the first half, though he improved after the break and came close to scoring. Daniele Ghilardi was not selected for Italy and awaits his national team debut. Konstantinos Koulierakis remained unused on the bench in Greece's match against Serbia. Evan N'Dicka returned to action with Ivory Coast, delivering a solid performance in their victory against Ghana. The three Roma players on Argentina duty—Santiago Castro, Matías Soulé and Leonardo Balerdi—face a friendly against Bolivia in four days, followed by Argentina's tribute match to Lionel Messi, a fixture where Nahuel Molina and Paulo Dybala are hoped to appear, though Roma has yet to confirm their release.

Jamie Gittens suffered an ankle injury during England Under 21's match against Kazakhstan on Saturday, forcing him off the field at the 39-minute mark. The Chelsea forward, followed by Roma during the summer and still on the club's radar for future moves, left the pitch on crutches and will undergo examination. The severity of his injury will determine whether Roma's interest in him carries into the next transfer window. Roma have begun renewal talks with Emanuele Lulli, who impressed early in the season while on duty with Italy Under 21. The club's director and Lulli's agent have opened initial discussions to extend his contract, which runs until June. Both sides are understood to be willing to continue together, with a meeting scheduled at Trigoria in the coming days to advance negotiations. The Italian Football Federation's federal council has approved a change to the winter transfer window dates at the request of Serie A, with backing from Leagues B and Pro. The market will now open on 28 December instead of 1 January, with the closing date remaining Monday 1 February. FIFA approval is still required to make the change official. Lorenzo Pellegrini is using the international break to recover and aims to return for the Como fixture. Should he play, he will reach 350 appearances for Roma, matching Damiano Tommasi and climbing to 12th place in the club's all-time list. Pellegrini turned down a more lucrative offer from Besiktas and is keen to convince Gasperini to give him more playing time, though he currently sits behind Soulé and Mora in the pecking order.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is targeting a historic milestone in Roma's history. If he plays in the upcoming match against Como, he will reach 350 appearances for the club, matching Tommasi and claiming 12th place on the all-time list—a significant achievement in the giallorossi record books. Pellegrini has used the international break to work his way back to full fitness ahead of the Como fixture. The midfielder renewed his contract at Roma out of affection for the club, turning down a more lucrative offer from Besiktas. He remains determined to convince Gasperini of his quality and secure a starting role in the squad, though he currently sits behind Soulé and Mora in the pecking order. With a congested fixture calendar from October through November ahead, Gasperini will need depth in midfield, and Pellegrini is ready to answer the call.

Roma's international contingent made an impact during the first round of matches across their respective national teams. Rodrigo Mora, representing Portugal's Under-21 side, delivered an assist and created multiple chances in a 90-minute display against Bulgaria that drew praise. Manu Koné continued his strong form for France, deployed as a defensive midfielder against Turkey in a different role than his usual positioning, yet still ranked first for successful dribbles and maintained his stellar start to the season. Koné has now established himself as a cornerstone of the French setup under Zinedine Zidane. Roma sent 12 players on international duty during this break, giving head coach Gian Piero Gasperini a chance to recharge ahead of a strong start to the 2026-27 campaign while maintaining focus on rhythm and fitness. Rodrigo's performance underlined the club's expectations following a €50 million investment, with his growth trajectory in a Roma shirt becoming increasingly significant. The break comes at a critical juncture, balancing necessary rest with the imperative to sustain momentum after the club's impressive opening. Gianluca Mancini's display for Italy proved disappointing, marked by an error leading to Belgium's opening goal and imprecision in the first half, though he improved after the break and came close to scoring. Daniele Ghilardi was not selected for Italy and awaits his national team debut. Konstantinos Koulierakis remained unused on the bench in Greece's match against Serbia. Evan N'Dicka returned to action with Ivory Coast, delivering a solid performance in their victory against Ghana. The three Roma players on Argentina duty—Santiago Castro, Matías Soulé and Leonardo Balerdi—face a friendly against Bolivia in four days, followed by Argentina's tribute match to Lionel Messi, a fixture where Nahuel Molina and Paulo Dybala are hoped to appear, though Roma has yet to confirm their release.

Francesco Totti has revealed in his new book *Oltre* that he turned down a proposal to return to Roma as an ambassador for the club's centenary celebrations. The former captain disclosed that he received a single offer through intermediaries—never in a face-to-face meeting with the Friedkin Group—to serve as the public face of the milestone. "I declined the offer," Totti said. "I have never felt comfortable in the role of a beautiful statue that must smile without making an impact and nod without being able to decide." Series A has confirmed fixture changes for matchdays 12 through 19. The Derby della Capitale against Lazio will take place on Sunday, 13 December at 12:30. Roma's home fixture against Juventus is scheduled for Saturday, 19 December at 20:45, while their Coppa Italia Round of 16 tie against Verona will be played on Tuesday, 12 January at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico. During the international break, Roma players continued their national-team commitments. Evan N'Dicka played all 90 minutes as Ivory Coast defeated Ghana 2–0. Gianluca Mancini featured for Italy in a 2–0 Nations League loss to Belgium and received a yellow card. Manu Koné played the full match as France beat Turkey. Konstantinos Koulierakis remained on the bench throughout Serbia's 1–2 defeat to Greece. Director of sport Tony D'Amico is already exploring reinforcements for the January transfer window, particularly a left-sided winger. Roma have begun moves on Georgian winger Giorgi Kvernadze, who has attracted attention from Fiorentina, Napoli, and several Premier League clubs. Hull City has reportedly made an early approach for the Frosinone player, valued at approximately €25 million.

Evan N'Dicka played the full 90 minutes for Ivory Coast in their 2–0 victory over Ghana on 24 September, while Konstantinos Koulierakis remained unused as Serbia lost 1–2 to Greece. Today, 25 September, Gianluca Mancini will feature for Italy against Belgium in a Nations League fixture at the Stadio Olimpico at 20:45, aiming to start. Daniele Ghilardi has been excluded from Roberto Mancini's squad for the match. Manu Koné will also play this evening for France, who face Turkey at Kocaeli Stadyumu at 20:45.

Roma's international contingent made an impact during the first round of matches across their respective national teams. Rodrigo Mora, representing Portugal's Under-21 side, delivered an assist and created multiple chances in a 90-minute display against Bulgaria that drew praise. Manu Koné continued his strong form for France, deployed as a defensive midfielder against Turkey in a different role than his usual positioning, yet still ranked first for successful dribbles and maintained his stellar start to the season. Koné has now established himself as a cornerstone of the French setup under Zinedine Zidane. Roma sent 12 players on international duty during this break, giving head coach Gian Piero Gasperini a chance to recharge ahead of a strong start to the 2026-27 campaign while maintaining focus on rhythm and fitness. Rodrigo's performance underlined the club's expectations following a €50 million investment, with his growth trajectory in a Roma shirt becoming increasingly significant. The break comes at a critical juncture, balancing necessary rest with the imperative to sustain momentum after the club's impressive opening. Gianluca Mancini's display for Italy proved disappointing, marked by an error leading to Belgium's opening goal and imprecision in the first half, though he improved after the break and came close to scoring. Daniele Ghilardi was not selected for Italy and awaits his national team debut. Konstantinos Koulierakis remained unused on the bench in Greece's match against Serbia. Evan N'Dicka returned to action with Ivory Coast, delivering a solid performance in their victory against Ghana. The three Roma players on Argentina duty—Santiago Castro, Matías Soulé and Leonardo Balerdi—face a friendly against Bolivia in four days, followed by Argentina's tribute match to Lionel Messi, a fixture where Nahuel Molina and Paulo Dybala are hoped to appear, though Roma has yet to confirm their release.

Radio commentators in Rome have divided over the performance of two Roma players on international duty. Gianluca Mancini came under criticism for his defending in Italy's latest match, while Nicolò Romano faced scrutiny for errors in his first appearances at senior level. Agresti said Romano had played five matches at a high level but had been unsettled by his elevation to the Italy squad. "On Italy's first goal, Mancini made a big mistake, but the move started from a poor pass by Romano. Yesterday he made errors he doesn't usually make," Agresti noted. Orsi was blunt about Mancini's responsibility: "A defender like Mancini cannot make certain errors—it is not the right way to face the opponent. The two goals conceded by Italy, if two players were switched on, they don't get conceded. Mancini is not 18 years old; he has to help in these situations." However, Orsi backed Romano: "Romano can make mistakes; you put him alongside Tonali and Barella, and they have to give more." Carina took a more measured view of Romano's adjustment. "We have to be calm with Romano: he has only played five matches. It's normal for him to alternate good and poor performances. He has been compared to Strootman, so obviously he will struggle—they have given him Italy's midfield." Mirabella also offered perspective: "He is an experiment and made plenty of mistakes, but it makes sense: he's young, it's his first experience, and he's only just started playing in Serie A." Stella reflected on Italy's broader troubles: "The enthusiasm over Italy has faded. I don't want to be punitive towards the coach, but I have no idea how we can get out of this tunnel."

Italy's new era under Roberto Mancini began with a defeat at the Stadio Olimpico, Belgium winning 2-0 in the opening Nations League fixture on 25 September. Mika Godts opened the scoring in the first half after a pass from De Bruyne, with Dodi Lukebakio adding a second in the 69th minute from a De Ketelaere assist. Italy struggled to find rhythm and continuity in their play, creating meaningful chances only late in the first half through a Cambiaghi attempt. The home crowd booed when the final whistle sounded. From a Roma perspective, Gianluca Mancini started at centre-back for the Azzurri. Alessandro Romano, an academy product, made his senior international debut from the opening minute but endured a difficult outing, his error leading directly to Belgium's opening goal. Romano was replaced in the 65th minute by Frattesi. Daniele Ghilardi, on his first senior call-up, was not included in the 23-player squad for the match. Mancini returns to the Italy bench aiming to launch a fresh cycle following recent disappointments for the national team. Italy face little time to recover from the result: they travel to Turkey for the second group-stage match on 28 September.