Ndicka doubtful for Atalanta; Ghilardi favoured, Balerdi waiting in the wings

Lorenzo Pellegrini's absence is growing, with the midfielder ruled out for at least two to three months after tests revealed a high-grade tear of the musculotendinous junction of the semitendinosus in his right thigh. Roma face Napoli on Saturday 24 October at 18:00, and the injury adds to an already crowded treatment room. Pellegrini could return between late January and early February 2027, though a further operation is a possibility. Coming after his summer surgery, the new injury may also weigh on his future at the club, as the number 7's contract expires in June 2026. Staying at Roma is considered highly unlikely. The absence also forces a change in the midfield. Bryan Cristante is reportedly being tried again in the number 10 role, with the headline noting he is "ripassa" as a trequartista. Pellegrini's situation is the latest setback for the squad as the team prepares for the trip to Naples.

Lorenzo Pellegrini faces at least two months on the sidelines after tests revealed a high-grade lesion at the distal musculotendinous junction of the semitendinosus in his right thigh, sustained against Slovan Bratislava. Recovery times will be assessed as the clinical picture evolves, but the midfielder could return in the first days of 2027. The setback adds to Roma's injury problems, following those of Svilar, Koné and Dybala. Roma continue preparations for their Serie A clash with Napoli on Saturday at 6pm at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Training took place at Trigoria, and there is positive news from Bryan Cristante, who has returned to regular group work despite visible strapping around his knee. The captain will be available to Gasperini for the match against the Partenopei and could even start from the first minute. Fans of both Napoli and Roma will be able to watch Saturday's match, valid for the eighth round of Serie A, free of charge on DAZN, including non-subscribers. Under the TV rights tender, five matches this season are being broadcast in free mode, and the Maradona fixture is among them. Supporters of both clubs need only log in following the instructions provided by DAZN to access the live stream. With the winter transfer window approaching, Roma have already begun identifying possible reinforcements for Gasperini. According to the English outlet Sport Witness, on Tuesday evening, while Roma beat Slovan Bratislava 4-0 at the Olimpico, several Roma scouts were at the Porto against PSV match. The fixture, won 1-0 by the Dutch side, also drew the attention of several Premier League clubs. Under observation are left-winger Esmir Bajraktarević, born 2005, and midfielder Sven Mijnans, born 2000, who had already been followed in the summer. On Rome radio, the Roma-Napoli fixture has been widely discussed. Luigi Ferrajolo told Radio Radio: "The absences of Koné and Dybala are heavy: Koné is the engine of the midfield and Dybala the inspiration. If Cristante can play, he can push Pisilli a bit further forward. Or Mora plays, hoping he wakes up a bit and makes a greater contribution." Alessandro Vocalelli added: "Roma have already passed some tests: not every match can be an exam. It is a stage in a journey in which the team must perform well, because it can help distance a direct Champions League rival. Physically he seems to be better, but Napoli have resources that make the match anything but simple."

Former Roma midfielder Angelo Di Livio, speaking to Retesport, said he likes the idea of playing Wesley further forward against Napoli, with Molina dropping deeper on the same flank. Di Livio believes Gasperini will be missing two important players, including Dybala, and he questioned Lorenzo Pellegrini's latest injury, asking what fault the player had for having to stop again. Di Livio said Cristante is not well and does not think he can start. He expects Gasperini to have prepared alternative plans in midfield to cover the absences. The attacking absences of Pellegrini and Dybala in the final third are what make the idea of Wesley further up the pitch appealing to him. Di Livio expects Evan Lulli...

Napoli and Roma meet on Saturday at 18:00 at the Maradona in Serie A matchday eight, both sides coming off Champions League wins earlier in the week. Roma arrive seven points clear of Napoli, who have stumbled through a start to the season that has included more slips than they would like. Attack and midfield quality are the headline strengths for both teams, but this fixture is also about experience and solidity at the back, where the two central defenders are Amir Rrahmani for Napoli and Evan N'Dicka for Roma. Rrahmani remains a fixed point in the Napoli back line under Allegri, prized for his physical presence, experience, positional sense and consistency. The Kosovan centre-back is especially effective in marking, in the air and in reading situations inside the box, while also being one of the first options when Napoli build from the back. In Serie A this season he has been virtually irreplaceable, starting all seven matches and playing 630 minutes, always on the pitch from first whistle to last. He has done the same in the Champions League. His passing accuracy is close to 90 per cent, with roughly 60 successful passes per 90 minutes, alongside 12 tackles and a notable 53 defensive clearances. That last figure underlines his ability to intervene when opponents press hardest. Against Roma he will be asked above all to control the movement of Malen and the late runs of Roma's attacking players. N'Dicka's strengths are physicality, pace and the ability to defend well away from his own area. Under Gian Piero Gasperini he has become a central figure in Roma's defence, able to operate in several positions within the three-man back line. He is particularly effective in duels and in covering the space behind his team-mates. In Serie A he has made five appearances for 367 minutes, and his numbers show a decisive impact: he is Roma's best performer for defensive clearances per 90 minutes, at 7.1, and averages 10.5 defensive actions per 90. His distribution is also significant, with a pass completion rate above 94 per cent and about 49 completed passes per 90 minutes. Against Napoli, his capacity to hold his own in individual duels and to step out aggressively onto the striker could be one of the keys to Roma's defensive phase.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has suffered a fresh setback, leaving Roma with another injury headache as Gian Piero Gasperini's side build momentum in the Champions League. Pellegrini left the field against Slovan Bratislava with a new muscle problem, an unwelcome stop that came just after he had returned from a previous absence. The captain's latest problem adds to the fitness concerns surrounding Mile Svilar, Manu Koné and Paulo Dybala. The win marked Roma's first Champions League victory since February 2019, a run of 2807 days, when they beat Porto. Roma scored four goals, and could have scored more, which helps their goal difference in the race for a play-off place. The three points also give the squad confidence ahead of demanding European away trips to Manchester and Paris. Roma are increasingly Gasperini's side, brave and with a clear identity regardless of who takes the field. Seven players were injured or rested by choice: Svilar, Mancini, N'Dicka, Koné, Cristante, Soulé and Dybala. Bryan Cristante has just returned to availability and is pushing for a call-up for Saturday's match against Napoli at the Maradona. Gasperini's rotation options are being squeezed in key areas. In attack, Roma risk facing Allegri's side without two top-quality players, Dybala and Pellegrini. In midfield, with Koné and Cristante not fully fit, control of the midfield rests with Marten de Roon and an increasingly convincing Niccolò Pisilli. The 2004-born midfielder was outstanding against the Slovaks, enjoying an unforgettable night that included his first Champions League goal and the captain's armband, a glimpse of the future in the eyes of Roma's history.

Roma's pundits on Rome's radio stations were largely positive about the club's recent results, but they were divided over Mora and the January market. Roberto Pruzzo, speaking on Radio Radio, said: 'Mora is absolutely not ready for this stage, and Roma must sign Lookman. Do a six-month loan.' He also said Castro does not play when Malen is fit and that Mora did not take advantage of his chance, adding that a striker is needed in January. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo was more worried: 'I said Mora had to play to get used to his teammates, but there is a Mora problem. Do you remember Bojan Krkic? I would not want him to suffer the same fate.' Corsi said Mora was an embarrassment in front of goal, had shot at a photographer and had got everything wrong on Sunday, including his passing. The debate followed a run of matches after the heavy defeat to Real Madrid. Mario Mattioli of Radio Radio said Roma were fortunate to face Genoa and Slovan Bratislava afterwards, as they could restore their mental focus, and that Roma had taken full advantage. He described Slovan as a side who do not belong in the Champions League, suggesting they were better suited to the Europa League or Conference League. Fabio Petruzzi of Rete Sport argued that Roma make their opponents look weak: 'Genoa were weak, Slovan are weak, they are all weak... even Real Madrid were weak until ten minutes from the end. I would start saying Roma are strong.' Alessio Nardo of Tele Radio Stereo said he could hardly recall a smaller side worse than Slovan Bratislava, adding that they could not keep the ball for more than three seconds. David Rossi of Rete Sport praised the defence under Gian Piero Gasperini: 'What impresses me is that the defenders have improved most with Gasperini. Ghilardi started two matches, against Lecce and against Slovan, and I remember him more for what he does in attack than in defence. Ghilardi is a starter now. Hermoso, we did not know who to pin it on, and now he is a leader. Balerdi arrived while Marseille fans were celebrating, and here he is dominant. N'Dicka has improved a lot... Roma have a back line that I believe is the strongest in Italy.' Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport noted that Roma had rotated five starters in defence over the last two matches while conceding no goals. He said the comparison between Malen and Castro and Ferguson and Dovbyk was harsh. Pes argued that Gasperini had not overused Pellegrini, who had started two matches, and said Pellegrini was prone to injury, which he had always been. Pellegrini is now 30, Pes said, and the problems are getting worse. Checco Oddo Casano said Roma should consider the futures of Dybala and Pellegrini in June, after seeing how many matches they had played. The radio hosts agreed that a striker is needed, and Pruzzo said he would name the player to be signed in January. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said he was supporting Manchester United against Como that evening, because a defeat for the English side would leave Roma with a final chance. He also said Roma had regrets about Fenerbahce and Real Madrid, where a result was possible, and warned that Roma could arrive at the third-last match ranked behind others in the table.

Roma's defence has been named in the Sofascore Team of the Week for the latest Champions League round, with Mario Hermoso, Leonardo Balerdi and Daniele Ghilardi all selected and dominating the back line of the ideal side. The trio's performance earned the recognition after they kept a clean sheet against Slovan Bratislava, the club's first clean sheet in Europe this season, and gave nothing away to Yaya Touré's side. The spotlight on the defence comes as Roma prepare for a big match against Napoli, with the squad continuing its work at Trigoria. The back line has been one of the strengths of the start to the campaign, conceding just three goals in the first seven Serie A matches. The Italian report adds that the award reflects the solid form of a unit that has been central to Roma's strong start, with the three defenders combining for a shutout that underlined the club's improved resilience at the back. Roma are next in action against Napoli, with the squad focused on maintaining that defensive record.

Roma's central defenders Hermoso, Balerdi and Ghilardi have been named in Sofascore's Team of the Week for the latest Champions League round, after a performance that kept Slovan Bratislava out completely. The three Roma defenders gave away nothing to the side coached by Yaya Touré. Roma have conceded only three goals in their first seven Serie A matches, a record built on a back line that is growing more solid despite the absence of several players who were fundamental in recent years. The arrivals of Balerdi and Koulierakis, and the continued development of Ghilardi, have given Gasperini the option to rest two first-team regulars, Ndicka and Mancini. Sofascore's selection was described as deserved. The Team of the Week's defence, drawn from the best side in the League Phase, was dominated by Gasperini's Roma backline. The selection also includes attackers Doué, Nico Paz, Foden and Ngumoha from the wider group of top clubs in the competition.

Roma's injury crisis is opening a door for Rodrigo Mora, with the Portuguese midfielder set to be given a starting chance as Gasperini looks for answers after the 4-0 Champions League win over Slovan. Lorenzo Pellegrini has joined a growing injury list that already includes Mile Svilar, Manu Koné and Paulo Dybala, and the first checks offer little hope of a quick return: he is expected to be out for around a month, though the official extent of the problem will only be confirmed after an MRI scan. Roma are averaging two injuries a week. With Pellegrini sidelined, Gasperini has only Matías Soulé and Mora as specialist attacking midfielders for Saturday's trip to Napoli at the Maradona. Dybala is targeting a return for the match at Udinese, while Bryan Cristante is back in the squad but needs to regain match rhythm. The head coach has backed Mora since his arrival, but his performances have been more subdued in recent starts. After an excellent cameo against Real Madrid, he appeared more in the shadows when starting against Genoa and Slovan. Gasperini expects more concrete answers from him, and Napoli could be the chance to take a step forward and earn a regular place. The night in Bratislava was otherwise a positive one for the Giallorossi. Donyell Malen impressed with his goalscoring, Daniele Ghilardi was reliable at the back, Wesley showed renewed energy and Nahuel Molina scored his first goal for the club. Gasperini can take pride in having built a side with a strong identity, but the injury problem is the main concern. A decision on whether to start Mora alongside Soulé will be central to the coming fixture.

Roma's defence has been named in the Sofascore Team of the Week for the latest Champions League round, with Mario Hermoso, Leonardo Balerdi and Daniele Ghilardi all selected and dominating the back line of the ideal side. The trio's performance earned the recognition after they kept a clean sheet against Slovan Bratislava, the club's first clean sheet in Europe this season, and gave nothing away to Yaya Touré's side. The spotlight on the defence comes as Roma prepare for a big match against Napoli, with the squad continuing its work at Trigoria. The back line has been one of the strengths of the start to the campaign, conceding just three goals in the first seven Serie A matches. The Italian report adds that the award reflects the solid form of a unit that has been central to Roma's strong start, with the three defenders combining for a shutout that underlined the club's improved resilience at the back. Roma are next in action against Napoli, with the squad focused on maintaining that defensive record.

Roma's central defenders Hermoso, Balerdi and Ghilardi have been named in Sofascore's Team of the Week for the latest Champions League round, after a performance that kept Slovan Bratislava out completely. The three Roma defenders gave away nothing to the side coached by Yaya Touré. Roma have conceded only three goals in their first seven Serie A matches, a record built on a back line that is growing more solid despite the absence of several players who were fundamental in recent years. The arrivals of Balerdi and Koulierakis, and the continued development of Ghilardi, have given Gasperini the option to rest two first-team regulars, Ndicka and Mancini. Sofascore's selection was described as deserved. The Team of the Week's defence, drawn from the best side in the League Phase, was dominated by Gasperini's Roma backline. The selection also includes attackers Doué, Nico Paz, Foden and Ngumoha from the wider group of top clubs in the competition.

Roma travel to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday at 18:00 to face Napoli in Serie A matchday eight, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side arriving after a 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, while Napoli beat Bodø/Glimt 4-3 on the same evening. Gasperini has to contend with several absences, and the problem Lorenzo Pellegrini suffered against Slovan Bratislava adds to his worries. Pellegrini left the pitch with a muscle issue to his right hamstring and will undergo further tests, so his availability for the Maradona is in doubt. Gollini is set to keep his place in goal in the absence of Svilar. Svilar is still out with a micro-fracture to his fifth toe and will only return in the coming weeks. Koné will also miss out, having picked up a first-degree muscle injury against Real Madrid, with his return expected later on. Dybala is yet to recover from a small tear to his calf muscle. Roma reached the Maradona after a positive week in Serie A and the Champions League. They first beat Genoa 2-0 at the Olimpico, returning to winning ways in Serie A after a draw at Como, and then thrashed Slovan Bratislava 4-0 to secure their first win in the Champions League league phase. Hermoso, Molina, Pisilli and Malen scored against the Slovaks, in a practically perfect evening for Gasperini's side, marred only by Pellegrini's injury. Gasperini also managed his regulars, initially resting Mancini, Ndicka and Soulé. Napoli also come into the match after a European win. They beat Bodø/Glimt 4-3 at the Maradona thanks to an opening goal from Politano, a brace from McTominay and an own goal from Bjørtuft. The result, after difficulties in the first two Champions League matchdays, lets Allegri's side approach the clash with Roma with greater confidence. Napoli have also been hit by absences: Favasuli is out with a second-degree tear to his rectus femoris, Vergara is recovering from a calf problem and Alisson Santos is out with a biceps femoris injury. Buongiorno and Neres remain doubtful, the latter with a thigh muscle injury. The head-to-head record stands at 90 official meetings played in Campania. Napoli have won 39, Roma 25, with 26 draws. Roma have not won at Napoli's ground since the 2017/18 season, when they triumphed 4-2. The last meeting at the Maradona, on 15 February 2026, ended 2-2. Ticket sales for the match have been banned for residents of the Lazio region, a measure adopted by the prefect of Naples, Michele di Bari, on the basis of the determination of the Committee for the analysis of security at sporting events and the proposal of the Naples Police Headquarters. The restriction applies to the sale of tickets to Lazio residents in general, not only to the away section. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN, with kick-off at 18:00 on Saturday 24 October at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Official line-ups will be announced about an hour before kick-off. Gasperini's probable Roma XI is Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Wesley, de Roon, Pisilli, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Mancini and Ndicka are expected to return alongside Hermoso, with Balerdi and Ghilardi as alternatives, while Wesley and Lulli are favoured on the flanks. Cristante, recovering from knee inflammation, could be in the squad at least. Mora is favoured to complete the attack in Dybala's absence, while Malen is confirmed up front after returning to scoring against Slovan Bratislava from the penalty spot. Napoli are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 with Meret in goal, Beukema, Rrahmani and Badiashile at the back, Di Lorenzo and the former Roma player Spinazzola on the flanks, Lobotka and Gilmour in midfield, Giovane and McTominay behind Hojlund. Anguissa is a candidate to return to the starting line-up after a spell on the bench in the last league fixture.