Ndicka reclaims Ivory Coast centre-back role as Gasperini watches on

Midfielder Manu Koné acknowledged that transfer talk has surrounded him but insisted his concentration is now entirely on AS Roma and delivering everything for the club. Speaking ahead of international fixtures, Koné addressed the speculation that marked the summer window and outlined his commitment to the Giallorossi's objectives. Koné noted the teasing he receives from teammates and opponents alike because of his status as a Roma player. He acknowledged that Italy, his upcoming opponents, are in a period of reconstruction and going through a difficult moment, but emphasised that both squads approach the fixture with genuine ambition. "There are many jibes, being a Roma player," Koné said. "They have the desire to win, it's an important match, they are rebuilding and going through a complicated moment. We have training this afternoon but we'll set out with the same dynamic to work on the two upcoming matches. We'll do what the coach asks of us."

Niccolò Pisilli has outlined his ambitions for both club and country, telling Vivo Azzurro TV in their Generazione Azzurra format: "Win a Serie A title with Roma and a World Cup with Italy." The Roma midfielder is currently with Italy's Under-21 squad, preparing for two decisive European Championship qualifiers. Tomorrow he faces Armenia in the first of those two crucial matches. Pisilli reflected on key moments in his international career, highlighting 10 October as his lucky date. He made his senior Italy debut on 10 October 2024 at the Stadio Olimpico—Roma's home ground and the club of his heart—in Rome. Exactly one year later, on 10 October 2025, he scored his first Under-21 brace. The 21-year-old has become a central figure at Roma this season and continues to be a focal point of Italy's youth development.

Manu Koné has dismissed the prospect of a Chelsea move and reaffirmed his commitment to Roma after the midfielder came close to leaving the club during the summer transfer window. The French midfielder has become a key player for Roma this season, notably scoring twice in a 2–2 draw against Inter. He was also called up to the French national team during the international break. Koné's importance to Gasperini's plans meant the club resisted Chelsea's late approach. The midfielder has credited Roma with his development since joining from Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he played from 2021 to 2024. He arrived at the Serie A club at age 23 and has grown considerably both tactically and physically in that time. Speaking at a France press conference ahead of a fixture against Italy, Koné said: "Things have happened for me, but I'm at Roma, I'm focused. What happened has happened. I give 100% for this club, I'll give everything to meet expectations, and that's all." On his time in Rome, he added: "When I arrived in Italy, I was younger (I was 23), and that brought maturity to my playing style. I became more focused. Tactically, I didn't have the skills I have now. I also improved my energy management, which made me the player I am today. I was going through a difficult period at Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Roma approached me; I'm very grateful to them."

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.

Roma radio commentators have weighed in on squad selection for the fixture on 11 October, with particular focus on players on international duty with Argentina. Lorenzo Pes of Teleradiostereo stated that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina did not force their way into the Buenos Aires trip for Lionel Messi's farewell, and there will be no lasting friction from the club's decision to keep them in Rome. Pes added: "The players did not push to be in Buenos Aires for Messi's goodbye. Roma has a delicate and important match on 11 October and the club's statement shows the strength of the ownership." Simone Valdarchi of Radio Manà Manà predicted Gian Piero Gasperini will make tactical adjustments based on the return of Argentina internationals. He suggested Santiago Castro poses no selection problem in attack, as he would not have dislodged Donyell Malen anyway. In defence, Valdarchi expects Mario Hermoso's continued presence at Trigoria, Evan N'Dicka's early return, and the measured workload of Gianluca Mancini to mean Leonardo Balerdi will not start. He forecast the usual competition between Matías Soulé for a forward berth. Pes also reflected on Lorenzo Pellegrini's form, stating: "Pellegrini did not fully meet expectations. His first year under Mourinho went very well, then he stopped a bit. He has not managed to capture people's hearts." Rome's radio coverage underscores the complexity of balancing international commitments with domestic fixture demands.

Roma face a crucial three days after the international break, with Como visiting on Sunday 11 October followed by a Champions League trip to Real Madrid on Wednesday 14 October. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's main focus is the recovery of three key players sidelined by injury: Donyell Malen (knee soreness), Bryan Cristante (lower back pain) and Wesley (right thigh strain picked up in the last match against Inter). The squad resumed training at Trigoria yesterday afternoon, with all three continuing individual work and physiotherapy rather than full team sessions. There are no major concerns at present; their conditions are being monitored daily with a planned gradual return to group training. Cristante appears closest to full availability and is expected back by the end of the week, with Malen and Wesley to follow in the coming days. The aim is to have as many solutions as possible ready for the trip to Como. International players will begin returning from next week onwards, with Evan N'Dicka among the first—he plays his final match for Ivory Coast next Saturday. Gasperini is hopeful of having Roma nearly at full strength ahead of the double fixture against Como and Real Madrid.

Matías Soulé is thriving under Gasperini's system after a strong start to the 2026–27 season. The 23-year-old has scored two goals and provided one assist in his first five league matches, matching his output from the same stage last season. The improvement comes after a difficult first year at Roma—his first goal arrived at the eleventh match in 2024–25, and his progress was further disrupted by a two-month pubalgia injury that cost him a place in the World Cup. This season, continuity is the aim. Last summer he began brilliantly and was the team's top scorer before Malen's arrival, but the injury derailed his campaign. Now, with Scaloni's new Argentina cycle underway, Soulé has been recalled to the national squad and is a candidate for a starting place against Bolivia. He previously made clear his commitment to Argentina: "No to Italy, I want only the Selección." Off the pitch, the birth of his first son, Bautista, has added to a golden spell. Soulé will be among the last to return from international duty, alongside Balerdi and Castro. Argentina play a friendly against Benin on 6 October, with Roma players due back at Trigoria on 8 October—just 72 hours before the fixture against Como. That tight turnaround concerns Gasperini, who has an open selection battle with Rodrigo Mora. Soulé has started the last three matches, but the Portuguese midfielder is pressing for inclusion, particularly if Gasperini opts for a 3-4-1-2 formation. The coach has time to settle on his team; Soulé's focus now is delivering for Argentina.

Roma radio commentators have weighed in on squad selection for the fixture on 11 October, with particular focus on players on international duty with Argentina. Lorenzo Pes of Teleradiostereo stated that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina did not force their way into the Buenos Aires trip for Lionel Messi's farewell, and there will be no lasting friction from the club's decision to keep them in Rome. Pes added: "The players did not push to be in Buenos Aires for Messi's goodbye. Roma has a delicate and important match on 11 October and the club's statement shows the strength of the ownership." Simone Valdarchi of Radio Manà Manà predicted Gian Piero Gasperini will make tactical adjustments based on the return of Argentina internationals. He suggested Santiago Castro poses no selection problem in attack, as he would not have dislodged Donyell Malen anyway. In defence, Valdarchi expects Mario Hermoso's continued presence at Trigoria, Evan N'Dicka's early return, and the measured workload of Gianluca Mancini to mean Leonardo Balerdi will not start. He forecast the usual competition between Matías Soulé for a forward berth. Pes also reflected on Lorenzo Pellegrini's form, stating: "Pellegrini did not fully meet expectations. His first year under Mourinho went very well, then he stopped a bit. He has not managed to capture people's hearts." Rome's radio coverage underscores the complexity of balancing international commitments with domestic fixture demands.

Roma's decision to prevent Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina for Lionel Messi's farewell celebration has drawn widespread commentary from Italian radio pundits, with most backing the club's position as a demonstration of institutional resolve. Rossomando told Radio Manà Manà Sport that the choice was expected but that Roma's decision to issue an official statement surprised and pleased him. "The Roma has demonstrated itself to be a strong and present society," he said. "It is important to have Dybala at Trigoria during the entire break. Behind this decision I believe there is also Gasperini." The club's resolve comes at a sensitive point in the season, with a match against Como described as important and delicate by radio commentators. Other radio voices offered varied perspectives on the decision. Jacobelli at Radio Radio Mattino stated: "The choice of Roma not to let Dybala and Molina go to Argentina is absolutely understandable. One thing is official commitments, another is celebrations like this one for Messi that could have been organised at another moment in the season." Camelio at Radio Radio pomeriggio characterised it as "a shared choice: by Roma, by the players and by Gasperini," noting that it was unlikely Dybala would have been a starter had he returned Friday evening anyway. Ferrajolo disagreed with the restriction, arguing that "a true professional, when he returns, gives his best," though he added that Roma would "neither win nor lose the championship for this." Squad availability for the upcoming fixture remains fluid. Several commentators discussed potential lineup changes during the international break. Valdarchi suggested Gasperini could rotate the three players who departed with Argentina, noting that Castro's absence posed minimal concern given Donyell Malen's status. In defence, he anticipated Mario Hermoso's presence, Evan N'Dicka's early return and Gianluca Mancini's limited exertion would mean Leonardo Balerdi would not start. Carina highlighted Marten de Roon's potential role during the congested fixture schedule, observing that his athletic condition had improved since arrival and would prove useful.