N'Dicka sidelined with adductor injury; Rensch cleared to return

Lautaro Martínez and Manu Koné will miss significant time after suffering injuries in their respective UEFA Champions League matches. Martínez sustained a flexor strain in his left thigh and will be sidelined until the next international break, unavailable for Inter's Derby versus Milan among other contests, according to Christian Chivu. Koné is nursing a low-grade thigh strain and could return at the earliest for the last game before the next break. Roma's midfield is now stretched thin without Koné, as Bryan Cristante is also on the mend. The injury crisis compounds the Giallorossi's problems ahead of the Serie A title race, with the club operating with limited elite reserves that could prove costly. Paulo Dybala suffered calf muscle fatigue but should return within a week. Inter face their own personnel issues, with Benjamin Pavard sidelined by an adductor problem on top of Martínez's absence. Martínez's injury record has deteriorated in recent seasons. He missed just 14 fixtures between 2018 and February 2026, but has sat out 18 matches and counting from that date onward. Inter have recorded 34 wins, 9 draws, and 8 losses without him. The Nerazzurri retain attacking options with Marcus Thuram, Francesco Pio Esposito, and Ange-Yoan Bonny all in form, whereas Roma lack comparable depth in midfield.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has criticised the fixture calendar ahead of Roma's match against Genoa, saying the schedule demands a broad squad or clubs will suffer the consequences. Roma are managing injuries with Manu Koné sidelined by a first-degree muscle strain and expected to return for the Sassuolo fixture, while Paulo Dybala is dealing with fatigue. Gasperini expressed hope to have Dybala available again the following week.

Gasperini provided an injury update on midfielder Manu Koné, confirming a first-degree lesion and expressing hope that the player will be available for the Sassuolo match. The coach also addressed Paulo Dybala's fitness, reporting calf fatigue and targeting his return for the following week. Koné sustained the injury during Roma's recent action and the first-degree classification suggests a minor soft-tissue problem. Dybala's calf complaint is also not expected to sideline him for long, with Gasperini confident of having him back within seven days.

Roma will face Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico on 17 October in Serie A matchday 8, with Daniele De Rossi in charge of the visiting side. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad, with Rodrigo Mora returning to the starting lineup after providing an assist in the Champions League against Real Madrid. Matías Soulé will play alongside the Portuguese midfielder, while Emanuele Lulli is expected to replace Nahuel Molina at left-back, with Wesley confirmed on the opposite flank. Pierluigi Gollini will start in goal behind a three-man defence of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, with Leonardo Balerdi pressing for a place. Niccolò Pisilli and Marten de Roon complete the midfield four. Santiago Castro leads the attack. Roma's expected formation: 3-4-2-1.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 16 October ahead of Roma's Serie A fixture against Genoa on 17 October at 20:45 at the Stadio Olimpico. The manager provided injury updates following Roma's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid: Manu Koné has sustained a grade-one muscle lesion and Roma hope to have him available for the Sassuolo match, while Paulo Dybala is suffering fatigue to his calf and may return within a week. Gasperini confirmed that young players including Santiago Castro will feature prominently due to injuries and suspensions affecting the squad. Gasperini reflected on the defeat to Real Madrid, acknowledging Roma's quality whilst highlighting the importance of reacting immediately. He said the squad has demonstrated value over recent months and can compete with elite teams, but must avoid moral collapses. He noted that Roma were reduced to ten men against Como in their previous match, and highlighted the specific damage inflicted by Real Madrid's set-piece goals: "Three goals from corners…I had seen three missed penalties and thought that was a record, the other evening we surpassed ourselves." Gasperini stressed the need to strengthen the squad depth, saying that sides competing in the Champions League cannot operate with a squad of only 15 players and that substitutions are essential. On team selection for Genoa, Gasperini confirmed Lorenzo Pellegrini can operate in midfield and that Bryan Cristante is being assessed with a view to facing Napoli. Castro will lead the attack, offering "a good opportunity" for the youngster. De Roon, Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora were discussed as young players in development. Gasperini defended the use of five substitutes and set-piece defending, noting: "In such tight spaces, you defend anyway on the man, on the opponent. You don't follow him everywhere. It has always been effective; last year we won matches with Mancini, Hermoso, N'Dicka, Cristante…the other evening this happened." He added that some recent substitutes had performed well: "Mora came on well, Pellegrini too, Pisilli came on immediately, Koulierakis came on at the end." Gasperini emphasized that Roma must produce a strong response against Genoa. He stated: "Tomorrow we have a need for strength, conviction, energy…In the league we are protagonists, and tomorrow is a match that in one way or another we must pull out. If you win this type of match you recover players and give value to the players." The manager indicated that young academy players from the Primavera may be used if necessary.

Roma must rebuild mentally after their defeat to Real Madrid, with centrefield damage threatening to complicate their immediate recovery. Manu Koné is feared to have suffered a muscle injury that could sideline him until after the next international break, similar to Mile Svilar's absence timeline. Bryan Cristante will attempt to return for the Napoli away match, leaving Roma's central midfield options severely constrained for the Genoa fixture. Paulo Dybala's situation is more encouraging: the Argentine could even make the bench tomorrow despite the problem he sustained against Real Madrid. The mental challenge will define Roma's response; the technical gap over Genoa is clear on paper, but overcoming the psychological weight of the European night will be the real test. Gasperini's decision to speak at the pre-match press conference signals an attempt to rebuild group cohesion and restore energy after the European disappointment. In attack, a three-man unit of Soulé, Rodrigo Mora and Santiago Castro is gaining prominence, aided by Donyell Malen's suspension. Emanuele Lulli could feature on the flank in place of Nahuel Molina, with further defensive changes possible. Daniele Ghilardi may start, though it remains uncertain how much Gasperini will overhaul a back line already subjected to frequent rotation in recent weeks. A probable Roma XI shapes as: Gollini; Ghilardi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Lulli, Marten de Roon, Niccolò Pisilli, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Castro.

Roma must rebuild mentally after their defeat to Real Madrid, with centrefield damage threatening to complicate their immediate recovery. Manu Koné is feared to have suffered a muscle injury that could sideline him until after the next international break, similar to Mile Svilar's absence timeline. Bryan Cristante will attempt to return for the Napoli away match, leaving Roma's central midfield options severely constrained for the Genoa fixture. Paulo Dybala's situation is more encouraging: the Argentine could even make the bench tomorrow despite the problem he sustained against Real Madrid. The mental challenge will define Roma's response; the technical gap over Genoa is clear on paper, but overcoming the psychological weight of the European night will be the real test. Gasperini's decision to speak at the pre-match press conference signals an attempt to rebuild group cohesion and restore energy after the European disappointment. In attack, a three-man unit of Soulé, Rodrigo Mora and Santiago Castro is gaining prominence, aided by Donyell Malen's suspension. Emanuele Lulli could feature on the flank in place of Nahuel Molina, with further defensive changes possible. Daniele Ghilardi may start, though it remains uncertain how much Gasperini will overhaul a back line already subjected to frequent rotation in recent weeks. A probable Roma XI shapes as: Gollini; Ghilardi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Lulli, Marten de Roon, Niccolò Pisilli, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Castro.

Roma squandered a dominant 82-minute display against Real Madrid at the Olimpico to suffer a heavy defeat in the Champions League. After controlling the match with high-quality football and commanding Real Madrid for the opening phase, Roma's discipline collapsed in the final eight minutes as three goals — all conceded from corner kicks — left the Stadio Olimpico in despair. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini received a rating of 6.5 across the Italian press for his tactical setup, but his side's defensive frailties in set pieces proved fatal. The match saw several substitutions: Manu Koné was withdrawn after just 16 minutes for Niccolò Pisilli, while Gianluca Mancini departed at the 63-minute mark for Leonardo Balerdi. Daniele Ghilardi and Nahuel Molina both entered late in the contest. Among the five major Italian outlets' player ratings, Donyell Malen emerged as Roma's standout performer, earning marks of 7.5 to 8 across the press box. Pierluigi Gollini and Balerdi drew the harshest assessments, with ratings ranging from 4.5 to 6 for the goalkeeper and 5 to 6 for the defender. Wesley drew consistent praise for a solid defensive showing, rated 6.5 to 7.5, while Matías Soulé and Evan N'Dicka also featured prominently in the squad across the 90 minutes.

Roma return to Champions League football at the Olimpico for the first time in seven years, facing Real Madrid, the competition's most successful winner. Gasperini opts for a three-at-the-back formation with Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso in defence. Wesley and Molina patrol the flanks, with Koné and De Roon in midfield. Soulé plays behind Dybala and Malen in attack. Roma (3-4-1-2): Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Wesley, Koné, De Roon, Molina; Soulé; Dybala, Malen. Substitutes: De Marzi, Vásquez, Balerdi, Ghilardi, Koulierakis, Rensch, Lulli, Pisilli, Mora, Castro, Pellegrini. Manager: Gasperini. Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Rüdiger, Cucurella; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Güler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappé. Substitutes: Lunin, Mestre, Dumfries, Huijsen, Carreras, Camavinga, Bernardo Silva, Brahim Díaz, Diomandé, Endrick, Espí, Pitarch. Manager: Mourinho.

Donyell Malen has established himself as one of Roma's standout performers in the early stages of the 2026–27 season, scoring goals with consistency and forging an immediate understanding with Paulo Dybala. In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, the Dutch forward reflected on his rapid adaptation to the club, his decision to leave Aston Villa, and the intensity of Gasperini's training methods. Malen explained that he chose to depart Aston Villa because he wanted to play every Sunday, stating: "I was the one who wanted to leave Aston Villa. I wanted to play every Sunday, it is important. I believe I made the right choice." His partnership with Dybala has flourished from the outset. "There is a connection, it is funny, I saw it on the internet. We have a football bond, football does not need the same language. From the first training session we got on well, it is both that I am good at moving and he is good at giving me the ball at the right times, we try to make the game engaging." Malen also scored a hat-trick on his opening appearance for the club and netted a double against Real Madrid. When asked what struck him most about Roma, Malen answered: "What struck me about Roma are the fans and my teammates. We all have the ambition to take the club to success, and that touched me deeply. It is a great club with extraordinary people." On Gasperini's demanding training philosophy, he acknowledged the difficulty without exaggeration: "Gasperini's training sessions are difficult, but I have never vomited. That is why I learned the word 'tired', I must say so. Sometimes it is really too much, it is hard training. However, it is good for the squad, we are all fit. We push ourselves, we train as we play." Malen is learning Italian and has absorbed key football terminology: 'Donyell', 'difficult', 'tired', 'very', 'hot', 'good', 'brave', 'penalty', 'referee', 'offside'. He praised several teammates—Niccolò Pisilli, Matías Soulé, Devyne Rensch and Manu Koné—as strong players with their own strengths. Malen expressed confidence in Roma's prospects, saying: "I have scored a hat-trick on my first appearance, I think we are very strong. We did not beat Inter by little, I think we can do something great." He also noted the tactical differences between Italian and English football: "Here the climate is different, it is very hot. In England it is cold and rains a lot. The philosophy is different too, teams are organized differently. Here there is more tactics, some teams defend in a block and it is difficult to penetrate them. In England they play more freely, they leave open space."

Roma's dream of a successful return to the Champions League at home ended in heartbreak as Real Madrid scored three times in seven minutes to overturn a 3–1 deficit and win 4–3 at the Olimpico. Marten de Roon opened the scoring in the 20th minute, but Mbappé equalised five minutes later. Donyell Malen then put Roma 3–1 ahead with goals in the 51st and 58th minutes before the collapse. Espì restored parity in the 83rd minute, Endrick made it 3–3 in the 85th, and Rüdiger clinched victory in the 90th minute. It was Roma's first home fixture in the competition for seven years. Gasperini's side had controlled much of the match and came within touching distance of a victory that would have made a statement in the Champions League. Instead, they leave the competition with a single point after suffering an inconceivable turnaround orchestrated by José Mourinho's Madrid. The defeat underlines the fine margins at the elite level: Roma were the better team for long stretches but could not hold their advantage when it mattered most. Gasperini set up Roma in a 3–4–1–2 formation with Pierluigi Gollini in goal, a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, Wesley and Nahuel Molina on the flanks, Marten de Roon and Manu Koné in midfield, and Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and Malen in attack. Molina won the selection battle with Devyne Rensch to start. Mancini and Wesley were later cautioned, as was Lorenzo Pellegrini.

Roma return to Champions League football at the Olimpico for the first time in seven years, facing Real Madrid, the competition's most successful winner. Gasperini opts for a three-at-the-back formation with Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso in defence. Wesley and Molina patrol the flanks, with Koné and De Roon in midfield. Soulé plays behind Dybala and Malen in attack. Roma (3-4-1-2): Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Wesley, Koné, De Roon, Molina; Soulé; Dybala, Malen. Substitutes: De Marzi, Vásquez, Balerdi, Ghilardi, Koulierakis, Rensch, Lulli, Pisilli, Mora, Castro, Pellegrini. Manager: Gasperini. Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Rüdiger, Cucurella; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Güler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappé. Substitutes: Lunin, Mestre, Dumfries, Huijsen, Carreras, Camavinga, Bernardo Silva, Brahim Díaz, Diomandé, Endrick, Espí, Pitarch. Manager: Mourinho.