October tests Gasperini with seven matches and major fixtures

Roma have made a strong start to the 2026-27 season with four wins and a draw, matching Inter's record at the top of Serie A. Former Torino manager Roberto D'Aversa believes the two clubs will battle for the title down to the final day, with Roma uniquely positioned to challenge the defending champions. In an interview with La Stampa, D'Aversa assessed the contenders: "The only one that can compete against this Inter is Roma, more than Juventus. Napoli, on the other hand, I see them with some difficulty." Roma's next fixture will test their ambitions when they visit Como in just over seven days, a match that will shed light on their genuine title credentials.

Midfielder Romano, loaned to Cagliari with a mandatory €6.5 million buy clause, has emerged as one of Serie A's most promising performers this season and has attracted Inter's attention. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are preparing ground to attempt to bring him to Milan, with the club's interest depending partly on the renewal of Calhanoglu. Inter's strategy is to move early, avoid auction competition, and closely monitor the midfielder's development. The 2006-born player has impressed with his performances, personality and consistency, playing a leading role in Cagliari's strong start to the campaign. Roma inserted a 10 per cent resale clause into the deal, a provision that now carries particular weight given Inter's pursuit. The question lingers whether Roma released one of its talents too early, though the giallorossi have kept a door open through that clause. Cagliari naturally have no intention of selling at a discount. In fact, Romano's performances and Inter's interest could push his valuation upwards. A fee above €20 million is already being discussed, and if the midfielder maintains his current level, the price could rise further.

Rodrigo Mora announced his arrival at Serie A with a stunning overhead kick for Portugal Under 21 against Gibraltar, drawing comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo's famous acrobatic finish and earning a standing ovation when substituted after 61 minutes. Playing in a 4-0 victory, the 19-year-old delivered a display that left observers speechless and left no doubt about his quality at the highest level. Mora is now keen to press his case for a starting place when Roma face Como, having made a promising early impact in the league with a goal and flashes of brilliance, though occasional moments of timidity are understandable given his age and the adjustment to Italian football. Roma invested 50 million euros in Mora because of the player he can become. The club recognises his potential, and he is gradually beginning to demonstrate it day by day. He has not yet reached 100% of his capability, but time is on his side. Gasperini will be watching the trajectory closely: if Mora continues to produce performances like the one witnessed with Portugal, the coach will soon have another attacking weapon to deploy. Head coach Giampiero Gasperini confirmed his assessment, saying: "I haven't seen it yet, but I think it was a superb goal." The match came during the international break, offering Mora the platform to make his case for increased involvement in Serie A.

Pes reported that Manu Koné was honest about external interest in him during the transfer window, saying: "Koné was sincere, he didn't hide. He could have said '0-0', but he told the truth. Someone was interested in him, more or less. On the last day there was a Chelsea bid, which Roma rejected. The Blues' interest was significant: between 31 August and 1 September Roma had some hesitation, but then didn't flinch." Chelsea's attempt came late in the window but was turned down. Pes added that Gasperini considers Koné very important to his plans, and that Roma would not have let him depart in the final days of the market had he been surplus to requirements. On UEFA matters, Pes indicated that Trigoria is not deeply worried about potential sanctions, with Roma's expectation being no major penalties. He assessed that the club has reduced costs and that a heavy fine is the most likely outcome. Radio commentators discussed rotation in the squad ahead of upcoming fixtures, with Torri noting that Roma have more quality this season compared to the previous year: "There's no one you'd say doesn't play. Everyone can rotate, and I think Gasperini will have them all play in these next matches." Valdarchi and Rossomando both highlighted Marten de Roon as a tactical asset for upcoming games. Valdarchi stated: "De Roon is useful both as a starter and as a substitute: there's no one like him for tactical intelligence in Gasperini's concepts." Rossomando suggested De Roon could start against Como, saying: "For me this time against Como Mora can start. Watch out also for De Roon: that way you have an extra midfielder. I see De Roon against Como. For one reason or another, against Como the others aren't at 100%: Pellegrini, Soulé and Mora. That's why I see De Roon, and then you push Cristante forward." Rossomando noted that Soulé will have limited training time before the Como match.

Roma face a grueling October fixture list that will test their credentials in their first major run of the season. Between 11 and 31 October, Gian Piero Gasperini's side will play seven matches across Serie A and the Champions League—one every three days. The month begins with a trip to Como on Sunday, followed 80 hours later by a return visit from José Mourinho's side to the Olimpico. That clash carries particular weight as Roma seek points in the Champions League following a draw with Fenerbahce. The month closes with away fixtures at Napoli and Udine, separated by a midweek Serie A home match against Cagliari. The recovery of Lorenzo Pellegrini is among the priorities ahead of these tests; he remains the only squad member awaiting his debut this season. Roma's recent record against top-flight opponents has been a concern, and their ability to perform in such high-stakes fixtures will largely define their ambitions. According to Simone Valdarchi in the Corriere della Sera, the challenge facing Roma in October is a formidable one.

Roma's training ground atmosphere remained positive on 30 September, with Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina among the smiling faces in footage released by the club. The pair had been withdrawn the previous day from an event organised in Argentina to mark Lionel Messi's retirement, a decision that appeared to cause no ill feeling based on the images distributed by the club. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini maintains a calm environment despite ongoing absences. Wesley, Donyell Malen and Bryan Cristante have not yet returned to full group training and continue their recovery programmes, while international players remain away on duty with their national teams. Lorenzo Pellegrini is working hard to regain peak condition during the extended break and may feature in a friendly against the Primavera to build match fitness ahead of competitive action. Roma face Como in eleven days, providing Gasperini with adequate time to prepare for the Sinigaglia fixture and monitor the recovery of unavailable players. The objective is to have the largest possible squad available when the league campaign resumes.