Pellegrini on his summer spent regaining fitness and talking with the coach

Francesco Totti paid an emotional tribute to Sinisa Mihajlovic during the presentation of the book 'Oltre', in front of Mihajlovic's wife Arianna. Totti said: "For me it was fundamental, he arrived at the right moment." The former Roma number 10 spoke of Mihajlovic as a true friend, saying that for him the late coach is still here with them. The tribute came at a book launch, with Mihajlovic's widow in the audience, and it is one of the most personal reflections Totti has offered on a figure from his own time in the Roma dressing room. The moment will resonate strongly with Giallorossi supporters, who remember Mihajlovic as a fierce competitor and a deeply respected presence in Italian football. Totti's words underline the bond that remains between the club's former players and those who shaped their careers, and the warmth of the reception in the room reflected that shared affection.

Former Atalanta forward Aleksandar Pesic, now at Fatih Karagumruk, has described Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as the best coach he has ever worked under, calling him "unreachable". Pesic made the comments to the MeridianSport website. He played for Atalanta in the 2016-17 season, when Gasperini was in charge of the club. Pesic ranked Gasperini above every other coach he has played for. Asked to name the best, he said: "He is number one, with Farioli right after him." He has been coached by many leading managers, including Diaz, Slaven Bilic, Farioli and Casanova, but he said he still tells everyone that Gasperini is unreachable. Pesic also allowed for a rival to catch up. He said: "It is possible that Farioli will manage to surpass him in terms of results, but Gian Piero remains number one."

Roma supporters living in Lazio will once again be barred from attending the match at the Maradona stadium against Napoli. The fixture is scheduled for Saturday 24 October with a 6pm kickoff and counts for matchday eight of Serie A. The decision was taken by the Naples prefect, Michele di Bari, on the recommendation of the Committee for the Analysis of Security at Sporting Events, after the police headquarters flagged high risk to public order and safety. The ban is not new, given the tension that has surrounded this fixture for years, but it marks yet another restriction on Roma fans travelling to Naples. Gian Piero Gasperini's side will face a hostile atmosphere at a ground where away supporters have repeatedly been limited. The restriction applies specifically to Roma supporters resident in the Lazio region, who will not be permitted to travel to the Maradona for the match.

Roma face Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League on Tuesday 20 October at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico, just two days after beating Genoa on Saturday evening. Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the fixture at his press conference, stressing that his side will not underestimate their opponents because they need to win to keep their qualification hopes alive. Gasperini said: "We will not underestimate the opponent because we need to win to fuel our chances of going through. To reach the playoffs we need 10 points, starting from this match." Roma go into the match with a fresh fitness concern, as Paulo Dybala is set to be out for at least two weeks. Lorenzo Pellegrini, who sat alongside Gasperini at the press conference, is likely to start tomorrow. Pellegrini said: "I'm well. The annual contract was the club's choice, my priority was Roma." Two places in the starting line-up remain open heading into the match. One is the central defensive berth, a choice between Leonardo Balerdi and Evan N'Dicka, with the former ahead in the race. The other is the right-back spot, where Emanuele Lulli or Nahuel Molina are in contention, with Lulli currently ahead. Slovan Bratislava head coach Yaya Touré also spoke at his press conference: "Great respect for Roma and for Gasp, here the details count."

Roma's probable starting line-up for their meeting with Slovan has been published, with Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly bringing back the No. 23 and Mario Hermoso returning to the defence. Gianluca Mancini is expected to start, while Soulé and Pellegrini are set to operate behind Malen. The central defensive berth is a contest between Leonardo Balerdi and Evan N'Dicka. Molina is pushing Lulli for a place at right-back, and in midfield Marten de Roon and Niccolò Pisilli are expected to start. Beyond the selection, the wider build-up has also produced news on the injury front. Paulo Dybala has a small tear and is expected to be out for a period, while Gasperini has said Roma need 10 points to qualify for the playoffs and that Dybala's recovery will take longer.

Roma host Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow at 21:00, and Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to make several changes to the side that played Genoa in the last league match. Slovan Bratislava are coached by Yaya Toure, according to the report. According to Sky Sport, Mancini and Hermoso return to start in defence, with N'Dicka confirmed at centre-back. Molina and Wesley are set to return on the flanks, while De Roon and Pisilli are expected in midfield. Soulé and Pellegrini are likely to support Malen up front. The probable Roma line-up in a 3-4-2-1 formation is: Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Pisilli, De Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Pellegrini; Malen.