Pellegrini Returns to Training Tuesday as Roma Eyes September Comeback

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini is pressing the club's management and ownership for at least two signings in the January transfer window, as a thin squad struggles under the weight of congested fixtures. Corriere della Sera reported the coach's push ahead of the winter session. The most pressing issue is the attack, where resources have become very limited. Gasperini continues to rely mainly on Soulé and Malen, and Rodrigo Mora is likely to complete the front three again tonight against Sassuolo, having started both in Udine and at Old Trafford. Alternatives exist, but the options for genuinely changing the look of the department are limited. The absences of Dybala and Pellegrini weigh heavily. Dybala could return after the international break, but his physical condition remains a question mark. Pellegrini's situation is more complicated, with his return appearing further away. In recent weeks there had even been talk of possible surgery, a hypothesis on which no definitive clarification has yet emerged. The difficulties extend beyond the front line. Midfield rotation has been reduced to a minimum, with Cristante and De Roon forced to shoulder a particularly heavy workload during the Koné emergency. Over the summer Gasperini had chosen to rely on just four central midfielders, to guarantee continuity and give everyone space. The recent struggles may now lead him to reconsider that decision. Hence the request for at least two additions to increase selection options and handle the double commitment of Serie A and the Champions League. They do not necessarily have to be two strikers: the discussion with the club will define where to intervene, taking into account technical priorities and market opportunities. Sporting director Tony D'Amico is already working to identify the right profiles and economically sustainable formulas. Gasperini has stressed what he considers necessary: to stay competitive across several fronts, a quality starting XI is not enough. Quality alternatives are also needed, especially when injuries concentrate in the same areas. January, this time, must deliver concrete answers.

Manu Koné could be a surprise inclusion for Roma against Sassuolo, with Il Romanista reporting this morning that the French midfielder may not only return to Gian Piero Gasperini's squad but could even start alongside Bryan Cristante. Until recently, Koné looked set to miss the final match before the international break. The situation has changed sharply after Zinedine Zidane left the midfielder out of France's squad for their matches against Italy and Turkey. That decision appeared to confirm that Koné needed more time to recover from the muscle injury he picked up against Real Madrid. Instead, Gasperini is reportedly considering handing him a starting place straight away. Koné has gradually recovered from the thigh problem, and his return would be important for a Roma midfield that has been asked to work overtime in recent weeks. Because France did not call him up, he will stay at Trigoria during the break with no further international commitments. Two steps will confirm whether the plan becomes reality. The first comes this morning, when Roma publish their list of players called up, which will show whether Koné is available. The second is this evening, when the official line-ups for the match against Sassuolo are announced. The fixture is scheduled for 20:45 at the Stadio Olimpico. Until then caution is needed, but a return to the starting XI for Koné after the latest news would be a real surprise for Gasperini and Roma.

Gasperini has already entered pressing mode with the club, demanding two reinforcements to lengthen the squad before the January transfer window, with sporting director D'Amico reportedly working on the request. The push comes ahead of Roma's home match against Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, a fixture that the coach has learned not to take for granted after a difficult week that included a 2-1 defeat...

Rodrigo Mora is set to lead Roma's attack again in the crucial Serie A clash with Sassuolo, as the 19-year-old Portuguese looks to extend his scoring run. Having handled the toughest tests in Europe and Serie A, Mora is silencing doubts about his value and the price of his transfer fee. He has become a key figure for Gian Piero Gasperini, particularly with Roma missing several heavy hitters in attack. The Messaggero reports that Mora's development is delighting the whole Giallorossi camp. His performances, both in the league and against top-level opponents such as Real Madrid and Manchester United, have shown surprising maturity. He has two goals and two assists in his last three matches, and the teenager has shown personality, quality and an ability to make the difference in decisive moments. With Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini sidelined for a long time, and the captain not expected back until 2027, Gasperini has handed Mora the keys to the midfield-attack area. Sassuolo have the worst defence in the division and are likely to sit deep to limit the damage, giving Mora the chance to set a new personal record by scoring in a third consecutive match. The run has also brought a call-up to the Portugal senior squad from Jorge Jesus, arriving in the same week that Cristiano Ronaldo bid farewell to the Seleção. The selection places Mora on course for Nations League fixtures against Wales and Denmark. First, though, comes the test against Sassuolo, and a chance to confirm once again that he is a fixed point in the Roma side.

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini is pressing the club's management and ownership for at least two signings in the January transfer window, as a thin squad struggles under the weight of congested fixtures. Corriere della Sera reported the coach's push ahead of the winter session. The most pressing issue is the attack, where resources have become very limited. Gasperini continues to rely mainly on Soulé and Malen, and Rodrigo Mora is likely to complete the front three again tonight against Sassuolo, having started both in Udine and at Old Trafford. Alternatives exist, but the options for genuinely changing the look of the department are limited. The absences of Dybala and Pellegrini weigh heavily. Dybala could return after the international break, but his physical condition remains a question mark. Pellegrini's situation is more complicated, with his return appearing further away. In recent weeks there had even been talk of possible surgery, a hypothesis on which no definitive clarification has yet emerged. The difficulties extend beyond the front line. Midfield rotation has been reduced to a minimum, with Cristante and De Roon forced to shoulder a particularly heavy workload during the Koné emergency. Over the summer Gasperini had chosen to rely on just four central midfielders, to guarantee continuity and give everyone space. The recent struggles may now lead him to reconsider that decision. Hence the request for at least two additions to increase selection options and handle the double commitment of Serie A and the Champions League. They do not necessarily have to be two strikers: the discussion with the club will define where to intervene, taking into account technical priorities and market opportunities. Sporting director Tony D'Amico is already working to identify the right profiles and economically sustainable formulas. Gasperini has stressed what he considers necessary: to stay competitive across several fronts, a quality starting XI is not enough. Quality alternatives are also needed, especially when injuries concentrate in the same areas. January, this time, must deliver concrete answers.

Roma host Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 7 November, with kick-off at 20:45, in the eleventh round of Serie A. Gian Piero Gasperini's side arrive after a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in the Champions League, a result that followed a first half in which Roma dominated and led by two goals. In the league, however, their form is excellent: they have 24 points from ten matchdays and sit third, after a convincing 5-2 win at Udinese in their last outing. Sassuolo, by contrast, are 17th on 8 points and have lost four consecutive matches. It will also be Alberto Aquilani's first game at the Olimpico as an opposing coach. Roma are without Mile Svilar, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala and Devyne Rensch. Pierluigi Gollini has not fully recovered from a back problem, so Devis Vásquez is expected to start in goal. Manu Koné is doubtful and is unlikely to start. Daniele Ghilardi is pushing Gianluca Mancini for a place in defence, while Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli are expected in midfield. Nahuel Molina and Wesley are favoured on the flanks, and Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are set to operate behind Donyell Malen. Aquilani has announced that Domenico Berardi and Volpato are absent, while the rest of the squad is available. He is expected to set out in a 4-3-3 with Turati in goal, Walukiewicz, Caleta-Car, Idzes and Doig in defence, and Thorstvedt back in midfield alongside Matic and Bakola. Up front, with Berardi out, Dominguez, Sebastiano Esposito and Laurienté are likely to start. Marco Di Bello of Brindisi referees, assisted by Peretti and Scatragli, with Abisso as fourth official, Pezzuto on VAR and Guida as AVAR. The match will be broadcast live on both DAZN and Sky. On Sky it can be watched on Sky Sport Uno, Sky Sport Calcio, Sky Sport 251 and Sky Sport 4K, while streaming is available on DAZN, Sky Go and NOW. Riccardo Gentile will provide the Sky commentary, with technical analysis from Alessio Scarchilli. Bookmakers make Roma clear favourites, with a win priced on average between 1.28 and 1.32, a draw around 6.00-6.50 and a Sassuolo win between 9.00 and 9.75. Over 2.5 goals is priced at around 1.35-1.37. Sassuolo have conceded at least two goals in each of their last four defeats, and Roma scored five in their last league game. The 2-0 scoreline to Roma is the most widely projected correct score, ahead of 2-1 and 3-0.