Pellegrini scans awaited; Colombo to referee Napoli-Roma; English interest in Wesley

Lorenzo Pellegrini had to come off with a muscle problem during Roma's match against Slovan Bratislava, the 50th of his career. The midfielder's condition will be assessed tomorrow with an MRI scan that will clarify his recovery time. The hope is that the injury is minor, allowing him to be available again against Sassuolo, the last match before the international break. Pellegrini is, however, likely to return to action after the break.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is sidelined with a muscle problem, adding to Gian Piero Gasperini's injury worries at Roma. The midfielder came off in the match against Slovan with a discomfort in his hamstring (flessore), and tests on him are scheduled for Thursday. The news comes as Roma's attacking options look thin. The Italian headline describes the attacking depth as stretched, with few players available up front. Pellegrini, a Roma academy product, is one of the club's key midfield figures, so his absence is a concern for Gasperini as he manages the squad through a demanding stretch.

Roma travel to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday at 18:00 to face Napoli in Serie A matchday eight, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side arriving after a 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, while Napoli beat Bodø/Glimt 4-3 on the same evening. Gasperini has to contend with several absences, and the problem Lorenzo Pellegrini suffered against Slovan Bratislava adds to his worries. Pellegrini left the pitch with a muscle issue to his right hamstring and will undergo further tests, so his availability for the Maradona is in doubt. Gollini is set to keep his place in goal in the absence of Svilar. Svilar is still out with a micro-fracture to his fifth toe and will only return in the coming weeks. Koné will also miss out, having picked up a first-degree muscle injury against Real Madrid, with his return expected later on. Dybala is yet to recover from a small tear to his calf muscle. Roma reached the Maradona after a positive week in Serie A and the Champions League. They first beat Genoa 2-0 at the Olimpico, returning to winning ways in Serie A after a draw at Como, and then thrashed Slovan Bratislava 4-0 to secure their first win in the Champions League league phase. Hermoso, Molina, Pisilli and Malen scored against the Slovaks, in a practically perfect evening for Gasperini's side, marred only by Pellegrini's injury. Gasperini also managed his regulars, initially resting Mancini, Ndicka and Soulé. Napoli also come into the match after a European win. They beat Bodø/Glimt 4-3 at the Maradona thanks to an opening goal from Politano, a brace from McTominay and an own goal from Bjørtuft. The result, after difficulties in the first two Champions League matchdays, lets Allegri's side approach the clash with Roma with greater confidence. Napoli have also been hit by absences: Favasuli is out with a second-degree tear to his rectus femoris, Vergara is recovering from a calf problem and Alisson Santos is out with a biceps femoris injury. Buongiorno and Neres remain doubtful, the latter with a thigh muscle injury. The head-to-head record stands at 90 official meetings played in Campania. Napoli have won 39, Roma 25, with 26 draws. Roma have not won at Napoli's ground since the 2017/18 season, when they triumphed 4-2. The last meeting at the Maradona, on 15 February 2026, ended 2-2. Ticket sales for the match have been banned for residents of the Lazio region, a measure adopted by the prefect of Naples, Michele di Bari, on the basis of the determination of the Committee for the analysis of security at sporting events and the proposal of the Naples Police Headquarters. The restriction applies to the sale of tickets to Lazio residents in general, not only to the away section. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN, with kick-off at 18:00 on Saturday 24 October at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Official line-ups will be announced about an hour before kick-off. Gasperini's probable Roma XI is Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Wesley, de Roon, Pisilli, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Mancini and Ndicka are expected to return alongside Hermoso, with Balerdi and Ghilardi as alternatives, while Wesley and Lulli are favoured on the flanks. Cristante, recovering from knee inflammation, could be in the squad at least. Mora is favoured to complete the attack in Dybala's absence, while Malen is confirmed up front after returning to scoring against Slovan Bratislava from the penalty spot. Napoli are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 with Meret in goal, Beukema, Rrahmani and Badiashile at the back, Di Lorenzo and the former Roma player Spinazzola on the flanks, Lobotka and Gilmour in midfield, Giovane and McTominay behind Hojlund. Anguissa is a candidate to return to the starting line-up after a spell on the bench in the last league fixture.

Lorenzo Pellegrini had to come off with a muscle problem during Roma's match against Slovan Bratislava, the 50th of his career. The midfielder's condition will be assessed tomorrow with an MRI scan that will clarify his recovery time. The hope is that the injury is minor, allowing him to be available again against Sassuolo, the last match before the international break. Pellegrini is, however, likely to return to action after the break.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is sidelined with a muscle problem, adding to Gian Piero Gasperini's injury worries at Roma. The midfielder came off in the match against Slovan with a discomfort in his hamstring (flessore), and tests on him are scheduled for Thursday. The news comes as Roma's attacking options look thin. The Italian headline describes the attacking depth as stretched, with few players available up front. Pellegrini, a Roma academy product, is one of the club's key midfield figures, so his absence is a concern for Gasperini as he manages the squad through a demanding stretch.

Roma travel to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday at 18:00 to face Napoli in Serie A matchday eight, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side arriving after a 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, while Napoli beat Bodø/Glimt 4-3 on the same evening. Gasperini has to contend with several absences, and the problem Lorenzo Pellegrini suffered against Slovan Bratislava adds to his worries. Pellegrini left the pitch with a muscle issue to his right hamstring and will undergo further tests, so his availability for the Maradona is in doubt. Gollini is set to keep his place in goal in the absence of Svilar. Svilar is still out with a micro-fracture to his fifth toe and will only return in the coming weeks. Koné will also miss out, having picked up a first-degree muscle injury against Real Madrid, with his return expected later on. Dybala is yet to recover from a small tear to his calf muscle. Roma reached the Maradona after a positive week in Serie A and the Champions League. They first beat Genoa 2-0 at the Olimpico, returning to winning ways in Serie A after a draw at Como, and then thrashed Slovan Bratislava 4-0 to secure their first win in the Champions League league phase. Hermoso, Molina, Pisilli and Malen scored against the Slovaks, in a practically perfect evening for Gasperini's side, marred only by Pellegrini's injury. Gasperini also managed his regulars, initially resting Mancini, Ndicka and Soulé. Napoli also come into the match after a European win. They beat Bodø/Glimt 4-3 at the Maradona thanks to an opening goal from Politano, a brace from McTominay and an own goal from Bjørtuft. The result, after difficulties in the first two Champions League matchdays, lets Allegri's side approach the clash with Roma with greater confidence. Napoli have also been hit by absences: Favasuli is out with a second-degree tear to his rectus femoris, Vergara is recovering from a calf problem and Alisson Santos is out with a biceps femoris injury. Buongiorno and Neres remain doubtful, the latter with a thigh muscle injury. The head-to-head record stands at 90 official meetings played in Campania. Napoli have won 39, Roma 25, with 26 draws. Roma have not won at Napoli's ground since the 2017/18 season, when they triumphed 4-2. The last meeting at the Maradona, on 15 February 2026, ended 2-2. Ticket sales for the match have been banned for residents of the Lazio region, a measure adopted by the prefect of Naples, Michele di Bari, on the basis of the determination of the Committee for the analysis of security at sporting events and the proposal of the Naples Police Headquarters. The restriction applies to the sale of tickets to Lazio residents in general, not only to the away section. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN, with kick-off at 18:00 on Saturday 24 October at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Official line-ups will be announced about an hour before kick-off. Gasperini's probable Roma XI is Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Wesley, de Roon, Pisilli, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Mancini and Ndicka are expected to return alongside Hermoso, with Balerdi and Ghilardi as alternatives, while Wesley and Lulli are favoured on the flanks. Cristante, recovering from knee inflammation, could be in the squad at least. Mora is favoured to complete the attack in Dybala's absence, while Malen is confirmed up front after returning to scoring against Slovan Bratislava from the penalty spot. Napoli are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 with Meret in goal, Beukema, Rrahmani and Badiashile at the back, Di Lorenzo and the former Roma player Spinazzola on the flanks, Lobotka and Gilmour in midfield, Giovane and McTominay behind Hojlund. Anguissa is a candidate to return to the starting line-up after a spell on the bench in the last league fixture.

Wesley, one of the most important players in Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma, is attracting strong interest from abroad, with Atletico Madrid also showing considerable appreciation for the Brazilian. In Italy, Inter and Milan are reportedly monitoring his situation. Roma have no intention and no need to sell Wesley, who is under contract until 2030. Any discussion of a possible departure would be pushed back to the next summer transfer window. The club value the 2003-born defender at between €50 million and €60 million. The article's remaining details centre on the player's contract and the club's stance, which leaves Roma in a strong negotiating position should any approach arrive before the next summer window.

Manchester United are reportedly ready to push for Roma winger Wesley in the January transfer window, according to TeamTalk. The Brazilian's recent display against Slovan Bratislava once again underlined how central he has become under Gian Piero Gasperini, and his profile has grown accordingly. A move would not be simple. Roma are unlikely to consider selling one of the most important players in Gasperini's setup mid-season, particularly while the coach is already dealing with several squad problems. Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, have long been mentioned among admirers of the Brazilian and remain in the background. The interest from top English clubs confirms Wesley's rise, as he becomes an increasingly prominent figure in the yellow and red and is watched closely beyond Italy.

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Roma winger Wesley with a view to making a move in the January transfer window, according to English outlet TeamTalk. The Brazilian's standout performances for Roma in the first part of this season, as well as last season, have attracted the attention of Europe's top clubs. Gian Piero Gasperini considers Wesley untouchable. Any club wanting to sit down at the negotiating table, which would not happen in January, would need to make a far higher offer than the 50 million euros Chelsea proposed in the summer. Trigoria promptly rejected that bid.

Lorenzo Pellegrini's fitness has Gian Piero Gasperini anxious after the midfielder pulled up with a problem in his right thigh flexor and asked to be substituted in the 50th minute of Roma's most recent match. The number seven, back in the squad for about a month, is already back on the treatment table. Pellegrini first underwent initial checks on Tuesday, with a magnetic resonance scan due on Wednesday to determine how long he will be out. Roma's hope is that the injury is a first-degree tear, which would keep him sidelined for around 15 days. If the problem proves more serious, he will not return until after the November international break. Roma face Napoli with a limited attacking pool: Santiago Castro, Rodrigo Mora, Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen are the only forwards available. Paulo Dybala is also out, although he is targeting the trip to Udine.

Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo has said the club must sign a striker in January and named Ademola Lookman as the man to target, on a six-month loan. Pruzzo was one of several Roman radio pundits giving their views on Gasperini's side after a run of two matches that followed a heavy defeat to Real Madrid. The debate centred on the forward line. Pruzzo said Castro does not play when Malen is fit, and that Mora did not take advantage of his chance. He said Mora is not ready for this stage. Ugo Trani, of Tele Radio Stereo 92,7 and Te la do io Tokyo, also called for signings in January, saying two attackers are needed. He said the club can spend in January, noting that 30 million euros was ready for Leweling on the last day of August. Trani suggested moving Mancini into midfield as one option, while adding that Gasperini does not want to change the team's shape and is right not to. Trani said Lulli can play at Napoli and that Mora has not received many passes, so he would not load him with responsibility. He added that Koné is feeling better and Cristante has returned, which he called two good pieces of news, because de Roon is short of oxygen. Lorenzo Pes of Tele Radio Stereo 92,7 said Gasperini is keeping his selections very tight, with only Soulé and Mora behind Malen for the Napoli game. On the injuries to Dybala and Pellegrini, Pes said: "I don't see any exaggeration from Gasperini in how he has used them. Pellegrini starts two games, he hasn't played four out of four, there has been a gradual approach." He added: "Pellegrini seems to me a player prone to injuries, he always has two or three a season. Now he is 30, he is entering the final phase of his career, and the problems get worse. He and Dybala are very predisposed to this kind of injury." Piero Torri of Radio Manà Manà Sport Roma said: "Mora was less good than the others yesterday, but I still want to wait for him, he is young and has only just arrived. He is struggling but I don't want to be harsh. Last night he had a good chance and didn't take it. The squad is short and that was known." He praised Ghilardi, saying he has a good, resistant and fast run.

Roma's pundits on Rome's radio stations were largely positive about the club's recent results, but they were divided over Mora and the January market. Roberto Pruzzo, speaking on Radio Radio, said: 'Mora is absolutely not ready for this stage, and Roma must sign Lookman. Do a six-month loan.' He also said Castro does not play when Malen is fit and that Mora did not take advantage of his chance, adding that a striker is needed in January. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo was more worried: 'I said Mora had to play to get used to his teammates, but there is a Mora problem. Do you remember Bojan Krkic? I would not want him to suffer the same fate.' Corsi said Mora was an embarrassment in front of goal, had shot at a photographer and had got everything wrong on Sunday, including his passing. The debate followed a run of matches after the heavy defeat to Real Madrid. Mario Mattioli of Radio Radio said Roma were fortunate to face Genoa and Slovan Bratislava afterwards, as they could restore their mental focus, and that Roma had taken full advantage. He described Slovan as a side who do not belong in the Champions League, suggesting they were better suited to the Europa League or Conference League. Fabio Petruzzi of Rete Sport argued that Roma make their opponents look weak: 'Genoa were weak, Slovan are weak, they are all weak... even Real Madrid were weak until ten minutes from the end. I would start saying Roma are strong.' Alessio Nardo of Tele Radio Stereo said he could hardly recall a smaller side worse than Slovan Bratislava, adding that they could not keep the ball for more than three seconds. David Rossi of Rete Sport praised the defence under Gian Piero Gasperini: 'What impresses me is that the defenders have improved most with Gasperini. Ghilardi started two matches, against Lecce and against Slovan, and I remember him more for what he does in attack than in defence. Ghilardi is a starter now. Hermoso, we did not know who to pin it on, and now he is a leader. Balerdi arrived while Marseille fans were celebrating, and here he is dominant. N'Dicka has improved a lot... Roma have a back line that I believe is the strongest in Italy.' Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport noted that Roma had rotated five starters in defence over the last two matches while conceding no goals. He said the comparison between Malen and Castro and Ferguson and Dovbyk was harsh. Pes argued that Gasperini had not overused Pellegrini, who had started two matches, and said Pellegrini was prone to injury, which he had always been. Pellegrini is now 30, Pes said, and the problems are getting worse. Checco Oddo Casano said Roma should consider the futures of Dybala and Pellegrini in June, after seeing how many matches they had played. The radio hosts agreed that a striker is needed, and Pruzzo said he would name the player to be signed in January. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said he was supporting Manchester United against Como that evening, because a defeat for the English side would leave Roma with a final chance. He also said Roma had regrets about Fenerbahce and Real Madrid, where a result was possible, and warned that Roma could arrive at the third-last match ranked behind others in the table.