Pioli Reveals Roma Approached Him Before Gasperini; Cristante Set to Start Against Sassuolo

Daniele Ghilardi has established himself as a key figure in the Roma defence, more than a year after a difficult afternoon in August 2025 that changed his approach. The Italian outlet's feature traces his rise from that moment, when he was a new arrival from Verona and was in the squad for the friendly against Neom in Rome. A mistake and a lapse of concentration brought an furious reaction from Gian Piero Gasperini, with shouts, dressing-downs and harsh words aimed at the centre-back. That moment, the article says, sparked his determination to prove he was a player worthy of Roma and to earn his place in the team. Ghilardi, now 21, has since worked quietly and patiently, earning his place step by step rather than taking shortcuts. The article describes him as a defender who defends, attacks, tackles and leaves no space for the striker, having removed his weaknesses one by one. Gasperini does not like to talk about reserves and considers every player a starter, and after Ghilardi's goal at Udine he is one in reality. He has also surprised in an unexpected role at the Bluenergy Stadium. Gasperini had known what he could offer for a year but preferred to give him the time needed to grow into a more complete player. Gasperini said nothing in the article, but the piece is clear that Ghilardi's versatility gives Roma another option across several roles. Displacing Gianluca Mancini will not be simple, the article notes, but his adaptability opens new possibilities and gives Gasperini an extra card to play. Ghilardi will start on the bench in Manchester. The article concludes that the great stages are no longer so distant, and that he has already shown he is ready to claim them, and this time he will not wait for someone to make room for him, but will take his place himself.

Gian Piero Gasperini has reworked Roma's schedule around their Champions League clash at Manchester, with the club's return journey from the away game changed as well. Roma are playing their eighth match in 24 days and have had to do much of that without Manu Koné, Paulo Dybala, Mile Svilar and Bryan Cristante, leaving the squad stretched. A win in Manchester would all but seal a play-off place, but Roma must also break their Old Trafford hoodoo and cope with fatigue. After Tuesday's match against Cagliari, Gasperini gave the players a day off, with training resuming on Thursday. The squad leave for Udine on Friday, play on Saturday, and then stay in Friuli rather than returning to Rome. Roma have been in Manchester since yesterday, and the return plan differs from previous away trips. There will be no overnight journey after the match; instead, the team depart at 10.45 the following morning. The squad are due back at Trigoria on Wednesday afternoon, and from Thursday the focus shifts to Sassuolo. The lighter schedule is meant to help the players recover quickly before Saturday evening's fixture against the Neroverdi at the Stadio Olimpico. The move is designed to reduce physical and mental strain on a squad short of options, with Gasperini studying a plan to manage the team's energy levels across the run of games.

Roma travel to Old Trafford for tomorrow evening's Champions League clash against Manchester United, a fixture that could shape their route towards the play-offs. Il Messaggero reports that Roma have struggled at this ground, losing all four previous visits, some by heavy margins. This time, though, the picture is different: Manchester United are third from bottom in the Premier League and going through a difficult spell, and English fans on social media fear another heavy defeat. Gian Piero Gasperini is not underestimating the opponent, however, and has to deal with several injuries. Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Mile Svilar will all miss the match. Dybala and Koné will try to recover for the Sassuolo fixture, while Svilar will not return until after the international break. Gollini is expected to continue in goal, having previously worn the Manchester United shirt. In defence, Evan N'Dicka, the returning Gianluca Mancini and one of Leonardo Balerdi or Mario Hermoso are set to start. Cristante and De Roon will form the midfield pairing. Wesley, closely watched by English scouts, is set to operate on the left, while the right-hand position remains an open contest. Without Dybala, Malen leads the attack: he has three goals and two assists in three European matches, and is eager to perform at a stadium where he previously played a few minutes for Aston Villa. Soulé will partner him, while the final place in the front three is between Mora, who is improving, and Pisilli, who wants to win back his place after resting in Udine. Roma finished their previous match in Udine strongly, and the squad now travels to England to prepare for the Champions League tie against Manchester United. The Old Trafford game is the first of the two visits, and the result is expected to weigh heavily on Roma's chances of reaching the play-offs.

Roman radio pundits have given their verdicts on Roma's trip to Old Trafford, and they disagree on how strong Manchester United really are. Piero Torri of Radio Manà Manà Sport (90.9) said: "At Old Trafford you never go in as favourites, for history and tradition. Manchester is better than the table tells us, and the first half against Chelsea on Sunday certifies it. I hope Zirkzee doesn't play." Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio Mattino (104.5) took a far more dismissive view of the hosts. He said: "Manchester United look like a second-tier side. Against Como they were terrible; it's a team that has pulled the plug. But Roma must not think they're stronger than United. Cristante has recovered fully and in the spaces there's no contest. There are prospects to continue as in the league." Pruzzo's view is that Roma have the tools to build on their league form, provided they do not underestimate the opponent. His colleague Nando Orsi, also of Radio Radio Mattino, struck a more cautious tone. He said: "It's the best moment to face Manchester, but I don't know... it can happen that they find the right day and don't lose. This is the best moment, but you always play against United at Old Trafford: you mustn't take it lightly, you always have to make a great game. On the win I don't know if you can be sure: Manchester are in crisis and so Roma have to win, no question."

Gian Piero Gasperini has reworked Roma's schedule around their Champions League clash at Manchester, with the club's return journey from the away game changed as well. Roma are playing their eighth match in 24 days and have had to do much of that without Manu Koné, Paulo Dybala, Mile Svilar and Bryan Cristante, leaving the squad stretched. A win in Manchester would all but seal a play-off place, but Roma must also break their Old Trafford hoodoo and cope with fatigue. After Tuesday's match against Cagliari, Gasperini gave the players a day off, with training resuming on Thursday. The squad leave for Udine on Friday, play on Saturday, and then stay in Friuli rather than returning to Rome. Roma have been in Manchester since yesterday, and the return plan differs from previous away trips. There will be no overnight journey after the match; instead, the team depart at 10.45 the following morning. The squad are due back at Trigoria on Wednesday afternoon, and from Thursday the focus shifts to Sassuolo. The lighter schedule is meant to help the players recover quickly before Saturday evening's fixture against the Neroverdi at the Stadio Olimpico. The move is designed to reduce physical and mental strain on a squad short of options, with Gasperini studying a plan to manage the team's energy levels across the run of games.

Radio Radio pundits have offered their views on Roma's upcoming clash with Manchester United, with several saying the moment is favourable for the Giallorossi. Matera said Gasperini had expressed hope of a result, but that it would not be easy, as nobody had yet joined in that optimism. He argued that Roma face a Manchester side in evident difficulty, giving the team an opportunity to pick up points where they might not have seemed likely to before. He said that whoever comes into the side is making a contribution, and that with the players available the team cannot change much more than it already has. Matera said he did not know whether Lulli would get the chance to make his debut against Manchester at Old Trafford. He described the squad as short, noting that Mora had played against Udinese, and added: "I expect a De Roon–Cristante partnership with Pisilli." Carina said: "It is the best moment to face Manchester." She pointed out that Roma have lost all four previous meetings, including the heavy 7-1 defeat, and said those defeats had hurt, so now there is a chance to do well. She described Roma as a pleasure to watch, a side that always wants to score more goals and can trouble any team in the world for as long as their legs hold up. On Dybala, she recalled that the first diagnosis said it was nothing, then it became fatigue, then a hardening, before becoming a tear. She said that what was initially a muscular strain had cost him seven matches. Carina added that she felt the club were navigating from one game to the next, listing Cagliari, Udinese and Manchester, and said Dybala would probably be seen again after the international break. Pruzzo said: "Manchester look like a second-tier side. Against Como they did very badly; it is a team that has switched off. It is an opportunity to seize, without thinking we are much stronger than our opponents. The squad is in full health and I think there are prospects to keep doing well." Orsi said: "It is the best moment to face Manchester, but I don't know... they can find the right day and not lose. This is the best moment, but you always play against United at Old Trafford: you must not take it lightly, you must always produce a great match. On the win I don't know if you can be sure: Manchester are in crisis, so Roma must win for certain."

Roma are in Manchester on the eve of their Champions League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford, which takes place tomorrow evening. The Giallorossi arrived in England after a 5-2 win away at Udinese. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will hold his usual pre-match press conference, and this time he will be joined by Marten de Roon. Gasperini and the Dutch midfielder will meet the press at 17:20 local time, which is 18:20 in Italy, to preview the fourth matchday of the Champions League League Phase. Roma's training session follows at 18:00 local time (19:00 in Italy). Under UEFA regulations, the first 15 minutes of the session will be open to the media. It will be the last chance to assess the condition of the squad and gather clues about Gasperini's possible selection choices before the match at Old Trafford.

Radio Radio pundits have offered their views on Roma's upcoming clash with Manchester United, with several saying the moment is favourable for the Giallorossi. Matera said Gasperini had expressed hope of a result, but that it would not be easy, as nobody had yet joined in that optimism. He argued that Roma face a Manchester side in evident difficulty, giving the team an opportunity to pick up points where they might not have seemed likely to before. He said that whoever comes into the side is making a contribution, and that with the players available the team cannot change much more than it already has. Matera said he did not know whether Lulli would get the chance to make his debut against Manchester at Old Trafford. He described the squad as short, noting that Mora had played against Udinese, and added: "I expect a De Roon–Cristante partnership with Pisilli." Carina said: "It is the best moment to face Manchester." She pointed out that Roma have lost all four previous meetings, including the heavy 7-1 defeat, and said those defeats had hurt, so now there is a chance to do well. She described Roma as a pleasure to watch, a side that always wants to score more goals and can trouble any team in the world for as long as their legs hold up. On Dybala, she recalled that the first diagnosis said it was nothing, then it became fatigue, then a hardening, before becoming a tear. She said that what was initially a muscular strain had cost him seven matches. Carina added that she felt the club were navigating from one game to the next, listing Cagliari, Udinese and Manchester, and said Dybala would probably be seen again after the international break. Pruzzo said: "Manchester look like a second-tier side. Against Como they did very badly; it is a team that has switched off. It is an opportunity to seize, without thinking we are much stronger than our opponents. The squad is in full health and I think there are prospects to keep doing well." Orsi said: "It is the best moment to face Manchester, but I don't know... they can find the right day and not lose. This is the best moment, but you always play against United at Old Trafford: you must not take it lightly, you must always produce a great match. On the win I don't know if you can be sure: Manchester are in crisis, so Roma must win for certain."

Roma travel to Old Trafford for tomorrow evening's Champions League clash against Manchester United, a fixture that could shape their route towards the play-offs. Il Messaggero reports that Roma have struggled at this ground, losing all four previous visits, some by heavy margins. This time, though, the picture is different: Manchester United are third from bottom in the Premier League and going through a difficult spell, and English fans on social media fear another heavy defeat. Gian Piero Gasperini is not underestimating the opponent, however, and has to deal with several injuries. Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Mile Svilar will all miss the match. Dybala and Koné will try to recover for the Sassuolo fixture, while Svilar will not return until after the international break. Gollini is expected to continue in goal, having previously worn the Manchester United shirt. In defence, Evan N'Dicka, the returning Gianluca Mancini and one of Leonardo Balerdi or Mario Hermoso are set to start. Cristante and De Roon will form the midfield pairing. Wesley, closely watched by English scouts, is set to operate on the left, while the right-hand position remains an open contest. Without Dybala, Malen leads the attack: he has three goals and two assists in three European matches, and is eager to perform at a stadium where he previously played a few minutes for Aston Villa. Soulé will partner him, while the final place in the front three is between Mora, who is improving, and Pisilli, who wants to win back his place after resting in Udine. Roma finished their previous match in Udine strongly, and the squad now travels to England to prepare for the Champions League tie against Manchester United. The Old Trafford game is the first of the two visits, and the result is expected to weigh heavily on Roma's chances of reaching the play-offs.

Radio Radio pundits have offered their views on Roma's upcoming clash with Manchester United, with several saying the moment is favourable for the Giallorossi. Matera said Gasperini had expressed hope of a result, but that it would not be easy, as nobody had yet joined in that optimism. He argued that Roma face a Manchester side in evident difficulty, giving the team an opportunity to pick up points where they might not have seemed likely to before. He said that whoever comes into the side is making a contribution, and that with the players available the team cannot change much more than it already has. Matera said he did not know whether Lulli would get the chance to make his debut against Manchester at Old Trafford. He described the squad as short, noting that Mora had played against Udinese, and added: "I expect a De Roon–Cristante partnership with Pisilli." Carina said: "It is the best moment to face Manchester." She pointed out that Roma have lost all four previous meetings, including the heavy 7-1 defeat, and said those defeats had hurt, so now there is a chance to do well. She described Roma as a pleasure to watch, a side that always wants to score more goals and can trouble any team in the world for as long as their legs hold up. On Dybala, she recalled that the first diagnosis said it was nothing, then it became fatigue, then a hardening, before becoming a tear. She said that what was initially a muscular strain had cost him seven matches. Carina added that she felt the club were navigating from one game to the next, listing Cagliari, Udinese and Manchester, and said Dybala would probably be seen again after the international break. Pruzzo said: "Manchester look like a second-tier side. Against Como they did very badly; it is a team that has switched off. It is an opportunity to seize, without thinking we are much stronger than our opponents. The squad is in full health and I think there are prospects to keep doing well." Orsi said: "It is the best moment to face Manchester, but I don't know... they can find the right day and not lose. This is the best moment, but you always play against United at Old Trafford: you must not take it lightly, you must always produce a great match. On the win I don't know if you can be sure: Manchester are in crisis, so Roma must win for certain."

Roma travel to Old Trafford for tomorrow evening's Champions League clash against Manchester United, a fixture that could shape their route towards the play-offs. Il Messaggero reports that Roma have struggled at this ground, losing all four previous visits, some by heavy margins. This time, though, the picture is different: Manchester United are third from bottom in the Premier League and going through a difficult spell, and English fans on social media fear another heavy defeat. Gian Piero Gasperini is not underestimating the opponent, however, and has to deal with several injuries. Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Mile Svilar will all miss the match. Dybala and Koné will try to recover for the Sassuolo fixture, while Svilar will not return until after the international break. Gollini is expected to continue in goal, having previously worn the Manchester United shirt. In defence, Evan N'Dicka, the returning Gianluca Mancini and one of Leonardo Balerdi or Mario Hermoso are set to start. Cristante and De Roon will form the midfield pairing. Wesley, closely watched by English scouts, is set to operate on the left, while the right-hand position remains an open contest. Without Dybala, Malen leads the attack: he has three goals and two assists in three European matches, and is eager to perform at a stadium where he previously played a few minutes for Aston Villa. Soulé will partner him, while the final place in the front three is between Mora, who is improving, and Pisilli, who wants to win back his place after resting in Udine. Roma finished their previous match in Udine strongly, and the squad now travels to England to prepare for the Champions League tie against Manchester United. The Old Trafford game is the first of the two visits, and the result is expected to weigh heavily on Roma's chances of reaching the play-offs.

Roma have left Udine and travelled to Manchester, where they face Manchester United at Old Trafford, and the squad is preparing for the trip. The side will train in the hotel gym in the morning before a pre-match training session at Old Trafford at 19:00 Italian time. Roma have a poor record at the ground, having lost all four previous meetings, including heavy defeats of 7-1 and 6-2. The Red Devils are less intimidating than in the past, and some England fans on social media reportedly fear a 7-1 scoreline is possible, although United sit third from bottom in the Premier League. Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to make some changes at the back. Gianluca Mancini returns to the starting line-up from the first minute on the centre-left after a rest, with N'Dicka alongside him and either Balerdi or Hermoso on the other side. Niccolò Pisilli, who rested during the Bluenergy Stadium game, is pushing for a start and dreams of another big European night. In midfield, Cristante and de Roon are expected to pair up. On the right, Lulli, Molina and Rensch are in a contest for the spot. Gasperini will decide the team on matchday, as is his habit. It is the last push before the international break, and the coach will again try to manage his players' energy levels. The report, published by Il Messaggero, describes the Old Trafford venue as the Theatre of Dreams, which for Roma has been a theatre of nightmares in past years. Mancini and his teammates will be aiming to end that run in the coming game.