Pisilli in line for first Serie A start as Gasperini rotates Roma ahead of Torino trip

Former Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has said Roma deserve to be among the title contenders and will fight for the Scudetto until the final match. Speaking to Tuttomercatoweb, Sabatini praised Gian Piero Gasperini's side, which remains in the race just behind Lazio and Inter, after their comeback against Cagliari. Sabatini said: "E lo è meritatamente, sta giocando un calcio entusiasmante, è una squadra molto determinata, solida, monolite. Difficile giocarci contro e difficile soprattutto batterla. Merita quello che ha e credo che il cammino sarà coerente con quello che sta facendo adesso e combatterà certamente fino all'ultima partita per lo scudetto." He described the team as exciting to watch, determined, solid and difficult to play against, and hard to beat. Asked how much Roma's chances depend on the fitness of Paulo Dybala, Sabatini said the availability of injured players in general would be decisive, not only Dybala. He singled out the absence of Manu Koné as the most serious loss for Roma at the moment, describing him as a midfielder who alone determines the composure and completeness of a unit. Sabatini also noted that injuries are affecting many teams, with a worrying wave of muscular problems, though he stressed that this applies to all clubs. Sabatini's comments highlight the balance Roma must find in the league run-in: a side praised for its quality and cohesion, but one that will need its key players back to keep pace at the top of Serie A.

Roma have turned a long-standing weakness into a strength: when they fall behind, they now fight back rather than fold. Writing after the Cagliari match, the commentary argues the side is hungry and no longer accepts defeat, with a fierce pressing approach now a clear instruction. Roma were below their best in the latest game, which the piece puts down to a natural dip after six matches in sixteen days. The real point, it argues, is how the team responded when it went behind. The same pattern was seen against Atalanta and confirmed against Napoli and Cagliari. As soon as they concede, Roma change their approach, refusing to accept the deficit, running, creating and above all scoring. Last season the points tally was the same, but the team was open to criticism for its almost helpless reaction to going behind. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, the side no longer fears falling behind; instead it becomes more determined, pressing, creating and turning games around within minutes. Last season the only Roma win from a losing position came at the Franchi against Fiorentina, where Soulé and Cristante overturned Kean's opening goal. Otherwise there was little: in Serie A only two draws, against Atalanta and Milan, and in the Europa League two more, against Panathinaikos and Bologna. That was too little for a side aiming at the top, and the problem was more mental than physical. Gasperini has taken that weakness and turned it into a strength. This time Nzola's goal could have hurt Roma, but it did not. Within ten minutes Lulli and Pisilli had erased it and restored the smile that Gasperini shows when he sees his side play. So far this season Roma have earned seven points from losing positions, against Atalanta, Cagliari and Napoli, matching their entire total from last season. They have played only 12 matches in that situation, and the piece concludes that the best is yet to come.

Roma climbed the Serie A table after beating Cagliari on Monday night, although the win came with a few more scares than the club would have liked. Former striker Hernan Crespo, a Serie A great who played for Parma, Lazio and Inter, has offered his view on the first months of the new season in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, and he had plenty of praise for Gian Piero Gasperini's side. Crespo said Roma's position near the top was largely expected: "Nel campionato italiano i patemi sono all'ordine del giorno, bisogna saperli affrontare." In English: "Scares are part of everyday life in Italian football, and you have to know how to handle them." He added that Roma had finished well the previous season and that, with a coach of Gasperini's calibre, they were destined to improve further. "La Roma in alto in classifica era comunque una cosa abbastanza preventivabile in estate." In English: "Roma being high in the table was fairly predictable over the summer." Crespo was particularly struck by the team's physical condition. He said: "Mi sorprende la freschezza atletica della Roma: corrono tutti e corrono molto bene. E poi, quando hanno il pallone tra i piedi, sanno che cosa fare. Idee chiare e tanta, tantissima energia." In English: "Roma's athletic freshness surprises me: everyone runs, and they run very well. And then, when they have the ball at their feet, they know what to do. Clear ideas and a lot, a huge amount of energy." Crespo also turned his attention to city rivals Lazio, whom he called the most pleasant surprise of the campaign. He said: "La Lazio è certamente la sorpresa più bella di questo campionato, mentre la Roma ha cominciato a costruire le basi di ciò che si vede oggi già dall'anno passato." In English: "Lazio are certainly the most pleasant surprise of this championship, while Roma began building the foundations of what we see today already last year." He concluded: "Non mi sbilancio, ma ripeto quanto detto prima: questa Lazio può volare." In English: "I won't go too far, but I repeat what I said before: this Lazio can fly."

Roman radio pundits were largely focused on Roma after the win over Cagliari, with the debate centring on Mancini's performance, Mora's goal and the fitness of Paulo Dybala. David Rossi of Rete Sport said: “Maybe it was the worst match Mancini has played since he’s been here at Roma. Honestly, after that first half I didn’t think he could come back out, and yet he did.” He added: “In a normal world, you had to take Mancini off after 20 minutes. He wasn’t presentable.” Gianluca Piacentini said Mora's goal had silenced his serial critics, and praised Gasperini for stressing that the points Roma have taken this season, the same number as last season, carry greater weight because they came against Como, Inter, Napoli and Atalanta. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo defended Mancini against the whistles he received, saying: “Mancini plays as a striker on Gasperini’s orders. You can’t go back and forth at two hundred an hour; you lose something along the way.” On the Roma-Cagliari match, Corsi described it as a lacklustre game, adding that the young players had turned it around. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport praised Gollini, who made three important saves, and said he was playing with a concentration he had never shown before, having been given a great opportunity by Svilar’s misfortune. Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio said: “Mora? If Gasperini had another substitute, he’d have taken him off after a quarter of an hour. That was my impression.” He also said he was pleased that Pisilli and Lulli had partly sorted out the match, and said: “If you have to compare yourself to the Roma market, my friend… I had backed Castro, but if Mina has you in his pocket for 80 minutes, you need changing.” He added that Molina struggles to play in Italian football, and that De Roon was static in midfield. Nando Orsi of Radio Radio said: “I thought Roma never would lose this one.” Mario Mattioli of Radio Radio said Roma had suffered before taking full points. Daniele Lo Monaco of Radio Romanista said Roma are unbeaten with six wins and three draws, and argued that Lazio’s eight wins from nine carry a different weight. He said: “I don’t see the Leicester effect in any way. If Lazio finish in the top three, I’ll become a priest.” Mario Corsi said Lazio do not have a team fit for the top places, and Torri noted that Lazio have taken 25 points from 27, with fixtures against Roma, Napoli, Inter, Como, Atalanta, Fiorentina and Torino still to come. The focus then turned to the coming fixtures. Alessio Nardo said the Dybala situation was thorny: he had seemed set to return against Cagliari, but now risked missing the next three matches. He said: “I expect a very, very difficult match against Udinese, and it will take a great Roma to win it.” Lorenzo Pes said Dybala had returned to training on Sunday but would miss Saturday’s game against Udinese, adding: “I think he doesn’t want to miss Manchester-Roma at Old Trafford.” Checco Oddo Casano said the doubt for Saturday against Udinese would be between Mora and De Roon, and said the club’s hopes in attack now depend on Soulé.

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini is calling on Emanuele Lulli, Niccolò Pisilli and Rodrigo Mora to cover a squad emergency. The three young players are drawn from the bench and the Trigoria academy. Pisilli is a Roma academy product. Gasperini has consistently found the right options from both the bench and the youth ranks to meet the crisis.

Roma have turned a long-standing weakness into a strength: when they fall behind, they now fight back rather than fold. Writing after the Cagliari match, the commentary argues the side is hungry and no longer accepts defeat, with a fierce pressing approach now a clear instruction. Roma were below their best in the latest game, which the piece puts down to a natural dip after six matches in sixteen days. The real point, it argues, is how the team responded when it went behind. The same pattern was seen against Atalanta and confirmed against Napoli and Cagliari. As soon as they concede, Roma change their approach, refusing to accept the deficit, running, creating and above all scoring. Last season the points tally was the same, but the team was open to criticism for its almost helpless reaction to going behind. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, the side no longer fears falling behind; instead it becomes more determined, pressing, creating and turning games around within minutes. Last season the only Roma win from a losing position came at the Franchi against Fiorentina, where Soulé and Cristante overturned Kean's opening goal. Otherwise there was little: in Serie A only two draws, against Atalanta and Milan, and in the Europa League two more, against Panathinaikos and Bologna. That was too little for a side aiming at the top, and the problem was more mental than physical. Gasperini has taken that weakness and turned it into a strength. This time Nzola's goal could have hurt Roma, but it did not. Within ten minutes Lulli and Pisilli had erased it and restored the smile that Gasperini shows when he sees his side play. So far this season Roma have earned seven points from losing positions, against Atalanta, Cagliari and Napoli, matching their entire total from last season. They have played only 12 matches in that situation, and the piece concludes that the best is yet to come.

Roma have turned a long-standing weakness into a strength: when they fall behind, they now fight back rather than fold. Writing after the Cagliari match, the commentary argues the side is hungry and no longer accepts defeat, with a fierce pressing approach now a clear instruction. Roma were below their best in the latest game, which the piece puts down to a natural dip after six matches in sixteen days. The real point, it argues, is how the team responded when it went behind. The same pattern was seen against Atalanta and confirmed against Napoli and Cagliari. As soon as they concede, Roma change their approach, refusing to accept the deficit, running, creating and above all scoring. Last season the points tally was the same, but the team was open to criticism for its almost helpless reaction to going behind. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, the side no longer fears falling behind; instead it becomes more determined, pressing, creating and turning games around within minutes. Last season the only Roma win from a losing position came at the Franchi against Fiorentina, where Soulé and Cristante overturned Kean's opening goal. Otherwise there was little: in Serie A only two draws, against Atalanta and Milan, and in the Europa League two more, against Panathinaikos and Bologna. That was too little for a side aiming at the top, and the problem was more mental than physical. Gasperini has taken that weakness and turned it into a strength. This time Nzola's goal could have hurt Roma, but it did not. Within ten minutes Lulli and Pisilli had erased it and restored the smile that Gasperini shows when he sees his side play. So far this season Roma have earned seven points from losing positions, against Atalanta, Cagliari and Napoli, matching their entire total from last season. They have played only 12 matches in that situation, and the piece concludes that the best is yet to come.

Manu Koné is the player Roma cannot do without, according to the article, ahead of even Mile Svilar and Paulo Dybala. The French midfielder is described as Gasperini's man of balance, an element who seems impossible to replace. The numbers back this up: with Koné on the pitch, Roma have conceded 4 goals in 7 matches; without him, they have conceded 9 in just 5. His withdrawal against Real Madrid, with a mask on his face and pain visible in his eyes, had already set off alarm bells. From that moment, Roma's defensive phase appeared to lose its certainties. The article argues that Koné is not a player of spectacular moments but of balance, which allows others to shine. In Gasperini's side, Roma take considerable risks when attacking: the full-backs push forward, the attacking midfielders move close to Malen, and the team pushes up to win the ball back immediately. When the press is beaten or opponents counter, Koné steps in. His contribution, the article says, is measured not only by tackles won but by the dangerous moves that never develop. According to StatsNext, he averages 5.3 balls recovered, 1.75 tackles and around 0.9 interceptions per 90 minutes. Team data is also highlighted: with him on the pitch Roma conceded 0.57 goals per match, against 1.8 without him. The article acknowledges that this figure alone does not prove a direct link between his absence and the defensive difficulties, but says it merits attention. Against Cagliari the difference was evident, the article states. Pisacane's side passed through with ease, transitions flowed, and Roma left gaps. De Roon was struggling and Cristante was not at his best. The midfield needed a Manu, the player Roma have held on to for years and whom Gasperini never wants to lose. The article concludes that the data supports this view, though it was evident even without the numbers. The immediate goal is to have Koné back for the match against Sassuolo. Gasperini is waiting for him, and so is Roma.

Roma came from behind-the-scenes adversity to beat Cagliari 4-2, with goals from Lulli, Pisilli, Mora and Malen. Reported newspaper ratings praised the young side's courage and energy, with Roma fielding a makeshift line-up. Lulli was the standout performer, receiving a 7.5 rating from the majority of outlets and his goal helped set the tone for the win. Gollini earned 7s in the goal, while Soulé was another bright spark in attack. Gasperini's side were given ratings between 6 and 7 for his tactical approach, with the Italian boss rated 6 by some and 7 by others. Mancini drew criticism for a below-par display, rated between 4.5 and 5.5 across the reports, with Ghilardi entering to earn ratings of 6.5 to 7. Mora came on and was rated 7 or 7.5, while Malen, who replaced Castro, was rated between 6.5 and 7 by most outlets. Rensch, brought on for Lulli, was marked between 5 and 6, and Wesley, who replaced Molina at half-time, received ratings of 5.5 to 6. Pisilli was rated 6 to 6.5 in midfield, with Cristante at 6 or 6.5 alongside him.

Paulo Dybala's return from a calf injury has been put back, and Gian Piero Gasperini is now aiming to have him available for the Sassuolo match on 7 November, the Giallorossi's last fixture before the international break. Il Messaggero reports that Roma came back from behind in their latest match with goals from Balerdi, Mora and Malen, while Ghilardi, in a surprise contribution, set up the perfect assist for the Portuguese forward. The result extends Roma's unbeaten run, which Gasperini described as following the same approach Napoli had taken. Dybala's condition is the main concern for the coach. He seemed close to a call-up on Monday, but he was not among the squad named for the game and will also miss the matches against Udinese and Manchester United. Gasperini is also worried about the fitness of Koné, and the club hopes to have Svilar back for the Champions League match due next week. Gasperini said: "I was confident after training on Sunday. Paulo takes some time to recover from injuries. We thought it would take less, but that has not been the case. For him and Koné we are aiming for Sassuolo, but I don't know if it will be possible." Dybala will undergo a decisive scan in Belgium tomorrow, after which he will return to Rome.

Roma are back on winning form as Gian Piero Gasperini's substitutions continue to make the difference, with Balerdi, Mora, Malen and Ghilardi all having an impact. Ghilardi set up the perfect assist for the Portuguese winger, Mora, extending Roma's unbeaten run. Gasperini is pleased with the result, but the fitness of Paulo Dybala is the main concern. Dybala looked close to a squad call-up on Monday, but he was not among the players named in the squad on Sunday. As a result, he is set to miss the matches against Udinese and Manchester United. Gasperini said: "I was confident after training on Sunday. Paulo takes some time to recover from injuries. We thought it would take less time, but it has not been so. For him and Koné we are aiming for Sassuolo, but I don't know if it will be possible." Roma's hopes are now focused on getting Mile Svilar back in time for the Champions League match scheduled for next week. A decisive scan is due in Belgium tomorrow, before the squad returns to the capital. The report comes from Daniele Aloisi in Il Messaggero.

Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari 4-2, with Rodrigo Mora scoring the decisive goals late in a match that Gasperini's side had made hard work. Cagliari took the lead from a penalty awarded after a VAR check, when Pisilli's arm was judged to have been away from his body in the area; Nzola converted it. Roma responded immediately: Lulli headed an equaliser from a fine cross by Molina, then turned the ball to Pisilli, who put Roma ahead. Pisilli, who has just signed a contract extension until 2031, scored again through his ability to make runs into the area. The result hid a poor performance. Gasperini made several changes, resting Wesley and Malen and giving Castro the central attacking role. Svilar, Koné and Dybala were missing, while Hermoso and Balerdi were on the bench with less than full fitness. Lulli and Molina played wide, and Koulierakis started in defence. Pisacane's Cagliari, coming off two consecutive defeats, were physical, quick and aggressive, and caused problems in one-on-one duels: Nzola held off Ndicka, and Fadera was a constant threat to Mancini. Gollini had to produce one of his best performances of the season to keep Roma in the game. Roma made many elementary errors in possession, and their build-up was disjointed. Pisilli struggled to convince in the double-pivot role, particularly when asked to provide cover and order. Castro was often out of the game, had little impact and lacked the aggression needed in the rare chances he had in the box. Cristante, deployed on the trequartista role, seemed to lack energy, with a heavy stride and slow ideas; the article suggested he was paying for an early return from injury and an intensive run of games. In the second half Gasperini introduced Mora and Malen around the ten-minute mark, but Mora started on the right and Soulé on the left, a configuration that limited both players. Soulé is most effective starting on the right and cutting inside onto his left foot, while Mora prefers the centre-left to drift onto his right. Only when Gasperini switched them back, with Mati on the right and Mora on the left, did the attack improve. Cagliari kept pressing and at 81' Daniel Maldini scored the equaliser for 2-2, silencing the Olimpico. Roma then responded through individual quality. Ghilardi, another substitute, produced a fine run down the right and delivered a perfect cross, and Rodrigo Mora, the smallest player on the pitch, rose to head home the 3-2. Two minutes later Mora combined with Malen and provided the pass for the final 4-2. The article stressed that the final score should not disguise the fatigue Roma showed and the absence of Manu Koné, whose physical dominance, ball recovery and progressive running in midfield were missed. Nobody among his replacements has the same characteristics. With Dybala absent, Rodrigo Mora's contribution became even more important; the Portuguese is very young and must still develop consistency, but he showed how decisive he can be when used in the right conditions. The author concluded that Roma's character is a major asset, but that winning while playing badly cannot be relied upon, and that Gasperini must restore sharpness and solidity in the coming weeks.