Pisilli in line for Italy call-up for Nations League games against France and Belgium

Roma prepare to host Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday evening, with Gian Piero Gasperini hoping for positive news from the treatment room before the international break. The clash, against a Sassuolo side coached by former Roma player Alberto Aquilani, is an opportunity for Roma to move on from their latest setback in the Champions League. Gasperini is looking to widen his rotation after a squad hit hard by numerous physical problems over the past month. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Paulo Dybala faces a decisive fitness test today to determine whether the calf discomfort has cleared and whether he can at least be named on the bench. There is more optimism over Manu Koné, who has overcome a muscular problem in his thigh. The medical staff, however, will proceed cautiously with Koné ahead of his call-up to the French national team. Pierluigi Gollini's condition is improving after a back strain he suffered in Manchester. The most worrying update concerns Devyne Rensch, who is due for instrumental tests today to assess a problem to his right adductor. There is a concrete fear that it could be a muscle tear.

Roma head into the international break with their whole squad available to Gian Piero Gasperini, and the fixture list is now working in their favour. The club have played nine matches in 27 days, and a run of more winnable games is set to follow. This Saturday Sassuolo visit the Stadio Olimpico, a side in serious crisis with coach Aquilani reportedly at risk of being dismissed despite a strong start to the season. The break comes at a crucial moment for Roma, allowing Gasperini to gradually bring back all of his injured players. Manu Koné and Paulo Dybala both hope to be available in two days' time, but after a month out both will certainly be ready for the trip to Parma. Mile Svilar returns in goal at the Tardini. Devyne Rensch, who is dealing with an adductor strain, undergoes instrumental tests today and has two weeks to return to full availability. The next league fixtures for Malen and his team are, on paper at least, easier: Sassuolo, Parma, Monza and Bologna in a row. That gives Roma the chance to build a winning run before the derby against Lazio. In between come the daunting trip to Paris and the Champions League clash with Sporting CP.

Lorenzo Pisilli's strong start to the season has earned him a place in the Italy squad, with Italy coach Roberto Mancini reportedly set to call him up for the Nations League fixtures against France and Belgium, according to Il Messaggero. Pisilli has also won the trust of Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, despite a poor display in Manchester. Gianluca Mancini and Daniele Ghilardi are also possible call-ups from Roma, according to the report. Bryan Cristante's involvement is in doubt. The squad list for the double header, which decides qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals, is expected to be announced today. The Manchester performance did not overshadow what the report describes as a season started at a high level by Pisilli. The Italian daily says the 2026-27 campaign has been a strong one for the midfielder, who has earned the confidence of both his club boss and the national team coach.

Lorenzo Pisilli's strong start to the season has earned him a place in the Italy squad, with Italy coach Roberto Mancini reportedly set to call him up for the Nations League fixtures against France and Belgium, according to Il Messaggero. Pisilli has also won the trust of Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, despite a poor display in Manchester. Gianluca Mancini and Daniele Ghilardi are also possible call-ups from Roma, according to the report. Bryan Cristante's involvement is in doubt. The squad list for the double header, which decides qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals, is expected to be announced today. The Manchester performance did not overshadow what the report describes as a season started at a high level by Pisilli. The Italian daily says the 2026-27 campaign has been a strong one for the midfielder, who has earned the confidence of both his club boss and the national team coach.

Roma lost 3-2 at Manchester United's Old Trafford in a group-stage match. Rodrigo Mora was one of the Giallorossi's standout players, producing an excellent first half and providing an assist for Soulé before being replaced by Pisilli at the start of the second half. After the final whistle, Mora spoke to TNT Sports Brasil about his relationship with Wesley in the dressing room. He was asked whether he and his team-mate talk often, language considered, and what he thinks of Wesley as a player. Mora said the two of them share a common interest in Brazil and Brazilian football, which they both follow closely, and that the shared language helps them a great deal. Mora said: "Yes, I think today Wesley played another great match. He is a great player and he will reach the highest levels of football. We talk mostly about Brazil and Brazilian football, which we both follow. The language, of course, helps us a lot. He has given me a great hand in this welcome to Roma and I am really grateful to him for that."

Roma were beaten 3-2 at Old Trafford after dominating the first half, with Manchester United winning the game after a controversial refereeing decision and a defensive error by Reportedly Balerdi. Roma's first-half display was built on an aggressive 3-4-2-1 press that left United's 4-2-3-1 struggling to cope. The visitors took control with a Soulé goal, assisted by a delicious pass from Mora, and then a penalty converted by Malen after Soulé was fouled. Roma came close to extending their lead in the first half: Soulé came close to scoring, and Malen wasted several chances through poor first touches, while Roma's pressing forced repeated turnovers. Rensch went off injured in the first half and was replaced by Lulli, a role unusual for him. Gasperini made changes at the break, bringing on Pisilli for Mora to seek more balance, and Tielemans replaced Baleba. Roma's control faded late in the match. Several loose passes and too many backpasses from Roma gave United a foothold, and Maguire and De Roon created the danger from corners. Referee Gil Manzano judged a foul by Cunha in the area, awarded a penalty and ordered it retaken, which changed the game. Roma's keeper Vásquez was denied the chance to be the hero, as the penalty was retaken and Vásquez was unable to stop it. Rensch's withdrawal and the switch to a back three of Ghilardi, N'Dicka and Castro for Hermoso, Mancini and Malen came after Roma's defeat to Napoli, Gasperini's team had already faced Real Madrid in a heavy defeat, and the match was another negative result for the club in a big game against a top-level opponent. The article notes that Gasperini remained calm after the match, saying he was learning from the errors without making a drama of it. Roma must now avoid any hangover in Serie A, where the club's ambitions appear more justified.

UEFA has explained why Bruno Fernandes was ordered to retake a penalty in Manchester United's win over Roma, but has said nothing about the foul that led to the spot-kick. The penalty was awarded in Tuesday's match after Mancini appeared to brush against Cunha, who went down in the area. Referee Gil Manzano had no doubts and pointed to the spot. The decision revived United's hopes, and they went on to come back to win 3-2. The retake was ordered because of Bryan Cristante. UEFA said on its official website that the kick was retaken "a causa dell'ingresso anticipato in area di Bryan Cristante", meaning Cristante entered the box before the ball was actually struck by Fernandes, so Fernandes had to take it a second time. Vasquez had saved Fernandes's first attempt. The result is that a Roma player's early entry, rather than the original award, is the focus of the official explanation. On the penalty itself, UEFA's statement is brief. It said the retake was right but offered no explanation for why the foul on Cunha was whistled. The contact between Mancini and Cunha, which was enough for Gil Manzano to award the spot-kick, remains the part of the decision the governing body has not addressed.

Lorenzo Pisilli's strong start to the season has earned him a place in the Italy squad, with Italy coach Roberto Mancini reportedly set to call him up for the Nations League fixtures against France and Belgium, according to Il Messaggero. Pisilli has also won the trust of Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, despite a poor display in Manchester. Gianluca Mancini and Daniele Ghilardi are also possible call-ups from Roma, according to the report. Bryan Cristante's involvement is in doubt. The squad list for the double header, which decides qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals, is expected to be announced today. The Manchester performance did not overshadow what the report describes as a season started at a high level by Pisilli. The Italian daily says the 2026-27 campaign has been a strong one for the midfielder, who has earned the confidence of both his club boss and the national team coach.

Roma's problems after half-time are showing up in the numbers: 83% of their goals conceded this season have come in the second half. In their 14 official matches they have conceded three goals in first halves against 15 in second halves, while scoring 19 goals in each half. The issue is defensive resilience rather than attacking output. Roma have now lost a lead again after the comeback against Real Madrid. At Old Trafford they dominated the first half before fading after the restart. Mora's withdrawal at half-time and the introduction of Lulli for Rensch have both drawn debate, and the squad has few quality alternatives. Gasperini is under scrutiny, and an editorial asks why this Roma is not yet ready for the Champions League. On the transfer front, Balerdi's place is secure despite his error on United's equaliser. According to Fabrizio Romano, the club is satisfied with the Argentine and intends to buy him outright from Marseille. The fee is reported at between 11 and 14 million euros, depending on his seasonal appearances. Inter and Juventus showed interest in the defender this summer. Spanish referee Gil Manzano received heavy ratings: 4 from Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport and 3 from Romanista. The penalty awarded for the Mancini-Cunha contact was criticised, as was the failure to send off Maguire for a second yellow card. The retake of the penalty for Cristante's early entry into the box was judged correct. Roma supporters have also made serious accusations against English police after the tensions at Old Trafford. Some fans describe long waits, aggressive treatment and medical emergencies on entry and exit, and one fan was reportedly immobilised by officers before receiving medical assistance. On Radio Roma, Ferrazza suggested focusing on the league, Corsi criticised some of Gasperini's assessments, and Torri blamed the officiating. In the transfer market, Roma's clear priority is to strengthen the attack, with Endrick at the top of the list. In midfield, Issa Doumbia of Sporting Lisbon and Gabriel Sara of Galatasaray are also attracting interest. Roma's next fixture is the Rome derby's rival-free home test against Sassuolo, a match in the eleventh round at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 7 November at 20:45. Marco Di Bello will referee, assisted by Peretti and Scatragli, with Pezzuto at VAR and Guida as AVAR.

Lorenzo Pisilli's strong start to the season has earned him a place in the Italy squad, with Italy coach Roberto Mancini reportedly set to call him up for the Nations League fixtures against France and Belgium, according to Il Messaggero. Pisilli has also won the trust of Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, despite a poor display in Manchester. Gianluca Mancini and Daniele Ghilardi are also possible call-ups from Roma, according to the report. Bryan Cristante's involvement is in doubt. The squad list for the double header, which decides qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals, is expected to be announced today. The Manchester performance did not overshadow what the report describes as a season started at a high level by Pisilli. The Italian daily says the 2026-27 campaign has been a strong one for the midfielder, who has earned the confidence of both his club boss and the national team coach.

Roma's comeback defeat at Manchester United has revived a pattern that has followed the club for several weeks: a side often bright in the first half but far more vulnerable after the interval. The numbers confirm the phenomenon, though with an important qualification. The problem lies less in attacking output than in the ability to defend, control and manage games in the second half. In Serie A, after ten matchdays Roma have scored 13 goals in the first halves and 15 in the second, so there is no scoring collapse; they actually score slightly more after the break. The picture changes completely at the other end. Roma have conceded just 2 goals in the first 45 minutes and 8 after the interval, four times as many. While across the league about 55% of goals are scored in the second half, in Roma's case 80% of the goals conceded arrive after the break. Broadening the analysis to the four Champions League matches played so far, the gap becomes even clearer. In their 14 official matches across league and cup, Roma have scored exactly the same number of goals in each half: 19 in the first and 19 in the second. But they have conceded only 3 before the interval and as many as 15 after it. That means 83% of the goals conceded this season have come in the second half. Their goal difference moves from an impressive +16 in first halves to just +4 in second halves. Treating each half as a small match of its own, Roma's first halves show 9 wins, 4 draws and one defeat. Their second halves produce 8 wins, one draw and 5 defeats. This does not mean Roma play badly in every second half: in Serie A they are third in the table built solely on second-half results. It does mean that Gasperini's side becomes much less stable after the 45th minute, especially when the game shifts momentum. The examples are mounting. Against Inter, Roma led 2-0 at half-time and lost the second half 0-2. In Istanbul against Fenerbahçe they led 1-0 and finished 1-1, suffering badly after the equaliser. Against Real Madrid the problem came even later: Roma led 3-1 in the 57th minute, then conceded three goals between the 83rd and 90th minutes and lost 4-3. In Udine, after a practically perfect first half that ended 4-0, the second half finished 2-1 to the hosts before Ghilardi's goal in stoppage time. The most dramatic case remains Old Trafford. Roma went into the break against Manchester United leading 2-0, after a first half of the highest level. In the second half they practically disappeared: zero shots for Roma, 10 for United, five of them on target, and 2.48 expected goals produced by the English side. The second-half result of 3-0 turned a possible shock into one of the most painful defeats of the season. Still, it would be wrong to turn the trend into an absolute rule. Against Genoa, Roma were goalless at half-time and won the second half 2-0; against Slovan Bratislava they scored two goals in each half; in Naples, after trailing 1-0 at the break, they won the second half 3-2 to snatch a 3-3 draw. There is therefore no systematic collapse in attack or in physical condition. There is, however, a figure that is hard to ignore: before the interval Roma concede very little, after it they become five times more vulnerable. That, more than the goals scored, is probably where Roma's real second-half problem lies.

Roma were beaten 3-2 at Old Trafford after dominating the first half, with Manchester United winning the game after a controversial refereeing decision and a defensive error by Reportedly Balerdi. Roma's first-half display was built on an aggressive 3-4-2-1 press that left United's 4-2-3-1 struggling to cope. The visitors took control with a Soulé goal, assisted by a delicious pass from Mora, and then a penalty converted by Malen after Soulé was fouled. Roma came close to extending their lead in the first half: Soulé came close to scoring, and Malen wasted several chances through poor first touches, while Roma's pressing forced repeated turnovers. Rensch went off injured in the first half and was replaced by Lulli, a role unusual for him. Gasperini made changes at the break, bringing on Pisilli for Mora to seek more balance, and Tielemans replaced Baleba. Roma's control faded late in the match. Several loose passes and too many backpasses from Roma gave United a foothold, and Maguire and De Roon created the danger from corners. Referee Gil Manzano judged a foul by Cunha in the area, awarded a penalty and ordered it retaken, which changed the game. Roma's keeper Vásquez was denied the chance to be the hero, as the penalty was retaken and Vásquez was unable to stop it. Rensch's withdrawal and the switch to a back three of Ghilardi, N'Dicka and Castro for Hermoso, Mancini and Malen came after Roma's defeat to Napoli, Gasperini's team had already faced Real Madrid in a heavy defeat, and the match was another negative result for the club in a big game against a top-level opponent. The article notes that Gasperini remained calm after the match, saying he was learning from the errors without making a drama of it. Roma must now avoid any hangover in Serie A, where the club's ambitions appear more justified.