Portuguese Path at Roma: from Antunes to Rui Patrício, a Connection of Mixed Fortune

Nahuel Molina received a seven-match ban at the end of Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain. The Roma defender is an important player for coach Scaloni, and the Argentine Football Association has lodged an appeal with FIFA seeking a reduction from seven matches to three. Under FIFA's current disciplinary code, friendly matches are normally not counted toward serving suspensions incurred during tournament play. However, the AFA has recently obtained recognition of three of its international friendlies during the current international break as official matches. Molina has therefore already served three of his seven-match suspension, and if the overall ban reduction is granted, he could be available for Argentina's squad selection at the next international window in November.

With a long international break giving Roma players downtime, the squad has been pursuing a diverse range of hobbies away from the pitch. Wesley has garnered attention for his collection of luxury cars stored in his garage, a sight that prompted teammate Soulé to make a quip about his fellow defender's automotive passion. The Brazilian is far from alone in his interests: Manu Koné, the French midfielder, describes himself as a homebody who loves spending his days resting at home, driven by an unconditional passion for French rap and trap music. His dancing and musical performances have become iconic within the group. Mario Hermoso prefers to listen to music by the pool and at the beach, his two great loves, and has recently become involved in the social ritual of mate preparation alongside Argentine players Dybala, Soulé, Balerdi, Castro and Molina. The traditional infusion travels everywhere with them, from long team bus journeys to sessions at Trigoria, serving not simply as a beverage but as a way to unwind and chat. Evan N'Dicka has revealed a strong attraction to architecture and art, appreciating Rome's historical richness during his leisure time and regularly reading history books at home. Marten de Roon curates his social media and seeks out food and wine experiences, while Mile Svilar dedicates considerable time to work with his mental coach before matches, regularly practising visualisation and breathing exercises to train self-control.

The Argentine Football Association has reportedly filed an appeal to reduce Nahuel Molina's suspension from seven matches to three following the fracas at the end of the World Cup. If successful, the Roma defender could return to Scaloni's squad as early as the November international break. Molina and Paulo Dybala did not travel for Argentina's final match with Messi, with Roma citing sporting and logistical reasons ahead of the Como away fixture. Former Roma academy product Riccardo Pagano, now at Cesena, reflected on his years at Trigoria. "I entered as a child. It wasn't easy to leave, but the moment had come," he said. Pagano recalled a key moment under José Mourinho: "After my retirement he called me into his office and told me: 'From now on you'll be permanently in the first team, you'll be one of us. I really liked you.'" He also spoke warmly of his bond with Luigi Cherubini: "We practically grew up together; we speak every day." Meanwhile, Rome's City Assessor for Urban Planning Maurizio Veloccia provided an update on Roma's new stadium project. He described it as "one of the most beautiful projects ever built in Italy, with sustainable materials and innovations linked to energy and the recovery of natural resources." Public works to ensure safe access and egress will cost approximately €100 million, entirely borne by the club. In total, "Roma will invest €1.5 billion," while the municipality will reinvest several tens of millions in the area and approximately €180 million on Line B metro signalling systems.

Former Roma goalkeeper Julio Sergio has assessed the club's strong start to the 2026–27 season in an interview, singling out Mile Svilar for particular praise. Sergio believes Roma have narrowed the gap on Inter, who remain the team to beat, though he acknowledges that Champions League involvement this season will demand significant energy. On Svilar specifically, Sergio said: "Currently, in my view, he can be considered among the three best goalkeepers in the world. He is a beast, he manages to be quick and has very good technique." Sergio highlighted Rodrigo Mora as the summer arrival with the greatest potential impact. "Rodrigo Mora I really like a lot and I am sure he will be an important player over the course of the season," he said. Wesley, the Brazilian defender, was assessed as needing to improve his consistency both physically and technically. Sergio also commented on the attacking form of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, describing them as "a great pairing," though he urged caution about title ambitions: "They are a great couple, but it is still too early to talk about the Scudetto."

Julio Sergio has urged caution over Roma's title prospects despite their strong start to the season. The former Brazilian player, who came close to winning a Serie A title at Roma, acknowledged that Gian Piero Gasperini's side has narrowed the gap to Inter but stopped short of declaring them contenders. "On the level of performance I think Roma have got closer to Inter, who remain the team to beat," Sergio said in an interview with Il Tempo. "This year, though, Roma will also be protagonists in the Champions League, a commitment that takes a lot of energy away." Speaking about the club's readiness for a title challenge, Sergio was measured. He singled out Rodrigo Mora as a player capable of making a significant impact this season: "Rodrigo Mora I really like a lot and I'm sure he can be an important player over the course of the season." On Wesley's development, he identified consistency as an area for improvement. "He needs to be more consistent, not only from a physical point of view but also technically." Sergío lavished praise on goalkeeper Mile Svilar, placing him among the world's elite. "Currently, in my opinion, he can be considered among the three best goalkeepers in the world. He's a beast, he manages to be quick and has very good technique." Asked whether the partnership of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, both in strong form, could inspire a title push, Sergio remained unconvinced. "They are a great couple, but it is still too early to talk about winning the scudetto."

Bryan Cristante faces another setback just days before the Serie A resumption, with a mild knee inflammation now added to the lower back problem that ruled him out of the latest international break. His availability for Roma's trip to Como on Sunday, 11 October, remains in serious doubt pending medical evaluation in the coming hours. The Italian press is split on his prospects. Leggo reports optimism from Trigoria about recovery in time for Fabregas's side, while Corriere della Sera suggests he could be sidelined for up to three weeks—potentially missing matches against Real Madrid and Genoa as well. For head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, a Cristante absence would be significant; he has been the midfielder most used by the coach so far this season. If Cristante cannot play, Marten De Roon is ready to start alongside Manu Koné, having used the international break to build his fitness at Trigoria with encouraging results. Niccolò Pisilli remains an alternative option. Offensive selection poses a different dilemma—one of abundance rather than scarcity. Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala are certain starters, but the third attacking slot remains in contention. Rodrigo Mora arrives on the back of an excellent overhead kick scored for Portugal Under-21, Matías Soulé awaits his Argentina debut, and Lorenzo Pellegrini has completed a full mini-preparation during the break and is now back at 100 per cent. With more than a week remaining before the Como trip to the Sinigaglia, Gasperini has time to assess whether Cristante can be recovered and to evaluate the condition of returning internationals. Roma's opening shape is beginning to take form, with De Roon primed to seize his chance and three candidates competing for the final attacking berth.