Pruzzo and Roma radio voices assess Ferragosto display: Soulé struggles alongside Dybala

Former Roma forward Jeremy Menez has backed the club to challenge for the Serie A title this season and hailed head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as a tactical genius. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Menez reflected on his time in the Giallorossi shirt and offered his assessment of Roma's current trajectory under Gasperini's leadership. Menez, who arrived at Roma as a generational talent under the Sensi regime, spoke fondly of his spell at the club. "I had a blast," he said. "It wasn't easy arriving at such an important squad, but for me it was home. I only have good memories. This year Roma is title material: Gasp is a genius." On his playing days, Menez acknowledged the difficulty of stepping into an established dressing room but emphasised the emotional connection he felt to the club throughout his time there. When asked which clubs he would see himself at today, Menez named Como and Roma. "They play very well and have strong identities," he explained. "Fabregas, then, is one of the most talented coaches." Menez also reflected on his relationship with former Roma manager Spalletti, saying: "He valued me a lot, but he was tough on me. He knew my character and sometimes made me do exercises for half an hour at the end of training." He also commented on the broader state of attacking football, noting that creative players are increasingly rare in modern football and singling out Milan under Amorim as lacking imagination.

Pes reported that Manu Koné was honest about external interest in him during the transfer window, saying: "Koné was sincere, he didn't hide. He could have said '0-0', but he told the truth. Someone was interested in him, more or less. On the last day there was a Chelsea bid, which Roma rejected. The Blues' interest was significant: between 31 August and 1 September Roma had some hesitation, but then didn't flinch." Chelsea's attempt came late in the window but was turned down. Pes added that Gasperini considers Koné very important to his plans, and that Roma would not have let him depart in the final days of the market had he been surplus to requirements. On UEFA matters, Pes indicated that Trigoria is not deeply worried about potential sanctions, with Roma's expectation being no major penalties. He assessed that the club has reduced costs and that a heavy fine is the most likely outcome. Radio commentators discussed rotation in the squad ahead of upcoming fixtures, with Torri noting that Roma have more quality this season compared to the previous year: "There's no one you'd say doesn't play. Everyone can rotate, and I think Gasperini will have them all play in these next matches." Valdarchi and Rossomando both highlighted Marten de Roon as a tactical asset for upcoming games. Valdarchi stated: "De Roon is useful both as a starter and as a substitute: there's no one like him for tactical intelligence in Gasperini's concepts." Rossomando suggested De Roon could start against Como, saying: "For me this time against Como Mora can start. Watch out also for De Roon: that way you have an extra midfielder. I see De Roon against Como. For one reason or another, against Como the others aren't at 100%: Pellegrini, Soulé and Mora. That's why I see De Roon, and then you push Cristante forward." Rossomando noted that Soulé will have limited training time before the Como match.

Former Roma winger Menez has spoken publicly about his time at the club and Gian Piero Gasperini's current squad in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. Menez arrived at Roma under the Sensi ownership and became one of the few bright spots during a mixed period in the club's history, earning a reputation for magical play and beautiful goals, though his difficult temperament occasionally drew criticism during his career. Asked which clubs he would join today, Menez named Como and Roma as his top choices. "They play very well and have strong identities," he said. "Fabregas is one of the most talented managers." On his time in Rome, he reflected warmly: "I had a great time. It wasn't easy arriving at such an important dressing room, but for me it was home. I have only good memories. This year Roma is Scudetto material: Gasp is a genius." Menez also discussed the current state of Serie A, describing it as having "lost a bit of appeal" but now finding it "more fascinating" with new, young managers and important players. He highlighted the loss of creativity in modern football, citing the Milan of Amorim as an example. Separately, he reflected on his relationship with Luciano Spalletti, his former Roma manager, saying: "He valued me a lot, but he was tough with me. He knew my character and sometimes made me do exercises for half an hour after training."

Argentina defeated Bolivia 4-0 in a friendly on 1 October 2026, with Leonardo Balerdi (Argentina) the only AS Roma player to take the field. Balerdi came on at the start of the second half, replacing Cristian Romero at the 45-minute mark. Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro remained unused on the bench throughout the 90 minutes, contrary to pre-match indications that Soulé might start. Argentina's next fixture is against Burkina Faso on Sunday at 02:00 Italian time. The Argentina squad will then prepare for a forthcoming match against Benin, which will serve as the backdrop to Lionel Messi's farewell celebration. Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not be available for that encounter.

Argentina defeated Bolivia 4–0 in a friendly, with Nico Paz of Como stealing the spotlight by scoring and assisting. The standout performance came from Paz, who has now positioned himself as a new face in the Argentina national team's future. Two Roma players remained unused: Matías Soulé, listed as a possible starter in pre-match reports, was benched throughout by manager Scaloni, though the coach signalled he would give the forward greater playing time in upcoming fixtures. Santiago Castro also saw no action across the full 90 minutes. Leonardo Balerdi was the sole Roma representative to feature, entering the pitch in the second half and helping to secure the clean sheet. His appearance capped a positive run in form that has also defined his performances with Roma in this early part of the season. Balerdi's contribution on the night reinforces the improvement he has shown since the campaign began. Argentina will face Burkina Faso next in another friendly fixture. The fixture will precede the eagerly anticipated clash against Benin, which will serve as the backdrop to Lionel Messi's farewell celebration. Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not participate in that match, though both will be present in spirit for what is set to become a historic evening in Argentine football.

Roma's three-week international break offers Gian Piero Gasperini time to recover Wesley and resolve a tactical question about how to deploy him when Serie A resumes. Wesley arrives at the break after an intense campaign last season, during which he made 69 appearances and played effectively on the left wing alongside his natural right-flank position. His progress was interrupted by a serious injury against Egypt ahead of the World Cup, and more recently a right-thigh strain cost him a Brazil call-up. Despite the setback, Wesley showed promise in the first half against Inter, operating on his natural right side in sync with Dybala and causing problems for Dimarco. Roma, sitting top of the league and relying on the consistency of players like Dybala, Malen, Svilar and Koné, recognise that Wesley's full recovery is essential to achieving the next level. The break comes at a critical moment: after months without a pause, his body has demanded rest and restoration to full fitness. Upon the resumption of the season, Gasperini faces a key tactical decision. Wesley may remain on the right with Molina shifted to the left, or he could return to the left wing to open up rotations with other wide options. Gasperini is taking time to reflect on the choice during the international break.

Roma have made a strong start to the 2026-27 season with 13 points from five matches, matching Inter and Lazio at the top of Serie A but ahead on goal difference. A second-half goal by Lautaro in a direct clash with Inter prevented a perfect record, but the squad's overall level remains high. The arrival of summer players has been central to the club's early form. Nahuel Molina is still building fitness but establishing himself in the team, while Rodrigo Mora has made an immediate impact with a goal already on his account. Leonardo Balerdi has already won over the supporters and claimed a starting berth, and Konstantinos Koulierakis, Marten de Roon and Santiago Castro are all expected to become important resources as the fixture list intensifies through October and November, though some have yet to feature heavily. The squad recruitment was balanced by significant outgoings managed by director Tony D'Amico, which allowed Roma to fund their incomings. With the first international break now reached, a review of Roma's players still on loan across Europe becomes timely. Neil El Aynaoui and other loan-out players carry combined recall obligations of €95 million, making their performances and development over the coming months a matter of considerable financial consequence for the club.

Roma's players on loan across Europe experienced a mixed week of midweek and league fixtures. Neil El Aynaoui performed well for RB Leipzig despite a 2–0 home defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, completing 31 of 34 passes and winning 8 of 14 duels while receiving a yellow card in the 74th minute. His statistical rating reached 7.2, among Leipzig's best performances. Anass Salah-Eddine made a convincing debut for Panathinaikos in a Greek Cup tie against Kifisia, playing all 90 minutes on the left flank in a 2–0 victory. FotMob rated him 7.3 for a clean display as Panathinaikos dominated with 71 per cent possession in the first half. By contrast, Angeliño's week at Deportivo La Coruña ended disastrously: he was sent off for a challenge on Miguel Sierra in the 59th minute of a midweek fixture against Sevilla—initially given a yellow card before the VAR review led to a direct red—leaving his side to lose 1–0 already down in the scoreline. Statistical ratings gave him just 5.7, and Deportivo manager Hidalgo noted how the expulsion undermined the team's comeback effort. Angeliño subsequently missed the following 1–1 draw against Betis through suspension. Mohamed Seck at Foggia produced sharply contrasting displays within days. Playing 90 minutes in a goalless midweek draw against Savoia, he was identified as Foggia's best performer, winning nearly every duel against opposing attackers. Coach Auteri retained him for the next match against Inter U23, but this time his form dipped noticeably. Foggia lost 2–1, and a careless passing error by Seck enabled the decisive goal from Fumagalli. Foggiacalciomania rated him 5.5, noting good physical condition but a costly mistake. The week illustrated the growth trajectory of a defender aged just 20, with evident talent and physicality that must be coupled with fewer lapses in concentration. Elsewhere, Federico Nardin at Pescara played the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 midweek draw against Gubbio, earning ratings of 6 and 6.9 for personality and reliability despite some refinements needed, but sat out the subsequent 1–0 win at Vado. Filippo Reale completed 90 minutes for Carrarese in a 1–0 home defeat to Benevento, earning 6 and 6.7 ratings for an orderly display, while Luigi Cherubini entered at the 77th minute for Benevento and struck the post with a close chance in the 83rd. Radoslaw Zelezny, Perugia's goalkeeper, conceded five goals across two matches but received ratings of 6 in both a 3–0 home loss to Spezia and a 2–0 away defeat at Grosseto, with no clear responsibility on most goals. Robinio Vaz at Hull City entered off the bench in the 78th minute during a 2–1 loss at Newcastle after more than ten minutes without notable incident, marking his second consecutive Premier League appearance. Marash Kumbulla remained unused at Rayo Vallecano despite being named in squads for a 2–1 win against Espanyol and a 1–1 draw at Osasuna. Jan Ziolkowski has not returned to action for Monza, continuing recovery from plantar fasciitis. Artem Dovbyk spent another week without playing time at Bologna.

Roma and Inter will meet on the pitch this Saturday as the Serie A leaders, but behind the fixture lies a stark contrast in how their respective owners build and sustain their projects. Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma have invested €211 million in player acquisitions since his arrival, while Cristian Chivu's Inter have spent €186 million—a gap of €25 million that illustrates the Friedkin Group's commitment to backing the sporting project despite UEFA financial fair play constraints. By contrast, Inter's ownership under Oaktree has prioritised economic and financial stability. The €211 million Roma figure spans the campaigns that began with Gasperini's appointment. In the 2025–26 season, Roma spent €86.5 million, with Wesley arriving for €25 million and Neil El Aynaoui for €23 million, alongside Robinio Vaz (€20 million), Jan Ziółkowski (€6.5 million), and several expensive loans including Donyell Malen, Bailey, Evan Ferguson, Daniele Ghilardi and Zaragoza. The acceleration came this summer: the Friedkin Group approved €124.5 million for 2026–27, comprising Santiago Castro (€35 million), Rodrigo Mora (€25 million), Malen's permanent transfer (€25 million), Konstantinos Koulierakis (€16.5 million), Nahuel Molina (€13 million), Ghilardi's purchase (€8 million), Marten de Roon (€1 million) and Leonardo Balerdi's loan (€1 million). The Porto agreement for Mora includes a further €25 million for 2027 or 50 per cent of any future sale. The contrast deepens when examining the wider impact on club finances. Since summer 2025, Roma's squad costs—including salaries, depreciation and loan fees—have risen by approximately €15 million, while Inter's have fallen by approximately €10 million. The Friedkin Group has covered losses through fresh capital injections, accepting red accounts to sustain sporting growth; Roma has not closed a profitable financial year since their 2020 arrival, with 2025–26 expected to end in loss. Oaktree delivered a €35 million profit in its first Inter season and is preparing to close the next year in the black. Both approaches remain valid: Chivu inherited a structured squad already competing at the highest level, while Gasperini was tasked with rebuilding after Roma's seven-year absence from the Champions League. Saturday's direct clash will test both strategies on the pitch. One club has chosen acceleration to close the gap; the other is maintaining competitiveness while reducing the squad's economic burden.

Donyell Malen is settling into life at Roma, spending time exploring both the city's coastal and historic attractions. On 30 September, the Dutch forward attended the Tre Fontane to support AS Roma's women's team. After the match, he took the opportunity to experience Rome's evening atmosphere in a romantic outing with his wife, Delisha, at the Colosseum. Malen shared the moment on social media with the caption: "Love Story in Rome". The 26-year-old has been making the most of his time off the pitch in the capital, previously spotted enjoying Ostia's seaside. His social media posts suggest he is already enamoured with the city, signalling a positive early experience in his move to the Giallorossi.

Donyell Malen is falling in love with Rome both on and off the pitch. The Dutch forward, recovering from a minor injury during the international break, visited the Tre Fontane on 30 September to support Roma's women's team, then spent a romantic afternoon with his wife Delisha touring the city centre and visiting the Colosseum. He posted photos on social media with the caption "Love story in Rome", reflecting his deepening connection to the club and the city. The Roma fanbase has embraced him warmly, and he is repaying that affection with performances on the field. In five matches, Malen has scored six goals—a striker's return that suggests better is still to come. His time in the capital has clearly struck a chord with both supporters and the player himself, who arrived at the club already carrying the momentum to make an immediate impact.

A roundup of Roma news on Thursday 1 October 2026 features reflections from former striker Jeremy Menez, an update on Donyell Malen's scoring run, and a family development involving Daniele De Rossi. Menez, who spent time at Roma, spoke warmly of his time in the capital: "I had the time of my life, Roma was home for me. I have only good memories." The ex-attacker also praised the current squad under coach Gian Piero Gasperini, saying: "This year Roma is made for the Scudetto: Gasp is a genius." Reflecting on former manager Luciano Spalletti, Menez recalled: "He valued me a lot, but he was tough with me." On the pitch, Malen has made a strong start to the season. After six goals in the first five matches, he is averaging 1.20 goals per game—a rate above the final tallies of Higuain and Immobile when they each finished seasons with 36 goals. The Dutch forward is now chasing Roma's club record for a single season, currently held by Edin Dzeko with 29 goals. Malen's knee problem was managed during the international break, and he is available for selection in the upcoming match against Como. Actress Sarah Felberbaum confirmed she is adopting Gaia De Rossi, the eldest daughter of former manager Daniele De Rossi. Felberbaum explained that the decision came from Gaia herself, now 21 years old: "It was her choice and I accepted it." The relationship between the two strengthened over the years within the family De Rossi built, leading to a formal legal arrangement of that bond.