Pruzzo backs Roma's strength but flags Dybala's condition as key; Sabatini hits out at left-winger search as a 'joke'

Zibi Boniek has predicted Roma will defeat Real Madrid 2-1 in their Champions League match on 14 October. Speaking to ReteSport, he described the fixture as a special occasion given José Mourinho's role as opponent, and said Roma possess the weapons to trouble the Spanish club despite facing a well-organised side. "The atmosphere at the Olimpico will help Roma," Boniek said. "The players instead of stopping will go 30 metres further. Malen and Dybala, who are in excellent form, are important weapons. The giallorossi team is very well organised and proved that at Como with a player fewer. It won't be easy against Real but you can try." Boniek assessed Roma's title prospects as dependent on Inter slipping. "Roma must be ready if Inter should drop off, but I don't believe that will happen because they have a strong and complete squad," he said. "Inter can only lose the title; they are superior to all the others." He offered praise for Lazio's current league position given their pre-season expectations but ruled out their chances of winning the Scudetto, predicting they will have a good campaign without becoming champions. On Dybala's form, Boniek noted: "I see him grown on the mental and physical level; I hope it lasts because Roma needs it. The Argentine is fundamental in the development of the team's attacking play. He has the capacity to create many goal-scoring chances." Boniek's final prediction: "Gasperini's team wins 2-1."

Zibi Boniek, the former Roma player and ex-UEFA executive vice-president, predicts Roma will defeat Real Madrid 2–1 in tomorrow's Champions League match at the Olimpico. Speaking to Retesport, Boniek acknowledged the emotional dimension of facing José Mourinho as an opponent while emphasizing Roma's attacking threats: "The atmosphere of the Olimpico will help Roma. Instead of stopping, the players will go 30 metres further. Malen, Dybala, in excellent form, are important weapons. The giallorossi side is very well organized and proved it even at Como with one player fewer. Against Real it won't be easy but we can try." Boniek assessed Real Madrid as tactically conservative, employing low pressing and counter-attacks rather than expansive football, and questioned why Spanish observers lack confidence in their own side. He credited head coach Gian Piero Gasperini for constructing a disciplined unit, highlighting Paulo Dybala's contribution to Roma's attacking play: "I see him grown on a mental and physical level, I hope he stays like this because Roma needs it. The Argentine is fundamental in the development of the team's attacking play: he has the ability to create many goal-scoring chances." On the Serie A title race, Boniek declared: "Inter can only lose it themselves. They are superior to all the others." He praised Lazio's unexpected form—"It is a team that deserves applause for its current league position considering the initial premises"—but ruled out a Scudetto challenge: "They will have a good campaign, but I do not think they can win the title." His final forecast on Roma–Real Madrid: "The Gasperini side wins 2–1."

Roma's mental fortitude was the standout quality in their Matchday 6 performance against Como, where they resisted the hosts' attacks even while playing with ten men following Donyell Malen's expulsion. The match produced spectacular goals, disputed refereeing decisions, and memorable individual displays across the weekend's Serie A action. Roma's defensive discipline and composure in possession neutralized Como's numerical advantage and made their attacks predictable—a performance that drew the highest rating of the round. Pierluigi Gollini's assured goalkeeping, which included shutting out Nico Paz with a low save, reinforced confidence across the backline. Marten de Roon patrolled midfield with tactical precision both before and after Malen's dismissal, winning every duel with intensity. Paulo Dybala's second-half contribution brought technical quality to a midfield battle, though a missed chance near goal remains unanswered. Malen's red card—for which he apologized—was preceded by an earlier sequence that should have been stopped with a free kick to Roma, a technical distinction that separates the dismissal from justification. Referee Marco Fabbri's overall management of the match drew sharp criticism for inconsistency: he appeared unsettled early, then adopted a pattern of compensation that inflamed tensions further. Midfield infractions went undetected, and calls he did make were often misinterpreted. Fabbri sustained a knee injury during Malen's tackle and later received criticism alongside VAR official Luca Marelli for the application of foul standards, with suggestions that decision-making criteria shifted between seasons. Elsewhere, Riccardo Orsolini's near-bicycling kick finish for Lecce exemplified the round's aesthetic moments, while a Naples penalty—technically correct by regulation—raised questions about consistency in enforcement across the weekend.

Angelo Di Livio has criticized Roma for wasting another significant opportunity in their match at Como. Speaking to Retesport, the former player said: "The Roma threw away another big chance at Como, I saw a really good team. If the giallorossi had gone ahead they would have won the match. In the second half not even a pin could pass through. In the first half the giallorossi team deserved to go ahead but once again they were not clinical in front of goal. Winning at Como would have been a great result, so this is not good." Di Livio highlighted Roma's finishing as the key problem, particularly after a missed opportunity by Paulo Dybala. He stated: "If Dybala doesn't score, Malen becomes a problem. I don't want to criticize the Argentine for the missed goal at Como, but the team lost another big chance because in the first half they could have been ahead." He suggested tactical changes for the second half, saying he would have played long balls to Santiago Castro instead of keeping Dybala on the pitch. Di Livio also questioned the management of Rodrigo Mora and Castro, noting that Castro will play against Genoa but expressing concern about his fitness given limited playing time. On Lorenzo Pellegrini's performance, he offered praise: "He played an important match, he got into the thick of the action and almost scored. He gave a good signal, like all the others who hadn't played much such as De Roon and Gollini."

Zibi Boniek has predicted Roma will defeat Real Madrid 2-1 in their Champions League match on 14 October. Speaking to ReteSport, he described the fixture as a special occasion given José Mourinho's role as opponent, and said Roma possess the weapons to trouble the Spanish club despite facing a well-organised side. "The atmosphere at the Olimpico will help Roma," Boniek said. "The players instead of stopping will go 30 metres further. Malen and Dybala, who are in excellent form, are important weapons. The giallorossi team is very well organised and proved that at Como with a player fewer. It won't be easy against Real but you can try." Boniek assessed Roma's title prospects as dependent on Inter slipping. "Roma must be ready if Inter should drop off, but I don't believe that will happen because they have a strong and complete squad," he said. "Inter can only lose the title; they are superior to all the others." He offered praise for Lazio's current league position given their pre-season expectations but ruled out their chances of winning the Scudetto, predicting they will have a good campaign without becoming champions. On Dybala's form, Boniek noted: "I see him grown on the mental and physical level; I hope it lasts because Roma needs it. The Argentine is fundamental in the development of the team's attacking play. He has the capacity to create many goal-scoring chances." Boniek's final prediction: "Gasperini's team wins 2-1."

Zibi Boniek, the former Roma player and ex-UEFA executive vice-president, predicts Roma will defeat Real Madrid 2–1 in tomorrow's Champions League match at the Olimpico. Speaking to Retesport, Boniek acknowledged the emotional dimension of facing José Mourinho as an opponent while emphasizing Roma's attacking threats: "The atmosphere of the Olimpico will help Roma. Instead of stopping, the players will go 30 metres further. Malen, Dybala, in excellent form, are important weapons. The giallorossi side is very well organized and proved it even at Como with one player fewer. Against Real it won't be easy but we can try." Boniek assessed Real Madrid as tactically conservative, employing low pressing and counter-attacks rather than expansive football, and questioned why Spanish observers lack confidence in their own side. He credited head coach Gian Piero Gasperini for constructing a disciplined unit, highlighting Paulo Dybala's contribution to Roma's attacking play: "I see him grown on a mental and physical level, I hope he stays like this because Roma needs it. The Argentine is fundamental in the development of the team's attacking play: he has the ability to create many goal-scoring chances." On the Serie A title race, Boniek declared: "Inter can only lose it themselves. They are superior to all the others." He praised Lazio's unexpected form—"It is a team that deserves applause for its current league position considering the initial premises"—but ruled out a Scudetto challenge: "They will have a good campaign, but I do not think they can win the title." His final forecast on Roma–Real Madrid: "The Gasperini side wins 2–1."

Angelo Di Livio has criticized Roma for wasting another significant opportunity in their match at Como. Speaking to Retesport, the former player said: "The Roma threw away another big chance at Como, I saw a really good team. If the giallorossi had gone ahead they would have won the match. In the second half not even a pin could pass through. In the first half the giallorossi team deserved to go ahead but once again they were not clinical in front of goal. Winning at Como would have been a great result, so this is not good." Di Livio highlighted Roma's finishing as the key problem, particularly after a missed opportunity by Paulo Dybala. He stated: "If Dybala doesn't score, Malen becomes a problem. I don't want to criticize the Argentine for the missed goal at Como, but the team lost another big chance because in the first half they could have been ahead." He suggested tactical changes for the second half, saying he would have played long balls to Santiago Castro instead of keeping Dybala on the pitch. Di Livio also questioned the management of Rodrigo Mora and Castro, noting that Castro will play against Genoa but expressing concern about his fitness given limited playing time. On Lorenzo Pellegrini's performance, he offered praise: "He played an important match, he got into the thick of the action and almost scored. He gave a good signal, like all the others who hadn't played much such as De Roon and Gollini."

Rome radio stations hosted a panel of former players and commentators to preview Roma's Champions League fixture against Real Madrid. Francesco Balzani (Teleradiostereo) expressed confidence in Roma's approach: "For me Roma will not have ugly performances, this year I have never had that feeling, while last year there were moments of it. But you must face it with the serenity of knowing you face one of the top 3 strongest teams in the world. I trust Roma but you must face these matches with the serenity of knowing the opponent is stronger, so it must not become a drama if it goes badly. Roma must play as against Inter, because it's the only way they know how to play and it's a beautiful way that makes the big teams uncomfortable." Balzani predicted Matías Soulé would start in place of the previous Sunday's line-up and advocated for Leonardo Balerdi in defence "to ensure more speed in recovery". He noted that Roma's first home Champions League match in a long time against Real Madrid, combined with José Mourinho's return to the Stadio Olimpico, would affect the supporters and environment but not the players. Roberto Pruzzo (Radio Radio Mattino) analysed the squad selection and opposition threat: "I certainly expect Malen on the pitch alongside Dybala and Soulé. The match suited for Castro will be the one with Genoa. Roma needs Mora. De Roon is in condition to play two or three matches in a row. Real Madrid has individuals who are of another category but lacks stability. I don't expect many goals." Piero Torri (Radio Manà Manà) suggested Gasperini would emphasise that Roma will not play the sacrificial victim, noting their opponents' devastating counter-attacking threat. Simone Valdarchi added that organised supporters were preparing a tribute to Mourinho, whose stay in Roma was extended after last season's loss to Seville convinced him to remain.

Donyell Malen will lead Roma's attack alongside Paulo Dybala in tomorrow's Champions League match against Real Madrid, with Matías Soulé deployed behind them. The Dutch forward is chasing redemption after his red card in the Como fixture. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will hold a press conference at 13:30 alongside Malen, with a training session scheduled for 15:00. Santiago Castro is expected to start in Malen's place on Saturday against Genoa, with a possible rotation between the two for the Real Madrid encounter. Defensive decisions remain fluid: Leonardo Balerdi is pushing for a starting role, while either Evan N'Dicka or Mario Hermoso could be rested. José Mourinho is due to speak at 18:00.

Angelo Di Livio has criticized Roma for wasting another significant opportunity in their match at Como. Speaking to Retesport, the former player said: "The Roma threw away another big chance at Como, I saw a really good team. If the giallorossi had gone ahead they would have won the match. In the second half not even a pin could pass through. In the first half the giallorossi team deserved to go ahead but once again they were not clinical in front of goal. Winning at Como would have been a great result, so this is not good." Di Livio highlighted Roma's finishing as the key problem, particularly after a missed opportunity by Paulo Dybala. He stated: "If Dybala doesn't score, Malen becomes a problem. I don't want to criticize the Argentine for the missed goal at Como, but the team lost another big chance because in the first half they could have been ahead." He suggested tactical changes for the second half, saying he would have played long balls to Santiago Castro instead of keeping Dybala on the pitch. Di Livio also questioned the management of Rodrigo Mora and Castro, noting that Castro will play against Genoa but expressing concern about his fitness given limited playing time. On Lorenzo Pellegrini's performance, he offered praise: "He played an important match, he got into the thick of the action and almost scored. He gave a good signal, like all the others who hadn't played much such as De Roon and Gollini."

Mario Somma praised Roma's performance in the Como match, describing it as further evidence the side are becoming a major force. Como began with organised pressing to disrupt Roma's game, but the visitors imposed their football and won the tactical battle as the home side dropped deeper. "This means they are becoming a great squad," Somma said on Retesport. On Paulo Dybala's display, Somma was upbeat despite a missed chance. "He provided an important performance in intensity, running and work rate. It's normal that when you have to be decisive technically you can be less sharp. I don't recall a Dybala so willing to work for the team. I'm not worried — I believe at the end of the season the numbers will arrive." Pierluigi Gollini received praise for his goalkeeping: "He had a very good match, was calm in goal. I've known him for many years and Sunday he showed he's a great goalkeeper." On Lorenzo Pellegrini and Gasperini's approach, Somma offered analysis of the manager's thinking. "Pellegrini has Bellingham-like qualities. He reached important numbers at a crucial point in his career without playing for Real Madrid but in a mediocre Roma. At Como he played a containing role and created a crossbar. I think it's normal Gasperini is trying to recover him — on the attacking midfield line, long-term, he can deliver more goals than Mora and Soulé on the left wing." Somma also contrasted the midfield pair: De Roon "runs after everyone," while Cristante is "more a preventing midfielder who thinks a lot." Somma concluded by noting Roma's ability to contain with quality — as demonstrated at Como — could have been replicated in their home fixture with Inter, which the article implies did not occur.

Roma are monitoring William Gomes of Porto as a potential winger signing, though the club could explore an interim loan option in January before committing to a permanent deal next summer. Gian Piero Gasperini declined to discuss the transfer market ahead of Roma's Champions League clash with Real Madrid, but officials are actively working to strengthen the squad. The two clubs already conducted business this summer, with Roma acquiring Rodrigo Mora for €25M plus 50 percent of a future sale. Discussions are now underway to renew Mora's contract, raising his release clause from €80M to €100M and extending his deal by two years to 2031. Gomes, a Brazilian acquired from São Paulo for €9M in 2025, has quickly established himself at Porto with 16 goals and 4 assists in 67 appearances. Roma's strategy appears to involve bringing in a short-term solution on loan in January—with Endrick from Real Madrid mentioned as a possibility—before investing heavily in Gomes or another young prospect next summer. The club has already established a working relationship with Porto through the Mora transfer, which may facilitate negotiations. Regarding Endrick's compatriot at Real Madrid, Alan Redmond, the global head of football at Roc Nation, addressed the speculation surrounding his future. "There was a lot of interest in him, but leaving has never been his goal. There was only some chatter. The deals were never close to being completed. We'll see what happens in the future, but I think he'll stay at Real Madrid for a long time. The teams after him are fantastic, but I don't believe he'll transfer."