Pruzzo says Mora must show important signs; Carina expects Castro alongside Malen

Radio Radio Mattino pundits have offered their views on Napoli v Roma, with most giving the visitors the edge. Giancarlo Padovan was the most direct, saying: "Napoli need to put in a great performance and make up ground. Roma are doing very well, extremely well. The balance has changed. Roma are a title-chasing side and Napoli are not, at least not this year. I expect a match of great quality, but given how Roma are playing they have the chance to extend their happy spell. For me, the giallorossi are the favourites." Sandro Sabatini agreed that the pressure is greater on Napoli, saying they had already put the race for the top places out of their heads, while a fourth-place finish is a different matter. Sabatini pointed to Roma's injury problems, saying: "Numerically Roma have more injured players, so Gasperini has more difficulties." He added that a defeat would leave Napoli in a tense and difficult position. Stefano Agresti said Gasperini had done remarkable things at Atalanta, transforming a respected club that was not comparable to the big clubs, but that Roma were a different challenge in a major city and that his time in Milan had not been significant. He said: "This match matters more to Napoli, but it matters a lot to Roma too. In the end I think Roma can exploit the great attacking resources they have." Roberto Pruzzo said Napoli must win and that he saw no clear favourite. He said: "In matches this close together, everything is harder." Pruzzo also questioned whether Cristante, who is returning after a long spell out, would start, or whether Mora would be picked. Nando Orsi said criticism of Napoli was often exaggerated but that their situation was partly the fault of their coach. He said: "It is not a simple match for Roma. I certainly would not give up on someone like Lulli, de Roon and Malen. With so many matches close together, some turnover is needed." On Cristante in a deeper attacking role, Orsi said: "His tactical intelligence is not in doubt, but I have some doubts about his mobility." Sabatini's view was that for Roma a draw would be a very interesting result, given the situation with their squad. Orsi's view that Roma are not facing a straightforward trip underlined the caution expressed by most of the panel.

Giovanni Malagò, commissioner and president-designate of the Italian football federation (FIGC) and a declared Roma supporter, has said no shareholder or owner of the club has ever proposed him the Roma presidency, although he has often been asked about it by journalists and friends. Speaking in a long interview with Il Messaggero, he said he appreciates the new direction at Roma, but has always said he is happy with his career path: first at the Coni, and today at the Federation. Asked whether he would leave the FIGC if Roma called, Malagò was unequivocal: "Assolutely not. For me there is a sacred principle: fulfilling the commitments you have taken on and keeping your word." Asked whether he had considered a role for Francesco Totti with the national team, he said Totti is "one of the people I am most attached to, almost a family member." He declined to comment on Totti's relationship with Roma, but said he understands how difficult it is to accept a purely symbolic role, adding that the FIGC would have to offer him something that reflects his abilities. "I'll think about it, never say never." On his choice of two Lazio symbols, Ciro Immobile and Beppe Signori, for the youth national teams, Malagò said he does not deny his family's history. His father was a board member and then three times vice-president of Roma, contributing to two Serie A titles under Dino Viola and Franco Sensi. "As a child I followed him to the stadium: I don't see why I should hide my faith. I find it hypocritical to do so." He pointed to Prince William supporting Aston Villa in England and Barack Obama openly declaring his passion for the Chicago Bulls in the United States. He said many of his closest friends are Lazio fans, as is his partner Elena, but that when he takes on an institutional role, loyalties give way to impartiality. "I called Immobile as soon as he stopped playing: I consider him the greatest Italian striker of recent years. Signori went through a painful and unjust ordeal. All the great one-club legends are a heritage of our football."

A column revisits the players Roma linked with last summer and how they have fared since, with the author noting that a winger Gasperini wanted is expected to arrive in January. The piece argues that some of those former targets are now tied down to new contracts and out of reach, making a return unlikely. Jamie Leweling was the most recent name to be discussed before he reportedly pulled back at the end of August, after a couple of weeks of uncertainty that affected his start to the season at Stuttgart, currently fourteenth. He has made only 2 starts in 6 Bundesliga matches, but has regained the trust of Sebastian Hoeness after the international break. In the Champions League he has started 2 of 3 games and scored in the last round at Atlético Madrid. His performances hover around the level of acceptable. Crysencio Summerville chose the Saudi route on 21 July, leaving Roma to sign for 17.3 million euros a season including bonuses. He had been one of Gasperini's favourites. He has 3 goals and 3 assists for Al Hilal in the Saudi league, and was sent off in his only appearance in the Champions League Elite. The author argues Middle Eastern football is not a good yardstick for judging players who choose money over the centre of the sporting world. Endrick has had a limited start to 2026-27. He came on in the last half hour against Roma for Real Madrid under Mourinho and started once, last weekend against Sevilla, before returning to the bench midweek in the Champions League. In total he has played 75 minutes in the league across 2 appearances and 35 minutes in Europe across 2 appearances. Mason Greenwood, rehabilitated at Marseille, has joined Fenerbahçe on a deal worth 11.5 million euros net, including bonuses. He has 4 goals and 2 assists in 8 Süper Lig games, and in the Champions League he scored 1 goal against Slavia Prague and set up 1 against Roma. The author says his quality is not in question, but his choice is. Malik Fofana, whose price was 35 million euros with wages of 3.5 million euros a season including bonuses, has yet to start for Sunderland and has no goals or assists in 120 minutes. The author judges the praise that surrounded him when Roma enquired to have been unjustified. Antonio Nusa is a regular starter at Leipzig, with 9 appearances of 80 minutes each, 6 of 6 in the Bundesliga with 3 goals and 3 assists, and 3 of 3 in the Champions League. The author finds it surprising that English and Spanish clubs have not invested, given the reported 55-60 million euro asking price, while noting he has been inconsistent, with 5 appearances of 12 minutes each. Alejandro Garnacho is struggling to regain form. Emery has described the physical gap with his teammates as still too wide. He has played 35 minutes in 3 Premier League matches and 33 minutes in 2 Champions League games. Gabriel Martinelli was offered to both Roma and Napoli in July and August at around 7 million euros a season plus bonuses. Both clubs considered him without committing. Al Hilal then offered 23 million euros a year. He has 5 goals in 5 league matches and 2 appearances in the Champions League Elite, and the author has no regrets about the figures involved.

Roma are expected to stick with their 3-4-2-1 formation for tonight's trip to the Maradona to face Napoli, kicking off at 18:00. Gian Piero Gasperini is likely to rely on players who featured in recent matches. Gollini is set to start in goal, with Mancini, Ndicka and Hermoso forming the back three. Emanuele Lulli is increasingly likely to be confirmed on the right flank, with Wesley on the opposite side. In midfield, the most probable pairing is De Roon and Pisilli. Further forward, Gasperini appears inclined to use Cristante in an advanced role alongside Soulé, leaving Donyell Malen to lead the line. Rodrigo Mora is the most important option among the substitutes. The indications all point to a starting eleven built above all to provide balance and physicality in midfield, as Roma look to contain a Napoli side at home. The probable Roma line-up (3-4-2-1) is: Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Lulli, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante, Soulé; Malen. Rodrigo Mora is expected to provide the main alternative from the bench, should Gasperini need an change during the match.

Radio Radio Mattino pundits have offered their views on Napoli v Roma, with most giving the visitors the edge. Giancarlo Padovan was the most direct, saying: "Napoli need to put in a great performance and make up ground. Roma are doing very well, extremely well. The balance has changed. Roma are a title-chasing side and Napoli are not, at least not this year. I expect a match of great quality, but given how Roma are playing they have the chance to extend their happy spell. For me, the giallorossi are the favourites." Sandro Sabatini agreed that the pressure is greater on Napoli, saying they had already put the race for the top places out of their heads, while a fourth-place finish is a different matter. Sabatini pointed to Roma's injury problems, saying: "Numerically Roma have more injured players, so Gasperini has more difficulties." He added that a defeat would leave Napoli in a tense and difficult position. Stefano Agresti said Gasperini had done remarkable things at Atalanta, transforming a respected club that was not comparable to the big clubs, but that Roma were a different challenge in a major city and that his time in Milan had not been significant. He said: "This match matters more to Napoli, but it matters a lot to Roma too. In the end I think Roma can exploit the great attacking resources they have." Roberto Pruzzo said Napoli must win and that he saw no clear favourite. He said: "In matches this close together, everything is harder." Pruzzo also questioned whether Cristante, who is returning after a long spell out, would start, or whether Mora would be picked. Nando Orsi said criticism of Napoli was often exaggerated but that their situation was partly the fault of their coach. He said: "It is not a simple match for Roma. I certainly would not give up on someone like Lulli, de Roon and Malen. With so many matches close together, some turnover is needed." On Cristante in a deeper attacking role, Orsi said: "His tactical intelligence is not in doubt, but I have some doubts about his mobility." Sabatini's view was that for Roma a draw would be a very interesting result, given the situation with their squad. Orsi's view that Roma are not facing a straightforward trip underlined the caution expressed by most of the panel.

Roma will rely on Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora to supply creativity in the attacking third for the big match at the Maradona against Napoli, with Paulo Dybala still sidelined. Soulé has already scored two goals and provided an assist so far this season. Mora, a 19-year-old Portuguese midfielder who arrived for a significant investment, has shown flashes of quality interspersed with some quieter spells, and this fixture represents his first real test of maturity. Their main job will be to play in Donyell Malen, who returns from suspension and remains, in the words of the report, the true talisman of Gasperini's Roma. The Dutch forward goes back to the stadium where, a year ago, he scored a memorable double. Gasperini hopes to have Bryan Cristante available from the start. If he is fit, Cristante could partner Marten de Roon in midfield, allowing Niccolò Pisilli to push forward into the attacking third alongside Soulé. At the back, the starting trio of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso is set to reform. On the flanks, Wesley is confirmed at left-back, while Emanuele Lulli is the favourite to start ahead of Nahuel Molina on the right. The absence of Dybala and the return of Malen give Gasperini a clear shape to work with, but the match will also show how far Soulé and Mora can carry the attacking load on the road to one of the toughest venues in Serie A.

Roma are expected to stick with their 3-4-2-1 formation for tonight's trip to the Maradona to face Napoli, kicking off at 18:00. Gian Piero Gasperini is likely to rely on players who featured in recent matches. Gollini is set to start in goal, with Mancini, Ndicka and Hermoso forming the back three. Emanuele Lulli is increasingly likely to be confirmed on the right flank, with Wesley on the opposite side. In midfield, the most probable pairing is De Roon and Pisilli. Further forward, Gasperini appears inclined to use Cristante in an advanced role alongside Soulé, leaving Donyell Malen to lead the line. Rodrigo Mora is the most important option among the substitutes. The indications all point to a starting eleven built above all to provide balance and physicality in midfield, as Roma look to contain a Napoli side at home. The probable Roma line-up (3-4-2-1) is: Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Lulli, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante, Soulé; Malen. Rodrigo Mora is expected to provide the main alternative from the bench, should Gasperini need an change during the match.

Radio Radio Mattino pundits have offered their views on Napoli v Roma, with most giving the visitors the edge. Giancarlo Padovan was the most direct, saying: "Napoli need to put in a great performance and make up ground. Roma are doing very well, extremely well. The balance has changed. Roma are a title-chasing side and Napoli are not, at least not this year. I expect a match of great quality, but given how Roma are playing they have the chance to extend their happy spell. For me, the giallorossi are the favourites." Sandro Sabatini agreed that the pressure is greater on Napoli, saying they had already put the race for the top places out of their heads, while a fourth-place finish is a different matter. Sabatini pointed to Roma's injury problems, saying: "Numerically Roma have more injured players, so Gasperini has more difficulties." He added that a defeat would leave Napoli in a tense and difficult position. Stefano Agresti said Gasperini had done remarkable things at Atalanta, transforming a respected club that was not comparable to the big clubs, but that Roma were a different challenge in a major city and that his time in Milan had not been significant. He said: "This match matters more to Napoli, but it matters a lot to Roma too. In the end I think Roma can exploit the great attacking resources they have." Roberto Pruzzo said Napoli must win and that he saw no clear favourite. He said: "In matches this close together, everything is harder." Pruzzo also questioned whether Cristante, who is returning after a long spell out, would start, or whether Mora would be picked. Nando Orsi said criticism of Napoli was often exaggerated but that their situation was partly the fault of their coach. He said: "It is not a simple match for Roma. I certainly would not give up on someone like Lulli, de Roon and Malen. With so many matches close together, some turnover is needed." On Cristante in a deeper attacking role, Orsi said: "His tactical intelligence is not in doubt, but I have some doubts about his mobility." Sabatini's view was that for Roma a draw would be a very interesting result, given the situation with their squad. Orsi's view that Roma are not facing a straightforward trip underlined the caution expressed by most of the panel.

Roma will rely on Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora to supply creativity in the attacking third for the big match at the Maradona against Napoli, with Paulo Dybala still sidelined. Soulé has already scored two goals and provided an assist so far this season. Mora, a 19-year-old Portuguese midfielder who arrived for a significant investment, has shown flashes of quality interspersed with some quieter spells, and this fixture represents his first real test of maturity. Their main job will be to play in Donyell Malen, who returns from suspension and remains, in the words of the report, the true talisman of Gasperini's Roma. The Dutch forward goes back to the stadium where, a year ago, he scored a memorable double. Gasperini hopes to have Bryan Cristante available from the start. If he is fit, Cristante could partner Marten de Roon in midfield, allowing Niccolò Pisilli to push forward into the attacking third alongside Soulé. At the back, the starting trio of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso is set to reform. On the flanks, Wesley is confirmed at left-back, while Emanuele Lulli is the favourite to start ahead of Nahuel Molina on the right. The absence of Dybala and the return of Malen give Gasperini a clear shape to work with, but the match will also show how far Soulé and Mora can carry the attacking load on the road to one of the toughest venues in Serie A.

Roma are expected to stick with their 3-4-2-1 formation for tonight's trip to the Maradona to face Napoli, kicking off at 18:00. Gian Piero Gasperini is likely to rely on players who featured in recent matches. Gollini is set to start in goal, with Mancini, Ndicka and Hermoso forming the back three. Emanuele Lulli is increasingly likely to be confirmed on the right flank, with Wesley on the opposite side. In midfield, the most probable pairing is De Roon and Pisilli. Further forward, Gasperini appears inclined to use Cristante in an advanced role alongside Soulé, leaving Donyell Malen to lead the line. Rodrigo Mora is the most important option among the substitutes. The indications all point to a starting eleven built above all to provide balance and physicality in midfield, as Roma look to contain a Napoli side at home. The probable Roma line-up (3-4-2-1) is: Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Lulli, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante, Soulé; Malen. Rodrigo Mora is expected to provide the main alternative from the bench, should Gasperini need an change during the match.

Radio Radio Mattino pundits have offered their views on Napoli v Roma, with most giving the visitors the edge. Giancarlo Padovan was the most direct, saying: "Napoli need to put in a great performance and make up ground. Roma are doing very well, extremely well. The balance has changed. Roma are a title-chasing side and Napoli are not, at least not this year. I expect a match of great quality, but given how Roma are playing they have the chance to extend their happy spell. For me, the giallorossi are the favourites." Sandro Sabatini agreed that the pressure is greater on Napoli, saying they had already put the race for the top places out of their heads, while a fourth-place finish is a different matter. Sabatini pointed to Roma's injury problems, saying: "Numerically Roma have more injured players, so Gasperini has more difficulties." He added that a defeat would leave Napoli in a tense and difficult position. Stefano Agresti said Gasperini had done remarkable things at Atalanta, transforming a respected club that was not comparable to the big clubs, but that Roma were a different challenge in a major city and that his time in Milan had not been significant. He said: "This match matters more to Napoli, but it matters a lot to Roma too. In the end I think Roma can exploit the great attacking resources they have." Roberto Pruzzo said Napoli must win and that he saw no clear favourite. He said: "In matches this close together, everything is harder." Pruzzo also questioned whether Cristante, who is returning after a long spell out, would start, or whether Mora would be picked. Nando Orsi said criticism of Napoli was often exaggerated but that their situation was partly the fault of their coach. He said: "It is not a simple match for Roma. I certainly would not give up on someone like Lulli, de Roon and Malen. With so many matches close together, some turnover is needed." On Cristante in a deeper attacking role, Orsi said: "His tactical intelligence is not in doubt, but I have some doubts about his mobility." Sabatini's view was that for Roma a draw would be a very interesting result, given the situation with their squad. Orsi's view that Roma are not facing a straightforward trip underlined the caution expressed by most of the panel.

Roma will rely on Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora to supply creativity in the attacking third for the big match at the Maradona against Napoli, with Paulo Dybala still sidelined. Soulé has already scored two goals and provided an assist so far this season. Mora, a 19-year-old Portuguese midfielder who arrived for a significant investment, has shown flashes of quality interspersed with some quieter spells, and this fixture represents his first real test of maturity. Their main job will be to play in Donyell Malen, who returns from suspension and remains, in the words of the report, the true talisman of Gasperini's Roma. The Dutch forward goes back to the stadium where, a year ago, he scored a memorable double. Gasperini hopes to have Bryan Cristante available from the start. If he is fit, Cristante could partner Marten de Roon in midfield, allowing Niccolò Pisilli to push forward into the attacking third alongside Soulé. At the back, the starting trio of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso is set to reform. On the flanks, Wesley is confirmed at left-back, while Emanuele Lulli is the favourite to start ahead of Nahuel Molina on the right. The absence of Dybala and the return of Malen give Gasperini a clear shape to work with, but the match will also show how far Soulé and Mora can carry the attacking load on the road to one of the toughest venues in Serie A.