Lulli contract extension underway; Pisilli omission from Italy called unacceptable

Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi is named in Italy's squad for a second time with the senior side and is among the substitutes for the match against France at San Siro, where he hopes to make his debut during the game. Speaking to Sky Sport before kick-off, he focused on the challenge ahead. Ghilardi, born in 2003, said: "They are all great players, but we must be calm and sure of our qualities. Obviously we will need to pay attention to their attack because they are all stars." He described the fixture as a special occasion, adding that Italy would give their maximum against a major side in a beautiful stadium. For Roma's centre-back, the match is a second call-up to the senior Italy team, which gives him another chance to test himself against top international opposition. He also reflected on the make-up of the squad. "Once again, it is a very beautiful match, we face a great team in a beautiful stadium, so we will certainly give our all. For me it is the second time, we are many young players and all very strong, and I hope everyone can show their qualities." His message was one of confidence: a young, talented group that needs to believe in itself.

Roma are looking to add two forwards to bring their squad up to 25 players, and Fulham's Kevin has emerged as one of the names. The plan has changed from the original idea. D'Amico had initially planned to let Devyne Rensch go to sign a left-sided wide player, a position the squad currently lacks. However, Lorenzo Pellegrini's new and long-term injury, together with the confirmed unreliability of Paulo Dybala, has shifted the focus to strikers, whether left- or right-footed. Kevin, 23, has been used sparingly in the Premier League, playing just 75 minutes so far this season. That is partly because Fulham's coach Arbeola prefers two attacking midfielders in place of wingers. Endrick and Lookman also remain on Roma's list. A wide midfielder to provide cover for Wesley is not a priority. Roma are, however, continuing to monitor Alejandro Balde, a left-back born in 2003. The Spaniard is not finding playing time under Flick at Barcelona and could leave the Camp Nou in January. On the financial front, UEFA's verdict on Roma's settlement agreement under Financial Fair Play will arrive in May.

Mile Svilar and Paulo Dybala are edging back towards the starting XI, with the goalkeeper's medical giving a positive result during the international break. Svilar had been sidelined by a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his right foot, picked up in training just over a month ago. He opted for conservative treatment rather than surgery, which allowed the bone callus to form correctly. The Belgian has already trained on the pitch, albeit in a differentiated programme alongside Pierluigi Gollini. The club's aim is to have him back as a regular starter for the trip to Parma when the league resumes. Dybala, who has also returned to group work, could also start from the first minute. Roma are also linked with Atalanta left-back Lorenzo Bernasconi, born in 2003, whose name is picking up transfer speculation ahead of the January window. The left-back, who has enjoyed an excellent start to the season, has attracted interest from several major clubs including Roma, Milan and Newcastle. His consistency and constant forward runs down the flank have fuelled international interest in a player considered one of the most promising young players in his position in the league. Atalanta, who value their talents highly, are reportedly valuing his contract at between 20 and 25 million euros. Artem Dovbyk, currently on loan from Roma, left the capital last summer in search of more regular football, but his spell at Bologna has not gone as hoped. Injuries and a change of coach have limited his opportunities, and his situation could change during the January window, as Bologna are reportedly considering ending the loan early in the winter session. The two clubs will discuss the matter in the coming weeks. The Ukrainian striker is not part of Gasperini's plans. On Roman radio, the return of Svilar and Dybala was debated. Alessandro Vocalelli told Radio Radio: "Dybala's absence was felt more than Svilar's. Gollini did very well, although he conceded a few goals he perhaps could have avoided. Vasquez, on the other hand, did his job: he saved a penalty, then had it retaken, and on the goals conceded he had little responsibility." Luigi Ferrajolo added: "Vasquez and Gollini conceded two goals from over 25 metres, but the calmness Svilar brings is something else. Gollini was unlucky because he was playing a good game before his injury. I would start with Soulé and Dybala and then bring on Mora during the match, because I don't think Dybala has 90 minutes in his legs and he needs managing."

Roma are preparing their January transfer strategy, with the aim of signing two forwards on loan, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is eager to strengthen the squad. The directions come from Trigoria and combine the ambition of Gasperini with the caution and realism of the ownership. They are simple but not final, and will be updated and shared in the coming weeks. The people handling the negotiations have been at work since early September, but every move must be assessed and approved, or rejected, by the Friedkin family. Sporting director D'Amico knows this well, having been through the same process over the summer. Gasperini said after the win over Sassuolo at the Olimpico, and before the international break: "La Roma è competitiva, ma non numericamente." The sporting director spoke in much the same way that evening, also making clear the type of player Roma want: a high, attacking winger. Roma have 23 players in the squad, which, counting three goalkeepers, leaves just 20 outfield players. Lulli nearly left at the last minute to gain experience, as often happens to players of his age. D'Amico has already understood how he must operate, even without official communication. The plan is loan deals, both of them, while avoiding exceeding the wage bill ceiling. The next step is identifying suitable players. Those considered in the summer are viable options: Luiz Henrique, Leweling and Gittens. Endrick is an obvious target. However, closing deals in the style of Malen, a loan with an obligation (or right) to buy, is too early. Roma need players who are well coached but at odds with their manager or club, ready and willing to change teams. The club are targeting unhappy players, as happened with the Dutchman under Emery at Aston Villa. Waiting is necessary, as injuries and suspensions often cause managers and directors to change their minds about discarded players. Beyond the summer attempts, the agent of Lookman has made clear that his client, little used by Simeone, is pushing to leave Atlético Madrid. Endrick's position is not new; he was close to Roma in the summer. The Brazilian wants to play more. He has no space at Real Madrid, but Mourinho is holding on to him and has already said he will not help the Friedkins. Gasperini is waiting to learn whether and how he will be satisfied. Nobody has spoken with him, not Dan, Ryan or Corbin, and Galantic cannot comment. No meeting is scheduled at present. Endrick would be ideal for Gasperini, who also needs a winger with pace and power, something the squad currently lacks. It is a promise not kept from last year.

Roma defender Emanuele Lulli has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the season, and Italy Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini has admitted he did not expect such a quick rise. Lulli earned his call-up to the Under-21 side after producing convincing performances when Gian Piero Gasperini called on him at Roma. On the eve of Italy's match against France, scheduled for tomorrow at 18:30, Baldini spoke specifically about the Roma full-back and his development. Baldini said: "I did not expect Lulli to explode so quickly, but he is a boy we have always monitored closely." The Italy coach also spoke about the spirit within the Under-21 group. Baldini said: "Here we are a family. When I see these boys I feel particular emotions. They are special because they can tell the professionalism required on the pitch from the fun off it. There are rules, but the most important is the one about cheerfulness: I want to see them smile, joke and get on well together. For me they are a divine gift."

Roma defender Emanuele Lulli is the only Giallorossi player in Italy's Under-21 squad, and coach Baldini has heaped praise on him ahead of Saturday's friendly against France at 18:30 on 13 November. Baldini said: "Lulli I didn't think would break through so quickly, but he has always been monitored." The coach's comments were the headline of his pre-match remarks, and Lulli is the Roma player at the centre of them. Baldini also spoke about two other players. On Ekhator he said: "Ekhator is very strong and more mature than his age. He can give a big hand to Juve and will have a great future." On Inacio he said: "A promising lad with great qualities, and he is doing brilliantly. He will get his chance." Baldini described the squad's atmosphere in warm terms: "Here it is a family. I make the comparison with people who work abroad and, when they come home, find celebration and harmony. When I see these boys I feel those same emotions. They are special in knowing how to separate the professionalism of work on the pitch from fun off it. There are rules, but the number one rule is cheerfulness: I want to see them joking and laughing. For me, they are a divine gift."

Italy face France tonight in the Nations League, kicking off at 20:45, and coach Roberto Mancini has named his squad, leaving out Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli. Pisilli will watch the match from the stands alongside Cissé, Liberali, Cassano, Palma, Lontani, Ahanor and Gatti. Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi is among the players available to the Italy boss. The Italy squad is made up of three goalkeepers: Donnarumma, Carnesecchi and Vicario. The defenders are Kayode, Scalvini, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco, Palestra and Ghilardi. The midfield options are Ricci, Tonali, Fagioli, Doumbia, Frattesi, Romano, Barella and Vergara. The forwards are S. Esposito, P. Esposito, Scamacca, Cambiaghi and Koleosho. For Roma, Ghilardi's call-up is the main point of interest, while Pisilli's omission means he will not be involved in the national side's fixture against France.

Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli will watch Italy's match against France from the stands, after Italy coach Mancini chose not to include him in the squad for today's fixture. The exclusion halts the midfielder's return to the senior national team. Pisilli had returned to the Italy senior setup after helping the Under-21 side qualify for the next European Championship. This time, however, he will only be a spectator. Cissé and Liberali will also be in the stands. Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi, who was called up during the previous international break, has been retained by Mancini and could feature against France, coached by Zidane. The article notes it is hard to imagine him starting, but Ghilardi is viewed as an extra option to bring on once the match is underway.

Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli will not be available to Italy for the match against France, with Roberto Mancini naming him among the players who will be in the stands just hours before kickoff. Reporting by TMW, which the Italian source relays through TeleRadioStereo, says Pisilli will be joined on the sidelines by Honest Ahanor, Matteo Palma, Federico Gatti, Alphadjo Cisse and Mattia Liberali. Pisilli will not be able to add to his tally with the senior national team against France. The Roma midfielder has already made 4 appearances and scored one goal for Italy, but Mancini has decided not to include him in the list of players available for tonight's game. He remains with the Azzurri squad for this international break. Pisilli's selection snub comes after a strong start to the season with Roma under Gian Piero Gasperini, where he is finding consistency and a growing influence, including in front of goal. Born in 2004, he has been one of the more prominent young Italians in the Giallorossi midfield this campaign.