Roma can beat Como and Real Madrid, says Pes; Gasperini fears injuries but believes squad capable of 'something frightening'

Alberto Aquilani, a former Roma midfielder, has expressed confidence in the club's championship prospects ahead of the resumption of Serie A. Speaking to Il Messaggero, Aquilani praised both the squad and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, saying Roma have the strength and depth to compete for the title. "Very strong and complete squad," Aquilani said of Roma. "It got off to the right start, it can fight for the top." On Gasperini's impact at the club, Aquilani was emphatic in his assessment: "For what he has done and communicated, he is a master—he is one in what he does. He revolutionised the way we play with all-round pressing, with his way of understanding the match and I think also training. He is an innovator." Aquilani's endorsement reflects the optimism surrounding Roma's campaign this season, with particular emphasis on Gasperini's tactical innovations and influence over the squad's approach to matches.

Evan N'Dicka is no longer an automatic pick at Roma, a shift underlined by competition from Leonardo Balerdi since the Argentine's arrival at Trigoria this season. The Ivorian defender, previously relied upon across multiple coaching regimes from José Mourinho to Gian Piero Gasperini, faces a genuine rival for his place — a change entirely new to his Roma experience. The two have never started together so far this season, though they have appeared in the same match during Roma's games against Fenerbahçe and Inter. Against Fenerbahçe, N'Dicka started while Balerdi entered at the 74th minute; against Inter, Balerdi started and was replaced at the 66th minute, with N'Dicka coming on at the 60th. The shift reflects both Balerdi's rapid impact with the club and the improved defensive depth now available to Gasperini — something previous coaches lacked, forcing them to stretch N'Dicka repeatedly. Though the defender has responded well overall with only occasional dips in form, this season brings a structural change. Roma have a four-day window before facing Como, who sit three points behind the Giallorossi in the table, but standings matter less than Gasperini's stated priority: finding consistency, confirming performance quality, and cementing the entire squad's ability to operate at the required level. The head coach has made clear there are no fixed hierarchies and no automatic starters, which has allowed him to rotate the defence more freely than his predecessor could — particularly when Roma attack, he can modify the back line without severely compromising the team. N'Dicka's position has not been helped by what the article describes as a condition not yet optimal and occasional minor errors. The numbers tell the story: the starting berth he held as untouchable throughout his Roma career is now genuinely contested. With Balerdi not yet back from continental travel, N'Dicka will look to the Como match to regain top form and reassert himself in Gasperini's plans, aiming to reclaim the indispensable role he has always held at the club.

Como-Roma ranks among the most anticipated fixtures of Serie A's sixth round, resuming after the international break. Rafa Benitez, the former Napoli and Inter manager, has framed the encounter between Como's Cesc Fabregas and Roma's Gian Piero Gasperini as a potential statement match. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Benitez said: "I imagine it spectacular, fought over, rich in tactical solutions and inventions." Benitez believes the match will offer crucial readings on the league's pecking order without being decisive in itself. "It won't certainly be a knockout match, but an anti-Inter contender can in some way emerge. They are the two most credible teams to sit alongside the Italian champions," he explained. He highlighted Roma's expression of Gasperini's tactical vision: full-court football, high pressing, and immediate vertical passes. The former coach also noted the stylistic similarities between the two sides—strong squads united in the pursuit of spectacle and guided by tactically aligned managers despite their age difference. Benitez singled out Roma's attacking threat. "An attacker like Malen, exalted by the schemes and devastating; Dybala who has returned to his levels; Koné in midfield who demolishes and pushes; Rodrigo Mora who comes in and breaks things. When they are well, you struggle to hold them," he said. He equally praised Como's young talent under Fabregas, citing Nico Paz, Baturina, Ramon—described as defending with the naturalness of a thirty-year-old despite being only 21—and Da Cunha as standouts.

Jordan Veretout, speaking exclusively to Retesport, reflected on his time at Roma and his admiration for Gian Piero Gasperini's current side. The midfielder made 131 appearances for the club, scoring 22 goals and providing 16 assists. On the prospect of playing under Gasperini, Veretout said: "He is a great coach in Italy and has proved it in Europe too. I enjoy watching Roma a lot — it is vertical football, strong, constant pressure. When I see Roma's defenders arriving to score, it is spectacular. I hope this year the Giallorossi team can win the Scudetto. By characteristics I would have enjoyed it, I would certainly have improved further. At Marseille under Tudor we played a similar system. It would have pleased me to be coached by him — when I was at Roma, Atalanta wanted me, so I think Gasperini wanted me with him." Veretout singled out his penalty against Napoli as his favourite Roma goal, describing it as "a very heavy ball" after Dzeko and Kolarov helped set it up. He also paid tribute to Radja Nainggolan, calling him "the strongest midfielder in Serie A" and expressing regret at never playing alongside him at Roma. On fellow Frenchman Manu Koné, Veretout said: "I watch him with affection — he is French like me. I am happy he is doing well in Giallorosso and I wish him to win at Roma because it is special." Veretout addressed his final season under José Mourinho, when early form—three goals in the opening two matches—gave way to reduced playing time. "I had a good relationship with him," Veretout explained. "I don't know if it was him or the club first that meant I played less. We talked about a renewal but could not reach an agreement, then the Marseille offer came. I had a good relationship with Mou — he was always very close to the players. He is and remains number one. We won with him, and that will stay with us forever." He also recalled the 2022 UEFA Europa Conference League victory in Tirana, saying: "It was a difficult competition and we wanted to win it from the start. When we celebrated in the centre of Rome with thousands of fans, I still get shivers today. I show the images to my son." On his current life in Doha, Veretout stated: "I am well here, a spectacular life, though football is harder than people think. The most important thing for me is my family and I do this for them too. If Roma calls me, my wife says she wants to return to the capital. I am not finished — I can still help if Roma wants me, I am here." He remains in touch with several former teammates including Gianluca Mancini, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante, and continues to follow the club closely.

Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing Roma for Sunday's trip to Como, kickoff 12:30 at the Sinigaglia, with three key selection dilemmas to resolve. The primary question concerns who will partner Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen in attack, with Lorenzo Pellegrini reportedly in front-runner status against Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora. Pellegrini has completed his recovery and trained encouragingly on Saturday; crucially, he is the only one of the three who worked at Trigoria throughout the international break without travelling for his national team. Soulé will return from Argentina only in the coming days after participating in the Albiceleste's fixtures and Messi farewell celebrations, meaning Gasperini will not have him available until Friday—just 48 hours before kickoff. Rodrigo Mora, engaged with Portugal Under-21, will also return during the week. Pellegrini's case is strengthened not only by continuity of preparation but by defensive contribution: without the injured Bryan Cristante, Gasperini may need the attacking midfielder to provide additional midfield cover and pressing against Como's possession-based approach under Fabregas, helping to compress spaces between the lines. In midfield, Marten de Roon is the leading candidate to replace Cristante, whose knee problem makes his availability in Como highly unlikely. Gasperini will not take risks and can draw on his knowledge of the Dutch midfielder from their Atalanta days. Manu Koné, expected at Trigoria today after France duty, will partner him, tasked with ball recovery, pressing support and rapid transition from defence to attack. At the back, Evan N'Dicka and Leonardo Balerdi are competing for a place, with N'Dicka potentially returning to the starting eleven after international football. N'Dicka has already returned to Trigoria; Balerdi faces the long journey from Argentina and is not expected to train with the group until Friday. Energy management may therefore influence Gasperini's choices. More positive news arrives from Donyell Malen and Wesley, both of whom took part in Saturday's session and are expected to be available for Sunday barring late problems. Malen's return would allow Gasperini to maintain his primary attacking reference, while Wesley provides important resources for pressing Como's wide areas. The Sinigaglia trip opens a particularly intense phase of the season. After Como, Roma will host Real Madrid in the Champions League, followed by a fixture against Genoa. Three close-fixture demands will force Gasperini to think beyond Sunday's starting eleven and into energy distribution across all three matches. For that reason, Soulé, Mora and Pellegrini may all find minutes in the coming fixtures regardless of who starts against Como.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is in line to feature in Roma's attacking midfield against Como after returning to full availability under Gian Piero Gasperini. The number 7 is ahead of Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora in the battle to complete the attacking setup in the away fixture. Gasperini's selection may be influenced by workload management. Pellegrini remained at Trigoria throughout the international break and has been able to work continuously under the coach's direction, while his direct rivals have been on international duty. Soulé is only expected back in the capital as the match approaches following his commitments with Argentina, while Mora returns this afternoon after time with Portugal Under 21. With the match just days away, this situation could affect Gasperini's starting decisions.

Jordan Veretout, speaking exclusively to Retesport, reflected on his time at Roma and his admiration for Gian Piero Gasperini's current side. The midfielder made 131 appearances for the club, scoring 22 goals and providing 16 assists. On the prospect of playing under Gasperini, Veretout said: "He is a great coach in Italy and has proved it in Europe too. I enjoy watching Roma a lot — it is vertical football, strong, constant pressure. When I see Roma's defenders arriving to score, it is spectacular. I hope this year the Giallorossi team can win the Scudetto. By characteristics I would have enjoyed it, I would certainly have improved further. At Marseille under Tudor we played a similar system. It would have pleased me to be coached by him — when I was at Roma, Atalanta wanted me, so I think Gasperini wanted me with him." Veretout singled out his penalty against Napoli as his favourite Roma goal, describing it as "a very heavy ball" after Dzeko and Kolarov helped set it up. He also paid tribute to Radja Nainggolan, calling him "the strongest midfielder in Serie A" and expressing regret at never playing alongside him at Roma. On fellow Frenchman Manu Koné, Veretout said: "I watch him with affection — he is French like me. I am happy he is doing well in Giallorosso and I wish him to win at Roma because it is special." Veretout addressed his final season under José Mourinho, when early form—three goals in the opening two matches—gave way to reduced playing time. "I had a good relationship with him," Veretout explained. "I don't know if it was him or the club first that meant I played less. We talked about a renewal but could not reach an agreement, then the Marseille offer came. I had a good relationship with Mou — he was always very close to the players. He is and remains number one. We won with him, and that will stay with us forever." He also recalled the 2022 UEFA Europa Conference League victory in Tirana, saying: "It was a difficult competition and we wanted to win it from the start. When we celebrated in the centre of Rome with thousands of fans, I still get shivers today. I show the images to my son." On his current life in Doha, Veretout stated: "I am well here, a spectacular life, though football is harder than people think. The most important thing for me is my family and I do this for them too. If Roma calls me, my wife says she wants to return to the capital. I am not finished — I can still help if Roma wants me, I am here." He remains in touch with several former teammates including Gianluca Mancini, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante, and continues to follow the club closely.

Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing Roma for Sunday's trip to Como, kickoff 12:30 at the Sinigaglia, with three key selection dilemmas to resolve. The primary question concerns who will partner Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen in attack, with Lorenzo Pellegrini reportedly in front-runner status against Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora. Pellegrini has completed his recovery and trained encouragingly on Saturday; crucially, he is the only one of the three who worked at Trigoria throughout the international break without travelling for his national team. Soulé will return from Argentina only in the coming days after participating in the Albiceleste's fixtures and Messi farewell celebrations, meaning Gasperini will not have him available until Friday—just 48 hours before kickoff. Rodrigo Mora, engaged with Portugal Under-21, will also return during the week. Pellegrini's case is strengthened not only by continuity of preparation but by defensive contribution: without the injured Bryan Cristante, Gasperini may need the attacking midfielder to provide additional midfield cover and pressing against Como's possession-based approach under Fabregas, helping to compress spaces between the lines. In midfield, Marten de Roon is the leading candidate to replace Cristante, whose knee problem makes his availability in Como highly unlikely. Gasperini will not take risks and can draw on his knowledge of the Dutch midfielder from their Atalanta days. Manu Koné, expected at Trigoria today after France duty, will partner him, tasked with ball recovery, pressing support and rapid transition from defence to attack. At the back, Evan N'Dicka and Leonardo Balerdi are competing for a place, with N'Dicka potentially returning to the starting eleven after international football. N'Dicka has already returned to Trigoria; Balerdi faces the long journey from Argentina and is not expected to train with the group until Friday. Energy management may therefore influence Gasperini's choices. More positive news arrives from Donyell Malen and Wesley, both of whom took part in Saturday's session and are expected to be available for Sunday barring late problems. Malen's return would allow Gasperini to maintain his primary attacking reference, while Wesley provides important resources for pressing Como's wide areas. The Sinigaglia trip opens a particularly intense phase of the season. After Como, Roma will host Real Madrid in the Champions League, followed by a fixture against Genoa. Three close-fixture demands will force Gasperini to think beyond Sunday's starting eleven and into energy distribution across all three matches. For that reason, Soulé, Mora and Pellegrini may all find minutes in the coming fixtures regardless of who starts against Como.

Bryan Cristante will miss Roma's trip to Como, marking an unusual absence under Gasperini who has not previously done without the midfielder through injury since his arrival. Cristante is sidelined with a knee problem but spoke at an Adidas event on Via del Corso about his recovery hopes: "I hope to get back as soon as possible. I'd like to be there from the next one but it's difficult." The target is to return for the match against Genoa and Daniele De Rossi on 17 October. Cristante, who became Roma captain last season, reflected on his role and ambitions. "It's good to wear the armband, it means I've built something important," he said. "I've learned to manage certain situations, I know the city and I move better through difficulties. In managing all moments I feel better." He added: "I hope to win more with Roma," though the word scudetto was notably absent from his remarks despite the scale of the club's aspirations.

Como-Roma ranks among the most anticipated fixtures of Serie A's sixth round, resuming after the international break. Rafa Benitez, the former Napoli and Inter manager, has framed the encounter between Como's Cesc Fabregas and Roma's Gian Piero Gasperini as a potential statement match. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Benitez said: "I imagine it spectacular, fought over, rich in tactical solutions and inventions." Benitez believes the match will offer crucial readings on the league's pecking order without being decisive in itself. "It won't certainly be a knockout match, but an anti-Inter contender can in some way emerge. They are the two most credible teams to sit alongside the Italian champions," he explained. He highlighted Roma's expression of Gasperini's tactical vision: full-court football, high pressing, and immediate vertical passes. The former coach also noted the stylistic similarities between the two sides—strong squads united in the pursuit of spectacle and guided by tactically aligned managers despite their age difference. Benitez singled out Roma's attacking threat. "An attacker like Malen, exalted by the schemes and devastating; Dybala who has returned to his levels; Koné in midfield who demolishes and pushes; Rodrigo Mora who comes in and breaks things. When they are well, you struggle to hold them," he said. He equally praised Como's young talent under Fabregas, citing Nico Paz, Baturina, Ramon—described as defending with the naturalness of a thirty-year-old despite being only 21—and Da Cunha as standouts.

As Roma prepare for Sunday's trip to Como, former manager Rafa Benitez has outlined the match as a crucial test in the title race. Benitez described Roma as "the expression of Gasp: football at full pace, high pressing, immediate vertical passes", singling out the squad for praise ahead of a fixture he believes will offer significant pointers in the race to stay alongside the defending champions. Como striker Moise Kean returned early from international duty with a muscular strain, missing Turkey's match, but optimism is growing at the club that he will be available by Sunday; he will be managed carefully in the coming days. Nico Paz is also expected back at Mozzate on Thursday from Argentina. Legend Giuseppe Giannini analysed Como's tactical approach, identifying how Roma might exploit it. "The team of Fabregas has a purely Spanish style of play, based on ball possession and a dense network of passes," Giannini said. "And it is precisely in the nature of the Giallorossi to break up the opposition's play and launch the counter-attack." He highlighted Manu Koné's growing importance to the side's balance and tactical system, noting that his recent brace against Inter has added a new dimension to his threat in the penalty area. Benitez reserved specific praise for four Roma players: "Malen is devastating, Dybala has returned to his levels, Koné demolishes and pushes, Rodrigo Mora comes in and breaks the game. When they are well, you struggle to contain them."

Como versus Roma is the standout fixture of Serie A's sixth round, marking the league's return after the international break. Both clubs rank among the three finest teams in Italian football, a narrative that extends beyond the fan base into wider football circles. Rafa Benítez told Gazzetta dello Sport he expects the match to be spectacular and tactically rich, with potential to establish which team can credibly challenge the defending champions alongside Inter. Benítez framed Como's manager Fabregas and Roma's Gasperini as operators separated by age but united in their pursuit of beautiful football. He singled out Como's young talent—Nico Paz, Baturina (described as "delicious"), the 21-year-old Ramon for his natural defending, and the 25-year-old Da Cunha—as genuine prospects. On Roma, he highlighted the club's high-pressing football and immediate verticality under Gasperini, crediting Malen's explosive output within the tactical framework and Dybala's return to form. Benítez stated: "The match will be spectacular, contested, full of tactical solutions and inventions. Not merely about Fabregas and Gasp, but also performers who captivate the crowd. It won't be a knockout tie, but the anti-Inter candidate could emerge from it. They are the two best-positioned to stand alongside the Italian champions. Strong sides, different yet equal in their pursuit of spectacle, guided by coaches distant in age but close in aesthetic vision." He added that Koné destroys and drives in midfield while Rodrigo Mora provides impact as an impact substitute: "When they play well, you struggle to contain them."