Roma face gruelling month ahead as international break ends; Como fixture on 11 October kicks off nine matches in 27 days

Radio pundit Piero Torri has voiced concern that Bryan Cristante's injury could be more serious than initially thought, and has outlined how he would approach Roma's upcoming fixtures if the midfielder is unavailable. Speaking on Radio Manà Manà Sport Roma (90.9), Torri said: "I'm afraid Cristante's injury may not be a short one. If he's not fit, I wouldn't risk trying to get him back for Real Madrid. I would play de Roon at Como and Pisilli against Real Madrid." Torri also reflected on head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's handling of Paulo Dybala's minutes, saying the manager's approach has shifted his perspective. "What Gasperini said about Dybala struck me—it erased my previous beliefs about his playing time and management. And so far he's been proved right," Torri noted. He suggested Roma should begin discussions about Gasperini's contract intentions, given that the coach's deal will expire at the end of the season. Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo, speaking on Radio Radio Mattino (104.5), praised goalkeeper Mile Svilar's importance to the team: "Svilar is a world-class goalkeeper for Roma, I have no doubt about it. If there's a normal goalkeeper, it's easy to lose 3–1. But with him it's different."

Matías Soulé could make his Argentina debut in a friendly against Burkina Faso on the night of 3 October, after remaining on the bench for the 4–0 win over Bolivia despite praise from coach Scaloni in the build-up. The Burkina Faso side is expected to arrive in Argentina only hours before the match at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, despite logistical difficulties. Soulé, wearing number 18 for Roma, may start alongside Enzo Fernández and Medina after watching from the sidelines at Córdoba. Leonardo Balerdi, the third Roma player in the Argentina squad, was the only one to feature in the Bolivia match on Thursday 1 October and is now pushing to challenge Martínez for a defensive spot. Santiago Castro is also pressing for a first-team opportunity but faces competition from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez in the forward line. ESPN Argentina reported on Soulé's prospects, while Olé covered Balerdi's claims on the defence.

Wesley was spotted at Ponte Milvio test-driving his new Lamborghini during the international break. The Roma defender, born in 2003, remained in the capital rather than travel during the national team pause, taking the opportunity to enjoy some leisure time away from Trigoria. Wesley is currently recovering from a physical problem that prevented him from answering Brazil's call-up. He is expected to rejoin full training in the coming days with the goal of returning to Gian Piero Gasperini's squad for the resumption of the league campaign.

Radio pundit Piero Torri has voiced concern that Bryan Cristante's injury could be more serious than initially thought, and has outlined how he would approach Roma's upcoming fixtures if the midfielder is unavailable. Speaking on Radio Manà Manà Sport Roma (90.9), Torri said: "I'm afraid Cristante's injury may not be a short one. If he's not fit, I wouldn't risk trying to get him back for Real Madrid. I would play de Roon at Como and Pisilli against Real Madrid." Torri also reflected on head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's handling of Paulo Dybala's minutes, saying the manager's approach has shifted his perspective. "What Gasperini said about Dybala struck me—it erased my previous beliefs about his playing time and management. And so far he's been proved right," Torri noted. He suggested Roma should begin discussions about Gasperini's contract intentions, given that the coach's deal will expire at the end of the season. Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo, speaking on Radio Radio Mattino (104.5), praised goalkeeper Mile Svilar's importance to the team: "Svilar is a world-class goalkeeper for Roma, I have no doubt about it. If there's a normal goalkeeper, it's easy to lose 3–1. But with him it's different."

Roma radio commentators have praised Paulo Dybala and Mile Svilar as central to the club's prospects under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini this season. Carina told Radio Radio that Dybala represents Gasperini's main gamble and is succeeding in it. "The big difference compared to the past is exactly Dybala," Carina said. "If he continues like this, at these high levels, I would sign off on it. It's clear that at Roma it can change important targets. Gasperini is right: Dybala doesn't miss a training session, he has found the key to extend Dybala's career, who is a champion of Italian football." Carina also noted that Bryan Cristante has a knee inflammation that, while not serious, is a concern. Roberto Pruzzo backed goalkeeper Svilar without reservation. "Svilar is world-class for Roma, I have no doubt," Pruzzo said on Radio Radio. "If there is a normal goalkeeper, it is easy then to lose 3–1." Orsi, also speaking on Radio Radio, observed that goalkeepers in Italy are not generally regarded as world-class figures.

Bryan Cristante's absence through injury poses Roma's first serious tactical problem of the season, forcing Gian Piero Gasperini to decide not just who replaces him but how the midfield will function without him. Cristante has been one of the squad's most-used players and, as Gasperini described him at the Festival dello Sport, operates as the team's "control room"—providing positioning, reading, coverage and defensive balance that allows Manu Koné to focus on breaking lines and driving forward. Simply inserting the next midfielder from the bench will not replicate those functions. Gasperini has three principal options. Marten de Roon, familiar with the coach's system from their time together, would offer the most conservative approach: changing the player while preserving the team's on-field balance. Niccolò Pisilli, a product of Roma's academy, brings running power, aggression and attacking thrust, but would require Koné to shoulder greater responsibility in defensive positioning. A third path would shift Koné lower into the holding role he has played for France, giving Pisilli more freedom. The choice carries extra weight because Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, will build from the back and draw out opposition pressure—exactly where Cristante's absence could prove most costly. Gasperini has already stated he expects both teams to play to win, demanding both aggression in winning the ball back and composure once the initial press breaks. The fixture at Como represents more than three points. Until now, Gasperini has established clearly defined hierarchies within his squad; now he must demonstrate multiple ways to maintain the same equilibrium. With nine matches in 28 days ahead, Gasperini will need to confirm that his "control room" can function through different circuits. De Roon guarantees continuity, Pisilli raises tempo and vertical play, Koné can shift roles. The solution chosen will signal what kind of Roma the coach envisions when real rotation begins.

Radio pundit Piero Torri has voiced concern that Bryan Cristante's injury could be more serious than initially thought, and has outlined how he would approach Roma's upcoming fixtures if the midfielder is unavailable. Speaking on Radio Manà Manà Sport Roma (90.9), Torri said: "I'm afraid Cristante's injury may not be a short one. If he's not fit, I wouldn't risk trying to get him back for Real Madrid. I would play de Roon at Como and Pisilli against Real Madrid." Torri also reflected on head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's handling of Paulo Dybala's minutes, saying the manager's approach has shifted his perspective. "What Gasperini said about Dybala struck me—it erased my previous beliefs about his playing time and management. And so far he's been proved right," Torri noted. He suggested Roma should begin discussions about Gasperini's contract intentions, given that the coach's deal will expire at the end of the season. Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo, speaking on Radio Radio Mattino (104.5), praised goalkeeper Mile Svilar's importance to the team: "Svilar is a world-class goalkeeper for Roma, I have no doubt about it. If there's a normal goalkeeper, it's easy to lose 3–1. But with him it's different."

Bryan Cristante's absence through injury poses Roma's first serious tactical problem of the season, forcing Gian Piero Gasperini to decide not just who replaces him but how the midfield will function without him. Cristante has been one of the squad's most-used players and, as Gasperini described him at the Festival dello Sport, operates as the team's "control room"—providing positioning, reading, coverage and defensive balance that allows Manu Koné to focus on breaking lines and driving forward. Simply inserting the next midfielder from the bench will not replicate those functions. Gasperini has three principal options. Marten de Roon, familiar with the coach's system from their time together, would offer the most conservative approach: changing the player while preserving the team's on-field balance. Niccolò Pisilli, a product of Roma's academy, brings running power, aggression and attacking thrust, but would require Koné to shoulder greater responsibility in defensive positioning. A third path would shift Koné lower into the holding role he has played for France, giving Pisilli more freedom. The choice carries extra weight because Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, will build from the back and draw out opposition pressure—exactly where Cristante's absence could prove most costly. Gasperini has already stated he expects both teams to play to win, demanding both aggression in winning the ball back and composure once the initial press breaks. The fixture at Como represents more than three points. Until now, Gasperini has established clearly defined hierarchies within his squad; now he must demonstrate multiple ways to maintain the same equilibrium. With nine matches in 28 days ahead, Gasperini will need to confirm that his "control room" can function through different circuits. De Roon guarantees continuity, Pisilli raises tempo and vertical play, Koné can shift roles. The solution chosen will signal what kind of Roma the coach envisions when real rotation begins.

Gian Piero Gasperini has given Roma a three-day break before the squad returns to work on Tuesday afternoon at Fulvio Bernardini to prepare for the match against Como. Bryan Cristante will be sidelined for around two weeks with a lateral collateral ligament problem, forcing him to miss approximately five matches with a target return date of 24 October against Napoli. To manage the midfield absence, Gasperini is considering Niccolò Pisilli and Marten de Roon, with the Dutch midfielder poised to make his starting debut at Como alongside Manu Koné. National team commitments will complicate preparations, with players returning to Trigoria in stages. Evan N'Dicka will be the first arrival back after his involvement with Ivory Coast. The final players to return will be the Argentine trio of Leonardo Balerdi, Santiago Castro and Matías Soulé, who are not expected at the training ground until Thursday. The staggered returns mean Gasperini must manage a gradual integration of the international contingent while addressing the pressing issue of Cristante's absence in midfield.

Radio pundit Piero Torri has voiced concern that Bryan Cristante's injury could be more serious than initially thought, and has outlined how he would approach Roma's upcoming fixtures if the midfielder is unavailable. Speaking on Radio Manà Manà Sport Roma (90.9), Torri said: "I'm afraid Cristante's injury may not be a short one. If he's not fit, I wouldn't risk trying to get him back for Real Madrid. I would play de Roon at Como and Pisilli against Real Madrid." Torri also reflected on head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's handling of Paulo Dybala's minutes, saying the manager's approach has shifted his perspective. "What Gasperini said about Dybala struck me—it erased my previous beliefs about his playing time and management. And so far he's been proved right," Torri noted. He suggested Roma should begin discussions about Gasperini's contract intentions, given that the coach's deal will expire at the end of the season. Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo, speaking on Radio Radio Mattino (104.5), praised goalkeeper Mile Svilar's importance to the team: "Svilar is a world-class goalkeeper for Roma, I have no doubt about it. If there's a normal goalkeeper, it's easy to lose 3–1. But with him it's different."

Roma's Friedkin ownership has outlined an ambitious long-term strategy spanning new infrastructure, youth recruitment and squad stability. At the Festival dello Sport in Trento, CEO John Galantic detailed the club's priorities: a new stadium project, accelerated development of young players trained at Trigoria such as Emanuele Lulli and Niccolò Pisilli, and a commitment to avoid painful departures like that of Romano. The club is also expediting the creation of an Under 23 squad to underpin sustainability. The new stadium represents the centrepiece of the project, described as "without precedent". First stone will be laid between March and April 2027, with an investment of €1.3 billion signalling the Friedkin Group's long-term commitment. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is aligned with this vision, having earned the enthusiasm of supporters while resisting title talk. Gasperini is focused on closing the gap with Inter, which he identifies as the team to beat, rather than making public promises about the Scudetto. Gasperini discussed the management of Paulo Dybala, crediting targeted athletic work with resolving previous concerns about his physical durability. He concluded on an optimistic note, saying he hopes to lead Roma in its new stadium when it is completed.

Bryan Cristante's absence through injury poses Roma's first serious tactical problem of the season, forcing Gian Piero Gasperini to decide not just who replaces him but how the midfield will function without him. Cristante has been one of the squad's most-used players and, as Gasperini described him at the Festival dello Sport, operates as the team's "control room"—providing positioning, reading, coverage and defensive balance that allows Manu Koné to focus on breaking lines and driving forward. Simply inserting the next midfielder from the bench will not replicate those functions. Gasperini has three principal options. Marten de Roon, familiar with the coach's system from their time together, would offer the most conservative approach: changing the player while preserving the team's on-field balance. Niccolò Pisilli, a product of Roma's academy, brings running power, aggression and attacking thrust, but would require Koné to shoulder greater responsibility in defensive positioning. A third path would shift Koné lower into the holding role he has played for France, giving Pisilli more freedom. The choice carries extra weight because Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, will build from the back and draw out opposition pressure—exactly where Cristante's absence could prove most costly. Gasperini has already stated he expects both teams to play to win, demanding both aggression in winning the ball back and composure once the initial press breaks. The fixture at Como represents more than three points. Until now, Gasperini has established clearly defined hierarchies within his squad; now he must demonstrate multiple ways to maintain the same equilibrium. With nine matches in 28 days ahead, Gasperini will need to confirm that his "control room" can function through different circuits. De Roon guarantees continuity, Pisilli raises tempo and vertical play, Koné can shift roles. The solution chosen will signal what kind of Roma the coach envisions when real rotation begins.