Roma in a hurry: Mora deal stalls, Gasperini eyes Fofana on the left

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 using the international break to take stock of the transfer market and the club's finances, with the UEFA verdict on financial fair play now postponed to May. The decision on the settlement agreement will arrive in spring 2027 rather than November, but the delay does not free Roma from their economic constraints: the club must continue to respect UEFA parameters in the winter window too. Gasperini and D'Amico are waiting for direction from the ownership. In attack, Paulo Dybala is nearing a return from injury, reopening the Dovbyk question. Gasperini faces a delicate choice: during Dybala's absence, Matías Soulé has become increasingly influential playing on the right, the position Dybala prefers. Among the possible solutions is moving the number 21 to the opposite flank, a tactical dilemma ahead of the match against Parma. Meanwhile, Bologna are reportedly considering terminating Artem Dovbyk's loan early in January, after just five appearances and one league goal. According to Moretto, a return to Trigoria would not be automatic and would require agreement between the clubs and the player, unless specific clauses apply. The summit to plan January is approaching, but according to Il Tempo, the American ownership is not expected to travel to the Capital. The talks could therefore involve chief executive John Galantic above all. The key issue remains the budget available for reinforcements, with Gasperini and D'Amico awaiting answers. On other targets, Endrick is a Real Madrid player whom Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil's head coach, wants to see in more regular action, while Mourinho continues to oppose his departure. The player's entourage has denied a reported Milan refusal on religious grounds. Roma remain interested in a loan, but the deal cannot progress without Real Madrid's approval. Roma continue to monitor Lookman, who has been used less and less at Atlético Madrid. According to Mundo Deportivo, Simeone is unlikely to accept a sale without a worthy replacement, and the move remains complicated. Gasperini would gladly reunite with the Nigerian, a key figure in the 2024 Europa League triumph. Gasperini is also pushing for Frosinone winger Kvernadze, who has scored three goals and provided four assists in the first eleven matchdays. According to La Gazzetta, Roma could move as early as January rather than waiting for the summer, but Frosinone are preparing a significant salary increase to keep the Georgian. Elsewhere, Jorge Mendes is reportedly seeking a formula to facilitate a move for Barcelona full-back Balde, a Roma target, according to Sport. Roma would prefer a loan, while Barcelona want to recoup a fee, and the possible breakthrough could come in the final days of January. Off the pitch, Roma are accelerating plans for the new stadium. The club aims to deliver the executive project before Christmas, as announced by Lucia Bernabé, the club's head of institutional relations, speaking at the Social Football Summit. The goal is to advance through the process for the new venue following its recognition of public utility.

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.

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."

Radio commentators have linked AS Roma with a number of attacking targets, with Kvernadze, Gittens and Endrick named as the main options for a left-sided attacker. Speaking on Radio Radio Pomeriggio, Pugliese said: "For the trip to Parma, Svilar and Dybala will be available again. Paulo will start, while Soulé could start from the bench after his commitments with Argentina. For Roma, the most important presence remains Koné." He added that Gasperini wants three players to complete the squad: a midfielder, a wide man and the much-discussed left winger. However, Pugliese believes it is very likely Roma will only be able to sign the offensive winger. On Marten de Roon, Pugliese said there is nothing concrete yet over a new contract. The player reportedly wants to stay for another season but has not spoken with the ownership since April, and no official talks are currently taking place. Pugliese said: "The main names are Kvernadze, Gittens and Endrick, but I do not rule out some surprise." Sabatini focused on Kvernadze, saying there is a release clause of around €4 million. He said: "If Roma came in with an offer of €8-10 million, they could sign him straight away." Sabatini also said Soulé has played matches at levels similar to Dybala and that their output does not double when they play together, sometimes performing better without Paulo. On goalkeepers, he said Vásquez could have been mainly responsible for the defeat at Manchester, but conceded goals he could do little about, and that Gollini has been surprising in some games. Ferrajolo said Vásquez and Gollini conceded two goals from over 25 metres, but that Svilar's composure is a different thing. He said Gollini was unlucky because he was playing well before his injury. Ferrajolo said: "I would start with Soulé and Dybala and then bring on Mora during the game, because I do not think Dybala has 90 minutes in his legs and he needs managing." Melli said Malen has blossomed under Gasperini, having previously played mainly as a winger, which explains why he does not perform for the national team as he does at Roma. He said: "Gasperini's contribution to his growth has been fundamental." Vocalelli said everyone has scored under Gasperini, and that the decision to deploy Malen as a centre-forward was decisive. He said Dybala's absence was felt more than Svilar's, and that Vásquez saved a penalty, which was retaken, and had little responsibility for the goals conceded. Orsi praised Malen as a great player whose qualities emerge especially inside the box, describing him as a true centre-forward rather than a deep-lying striker, unlike Castro, who tends to move more outside the area. He added: "Gasperini wants to strike back against Inter."

Roma have reportedly put the brakes on their pursuit of Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, according to Spanish daily SPORT, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly identifying other priorities for the squad. The update, dated 11 November, comes after Roma had been linked with the Spaniard as they look to strengthen ahead of the January transfer window. Sporting director Tony D'Amico had reportedly been weighing up Balde, a left-back who could leave Barcelona as early as January. The deal was first proposed by agent Jorge Mendes, and D'Amico reportedly rated the player's qualities positively. However, Balde's high wage demands and Roma's current market needs have reportedly cooled negotiations. Gasperini has reportedly asked the club to focus on two offensive reinforcements with very specific characteristics, and is willing to drop the Balde option to concentrate resources on other targets he considers more functional to the technical project. For now, the Spaniard has reportedly fallen off Roma's list of priorities. Earlier, on 7 November, SPORT had reported that D'Amico had already made a first contact with Balde's agent to test whether the operation was feasible. At Barcelona, the need to raise funds is reportedly colliding with head coach Hansi Flick's wish to invest in a new centre-back. With only 124 minutes played so far this season, Balde has reportedly become one of the main candidates for sale. Barcelona's valuation is said to be around €40 million, though a loan with a conditional obligation to buy could reportedly suit both sides. The background is a difficult spell for Roma. Earlier, on 23 October, Il Messaggero reported that a growing injury list, including Pellegrini, Dybala, Svilar and Koné, had left Gasperini forced to rethink his attacking midfield, with only Mora and Soulé behind Malen and Cristante even considered further forward. The club was reportedly expected to invest in at least two reinforcements between attack and the flanks in January, with Gittens and Leweling on the notebook and Endrick as a complicated option. Oosterwolde was also mentioned as a left-sided target alongside Balde.