Roma injury updates ahead of Sassuolo clash, Udine and Manchester fan numbers, and Gasperini's attacking style

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has drawn up a shopping list as the club looks to strengthen its squad, with three signings reportedly in mind before the international break. Roma face Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo as the last three matches of a gruelling run of nine games in 28 days, and they are doing so short of numbers. Svilar, Dybala and Koné will not be available tomorrow, and only the last two are hoping to return from the next fixtures. The squad is stretched thin. Gasperini said earlier in the season: "La rosa va allungata" ("The squad needs to be lengthened"). While awaiting the UEFA ruling expected in November, the sporting director is already working to reinforce the team. Last January, Malen, Vaz, Venturino and Zaragoza arrived at the club. Gasperini would be content with three targeted signings: an attacking winger, a backup for Wesley and a dynamic central midfielder. For the attacking unit, the names linked are Leweling and Gittens. A surprise could be van Bommel of PSV Eindhoven, a player Roma have been monitoring for some time. Roma are also not giving up on Endrick. Real Madrid have little room for the Brazilian, who wants to leave. D'Amico will need to find the right formula, which could resemble the deal that brought Bobby in a year ago: a loan with an obligation to buy on certain conditions. Attention then turns to the wide midfield. Mendes has offered Balde of Barcelona, while the new name is Pascini of Atlético Mineiro. The most pressing problem, however, is midfield. Pellegrini will return in 2027, and Koné has frequent physical problems. Roma need a energetic runner in the centre of the park, and Moses of Slavia Prague is on the notebook.

Roma are expected to rotate their defence and flanks for their upcoming match against Udinese, according to Simone Valdarchi of Radio Manà Manà (90.9). Valdarchi said: "In the defensive department and on the flanks I expect rotations. Compared with the last outing, we could see Koulierakis and Mancini leave the field, while at least two of Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso could play. If he had the chance, I believe Gasp would give Ndicka a rest too, but maybe it's not the moment." Lorenzo Pes of Teleradiostereo (92.7) reports that Balerdi and Hermoso have recovered from their issues, and he expects de Roon to start again. Svilar will return against Parma, as the medical staff decided not to take a risk, and the goalkeeper could go back to work in Belgium. Koné resumed training on the pitch yesterday, with his aim being to return for Sassuolo and then join up with the national team. Pes also said Dybala wants to be available against Manchester United, but it will depend on him. Dybala also did individualised work yesterday, and Pes said: "For now it is difficult to see him in the Champions League." Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio Mattino (104.5) said: "Roma must immediately steer tomorrow's match. Udinese have recovered Davis and Zaniolo and could create some problems. In the last game Gollini made some saves, and the giallorossi must be careful. In midfield Roma have few alternatives. The moment of the season is delicate." Nando Orsi, also of Radio Radio Mattino, said: "There is too much of a gap between Roma and Udinese. Matches are all difficult, but on the pitch you see the differences in value. I don't see any other result than a Roma win. Como also risked it against Torino, but in the end they won with their individual players."

Hermoso has played the most minutes of any Roma player this season, with 812 minutes on the pitch across the first twelve matches in Serie A and the Champions League. Wesley follows closely on 806 minutes, having just been called up by the Brazilian national team, and Gianluca Mancini has logged 798 minutes. Il Tempo reports that the figures show Gian Piero Gasperini is rotating his squad rather than relying on fixed starters. The rotation has become necessary because of a demanding run of nine matches in 27 days, which ends with games against Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo. Mancini has shown some signs of fatigue in recent outings, which has given Gasperini the chance to turn to fresher options such as Ghilardi, Koulierakis and Balerdi. On the flanks, Molina, Lulli and Rensch take turns, while Ndicka remains a reliable presence in defence with 727 minutes played. In midfield, Cristante and Koné have been used consistently, alongside Pisilli and De Roon. In attack, Soulé (770 minutes) and Malen (752 minutes) have been the most used forwards. Dybala, who is currently sidelined, is next on the list, followed by younger players Mora and Castro, who continue to earn valuable spells within the season's rotations.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has drawn up a shopping list as the club looks to strengthen its squad, with three signings reportedly in mind before the international break. Roma face Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo as the last three matches of a gruelling run of nine games in 28 days, and they are doing so short of numbers. Svilar, Dybala and Koné will not be available tomorrow, and only the last two are hoping to return from the next fixtures. The squad is stretched thin. Gasperini said earlier in the season: "La rosa va allungata" ("The squad needs to be lengthened"). While awaiting the UEFA ruling expected in November, the sporting director is already working to reinforce the team. Last January, Malen, Vaz, Venturino and Zaragoza arrived at the club. Gasperini would be content with three targeted signings: an attacking winger, a backup for Wesley and a dynamic central midfielder. For the attacking unit, the names linked are Leweling and Gittens. A surprise could be van Bommel of PSV Eindhoven, a player Roma have been monitoring for some time. Roma are also not giving up on Endrick. Real Madrid have little room for the Brazilian, who wants to leave. D'Amico will need to find the right formula, which could resemble the deal that brought Bobby in a year ago: a loan with an obligation to buy on certain conditions. Attention then turns to the wide midfield. Mendes has offered Balde of Barcelona, while the new name is Pascini of Atlético Mineiro. The most pressing problem, however, is midfield. Pellegrini will return in 2027, and Koné has frequent physical problems. Roma need a energetic runner in the centre of the park, and Moses of Slavia Prague is on the notebook.

Roma are expected to rotate their defence and flanks for their upcoming match against Udinese, according to Simone Valdarchi of Radio Manà Manà (90.9). Valdarchi said: "In the defensive department and on the flanks I expect rotations. Compared with the last outing, we could see Koulierakis and Mancini leave the field, while at least two of Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso could play. If he had the chance, I believe Gasp would give Ndicka a rest too, but maybe it's not the moment." Lorenzo Pes of Teleradiostereo (92.7) reports that Balerdi and Hermoso have recovered from their issues, and he expects de Roon to start again. Svilar will return against Parma, as the medical staff decided not to take a risk, and the goalkeeper could go back to work in Belgium. Koné resumed training on the pitch yesterday, with his aim being to return for Sassuolo and then join up with the national team. Pes also said Dybala wants to be available against Manchester United, but it will depend on him. Dybala also did individualised work yesterday, and Pes said: "For now it is difficult to see him in the Champions League." Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio Mattino (104.5) said: "Roma must immediately steer tomorrow's match. Udinese have recovered Davis and Zaniolo and could create some problems. In the last game Gollini made some saves, and the giallorossi must be careful. In midfield Roma have few alternatives. The moment of the season is delicate." Nando Orsi, also of Radio Radio Mattino, said: "There is too much of a gap between Roma and Udinese. Matches are all difficult, but on the pitch you see the differences in value. I don't see any other result than a Roma win. Como also risked it against Torino, but in the end they won with their individual players."

Roma have returned to training ahead of a crowded run of fixtures, with Koné now fully recovered from his injury and aiming to return against Sassuolo. The squad travels to Friuli today for Sunday's Serie A match against Udinese, before moving on to Manchester on Monday on the eve of the Champions League clash with United, and the club are facing both games with a depleted list of players. Mile Svilar's medical tests confirmed that his return has been pushed back until after the international break. Paulo Dybala gave no cause for optimism after yesterday's session, as the Argentine forward trained on a personalised programme because he is still feeling discomfort in his calf. His availability for the trip to England is therefore very uncertain. Koné, by contrast, is over his injury and has started working apart from the group on the pitch. The French midfielder, like Dybala, is determined to be back in action for the league meeting with Sassuolo. For the trip to Udine, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who has chosen not to hold his usual pre-match press conference, is weighing up solutions and changes in defence, where Hermoso and Balerdi have shaken off their respective knocks. In midfield, De Roon is the favourite to play alongside the pairing of Cristante and Pisilli, while up front Malen is set to return from the start alongside Soulé.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has drawn up a shopping list as the club looks to strengthen its squad, with three signings reportedly in mind before the international break. Roma face Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo as the last three matches of a gruelling run of nine games in 28 days, and they are doing so short of numbers. Svilar, Dybala and Koné will not be available tomorrow, and only the last two are hoping to return from the next fixtures. The squad is stretched thin. Gasperini said earlier in the season: "La rosa va allungata" ("The squad needs to be lengthened"). While awaiting the UEFA ruling expected in November, the sporting director is already working to reinforce the team. Last January, Malen, Vaz, Venturino and Zaragoza arrived at the club. Gasperini would be content with three targeted signings: an attacking winger, a backup for Wesley and a dynamic central midfielder. For the attacking unit, the names linked are Leweling and Gittens. A surprise could be van Bommel of PSV Eindhoven, a player Roma have been monitoring for some time. Roma are also not giving up on Endrick. Real Madrid have little room for the Brazilian, who wants to leave. D'Amico will need to find the right formula, which could resemble the deal that brought Bobby in a year ago: a loan with an obligation to buy on certain conditions. Attention then turns to the wide midfield. Mendes has offered Balde of Barcelona, while the new name is Pascini of Atlético Mineiro. The most pressing problem, however, is midfield. Pellegrini will return in 2027, and Koné has frequent physical problems. Roma need a energetic runner in the centre of the park, and Moses of Slavia Prague is on the notebook.

Roma are expected to rotate their defence and flanks for their upcoming match against Udinese, according to Simone Valdarchi of Radio Manà Manà (90.9). Valdarchi said: "In the defensive department and on the flanks I expect rotations. Compared with the last outing, we could see Koulierakis and Mancini leave the field, while at least two of Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso could play. If he had the chance, I believe Gasp would give Ndicka a rest too, but maybe it's not the moment." Lorenzo Pes of Teleradiostereo (92.7) reports that Balerdi and Hermoso have recovered from their issues, and he expects de Roon to start again. Svilar will return against Parma, as the medical staff decided not to take a risk, and the goalkeeper could go back to work in Belgium. Koné resumed training on the pitch yesterday, with his aim being to return for Sassuolo and then join up with the national team. Pes also said Dybala wants to be available against Manchester United, but it will depend on him. Dybala also did individualised work yesterday, and Pes said: "For now it is difficult to see him in the Champions League." Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio Mattino (104.5) said: "Roma must immediately steer tomorrow's match. Udinese have recovered Davis and Zaniolo and could create some problems. In the last game Gollini made some saves, and the giallorossi must be careful. In midfield Roma have few alternatives. The moment of the season is delicate." Nando Orsi, also of Radio Radio Mattino, said: "There is too much of a gap between Roma and Udinese. Matches are all difficult, but on the pitch you see the differences in value. I don't see any other result than a Roma win. Como also risked it against Torino, but in the end they won with their individual players."

Roma travel to Udinese for matchday 10 of Serie A, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side needing to keep pace with Inter and Lazio, who lead on 4 points more, while also keeping an eye on Como, who are just one point behind. Roma are coming off a win over Cagliari, and Lulli is on course to be retained in the starting line-up. Malen is ready to return from the start alongside Soulé, while Rodrigo Mora, decisive in the last round, is pushing for a starting place. Dybala remains out. For Udinese, there is a return to the past for Zaniolo, who is ready to help his side climb a table that is very complicated for the Friulani. The article also covers where to watch the match on television (Sky and Dazn), the kickoff time, the probable line-ups and the current Serie A standings.

Roma are expected to rotate their defence and flanks for their upcoming match against Udinese, according to Simone Valdarchi of Radio Manà Manà (90.9). Valdarchi said: "In the defensive department and on the flanks I expect rotations. Compared with the last outing, we could see Koulierakis and Mancini leave the field, while at least two of Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso could play. If he had the chance, I believe Gasp would give Ndicka a rest too, but maybe it's not the moment." Lorenzo Pes of Teleradiostereo (92.7) reports that Balerdi and Hermoso have recovered from their issues, and he expects de Roon to start again. Svilar will return against Parma, as the medical staff decided not to take a risk, and the goalkeeper could go back to work in Belgium. Koné resumed training on the pitch yesterday, with his aim being to return for Sassuolo and then join up with the national team. Pes also said Dybala wants to be available against Manchester United, but it will depend on him. Dybala also did individualised work yesterday, and Pes said: "For now it is difficult to see him in the Champions League." Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio Mattino (104.5) said: "Roma must immediately steer tomorrow's match. Udinese have recovered Davis and Zaniolo and could create some problems. In the last game Gollini made some saves, and the giallorossi must be careful. In midfield Roma have few alternatives. The moment of the season is delicate." Nando Orsi, also of Radio Radio Mattino, said: "There is too much of a gap between Roma and Udinese. Matches are all difficult, but on the pitch you see the differences in value. I don't see any other result than a Roma win. Como also risked it against Torino, but in the end they won with their individual players."

Nicolò Zaniolo returns to face his former club Roma on Sunday, in a fixture the Italian press has already framed as a reunion between a player and a fanbase that feels betrayed. The 1999-born midfielder, who once looked set to become a Roma flag-bearer, now plays for Udinese, and more than 5,000 supporters are expected at the Dacia Arena to treat him as a sporting enemy. The relationship soured over several years. Zaniolo arrived in the capital as a complete unknown and quickly showed his quality, with goals, assists and classy touches, including the goal in Tirana that will remain in the club's history. Two anterior cruciate ligament ruptures tested the patience of supporters who had backed him through hard times. The break came in winter 2023, when a stormy departure was followed by a move to Galatasaray, a few months before the painful Budapest final. Along the way, Mourinho stopped defending him, saying: "non ha voglia di lottare" (he doesn't want to fight). Zaniolo had also rejected Bournemouth before joining Galatasaray. His career has not taken off since. He disappointed at Aston Villa in the Premier League, and Gasperini tried to revive him without success before he rediscovered his smile at Udinese. Further clashes with Roma fans followed. In 2024, while playing for Atalanta, he scored at the Olimpico, took off his shirt and celebrated wildly, drawing a storm of whistles and an irreparable rift. Last year the stadium also gave him an unwelcoming reception, and Hermoso was the one who kept him in check. The Spaniard could once again be the key to stopping the player, who is ready to challenge his past once more. Zaniolo has apologised in recent months, but his words have not been heard. The Italian press has suggested the match could be headlined "C'eravamo tanto amati" (we loved each other so much).

Hermoso has played the most minutes of any Roma player this season, with 812 minutes on the pitch across the first twelve matches in Serie A and the Champions League. Wesley follows closely on 806 minutes, having just been called up by the Brazilian national team, and Gianluca Mancini has logged 798 minutes. Il Tempo reports that the figures show Gian Piero Gasperini is rotating his squad rather than relying on fixed starters. The rotation has become necessary because of a demanding run of nine matches in 27 days, which ends with games against Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo. Mancini has shown some signs of fatigue in recent outings, which has given Gasperini the chance to turn to fresher options such as Ghilardi, Koulierakis and Balerdi. On the flanks, Molina, Lulli and Rensch take turns, while Ndicka remains a reliable presence in defence with 727 minutes played. In midfield, Cristante and Koné have been used consistently, alongside Pisilli and De Roon. In attack, Soulé (770 minutes) and Malen (752 minutes) have been the most used forwards. Dybala, who is currently sidelined, is next on the list, followed by younger players Mora and Castro, who continue to earn valuable spells within the season's rotations.