Roma look to extend their Serie A strength at home against Sassuolo

Roma head into the Serie A match against Sassuolo with a complicated injury list, with goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini a major doubt. Gollini is sidelined by a back problem and his fitness will only be assessed at the last moment, which could open the way for him to start from the first minute if he is passed fit. Defender Devyne Rensch has suffered a first-degree tear to his right adductor after going off early in Roma's Champions League clash with Manchester United. He will be out for around twenty days. Paulo Dybala is also already ruled out, with his return now scheduled for directly after the international break. Il Tempo reports cautious optimism over Manu Koné. The French midfielder has trained individually on the pitch after returning from England and is determined to earn a call-up for the match at the Olimpico against Sassuolo, which would give Gian Piero Gasperini a valuable option to bring on during the game. Meanwhile, Roma's players have received official call-ups for their respective national teams ahead of the international fixtures.

Roma continue to battle an injury crisis ahead of their home match against Sassuolo, with Gian Piero Gasperini left with a severely reduced set of options. The latest absence is Devyne Rensch, whose instrumental tests revealed a first-degree tear of the long adductor in his right leg. He is expected to be out for around three weeks, with a return planned after the international break. Paulo Dybala will not feature. He has yet to recover and will continue personalised training, aiming to be available again directly after the national team commitments. There is slightly better news on Manu Koné, the French midfielder, who has completed individualised work on the pitch and will undergo the final decisive test today to determine whether he can be included at least in the matchday squad and start on the bench. In midfield, given the fatigue accumulated over recent weeks, Cristante and De Roon will form the pairing to lead the engine room, with Pisilli ready to contribute. The goalkeeping position also needs close monitoring. Pierluigi Gollini remains in serious doubt because of a back problem that could force him to withdraw, despite attempting to play through with infiltrations. If Gollini cannot recover, Devis Vásquez is ready to return to the starting lineup from the first minute, a place in Serie A he would win back after many months. Ndicka is set to return to the defence, while Mancini is being managed under a planned programme. Up front, Malen and Soulé will lead the attack with Mora in support.

Marten De Roon could start his ninth consecutive match against Sassuolo tomorrow, continuing his run as one of Gian Piero Gasperini's most trusted players. The Dutch midfielder arrived in the final days of the summer transfer window as a reliable option to rotate with Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné and Niccolò Pisilli, but he has become a regular starter this past month. Since Roma returned from the long September-October international break, De Roon has started every match and played the full 90 minutes in six of the eight games. He has been forced into extra work by the simultaneous absence of Cristante and Koné, which lasted until the trip to Napoli. Despite being 35 years old, he has delivered reliability and leadership. Writing in Il Tempo, Lorenzo Pes noted that De Roon has shown excellent physical condition this month and a natural understanding of reading the game and positioning himself. Alongside Pisilli or Cristante, De Roon has provided composure and personality in the heart of the Giallorossi midfield, combining tactical intelligence with a healthy dose of physicality. He has taken the team by the hand during delicate moments of the season, although he would not mind playing a little less if asked. Gasperini, however, is not willing to give him up. De Roon did not join Roma to be an undisputed starter, but the key is being there when needed, and he does not let anyone down.