Roma name 24-man UEFA squad for Champions League league phase

Roma scouts were among those watching Porto against PSV Eindhoven at the Estádio do Dragão in the Champions League, as the club keeps working ahead of the January transfer window to strengthen Gian Piero Gasperini's squad. Sporting director D'Amico is looking for talent to complete the attack and the wide areas, where a left-sided midfield winger is still missing. Scouts from Everton, Manchester United, Brentford and Nottingham Forest were also present, according to English outlet Sport Witness. Many talents featured for PSV as well as for Porto, who are coached by Farioli. Among the possible targets Roma are monitoring is Sven Mijnans, an attacking midfielder born in 2000 who had already been followed in the summer. Also on the list is Bajraktarević, a Bosnian left-sided winger born in 2005. Roma will keep working on these ideas in the coming weeks, as a side that has made a top start still needs reinforcements. Porto's young standouts also drew attention. Oscar Pietuszewski, a right-footed winger born in 2008, is very young. Alberto Costa, a 23-year-old full-back, was close to joining Roma in January 2025.

Roma's defence has been named in the Sofascore Team of the Week for the latest Champions League round, with Mario Hermoso, Leonardo Balerdi and Daniele Ghilardi all selected and dominating the back line of the ideal side. The trio's performance earned the recognition after they kept a clean sheet against Slovan Bratislava, the club's first clean sheet in Europe this season, and gave nothing away to Yaya Touré's side. The spotlight on the defence comes as Roma prepare for a big match against Napoli, with the squad continuing its work at Trigoria. The back line has been one of the strengths of the start to the campaign, conceding just three goals in the first seven Serie A matches. The Italian report adds that the award reflects the solid form of a unit that has been central to Roma's strong start, with the three defenders combining for a shutout that underlined the club's improved resilience at the back. Roma are next in action against Napoli, with the squad focused on maintaining that defensive record.

Roma's central defenders Hermoso, Balerdi and Ghilardi have been named in Sofascore's Team of the Week for the latest Champions League round, after a performance that kept Slovan Bratislava out completely. The three Roma defenders gave away nothing to the side coached by Yaya Touré. Roma have conceded only three goals in their first seven Serie A matches, a record built on a back line that is growing more solid despite the absence of several players who were fundamental in recent years. The arrivals of Balerdi and Koulierakis, and the continued development of Ghilardi, have given Gasperini the option to rest two first-team regulars, Ndicka and Mancini. Sofascore's selection was described as deserved. The Team of the Week's defence, drawn from the best side in the League Phase, was dominated by Gasperini's Roma backline. The selection also includes attackers Doué, Nico Paz, Foden and Ngumoha from the wider group of top clubs in the competition.

Roma secured a convincing 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico in their third League Phase match of the UEFA Champions League, dominating the contest for 90 minutes. Having taken just one point from their opening two games, Gian Piero Gasperini's side needed a response, and they delivered. Hermoso opened the scoring in the 21st minute, Molina doubled the lead in the 39th, Pisilli made it three in the 51st and Malen completed the rout in the 58th. Barseghyan was booked for Slovan in the 18th minute. The result lifts Roma to four points after three matches. Slovan Bratislava arrived in Rome reeling from defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Stuttgart, and their coach Yaya Touré could not find a way past a Roma side that controlled possession and territory throughout. Gasperini made several changes with the trip to Napoli in mind. Hermoso lined up alongside Balerdi and Ghilardi in a back three, Molina returned at right wing-back, and Mora and Pellegrini were paired behind Malen in attack. Roma's starting line-up was: Gollini; Ghilardi, Balerdi, Hermoso (78' Koulierakis); Molina, de Roon (78' Mancini), Pisilli, Wesley (59' Rensch); Mora, Pellegrini (51' Soulé); Malen (59' Castro). Substitutes on the bench included De Marzi, Koulierakis, Mancini, N'Dicka, Rensch, Lulli, Di Nunzio, Cristante, Soulé and Castro. Slovan Bratislava lined up in a 4-2-3-1 with Takac in goal and Marcelli leading the line, with Yaya Touré in charge of the side.

Roma head to Bratislava for their third Champions League match looking for a first win of the campaign, after a draw with Fenerbahce and a defeat to Real Madrid. Gian Piero Gasperini has left Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini out of the starting line-up, with Daniele Ghilardi and Leonardo Balerdi starting in defence. Donyell Malen leads the attack, with Rodrigo Mora and Lorenzo Pellegrini behind him. Roma line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Pierluigi Gollini in goal; Ghilardi, Balerdi and Mario Hermoso in the back three; Nahuel Molina, Marten de Roon, Niccolò Pisilli and Wesley in midfield; Mora and Pellegrini in the attacking pair; and Malen up front. On the bench are Giorgio De Marzi, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Mancini, N'Dicka, Devyne Rensch, Emanuele Lulli, Di Nunzio, Bryan Cristante, Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro. Slovan Bratislava, coached by Yaya Touré, set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Takac starts in goal, protected by Blackman, Bajric, Markovic and Sandro Cruz. Pokorny and Gajdos form the double pivot, with Barseghyan, Ibrahim and Suleman Camara behind Marcelli.

Roma host Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico in their Champions League fixture, looking to bounce back after a dramatic defeat to Real Madrid. Kickoff is at 21:00. Gian Piero Gasperini's side have also beaten Genoa in Serie A since that loss, and the Slovan Bratislava match is presented as a more accessible opponent. Roma's starting XI is set to be a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Gollini in goal and a back three of Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso. Molina, de Roon, Pisilli and Wesley make up the midfield, with Mora and Pellegrini in support of Malen. Slovan Bratislava line up in a 4-2-3-1 under coach Yaya Touré, with Takac in goal and Marcelli leading the attack. Roma scored four times without reply. Hermoso opened the scoring in the 21st minute, Molina doubled the lead in the 39th, Pisilli made it three in the 51st and Malen completed the rout with a goal in the 58th. Barseghyan was booked for Slovan Bratislava in the 18th minute. Wesley was replaced by Rensch in the 59th minute, Pellegrini by Soulé in the 51st and Malen by Castro in the 59th. On the bench for Roma were De Marzi, Koulierakis, Mancini, N'Dicka, Lulli, Di Nunzio, Cristante and Soulé.

Roma have conceded the fewest goals of any team in Europe's top five leagues since August, letting in only three in seven Serie A matches so far. The Giallorossi's defensive record has been built on a unit that also contributes in attack, according to Corriere della Sera's Simone Valdarchi. The three league goals conceded came from Lautaro's brace in the Roma-Inter match and a short-lived Atalanta lead at the Olimpico. Across all competitions, Roma's win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League on Tuesday evening took them to six matches out of ten without conceding. The last three clean sheets came with Pierluigi Gollini in goal. He has stepped in after Mile Svilar suffered a fracture, and the article credits the backup keeper for answering the call. The article describes the defence as a reliable unit, and the centre-backs follow their men wherever they go, helping the team's first high press. Roma are among the most efficient sides in the immediate recovery of the ball. The wide defenders have also been productive going forward. Since the start of the season, they have contributed four goals and six assists to 10 of the 24 goals Gasperini's side have scored. The defensive work follows Gasperini's instructions, with the unit both protecting the goal and supporting the attack.

Roma travel to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday at 18:00 to face Napoli in Serie A matchday eight, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side arriving after a 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, while Napoli beat Bodø/Glimt 4-3 on the same evening. Gasperini has to contend with several absences, and the problem Lorenzo Pellegrini suffered against Slovan Bratislava adds to his worries. Pellegrini left the pitch with a muscle issue to his right hamstring and will undergo further tests, so his availability for the Maradona is in doubt. Gollini is set to keep his place in goal in the absence of Svilar. Svilar is still out with a micro-fracture to his fifth toe and will only return in the coming weeks. Koné will also miss out, having picked up a first-degree muscle injury against Real Madrid, with his return expected later on. Dybala is yet to recover from a small tear to his calf muscle. Roma reached the Maradona after a positive week in Serie A and the Champions League. They first beat Genoa 2-0 at the Olimpico, returning to winning ways in Serie A after a draw at Como, and then thrashed Slovan Bratislava 4-0 to secure their first win in the Champions League league phase. Hermoso, Molina, Pisilli and Malen scored against the Slovaks, in a practically perfect evening for Gasperini's side, marred only by Pellegrini's injury. Gasperini also managed his regulars, initially resting Mancini, Ndicka and Soulé. Napoli also come into the match after a European win. They beat Bodø/Glimt 4-3 at the Maradona thanks to an opening goal from Politano, a brace from McTominay and an own goal from Bjørtuft. The result, after difficulties in the first two Champions League matchdays, lets Allegri's side approach the clash with Roma with greater confidence. Napoli have also been hit by absences: Favasuli is out with a second-degree tear to his rectus femoris, Vergara is recovering from a calf problem and Alisson Santos is out with a biceps femoris injury. Buongiorno and Neres remain doubtful, the latter with a thigh muscle injury. The head-to-head record stands at 90 official meetings played in Campania. Napoli have won 39, Roma 25, with 26 draws. Roma have not won at Napoli's ground since the 2017/18 season, when they triumphed 4-2. The last meeting at the Maradona, on 15 February 2026, ended 2-2. Ticket sales for the match have been banned for residents of the Lazio region, a measure adopted by the prefect of Naples, Michele di Bari, on the basis of the determination of the Committee for the analysis of security at sporting events and the proposal of the Naples Police Headquarters. The restriction applies to the sale of tickets to Lazio residents in general, not only to the away section. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN, with kick-off at 18:00 on Saturday 24 October at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Official line-ups will be announced about an hour before kick-off. Gasperini's probable Roma XI is Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Wesley, de Roon, Pisilli, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Mancini and Ndicka are expected to return alongside Hermoso, with Balerdi and Ghilardi as alternatives, while Wesley and Lulli are favoured on the flanks. Cristante, recovering from knee inflammation, could be in the squad at least. Mora is favoured to complete the attack in Dybala's absence, while Malen is confirmed up front after returning to scoring against Slovan Bratislava from the penalty spot. Napoli are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 with Meret in goal, Beukema, Rrahmani and Badiashile at the back, Di Lorenzo and the former Roma player Spinazzola on the flanks, Lobotka and Gilmour in midfield, Giovane and McTominay behind Hojlund. Anguissa is a candidate to return to the starting line-up after a spell on the bench in the last league fixture.

Roma travel to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday at 18:00 to face Napoli in Serie A matchday eight, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side still short of several players. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN. Roma arrive after a positive week, having beaten Genoa 2-0 at the Olimpico to return to winning ways in Serie A following the draw at Como, and then thrashing Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in the Champions League for their first win in the league phase of the competition. Against the Slovaks, Hermoso, Molina, Pisilli and Malen scored, in a near-perfect evening for Gasperini's team that was marred only by the injury to Lorenzo Pellegrini. Napoli also come into the game on the back of a European win, beating Bodø/Glimt 4-3 at the Maradona thanks to an opening goal from Politano, a brace from McTominay and an own goal by Bjørtuft. That result came after a difficult first two Champions League matchdays and gives Allegri's side more confidence ahead of the clash with Roma. Roma's injury list is a concern. Svilar is out with a micro-fracture to his fifth toe and will return only in the coming weeks. Manu Koné is sidelined with a first-degree muscle injury sustained against Real Madrid, while Dybala is still recovering from a small tear to his calf muscle. Cristante, who has gradually overcome knee inflammation, could return to the squad at least. Pellegrini left the pitch against Slovan Bratislava with a muscular problem to his right hamstring and will undergo further tests, leaving his availability for the Maradona in doubt. Gollini is expected to keep his place in goal in Svilar's absence. On the Napoli side, Favasuli is out with a second-degree rectus femoris injury, Vergara is recovering from a calf problem and Alisson Santos is ruled out with a biceps femoris injury. Buongiorno and Neres are being assessed, with Neres suffering a thigh muscle injury. Allegri is expected to field a 3-4-2-1, with Meret in goal, Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani and Badiashile in defence, and Politano and Spinazzola on the flanks. Lobotka and McTominay are expected to start in midfield, with Anguissa a candidate to return from the start after coming off the bench in the last league match. Lang and De Bruyne are likely to operate behind Hojlund, favoured over Lucca to lead the attack. Lang versus Giovane is a open selection battle. For Roma, Gasperini's probable XI is a 3-4-2-1 with Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka and Hermoso; Wesley, de Roon, Pisilli and Molina; Soulé and Mora; Malen. Mancini and Ndicka are expected back after rotation in Europe, with Balerdi and Ghilardi as alternatives. Wesley and Lulli are currently favoured on the flanks, while de Roon and Pisilli could be confirmed in midfield. Cristante's return is the main news, and Soulé is expected to regain a place from the start after beginning on the bench in the Champions League, with Mora favoured to complete the attack in Dybala's absence. Malen is set to lead the line after returning to scoring against Slovan Bratislava from the penalty spot. The match is scheduled for 18:00 on Saturday 24 October at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona and will be shown live on DAZN. Official line-ups will be announced about an hour before kickoff.

Lorenzo Pellegrini faces at least two months on the sidelines after tests revealed a high-grade lesion at the distal musculotendinous junction of the semitendinosus in his right thigh, sustained against Slovan Bratislava. Recovery times will be assessed as the clinical picture evolves, but the midfielder could return in the first days of 2027. The setback adds to Roma's injury problems, following those of Svilar, Koné and Dybala. Roma continue preparations for their Serie A clash with Napoli on Saturday at 6pm at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Training took place at Trigoria, and there is positive news from Bryan Cristante, who has returned to regular group work despite visible strapping around his knee. The captain will be available to Gasperini for the match against the Partenopei and could even start from the first minute. Fans of both Napoli and Roma will be able to watch Saturday's match, valid for the eighth round of Serie A, free of charge on DAZN, including non-subscribers. Under the TV rights tender, five matches this season are being broadcast in free mode, and the Maradona fixture is among them. Supporters of both clubs need only log in following the instructions provided by DAZN to access the live stream. With the winter transfer window approaching, Roma have already begun identifying possible reinforcements for Gasperini. According to the English outlet Sport Witness, on Tuesday evening, while Roma beat Slovan Bratislava 4-0 at the Olimpico, several Roma scouts were at the Porto against PSV match. The fixture, won 1-0 by the Dutch side, also drew the attention of several Premier League clubs. Under observation are left-winger Esmir Bajraktarević, born 2005, and midfielder Sven Mijnans, born 2000, who had already been followed in the summer. On Rome radio, the Roma-Napoli fixture has been widely discussed. Luigi Ferrajolo told Radio Radio: "The absences of Koné and Dybala are heavy: Koné is the engine of the midfield and Dybala the inspiration. If Cristante can play, he can push Pisilli a bit further forward. Or Mora plays, hoping he wakes up a bit and makes a greater contribution." Alessandro Vocalelli added: "Roma have already passed some tests: not every match can be an exam. It is a stage in a journey in which the team must perform well, because it can help distance a direct Champions League rival. Physically he seems to be better, but Napoli have resources that make the match anything but simple."

Roma's injury crisis deepened as Lorenzo Pellegrini was lost against Slovan Bratislava, adding to a growing list of absentees ahead of the trip to Napoli. Gasperini is working through his options for the Maradona fixture, with Malen and Soulé almost certain to start, but the final place in the attacking midfield remains open. The Pellegrini injury is already the seventh muscular injury of the season, on top of a bone-related problem suffered by Svilar. Dybala and Koné are also on the treatment list. Rodrigo Mora has not convinced, particularly in terms of attitude, in the recent games against Genoa and Slovan Bratislava, which has opened the door for Bryan Cristante, who has just returned from a knee problem. Cristante has not played since 19 September against Inter, just over a month ago, and his availability will be decisive. If he is not fit to start, Mora would almost certainly be given the nod from the first minute, as the pairing of Castro and Malen is not part of Gasperini's plans for a game of this importance. Gasperini has emergency alternatives. He could push Mancini or Hermoso into midfield, or use Wesley as an attacking winger, a solution already seen during a match last season, with Lulli and Molina then occupying the flanks. Napoli, who appear to have found a new balance in recent outings with De Bruyne dropping into the holding role, are just two days away from the clash at the Maradona, and Gasperini still has plenty of selection questions to resolve.

Bryan Cristante has returned to regular training with the group at Trigoria, boosting Roma's hopes ahead of their Serie A clash with Napoli on Saturday 24 October at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The captain is training despite a visible bandage at the knee and is aiming to be available for coach Gian Piero Gasperini for the match. Roma continued their preparations at Trigoria as usual, with the squad working ahead of what is billed as a big league fixture. The news is a boost for Gasperini, who will be looking to strengthen his options for the trip to Naples. Cristante's return to the group comes at a time when the squad is missing several key players through injury. The injured players who remain unavailable are Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Manu Koné and Mile Svilar. Cristante, who has been working regularly with the group, is the main positive for Gasperini as the team prepares for the Napoli fixture.