Roma paying premium for targets, say radio pundits; Mora deal stalls as Porto raises demands

Santiago Castro is searching for his breakthrough at Roma after a subdued start to the 2026-27 season. The Argentina forward, signed this summer from Bologna for €36 million plus 10 per cent of any future resale, has managed just 105 minutes in Serie A and none in cup competition, with zero goals to his name. Donyell Malen, his rival for the forward position, has already scored six times in five league matches and has started every game in both Serie A and the Champions League. Castro knew when he agreed to join Roma that he would compete for a starting place against an elite talent. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has shown no interest in discussing a pecking order, but Malen has consistently been handed the opening lineup slot. Fortune has not favoured Castro either: he struck the woodwork twice in the match against Atalanta. His limited playing time has made it difficult to build momentum, though Gasperini and the club expect his opportunities to increase when the international break ends. Francesco Totti, the Roma legend, has publicly backed Castro and revealed a behind-the-scenes connection to the signing. In his book *Oltre*, Totti recounted a dinner meeting with Gasperini in March and explained his recommendation: "I suggested to him an attacker who was Santiago Castro, a winger and a midfielder, all foreigners. He thought for a moment, then said: 'The winger costs a lot, I hadn't thought about the midfielder and he wouldn't be bad, I really like the attacker. I think we see football the same way, as you did then.' I said: 'It's not about taste, boss. I based it on the philosophy of your teams, especially how you got Atalanta to play for so many years.'"

Roma are weighing a move for Frosinone attacker Giorgi Kvernadze, who has scored three goals already this season and caught the attention of bigger clubs. The Georgia international is valued at over €20 million after joining Frosinone for around €1 million, and is believed to fit Gian Piero Gasperini's system. Roma conducted exploratory research on the player and see him as both a capable acquisition and one offering room for growth. The club pursued several attacking signings in the summer but none materialised. Kvernadze is expected to be a target again in the summer window, as Roma look to strengthen their attacking options. Beyond his ability on the pitch, the player is viewed as a sustainable target with development potential. Hull City have also enquired about Kvernadze, and Roma are hoping his value does not escalate further. The club is evaluating the possibility of executing a favourable January move for the forward.

Roma's Serie A fixture at Bologna on 4 December could be played without Roma supporters in attendance. The match clashes with a Virtus Bologna basketball fixture against Partizan Belgrade in the EuroLeague on the same evening, and authorities are concerned about public order given the rivalry between the two clubs' fanbases. Officials are considering a ban on Roma fans traveling to the Stadio Dall'Ara. In the transfer market, Roma are preparing concrete moves for the January window. Giorgi Kvernadze, a Georgian winger, fits the club's criteria for young signings and has emerged as a potential target. Roma's management would be willing to move toward the €25 million asking price set by Frosinone to accelerate negotiations, though Hull City and Borussia Dortmund have also registered interest in the player. Manu Koné continued his strong form with France in a 1–0 Nations League victory over Turkey, deployed as a central midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation—a different role from his usual position. Zinedine Zidane praised the Roma midfielder after the match, saying: "Manu is not used to playing in that position, I wanted to see this side of him and he was very good in terms of balance." Two analysts also discussed Roma midfielder Nico Pisilli, with one noting his five appearances have included good performances but a normal pattern of variation, while the other highlighted errors in his latest outing despite generally strong displays.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is ready to feature for Roma at Como after six months away from competitive football, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini considering deploying him as a lone attacking midfielder behind two front strikers. Facing Como's organised four-man defence under Cesc Fàbregas, Gasperini has identified a specific tactical solution: positioning Pellegrini in the space between Como's midfield and back line, where the Roma captain can operate as a difficult-to-mark presence. Two opposing centre-backs cannot push forward aggressively without ceding depth to Roma's two forwards, while Como's midfielders risk being caught between lines and forced to cover ground without the ball. The role demands more than creative finishing or the final pass to forwards — whether the pairing of Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala or the option of Santiago Castro from the start. Pellegrini must provide the aggression and positional awareness essential in the defensive phase. As a central attacking midfielder, the Roma captain becomes the first player tasked with pressing Como's initial build-up, screening the opposition playmaker and disrupting their play from the back. A 3-4-1-2 formation would offer Pellegrini a dual responsibility: playmaker when Roma regains possession, and first line of defence when closing space is needed. The shape appears tailored specifically for the trip to the Stadio Sinigaglia.

Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina want to attend a farewell match for Lionel Messi with Argentina on 6 October, but the timing poses a logistical and sporting problem for Roma. The event is scheduled for 22:00 in Argentina, and factoring in travel, time zones and recovery, both players would not be available until 8 October. Roma face Como three days later on 11 October at 12:30 in a crucial fixture for the top of the league that also opens a demanding run of consecutive Serie A and Champions League matches. The question of whether the pair should travel has become one of the most delicate issues during Roma's current international break. Reports differ on where the resistance lies. According to Il Messaggero, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini gave approval for Dybala and Molina to depart, recognising the special significance of the occasion for two players who won the 2022 World Cup with Messi. However, Corriere dello Sport reports that the Friedkin family themselves have applied the brakes, judging the cost in fatigue, travel and recovery too high ahead of such an important match. No final decision has been made. The situation remains open, though the lean of opinion is currently towards preventing the trip. A definitive resolution is expected on Tuesday when training resumes at Trigoria, when the club, Gasperini and the players must weigh sporting demands against personal wishes and reach a shared conclusion. Meanwhile, other Argentina internationals will attend the Messi event regardless. Santiago Castro, Matías Soulé and Leonardo Balerdi are all on regular national team duty and will participate in the farewell ceremony, meaning they will be among the last national team players to return to Rome ahead of the Como fixture.

Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina face uncertainty over attending Lionel Messi's final Argentina match, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini having approved the trip but the club moving toward blocking it. The two Argentine players, not called up for Argentina's opening international break friendlies, were invited to the farewell friendly against Benin on 6 October at the Monumental in Buenos Aires. Both would not return to Italy until 8 October, leaving only three days before Roma's away fixture against Como on 11 October—the start of a gruelling run of nine matches in 27 days. The decision will be made on Tuesday when training resumes at Trigoria. Santiago Castro, Matías Soulé and Leonardo Balerdi will definitely return, as all three have been called up and are the last to arrive back in Italy.

Roma players scattered across international fixtures during the latest international break produced mixed results, with midfielder Manu Koné earning praise from France coach Zidane after a strong display in a 1–0 loss to France. Koné operated in a new midfield role that drew positive signals from Zidane, who was encouraged by his performance. Evan N'Dicka started for Ivory Coast in a win over Ghana, while Konstantinos Koulierakis remained on the bench as Greece lost to Serbia. Daniele Ghilardi did not feature in Italy's 2–0 defeat to Belgium. Gianluca Mancini started for Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in a poor display but now risks losing his place for Monday's match against Turkey. Rodrigo Mora contributed an assist for Portugal U21. Argentina's players remain on different timelines: Santiago Castro, Matías Soulé and Leonardo Balerdi are set to face Bolivia in four days, while Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not attend Argentina's celebration for Messi on 6 October.

Roma's international contingent made an impact during the first round of matches across their respective national teams. Rodrigo Mora, representing Portugal's Under-21 side, delivered an assist and created multiple chances in a 90-minute display against Bulgaria that drew praise. Manu Koné continued his strong form for France, deployed as a defensive midfielder against Turkey in a different role than his usual positioning, yet still ranked first for successful dribbles and maintained his stellar start to the season. Koné has now established himself as a cornerstone of the French setup under Zinedine Zidane. Roma sent 12 players on international duty during this break, giving head coach Gian Piero Gasperini a chance to recharge ahead of a strong start to the 2026-27 campaign while maintaining focus on rhythm and fitness. Rodrigo's performance underlined the club's expectations following a €50 million investment, with his growth trajectory in a Roma shirt becoming increasingly significant. The break comes at a critical juncture, balancing necessary rest with the imperative to sustain momentum after the club's impressive opening. Gianluca Mancini's display for Italy proved disappointing, marked by an error leading to Belgium's opening goal and imprecision in the first half, though he improved after the break and came close to scoring. Daniele Ghilardi was not selected for Italy and awaits his national team debut. Konstantinos Koulierakis remained unused on the bench in Greece's match against Serbia. Evan N'Dicka returned to action with Ivory Coast, delivering a solid performance in their victory against Ghana. The three Roma players on Argentina duty—Santiago Castro, Matías Soulé and Leonardo Balerdi—face a friendly against Bolivia in four days, followed by Argentina's tribute match to Lionel Messi, a fixture where Nahuel Molina and Paulo Dybala are hoped to appear, though Roma has yet to confirm their release.

Roma players on international duty produced mixed results across Europe and Africa on 26 September as the first round of fixtures in the international break played out. Rodrigo Mora was the standout performer for the Giallorossi, starting for Portugal Under 21 against Bulgaria in a Euro qualifier and playing all 90 minutes wearing the number 10. The 2007-born midfielder created the opening goal at the 50th minute, cutting into the area and delivering a low pass for Gustavo Varela to score. Portugal's lead did not hold; Bulgaria came from behind to win 2-1 with goals from Pavlov in the 87th minute and Marinov in stoppage time. Despite the defeat, Mora delivered a decisive contribution after losing recent game time with Roma. Manu Koné and Evan N'Dicka both completed 90 minutes in victories for their nations. Koné was an immediate starter in the new France squad under Zinedine Zidane, playing the entire Nations League match away to Turkey, which France won 1-0 through a Kylian Mbappé goal in the 54th minute; Koné received a yellow card in the closing stages. N'Dicka featured throughout Ivory Coast's 2-0 victory over Ghana in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on the first matchday, with goals from Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié, keeping a clean sheet in the centre of defence. Gianluca Mancini had a difficult evening at the Stadio Olimpico. The Roma defender started for Italy in a Nations League match against Belgium managed by Roberto Mancini, with the Azzurri defeated 2-0. Godts opened the scoring in the 20th minute, getting the better of Mancini, and Lukebakio added a second in the second half. The number 23 played the full match in a challenging performance for Italy's entire defensive unit. Konstantinos Koulierakis remained on the bench for Serbia's 2-1 loss to Greece, while young defender Daniele Ghilardi, called up to the senior squad for the first time, was left out of the 23-man squad for the Olimpico fixture. Further Roma players are due in action over the coming days. Leonardo Balerdi, Santiago Castro and Matías Soulé will begin their fixture cycle with Argentina on 30 September against Bolivia, the same day Mora returns with Portugal Under 21 against Gibraltar. On 1 October, Niccolò Pisilli and Emanuele Lulli will feature for Italy Under 21 against Armenia, and Giorgio De Marzi for the United States Under 19 against Brazil.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is spending Roma's four-day break in Tuscany with his family before returning to action. The midfielder, sidelined by an injury sustained in the final stages of last season that prevented him from taking part in summer preparation, was pictured at the seafood restaurant La Dogana by Enoteca La Torre in Capalbio alongside chef Ricardo Takamitsu. Roma return to work on Tuesday with their sights set on the Como fixture at the Sinigaglia. Pellegrini's comeback carries significance for Gian Piero Gasperini's squad. If the 7 appears against Como, he will reach 350 Roma appearances, moving to within one of Tommasi's tally, currently 12th in the all-time list. With nine matches in 27 days ahead, Gasperini intends to call on Pellegrini in a role that has been shared between Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora this season.

Antonio Carlos Zago, a defender from Roma's Serie A championship-winning squad, shared a special anecdote about Francesco Totti on a day dedicated to marking 50 years of the club legend. Zago revealed the close bond that remains between them, saying: "I wish Francesco all the happiness in the world, he is a wonderful guy and the relationship between us has stayed very strong." Zago recalled his early days at Roma, when he and Totti were initially roomed together during a retreat. The former defender recounted: "I remember very well that when I arrived at Roma they initially put me with Francesco in a retreat room." Zago went on to describe a memorable incident from that first night, hinting at a prank Totti played that gave him quite a shock.

Rodrigo Mora produced an eye-catching performance for Portugal U21, laying on a decisive assist and displaying moments of outstanding quality as the team's number ten, though Portugal still lost 2–1 to Bulgaria. Mora was man of the match for his side in the fixture, deployed as a central attacking midfielder behind striker Varela in a 4-2-3-1 formation that appeared to suit his strengths. The performance is welcome news for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who has backed Mora since the midfielder's arrival at Roma. His central attacking midfield role — his most natural position — brings out his vision of play and ability in the final pass. However, a tactical puzzle remains: while Mora's qualities are beyond question, his best position is a 4-2-3-1 setup that Gasperini employs only sporadically as a match-in-progress tactical change. Finding tactical common ground will be the crucial step in coming weeks. With the restart of the league campaign and a packed fixture list spanning Serie A and European competition, Mora will have plenty of opportunities to stake a claim for a significant role in the squad.