Roma prioritises wing reinforcements as Gasperini seeks upgrades; Angeliño and Salah-Eddine battle to stay

Roma prepare for Sunday's 12:30 kickoff against Como at the Sinigaglia with fresh tactical notes from a recent friendly. In a training session against Sorianese, Gasperini tested Rodrigo Mora as a starter alongside Paulo Dybala, with Donyell Malen completing the attacking trio. Mora is therefore in contention for a first-minute place. Malen and Wesley completed full training and are confirmed fit to start, while Leonardo Balerdi, Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro completed only recovery work and will not be deployed from the outset against Como. José Mourinho will arrive at the Stadio Olimpico as an opponent in six days when his Real Madrid face Roma in the second round of the Champions League. In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, Mourinho reflected on his time in the giallorossi colours, calling the bond "unique and special". He recalled the fans' reception, the Conference League triumph and the Budapest final, while noting that the split with the ownership came after UEFA sanctions imposed in the aftermath of that match. On returning to the Olympic Stadium: "It will be different. I will have to prepare myself to enter that stadium without the passion of the Roma fans." Mourinho spoke of his relationship with former clubs and his affection for Francesco Totti. Santiago Castro spoke to TNT Sports of his emotions after his Argentina debut and witnessing Lionel Messi's final international match up close. The Roma forward explained that the group aimed to win "out of respect for the fans", stressing that with Messi "there are no friendlies". Castro said he had not fully processed the moment: "I looked at the photos all night." He emphasised the importance of daily work at Roma to ensure continued selection: "Getting to the national team is the maximum. I want always to be there, but I have to earn it." Roma had identified Endrick as an ideal attacking reinforcement, but Real Madrid appeared intent on retaining him. According to Fabrizio Romano, no final decision has been reached and the next two months will be decisive. Should the Brazilian's playing time remain low, Real could reopen the possibility of a loan in January, similar to what happened last year with a move to Lyon.

Roma continue to monitor Endrick ahead of the winter transfer window, with the Brazilian's playing time at Real Madrid set to prove decisive in the coming months. The forward was tracked by Roma last summer, but Real Madrid opted to retain him and Endrick chose to remain in Spain. A loan move could become possible in January if his minutes fail to improve, according to Fabrizio Romano. Endrick has recorded just four minutes of action since the season began, a scarcity of game time that fuels speculation about his future. Romano stated: "Real Madrid closed the door to any negotiation in the previous transfer window, a decision shared by the player himself. However, playing time over the next two months will be decisive in determining whether to complete the season at Madrid or to seek a loan exit after his previous loan spell at Lyon." Roma are monitoring developments closely, ready to intervene if Real Madrid open the door to a temporary move. However, competition is intense—both Milan and Aston Villa are also tracking the situation, keen to explore whether January presents a concrete loan opportunity. Much for Roma will depend on the conditions Real Madrid impose and Endrick's own desire for greater continuity. The next two months will be crucial in determining whether the file can develop into a genuine negotiation.

Roma are searching for a striker ahead of the January transfer window, with competition from Milan, Manchester United and Aston Villa for their primary target. According to Fabrizio Romano, a final decision on the future of the Brazilian forward has not yet been made, with the next two months proving decisive. Playing time will be the crucial factor: if the current trend continues—the player has managed just 4 minutes so far this season—the door could open for interested clubs. A year ago the Real Madrid talent moved on loan to Lyon, and a similar outcome cannot be ruled out as a possibility.

Rodrigo Mora is in line to start behind the Paulo Dybala–Donyell Malen partnership in Roma's match against Como, three days out from kick-off. The Portugal midfielder edges out Matías Soulé and Lorenzo Pellegrini not only on fitness grounds but because of his profile: Mora thrives operating between midfield and attack in the central zones, where he has already made an impact during the recent international break with Portugal. Gasperini appears likely to deploy Mora as the tactical answer to Como's build-up play from deep. Como coach Cesc Fabregas will field a conventional four-man defensive line, and Roma have already shown against Fiorentina and Atalanta that Mora can disrupt low defensive constructions through his positioning. Como have failed to impose their passing game only against Frosinone—which, like Roma, ranks among Serie A's most intense pressing teams. Mora could be tasked with marking one of Como's two playmakers (Da Cunha or Milla/Perrone), leaving Wesley and Nahuel Molina free at full-back without forcing wholesale tactical changes. Roma will press high at the Sinigaglia, and Como will attempt to exploit that on the break using the pace of Diao and the craft of Nico Paz and Baturina. Mora, however, has demonstrated he can be a potent weapon with his play in the attacking third and can elevate Roma's threat both in sustained possession and in transition, troubling Como from the opening minutes.

Roma travel to Como on Sunday at 12:30 with the aim of maintaining their position at the top of the table. Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed that Donyell Malen and Wesley are fully fit after both featured in a friendly played today, recovering from earlier absences. Gasperini has minor doubts in defence but expects to field Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso as his back three, with Leonardo Balerdi pushing for a place after returning from a trip overseas. Marten de Roon will replace Bryan Cristante in midfield alongside Manu Koné, while Nahuel Molina and Wesley occupy the flanks. Rodrigo Mora is set to start as an attacking midfielder, ahead of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, with Donyell Malen leading the line. Roma's probable formation: Svilar; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Koné, De Roon, Wesley; Dybala, Rodrigo Mora; Malen.

Roma resume their title push four days before Sunday's Serie A fixture at Como. Gian Piero Gasperini entered the decisive phase of preparation with the squad finally coming together after a three-week international break. The Argentine trio of Matías Soulé, Santiago Castro and Leonardo Balerdi were expected back at Trigoria today following their commitments with the national team and Argentina's final match with Messi. Rodrigo Mora and Manu Koné had already returned yesterday after international duty. Encouragingly, Wesley and Donyell Malen have progressively increased their workload in recent sessions, training partially with the group, and from today could be fully integrated. Both are set to be available for Sunday's 12.30 kickoff at Sinigaglia, where Roma will defend their shared first-place position with Inter and Lazio. Bryan Cristante remains the only confirmed absence through injury. Marten de Roon is the leading candidate to replace him in midfield alongside Koné, with Wesley on the left and Nahuel Molina on the right. The left-wing spot remains unresolved, with a straight battle between Soulé and Mora, though Lorenzo Pellegrini is poised to challenge both. Pellegrini spoke about his readiness: "I feel good, the break has helped." The midfielder's availability underlines Roma's growing depth as they bid to sustain their challenge at the top of the table.

Roma's players on loan across Europe experienced a mixed week of midweek and league fixtures. Neil El Aynaoui performed well for RB Leipzig despite a 2–0 home defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, completing 31 of 34 passes and winning 8 of 14 duels while receiving a yellow card in the 74th minute. His statistical rating reached 7.2, among Leipzig's best performances. Anass Salah-Eddine made a convincing debut for Panathinaikos in a Greek Cup tie against Kifisia, playing all 90 minutes on the left flank in a 2–0 victory. FotMob rated him 7.3 for a clean display as Panathinaikos dominated with 71 per cent possession in the first half. By contrast, Angeliño's week at Deportivo La Coruña ended disastrously: he was sent off for a challenge on Miguel Sierra in the 59th minute of a midweek fixture against Sevilla—initially given a yellow card before the VAR review led to a direct red—leaving his side to lose 1–0 already down in the scoreline. Statistical ratings gave him just 5.7, and Deportivo manager Hidalgo noted how the expulsion undermined the team's comeback effort. Angeliño subsequently missed the following 1–1 draw against Betis through suspension. Mohamed Seck at Foggia produced sharply contrasting displays within days. Playing 90 minutes in a goalless midweek draw against Savoia, he was identified as Foggia's best performer, winning nearly every duel against opposing attackers. Coach Auteri retained him for the next match against Inter U23, but this time his form dipped noticeably. Foggia lost 2–1, and a careless passing error by Seck enabled the decisive goal from Fumagalli. Foggiacalciomania rated him 5.5, noting good physical condition but a costly mistake. The week illustrated the growth trajectory of a defender aged just 20, with evident talent and physicality that must be coupled with fewer lapses in concentration. Elsewhere, Federico Nardin at Pescara played the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 midweek draw against Gubbio, earning ratings of 6 and 6.9 for personality and reliability despite some refinements needed, but sat out the subsequent 1–0 win at Vado. Filippo Reale completed 90 minutes for Carrarese in a 1–0 home defeat to Benevento, earning 6 and 6.7 ratings for an orderly display, while Luigi Cherubini entered at the 77th minute for Benevento and struck the post with a close chance in the 83rd. Radoslaw Zelezny, Perugia's goalkeeper, conceded five goals across two matches but received ratings of 6 in both a 3–0 home loss to Spezia and a 2–0 away defeat at Grosseto, with no clear responsibility on most goals. Robinio Vaz at Hull City entered off the bench in the 78th minute during a 2–1 loss at Newcastle after more than ten minutes without notable incident, marking his second consecutive Premier League appearance. Marash Kumbulla remained unused at Rayo Vallecano despite being named in squads for a 2–1 win against Espanyol and a 1–1 draw at Osasuna. Jan Ziolkowski has not returned to action for Monza, continuing recovery from plantar fasciitis. Artem Dovbyk spent another week without playing time at Bologna.

Angeliño, loaned to Deportivo La Coruña this summer with a buy option, made his first start in a year in the sixth matchday of Liga between Deportivo and Seville on 17 September 2026. The move brought no luck. After sitting on the bench for the opening four rounds, Angeliño was fielded in the starting XI but lasted only until the 60th minute, when he was sent off for a hard challenge on Miguel Sierra. The referee initially showed yellow but upgraded it to red after consulting the VAR. The dismissal came at the worst moment for Deportivo, who were already trailing 0–1 following Sierra's goal in the 52nd minute. Seville held on to win 0–1, leaving Angeliño's long-awaited return to competitive action marked by a straight red card.

Roma players out on loan delivered mixed results across a busy weekend of football, with Alessandro Romano continuing to impress in Serie A while others made their debuts for their temporary clubs. Romano played all 90 minutes as Cagliari defeated Atalanta 2–1 at Bergamo, and created a chance for Mendy early in the second half that was ruled out for marginal offside. The 20-year-old also fired from distance in the 15th minute, forcing a corner from Carnesecchi. Under coach Pisacane, Romano has become an established starter and is at Cagliari on a loan with an obligation to buy should certain sporting conditions be met. Neil El Aynaoui experienced a contrasting week at RB Leipzig. The Moroccan midfielder played the full match in the Bundesliga club's 4–1 Champions League defeat away at Como on Thursday, then returned to the starting XI in Bundesliga action on Sunday, playing 74 minutes in a 5–0 victory over Hamburg without scoring or assisting. He remains on loan with a right of redemption. Robinio Vaz made his Premier League debut for Hull City, entering at the 82nd minute in place of McBurnie during an away fixture at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea. Hull secured a 2–2 draw, and Vaz, born in 2007, now has his first minutes in English football under his belt. He too is on loan with a right of redemption. Other Roma loanees had quieter weekends. Mattia Mannini made his Benevento debut off the bench, replacing Siatounis in the 74th minute of a 3–1 win against Hellas Verona—his first appearance after being unused at Ascoli. Filippo Reale played 90 minutes at left centre-back in Carrarese's 1–0 home defeat to Catanzaro, the goal coming from Iemmello in the 83rd minute. Radoslaw Zelezny started in goal for Perugia away at Ravenna but saw his side lose 3–0 after being reduced to ten men when Kabashi was sent off late in the first half. He had kept a clean sheet in a win against Pineto the previous week. Luigi Cherubini sat unused on Benevento's bench in their 3–1 success, a reversal of his playing status from Ascoli. Angeliño made a second consecutive unused substitute appearance for Deportivo La Coruña in a 1–1 draw at Getafe. Marash Kumbulla returned to the squad list for Rayo Vallecano but did not play in a 4–1 defeat at Real Madrid's Bernabeu. Jan Ziolkowski remained unavailable with a foot problem that had already kept him out the week prior; Monza lost 3–2 to Lecce without him. Artem Dovbyk was held out of Bologna's trip to Napoli after sustaining a minor groin issue in the 91st minute of a prior victory; Bologna lost 1–0 at the Maradona, with manager Tedesco calling the precaution sensible rather than a serious injury. Anass Salah-Eddine is nearing a loan move to Panathinaikos; Roma has agreed terms and the winger has arrived in Athens for medicals, though an official announcement had not yet been published at the time of writing.

Roma's loanees made their mark during the international break, with Mohamed Seck delivering a commanding defensive display, Luigi Cherubini scoring for Italy's Under-21s, and Neil El Aynaoui clocking over 240 minutes for Morocco across three matches. Seck, a 2007-born defender, started the full 90 minutes in Foggia's 2-0 victory at Cosenza, keeping a clean sheet and earning praise from local media. The Corriere della Calabria awarded him 6.5, while Foggiacalciomania highlighted an almost flawless performance. He picked up a yellow card in the 28th minute but remained unaffected. Radoslaw Zelezny continued his fine form between the sticks for Perugia, playing all 90 minutes in a 3-1 derby win over Gubbio; he conceded little that was preventable and earned a 6.5 rating for his security in possession and distribution. Federico Nardin also impressed at Pescara, completing the full match in a 1-0 win at Livorno achieved by a late Sardo goal, and has now been called up to Italy's Under-19 squad for friendlies against Scotland on 10 and 13 October. Cherubini made the most impact during the break. After coming off the bench in the 79th minute of Italy U21's 1-0 win in Armenia, he was introduced again at the same stage against Poland on 4 October and scored just seven minutes later to seal a 6-2 victory and confirm Italy's direct qualification to the Under-21 European Championship final tournament. El Aynaoui started all three of Morocco's matches—a 2-0 win over Gabon (90 minutes), a 2-0 victory against Lesotho (67 minutes), and a 1-1 draw with Mali on 4 October (full 90)—demonstrating his standing with the national team. Anass Salah-Eddine also featured for Morocco, starting the full 90 minutes at left-back in the Mali friendly. Marash Kumbulla entered Albania's 3-0 Nations League win over San Marino at half-time and played the full second half. Artem Dovbyk, on loan at Bologna, skipped his Ukraine convocation to continue recovering from a muscular problem affecting his hamstring and has already resumed full training with the Bolognese squad ahead of the league's resumption.

Roma's players on loan across Europe experienced a mixed week of midweek and league fixtures. Neil El Aynaoui performed well for RB Leipzig despite a 2–0 home defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, completing 31 of 34 passes and winning 8 of 14 duels while receiving a yellow card in the 74th minute. His statistical rating reached 7.2, among Leipzig's best performances. Anass Salah-Eddine made a convincing debut for Panathinaikos in a Greek Cup tie against Kifisia, playing all 90 minutes on the left flank in a 2–0 victory. FotMob rated him 7.3 for a clean display as Panathinaikos dominated with 71 per cent possession in the first half. By contrast, Angeliño's week at Deportivo La Coruña ended disastrously: he was sent off for a challenge on Miguel Sierra in the 59th minute of a midweek fixture against Sevilla—initially given a yellow card before the VAR review led to a direct red—leaving his side to lose 1–0 already down in the scoreline. Statistical ratings gave him just 5.7, and Deportivo manager Hidalgo noted how the expulsion undermined the team's comeback effort. Angeliño subsequently missed the following 1–1 draw against Betis through suspension. Mohamed Seck at Foggia produced sharply contrasting displays within days. Playing 90 minutes in a goalless midweek draw against Savoia, he was identified as Foggia's best performer, winning nearly every duel against opposing attackers. Coach Auteri retained him for the next match against Inter U23, but this time his form dipped noticeably. Foggia lost 2–1, and a careless passing error by Seck enabled the decisive goal from Fumagalli. Foggiacalciomania rated him 5.5, noting good physical condition but a costly mistake. The week illustrated the growth trajectory of a defender aged just 20, with evident talent and physicality that must be coupled with fewer lapses in concentration. Elsewhere, Federico Nardin at Pescara played the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 midweek draw against Gubbio, earning ratings of 6 and 6.9 for personality and reliability despite some refinements needed, but sat out the subsequent 1–0 win at Vado. Filippo Reale completed 90 minutes for Carrarese in a 1–0 home defeat to Benevento, earning 6 and 6.7 ratings for an orderly display, while Luigi Cherubini entered at the 77th minute for Benevento and struck the post with a close chance in the 83rd. Radoslaw Zelezny, Perugia's goalkeeper, conceded five goals across two matches but received ratings of 6 in both a 3–0 home loss to Spezia and a 2–0 away defeat at Grosseto, with no clear responsibility on most goals. Robinio Vaz at Hull City entered off the bench in the 78th minute during a 2–1 loss at Newcastle after more than ten minutes without notable incident, marking his second consecutive Premier League appearance. Marash Kumbulla remained unused at Rayo Vallecano despite being named in squads for a 2–1 win against Espanyol and a 1–1 draw at Osasuna. Jan Ziolkowski has not returned to action for Monza, continuing recovery from plantar fasciitis. Artem Dovbyk spent another week without playing time at Bologna.

Roma have made contact with free agent Matteo Darmian as they explore defensive reinforcements during an extended fixture break. The 36-year-old has fielded approaches from smaller clubs during the summer with no result, but would prioritise Roma over potential moves to Parma or Torino. He has also received lucrative proposals to move to Dubai and may not wait long for a decision. The Giallorossi created space after sending Anass Salah-Eddine on loan to Panathinaikos with a €7 million option to buy, despite his solid spell at PSV and a Morocco World Cup call-up. While Roma's wingback options are in reasonable condition—with Emanuele Lulli emerging as an early revelation—Gian Piero Gasperini favours adding experienced players to manage demanding roles. A left-sided defender would be the preference. The former Inter man was not retained by the Nerazzurri after six years and over 200 appearances, starting only nine times in 2025-26 owing to competition and a serious calf injury. Darmian, a Milan academy product, began his career at Palermo before flourishing at Torino. He later moved to Manchester United and returned to Italy through Parma before joining Inter. His veteran status and experience align with Gasperini's preferences, though questions remain about his physical condition after a difficult previous season.