Roma pursue Fofana as Lyon seek €100m sales

Atalanta are preparing to tie down striker Gianluca Scamacca with a contract extension to 2030, after he remained with the Bergamo club despite Roma's interest this summer. Head coach Gasperini had wanted to reunite with Scamacca at Roma, where he could have filled the role of backup to Donyell Malen. Atalanta never seriously considered selling him, viewing him as a cornerstone of their attacking unit. The 26-year-old has established himself as essential to the Bergamo side's attacking plans. According to reports, Atalanta are now moving to protect their investment and secure his future by extending his current deal, with the new contract set to run until 2030.

Endrick has emerged as a target for Roma in the January transfer window, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini identifying the Brazilian forward as a suitable reinforcement for the attacking department. The player was close to joining Roma in the summer, but the move fell through because the 2006-born attacker was committed to proving himself at Real Madrid under Mourinho, who appeared ready to give him opportunities. With limited appearances so far this season, speculation over a potential departure has resurfaced. However, Endrick's representatives have moved to dampen the Roma interest. Alan Redmond, executive vice-president and Global Head of Football at Roc Nation Sports International, the agency representing the forward, has insisted the player remains focused on Madrid. There were multiple clubs from various countries interested in Endrick over the summer, but his determination has never wavered. Redmond said: "In the summer there were many clubs from different countries interested in him. His idea has always been to stay in Madrid. I am convinced that when he gets the opportunity he will score many goals. We will see what happens in the future, honestly I think he will stay at Real for a long time."

Endrick's next move remains unclear after the Brazilian forward failed to secure playing time at Real Madrid, despite José Mourinho blocking his summer move to Roma. With the January transfer window approaching, Roma have joined AC Milan and foreign clubs including Lyon and Aston Villa in pursuing the 2006-born striker. Roc Nation Sports International, the agency representing Endrick, signalled little likelihood of a departure. Alan Redmond, vice-president and Global Head of Football at the agency, said: "In summer there were many clubs from different countries interested in him. His idea has always been to stay in Madrid. I am convinced that when he gets the opportunity he will score many goals. We'll see what happens in the future, honestly I think he will stay at Real for a long time." Redmond added that Endrick had multiple suitors last summer but remained set on continuing in Spain.

Roma and Inter will meet on the pitch this Saturday as the Serie A leaders, but behind the fixture lies a stark contrast in how their respective owners build and sustain their projects. Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma have invested €211 million in player acquisitions since his arrival, while Cristian Chivu's Inter have spent €186 million—a gap of €25 million that illustrates the Friedkin Group's commitment to backing the sporting project despite UEFA financial fair play constraints. By contrast, Inter's ownership under Oaktree has prioritised economic and financial stability. The €211 million Roma figure spans the campaigns that began with Gasperini's appointment. In the 2025–26 season, Roma spent €86.5 million, with Wesley arriving for €25 million and Neil El Aynaoui for €23 million, alongside Robinio Vaz (€20 million), Jan Ziółkowski (€6.5 million), and several expensive loans including Donyell Malen, Bailey, Evan Ferguson, Daniele Ghilardi and Zaragoza. The acceleration came this summer: the Friedkin Group approved €124.5 million for 2026–27, comprising Santiago Castro (€35 million), Rodrigo Mora (€25 million), Malen's permanent transfer (€25 million), Konstantinos Koulierakis (€16.5 million), Nahuel Molina (€13 million), Ghilardi's purchase (€8 million), Marten de Roon (€1 million) and Leonardo Balerdi's loan (€1 million). The Porto agreement for Mora includes a further €25 million for 2027 or 50 per cent of any future sale. The contrast deepens when examining the wider impact on club finances. Since summer 2025, Roma's squad costs—including salaries, depreciation and loan fees—have risen by approximately €15 million, while Inter's have fallen by approximately €10 million. The Friedkin Group has covered losses through fresh capital injections, accepting red accounts to sustain sporting growth; Roma has not closed a profitable financial year since their 2020 arrival, with 2025–26 expected to end in loss. Oaktree delivered a €35 million profit in its first Inter season and is preparing to close the next year in the black. Both approaches remain valid: Chivu inherited a structured squad already competing at the highest level, while Gasperini was tasked with rebuilding after Roma's seven-year absence from the Champions League. Saturday's direct clash will test both strategies on the pitch. One club has chosen acceleration to close the gap; the other is maintaining competitiveness while reducing the squad's economic burden.

Roma's evolution under coach Gian Piero Gasperini has taken shape across two decisive fixtures—the Champions League debut against Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday and a four-day-later trip to Turin against Torino—that showcase the impact of the summer transfer market overhaul steered by new sporting director D'Amico. In the first match, Roma's return to Europe's elite competition after a seven-year absence saw Gasperini field performers who had earned third place in Serie A. Against Torino, however, two summer signings started, with three more introduced during play as Roma secured a fourth consecutive league win. Despite missing three key players—Evan N'Dicka, Wesley, and Manu Koné—Roma maintained tactical identity and attacking threat at Turin, underlining how the summer reinforcements have strengthened the squad's reliability compared to the previous season. The shift in personnel tells the story plainly. A year ago, Gasperini would have replaced N'Dicka and Wesley with Kostas Tsimikas and Jan Ziółkowski; neither remains at Trigoria. Manu Koné's role would have gone to Neil El Aynaoui, who has been moved on after one season, as have Tsimikas and Ziółkowski. In their place came Leonardo Balerdi and Nahuel Molina, both Argentine internationals—Balerdi absent from last year's World Cup only through injury, Molina a Qatar winner alongside Paulo Dybala and recently a World Cup runner-up. Niccolò Pisilli, grown into his role at the start of 2026 and a national team player, has inherited Koné's midfield spot. Gasperini paired Balerdi immediately with Marten de Roon, who arrived from Bergamo in the final moments of the window and played more than half the second half against Torino. Lorenzo Pellegrini, called up after five months out, extended Gasperini's roster of captains—the coach has made clear he possesses multiple leaders beyond Bryan Cristante and Gianluca Mancini. Gasperini operates what he calls the "law of sixteen," seeking to deploy the same core of players in every match to guarantee brilliance, intensity and competitive edge. He refuses publicly to divide his squad into starters and substitutes; there is no difference between a player who begins and one who enters in progress. New sporting director D'Amico's tenure has produced a squad numerically smaller than its predecessor, as D'Amico himself acknowledged, yet Gasperini presented it at full strength in Turin. The article notes that one or two adjustments in January may be needed to perfect the squad further.

Roma's radio commentators dissected yesterday's victory in the context of the title race and squad depth, with particular focus on Leonardo Balerdi's impact and Rodrigo Mora's early form. Mario Corsi declared that only Roma, Inter and Como are serious contenders: "I'm not saying we win the Scudetto tomorrow, but it's real that there are Roma, Inter and Como. Full stop. But where do the others go…" David Rossi highlighted Balerdi's performance against the established order, saying: "I said this would take the place from N'Dicka, and yesterday he took it from him. How can Balerdi not be the starter on Saturday?…" Roma's campaign statistics drew praise—12 goals scored and just 1 conceded in the league so far—with Gianluca Piacentini observing that Roma have the best defence in Serie A, while Francesca Ferrazza identified European football as the decisive factor: "The discriminant for the Scudetto will be the Champions League. Roma, Inter and Como all play it—that's the key." Bareldi's defensive prowess dominated discussion. Piacentini described him as "maestro" and confessed: "I'm totally in love with Balerdi, and I'm developing a crush on Lulli." Mario Corsi compared him to Samuel, while Piero Torri acknowledged the central-back dilemma: "I believe Roma will buy him outright. He has everything: he's quick, strong in the air, elegant…the problem is he seems like a proper centre-back, and there's N'Dicka there." Sandro Sabatini expressed surprise at the overall squad calibre, asking rhetorically: "Is Balerdi, Roma's fourth defender, this strong? Is Pisilli, the fourth midfielder, this strong? And Lulli, unknown until mid-August, this strong? Roma are sending very important signals, both collectively and from individuals." Alessio Nardo noted the squad's transformation over the past year: "If a year ago you were missing N'Dicka, Wesley and Koné, you'd have played with a far less developed Pisilli, Tsimikas and Ziółkowski. Today you have new starters whom you now struggle to exclude." Roberto Pruzzo offered a critical take on Mora's play: "If he plays 20 metres from goal he can be decisive, but at 40–50 metres from goal it seems like a mess to me." Corsi defended the midfielder's early contribution: "Now I read a lot of criticism of Mora, but he arrived the day before yesterday…enough, let's wait. We need him a lot." Niccolò Pisilli drew praise for his performance in an unfamiliar role, while Marten de Roon impressed Lorenzo Pes: "He knows everything by heart, he's brought order and is an added value. He shouldn't be a starter, but at the right moments he knows how to manage traffic." Nando Orsi confirmed Roma's merit in yesterday's win but tempered expectations: "Roma clearly deserved to win, didn't thrill me like other matches, but that was predictable. We're only at the fifth game; I'd wait for the tenth, but if one of the two wins on Saturday there would already be a hierarchy." Gasperini was credited with instilling tactical intensity, with Corsi stating: "Gasperini has put a sporting nastiness into the players, and now they all run in a remarkable way." Roma face Inter in what multiple commentators framed as a title-defining fixture within weeks of the season's start. The squad's depth and injury management were identified as potential deciding factors in the campaign ahead.

Roma earned a hard-fought point on the road at Como, holding a 0–0 draw on 11 October despite playing most of the second half with ten men after Donyell Malen's dismissal. The Dutch winger was sent off early in the second half by referee Fabbri, a decision the raters found excessive given the overall nature of the play, though Malen was noted as somewhat reckless in the challenge. The result counted toward the sixth matchday of the Serie A season. Pierluigi Gollini deputised in goal and drew particular praise for his work on distribution and his alertness to Como's limited chances, keeping the bench-warmer tag away from Mile Svilar. At centre-back, Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka formed an imposing partnership; Mancini earned a 7 rating for his battling quality and composure in the tackle despite rare lapses, while N'Dicka dominated a physical duel with Como's Douvikas. Mario Hermoso supported the backline with careful defending before Leonardo Balerdi replaced him in the 60th minute. Marten de Roon covered ground reliably in midfield, earning a 7 for consistency with Gasperini's system. Paulo Dybala was handed a 6, his performance marred by a glaring early miss that could have altered the match entirely. Lorenzo Pellegrini made his return to the pitch and was credited with important work and technical quality, including a shot that struck the post from the edge of the area, though his fitness remained not yet sharp. He gave way to Matías Soulé at the 46th minute. Manu Koné was not at his sharpest, rated 6, while defender Nahuel Molina (5.5) struggled with precision; Devyne Rensch entered in the 81st minute and impressed on arrival. Gasperini himself earned a 6.5, praised for keeping Roma organised and tactically sharp after numerical disadvantage forced him to abandon attacking ambitions and deploy personnel with calculated precision through his substitutions. With parity in numbers, Roma had appeared the superior side and more threatening side before the dismissal.

Roma held Como to a draw despite playing most of the second half with ten men following Donyell Malen's red card, demonstrating the mental fortitude Gian Piero Gasperini demanded in a match that tested the squad's character. Pierluigi Gollini kept a clean sheet on his seasonal debut, while Marten de Roon marshalled the midfield with authority after Bryan Cristante's absence. The result—a point earned rather than lost—came at the cost of Malen's dismissal, which altered the tactical balance but unified Roma's resolve in the closing stages. The match unfolded as a tactical study between two sides that largely cancelled each other out for long stretches. Como pressed with intent, particularly through Nico Paz, but Roma's defensive line held firm. Gianluca Mancini recovered from an early lapse in concentration to anchor the back four alongside Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, each marshalling their zones methodically. When Hermoso departed in the 59th minute, Leonardo Balerdi seamlessly continued the work. Gasperini's substitutions tightened Roma's shape as Como intensified their assault; the manager made tactical withdrawals to reinforce the rear guard and limit the damage once numerical disadvantage took hold. Wesley battled constantly against Diao on the flank, Nahuel Molina invested considerable energy in both directions, and Paulo Dybala demonstrated leadership by rolling up his sleeves after Malen's dismissal to shoulder the burden. Gollini was tested early—he produced a strong save on Nico Paz within seconds but erred on timing with a second attempt, though he recovered to deny Caqueret. Dybala arrived at Como intent on unsettling the hosts and delivered a crucial ball recovery that unlocked the home defence and set up a Lorenzo Pellegrini shot. Pellegrini himself took ten minutes to settle into the flow but soon began advancing play in Roma's traditional fashion. Manu Koné struggled with accuracy and picked up an avoidable yellow card, while Matías Soulé entered at half-time but collected a caution himself during defensive duties. Malen's dismissal stemmed from a fierce recovery that Gasperini felt may have warranted an earlier stoppage for a preceding foul. The manager himself was far from serene on the touchline, frequently remonstrating with refereeing decisions in a match neither official found straightforward. Roma travel to face José Mourinho's side next week.

Roma drew 0–0 at Como on 11 October in a tight defensive contest that saw them finish the match with ten men. Pierluigi Gollini made several assured saves to earn a 7 rating, particularly with an early decisive exit against Nico Paz and a clean response to Caqueret when the Como midfielder found himself one-on-one with the Roma goalkeeper. Gollini's display underlined the weight of replacing Mile Svilar, as the shot-stopper answered calls in both halves from Paz. Roma's backline stood firm despite the numerical disadvantage. Gianluca Mancini (6.5) focused on preventive marking and attempted to break the lines, though he was caught out when a loose ball from his touch nearly found Como's Caqueret. Evan N'Dicka (6.5) remained alert throughout, studying Como's Douvikas and maintaining his concentration even after Roma went down to ten. Mario Hermoso (6) operated quietly in the opening period before growing into the match, with Leonardo Balerdi (6) entering at the hour to reinforce the wall. Nahuel Molina (6) threw himself into clearances and defensive support, though he showed less in attack. In midfield, Marten de Roon (7) operated the fundamentals of Gasperini's system with tackles, positioning and pressing, though his vertical distribution lacked precision. Manu Koné (6) began with composure against Como's midfield but produced some unnecessary decisions in front of his own goal. Lorenzo Pellegrini (6) made his return to action after nearly six months, captaining the side with a clear will to create density, and struck the post inside ten minutes before being substituted at half-time. Donyell Malen (5) received a red card for an entry the article describes as avoidable, though he had been among Roma's best performers—setting up a chance for Paulo Dybala in the opening minutes and creating space between the lines throughout the first half. Matías Soulé (6) entered after Malen's dismissal in difficult circumstances and managed some playmaking amid defensive duties. Devyne Rensch (6) and Emanuele Lulli (both appearing late) completed the match.