Roma radio: Greenwood pursuit difficult, but a player of his calibre will arrive

AS Roma have marked the 96th birthday of Giorgio Rossi, the club's long-serving physiotherapist, born on 31 October 1930. The club paid tribute on social media with a message praising him as a timeless example of loyalty and belonging to the club's colours. Rossi was a constant presence in giallorosso for 55 years, from 1957 to 2012, a whole life dedicated to Roma. He was part of the club's two Serie A title-winning sides, in 1983 and 2001. On his birthday, Roma wanted to honour him once again as a man who embodied loyalty, passion and belonging as few others in the club's history have. The club's post read: "Il 31 ottobre 1930 nasceva Giorgio Rossi, esempio senza tempo di lealtà e appartenenza ai nostri colori." In English: "On 31 October 1930, Giorgio Rossi was born, a timeless example of loyalty and belonging to our colours."

AS Roma have marked the birthday of Giorgio Rossi, the club's longtime masseur, with a special message on their social media channels. Today, 31 October, is the day of his birth, and the club wrote: "Timeless example of loyalty and belonging to our colours." Rossi spent 55 years at the club, from 1957 to 2012, and was a constant presence in the giallorosso set-up throughout that time. He also played a part in the club's two Scudetti, in 1983 and 2001. Known to Luciano Spalletti as "the president of the dressing room", he was remembered by the coach as a figure of huge importance to the club's history. Rossi died on 23 September 2018, and his death left a deep void, though his memory remains intact among Roma supporters. The article describes Rossi as an institution whose influence on the club is difficult to capture fully, a life lived entirely in the yellow and red of Roma and felt as a protagonist in two title-winning seasons. His legacy continues to be honoured by the club and its fans on the anniversary of his birth.

Roma sporting director D'Amico is looking beyond the next window, with an eye on young players who could become stars. One name on his list is Oliver Mansson, a 17-year-old Swedish midfielder born in 2009 who is already regarded in Sweden as a possible 'crack'. According to Swedish newspaper Expressen, Roma sent scouts to watch him in the most recent match between his current club Göteborg and Djurgården. He is not the only target: United, Chelsea and Arsenal are also reportedly interested. The report places Mansson within a wider strategy. D'Amico is studying both ready-made profiles and the youth market, the area that has been serving Roma so well this season. Alongside young prospects, his notebook reportedly contains bigger names, including Lisandro Martinez and Endrick. Roma are watching closely while the competition for Mansson grows. The Italian coverage describes D'Amico as clear about how he intends to operate in the coming sessions, balancing established targets with players who are outside the ordinary and could develop into the stars of tomorrow.

Roma travel to the Bluenergy Stadium to face Udinese today, the last match before the international break, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side aiming to keep their winning run going despite a heavy injury list. Roma then fly to Manchester for their Champions League clash at Old Trafford and close the cycle at the Olimpico against Sassuolo. According to Corriere della Sera, Svilar, Koné, Pellegrini and Dybala are all absent, yet Gasperini's team approach the fixture with confidence. Roma have already collected four more points than at this stage last season against the same opponents, and the side are showing clear progress. Around 5,000 fans will travel to Friuli to back the team. Gasperini can also reach a notable landmark: becoming the fastest coach in Roma history to reach 30 Serie A wins, ahead of Spalletti, Capello and Mourinho. The coach is expected to rely on his core players and rotate the squad. Ghilardi and Hermoso are set to start either side of N'Dicka, with Wesley on the flanks and Soulé and Mora operating behind Donyell Malen, the team's main focal point up front.

Roma travel to Udine this evening, Halloween, for a 6pm kickoff against an Udinese side in deep crisis, with Gian Piero Gasperini's team looking to close the gap at the top of Serie A. The match comes in the middle of a demanding run that sees Roma head to Manchester on Tuesday for the Champions League. Udinese have collected just five points from their first nine matches, the club's worst start in the three-points-for-a-win era, and coach Kosta Runjaic's position is under growing pressure. On paper Roma are clear favourites, but the article warns not to underestimate a side desperate for results. Inter and Lazio lead the table, four points ahead of the Giallorossi, and Milan's derby is also being played tonight. A win in Udine would put pressure on the leaders and extend a run that, in Serie A, has yet to suffer a defeat. Udinese's home record is poor, particularly at the Bluenergy Stadium: one point from five home games, two goals scored and nine conceded. Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Parma did at least end a run of six consecutive defeats. Runjaic's side still have weapons that could trouble Roma, starting with their physicality, intensity in duels and ability to win second balls. The last meeting in Friuli, won 1-0 by the Bianconeri with a goal from Ekkelenkamp, is a warning Gasperini knows well. Roma's recent win over Cagliari was tougher than it should have been, with tiredness and some defensive lapses nearly costing them, before Lulli and Mora's contributions secured the points. Gasperini will again be without Svilar, Dybala, Koné and Pellegrini. Gollini is set to keep his place in goal, while Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso are pushing for selection in defence. De Roon may be rested, with Cristante and Pisilli favoured in midfield. Up front, Mora is aiming for a starting place alongside Soulé, behind Malen. Around 5,000 Roma fans are expected to travel to Friuli. The article notes that the temptation to rest players for Old Trafford exists, but Gasperini cannot afford to drop points in Serie A while thinking about Europe. The match is presented as a test of a side that wants to stay among the top places in the table. Against the big teams motivation comes almost naturally, the article says, while against teams fighting relegation concentration, patience and the ability to impose themselves when energy runs low are required. As the article puts it, Manchester can wait; first comes Udine.

Roma travel to the Bluenergy Stadium to face Udinese this afternoon, on Halloween, with the chance to stay near the top of Serie A. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are the clear favourites on paper, but the match is not expected to be straightforward. Udinese have made one of the worst starts in their history, and coach Runjaic's position is reportedly under threat. Gasperini has taken a cautious approach ahead of the fixture. Roma are still without Svilar, Koné, Dybala and Pellegrini. The Giallorossi also have to avoid looking ahead to their upcoming Champions League trip to Manchester, which is described as a fascinating away game. Udinese's physicality and recent meetings between the sides demand full focus. The article stresses that wounded, hungry opponents fighting for points are exactly where a big team must prove its worth. Roma need to secure their path in the league before turning their attention to the results at the top of the table in Milan.

Former Roma director Walter Sabatini has continued to praise Gian Piero Gasperini's side, focusing on the spirit within the group. Sabatini said: "The spiritual cohesion is a superior factor. Roma are going through this collective state of mind." He added: "Gasperini teaches the orthodoxy of winning, he is a coach who makes you take giant strides." On the 3-3 draw in Naples, Sabatini said: "It is a tonic for Italian football. Both sides played very well." Roma open their final week before the international break in Udine, and the fixture will be followed by matches against Manchester United and Sassuolo. Gasperini does not plan to rotate and wants to field the best possible Roma side in Udine. Gollini will be confirmed in goal, while Ghilardi is named by all the newspapers among the starters in defence. The other two central defensive places remain a contest between Balerdi, N'Dicka and Hermoso. Lulli and Wesley are favoured on the flanks, while Cristante, De Roon and Pisilli rotate in midfield. Up front, Soulé and Malen are certain to start, with Pisilli and Mora in contention to complete the attack. Roma have 21 points after nine matches, the same total as after nine matchdays last season, but they have collected four more points than in the same fixtures last year. Gasperini is close to his 30th Serie A win as Roma coach and could reach it in his 48th game in charge, ahead of Spalletti (54), Capello (55) and Mourinho (59).

Radio pundits across Rome's airwaves have made Roma's home clash with Udinese a must-win fixture, with several arguing that a victory would allow the club to push on in a manageable run of fixtures. Carina, speaking on Radio Radio, said: "On paper it is a round that should help the two Roman clubs. I am convinced Milan can win this derby. Udinese are a big unknown: last year Roma played a bad game, and if Udinese manage to produce a match like that, Roma can run into difficulties. Malen is incredible: he scores a goal a game. Roma were "Svilar-dependent", this year that is not the case, they score a lot. It is a more "Gasperinian" side than last year's and it is bearing fruit. What surprises me is not so much the play as the number of injuries. It would surprise me to see De Roon start, because against Cagliari he seemed tired to me. It seems to me a game to play with two behind Malen. This is a game Roma must win: if they win today, they have an affordable schedule and can push on emphatically." Sabatini, also on Radio Radio, said Udinese are going through a negative period. "Seeing them rack up five or six defeats seems an anomaly to me for a side that is not destined for last place. Roma have every chance of winning, but beware: Udinese can wake up." Pruzzo, on the same station, said Roma's game is within reach and could help them move closer to the top, noting that Inter have not won the derby in seven matches. He added that Pisilli adapts to anything and must play, and that the team seems capable of a less physical game: "If you get into a physical battle with them it can become complicated. You have to focus on technique and quality." Orsi, also on Radio Radio, said: "Udinese come off five defeats, and they lost them deservedly: this is the worst Udinese of recent years. Roma must take advantage. I am sorry, because Udinese are a tough side, but Roma cannot waste this match."

Roma travel to Udine this evening, Halloween, for a 6pm kickoff against an Udinese side in deep crisis, with Gian Piero Gasperini's team looking to close the gap at the top of Serie A. The match comes in the middle of a demanding run that sees Roma head to Manchester on Tuesday for the Champions League. Udinese have collected just five points from their first nine matches, the club's worst start in the three-points-for-a-win era, and coach Kosta Runjaic's position is under growing pressure. On paper Roma are clear favourites, but the article warns not to underestimate a side desperate for results. Inter and Lazio lead the table, four points ahead of the Giallorossi, and Milan's derby is also being played tonight. A win in Udine would put pressure on the leaders and extend a run that, in Serie A, has yet to suffer a defeat. Udinese's home record is poor, particularly at the Bluenergy Stadium: one point from five home games, two goals scored and nine conceded. Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Parma did at least end a run of six consecutive defeats. Runjaic's side still have weapons that could trouble Roma, starting with their physicality, intensity in duels and ability to win second balls. The last meeting in Friuli, won 1-0 by the Bianconeri with a goal from Ekkelenkamp, is a warning Gasperini knows well. Roma's recent win over Cagliari was tougher than it should have been, with tiredness and some defensive lapses nearly costing them, before Lulli and Mora's contributions secured the points. Gasperini will again be without Svilar, Dybala, Koné and Pellegrini. Gollini is set to keep his place in goal, while Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso are pushing for selection in defence. De Roon may be rested, with Cristante and Pisilli favoured in midfield. Up front, Mora is aiming for a starting place alongside Soulé, behind Malen. Around 5,000 Roma fans are expected to travel to Friuli. The article notes that the temptation to rest players for Old Trafford exists, but Gasperini cannot afford to drop points in Serie A while thinking about Europe. The match is presented as a test of a side that wants to stay among the top places in the table. Against the big teams motivation comes almost naturally, the article says, while against teams fighting relegation concentration, patience and the ability to impose themselves when energy runs low are required. As the article puts it, Manchester can wait; first comes Udine.

Former Roma striker Okaka has backed the Giallorossi to win the Scudetto, speaking to Sky Sport on the day Roma face Udinese. He said the team under Gian Piero Gasperini is in a strong position so early in the season, and that the club has a clear ambition. Okaka praised the club's young players, who have been scoring for Roma this season. "It's a positive aspect because young players are the future of football. At Rome they have a master like Gasperini who prepares them for the big step, and for this reason they find it easier to emerge," he said. Asked which of the two sides had surprised him more, Roma or Udinese, he named Udinese. "Certainly Udinese. I didn't expect them to be so low. Roma, on the other hand, had already built an important base last year, with a coach who created a different kind of magic. Udinese are a fantastic club, very strong, who could reach the European zone. Unfortunately, things don't always go as you imagine." He added that Udinese face a difficult match tonight against "an armada that wants to play for the title". Asked what convinces him most about Roma, Okaka pointed to the chemistry between coach, squad and fans. "Rome is not a square like the others: you must put your heart in first, then everything follows. Let's hope we all go to the Circo Massimo to celebrate." He also spoke about Donyell Malen, saying: "Beyond the qualities of the Dutchman, what strikes me is his way of playing. He has an incredible hunger, he feels the shirt he wears, he never pulls back his leg, he runs and fights. He is someone who has connected with all of Rome."

Former Roma director Walter Sabatini has continued to praise Gian Piero Gasperini's side, focusing on the spirit within the group. Sabatini said: "The spiritual cohesion is a superior factor. Roma are going through this collective state of mind." He added: "Gasperini teaches the orthodoxy of winning, he is a coach who makes you take giant strides." On the 3-3 draw in Naples, Sabatini said: "It is a tonic for Italian football. Both sides played very well." Roma open their final week before the international break in Udine, and the fixture will be followed by matches against Manchester United and Sassuolo. Gasperini does not plan to rotate and wants to field the best possible Roma side in Udine. Gollini will be confirmed in goal, while Ghilardi is named by all the newspapers among the starters in defence. The other two central defensive places remain a contest between Balerdi, N'Dicka and Hermoso. Lulli and Wesley are favoured on the flanks, while Cristante, De Roon and Pisilli rotate in midfield. Up front, Soulé and Malen are certain to start, with Pisilli and Mora in contention to complete the attack. Roma have 21 points after nine matches, the same total as after nine matchdays last season, but they have collected four more points than in the same fixtures last year. Gasperini is close to his 30th Serie A win as Roma coach and could reach it in his 48th game in charge, ahead of Spalletti (54), Capello (55) and Mourinho (59).

Roma travel to the Bluenergy Stadium to face Udinese today, the last match before the international break, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side aiming to keep their winning run going despite a heavy injury list. Roma then fly to Manchester for their Champions League clash at Old Trafford and close the cycle at the Olimpico against Sassuolo. According to Corriere della Sera, Svilar, Koné, Pellegrini and Dybala are all absent, yet Gasperini's team approach the fixture with confidence. Roma have already collected four more points than at this stage last season against the same opponents, and the side are showing clear progress. Around 5,000 fans will travel to Friuli to back the team. Gasperini can also reach a notable landmark: becoming the fastest coach in Roma history to reach 30 Serie A wins, ahead of Spalletti, Capello and Mourinho. The coach is expected to rely on his core players and rotate the squad. Ghilardi and Hermoso are set to start either side of N'Dicka, with Wesley on the flanks and Soulé and Mora operating behind Donyell Malen, the team's main focal point up front.