Roma return to Champions League after seven years following Verona victory

Barcelona are open to a possible departure for Alejandro Balde, with Roma back in the frame for the Spanish left-back, who has fallen out of Hansi Flick's plans and could leave Catalonia in the January transfer window. Roma and Juventus have both reportedly already held exploratory contacts with Jorge Mendes, the player's agent, to learn the conditions of a possible move. The main obstacle is Balde's wage, which is particularly high for the economic parameters of the two Italian clubs. Without agreement on how the salary is split, even a loan could become complicated. According to the Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona would be willing to consider selling the 2003-born player in order to reduce their wage bill and finance new signings. The Catalan club's preference is a permanent sale, but a loan with an option or obligation to buy remains open as a possibility, a formula that could make the deal more accessible. Interest in the player is not limited to Serie A. Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham are all reportedly monitoring him in the Premier League, while Monaco are also following developments closely. For Barcelona, the number of suitors could work in their favour as they look for the most advantageous solution. Balde is described as a quick left-sided player who is particularly effective going forward, a profile that could be an interesting opportunity for Gian Piero Gasperini. For now, however, there are only preliminary enquiries and no advanced negotiations. Tony D'Amico is monitoring the situation, aware that securing the Spaniard will require favourable financial terms and the ability to overcome very strong competition.

Gian Piero Gasperini is looking to his youth ranks to widen his options, with two Primavera players set to be called up to the first-team squad for Roma's Serie A match against Sassuolo, the eleventh matchday fixture. Injuries and a congested fixture schedule have pushed the coach to draw on the Primavera squad, giving some of its most promising players a chance to step closer to the first team. Among the new names on the matchday squad list is Valerio Maccaroni, a midfielder born in Rome on 3 June 2008. The 1.74-metre player is one of the most versatile members of the Primavera. His natural role is attacking midfielder, but he has also been used as a box-to-box midfielder and an offensive winger as he has developed. His main qualities are technique, vision and the ability to move between the lines, which allow him to adapt to different tactical systems. Maccaroni progressively earned space in the Primavera after his time in the lower youth categories. In the 2025/26 season he stood out for his ability to help build play, winning consistent starts. He has also worn the shirts of Italy's youth national teams up to the Under-19 level, taking part in the Under-17 European Championship and the 2025 Under-17 World Cup, which Italy finished in third place. This season he has continued his development, and was deployed in midfield in the recent Youth League clash with Manchester United, which ended 1-1. The Sassuolo fixture marks his first call-up to the first-team squad. The other new face is Levente Kilvinger, a Hungarian goalkeeper born on 20 March 2009. At 17 he is part of the Roma Primavera, where he is gaining experience both in the league for his age group and in European competition. For the 2026/27 season he has been included in Roma's list for the UEFA Youth League, in which he has already played in goal. Kilvinger defended the Roma goal in the away game against Manchester United on 3 November in the Youth League, which finished 1-1. It is an important international experience for a player who is still very young and continuing his development.

Manu Koné is back available to Gian Piero Gasperini more than 20 days after the injury he picked up against Real Madrid, and has been named in the squad for the match against Sassuolo. He is one of the few players to return in time, with Paulo Dybala, Mile Svilar and Pierluigi Gollini still sidelined. Mancini has also been lost to injury in the meantime. Koné has recovered from the hamstring injury, but he is unlikely to start from the first minute. His return is an important boost for Gasperini ahead of a busy stretch for Roma after the international break, with seven matches scheduled in 29 days. Koné will stay at Trigoria for the whole break, as he has not been called up by France, and will use the time to regain full fitness. The aim is for him to be at his best for the trip to Parma on 21 November, and above all for the next Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain.