Roma showed strength in Dybala and Molina decision, says Rossomando

Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not travel to Argentina for Lionel Messi's international farewell match, a decision made by mutual agreement between the players and the club. Despite their affection for Messi, both declined to force the issue, understanding Roma's preference to avoid a cross-continental journey just hours before the Como fixture. Dybala's focus is entirely on the upcoming match at the Sinigaglia. He has been a regular starter this season and used his four rest days granted by Gasperini to train in his home gym, preparing himself for the showdown against Fabregas's side. Dybala has already recorded four assists this season but remains goalless, with his last goal coming on 18 January against Torino. He will feature on 11 October and later face Mourinho in the Champions League clash against Real Madrid on 14 October. Sunday's match will pit two Argentine talents against each other: Dybala versus Como's Nico Paz, a generational duel between players considered among the strongest in their country. Paz, who will return from international duty on 8 October, is regarded in Argentina as Messi's successor—a player Como are unlikely to rest. Dybala, despite a twelve-year age gap with Paz, remains intent on proving he can deliver decisive moments.

Roma have prevented Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina during the international break, citing logistical reasons and a desire to spare the pair a long intercontinental journey just days before the domestic season resumes. The club chose to make its position public, a move that attracted attention given Roma's typical reluctance to issue public statements on such matters. Journalist Lorenzo Pes explained the decision on TeleRadioStereo, noting that Roma's stance had been known for several days and there was no significant friction with the players over the matter. Pes said: "I was surprised by Roma, they are not prone to issuing statements. Honestly it seems more of a demonstration of position than anything else." He added that both players would have liked to attend the event in Argentina but were not prepared to turn the issue into a confrontation with the club. Pes observed: "On the one hand they wanted to be there, but to make that long journey just to be spectators?" According to Pes, the players did not push back against the decision. "Honestly no, the matter was known from a couple of days ago. There was no major opposition from the players, who did not force the issue," he stated. Pes acknowledged wider regret that all Argentina's World Cup winners were not called to the celebration, concluding that the decision ultimately served Roma's interests as the season restarts.

Matías Soulé is thriving under Gasperini's system after a strong start to the 2026–27 season. The 23-year-old has scored two goals and provided one assist in his first five league matches, matching his output from the same stage last season. The improvement comes after a difficult first year at Roma—his first goal arrived at the eleventh match in 2024–25, and his progress was further disrupted by a two-month pubalgia injury that cost him a place in the World Cup. This season, continuity is the aim. Last summer he began brilliantly and was the team's top scorer before Malen's arrival, but the injury derailed his campaign. Now, with Scaloni's new Argentina cycle underway, Soulé has been recalled to the national squad and is a candidate for a starting place against Bolivia. He previously made clear his commitment to Argentina: "No to Italy, I want only the Selección." Off the pitch, the birth of his first son, Bautista, has added to a golden spell. Soulé will be among the last to return from international duty, alongside Balerdi and Castro. Argentina play a friendly against Benin on 6 October, with Roma players due back at Trigoria on 8 October—just 72 hours before the fixture against Como. That tight turnaround concerns Gasperini, who has an open selection battle with Rodrigo Mora. Soulé has started the last three matches, but the Portuguese midfielder is pressing for inclusion, particularly if Gasperini opts for a 3-4-1-2 formation. The coach has time to settle on his team; Soulé's focus now is delivering for Argentina.

Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not travel to Argentina for Lionel Messi's international farewell match, a decision made by mutual agreement between the players and the club. Despite their affection for Messi, both declined to force the issue, understanding Roma's preference to avoid a cross-continental journey just hours before the Como fixture. Dybala's focus is entirely on the upcoming match at the Sinigaglia. He has been a regular starter this season and used his four rest days granted by Gasperini to train in his home gym, preparing himself for the showdown against Fabregas's side. Dybala has already recorded four assists this season but remains goalless, with his last goal coming on 18 January against Torino. He will feature on 11 October and later face Mourinho in the Champions League clash against Real Madrid on 14 October. Sunday's match will pit two Argentine talents against each other: Dybala versus Como's Nico Paz, a generational duel between players considered among the strongest in their country. Paz, who will return from international duty on 8 October, is regarded in Argentina as Messi's successor—a player Como are unlikely to rest. Dybala, despite a twelve-year age gap with Paz, remains intent on proving he can deliver decisive moments.

Roma have prevented Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina during the international break, citing logistical reasons and a desire to spare the pair a long intercontinental journey just days before the domestic season resumes. The club chose to make its position public, a move that attracted attention given Roma's typical reluctance to issue public statements on such matters. Journalist Lorenzo Pes explained the decision on TeleRadioStereo, noting that Roma's stance had been known for several days and there was no significant friction with the players over the matter. Pes said: "I was surprised by Roma, they are not prone to issuing statements. Honestly it seems more of a demonstration of position than anything else." He added that both players would have liked to attend the event in Argentina but were not prepared to turn the issue into a confrontation with the club. Pes observed: "On the one hand they wanted to be there, but to make that long journey just to be spectators?" According to Pes, the players did not push back against the decision. "Honestly no, the matter was known from a couple of days ago. There was no major opposition from the players, who did not force the issue," he stated. Pes acknowledged wider regret that all Argentina's World Cup winners were not called to the celebration, concluding that the decision ultimately served Roma's interests as the season restarts.

AS Roma have prevented Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina for an event scheduled for 6 October surrounding the Argentina vs Benin match. The club cited sporting and logistical reasons for the decision, specifically the duration of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of Roma's official fixtures. Both players were part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad alongside Lionel Messi, and the event carries significance for them. However, Roma's management determined that releasing them would conflict with the club's immediate competitive schedule. The decision reflects the tension between international commitment and domestic club priorities during a congested fixture calendar. The club issued an official statement saying: "AS Roma communicates that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not participate in the event organised in Argentina for the Argentina vs Benin match on 6 October. The Society recognises the value of the appointment for the two players, linked to Lionel Messi and protagonists with him in the 2022 World Cup victory. The Club's choice responds to sporting and logistical reasons, linked to the duration of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of official commitments. AS Roma expresses the utmost respect for Lionel Messi and his extraordinary career, wishing him and the Argentine Federation a special evening."

Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not travel to Argentina for Lionel Messi's international farewell match, a decision made by mutual agreement between the players and the club. Despite their affection for Messi, both declined to force the issue, understanding Roma's preference to avoid a cross-continental journey just hours before the Como fixture. Dybala's focus is entirely on the upcoming match at the Sinigaglia. He has been a regular starter this season and used his four rest days granted by Gasperini to train in his home gym, preparing himself for the showdown against Fabregas's side. Dybala has already recorded four assists this season but remains goalless, with his last goal coming on 18 January against Torino. He will feature on 11 October and later face Mourinho in the Champions League clash against Real Madrid on 14 October. Sunday's match will pit two Argentine talents against each other: Dybala versus Como's Nico Paz, a generational duel between players considered among the strongest in their country. Paz, who will return from international duty on 8 October, is regarded in Argentina as Messi's successor—a player Como are unlikely to rest. Dybala, despite a twelve-year age gap with Paz, remains intent on proving he can deliver decisive moments.

Roma have prevented Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina during the international break, citing logistical reasons and a desire to spare the pair a long intercontinental journey just days before the domestic season resumes. The club chose to make its position public, a move that attracted attention given Roma's typical reluctance to issue public statements on such matters. Journalist Lorenzo Pes explained the decision on TeleRadioStereo, noting that Roma's stance had been known for several days and there was no significant friction with the players over the matter. Pes said: "I was surprised by Roma, they are not prone to issuing statements. Honestly it seems more of a demonstration of position than anything else." He added that both players would have liked to attend the event in Argentina but were not prepared to turn the issue into a confrontation with the club. Pes observed: "On the one hand they wanted to be there, but to make that long journey just to be spectators?" According to Pes, the players did not push back against the decision. "Honestly no, the matter was known from a couple of days ago. There was no major opposition from the players, who did not force the issue," he stated. Pes acknowledged wider regret that all Argentina's World Cup winners were not called to the celebration, concluding that the decision ultimately served Roma's interests as the season restarts.

AS Roma have prevented Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina for an event scheduled for 6 October surrounding the Argentina vs Benin match. The club cited sporting and logistical reasons for the decision, specifically the duration of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of Roma's official fixtures. Both players were part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad alongside Lionel Messi, and the event carries significance for them. However, Roma's management determined that releasing them would conflict with the club's immediate competitive schedule. The decision reflects the tension between international commitment and domestic club priorities during a congested fixture calendar. The club issued an official statement saying: "AS Roma communicates that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not participate in the event organised in Argentina for the Argentina vs Benin match on 6 October. The Society recognises the value of the appointment for the two players, linked to Lionel Messi and protagonists with him in the 2022 World Cup victory. The Club's choice responds to sporting and logistical reasons, linked to the duration of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of official commitments. AS Roma expresses the utmost respect for Lionel Messi and his extraordinary career, wishing him and the Argentine Federation a special evening."

Roma have returned to training this afternoon following four days of rest given by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, with the international break still ongoing. The squad will begin another week of preparation ahead of their fixture against Como at the Sinigaglia in 12 days, managed by Cesc Fàbregas. The technical staff have planned a gradual resumption with careful attention to the injury list. Bryan Cristante, Donyell Malen and Wesley will be assessed in the coming hours after missing their respective national team callups due to ongoing recovery work. The aim is to reintegrate all three into the full squad in the coming days, a significant development for Gasperini's planning. Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina are unlikely to feature for the Como match, with both players getting managed carefully during the international window. The week will also give Lorenzo Pellegrini and Marten de Roon further opportunity to build match fitness; both are now operating at full capacity and ready to increase internal competition. Roma will need their strongest possible squad for the away fixture, with Gasperini targeting confirmation of the side's ambitions for a high league finish this season.

Kevin Strootman has expressed strong confidence in Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma side, highlighting the impact of fellow Dutchman Donyell Malen and midfield reinforcement Marten De Roon. Strootman singled out Malen's quality and adaptation at the club. "I know him well and he is a very strong forward," Strootman said. "He has great quality and spectacular speed. I think Roma is the right team for him—he feels important and is showing it." On De Roon's arrival to strengthen Gasperini's midfield, Strootman stressed his experience and familiarity with Italian football and the coach's methods. "He is someone who always gives his all for the team and can help younger players," Strootman explained, underlining De Roon's presence in the dressing room. Asked about Roma's Scudetto ambitions, Strootman remained cautious: "Maybe… let's see where Roma will be in March."

Kevin Strootman, the former Roma midfielder, has praised the club's strong opening to the season under Gian Piero Gasperini and highlighted the growing presence of Dutch players in the squad. Speaking to Il Tempo, Strootman expressed confidence in the direction of the team and offered particular insight into Donyell Malen's early impact. "Gasperini is working very well," Strootman said. "Roma has had a decidedly important start to the season and I hope it can continue like this. They have played some great matches, playing rather well. What is important now is to continue down this road." On Malen's performances, Strootman believes the winger has found the right environment. "Roma is the right team for him," he stated. "He has had great quality and spectacular speed. He feels important and is demonstrating it. I am not totally surprised by his performances, even if probably an impact like this nobody expected. I wish him to continue like this." Malen has impressed after struggling for consistent starts in Germany and England, but at Roma has benefited from Gasperini's confidence. Strootman also spoke about Marten de Roon's arrival, describing him as a player of great experience who knows both Italian football and Gasperini's methods intimately. "Marten is a real dressing-room man, someone who always gives everything for the team and can help younger players too," Strootman explained. "He doesn't need to feel more important than others or be in the spotlight. Everything he does in training and in matches, he does for the group. This is very important for a team that wants to fight for the top places." Strootman also recalled giving Leonardo Balerdi a Roma shirt as a gift, saying he had "completely forgotten" about it until Balerdi mentioned it on Instagram. He praised the defender's early performances. On Roma's title prospects, Strootman was cautious: "Maybe… let's see where Roma will be in March."