Roma skip full training ahead of Fenerbahce, opt for light recovery session

Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi scored twice in Roma's clash at Napoli's Stadio Maradona on 24 October, and he earned warm praise from former Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, who watched the game on television. Balerdi was one of the standout performers of the night, alongside McTominay. Hummels posted a message on social media addressed to Balerdi, writing "Bravo Leo". The two had got to know each other during the 2019-20 season at Borussia Dortmund. Balerdi, who previously played for Marseille, has been one of the most eye-catching figures in the Roma side in Naples. In the closing minutes, Evan N'Dicka, who was also outstanding against Hojlund, shared his own reaction online. He said: "Una notte folle a Napoli. Abbiamo continuato a crederci, continuato a lottare e mostrato il nostro carattere fino al fischio finale."

Balerdi's stoppage-time equaliser at 89 minutes, which earned Roma a 3-3 draw at Napoli, was ruled valid by the leading Italian newspapers' match reviews, despite Napoli's protests over contact with Beukema. The referee was Andrea Colombo, who handled several contentious moments without a decisive error according to the press. The Napoli protest centred on contact between Balerdi and Beukema at the start of the move. The reviews judged the touch too light to justify disallowing the goal. Balerdi also got back up after falling and rejoined the move before going down again. Roma's earlier equaliser, which made it 2-2, was also deemed legitimate: Castro struck the ball with his face rather than his arm, so there was no offence in either of the two Roma goals Napoli had contested. Other incidents were reviewed too. Rafa Marin's challenge on Wesley in the early minutes earned a yellow card that was considered correct, with no grounds for a red. Colombo also rightly played on at the 34th minute, when Gollini came out of his area to challenge De Bruyne and touched the ball with an arm; the reviews found the arm was close to the body, so no penalty or sanction against the Roma goalkeeper was warranted. Late on, Massimiliano Allegri was sent off for protesting after Balerdi's goal, while De Roon was booked for disputing a free kick awarded to Napoli. The referee's marks were broadly satisfactory, with some differences between papers. La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport both gave Colombo 6.5, praising his handling of the key incidents and the consistency of his approach. Il Messaggero was more cautious with a 6, saying some whistles were unconvincing but that he made no decisive errors on the big calls, helped by technology. Il Romanista gave the harshest verdict, a 5.5, arguing that some decisions had helped inflame the match, while acknowledging that the refereeing did not directly affect the final result.

Journalist Maurizio Pistocchi has called for the Federal Prosecutor's Office to open an investigation into Massimiliano Allegri after the Napoli-Roma match, claiming the Napoli coach's remarks are very serious and suggest a sporting offence committed by third parties to favour Roma. In a social media post, Pistocchi wrote: "The statements by Allegri reported after the Napoli-Roma post-match press conference are very serious: he suggests a sporting offence, committed by third parties to favour Roma? He will answer before the Federal Prosecutor's Office, which will obviously have to open an investigation." The remarks came after a fiery end to the match, which was marked by protests and a jacket that Allegri removed and nearly threw. According to Pistocchi, Allegri was not fully clear-headed after the game, as he admitted himself in his post-match comments. Off the record, in the press room, Allegri let slip an unfortunate line: "Last year they put the Champions League in their pocket. Always them..." Pistocchi concluded: "Whatever happens, it is a terrible look." He added that the episode reflects poorly on Allegri, both in sporting terms and on the pitch, a stain the Napoli coach will carry with him.

Leonardo Balerdi earned the top rating in the Italian newspapers after scoring a brace that rescued Roma in their 3-3 draw at the Maradona. Matías Soulé was next best, with his goal starting the comeback and a performance full of quality. Molina also received a solid mark of 6.50. Among the players rated below par, Pisilli had the lowest average at 5.25, followed by Rensch on 5.50 and Hermoso and Malen on 5.58. Gasperini finished with an average of 6.60. The newspapers largely agreed on the key refereeing decisions in the Napoli 3-3 Roma match. Balerdi's first equaliser for the 2-2 was ruled valid, with Castro striking the ball with his face in the build-up. The final 3-3 also stood, as the contact between the Argentine and Beukema was judged too light to justify a penalty. Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport both gave Colombo 6.5, Il Messaggero awarded him a 6, and Il Romanista was harsher with a 5.5. Il Romanista's verdict on Colombo read: "He irritates everyone, but in the end he does not directly affect the result."

Balerdi scored the first brace of his career as Roma fought back to take a point at the Maradona, with the Argentine defender turning into an extra forward once he came on around the hour mark in an attempt to avoid defeat. Balerdi arrived in the final days of the transfer window on loan for €1 million, and he has made an immediate impression with his pace, sense of anticipation and two goals. The performance has been one of the standout moments of Roma's start to the season, and it came at a delicate time for the club. The Argentine is quick to credit the coaching staff for the freedom he has been given. He has been working on timing his runs into the box in the way that Mancini and Hermoso do, and he said he had settled in quickly at the club. Gasperini has also been pleased with the defender's influence, and he said that Balerdi and De Roon had not needed long to fit in, with their contribution being extraordinary. For Roma, the outcome has added depth and attacking options from the back line at a crucial point in the campaign. Balerdi, the former Marseille defender, told DAZN: "The coach is teaching me to get into the box like Mancini and Hermoso do. He gives me the freedom to go forward and get close to the opposition goal. We wanted to win, but at least we're bringing a point home." On his goals, he said: "It's the first time I've scored a brace. I feel really good in this team. They welcomed me in the best way from the first day. It feels like I've been here two or three years, and that has given me the strength to play the way I am." Gasperini said: "He and De Roon didn't take long to settle in, and their contribution has been extraordinary. Balerdi knows football, and he has crazy energy. He's a great reinforcement for us." Balerdi, in the words of the coach's praise, looks like the summer's standout signing so far, an extra starter who has made an immediate difference.

Roma came from behind to draw 3-3 at Napoli's Maradona stadium, their third consecutive draw in a big Serie A match after a goalless game at Como. Leonardo Balerdi, who came off the bench, scored a brace, while Matías Soulé was the standout performer in attack. The evening began badly for Roma, but the team refused to give up and fought back to level the match. Italian newspapers gave Soulé between 7 and 8 out of 10, and Balerdi between 7.5 and 8. Evan Ndicka was the only member of the starting defence to come out with credit, rated 6 to 7. Gollini earned 6 to 7, Cristante 6 to 7, and de Roon 5.5 to 6.5. Malen was below par and was rated between 5 and 6. Hermoso's marks ranged from 4.5 to 6.5. Wesley was rated between 5 and 6.5, and Mancini between 5.5 and 6. Gasperini was given between 6.5 and 7 for his handling of the game. Roma made several changes during the match. At the 58th minute, Balerdi replaced Hermoso, Molina came on for Rensch, and Castro replaced Pisilli. Ghilardi entered for Mancini in the 83rd minute, and Mora came on for Malen at the same point. Molina was rated 6 to 6.5, Castro between 5 and 6.5, and Balerdi, as a substitute, was rated 7.5 to 8.

Leonardo Balerdi earned the top rating in the Italian newspapers after scoring a brace that rescued Roma in their 3-3 draw at the Maradona. Matías Soulé was next best, with his goal starting the comeback and a performance full of quality. Molina also received a solid mark of 6.50. Among the players rated below par, Pisilli had the lowest average at 5.25, followed by Rensch on 5.50 and Hermoso and Malen on 5.58. Gasperini finished with an average of 6.60. The newspapers largely agreed on the key refereeing decisions in the Napoli 3-3 Roma match. Balerdi's first equaliser for the 2-2 was ruled valid, with Castro striking the ball with his face in the build-up. The final 3-3 also stood, as the contact between the Argentine and Beukema was judged too light to justify a penalty. Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport both gave Colombo 6.5, Il Messaggero awarded him a 6, and Il Romanista was harsher with a 5.5. Il Romanista's verdict on Colombo read: "He irritates everyone, but in the end he does not directly affect the result."

Roma came from behind to draw 3-3 at Napoli's Maradona stadium, their third consecutive draw in a big Serie A match after a goalless game at Como. Leonardo Balerdi, who came off the bench, scored a brace, while Matías Soulé was the standout performer in attack. The evening began badly for Roma, but the team refused to give up and fought back to level the match. Italian newspapers gave Soulé between 7 and 8 out of 10, and Balerdi between 7.5 and 8. Evan Ndicka was the only member of the starting defence to come out with credit, rated 6 to 7. Gollini earned 6 to 7, Cristante 6 to 7, and de Roon 5.5 to 6.5. Malen was below par and was rated between 5 and 6. Hermoso's marks ranged from 4.5 to 6.5. Wesley was rated between 5 and 6.5, and Mancini between 5.5 and 6. Gasperini was given between 6.5 and 7 for his handling of the game. Roma made several changes during the match. At the 58th minute, Balerdi replaced Hermoso, Molina came on for Rensch, and Castro replaced Pisilli. Ghilardi entered for Mancini in the 83rd minute, and Mora came on for Malen at the same point. Molina was rated 6 to 6.5, Castro between 5 and 6.5, and Balerdi, as a substitute, was rated 7.5 to 8.

Roma came from behind to draw at Napoli's Stadio Maradona, with Balerdi scoring a brace off the bench to rescue a point in a match that began badly for the Giallorossi. It is the third draw in three big league matches for Roma, following a goalless draw at Como. Malen was absent from the lineup, and Soulé lit up the comeback. The Italian newspapers rated the performances. Soulé was the standout performer, earning 7.5 from La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Corriere dello Sport, 7 from La Repubblica and Il Corriere della Sera, and 8 from Il Tempo. Balerdi, who came on for Hermoso at half-time, was the match-winner from the bench, rated 8 by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero and Il Tempo, and 7.5 by Il Corriere della Sera. Ndicka was the only starting defender to earn consistent praise, rated 7 by La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Corriere dello Sport. Gasperini received a 7 from La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Corriere dello Sport, and 6.5 from Il Messaggero, La Repubblica, Il Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo. Gollini was rated 6.5 by most outlets and 7 by La Repubblica. Cristante earned a 7 from Il Messaggero and 6.5 from Il Tempo. Molina came on for Rensch at half-time and was rated 6.5 by La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Tempo, and 6 by La Repubblica and Il Corriere della Sera. Castro, who replaced Pisilli, was rated 6.5 by Il Corriere dello Sport and 6 by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo. Malen was rated between 5 and 6 across the papers. Mancini and Wesley received mixed marks, while Mora and Ghilardi came on late without ratings. The ratings show the sharpest debate over the central defensive and attacking performers, with Balerdi's impact from the bench the most discussed. The papers agree that Roma's fight in the second half changed the match.

Roma head to Napoli with their unbeaten Serie A run intact and aim to keep it going today. Gian Piero Gasperini has settled on his line-up for the clash with Antonio Allegri's side, who need a response after a heavy defeat at Venezia. Roma's starting XI is Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Rensch, de Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante; Soulé, Malen. Cristante plays further forward, alongside Soulé behind Malen. Napoli line up Milinkovic-Savic; Di Lorenzo, Badiashile, Marín, Olivera; Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay; Politano, Hojlund, Lang, in a 4-3-3. Roma's bench includes Vasquez, De Marzi, Lulli, Koulierakis, Molina, Balerdi, Ghilardi, Di Nunzio, Mora, Castro and Camara. Napoli's bench features Meret, Contini, Beukema, Gilmour, Giovane, Lobotka, Lucca, Marianucci, Rrahmani, Spinazzola and Vergara.

Gasperini's Roma face Massimiliano Allegri's Napoli in Serie A's eighth round this afternoon at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Kickoff is at 18:00, with the turnstiles open from 15:30. Roma travel without Svilar, Koné, Dybala and Pellegrini. Gasperini does have Cristante available again, and Malen is back in the starting frame after serving a one-match suspension. Cristante is the favourite to start in a more advanced role ahead of Mora. Napoli are expected to rely on Højlund, supported by Politano and Lang. In Roma's expected line-up, Lulli is favoured over Molina on the right flank. Cristante is set to play further forward, with Soulé and Malen completing the attack. The choice over Cristante's role is the main open question before the team sheets are released. Napoli (4-3-3): Milinkovic-Savic; Di Lorenzo, Badiashile, Rafa Marin, Olivera; Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay; Politano, Højlund, Lang. Substitutes: Meret, Contini, Beukema, Marianucci, Rrahmani, Spinazzola, Gilmour, Lobotka, Vergara, Giovane, Lucca. Coach: Massimiliano Allegri. Roma (3-4-1-2): Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Lulli, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante; Soulé, Malen. Substitutes: Vasquez, De Marzi, Rensch, Koulierakis, Molina, Balerdi, Ghilardi, Di Nunzio, Mora, Castro, Camara. Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini. The referee is Colombo of Como, with assistants Bindoni and Rossi M. Fourth official: Sacchi J.L. VAR: Aureliano. Assistant VAR: Meraviglia.

Roma are expected to stick with their 3-4-2-1 formation for tonight's trip to the Maradona to face Napoli, kicking off at 18:00. Gian Piero Gasperini is likely to rely on players who featured in recent matches. Gollini is set to start in goal, with Mancini, Ndicka and Hermoso forming the back three. Emanuele Lulli is increasingly likely to be confirmed on the right flank, with Wesley on the opposite side. In midfield, the most probable pairing is De Roon and Pisilli. Further forward, Gasperini appears inclined to use Cristante in an advanced role alongside Soulé, leaving Donyell Malen to lead the line. Rodrigo Mora is the most important option among the substitutes. The indications all point to a starting eleven built above all to provide balance and physicality in midfield, as Roma look to contain a Napoli side at home. The probable Roma line-up (3-4-2-1) is: Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Lulli, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante, Soulé; Malen. Rodrigo Mora is expected to provide the main alternative from the bench, should Gasperini need an change during the match.