Roma top the table heading into crucial period: Gasperini's summer reinforcements set for intensive month

Roma are already looking to the January transfer window to strengthen Gian Piero Gasperini's squad, with the club's primary target a left-sided attacking winger who plays with his right foot. Sporting director Tony D'Amico confirmed the plan to Sky Sport in the pre-match build-up to Roma-Sassuolo. D'Amico said: "We are missing a winger with pace, a player who can counter-attack. We will try to sign one in January, evaluating the opportunities, to give these characteristics to the coach." The winger has been a long-standing request from Gasperini. D'Amico said the list of profiles includes several interesting names, some already pursued at length in the summer. Among the favourites are Gittens of Chelsea, Kvernadze of Frosinone and Endrick of Real Madrid. The international break brings mixed news for Roma. Gianluca Mancini had already complained of a muscle problem in the previous days and felt pain in his right hamstring again on the morning of the Sassuolo match, forcing him to withdraw. The injury also rules him out of Italy duty. In total, 13 Roma players have been called up by their national teams: Vásquez (Colombia), De Marzi (USA U21), N'Dicka (Ivory Coast), Ghilardi and Pisilli (Italy), Lulli (Italy U21), Balerdi, Castro and Soulé (Argentina), Koulierakis (Greece), Wesley (Brazil), Mora (Portugal) and Malen (Netherlands). Mario Hermoso has been one of the club's key figures this season, becoming a fixture in every phase of play: solid in defence, effective in build-up and dangerous in the box. He has scored three goals this season, including the one that broke the deadlock against Sassuolo. The club want to tie him down and have reportedly already opened talks over a contract extension. The Spaniard's deal is currently due to expire in June. Those talks are said to be at an advanced stage, with both sides keen to reach an agreement and close the matter quickly. On Roman radio, the focus has been on the progress of Rodrigo Mora. Fabrizio Aspri told Radio Radio: "Mora's situation tells us that Gasperini is very intelligent. Mora was not a useful player for the coach. The player is moving very well, that goal is a number 10's goal. Not everyone makes that diagonal run, and the players who are important score that kind of goal. Gasperini is wise and has re-evaluated the player. Well done Gasperini first and foremost, then a little further on, well done Mora." Andrea Pugliese added: "Mora is an attacking midfielder, he doesn't have the pace to play on the flank. In January D'Amico will find a winger with pace. Mora wasn't used to defending at Porto. Last year he had different numbers. Malen, on that missed goal, did not expect that assist from Soulé."

Manu Koné returned from almost a month out with a dominant display against Sassuolo, and the numbers underline how much Roma miss him when he is absent. Gasperini blocked the midfielder's sale in the final days of the transfer window, and the midfielder's influence on the team is clear. Roma have conceded 4 goals in 7 matches with Koné on the pitch, compared with 14 in the same number of matches without him, more than three times as many. The article notes that the link is not a direct one, since Real Madrid and Manchester United are not Sassuolo, but Koné's cover, his ability to shorten the pitch and the transitions in which he excels are qualities the Roma midfield lacks badly when he is missing. Asked about the link between Koné's absence and the goals conceded, Gasperini replied: "Troppo facile così, i fattori sono tanti..." ("It's too easy like that, there are many factors..."). Koné was back after almost a month and looked rusty at times, yet he still showed why Gasperini kept him. In a game played at a low tempo, he intercepted passes, dominated physically and made runs into the area that repeatedly broke through the Sassuolo lines. His display came in only 66 minutes, against a Matic who, many felt, should have troubled him. The article's view is that the Roma midfield was short of energy and dynamism in the defeat at Old Trafford, and it leaves open whether Koné's presence would have changed the outcome there. His numbers were excellent: 56 of 56 passes completed, 11 passes into the opposition's final third, 11 passes to break an opposing line, one chance created, 3 balls recovered and 5 of 6 duels won. For Gasperini he remains irreplaceable, and Roma's task is to find other midfielders who can reduce the impact of his absence or who can play alongside him.

Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar continued training individually on Saturday in preparation for his return to the team after the international break, with a special guest by his side. His son Lio-Mile, aged one year and five months, was at Trigoria with him. Svilar posted a touching photo of the pair on the field together on social media, captioned: "Giorno speciale a lavoro" ("Special day at work"). Svilar's absence has been felt in some moments, and Gasperini, like all Roma fans, is eager to have him back between the posts. The rest of the squad will return to training on Wednesday, when the group resumes work ahead of the next fixture. Lio-Mile was born to Svilar and his wife June Peeters on 18 June 2025.

Roma are already looking to the January transfer window to strengthen Gian Piero Gasperini's squad, with the club's primary target a left-sided attacking winger who plays with his right foot. Sporting director Tony D'Amico confirmed the plan to Sky Sport in the pre-match build-up to Roma-Sassuolo. D'Amico said: "We are missing a winger with pace, a player who can counter-attack. We will try to sign one in January, evaluating the opportunities, to give these characteristics to the coach." The winger has been a long-standing request from Gasperini. D'Amico said the list of profiles includes several interesting names, some already pursued at length in the summer. Among the favourites are Gittens of Chelsea, Kvernadze of Frosinone and Endrick of Real Madrid. The international break brings mixed news for Roma. Gianluca Mancini had already complained of a muscle problem in the previous days and felt pain in his right hamstring again on the morning of the Sassuolo match, forcing him to withdraw. The injury also rules him out of Italy duty. In total, 13 Roma players have been called up by their national teams: Vásquez (Colombia), De Marzi (USA U21), N'Dicka (Ivory Coast), Ghilardi and Pisilli (Italy), Lulli (Italy U21), Balerdi, Castro and Soulé (Argentina), Koulierakis (Greece), Wesley (Brazil), Mora (Portugal) and Malen (Netherlands). Mario Hermoso has been one of the club's key figures this season, becoming a fixture in every phase of play: solid in defence, effective in build-up and dangerous in the box. He has scored three goals this season, including the one that broke the deadlock against Sassuolo. The club want to tie him down and have reportedly already opened talks over a contract extension. The Spaniard's deal is currently due to expire in June. Those talks are said to be at an advanced stage, with both sides keen to reach an agreement and close the matter quickly. On Roman radio, the focus has been on the progress of Rodrigo Mora. Fabrizio Aspri told Radio Radio: "Mora's situation tells us that Gasperini is very intelligent. Mora was not a useful player for the coach. The player is moving very well, that goal is a number 10's goal. Not everyone makes that diagonal run, and the players who are important score that kind of goal. Gasperini is wise and has re-evaluated the player. Well done Gasperini first and foremost, then a little further on, well done Mora." Andrea Pugliese added: "Mora is an attacking midfielder, he doesn't have the pace to play on the flank. In January D'Amico will find a winger with pace. Mora wasn't used to defending at Porto. Last year he had different numbers. Malen, on that missed goal, did not expect that assist from Soulé."

Roma closed their last Serie A fixture before the international break with a win over Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, and defender Leonardo Balerdi was quick to celebrate on social media. The Argentina international shared his satisfaction with the team's performance and turned his attention to his next commitments with his national side. The result came as a welcome lift for Gian Piero Gasperini's side, who had been left disappointed by their European campaign against Manchester United. Roma have regained their enthusiasm in front of their home crowd, and the victory is also a boost to the morale of the squad as they prepare to say goodbye to the players called up by their national teams. Balerdi wrote: "One last night at the Olimpico before the international break. A great victory and so many reasons to be proud. Now our focus is on Argentina."

Leonardo Balerdi started in defence for Roma on Saturday as the club beat Sassuolo, collecting three points that matter for the table and beyond. The Argentine defender is building an increasingly important role in this Roma side, and his bond with the giallorossi continues to grow despite a costly error in Manchester. The win was Roma's last night at the Olimpico before the international break. Roma's official Instagram account, which Italian reports attribute to the club, marked the occasion with a message: "One last night at the Olimpico before the international break. A great win and many reasons to be proud. Now our minds turn to Argentina." Balerdi, who represents Argentina at international level, will now join his national squad. The three points are fundamental for Roma's league position, and the performance gave the squad plenty to take into the break.

Roma comfortably beat Sassuolo 3-0 last night, with goals from Hermoso, an own goal by Walukiewicz and a late strike from Mora completing the win. Italian newspapers handed out their player ratings, with Hermoso and Mora the standouts. Gazzetta dello Sport gave Hermoso 7.5 and Mora 7, while Corriere dello Sport rated Hermoso an 8 and Soulé 7.5, with Mora also at 7.5. Il Messaggero gave Hermoso 7.5 and Mora 7, and Corriere della Sera rated Hermoso 7.5 and Mora 7. La Repubblica gave Hermoso 7.5 and Mora 7, and Il Tempo rated Mora 7 and Balerdi and Ndicka 7. Coach Gasperini was rated 7 by Gazzetta, Il Tempo, La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera, and 7.5 by Corriere dello Sport. Across the newspapers, Vásquez, Molina, Wesley and Malen received mostly solid marks, with Koné and Cristante generally rated 6.5 to 7. Pisilli and De Roon were typically given 6, and Castro and Koulierakis were rated 6 by Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport, with several reports not assigning them a mark.

Roma bounced back from their heavy defeat at Old Trafford with a convincing 3-0 win over Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, and Mario Hermoso was named the best player on the pitch in the newspaper ratings. His goal broke the deadlock at the Olimpico, a striker's finish that set the tone for the afternoon. Mora was also impressive. He scored his third consecutive Serie A goal, and the Italian press described him as an important piece in Gasperini's plans. The win was Roma's fourth goal in giallorossi colours for the midfielder. Balerdi also drew praise after recovering from his error in Manchester, with a performance the papers described as showing great personality. The ratings across the papers varied. Vásquez received a 6 in every report. Hermoso was rated between 7 and 8, Mora between 7 and 7.5, and Soulé between 6.5 and 7.5. Balerdi ranged from 6 to 7 and Ndicka from 6.5 to 7. Koné earned between 6 and 7, Cristante between 6.5 and 7, and Malen between 6 and 7. Molina and Wesley were rated 6 to 6.5. Gasperini's performance was scored between 6.5 and 7.5. Substitutes were Koulierakis, who replaced Hermoso in the 77th minute, Castro, who replaced Malen at the same time, De Roon, who came on for Koné in the 66th minute, Pisilli, who replaced Mora in the same change, and Ghilardi, who replaced Balerdi in the 85th minute. Roma lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Roma produced a dominant 3-0 Serie A win over Sassuolo, a result that erased the memory of the Manchester defeat and renewed the club's ambitions. Mario Hermoso was the standout performer in the eyes of the Italian press, unlocking a match that could have held more danger, while Mora was once again valuable for the side. Balerdi also earned praise after bouncing back from his error in Manchester with a display of great personality. The ratings from the Italian dailies were broadly positive across the squad. Hermoso received a 7.5 from La Gazzetta dello Sport, 8 from Corriere dello Sport and 7.5 from Il Messaggero, Il Tempo and Corriere della Sera, with Tuttosport giving him a 7. Mora was rated 7 by most papers and 7.5 by Corriere dello Sport and Il Tempo. Soulé earned 7.5 from Corriere dello Sport and Il Tempo, and Balerdi was rated 7 by Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Tempo, 6.5 by Il Messaggero and Corriere della Sera, and 6 by Tuttosport. The starting XI was Vasquez; Balerdi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Koné, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Ghilardi came on for Balerdi in the 85th minute, Koulierakis replaced Hermoso in the 77th, Castro took over from Malen in the 77th, De Roon entered for Koné in the 66th and Pisilli replaced Mora in the 66th. Gasperini was rated 7 by Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Messaggero, 7.5 by Corriere dello Sport, Il Tempo, Il Messaggero and Corriere della Sera, and 6.5 by Tuttosport. The victory comes as Roma look to push for the top of the table, with the result seen as a clear statement of intent after the setback in Manchester.

Roma are already looking to the January transfer window to strengthen Gian Piero Gasperini's squad, with the club's primary target a left-sided attacking winger who plays with his right foot. Sporting director Tony D'Amico confirmed the plan to Sky Sport in the pre-match build-up to Roma-Sassuolo. D'Amico said: "We are missing a winger with pace, a player who can counter-attack. We will try to sign one in January, evaluating the opportunities, to give these characteristics to the coach." The winger has been a long-standing request from Gasperini. D'Amico said the list of profiles includes several interesting names, some already pursued at length in the summer. Among the favourites are Gittens of Chelsea, Kvernadze of Frosinone and Endrick of Real Madrid. The international break brings mixed news for Roma. Gianluca Mancini had already complained of a muscle problem in the previous days and felt pain in his right hamstring again on the morning of the Sassuolo match, forcing him to withdraw. The injury also rules him out of Italy duty. In total, 13 Roma players have been called up by their national teams: Vásquez (Colombia), De Marzi (USA U21), N'Dicka (Ivory Coast), Ghilardi and Pisilli (Italy), Lulli (Italy U21), Balerdi, Castro and Soulé (Argentina), Koulierakis (Greece), Wesley (Brazil), Mora (Portugal) and Malen (Netherlands). Mario Hermoso has been one of the club's key figures this season, becoming a fixture in every phase of play: solid in defence, effective in build-up and dangerous in the box. He has scored three goals this season, including the one that broke the deadlock against Sassuolo. The club want to tie him down and have reportedly already opened talks over a contract extension. The Spaniard's deal is currently due to expire in June. Those talks are said to be at an advanced stage, with both sides keen to reach an agreement and close the matter quickly. On Roman radio, the focus has been on the progress of Rodrigo Mora. Fabrizio Aspri told Radio Radio: "Mora's situation tells us that Gasperini is very intelligent. Mora was not a useful player for the coach. The player is moving very well, that goal is a number 10's goal. Not everyone makes that diagonal run, and the players who are important score that kind of goal. Gasperini is wise and has re-evaluated the player. Well done Gasperini first and foremost, then a little further on, well done Mora." Andrea Pugliese added: "Mora is an attacking midfielder, he doesn't have the pace to play on the flank. In January D'Amico will find a winger with pace. Mora wasn't used to defending at Porto. Last year he had different numbers. Malen, on that missed goal, did not expect that assist from Soulé."

Roma closed their last Serie A fixture before the international break with a win over Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, and defender Leonardo Balerdi was quick to celebrate on social media. The Argentina international shared his satisfaction with the team's performance and turned his attention to his next commitments with his national side. The result came as a welcome lift for Gian Piero Gasperini's side, who had been left disappointed by their European campaign against Manchester United. Roma have regained their enthusiasm in front of their home crowd, and the victory is also a boost to the morale of the squad as they prepare to say goodbye to the players called up by their national teams. Balerdi wrote: "One last night at the Olimpico before the international break. A great victory and so many reasons to be proud. Now our focus is on Argentina."

Roma comfortably beat Sassuolo 3-0 last night, with goals from Hermoso, an own goal by Walukiewicz and a late strike from Mora completing the win. Italian newspapers handed out their player ratings, with Hermoso and Mora the standouts. Gazzetta dello Sport gave Hermoso 7.5 and Mora 7, while Corriere dello Sport rated Hermoso an 8 and Soulé 7.5, with Mora also at 7.5. Il Messaggero gave Hermoso 7.5 and Mora 7, and Corriere della Sera rated Hermoso 7.5 and Mora 7. La Repubblica gave Hermoso 7.5 and Mora 7, and Il Tempo rated Mora 7 and Balerdi and Ndicka 7. Coach Gasperini was rated 7 by Gazzetta, Il Tempo, La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera, and 7.5 by Corriere dello Sport. Across the newspapers, Vásquez, Molina, Wesley and Malen received mostly solid marks, with Koné and Cristante generally rated 6.5 to 7. Pisilli and De Roon were typically given 6, and Castro and Koulierakis were rated 6 by Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport, with several reports not assigning them a mark.