Roma transfer live: Ziółkowski negotiations advance as Malen attracts top European interest

Endrick has emerged as a target for Roma in the January transfer window, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini identifying the Brazilian forward as a suitable reinforcement for the attacking department. The player was close to joining Roma in the summer, but the move fell through because the 2006-born attacker was committed to proving himself at Real Madrid under Mourinho, who appeared ready to give him opportunities. With limited appearances so far this season, speculation over a potential departure has resurfaced. However, Endrick's representatives have moved to dampen the Roma interest. Alan Redmond, executive vice-president and Global Head of Football at Roc Nation Sports International, the agency representing the forward, has insisted the player remains focused on Madrid. There were multiple clubs from various countries interested in Endrick over the summer, but his determination has never wavered. Redmond said: "In the summer there were many clubs from different countries interested in him. His idea has always been to stay in Madrid. I am convinced that when he gets the opportunity he will score many goals. We will see what happens in the future, honestly I think he will stay at Real for a long time."

Endrick's next move remains unclear after the Brazilian forward failed to secure playing time at Real Madrid, despite José Mourinho blocking his summer move to Roma. With the January transfer window approaching, Roma have joined AC Milan and foreign clubs including Lyon and Aston Villa in pursuing the 2006-born striker. Roc Nation Sports International, the agency representing Endrick, signalled little likelihood of a departure. Alan Redmond, vice-president and Global Head of Football at the agency, said: "In summer there were many clubs from different countries interested in him. His idea has always been to stay in Madrid. I am convinced that when he gets the opportunity he will score many goals. We'll see what happens in the future, honestly I think he will stay at Real for a long time." Redmond added that Endrick had multiple suitors last summer but remained set on continuing in Spain.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are among Premier League clubs tracking Emanuele Lulli, Roma's young defender, according to reports in England. Scouts from the English clubs had initially focused on Wesley at Roma, but their attention has also turned to Lulli, a 2007-born product of Roma's academy. Tottenham, Manchester City, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are also reported to be monitoring the player. Lulli has established himself as an important part of Gasperini's Roma squad this season. The player hopes to feature in tomorrow's match at Como. Separately, Roma have opened talks with the player over a contract renewal, with both parties aiming to extend his current agreement.

Roma and Inter will meet on the pitch this Saturday as the Serie A leaders, but behind the fixture lies a stark contrast in how their respective owners build and sustain their projects. Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma have invested €211 million in player acquisitions since his arrival, while Cristian Chivu's Inter have spent €186 million—a gap of €25 million that illustrates the Friedkin Group's commitment to backing the sporting project despite UEFA financial fair play constraints. By contrast, Inter's ownership under Oaktree has prioritised economic and financial stability. The €211 million Roma figure spans the campaigns that began with Gasperini's appointment. In the 2025–26 season, Roma spent €86.5 million, with Wesley arriving for €25 million and Neil El Aynaoui for €23 million, alongside Robinio Vaz (€20 million), Jan Ziółkowski (€6.5 million), and several expensive loans including Donyell Malen, Bailey, Evan Ferguson, Daniele Ghilardi and Zaragoza. The acceleration came this summer: the Friedkin Group approved €124.5 million for 2026–27, comprising Santiago Castro (€35 million), Rodrigo Mora (€25 million), Malen's permanent transfer (€25 million), Konstantinos Koulierakis (€16.5 million), Nahuel Molina (€13 million), Ghilardi's purchase (€8 million), Marten de Roon (€1 million) and Leonardo Balerdi's loan (€1 million). The Porto agreement for Mora includes a further €25 million for 2027 or 50 per cent of any future sale. The contrast deepens when examining the wider impact on club finances. Since summer 2025, Roma's squad costs—including salaries, depreciation and loan fees—have risen by approximately €15 million, while Inter's have fallen by approximately €10 million. The Friedkin Group has covered losses through fresh capital injections, accepting red accounts to sustain sporting growth; Roma has not closed a profitable financial year since their 2020 arrival, with 2025–26 expected to end in loss. Oaktree delivered a €35 million profit in its first Inter season and is preparing to close the next year in the black. Both approaches remain valid: Chivu inherited a structured squad already competing at the highest level, while Gasperini was tasked with rebuilding after Roma's seven-year absence from the Champions League. Saturday's direct clash will test both strategies on the pitch. One club has chosen acceleration to close the gap; the other is maintaining competitiveness while reducing the squad's economic burden.

Roma's evolution under coach Gian Piero Gasperini has taken shape across two decisive fixtures—the Champions League debut against Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday and a four-day-later trip to Turin against Torino—that showcase the impact of the summer transfer market overhaul steered by new sporting director D'Amico. In the first match, Roma's return to Europe's elite competition after a seven-year absence saw Gasperini field performers who had earned third place in Serie A. Against Torino, however, two summer signings started, with three more introduced during play as Roma secured a fourth consecutive league win. Despite missing three key players—Evan N'Dicka, Wesley, and Manu Koné—Roma maintained tactical identity and attacking threat at Turin, underlining how the summer reinforcements have strengthened the squad's reliability compared to the previous season. The shift in personnel tells the story plainly. A year ago, Gasperini would have replaced N'Dicka and Wesley with Kostas Tsimikas and Jan Ziółkowski; neither remains at Trigoria. Manu Koné's role would have gone to Neil El Aynaoui, who has been moved on after one season, as have Tsimikas and Ziółkowski. In their place came Leonardo Balerdi and Nahuel Molina, both Argentine internationals—Balerdi absent from last year's World Cup only through injury, Molina a Qatar winner alongside Paulo Dybala and recently a World Cup runner-up. Niccolò Pisilli, grown into his role at the start of 2026 and a national team player, has inherited Koné's midfield spot. Gasperini paired Balerdi immediately with Marten de Roon, who arrived from Bergamo in the final moments of the window and played more than half the second half against Torino. Lorenzo Pellegrini, called up after five months out, extended Gasperini's roster of captains—the coach has made clear he possesses multiple leaders beyond Bryan Cristante and Gianluca Mancini. Gasperini operates what he calls the "law of sixteen," seeking to deploy the same core of players in every match to guarantee brilliance, intensity and competitive edge. He refuses publicly to divide his squad into starters and substitutes; there is no difference between a player who begins and one who enters in progress. New sporting director D'Amico's tenure has produced a squad numerically smaller than its predecessor, as D'Amico himself acknowledged, yet Gasperini presented it at full strength in Turin. The article notes that one or two adjustments in January may be needed to perfect the squad further.

Roma's radio commentators dissected yesterday's victory in the context of the title race and squad depth, with particular focus on Leonardo Balerdi's impact and Rodrigo Mora's early form. Mario Corsi declared that only Roma, Inter and Como are serious contenders: "I'm not saying we win the Scudetto tomorrow, but it's real that there are Roma, Inter and Como. Full stop. But where do the others go…" David Rossi highlighted Balerdi's performance against the established order, saying: "I said this would take the place from N'Dicka, and yesterday he took it from him. How can Balerdi not be the starter on Saturday?…" Roma's campaign statistics drew praise—12 goals scored and just 1 conceded in the league so far—with Gianluca Piacentini observing that Roma have the best defence in Serie A, while Francesca Ferrazza identified European football as the decisive factor: "The discriminant for the Scudetto will be the Champions League. Roma, Inter and Como all play it—that's the key." Bareldi's defensive prowess dominated discussion. Piacentini described him as "maestro" and confessed: "I'm totally in love with Balerdi, and I'm developing a crush on Lulli." Mario Corsi compared him to Samuel, while Piero Torri acknowledged the central-back dilemma: "I believe Roma will buy him outright. He has everything: he's quick, strong in the air, elegant…the problem is he seems like a proper centre-back, and there's N'Dicka there." Sandro Sabatini expressed surprise at the overall squad calibre, asking rhetorically: "Is Balerdi, Roma's fourth defender, this strong? Is Pisilli, the fourth midfielder, this strong? And Lulli, unknown until mid-August, this strong? Roma are sending very important signals, both collectively and from individuals." Alessio Nardo noted the squad's transformation over the past year: "If a year ago you were missing N'Dicka, Wesley and Koné, you'd have played with a far less developed Pisilli, Tsimikas and Ziółkowski. Today you have new starters whom you now struggle to exclude." Roberto Pruzzo offered a critical take on Mora's play: "If he plays 20 metres from goal he can be decisive, but at 40–50 metres from goal it seems like a mess to me." Corsi defended the midfielder's early contribution: "Now I read a lot of criticism of Mora, but he arrived the day before yesterday…enough, let's wait. We need him a lot." Niccolò Pisilli drew praise for his performance in an unfamiliar role, while Marten de Roon impressed Lorenzo Pes: "He knows everything by heart, he's brought order and is an added value. He shouldn't be a starter, but at the right moments he knows how to manage traffic." Nando Orsi confirmed Roma's merit in yesterday's win but tempered expectations: "Roma clearly deserved to win, didn't thrill me like other matches, but that was predictable. We're only at the fifth game; I'd wait for the tenth, but if one of the two wins on Saturday there would already be a hierarchy." Gasperini was credited with instilling tactical intensity, with Corsi stating: "Gasperini has put a sporting nastiness into the players, and now they all run in a remarkable way." Roma face Inter in what multiple commentators framed as a title-defining fixture within weeks of the season's start. The squad's depth and injury management were identified as potential deciding factors in the campaign ahead.

Roma travel to the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on Sunday 11 October at 12:30 for their sixth Serie A match of the season against Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas. Roma come off the international break with 13 points from five matches and an unbeaten record of four consecutive wins and a 2–2 draw with Inter. Como sit on 10 points and look to bounce back from their first defeat of the season, a 2–0 loss at Frosinone. Gasperini's side face significant injury losses. Mile Svilar has suffered a non-displaced stress fracture to the fifth toe of his foot and will be out for at least a month, with Pierluigi Gollini taking his place in goal. Bryan Cristante is sidelined by knee inflammation, and Konstantinos Koulierakis has a strong contusion from his national team commitments; the Greek defender is expected back next week. Both are absent from the squad list. Roma's expected formation is 3–4–2–1: Gollini in goal; Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence; Nahuel Molina and Wesley on the flanks; Marten de Roon and Manu Koné in midfield; Paulo Dybala and Rodrigo Mora in the attacking midfield; and Donyell Malen leading the attack. N'Dicka is favoured over Leonardo Balerdi, who returned later from Argentina. Wesley has fully recovered. De Roon's appearance would mark one of his first starts since arriving at Roma. Lorenzo Pellegrini is fully fit after the break helped restore him to peak condition, but is expected to begin from the bench. Matías Soulé returned later following Argentina duty. Como will line up in 4–2–3–1 with Butez in goal; Yan Couto, Jacobo Ramón, Chalobah and Álex Valle in defence; Da Cunha and Perrone in midfield; Diao, Nico Paz and Baturina in the attacking midfield; and Douvikas leading the attack. Moise Kean is unavailable due to a physical problem sustained with his national team and will miss around seven to ten days. The match is broadcast exclusively on DAZN, available via the DAZN app on smart TV, smartphone, tablet, console and computer, and on DAZN 1 (channel 214) for Sky subscribers who have activated the DAZN option. Referee Michael Fabbri (Ravenna) will be in charge.

Roma face Como at the Sinigaglia after the international break, with head coach Gasperini managing several selection decisions ahead of the fixture. The Giallorossi will be without goalkeeper Svilar, defender Koulierakis and midfielder Cristante due to unavailability. Gasperini's expected approach centres on de Roon in midfield, with Soulé deployed in a supporting role behind the strike partnership of Dybala and Malen. The lineup suggests a fluid attacking setup designed to maximize Roma's creativity in the forward areas after the halt for international fixtures.

Gasperini is navigating a packed nine-match schedule over the next 29 days with a squad stretched by absences, beginning with tomorrow's trip to Como and a midweek Champions League fixture against Real Madrid. Mile Svilar, Roma's first-choice goalkeeper, is sidelined by a lengthy injury, forcing Pierluigi Gollini into his first Serie A appearance for the club. Captain Bryan Cristante will also miss at least the next two matches, limiting Gasperini's midfield options. The coach intends to use squad rotation across both encounters without overdoing it, deploying 16 available players and rotating every department, particularly during the match itself, to keep players fresh and sharp. Changes will be concentrated on the flanks and in attack, where Gasperini plans to deploy his bench—a habitual method of his—and make best use of the wider midfielders and forwards. Ten players have been alerted for potential involvement: Molina, Lulli, Rensch, Wesley, Dybala, Malen, Soulé, Pellegrini, Castro and Mora. Gasperini will apply different structures to each department based on form and opponent; on the flanks, form and the opposing side will shape decisions, while attacking characteristics of individual players will dictate choices there. Each player effectively has a counterpart regardless of experience or age. Santiago Castro deputises for Donyell Malen at centre-forward. With Lorenzo Pellegrini's return, Matías Soulé will rotate with the former captain. The final pairing pairs high quality: Rodrigo Mora will stand in for Paulo Dybala. Defensive and midfield options are more limited, with Konstantinos Koulierakis unavailable and Cristante ruled out. At Como, Evan N'Dicka will start while Marten de Roon makes his first appearance from the beginning. Leonardo Balerdi and Niccolò Pisilli, recently back from international duty, are first changes off the bench.

Roma travel to the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on Sunday 11 October at 12:30 for their sixth Serie A match of the season against Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas. Roma come off the international break with 13 points from five matches and an unbeaten record of four consecutive wins and a 2–2 draw with Inter. Como sit on 10 points and look to bounce back from their first defeat of the season, a 2–0 loss at Frosinone. Gasperini's side face significant injury losses. Mile Svilar has suffered a non-displaced stress fracture to the fifth toe of his foot and will be out for at least a month, with Pierluigi Gollini taking his place in goal. Bryan Cristante is sidelined by knee inflammation, and Konstantinos Koulierakis has a strong contusion from his national team commitments; the Greek defender is expected back next week. Both are absent from the squad list. Roma's expected formation is 3–4–2–1: Gollini in goal; Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence; Nahuel Molina and Wesley on the flanks; Marten de Roon and Manu Koné in midfield; Paulo Dybala and Rodrigo Mora in the attacking midfield; and Donyell Malen leading the attack. N'Dicka is favoured over Leonardo Balerdi, who returned later from Argentina. Wesley has fully recovered. De Roon's appearance would mark one of his first starts since arriving at Roma. Lorenzo Pellegrini is fully fit after the break helped restore him to peak condition, but is expected to begin from the bench. Matías Soulé returned later following Argentina duty. Como will line up in 4–2–3–1 with Butez in goal; Yan Couto, Jacobo Ramón, Chalobah and Álex Valle in defence; Da Cunha and Perrone in midfield; Diao, Nico Paz and Baturina in the attacking midfield; and Douvikas leading the attack. Moise Kean is unavailable due to a physical problem sustained with his national team and will miss around seven to ten days. The match is broadcast exclusively on DAZN, available via the DAZN app on smart TV, smartphone, tablet, console and computer, and on DAZN 1 (channel 214) for Sky subscribers who have activated the DAZN option. Referee Michael Fabbri (Ravenna) will be in charge.

Mile Svilar will miss approximately one month with a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his right foot sustained in training, forcing Gasperini to turn to Pierluigi Gollini as Roma's goalkeeper for upcoming fixtures. The Belgian sustained the injury during a save in a training session and will miss Roma's big matches against Como, Real Madrid, Napoli and Manchester United before the mid-November international break. In a social media statement, Svilar wrote: "I didn't need this right now, but it's part of the game. I'm already focused on my recovery and determined to come back stronger than ever. In the meantime, forza Roma always. Confidence in the process." Gasperini confirmed in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Como fixture that Svilar's injury requires a month to heal, with doctors still deciding whether to insert a screw, which could extend the timeline further. Addressing Gollini's readiness, Gasperini said: "He's a player who has played consistently with me throughout his career. I found him here after he moved around a bit. He's an excellent second goalkeeper and now will have the opportunity to play with continuity. He's always trained well and must have everyone's confidence." For Roma's trip to Como, Gasperini is weighing his final team selections with Matías Soulé favoured over Lorenzo Pellegrini for the attacking midfield slot, according to Romanews.eu. Rodrigo Mora is not among the main candidates for a starting place. The tactical approach reflects Gasperini's analysis of Fabregas's Como side, which operates in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The need for greater width could favour Soulé's inclusion. Radio commentary indicated concern over the defensive implications. Andrea Pugliese noted: "Not having Svilar for a month will be heavy. The hope is he returns at his best and can perform well—you have to regain match rhythm. Roma is Europe's best defence after Arsenal right now, and this will drop significantly." Fabrizio Aspri added that Gasperini had wished for Vasquez as second goalkeeper but judged him unprepared, while Gollini has been out of action for some time.

Gasperini is navigating a packed nine-match schedule over the next 29 days with a squad stretched by absences, beginning with tomorrow's trip to Como and a midweek Champions League fixture against Real Madrid. Mile Svilar, Roma's first-choice goalkeeper, is sidelined by a lengthy injury, forcing Pierluigi Gollini into his first Serie A appearance for the club. Captain Bryan Cristante will also miss at least the next two matches, limiting Gasperini's midfield options. The coach intends to use squad rotation across both encounters without overdoing it, deploying 16 available players and rotating every department, particularly during the match itself, to keep players fresh and sharp. Changes will be concentrated on the flanks and in attack, where Gasperini plans to deploy his bench—a habitual method of his—and make best use of the wider midfielders and forwards. Ten players have been alerted for potential involvement: Molina, Lulli, Rensch, Wesley, Dybala, Malen, Soulé, Pellegrini, Castro and Mora. Gasperini will apply different structures to each department based on form and opponent; on the flanks, form and the opposing side will shape decisions, while attacking characteristics of individual players will dictate choices there. Each player effectively has a counterpart regardless of experience or age. Santiago Castro deputises for Donyell Malen at centre-forward. With Lorenzo Pellegrini's return, Matías Soulé will rotate with the former captain. The final pairing pairs high quality: Rodrigo Mora will stand in for Paulo Dybala. Defensive and midfield options are more limited, with Konstantinos Koulierakis unavailable and Cristante ruled out. At Como, Evan N'Dicka will start while Marten de Roon makes his first appearance from the beginning. Leonardo Balerdi and Niccolò Pisilli, recently back from international duty, are first changes off the bench.