Roma vs Genoa: Mora, Castro and Balerdi Start

Roma supporters living in Lazio will once again be barred from attending the match at the Maradona stadium against Napoli. The fixture is scheduled for Saturday 24 October with a 6pm kickoff and counts for matchday eight of Serie A. The decision was taken by the Naples prefect, Michele di Bari, on the recommendation of the Committee for the Analysis of Security at Sporting Events, after the police headquarters flagged high risk to public order and safety. The ban is not new, given the tension that has surrounded this fixture for years, but it marks yet another restriction on Roma fans travelling to Naples. Gian Piero Gasperini's side will face a hostile atmosphere at a ground where away supporters have repeatedly been limited. The restriction applies specifically to Roma supporters resident in the Lazio region, who will not be permitted to travel to the Maradona for the match.

Roma supporters will be unable to attend the Serie A match at Napoli's Stadio Maradona on Saturday 24 October, after authorities banned the sale of tickets to all residents of the Lazio region. The measure was adopted by the Naples prefect, Michele di Bari, on the basis of a determination by the Committee for the Analysis of Security at Sporting Events and a proposal from the Naples Police Headquarters (Questura). The ban follows a pattern seen on many occasions in recent years, with Roma away trips to Naples repeatedly restricted. The decision was linked to high risk levels for public order and safety surrounding the fixture, given the history between the two sets of fans. The restriction is not limited to the away section. It covers the sale of tickets to anyone living in Lazio in general, so residents of the region cannot buy a ticket to watch the match at the Maradona, whichever part of the stadium they would sit in.

Donyell Malen has been named the best player of last season's Serie A at the 25th edition of the Manlio Scopigno and Felice Pulici awards, while team-mate Mile Svilar was honoured as the best goalkeeper. The ceremony took place at the Salone d'Onore of the CONI in Rome, in the presence of FIGC president Giovanni Malagò. The awards recognise the stars of Italian football both on and off the pitch. Cristian Chivu (Inter) and Cesc Fabregas (Como) shared the best coach award for last season's Serie A. Massimiliano Alvini, coach of newly promoted Frosinone, was named the best Serie B coach. Mattia Scala, coach of the Roma Primavera side, was named the best youth sector coach, a recognition for the club's academy work. Malen's award follows a season in which he was one of the standout forwards in Serie A. Svilar's win in the goalkeeper category adds to the recognition of Roma's squad, with both players honoured at the same ceremony.

Roma host Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 20 October in the Champions League league phase, a third-matchday fixture kicking off at 21:00, as Gian Piero Gasperini's side look for their first win in the competition. Roma have one point from two games after a draw with Fenerbahce and a 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid, while Slovan are still on zero points. Roma return to Europe on the back of a 2-0 Serie A win over Genoa, coached by Daniele De Rossi, at the Olimpico on Saturday, with goals from Castro and Lulli in the second half. Gasperini rotated heavily after the demanding Real Madrid game. Slovan have lost both opening matches heavily, 6-1 to Paris Saint-Germain and 3-0 to Stuttgart, before a 3-0 away win over Spartak Trnava in the league. Roma's injury list remains long. Mile Svilar is out with a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his foot, so Pierluigi Gollini is expected to keep his place in goal. Manu Koné is sidelined by a first-degree muscle tear suffered against Real Madrid, and Bryan Cristante is aiming to be back for the Serie A match against Napoli. Paulo Dybala has also been ruled out: he initially seemed set to attempt a return for the Champions League, but the latest tests revealed a small calf injury, and Gasperini said he will be out for about another two weeks. The expected Roma side is a 3-4-2-1 with Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso in defence; Lulli, de Roon, Pisilli and Wesley in midfield; Soulé and Pellegrini behind Malen. Balerdi remains a possible option in central defence, while Lulli is favoured over Molina for the wing-back berth. Pellegrini is in contention with Mora for a place alongside Soulé. Roma's bench would include De Marzi, Vásquez, Balerdi, Koulierakis, Ghilardi, Rensch, Molina, Mora and Castro. Slovan Bratislava are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 under Yaya Touré, the formation they used in their recent European outings. Takac is in goal, with Blackman, Bajric, Markovic and Sandro Cruz in defence, and Mustafic and Pokorny in front of them. Barseghyan, Cristian Martinez and Camara are favoured for the attacking midfield, with Sporar leading the line and Griger pushing for a start. Slovan report no suspended players and no significant absences, and should have most of their squad available. The two clubs have met only twice in European competition, in the 2011/12 Europa League play-offs. Slovan won 1-0 away, and Roma could only draw 1-1 at the Olimpico, sending the Slovaks through 2-1 on aggregate. Tuesday's match is the first meeting between the two sides in the Champions League. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport and streamed via Sky Go and NOW. Official line-ups will be confirmed about an hour before kickoff at 21:00 on Tuesday 20 October, and will be available as a live update on the Romanews page.

Roma held a training session ahead of their Champions League match against Slovan, with Lorenzo Pellegrini leading the rondo and Rodrigo Mora joking with Wesley. The giallorossi took to the pitch in the build-up to the Champions League fixture against the Slovak side. The session comes as Roma prepare for a European test against Slovan, with the club competing in the Champions League this season. The Italian report also points to a busy spell of news around the squad, including a rondo session led by Pellegrini and light-hearted moments involving Mora.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed that Paulo Dybala will be sidelined for at least two weeks after a scan revealed a minor tear, ahead of Roma's Champions League home match against Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow at 21:00. Speaking at his pre-match press conference at Trigoria, Gasperini said: "We hoped it would be a bit quicker, but the latest scan he had yesterday showed a minor tear too, which will mean a stop of at least two weeks." Roma are in the Champions League, third matchday, and need three points to climb the table. Gasperini said of their opponents: "It is a dynamic team, prepared athletically, and they have some excellent players. In the Champions League they are not among the top seeds, but we will certainly not underestimate them, because tomorrow we need to win to keep our chances of going through alive." Asked about the Champions League points target, he said: "Over these three years of the new format, the line has always been around 10 points. We need to win our home games starting with tomorrow's, and there is also the chance to pick up points away, although all those grounds are difficult. The aim is certainly to get back into that bracket." On Dybala, Gasperini was also asked about Cristante, who he said should be recoverable for the Napoli match, with a return to group training possible from Wednesday or Thursday. Gasperini added that the Dybala timeline had been longer than hoped. Asked about the rotation for tomorrow night, he said: "It is normal, because we still have some absences. We recover Malen, who was suspended. On Saturday we are at Napoli and another tough run begins, with Napoli, Cagliari, Udine and Manchester, so we must also think about some rotation, although what you prepare on paper rarely happens, because something else always happens on the pitch." On the midfield, Gasperini said Pisilli and De Roon had played three matches in a week, and that Pellegrini could play as a more advanced player or in midfield while Cristante is out. He said: "I hope Hermoso stays where he is and that this need doesn't arise." Asked about Castro and Malen playing together, Gasperini praised Castro's recent goal and said: "I don't want to distort the geometry and patterns of a team that is scoring and creating many chances just for the desire to show two players together. There is an attack that works, with different characteristics, and for now that's fine." On Lulli, Gasperini said he had noticed him last year and often included him in training. He said: "He has excellent physical qualities: his speed and endurance are truly top level, above the Serie A average. He is humble and wants to improve; he has a lot to grow, but a couple of characteristics above the average. When these situations arise, they must be pursued." On Mora and Gollini, Gasperini said Mora is in the rotation and has always played when available, adding: "He has a particular physique, he is small but very young. He has a talent that shows immediately, and we need to help him grow." On Gollini, he said: "He has always been an excellent goalkeeper, and we played the Champions League together. Over his career he lacked a bit of maturity, which he has reached now at an older age." Gasperini also addressed squad rotation after making seven changes against Genoa, saying: "We have some absences still, we recover Malen who was suspended, and then on Saturday we are at Napoli." He added that the squad had been managed carefully because the Genoa game had required physical preparation after the Real Madrid match. He said Slovan Bratislava, who have lost their first two Champions League matches, could not be underestimated: "We must win because the table demands it, but we will certainly face a prepared team."

Roma host Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 20 October in the Champions League league phase, a third-matchday fixture kicking off at 21:00, as Gian Piero Gasperini's side look for their first win in the competition. Roma have one point from two games after a draw with Fenerbahce and a 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid, while Slovan are still on zero points. Roma return to Europe on the back of a 2-0 Serie A win over Genoa, coached by Daniele De Rossi, at the Olimpico on Saturday, with goals from Castro and Lulli in the second half. Gasperini rotated heavily after the demanding Real Madrid game. Slovan have lost both opening matches heavily, 6-1 to Paris Saint-Germain and 3-0 to Stuttgart, before a 3-0 away win over Spartak Trnava in the league. Roma's injury list remains long. Mile Svilar is out with a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his foot, so Pierluigi Gollini is expected to keep his place in goal. Manu Koné is sidelined by a first-degree muscle tear suffered against Real Madrid, and Bryan Cristante is aiming to be back for the Serie A match against Napoli. Paulo Dybala has also been ruled out: he initially seemed set to attempt a return for the Champions League, but the latest tests revealed a small calf injury, and Gasperini said he will be out for about another two weeks. The expected Roma side is a 3-4-2-1 with Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso in defence; Lulli, de Roon, Pisilli and Wesley in midfield; Soulé and Pellegrini behind Malen. Balerdi remains a possible option in central defence, while Lulli is favoured over Molina for the wing-back berth. Pellegrini is in contention with Mora for a place alongside Soulé. Roma's bench would include De Marzi, Vásquez, Balerdi, Koulierakis, Ghilardi, Rensch, Molina, Mora and Castro. Slovan Bratislava are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 under Yaya Touré, the formation they used in their recent European outings. Takac is in goal, with Blackman, Bajric, Markovic and Sandro Cruz in defence, and Mustafic and Pokorny in front of them. Barseghyan, Cristian Martinez and Camara are favoured for the attacking midfield, with Sporar leading the line and Griger pushing for a start. Slovan report no suspended players and no significant absences, and should have most of their squad available. The two clubs have met only twice in European competition, in the 2011/12 Europa League play-offs. Slovan won 1-0 away, and Roma could only draw 1-1 at the Olimpico, sending the Slovaks through 2-1 on aggregate. Tuesday's match is the first meeting between the two sides in the Champions League. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport and streamed via Sky Go and NOW. Official line-ups will be confirmed about an hour before kickoff at 21:00 on Tuesday 20 October, and will be available as a live update on the Romanews page.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini says Santiago Castro and Donyell Malen can play together, but he does not want to change the way the team plays to make it happen. Speaking to the media, he said: "Per caratteristiche potrebbe essere la partita per vederli insieme ma non so se dall'inizio o a partita in corso", which translates as: "Given their characteristics, it could be the match to see them together, but I don't know whether from the start or during the game." The comments point to a possible tactical option for Roma, with the pair able to share the pitch in attack. Gasperini's stance, however, is that the team's identity comes first, and he is not prepared to reshape the side around the two forwards. The headline quote is taken from Gasperini's remarks on Castro and Malen, published on 19 October 2026. Forzaroma.info, the source, is the outlet carrying the coach's comments.

Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed Paulo Dybala will be out for another two weeks, with the Argentine forward suffering a small tear ahead of Roma's match against Slovan. Gasperini said: "Ci vorranno altre due settimane. Ha una piccola lesione", which translates as "It will take another two weeks. He has a small tear." The coach admitted the club had hoped for a quicker recovery: "Speravamo fosse più veloce il recupero", meaning "We hoped the recovery would be faster." The news is a blow for Roma as Gasperini looks to rebuild momentum. The update came as the coach assessed Dybala's condition before the Slovan fixture, with the injury forcing a longer spell on the sidelines than initially expected. Related Roma coverage in the same news cycle has focused on Gasperini's view that Roma need 10 points to qualify for the playoffs, and his comments that Dybala's recovery will take longer. Sources also reported on the club's squad, with Santiago Castro drawing praise after a standout goal against Genoa, which Di Canio described as proof he is a superior player.

Roma face Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League on Tuesday 20 October at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico, just two days after beating Genoa on Saturday evening. Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the fixture at his press conference, stressing that his side will not underestimate their opponents because they need to win to keep their qualification hopes alive. Gasperini said: "We will not underestimate the opponent because we need to win to fuel our chances of going through. To reach the playoffs we need 10 points, starting from this match." Roma go into the match with a fresh fitness concern, as Paulo Dybala is set to be out for at least two weeks. Lorenzo Pellegrini, who sat alongside Gasperini at the press conference, is likely to start tomorrow. Pellegrini said: "I'm well. The annual contract was the club's choice, my priority was Roma." Two places in the starting line-up remain open heading into the match. One is the central defensive berth, a choice between Leonardo Balerdi and Evan N'Dicka, with the former ahead in the race. The other is the right-back spot, where Emanuele Lulli or Nahuel Molina are in contention, with Lulli currently ahead. Slovan Bratislava head coach Yaya Touré also spoke at his press conference: "Great respect for Roma and for Gasp, here the details count."

Roma's probable starting line-up for their meeting with Slovan has been published, with Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly bringing back the No. 23 and Mario Hermoso returning to the defence. Gianluca Mancini is expected to start, while Soulé and Pellegrini are set to operate behind Malen. The central defensive berth is a contest between Leonardo Balerdi and Evan N'Dicka. Molina is pushing Lulli for a place at right-back, and in midfield Marten de Roon and Niccolò Pisilli are expected to start. Beyond the selection, the wider build-up has also produced news on the injury front. Paulo Dybala has a small tear and is expected to be out for a period, while Gasperini has said Roma need 10 points to qualify for the playoffs and that Dybala's recovery will take longer.

Roma host Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 20 October in the Champions League league phase, a third-matchday fixture kicking off at 21:00, as Gian Piero Gasperini's side look for their first win in the competition. Roma have one point from two games after a draw with Fenerbahce and a 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid, while Slovan are still on zero points. Roma return to Europe on the back of a 2-0 Serie A win over Genoa, coached by Daniele De Rossi, at the Olimpico on Saturday, with goals from Castro and Lulli in the second half. Gasperini rotated heavily after the demanding Real Madrid game. Slovan have lost both opening matches heavily, 6-1 to Paris Saint-Germain and 3-0 to Stuttgart, before a 3-0 away win over Spartak Trnava in the league. Roma's injury list remains long. Mile Svilar is out with a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his foot, so Pierluigi Gollini is expected to keep his place in goal. Manu Koné is sidelined by a first-degree muscle tear suffered against Real Madrid, and Bryan Cristante is aiming to be back for the Serie A match against Napoli. Paulo Dybala has also been ruled out: he initially seemed set to attempt a return for the Champions League, but the latest tests revealed a small calf injury, and Gasperini said he will be out for about another two weeks. The expected Roma side is a 3-4-2-1 with Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso in defence; Lulli, de Roon, Pisilli and Wesley in midfield; Soulé and Pellegrini behind Malen. Balerdi remains a possible option in central defence, while Lulli is favoured over Molina for the wing-back berth. Pellegrini is in contention with Mora for a place alongside Soulé. Roma's bench would include De Marzi, Vásquez, Balerdi, Koulierakis, Ghilardi, Rensch, Molina, Mora and Castro. Slovan Bratislava are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 under Yaya Touré, the formation they used in their recent European outings. Takac is in goal, with Blackman, Bajric, Markovic and Sandro Cruz in defence, and Mustafic and Pokorny in front of them. Barseghyan, Cristian Martinez and Camara are favoured for the attacking midfield, with Sporar leading the line and Griger pushing for a start. Slovan report no suspended players and no significant absences, and should have most of their squad available. The two clubs have met only twice in European competition, in the 2011/12 Europa League play-offs. Slovan won 1-0 away, and Roma could only draw 1-1 at the Olimpico, sending the Slovaks through 2-1 on aggregate. Tuesday's match is the first meeting between the two sides in the Champions League. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport and streamed via Sky Go and NOW. Official line-ups will be confirmed about an hour before kickoff at 21:00 on Tuesday 20 October, and will be available as a live update on the Romanews page.