Roma Women Beat Lazio 3–1 in Lopsided Derby

Bryan Cristante's absence through injury poses Roma's first serious tactical problem of the season, forcing Gian Piero Gasperini to decide not just who replaces him but how the midfield will function without him. Cristante has been one of the squad's most-used players and, as Gasperini described him at the Festival dello Sport, operates as the team's "control room"—providing positioning, reading, coverage and defensive balance that allows Manu Koné to focus on breaking lines and driving forward. Simply inserting the next midfielder from the bench will not replicate those functions. Gasperini has three principal options. Marten de Roon, familiar with the coach's system from their time together, would offer the most conservative approach: changing the player while preserving the team's on-field balance. Niccolò Pisilli, a product of Roma's academy, brings running power, aggression and attacking thrust, but would require Koné to shoulder greater responsibility in defensive positioning. A third path would shift Koné lower into the holding role he has played for France, giving Pisilli more freedom. The choice carries extra weight because Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, will build from the back and draw out opposition pressure—exactly where Cristante's absence could prove most costly. Gasperini has already stated he expects both teams to play to win, demanding both aggression in winning the ball back and composure once the initial press breaks. The fixture at Como represents more than three points. Until now, Gasperini has established clearly defined hierarchies within his squad; now he must demonstrate multiple ways to maintain the same equilibrium. With nine matches in 28 days ahead, Gasperini will need to confirm that his "control room" can function through different circuits. De Roon guarantees continuity, Pisilli raises tempo and vertical play, Koné can shift roles. The solution chosen will signal what kind of Roma the coach envisions when real rotation begins.

France and Italy drew 1-1 in a Nations League match at the Stade de France in Paris. Olise scored for France and Bastoni for Italy. Roma's two international representatives in the squads, Manu Koné and Gianluca Mancini, both remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes. The fixture was billed as one of the tournament's flagship matches between the sides managed by Zidane and Mancini.

Italy's U21 side won 1–0 away to Armenia in Yerevan in their penultimate European Championship qualifier on 1 October. The match remained goalless at half-time despite Italy creating multiple chances. The Azzurrini stepped up the pressure in the second half, though a Koleosho penalty was saved by Ghazaryan. Cisse sealed victory in the 96th minute with a decisive finish that keeps Italy's qualification hopes alive. For the group to be won, Italy must beat Poland in a direct encounter on Monday 5 October in Pescara, but must do so by a margin of two goals. Only the group winners and the best runner-up qualify for the European Championship. Two Roma players featured: Niccolò Pisilli started and played the full match, while Emanuele Lulli came on at half-time and contributed to Italy's second-half siege. Both received yellow cards, Pisilli in the 31st minute and Lulli in the 94th.