Roma's defence under the spotlight as Svilar's absence weighs on Champions League campaign

Roma's run of nine matches in 27 days ends at the Stadio Olimpico the day after next, bringing a demanding spell that has tested the squad on three fronts. The sequence began with Como and Sassuolo, with Champions League fixtures in between, and the last of them is the trip to Manchester United, who could overturn Roma's initial two-goal advantage. The working assumption, noted since late August, is that Roma have improved on last season's third-place finish. Simone Valdarchi, writing in Il Tempo, credits the greater understanding between coach and squad, with the club's transfer business also playing a part. A second, fairly obvious view is that the squad is short in depth. Even if it is not inadequate, it is thin enough to be stretched across three competitions. That is the stress test, and some players have passed it. Soulé's form over this period has stood out, and he has become a key technical reference in the trequarti. Still, the article argues that the team needs something more to keep progressing. D'Amico knows this well.

Matías Soulé has been the standout Roma performer in a grey night at Old Trafford, scoring his first Champions League goal and winning the penalty that Donyell Malen converted, in a game Roma ultimately lost. According to Daniele Aloisi in Il Messaggero, the Argentine is enjoying his best form yet, and the attacking hub for Roma's offence has been Soulé rather than Paulo Dybala, who is currently absent. Soulé has already scored four goals this season, against Lecce, Atalanta, Napoli and Manchester United, and has provided five assists, with his assists coming against Atalanta, Real Madrid (two) and Udinese (two). Last season, at the same stage, he had also scored the same number of goals but only two assists. He is playing a more decisive role than before, and for the first time since joining the club he is not leaving a noticeable gap without Dybala. The article describes Dybala as having become a technical leader, having put behind him the groin problem and, above all, a complicated summer. Soulé had been in the shadows during big matches last season, when his goals came against Pisa, Verona, Fiorentina, Rangers, Cremonese, Genoa and Sassuolo. Soulé has also been recalled to the Argentina squad by coach Scaloni, alongside Leonardo Balerdi and Santiago Castro, and he is set to be the focus of the two friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica.

Fabio Capello has blamed mental and physical fragility for Roma's collapse in Manchester, where the Giallorossi dominated Manchester United in the first half only to fade completely after the break. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Roma manager said the defeat at Old Trafford exposed the club's limits in terms of stamina and mental strength, while also stressing the good work the side has shown against Europe's biggest clubs. Capello described a first half in which Roma were in control in every department: aggression, ball recovery, danger and vision. "In the first half Roma were masters of the game, dominant in everything: aggression, ball recovery, danger and vision. It seemed like an easy match, United had never been dangerous (…)" he said. He then asked whether Roma had believed the game was too easy and gone out too relaxed. "In the second half they did nothing, they didn't play, and never had a shot on goal. It looked like the shirts had been swapped, it's true." Capello said United improved considerably after their substitutions, but above all found an aggression that is typical of Roma. "Roma aren't used to facing teams this aggressive, you don't find opponents like that in Italy. And on Tuesday Roma showed mental cracks, in attention and vigour." He also questioned whether Gasperini's players had spent too much in the first half, adding that the intensity of English football made the difference. Asked whether Gasperini's style is simply too demanding, Capello was clear. "Absolutely, it is a very demanding style of football, but also very beautiful. Roma show exciting things, and that is an advantage for Italian football. But when you compare yourself with players who have certain characteristics, it has been seen that resisting for a long time is difficult. Concentration is extremely important (…)." He recalled a similar collapse against Real Madrid, but said that against Madrid the danger was clear: "if you give the Spaniards 15-20 minutes they punish you immediately." In Manchester, he felt, the impression was of general tiredness. "It was not the outstandingly good United, and perhaps that was also the moral key to the match." On the squad, Capello said Roma's group is shorter than last year, but that Gasperini is well placed in Italy with this group. "In Europe you would probably need a higher level." He also pointed to injuries, saying the numbers speak clearly. "Five substitutions help with player recovery, but the fact is that now you play so much and at such close intervals that it becomes difficult to maintain consistency of performance (…)." Capello acknowledged the regret. "There is disappointment, Roma came close to two wins they would have deserved to put in the trophy cabinet. And instead you end up with zero points (…). But these defeats are part of a process. (…) What Roma showed against Real and United cannot be erased. And they did not do it against a team of Scirocco, but against European powers."

Roma head into the international break with their whole squad available to Gian Piero Gasperini, and the fixture list is now working in their favour. The club have played nine matches in 27 days, and a run of more winnable games is set to follow. This Saturday Sassuolo visit the Stadio Olimpico, a side in serious crisis with coach Aquilani reportedly at risk of being dismissed despite a strong start to the season. The break comes at a crucial moment for Roma, allowing Gasperini to gradually bring back all of his injured players. Manu Koné and Paulo Dybala both hope to be available in two days' time, but after a month out both will certainly be ready for the trip to Parma. Mile Svilar returns in goal at the Tardini. Devyne Rensch, who is dealing with an adductor strain, undergoes instrumental tests today and has two weeks to return to full availability. The next league fixtures for Malen and his team are, on paper at least, easier: Sassuolo, Parma, Monza and Bologna in a row. That gives Roma the chance to build a winning run before the derby against Lazio. In between come the daunting trip to Paris and the Champions League clash with Sporting CP.

Roma's defensive troubles cannot be blamed solely on the absence of goalkeeper Mile Svilar, though the Belgian's impact was clear when he was fit and his absence has been felt since he was sidelined by a finger injury. Before Svilar stepped aside, Roma had conceded four goals: one against Atalanta (Krstovic), one against Fenerbahce (Brown) and two against Inter (a brace from Lautaro). Since then, Roma have shown problems at the back, despite the far from ordinary performances of Gollini. The real imbalance has come in the Champions League, where Roma have conceded eight and scored ten. In Serie A they have conceded 28 and scored 10. The problem Roma continue to struggle with is most evident against the strongest and most prestigious opponents. Gasperini believes the cause is probably a lack of concentration, linked to a missing mentality. The side often gives up control of matches at the first difficulty, a trend present since the start of the season in both league and cup. Roma have suffered comebacks and goals conceded shortly after half-time, and the side has been unable to change the rhythm of games when things go wrong. The group loses its bearings at the first setback and, knowing only one way to play, struggles to create a different tempo or new momentum, Como aside. Finally, the article points to a problem that investment can solve. Roma's squad is very good for the league, but not yet for the demanding double commitment of playing in both Serie A and the Champions League.

Roma's head coach Gian Piero Gasperini faces a growing problem as fatigue, injuries and a squad with limited numbers strain the club's challenge on two fronts: Serie A, where Roma are dreaming of the Scudetto, and the Champions League, where they want to make progress. The problem is that so many players are injured at once, and as the matches pile up and the season accelerates, the physical and mental demands become harder to meet. According to Alessandro Angeloni writing in Il Messaggero, Gasperini has had to deal with a series of significant absences this season. Losing Koné and Dybala in the same period has made things difficult. Covering absences at the back is easier, and while Svilar is missing, the coach has a group of reliable defenders behind him. The midfield is a different proposition: the solutions available are effective, but they depend on the form of those who are fit, and if de Roon begins to pay the price for the workload, it becomes a serious problem. The attack is the most critical area. As is well known, Roma lack a winger with very specific characteristics. Sporting director D'Amico himself has described this as the gap that should be filled in January. Roma need another player who can replace Dybala or Soulé up front, with Endrick cited as an example. Gasperini would like two more forwards in that area to feel comfortable.

Roma are reflecting on a narrow defeat at Manchester United's Old Trafford, with Corriere della Sera highlighting both the individual progress within Gian Piero Gasperini's squad and the structural limits of a group that must compete on three fronts. Those limits, the report says, will require corrections in the January transfer window. Matías Soulé, now a key technical reference on the right side of the attack, is among the bright spots, along with the impact of Malen, who has produced important numbers in the giallorossi shirt, and the consistent form of Ndicka. However, a thin squad and an injury crisis have restricted Gasperini's rotations and exposed the gap with the top sides on Europe's biggest stages. The difficulties against the Red Devils were made worse by heavy absences in goal and in midfield. The club's management and Tony D'Amico, who is already working to identify the profiles needed in January, are reportedly targeting a midfielder and a left-sided winger to give Gasperini the alternatives he has asked for. The squad has returned to Trigoria to prepare for the Serie A clash with Sassuolo. The medical staff are monitoring Manu Koné, who is aiming for a rapid recovery, while the goalkeeping situation centres on Gollini, who is dealing with a back problem, with Colombian Devis Vásquez ready to step in again.

Roma's defensive troubles cannot be blamed solely on the absence of goalkeeper Mile Svilar, though the Belgian's impact was clear when he was fit and his absence has been felt since he was sidelined by a finger injury. Before Svilar stepped aside, Roma had conceded four goals: one against Atalanta (Krstovic), one against Fenerbahce (Brown) and two against Inter (a brace from Lautaro). Since then, Roma have shown problems at the back, despite the far from ordinary performances of Gollini. The real imbalance has come in the Champions League, where Roma have conceded eight and scored ten. In Serie A they have conceded 28 and scored 10. The problem Roma continue to struggle with is most evident against the strongest and most prestigious opponents. Gasperini believes the cause is probably a lack of concentration, linked to a missing mentality. The side often gives up control of matches at the first difficulty, a trend present since the start of the season in both league and cup. Roma have suffered comebacks and goals conceded shortly after half-time, and the side has been unable to change the rhythm of games when things go wrong. The group loses its bearings at the first setback and, knowing only one way to play, struggles to create a different tempo or new momentum, Como aside. Finally, the article points to a problem that investment can solve. Roma's squad is very good for the league, but not yet for the demanding double commitment of playing in both Serie A and the Champions League.

Roma returned to Trigoria on Wednesday evening after their Champions League trip to Manchester United and began preparing immediately for the Serie A match against Sassuolo, with little time to regroup. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is hoping to recover several key players from the treatment room. Manu Koné is progressing well towards full recovery and is aiming to be in contention for a place in the side against the neroverdi. Paulo Dybala has been back training on the pitch for a few days, but the medical staff's caution means he is unlikely to risk excessive effort, making a return to the matchday squad after the international break more likely. In goal, the situation is being monitored closely after recent physical problems. Gasperini returned from England still doubtful over Pierluigi Gollini, who is struggling with back discomfort that will be assessed day by day up to the eve of the match. If Gollini is ruled out, Colombian Devis Vásquez, who started at Old Trafford, is ready to keep his place between the posts for the league fixture as well. Devyne Rensch has also joined the injury list, suffering a muscle strain in his right adductor, and will undergo instrumental tests to determine his recovery time precisely. Gasperini and his staff are weighing up alternatives to reshape the team for the home match against Sassuolo. The Italian report confirms that the Roma squad's fitness updates will continue to be assessed through the coming days, with the coach balancing the returns of Koné and Dybala against the continued uncertainty at goalkeeper and right-back.

Roma are reflecting on a narrow defeat at Manchester United's Old Trafford, with Corriere della Sera highlighting both the individual progress within Gian Piero Gasperini's squad and the structural limits of a group that must compete on three fronts. Those limits, the report says, will require corrections in the January transfer window. Matías Soulé, now a key technical reference on the right side of the attack, is among the bright spots, along with the impact of Malen, who has produced important numbers in the giallorossi shirt, and the consistent form of Ndicka. However, a thin squad and an injury crisis have restricted Gasperini's rotations and exposed the gap with the top sides on Europe's biggest stages. The difficulties against the Red Devils were made worse by heavy absences in goal and in midfield. The club's management and Tony D'Amico, who is already working to identify the profiles needed in January, are reportedly targeting a midfielder and a left-sided winger to give Gasperini the alternatives he has asked for. The squad has returned to Trigoria to prepare for the Serie A clash with Sassuolo. The medical staff are monitoring Manu Koné, who is aiming for a rapid recovery, while the goalkeeping situation centres on Gollini, who is dealing with a back problem, with Colombian Devis Vásquez ready to step in again.

Roma returned to Trigoria on Wednesday evening after their Champions League trip to Manchester United and began preparing immediately for the Serie A match against Sassuolo, with little time to regroup. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is hoping to recover several key players from the treatment room. Manu Koné is progressing well towards full recovery and is aiming to be in contention for a place in the side against the neroverdi. Paulo Dybala has been back training on the pitch for a few days, but the medical staff's caution means he is unlikely to risk excessive effort, making a return to the matchday squad after the international break more likely. In goal, the situation is being monitored closely after recent physical problems. Gasperini returned from England still doubtful over Pierluigi Gollini, who is struggling with back discomfort that will be assessed day by day up to the eve of the match. If Gollini is ruled out, Colombian Devis Vásquez, who started at Old Trafford, is ready to keep his place between the posts for the league fixture as well. Devyne Rensch has also joined the injury list, suffering a muscle strain in his right adductor, and will undergo instrumental tests to determine his recovery time precisely. Gasperini and his staff are weighing up alternatives to reshape the team for the home match against Sassuolo. The Italian report confirms that the Roma squad's fitness updates will continue to be assessed through the coming days, with the coach balancing the returns of Koné and Dybala against the continued uncertainty at goalkeeper and right-back.

Roma are preparing for Saturday evening's trip to Sassuolo, where former player Alberto Aquilani is in charge, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini hoping to have some key players back before the international break. The club is still reeling from its defeat to Manchester United, and the injury news from the treatment room is mixed. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Paulo Dybala faces a decisive fitness test today to check whether the calf problem that has troubled him is fully resolved. The Argentine hopes to earn at least a place in the squad, but the medical staff are not willing to take risks. Sky Sport's latest information is more pessimistic, pointing towards a return after the break. Manu Koné appears to have put his thigh muscle problem behind him and is completing his recovery. The Frenchman's involvement against Sassuolo remains difficult, particularly given his upcoming commitments with the national team, and caution prevails. There is more hope surrounding Pierluigi Gollini, who is out with a back problem but is improving. The goalkeeper could be available again on Saturday; otherwise, Vásquez will once again be tasked with defending the Giallorossi goal. Mile Svilar has no chance of returning before the break. Devyne Rensch's absence is already certain: tests carried out yesterday revealed a slight tear to his right adductor, sustained during the match against Manchester United. The Dutchman is expected to be sidelined for about three weeks.