Roma's defenders are making the goals count, with one in four coming from the centre-backs

Roma have scored more late goals than almost anyone in Serie A this season, with only Inter having a better record in the closing stages of matches. Their latest late surge came against Cagliari, where Rodrigo Mora and Malen struck in the final five minutes. Roma have now scored seven goals after the 75th minute in nine league matches, two fewer than Inter, who beat the Giallorossi yesterday. The pattern marks a clear change from last season. Writing in Il Tempo, Lorenzo Pes noted that Gasperini's first Roma side struggled badly to overturn results and often lost games once they fell behind. This season's team attacks with order even when little time remains, and it has shown a hunger for major targets. The comeback at Napoli was followed by another late strike against Cagliari, and the squad has rallied in the closing stages of several games. Gasperini can now draw on important options from the bench, and the numbers show that substitutes have often decided matches. Two of the late goals came against Cagliari from Mora and Malen. Balerdi made the difference at Napoli, Soulé did so against Atalanta, and Pisilli did so in the first matchday against Fiorentina.

Roma have 21 points after nine Serie A matchdays, the same total as a year ago, but the similarity ends there, according to Simone Valdarchi writing in Il Corriere della Sera. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini says the apparent paradox applies to his second Roma side, which has absorbed his tactical principles and now plays almost by memory. The squad's average quality has also risen thanks to the transfer market. The clearest evidence is in attack. In the first nine rounds of Serie A 2025/26, Roma scored with a trickle, spreading their 10 goals across the matches. This season, in the same nine matchdays, the giallorossi have scored 23 goals, more than double the figure from the same stretch a year ago. Such a prolific start has not been seen at Trigoria for a long time; the last comparable beginning came in the 2016/17 season under Spalletti. Ten years on, Gasperini's Roma have Donyell Malen as their guiding star. Across the three Champions League matches played so far, with 8 goals scored, Roma have already had 12 different players find the net. Malen is the driving force, but the article stresses that he is backed by a team ready to support him up front. Malen is no longer alone, and the goals are coming from across the side rather than from one man.

Roma have scored 23 goals so far this season, more than double the 10 they managed over the same period last year, and 12 different players have found the net across all competitions. Corriere della Sera reports that the side under Gian Piero Gasperini has raised its attacking output considerably. Donyell Malen is the focal point of the attack. The Dutch forward has scored 10 goals in 11 appearances this season and has also provided 6 assists in 31 appearances in total. Roma's real strength, however, lies in the variety of its options and the involvement of the whole squad. The goals have come from strikers, defenders and midfielders alike. Pisilli has scored 4 goals, matching his tally from last season. Other scorers include Hermoso, Balerdi, Lulli and Koné. Gasperini's side is constantly evolving, combining the finishing of its main striker with a strong collective approach in play.

Roma's centre-backs have been a major source of goals this season, accounting for almost 25 per cent of the club's total across all competitions, despite some recent lapses in league and cup outings. Gasperini's defenders have scored 31 goals in twelve matches in all competitions, making them a decisive attacking weapon as well as a source of solidity. Leonardo Balerdi scored a decisive brace at the Maradona, while young Ghilardi has quickly established himself as a valid alternative and has been a starter in recent games. Ndicka, Mancini and Hermoso also feature in the rotation, with Hermoso sidelined only by a physical complaint. The injury picture remains important ahead of a congested run of fixtures, with Udinese and the Champions League coming up in quick succession. Mile Svilar is ready to return from his finger injury, but while he works to regain his best form, Pierluigi Gollini will keep goal for the trip to Friuli. Paulo Dybala has no chance of a quick return. The Argentine forward suffered a new setback caused by an oedema that revealed a calf lesion, forcing him to miss the Champions League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The medical staff do not want to take any risks, and have set his target for a return to action for the Serie A match against Sassuolo.

Former Roma player Zibi Boniek believes Lazio's strong start to the season is helping to keep Roma sharp, given the rivalry between the two Rome clubs. Roma and Lazio are both sitting high in the table after the opening stretch of the league season, something that has not happened for several years. Speaking to 'Rete Sport', Boniek said: "The stronger Lazio go, the more Roma will maintain their level of concentration to do just as well, given the city rivalry." The Polish former player, a Serie A champion with Roma, praised Lazio's head coach Gattuso: "I adore him, because he is a real person who doesn't hide and says what he thinks: he is a good coach. If he gets too many points he becomes unpleasant (laughs)." On Lazio's play, Boniek added: "Lazio play well. I saw them yesterday against Sassuolo. They are a very fast team that always goes vertical with lots of overlaps, and they don't play any tiki-taka." Turning to Roma, Boniek described a match that looked closed before a late goal from Mora, whom he said had shown little before. "The Portuguese is a player with good individual technique, but his physical structure had not helped him. I hope this goal can raise his level of self-esteem." He said Roma started well but slowed in the second half, believing they could hold on, and conceded to Maldini. The immediate response from the giallorossi, he said, shows that players on the bench can make a difference. He praised Ghilardi for a cross and an overlap, despite playing little. Boniek noted that the first-choice defensive trio is Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso, but said that former Verona player Balerdi is a player of real calibre. He asked whether Mancini might move to the bench for Balerdi, adding that he has almost become the first striker. He also said there is much of Mancini in Pisilli's second goal, with Mancini's pass setting up Lulli, whose cross found Niccolò. On the team selection, Boniek said: "Yesterday he was tricked by Fadera, but I am not sending anyone to the bench. Clearly if there are 20 players of equal level, you have to assess who is tired, but Gasperini does this very well. He then brought on Ghilardi, who passed a decisive ball to Mora." Finally, Boniek spoke about Soulé, a 2003-born player: "He is changing. When you train with a good coach, you improve. He is also more resilient now. Players grow at 26-27, let alone at his age. Yesterday I liked him very much."

Roma will not return to Rome after their Serie A trip to Udine, instead travelling straight on to Manchester for their Champions League fixture against Manchester United on 3 November. Roma face Udinese on Saturday 31 October at 18:00. Angelo Mangiante, speaking on Mana Mana Sport, reported that the squad will train in Udine on Sunday morning, before leaving from Trieste airport for Manchester in the afternoon, in order to ease the travel burden of an intense week of league and Champions League matches. The transfer market is also on the agenda. Roma are looking to broaden the options available to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, and Carlos Forbs, a Portuguese attacking winger born in 2002 who plays for Brugge, is reportedly among the profiles being monitored. Roma have reportedly sent scouts to San Siro to watch Forbs in the match against Inter and assess the player closely. Competition is strong, however, with Tottenham and Manchester United, along with other Premier League clubs, also reportedly interested. Brugge set a valuation of around 30 million euros in the summer, a figure that could still form the basis of any negotiation. Gasperini was also remembered in a tribute to the late journalist Mario Sconcerti, at the second edition of the award dedicated to him, held at the Salone d'Onore of the CONI in Rome and aimed at younger generations. Gasperini sent a video message to the students present, highlighting the value of Sconcerti's professional legacy: "A warning about what his profession was, his capacity. It is a lesson that will stay with you in your future profession." Following Roma's recent match against Cagliari, Marcacci spoke on Radio Radio: "Mora was good: full credit to him, for taking advantage of the defender's mistake from Cagliari. We will remember Mora's goal at the end of the season, because it came at a moment when Cagliari had more energy in the tank. Gasp's rebukes started from the first minutes: he sensed the match would be difficult, and Roma suffered against Cagliari. Mancini struggled and leaves too much space behind him. A note of credit for the crowd, who were involved; the team needed that push." Pedrelli, on Radio Bruno Roma, added: "With Lulli and Pisilli the future is already here. I wish Mora and Ghilardi more space. Well done also to Gollini. What a Roma this is, who keep trying until the end. No one excluded."

Former Roma player Zibi Boniek believes Lazio's strong start to the season is helping to keep Roma sharp, given the rivalry between the two Rome clubs. Roma and Lazio are both sitting high in the table after the opening stretch of the league season, something that has not happened for several years. Speaking to 'Rete Sport', Boniek said: "The stronger Lazio go, the more Roma will maintain their level of concentration to do just as well, given the city rivalry." The Polish former player, a Serie A champion with Roma, praised Lazio's head coach Gattuso: "I adore him, because he is a real person who doesn't hide and says what he thinks: he is a good coach. If he gets too many points he becomes unpleasant (laughs)." On Lazio's play, Boniek added: "Lazio play well. I saw them yesterday against Sassuolo. They are a very fast team that always goes vertical with lots of overlaps, and they don't play any tiki-taka." Turning to Roma, Boniek described a match that looked closed before a late goal from Mora, whom he said had shown little before. "The Portuguese is a player with good individual technique, but his physical structure had not helped him. I hope this goal can raise his level of self-esteem." He said Roma started well but slowed in the second half, believing they could hold on, and conceded to Maldini. The immediate response from the giallorossi, he said, shows that players on the bench can make a difference. He praised Ghilardi for a cross and an overlap, despite playing little. Boniek noted that the first-choice defensive trio is Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso, but said that former Verona player Balerdi is a player of real calibre. He asked whether Mancini might move to the bench for Balerdi, adding that he has almost become the first striker. He also said there is much of Mancini in Pisilli's second goal, with Mancini's pass setting up Lulli, whose cross found Niccolò. On the team selection, Boniek said: "Yesterday he was tricked by Fadera, but I am not sending anyone to the bench. Clearly if there are 20 players of equal level, you have to assess who is tired, but Gasperini does this very well. He then brought on Ghilardi, who passed a decisive ball to Mora." Finally, Boniek spoke about Soulé, a 2003-born player: "He is changing. When you train with a good coach, you improve. He is also more resilient now. Players grow at 26-27, let alone at his age. Yesterday I liked him very much."

Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari, with substitutes Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen breaking a 2-2 deadlock after goals from Lulli and Pisilli. The win was built on the bench: Mora headed in a decisive goal, and Malen added a third for Roma against Cagliari, scoring the winner with a sharp finish. Gasperini's side were far from comfortable for long spells, and the match was tough and rugged throughout. The game was tense and difficult for the hosts. Roma's attacking DNA left space at the back, and Cagliari exploited it, particularly when they raised the tempo. Gollini was outstanding in goal, making several saves, while Soulé also earned praise for his performance. Ghilardi, who came on in the 81st minute, made an immediate impact with a sharp overlap and a cross that drew praise. Gasperini directed the team from the first minutes and was seen gesturing to his players and taking off his jacket during a tense spell. Lulli had a standout display, scoring the first goal after a fine run and an elegant finish, and he also assisted Pisilli for the second. Lulli's new contract was described as a boost of pure energy. Pisilli, who had to defend an accidental handball early on that was punished after the on-field review, recovered with a quick, sharp finish. Molina created the equaliser with a sharp turn and a perfect cross, though his flank was the quieter one in the first half. Mora's goal came with a header, and he celebrated with a line that the short guy is often forgotten. Mora was praised for his talent and humour. Malen came on and created chaos before his decisive finish. Rensch, who replaced Lulli in the 76th minute, was caught out on the flank as Cagliari levelled, nearly complicating matters further. De Roon was praised for his workrate despite the rotation, and Castro struggled to find his rhythm, touching the ball only 17 times after the break. Mancini had a mixed match, starting as a centre-forward and firing an early shot at Caprile, but was visibly tired and was outpaced by Fadera before being replaced by Ghilardi. Koulierakis won several duels and made a crucial save in one instance, though his build-up play was still a work in progress. N'Dicka stayed calm and held his position despite Nzola's more determined attempts. Cristante was active, touching countless balls and contributing to Lulli's goal before taking a defensive role late on.

Roma return to the Stadio Olimpico to face Cagliari, coached by Pisacane, after the 1-1 draw at Napoli. Gasperini has made some changes for the match. Cagliari have had a strong start to the league season but come into the game on the back of two heavy defeats, against Monza and Bologna. Roma line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Koulierakis; Lulli, De Roon, Pisilli, Molina; Soulé, Cristante; Castro. Balerdi, who scored a brace at the Maradona in Naples, is among the substitutes, alongside Vásquez, De Marzi, Rensch, Ghilardi, Mora, Wesley, Hermoso, Malen, Arena and Camara. Gasperini is in charge. Cagliari set up in a 5-4-1 formation: Caprile; Ze Pedro, Sugawara, Mina, Rodriguez, Obert; Romano, Deiola; Adopo, Fadera; Nzola. Their substitutes are Sherri, Radunovic, Kofler, Aurelio, Liteta, Sulev, Fazzini, Gagliardini, Ciervo, Maldini, Carlos, Mendy and Trepy. Pisacane is the Cagliari coach.

Mile Svilar faces a decisive fitness test today as he works towards returning from a foot fracture, with Roma's goalkeeper having flown back from Belgium, where he has spent recent weeks on his recovery. The main target is the Roma-Sassuolo fixture on 7 November, though a return for the Manchester trip is not ruled out, according to Il Tempo's Lorenzo Pes. Roma's infirmary at Trigoria remains busy after a run of injuries in recent weeks. Hermoso and Balerdi, who both stayed on the bench for 90 minutes against Cagliari with physical complaints, are not a cause for concern and are expected to be available for the match against Udinese. The picture is less clear for Paulo Dybala. After the Cagliari game, Gian Piero Gasperini raised concern by casting doubt on the Argentine's availability for the next league fixture. Koné is also hoping to be back before the international break.

Roma's centre-backs have been a major source of goals this season, accounting for almost 25 per cent of the club's total across all competitions, despite some recent lapses in league and cup outings. Gasperini's defenders have scored 31 goals in twelve matches in all competitions, making them a decisive attacking weapon as well as a source of solidity. Leonardo Balerdi scored a decisive brace at the Maradona, while young Ghilardi has quickly established himself as a valid alternative and has been a starter in recent games. Ndicka, Mancini and Hermoso also feature in the rotation, with Hermoso sidelined only by a physical complaint. The injury picture remains important ahead of a congested run of fixtures, with Udinese and the Champions League coming up in quick succession. Mile Svilar is ready to return from his finger injury, but while he works to regain his best form, Pierluigi Gollini will keep goal for the trip to Friuli. Paulo Dybala has no chance of a quick return. The Argentine forward suffered a new setback caused by an oedema that revealed a calf lesion, forcing him to miss the Champions League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The medical staff do not want to take any risks, and have set his target for a return to action for the Serie A match against Sassuolo.

Paulo Dybala's return to action has suffered another setback, with Roma's medical staff deciding against any risk and delaying the Argentine's comeback. Further clinical tests revealed an oedema that had masked a small lesion to the gastrocnemius muscle in his right calf. The injury was sustained during the match against Real Madrid on 14 October, and it will force the "Joya" to miss Roma's Champions League trip to Manchester United at Old Trafford. The club and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini are taking a cautious approach. The concrete target for Dybala's return is the Serie A fixture against Sassuolo on 7 November, which comes before the international break. Dybala's enforced absence opens up new tactical options for the attack. Ahead of the next league trip to Udinese, Rodrigo Mora is putting himself forward for a fresh chance to start, aiming to build consistency and confirm the progress he showed after scoring the decisive goal against Cagliari. The news on the other injured players is mixed. Hermoso and Balerdi have recovered from their exertions and offered strong assurances. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar has returned from Belgium for key tests on his recovery from a fractured toe, with hopes he can earn a late call-up for Manchester or the match in Udine. Koné remains sidelined and will need a further period of rest before he is available to Gasperini again.