Roma's draw in Istanbul: the point is welcome, but self-satisfaction is not

Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar is aiming to return before the November international break, with an MRI scan in Belgium scheduled for Thursday 29 October. The Serbia international is recovering from a fracture to his fifth toe, and the scan will determine whether he can resume training ahead of upcoming matches. According to ForzaRoma.info, the discomfort has decreased and Svilar hopes to bring his initially planned timeline forward. A trip to Manchester United on 3 November remains difficult for regulatory reasons. Under UEFA rules, after an injured goalkeeper is replaced on the list, at least 30 days must pass from the date of the injury, not from the date the change was communicated. Reinstating him also requires the player to be declared fit and the club to notify UEFA within the set deadlines. For this reason, the home match against Sassuolo on 7 November currently appears a more realistic prospect for Svilar's return. Gollini will continue in goal against Cagliari and Udinese. The article focuses on the timing of Svilar's recovery and the UEFA eligibility rules that govern his possible return to the Champions League fixture in Manchester, while Sassuolo at home is seen as the more likely target.

Matías Soulé has become an indispensable figure in Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical setup, and Paulo Dybala is closing in on a return to the attack alongside him. Soulé put in a top-class display in the draw against Napoli, with four key passes, an 88% pass completion rate, four duels won, four dribbles and a high number of balls recovered. With three goals and one assist in eight league matches, the 2003-born forward appears transformed, more daring, incisive and decisive in the big games. Soulé's rise comes after a complicated summer marked by transfer rumours and the after-effects of a groin problem (pubalgia) that kept him sidelined for much of last season. Now he is set to form a potent attacking partnership with Dybala again. La Joya has almost recovered from a slight calf injury picked up against Real Madrid and has trained partly with the group, and he is pushing hard to be fit for the home match against Cagliari. In Gasperini's 3-4-2-1, the two Argentines require specific balance. When Dybala is on the pitch, Soulé is shifted to the right flank, a position that does not curb his forward runs but demands constant coordination. The coach nonetheless values the versatility and total willingness to sacrifice of both players, which are key to keeping Roma's attack competitive. The squad continues its preparations for the next league fixture. On the injury front, Koné will have to wait a few more days for a full recovery, although his condition is improving markedly. Attention is also being paid to travel ahead of the next Champions League fixture against Manchester United: after the match in Udine, the team will fly directly to England from Trieste, a decision planned by the coaching staff to manage energy levels and avoid travel stress for the players.

Matías Soulé has returned to a central role in Gian Piero Gasperini's attack after overcoming the pubalgia problems that held back his form early in 2026. The Argentine forward has played 504 league minutes, making him the striker Gasperini has used most so far and ahead of fellow forwards Malen and Dybala. His performance at the Maradona, which included a superb goal that sparked Roma's comeback, showed his personality, his link-up play in tight spaces and his consistent impact in the final third. Il Tempo reports that there is good news from the Fulvio Bernardini training centre in Trigoria on the injury front, as the infirmary begins to empty. Cristante has returned to full training, and Paulo Dybala is progressing towards full recovery. Dybala left the European match against Real Madrid during the first half with a slight calf injury, has taken part in part of the group training session and is pushing hard for a place in the squad for the home match against Cagliari. There are also encouraging signs in goal. Mile Svilar, sidelined by a stress fracture in his right foot, will undergo new checks in Belgium on Thursday. If the result is positive, the goalkeeper could return before the international break. That would open the possibility of adding or swapping him on the UEFA list ahead of the Champions League trip to Manchester United on 3 November, using the rule that allows an injured goalkeeper to be replaced after a minimum period out.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 27 October at 20:45 in the ninth round of Serie A, with Gian Piero Gasperini weighing up some changes after the 3-3 draw at Napoli's Maradona. Roma remain unbeaten in Serie A and sit third with 18 points from eight matches, having drawn their head-to-head clashes against Inter, Como and Napoli. Cagliari, coached by Fabio Pisacane, are ninth on 13 points and come into the game on the back of two consecutive defeats, against Monza and Bologna. Roma are looking to return immediately to winning ways to stay within touching distance of the top of the table. The trip to Naples was described as a costly one, and Gasperini is considering some rotation. Dybala is returning towards the matchday squad but is expected to start on the bench. Svilar, Koné and Pellegrini are ruled out. Gollini keeps his place in goal, while Ghilardi could get a chance in defence alongside N'Dicka and Balerdi. Cristante starts in midfield from the first minute alongside Pisilli. Lulli and Molina are favoured on the flanks, with Soulé and Rodrigo Mora expected to support Malen up front. For Cagliari, Pisacane must do without Winks, who is sidelined by lumbar pain, as well as Felici and Idrissi. Trepy returns to the matchday squad. Yerry Mina is set to return to the starting line-up in defence, while Sugawara and Zé Pedro compete for a place on the right. Gagliardini will take Winks' place in midfield, with Maldini and Adopo expected to play behind Mendy, although Kevin Carlos remains a possible option. The match will be broadcast exclusively on DAZN, available through the DAZN app on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, consoles and computers. There will be no live broadcast on the traditional Sky Sport channels. Kick-off at the Stadio Olimpico is set for 20:45 on Tuesday 27 October. Bookmakers make Roma clear favourites. A Roma win is priced on average between 1.33 and 1.35, a draw around 4.90-5.00, and a Cagliari win between 8.25 and 9.60. The market also expects a game with at least three goals, with Over 2.5 favoured over Under, and No Goal offered at a slightly lower price than Goal. The 2-0 correct score to Roma carries the shortest odds at around 6.50, ahead of 1-0 and 2-1. ROMA (3-4-2-1): Gollini; Ghilardi, Ndicka, Balerdi; Lulli, Cristante, Pisilli, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Manager: Gasperini. CAGLIARI (4-3-2-1): Caprile; Sugawara, Mina, Rodriguez, Obert; Romano, Gagliardini, Deiola; Adopo, Maldini; Mendy. Manager: Pisacane. Referee: Ermanno Feliciani (Teramo). Assistants: Zingarelli and Fontani. Fourth official: Mariani. VAR: Ghersini. AVAR: Camplone.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday in midweek Serie A action, with both sides looking to bounce back from disappointing weekend results. Roma came from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Napoli at the Maradona Stadium on Saturday, while Cagliari lost 2-0 at home to Bologna. Gian Piero Gasperini's side remain unbeaten in Serie A (W5, D3) and have avoided defeat in their first eight league matches of the season for the first time since 2013/14. However, a third draw in their last four league outings has left the Giallorossi four points behind joint leaders Inter and Lazio. Roma are vying for their first Scudetto since the beginning of the century and will be desperate to return to winning ways against a Cagliari side they have enjoyed plenty of success against at the Olimpico lately. Fabio Pisacane's team face a stern test. Cagliari have suffered nine defeats in their last 11 league visits to Rome (D2) and have not scored in any of their four away league meetings with Roma since 2022 (L4), including a 2-0 defeat in the corresponding fixture last season. Bologna's win condemned Cagliari to back-to-back league defeats for the first time since April, and the Sardinians have slipped to mid-table after a promising five-game start (W4, L1). They are winless in three consecutive league games (D1, L2), following a 4-0 defeat at Monza on their last Serie A trip. Their defence has also struggled: after conceding just twice in the opening five rounds, they have let in seven goals in their last three league outings. Cagliari last beat Roma at the Olimpico in February 2013. Roma have been strong at home, winning three of their four home league matches in 2026/27 (D1) and scoring at least two goals on each occasion. They have lost only one of their last 11 home games in all competitions (W8, D2), the exception being a 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid in this season's Champions League. The Giallorossi have won six of their last seven Tuesday Serie A fixtures (L1) and have netted two or more goals in eight consecutive home outings. That feat has been managed in three of their last five home clashes against Cagliari. Gasperini's attacking football has not come at the expense of defensive stability, as Roma have conceded just one first-half goal in Serie A this season and have opened the scoring in 63% of their league matches. Cagliari have been much more impressive away from home, with three wins from four league games on the road (L1), just one shy of the four road victories they recorded in the whole of the 2025/26 season. Maintaining that form would significantly boost their chances of a first top-half finish in Serie A since 2008/06. Bryan Cristante has returned from injury at a good time for Roma, giving the team a major midfield boost, as Gasperini cannot call upon Lorenzo Pellegrini or Manu Kone. First-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar is also sidelined, but Paulo Dybala could make the bench on Tuesday. For Cagliari, long-term absentees Riyad Idrissi and Mattia Felici remain out. Harry Winks had to come off early against Bologna and is unlikely to start, with veteran Roberto Gagliardini expected to take his place in midfield. Roma (3-4-2-1): Gollini; Balerdi, Ndicka, Koulierakis; Lulli, De Roon, Cristante, Molina; Mora, Soule; Malen. Cagliari (4-3-2-1): Caprile; Ze Pedro, Mina, Rodriguez, Obert; Adopo, Gagliardini, Romano; Fadera, Maldini; Mendy. Roma are the favourites, with the preview predicting a Roma win.

Roma face Cagliari tomorrow, the first of a run of fixtures that should be relatively manageable, at least in Serie A. Gasperini is expected to rotate the side as he did against Genoa, though not too heavily. Ghilardi and Balerdi are likely to have at least one of them in defence, while Wesley could rest on the flank. Lulli is ready to return at right-back, with Molina or the Brazilian on the left. The real question mark is in the number ten role, where Rodrigo Mora could get another opportunity. If that happens, Cristante would drop back into midfield, probably alongside Pisilli, to give de Roon a breather. Up front, Soulé and Malen are confirmed in the starting line-up, while Dybala is likely to start from the bench. The match comes straight after the crazy 1-1 draw at Napoli, so the focus now turns quickly back to the pitch. Gasperini's approach, as shown against Genoa, is to rest key players without overdoing it. The fixtures that follow are seen as relatively accessible, at least in the league, which gives the coach room to balance fitness and form across the squad. The main selection debate centres on the attacking midfield, where Mora's form will be tested. Cristante's possible switch to midfield would also reshape the engine room, offering de Roon some rest while keeping a settled shape around Pisilli.

Roma have officially extended the contract of Emanuele Lulli until 30 June 2031, with coach Gian Piero Gasperini expressing satisfaction ahead of the Cagliari match. The club's news roundup, published after the 3-3 draw at Napoli, also covered fitness updates, Gasperini's comments on the injured players, and Napoli's appeal against Massimiliano Allegri's suspension. Roma now turn their attention to the home fixture against Cagliari. Gasperini gave an update on the injured players in his press conference. Paulo Dybala is the player closest to a return and could be named among the substitutes, a decision expected after the afternoon training session. Manu Koné is unlikely to return before the international break. Mile Svilar's availability is closer, and he could return within the week, or at the latest for the matches against Manchester United or Sassuolo. Gasperini praised the progress of the team and of individual players, with a mention for Matías Soulé, who was prominent at the Maradona. He said Roma are showing courage, solidity and continuity, and coming through well against top-level opponents. Cagliari coach Fabio Pisacane described Roma as a side that "rarely goes to the canvas", highlighting their ability to recover ground and stay dangerous when they push forward. He said Cagliari must identify and exploit the few weaknesses in the Giallorossi while staying focused and intense throughout the match. Roma officially confirmed the renewal of Emanuele Lulli until 30 June 2031. The winger, who made his professional debut and scored his first goal against Genoa, has signed a five-year deal confirming the club's intention to build around him for the future. Gasperini said: "Lulli's progress has been remarkable" in recognition of a player born in 2007 who has been rewarded with a long-term contract. Napoli have rejected the decision of the Giudice Sportivo and announced an appeal against the two-match suspension handed to Massimiliano Allegri after the 3-3 draw with Roma. The Napoli coach had been punished for protests directed at match officials in the tense closing stages at the Maradona. In a club statement, Napoli said: "La SSC Napoli, in seguito alla richiesta di accesso agli atti, comunica che presenterà ricorso per le due giornate di squalifica inflitte a mister Massimiliano Allegri."

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 27 October at 20:45 in the ninth round of Serie A, with Gian Piero Gasperini weighing up some changes after the 3-3 draw at Napoli's Maradona. Roma remain unbeaten in Serie A and sit third with 18 points from eight matches, having drawn their head-to-head clashes against Inter, Como and Napoli. Cagliari, coached by Fabio Pisacane, are ninth on 13 points and come into the game on the back of two consecutive defeats, against Monza and Bologna. Roma are looking to return immediately to winning ways to stay within touching distance of the top of the table. The trip to Naples was described as a costly one, and Gasperini is considering some rotation. Dybala is returning towards the matchday squad but is expected to start on the bench. Svilar, Koné and Pellegrini are ruled out. Gollini keeps his place in goal, while Ghilardi could get a chance in defence alongside N'Dicka and Balerdi. Cristante starts in midfield from the first minute alongside Pisilli. Lulli and Molina are favoured on the flanks, with Soulé and Rodrigo Mora expected to support Malen up front. For Cagliari, Pisacane must do without Winks, who is sidelined by lumbar pain, as well as Felici and Idrissi. Trepy returns to the matchday squad. Yerry Mina is set to return to the starting line-up in defence, while Sugawara and Zé Pedro compete for a place on the right. Gagliardini will take Winks' place in midfield, with Maldini and Adopo expected to play behind Mendy, although Kevin Carlos remains a possible option. The match will be broadcast exclusively on DAZN, available through the DAZN app on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, consoles and computers. There will be no live broadcast on the traditional Sky Sport channels. Kick-off at the Stadio Olimpico is set for 20:45 on Tuesday 27 October. Bookmakers make Roma clear favourites. A Roma win is priced on average between 1.33 and 1.35, a draw around 4.90-5.00, and a Cagliari win between 8.25 and 9.60. The market also expects a game with at least three goals, with Over 2.5 favoured over Under, and No Goal offered at a slightly lower price than Goal. The 2-0 correct score to Roma carries the shortest odds at around 6.50, ahead of 1-0 and 2-1. ROMA (3-4-2-1): Gollini; Ghilardi, Ndicka, Balerdi; Lulli, Cristante, Pisilli, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Manager: Gasperini. CAGLIARI (4-3-2-1): Caprile; Sugawara, Mina, Rodriguez, Obert; Romano, Gagliardini, Deiola; Adopo, Maldini; Mendy. Manager: Pisacane. Referee: Ermanno Feliciani (Teramo). Assistants: Zingarelli and Fontani. Fourth official: Mariani. VAR: Ghersini. AVAR: Camplone.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday in midweek Serie A action, with both sides looking to bounce back from disappointing weekend results. Roma came from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Napoli at the Maradona Stadium on Saturday, while Cagliari lost 2-0 at home to Bologna. Gian Piero Gasperini's side remain unbeaten in Serie A (W5, D3) and have avoided defeat in their first eight league matches of the season for the first time since 2013/14. However, a third draw in their last four league outings has left the Giallorossi four points behind joint leaders Inter and Lazio. Roma are vying for their first Scudetto since the beginning of the century and will be desperate to return to winning ways against a Cagliari side they have enjoyed plenty of success against at the Olimpico lately. Fabio Pisacane's team face a stern test. Cagliari have suffered nine defeats in their last 11 league visits to Rome (D2) and have not scored in any of their four away league meetings with Roma since 2022 (L4), including a 2-0 defeat in the corresponding fixture last season. Bologna's win condemned Cagliari to back-to-back league defeats for the first time since April, and the Sardinians have slipped to mid-table after a promising five-game start (W4, L1). They are winless in three consecutive league games (D1, L2), following a 4-0 defeat at Monza on their last Serie A trip. Their defence has also struggled: after conceding just twice in the opening five rounds, they have let in seven goals in their last three league outings. Cagliari last beat Roma at the Olimpico in February 2013. Roma have been strong at home, winning three of their four home league matches in 2026/27 (D1) and scoring at least two goals on each occasion. They have lost only one of their last 11 home games in all competitions (W8, D2), the exception being a 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid in this season's Champions League. The Giallorossi have won six of their last seven Tuesday Serie A fixtures (L1) and have netted two or more goals in eight consecutive home outings. That feat has been managed in three of their last five home clashes against Cagliari. Gasperini's attacking football has not come at the expense of defensive stability, as Roma have conceded just one first-half goal in Serie A this season and have opened the scoring in 63% of their league matches. Cagliari have been much more impressive away from home, with three wins from four league games on the road (L1), just one shy of the four road victories they recorded in the whole of the 2025/26 season. Maintaining that form would significantly boost their chances of a first top-half finish in Serie A since 2008/06. Bryan Cristante has returned from injury at a good time for Roma, giving the team a major midfield boost, as Gasperini cannot call upon Lorenzo Pellegrini or Manu Kone. First-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar is also sidelined, but Paulo Dybala could make the bench on Tuesday. For Cagliari, long-term absentees Riyad Idrissi and Mattia Felici remain out. Harry Winks had to come off early against Bologna and is unlikely to start, with veteran Roberto Gagliardini expected to take his place in midfield. Roma (3-4-2-1): Gollini; Balerdi, Ndicka, Koulierakis; Lulli, De Roon, Cristante, Molina; Mora, Soule; Malen. Cagliari (4-3-2-1): Caprile; Ze Pedro, Mina, Rodriguez, Obert; Adopo, Gagliardini, Romano; Fadera, Maldini; Mendy. Roma are the favourites, with the preview predicting a Roma win.