Roma's near-perfect start to Serie A 2026-27 by the numbers

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'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 tomorrow at 21:00, and Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to make several changes to the side that played Genoa in the last league match. Slovan Bratislava are coached by Yaya Toure, according to the report. According to Sky Sport, Mancini and Hermoso return to start in defence, with N'Dicka confirmed at centre-back. Molina and Wesley are set to return on the flanks, while De Roon and Pisilli are expected in midfield. Soulé and Pellegrini are likely to support Malen up front. The probable Roma line-up in a 3-4-2-1 formation is: Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Pisilli, De Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Pellegrini; Malen.

Slovan Bratislava head coach Yaya Touré and defender Kevin Wimmer spoke to reporters at the pre-match press conference ahead of their Champions League league-phase match against Roma, which takes place tomorrow, 20 October, at 21:00. The fixture is the third matchday of the league phase. Touré said he expected an interesting game and wanted to see his team's performance. "Roma are strong, with excellent players and an excellent coach. We have to give everything tomorrow evening." Asked whether the Stadio Olimpico is a special place for him, having already won the Champions League there, he said: "Yes, I hope it will be tomorrow too. Winning the Champions League is wonderful: the pitch will always be the same. I feel good, I am positive. We want to produce the best possible performance." On what he expects from the match, Touré said: "I expect a tough game after Real's comeback: they will want to get back on track. We want to play in the best way possible and give emotions to the 2000 fans who have travelled for us, always with respect for our opponents. Anything can happen in football." Asked for his view of Gian Piero Gasperini, Touré said: "You always learn. Gasperini has great experience and made an enormous contribution to Atalanta, improving every aspect of their game. The work he did there was incredible. For me it is complicated, but I want to think about things simply. We face a very strong team, with some absences, but they remain dangerous. They can hurt you. I focus on my own team." Touré also spoke of his emotions: "I am very excited. Roma are a huge club and having the chance to be here is an honour. It will be a fantastic experience for us. I hope to play an excellent game: we want to enjoy it." On how to stop Donyell Malen, Touré said: "Malen is in form, he is feeling great. He has always done well, including in the past. In recent matches he has scored several goals. It won't be easy: we will have to be aggressive from the start. Roma have quality. We need a great performance." Comparing with Roma's recent match against Milan, Touré said: "They are different games. Roma are strong defensively and press across the whole pitch: it is a very Italian style of play. They are tactically prepared, solid and also clinical. We must be aggressive and give them little space." When reminded that Roma lost to Slovan 15 years ago, he said: "I knew that: it was a great result for the club. We want to recreate the same atmosphere, although things have changed a lot. They are favourites, but we have not come here to watch. Let's see what we can do."