Salah-Eddine Rejects Olympiacos Move and Remains Excluded from Roma Squad

Donyell Malen has been named Serie A Player of the Month by the league, recognition of his immediate impact on Roma's opening fixtures of the 2026–27 season. The forward has scored six goals in the early Serie A campaign, continuing the form he showed after arriving in the capital in January. His tally has established him as one of the key attacking reference points for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's side. The award validates Malen's strong start to the season, built on his consistent finishing and direct effect on Roma's attacking output. Six goals earned him the individual prize from the league. This form extends the trajectory he established in the latter part of the previous season, when Gasperini continued to rely on him as the focal point of the team's attacking play. Malen has repaid that confidence with goals throughout. Malen did not join the Dutch national team this week, held back by a knee complaint that prevented him from answering his call-up. The issue has allowed him to remain at Trigoria to recover during the international break. The injury does not appear to cause significant concern, and the objective is to have him ready when Roma resume fixtures against Como.

Bryan Cristante is doubtful for Roma's away fixture against Como on Sunday 11 October after sustaining a knee injury that will require close monitoring from the club's medical staff over the coming days. The midfielder had already withdrawn from his national team's call-up due to a lower back problem, but the knee issue has now become the primary concern as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini assesses whether Cristante can return to full availability or must be managed with extra caution. In the event of Cristante's absence, Roma will face a selection decision in midfield alongside Manu Koné. The main alternatives are Niccolò Pisilli and Marten de Roon. De Roon has not yet started a league match for Roma but has had the international break to train at Trigoria and build his match fitness since his arrival. Gasperini will await developments in Cristante's condition before deciding whether the midfielder can feature against Como. His presence for the match remains uncertain as the coaching staff continues to evaluate the knee problem.

Bryan Cristante is in doubt for Roma's fixture against Como on Sunday 11 October after sustaining a knee problem. The midfielder declined a call-up to the Italian national team earlier this week due to lower back pain, but it is the condition of his knee that is now the primary concern. Roma's medical staff will assess him in the coming hours to determine his availability. If Cristante is unable to play, Manu Koné is expected to partner him in midfield, with either Niccolò Pisilli or Marten de Roon providing cover. De Roon, who has not yet started a match from the opening whistle, has been working at Trigoria throughout the international break.

Roma's players on loan across Europe experienced a mixed week of midweek and league fixtures. Neil El Aynaoui performed well for RB Leipzig despite a 2–0 home defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, completing 31 of 34 passes and winning 8 of 14 duels while receiving a yellow card in the 74th minute. His statistical rating reached 7.2, among Leipzig's best performances. Anass Salah-Eddine made a convincing debut for Panathinaikos in a Greek Cup tie against Kifisia, playing all 90 minutes on the left flank in a 2–0 victory. FotMob rated him 7.3 for a clean display as Panathinaikos dominated with 71 per cent possession in the first half. By contrast, Angeliño's week at Deportivo La Coruña ended disastrously: he was sent off for a challenge on Miguel Sierra in the 59th minute of a midweek fixture against Sevilla—initially given a yellow card before the VAR review led to a direct red—leaving his side to lose 1–0 already down in the scoreline. Statistical ratings gave him just 5.7, and Deportivo manager Hidalgo noted how the expulsion undermined the team's comeback effort. Angeliño subsequently missed the following 1–1 draw against Betis through suspension. Mohamed Seck at Foggia produced sharply contrasting displays within days. Playing 90 minutes in a goalless midweek draw against Savoia, he was identified as Foggia's best performer, winning nearly every duel against opposing attackers. Coach Auteri retained him for the next match against Inter U23, but this time his form dipped noticeably. Foggia lost 2–1, and a careless passing error by Seck enabled the decisive goal from Fumagalli. Foggiacalciomania rated him 5.5, noting good physical condition but a costly mistake. The week illustrated the growth trajectory of a defender aged just 20, with evident talent and physicality that must be coupled with fewer lapses in concentration. Elsewhere, Federico Nardin at Pescara played the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 midweek draw against Gubbio, earning ratings of 6 and 6.9 for personality and reliability despite some refinements needed, but sat out the subsequent 1–0 win at Vado. Filippo Reale completed 90 minutes for Carrarese in a 1–0 home defeat to Benevento, earning 6 and 6.7 ratings for an orderly display, while Luigi Cherubini entered at the 77th minute for Benevento and struck the post with a close chance in the 83rd. Radoslaw Zelezny, Perugia's goalkeeper, conceded five goals across two matches but received ratings of 6 in both a 3–0 home loss to Spezia and a 2–0 away defeat at Grosseto, with no clear responsibility on most goals. Robinio Vaz at Hull City entered off the bench in the 78th minute during a 2–1 loss at Newcastle after more than ten minutes without notable incident, marking his second consecutive Premier League appearance. Marash Kumbulla remained unused at Rayo Vallecano despite being named in squads for a 2–1 win against Espanyol and a 1–1 draw at Osasuna. Jan Ziolkowski has not returned to action for Monza, continuing recovery from plantar fasciitis. Artem Dovbyk spent another week without playing time at Bologna.

Roma have made contact with free agent Matteo Darmian as they explore defensive reinforcements during an extended fixture break. The 36-year-old has fielded approaches from smaller clubs during the summer with no result, but would prioritise Roma over potential moves to Parma or Torino. He has also received lucrative proposals to move to Dubai and may not wait long for a decision. The Giallorossi created space after sending Anass Salah-Eddine on loan to Panathinaikos with a €7 million option to buy, despite his solid spell at PSV and a Morocco World Cup call-up. While Roma's wingback options are in reasonable condition—with Emanuele Lulli emerging as an early revelation—Gian Piero Gasperini favours adding experienced players to manage demanding roles. A left-sided defender would be the preference. The former Inter man was not retained by the Nerazzurri after six years and over 200 appearances, starting only nine times in 2025-26 owing to competition and a serious calf injury. Darmian, a Milan academy product, began his career at Palermo before flourishing at Torino. He later moved to Manchester United and returned to Italy through Parma before joining Inter. His veteran status and experience align with Gasperini's preferences, though questions remain about his physical condition after a difficult previous season.

Roma have made contact with Matteo Darmian over a possible move, according to reports, though head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's side are not expected to sign available players on a permanent basis this window. Darmian, the former Inter defender, would reportedly favour a one-year deal, and the financial terms are manageable for Roma. However, the operation remains difficult: the player has attracted interest from other clubs, notably teams in Dubai, following the departure of Salah-Eddine which has opened a vacancy on the flanks. Club sources have ruled out significant free-agent signings, but Roma are keeping an eye on opportunities that align with Gasperini's demands. Darmian represents one such prospect, having become available at the end of last season. The current contact amounts to an initial inquiry rather than an advanced negotiation. The situation may develop further in the coming days.