Salah-Eddine remains sidelined after rejecting Olympiacos move

Juventus and Napoli both attempted to lure Paulo Dybala away from Roma during the summer transfer window, but the Argentine remained committed to the club and to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Juventus conducted an initial enquiry into Dybala's contract situation, while Napoli also signalled their interest. In both cases, however, Dybala's response was unambiguous: his priority was Roma and honouring his commitment to Gasperini. Gasperini's role in retaining the forward proved central to the outcome. The coach worked with both the player and the club to unlock a contract negotiation that had stalled for months, convincing Dybala that he would be a cornerstone of his tactical project. Dybala's decision to stay was reinforced by the direct confidence Gasperini showed in him, illustrating the trust between manager and player at a critical juncture. The contract renewal through 2027 was also facilitated by Dybala's willingness to restructure his salary downwards, accepting a deal built around a fixed base with various bonuses tied to appearances, goals and assists. The most significant aspect of the situation, however, remains that Dybala had the opportunity to explore other options and chose to remain at Roma—a reflection of the faith Gasperini had placed in him.

Bryan Cristante is a doubt for Roma's trip to Como on 11 October, with kickoff at 12:30 on Sunday, after the midfielder withdrew from international duty with lower back pain and subsequently picked up a knee issue. The medical staff will assess Cristante in the coming days; if he is unavailable, Manu Koné is on standby, with either Niccolò Pisilli or Marten de Roon as alternatives. Roma resume their campaign after the October international break in what is billed as a significant fixture. The club has contingency options in midfield to cover a potential absence from a key player. Gasperini will make a final decision on Cristante's fitness ahead of the match. On transfer matters, the article notes several developments: Inter are reportedly considering a move for a midfielder, with Roma holding a 10 per cent sell-on clause from Cagliari on that player. Two other stories have emerged concerning Roma—Gasperini's involvement in Paulo Dybala's contract renewal, during which Dybala rejected approaches from both Juventus and Napoli, and a claim from Spanish sources that a deal for Real Madrid's Endrick to join Roma was agreed before being halted.

Paulo Dybala has signed a contract extension with Roma this summer after head coach Gian Piero Gasperini intervened to broker the deal, turning around a situation that threatened the forward's future at the club. Gasperini kept a promise made at the end of last season to work on both fronts — with the player and the club — to persuade the Friedkin Group to the negotiating table. Dybala had proved decisive in Roma's push to secure Champions League qualification in the final weeks of the 2025-26 campaign, and the coach was instrumental in driving the renewal forward. The new terms represent a compromise after initial offers fell short. Dybala wanted a base salary no lower than €3 million and a two-year extension through 2028. The final agreement runs for one year and includes a fixed base of €2.2 million — a 72 per cent reduction from his previous pay — plus up to €2 million more in performance-related incentives tied to appearances, goals and assists. The renewal caps months of uncertainty over Dybala's position at the Stadio Olimpico, where he has been reviving his form under Gasperini after arriving from Juventus in summer 2022. Dybala's commitment comes despite interest from two Serie A rivals. Juventus made contact via his agent Novel during the summer to gauge his availability and salary expectations, but Dybala thanked them and reaffirmed Roma as his priority. Napoli also sounded out the terrain with a similar approach and received the same response. The 32-year-old's willingness to cut his wages significantly reflects both his desire to stay and the trust he has placed in Gasperini's project at Roma. The two have history dating to the 2012-13 season, when Dybala made his Serie A debut at Palermo under Gasperini's management.

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.