Serie A fixture list revealed through matchday 19: Rome derby set for 12:30 kickoff on 13 December

Lorenzo Pellegrini is targeting a historic milestone in Roma's history. If he plays in the upcoming match against Como, he will reach 350 appearances for the club, matching Tommasi and claiming 12th place on the all-time list—a significant achievement in the giallorossi record books. Pellegrini has used the international break to work his way back to full fitness ahead of the Como fixture. The midfielder renewed his contract at Roma out of affection for the club, turning down a more lucrative offer from Besiktas. He remains determined to convince Gasperini of his quality and secure a starting role in the squad, though he currently sits behind Soulé and Mora in the pecking order. With a congested fixture calendar from October through November ahead, Gasperini will need depth in midfield, and Pellegrini is ready to answer the call.

Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina have received special invitations to Lionel Messi's farewell celebration with Argentina at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, joining squad mates Leonardo Balerdi, Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro who have been officially called up. Roma faces a significant logistical challenge: the journey involves more than 22,000 kilometres, over 26 hours of flight time and a double time-zone adjustment, all to be absorbed within days of the fixture against Como. Dybala and Molina, as 2022 World Cup winners with Argentina, have been invited to honour Messi's final appearance for the national team. For both players the occasion carries immense personal significance. However, the physical and mental toll of such demanding travel shortly before a Serie A match has prompted serious concern at Roma's headquarters. The situation is complicated further by Molina's seven-match suspension following events from the World Cup final against Spain on 19 July. Coach Giampiero Gasperini has not imposed a veto on the players' attendance, though he shares the club's concerns about the impact on their condition. The final decision will be made in discussions between the club, coaching staff and players in the coming days, with Dybala and Molina expected to return between 8 and 9 October.

Paulo Dybala faces a difficult decision during the international break as Argentina extend a personal invitation from Lionel Messi to attend his final match with the national team. The pull is strong—a chance to embrace Messi one last time—but Roma and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini are urging caution. Dybala has been one of Roma's most important players in the opening stretch of the season, recording four assists in five matches. A trip to Buenos Aires would require over 22,000 kilometres of travel, more than 26 hours of journey time, and a double time-zone adjustment—all of which must be absorbed before Roma's fixture against Como. The club views the physical impact as a serious risk. Gasperini's staff has already prepared a personalised training programme at Trigoria designed to protect Dybala's athletic condition and muscle integrity. Roma's sporting structure remains very cautious about the potential damage a journey of that magnitude could inflict on his form during a crucial period of the season. The bond between Dybala and Messi is profound and will endure, but both Roma and its supporters depend on seeing the best version of the Argentine forward week to week. According to Il Romanista, the decision appears to be moving towards Dybala remaining in the capital, with the goal of arriving at Como in peak condition. His contribution this season—four assists across five opening matches—underscores how vital his availability has become to Roma's ambitions.