Soulé back to his best for Roma as Dybala and Svilar edge closer to returning

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.

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.

Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing further changes for Roma's home match against Cagliari, with Paulo Dybala close to a return and Mile Svilar possibly back sooner than expected. The fixture comes after Roma's costly 3-3 draw at the Maradona, and the kickoff at the Stadio Olimpico is at 20:45 tomorrow evening. The schedule leaves no time to rest, and Gasperini is set to rotate across the pitch. Emanuele Lulli is the favourite to start at right-back in place of Devyne Rensch, and the young full-back's contract renewal to 2031 is also drawing closer. In midfield, Gasperini is considering resting either Marten de Roon or Niccolò Pisilli, with Bryan Cristante moving back into the middle. Rodrigo Mora is a candidate to start alongside Matías Soulé behind Donyell Malen, adding quality and creativity in the final third. In defence, Leonardo Balerdi is heading for a starting place after his outstanding brace against Napoli. The Argentine could replace one of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka or Mario Hermoso, with Hermoso coming off a difficult display at the Maradona. Gasperini wants to exploit the form of the former Marseille defender while also giving some of his first-choice players a chance to recover energy. Pierluigi Gollini will be confirmed in goal. The most anticipated news concerns Paulo Dybala. The Joya trained with his teammates yesterday for part of the session after passing fitness tests on the pitch to check his recovery from a slight calf injury. Today's final training session will settle the last doubts, and the Argentine is close to a place in the squad for Roma-Cagliari. He is expected to start on the bench, with the aim of gradually regaining match rhythm and being ready to start on Saturday against Udinese. His recovery is also important ahead of the Champions League trip to Manchester United on 3 November. Encouraging signs also come from Mile Svilar. The goalkeeper is completing his rehabilitation in Belgium after a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his right foot. New checks are planned in the coming days to assess his healing and establish when he can return to working on the pitch. The latest reports leave open the possibility of an earlier return than initially forecast, which had him available only after the November break. The first target remains the match against Sassuolo on 7 November, but an availability for the trip to Manchester on 3 November is not ruled out entirely, a scenario still to be verified medically. UEFA regulations offer a route here: a goalkeeper temporarily replaced on the list for a long-term injury can be reinstated once recovered, subject to a minimum period of 30 days and the necessary formalities. For Svilar, a Champions League return is therefore not excluded in principle, but it will depend on his actual recovery and the regularity of his position on the list. Further back in their rehabilitation are Manu Koné and Lorenzo Pellegrini. The Frenchman will try to be available again before the November break, with the games against Manchester United and Sassuolo in his sights. Pellegrini's timeline is considerably longer, as he is dealing with a serious injury to his right thigh: the midfielder faces a layoff of at least two months, with a possible surgical procedure still to be evaluated. Gasperini will present Roma-Cagliari at a press conference today at 13:30 and is awaiting further updates from the medical staff. The immediate priority is managing energy levels and finding new solutions to beat the Sardinians, but the gradual return of injured players could give Roma fundamental alternatives for the games ahead. After weeks of crisis, some good news is finally emerging for the Giallorossi boss.

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.

Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing further changes for Roma's home match against Cagliari, with Paulo Dybala close to a return and Mile Svilar possibly back sooner than expected. The fixture comes after Roma's costly 3-3 draw at the Maradona, and the kickoff at the Stadio Olimpico is at 20:45 tomorrow evening. The schedule leaves no time to rest, and Gasperini is set to rotate across the pitch. Emanuele Lulli is the favourite to start at right-back in place of Devyne Rensch, and the young full-back's contract renewal to 2031 is also drawing closer. In midfield, Gasperini is considering resting either Marten de Roon or Niccolò Pisilli, with Bryan Cristante moving back into the middle. Rodrigo Mora is a candidate to start alongside Matías Soulé behind Donyell Malen, adding quality and creativity in the final third. In defence, Leonardo Balerdi is heading for a starting place after his outstanding brace against Napoli. The Argentine could replace one of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka or Mario Hermoso, with Hermoso coming off a difficult display at the Maradona. Gasperini wants to exploit the form of the former Marseille defender while also giving some of his first-choice players a chance to recover energy. Pierluigi Gollini will be confirmed in goal. The most anticipated news concerns Paulo Dybala. The Joya trained with his teammates yesterday for part of the session after passing fitness tests on the pitch to check his recovery from a slight calf injury. Today's final training session will settle the last doubts, and the Argentine is close to a place in the squad for Roma-Cagliari. He is expected to start on the bench, with the aim of gradually regaining match rhythm and being ready to start on Saturday against Udinese. His recovery is also important ahead of the Champions League trip to Manchester United on 3 November. Encouraging signs also come from Mile Svilar. The goalkeeper is completing his rehabilitation in Belgium after a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his right foot. New checks are planned in the coming days to assess his healing and establish when he can return to working on the pitch. The latest reports leave open the possibility of an earlier return than initially forecast, which had him available only after the November break. The first target remains the match against Sassuolo on 7 November, but an availability for the trip to Manchester on 3 November is not ruled out entirely, a scenario still to be verified medically. UEFA regulations offer a route here: a goalkeeper temporarily replaced on the list for a long-term injury can be reinstated once recovered, subject to a minimum period of 30 days and the necessary formalities. For Svilar, a Champions League return is therefore not excluded in principle, but it will depend on his actual recovery and the regularity of his position on the list. Further back in their rehabilitation are Manu Koné and Lorenzo Pellegrini. The Frenchman will try to be available again before the November break, with the games against Manchester United and Sassuolo in his sights. Pellegrini's timeline is considerably longer, as he is dealing with a serious injury to his right thigh: the midfielder faces a layoff of at least two months, with a possible surgical procedure still to be evaluated. Gasperini will present Roma-Cagliari at a press conference today at 13:30 and is awaiting further updates from the medical staff. The immediate priority is managing energy levels and finding new solutions to beat the Sardinians, but the gradual return of injured players could give Roma fundamental alternatives for the games ahead. After weeks of crisis, some good news is finally emerging for the Giallorossi boss.

Paulo Dybala is feeling better and is set to return to the matchday squad, although he is expected to start on the bench before coming back into the starting lineup from the first minute against Udinese. Yesterday he trained partially with the group. The squad stayed overnight at Trigoria after Saturday's away trip, and today's final training session is meant to settle the last selection doubts. Soulé and Malen will lead the attack, with either Mora or Cristante alongside them. Manu Koné will have to wait a few more days, and tomorrow evening he will still be in the stands. The main focus, however, is the Champions League big match against Manchester United. Roma may travel to England with the squad straight after the Udine fixture for logistical reasons, according to Daniele Aloisi of Il Messaggero. After facing Juventus, the team will not return to the capital. Instead, it will stay in Friuli and then fly to England from Trieste. Gasperini wanted the change of plans to manage the squad's energy and avoid too many journeys. Aloisi's report adds that the details can make all the difference in cases like this, and the logistics of the trip underline how carefully the staff are planning the run of fixtures ahead.

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.

Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing further changes for Roma's home match against Cagliari, with Paulo Dybala close to a return and Mile Svilar possibly back sooner than expected. The fixture comes after Roma's costly 3-3 draw at the Maradona, and the kickoff at the Stadio Olimpico is at 20:45 tomorrow evening. The schedule leaves no time to rest, and Gasperini is set to rotate across the pitch. Emanuele Lulli is the favourite to start at right-back in place of Devyne Rensch, and the young full-back's contract renewal to 2031 is also drawing closer. In midfield, Gasperini is considering resting either Marten de Roon or Niccolò Pisilli, with Bryan Cristante moving back into the middle. Rodrigo Mora is a candidate to start alongside Matías Soulé behind Donyell Malen, adding quality and creativity in the final third. In defence, Leonardo Balerdi is heading for a starting place after his outstanding brace against Napoli. The Argentine could replace one of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka or Mario Hermoso, with Hermoso coming off a difficult display at the Maradona. Gasperini wants to exploit the form of the former Marseille defender while also giving some of his first-choice players a chance to recover energy. Pierluigi Gollini will be confirmed in goal. The most anticipated news concerns Paulo Dybala. The Joya trained with his teammates yesterday for part of the session after passing fitness tests on the pitch to check his recovery from a slight calf injury. Today's final training session will settle the last doubts, and the Argentine is close to a place in the squad for Roma-Cagliari. He is expected to start on the bench, with the aim of gradually regaining match rhythm and being ready to start on Saturday against Udinese. His recovery is also important ahead of the Champions League trip to Manchester United on 3 November. Encouraging signs also come from Mile Svilar. The goalkeeper is completing his rehabilitation in Belgium after a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his right foot. New checks are planned in the coming days to assess his healing and establish when he can return to working on the pitch. The latest reports leave open the possibility of an earlier return than initially forecast, which had him available only after the November break. The first target remains the match against Sassuolo on 7 November, but an availability for the trip to Manchester on 3 November is not ruled out entirely, a scenario still to be verified medically. UEFA regulations offer a route here: a goalkeeper temporarily replaced on the list for a long-term injury can be reinstated once recovered, subject to a minimum period of 30 days and the necessary formalities. For Svilar, a Champions League return is therefore not excluded in principle, but it will depend on his actual recovery and the regularity of his position on the list. Further back in their rehabilitation are Manu Koné and Lorenzo Pellegrini. The Frenchman will try to be available again before the November break, with the games against Manchester United and Sassuolo in his sights. Pellegrini's timeline is considerably longer, as he is dealing with a serious injury to his right thigh: the midfielder faces a layoff of at least two months, with a possible surgical procedure still to be evaluated. Gasperini will present Roma-Cagliari at a press conference today at 13:30 and is awaiting further updates from the medical staff. The immediate priority is managing energy levels and finding new solutions to beat the Sardinians, but the gradual return of injured players could give Roma fundamental alternatives for the games ahead. After weeks of crisis, some good news is finally emerging for the Giallorossi boss.

Paulo Dybala is feeling better and is set to return to the matchday squad, although he is expected to start on the bench before coming back into the starting lineup from the first minute against Udinese. Yesterday he trained partially with the group. The squad stayed overnight at Trigoria after Saturday's away trip, and today's final training session is meant to settle the last selection doubts. Soulé and Malen will lead the attack, with either Mora or Cristante alongside them. Manu Koné will have to wait a few more days, and tomorrow evening he will still be in the stands. The main focus, however, is the Champions League big match against Manchester United. Roma may travel to England with the squad straight after the Udine fixture for logistical reasons, according to Daniele Aloisi of Il Messaggero. After facing Juventus, the team will not return to the capital. Instead, it will stay in Friuli and then fly to England from Trieste. Gasperini wanted the change of plans to manage the squad's energy and avoid too many journeys. Aloisi's report adds that the details can make all the difference in cases like this, and the logistics of the trip underline how carefully the staff are planning the run of fixtures ahead.

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.

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.

Leonardo Balerdi scored two goals in Roma's win over Napoli, and Matías Soulé has become a tactical weapon on the right, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. With Paulo Dybala absent from the spotlight, the Argentine trio of Balerdi, Soulé and Castro has taken centre stage for the Giallorossi. Balerdi, a defender, had already impressed in Roma's opening matches with his defensive displays. In Naples, though, he went forward with courage and conviction to claim the glory in the opposition box, and his two goals reflect a strong, precise team mentality. Gazzetta writer Alessio D'Urso described him as a boxer who refused to go down, and the Argentine core rallied around him. Soulé is also playing superbly and has become a tactical weapon, especially on the right flank. Molina and Castro, who came on as substitutes like Balerdi, brought hunger and fire to the side, pushing Roma beyond their most critical moments. The article describes Balerdi's display on Saturday evening as the source of joy for Roma supporters.