Soulé faces competition from Mora ahead of Fiorentina debut as Milan circle

Bryan Cristante has been ruled out following a back injury that forced him to withdraw from international duty, with additional knee soreness now sidelining him for a period. Moise Kean, meanwhile, was spared from Italy's final match of the international break due to an ailment and is questionable for Roma's fixture after the break. The international break brought mixed fortunes across Serie A. While some players recovered from injury, others sustained fresh problems during the two-week window. Across the league, notable casualties include AC Milan's Alexis Saelemaekers, whose ankle injury in training has raised serious concerns: the joint, which has undergone previous surgery, is no longer stable. Mediaset reports he will visit a specialist, with a new operation deemed very likely, potentially sidelining him for three to four months. Albert Gudmundsson sprained his shoulder and faces around a month out. Napoli recovered Alex Meret, Leonardo Spinazzola, and Luca Marianucci but lost Mathias Olivera to a hip strain lasting a couple of weeks and Costantino Favasuli for one and a half months due to a serious thigh issue. Bologna's Emil Holm underwent surgery to repair a torn thigh tendon and will miss most of the season. Udinese's Idrissa Gueye sustained a severe ankle injury requiring three months recovery. Pervis Estupinan suffered a minor knee sprain. Frosinone will be without two centre-forwards: Antonio Raimondo with Achilles tendonitis and Daniel Birligea with a quad strain. Cagliari's Alessandro Deiola tore a meniscus.

Matías Soulé, Leonardo Balerdi and Santiago Castro will arrive back in Rome on Thursday after three weeks away with Argentina, leaving head coach Gian Piero Gasperini just one day to assess their fitness before the match against Como. The trio will not train on Thursday, needing time to recover from a 13–14 hour transatlantic flight and adjust to the time difference after an extended spell away from the club. Friday's training session will be Gasperini's first opportunity to evaluate their condition on the pitch—a crucial window given the toll a long absence across the Atlantic can take both physically and mentally. With so little preparation time, the initial expectation is that all three may start on the bench. Castro was already considered a candidate for such a role, though Soulé and Balerdi present greater uncertainty about their readiness. Rodrigo Mora or Lorenzo Pellegrini could replace Soulé in the squad, while Evan N'Dicka remains the most natural solution in defence. However, a match lasts 90 minutes, and all three Argentine players retain the capacity to become decisive from the bench—a possibility Gasperini clearly understands. The timeline is tight: the players depart Argentina following a farewell celebration linked to Lionel Messi, then face the long journey home and the immediate challenge of reintegration ahead of the Como fixture.

Como manager Fabregas is monitoring two fitness concerns ahead of Roma's visit in less than a week for the sixth Serie A fixture. Kean left Italy's international camp due to a physical problem, and while tests will clarify the severity, recovery in time for Sunday appears difficult. Paz, Como's young talent, is fit but must make a long overseas journey with Roma's Soulé, Castro and Balerdi, returning just three days before the match. Fabregas may opt not to risk him from the start and keep him fresh for the second half. Gasperini's Roma side arrives nearly at full strength, though Bryan Cristante is unavailable. The Roma head coach and Fabregas respect each other despite not being close. The main tactical uncertainty surrounds the Argentina internationals' condition after their late return from international duty.

Matías Soulé, Leonardo Balerdi and Santiago Castro will arrive back in Rome on Thursday after three weeks away with Argentina, leaving head coach Gian Piero Gasperini just one day to assess their fitness before the match against Como. The trio will not train on Thursday, needing time to recover from a 13–14 hour transatlantic flight and adjust to the time difference after an extended spell away from the club. Friday's training session will be Gasperini's first opportunity to evaluate their condition on the pitch—a crucial window given the toll a long absence across the Atlantic can take both physically and mentally. With so little preparation time, the initial expectation is that all three may start on the bench. Castro was already considered a candidate for such a role, though Soulé and Balerdi present greater uncertainty about their readiness. Rodrigo Mora or Lorenzo Pellegrini could replace Soulé in the squad, while Evan N'Dicka remains the most natural solution in defence. However, a match lasts 90 minutes, and all three Argentine players retain the capacity to become decisive from the bench—a possibility Gasperini clearly understands. The timeline is tight: the players depart Argentina following a farewell celebration linked to Lionel Messi, then face the long journey home and the immediate challenge of reintegration ahead of the Como fixture.

Roma will renew their search for a forward in the January transfer window after failing to secure a speedster during the summer. The club saved money through the structure of the Rodrigo Mora deal and is monitoring both established and familiar targets for the position, according to Corriere dello Sport. Endrick, a Real Madrid forward, is on Roma's radar and could potentially leave on loan if his minutes continue to be limited. However, securing him would require negotiating a permanent option to buy, which Real Madrid are unlikely to grant. Jaime Leweling, who came close to joining in the summer, remains a target with a potentially reduced price tag after struggling for regular minutes. Jamie Gittens, who has yet to play in the Premier League this campaign, is also under consideration. Roma are interested in Giorgi Kvernadze, an emerging Serie A prospect at Frosinone, though convincing the club to sell mid-season will prove difficult. Luiz Henrique from Zenit is another option, though he is left-footed, which could complicate matters given Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé's fitness status. Buying in January typically carries a premium, but the article notes that new opportunities frequently emerge as players seek more regular football. The possibility remains that Mora could develop into the solution, potentially negating the need for another attacker.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is poised to start for Roma at Como on Sunday lunchtime as Gian Piero Gasperini prepares a tactical masterclass against Cesc Fàbregas. The Roma midfielder has spent the international break working intensively at Trigoria to restore his physical condition and has positioned himself as a strong candidate for a starting place. The fixture promises to be a refined chess match between two coaches renowned for their strategic approach; the pair already registered counter-moves and in-game adjustments in their two direct meetings last season that shifted match momentum. Pellegrini's versatility is set to be the tactical switch of the game. Should Fàbregas confirm a four-man defence in his starting 4-2-3-1, Gasperini will deploy Pellegrini on the attacking midfield line, free to move between the lines and supply the attacking pair of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. This setup is designed to remove reference points for Como's centre-backs and break the opposition's pressing lines. Roma's current strength lies in their capacity to adapt to the opponent's reading of play. In their last meeting by Lake Como, when Como switched to a three-man defence, Roma suffered from defensive escalation and had to shift Pellegrini into an unnatural wide position on the right. On Sunday, Gasperini's response will be far more fluid and effective. Should Fàbregas move to a three-man line mid-match, Roma will redraw their attacking setup without losing balance: Dybala on the right, Pellegrini in his favoured left position, and Malen as the central pivot. This variety of solutions is also supported by alternatives on the bench, where Matías Soulé and young Rodrigo Mora offer guarantees to replace either Dybala or the Dutch forward in the closing stages.

Roma will renew their search for a forward in the January transfer window after failing to secure a speedster during the summer. The club saved money through the structure of the Rodrigo Mora deal and is monitoring both established and familiar targets for the position, according to Corriere dello Sport. Endrick, a Real Madrid forward, is on Roma's radar and could potentially leave on loan if his minutes continue to be limited. However, securing him would require negotiating a permanent option to buy, which Real Madrid are unlikely to grant. Jaime Leweling, who came close to joining in the summer, remains a target with a potentially reduced price tag after struggling for regular minutes. Jamie Gittens, who has yet to play in the Premier League this campaign, is also under consideration. Roma are interested in Giorgi Kvernadze, an emerging Serie A prospect at Frosinone, though convincing the club to sell mid-season will prove difficult. Luiz Henrique from Zenit is another option, though he is left-footed, which could complicate matters given Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé's fitness status. Buying in January typically carries a premium, but the article notes that new opportunities frequently emerge as players seek more regular football. The possibility remains that Mora could develop into the solution, potentially negating the need for another attacker.

Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing Roma for a return fixture against Como on Sunday, determined not to repeat the defensive confusion that haunted last season's meeting. The Italian manager joked about studying Cesc Fabregas's tactical setup like a Subbuteo game, but behind the quip lies serious intent: Roma must arrive prepared for Como's constant rotations and mid-match adjustments. Gasperini said: "Domenica sarà diverso" — Sunday will be different — signalling he will not allow Fabregas to seize control as he did before. Last season's encounter exposed a key weakness: the absence of Evan N'Dicka. The Ivorian defender sat out that match, and when Como pressed forward, Roma lacked the physical presence needed to contain Fabregas's attacking focal point. N'Dicka's presence proved crucial in the opening fixture of the previous campaign, shutting down opponents and frustrating Fabregas throughout. Now, with the rematch approaching, N'Dicka's physicality and ability to win defensive duels looms as a potential difference-maker. Balerdi offers greater speed, but the Ivorian possesses the frame to challenge Como's strikers — both the threat of Artem Douvikas and potentially Moise Kean — in direct contests. Gasperini has six days to finalize his blueprint. Roma's squad contains attacking talent — Donyell Malen, Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Wesley all carry above-average quality — but the match against Como requires more than technical excellence. It demands a willingness to battle, to win contested moments and to disrupt play when necessary. Last season, Douvikas's goal sparked Como's comeback, opening spaces that multiplied as the match progressed. That pattern must not repeat. The away support will follow Roma to Como; the visiting fans' section is already sold out.

Radio commentators Simone Valdarchi and Piero Torri have offered contrasting views on Roma's squad and management in separate interviews. Valdarchi addressed the relationship between head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and Como's Cesc Fabregas, stating: "Between Gasperini and Fabregas there is a bit of tension, it is something known for some time. Various episodes have shown it: missed handshakes and comments on each other's football. There is certainly technical respect, but if we look at the Subbuteo episode it fits into this context." Torri, speaking on Radio Manà Manà, expressed his unwavering faith in midfielder Manu Koné, saying: "Doumbia seems strong to me, but I find it absurd to think of a life after Koné. I am completely in love with Koné as a footballer. I would never consider the idea of selling Koné, but if someone comes with 100 million you have to sit down and I think it is almost inevitable. The objective, in my opinion, is to prevent his departure." On prospective forward Endrick, Torri added: "For Roma, Endrick would not play 20 matches out of 20. If there are two spots up front they are booked by Dybala and Malen."

Rome's radio stations offered contrasting takes on Roma's prospects heading into Sunday's visit to Como, with Endrick dominating transfer discussion and debate over the unconventional international break shaping preparation. Piero Torri suggested Endrick could develop into Gasperini's answer to Juan Fernando Muriel, saying: "Endrick for me could become the new Muriel of Gasperini, another player who, like Malen, when he gets the ball his first thought is the goal regardless of the role he would play." Lorenzo Pes compared the situation to last summer's protracted Zirkzee saga but expressed cautiously optimistic sentiment: "Endrick as a telenovela is very similar to Zirkzee's from last year, and I think we'll carry it with us for a long time. Last summer if he had left on loan there would have been excellent opportunities. Endrick is not playing despite Mourinho wanting to keep him, and Roma are watching. I hope the ending is not the same as Zirkzee—this time there are better foundations: Roma wants to sign a player there. If the squad stays close to the top of the table, I think you'll have to make an effort. Endrick has all the characteristics that appeal, and he is intrigued by Roma. Behind closed doors the contacts continue, it's a profile that appeals greatly." Torri added that Wesley has been in contact with Endrick, relaying: "There have been some conversations between Wesley and Endrick: 'Come here and have fun, with Gasp you score and play Champions League.' That's fine, in all transfer dealings these dynamics exist. For January I think there is the owner's willingness to make an effort." Alessio Nardo countered that Endrick does not match Roma's ideal profile, as "he is not the left-winger with right foot, he is not a winger." Gianluca Piacentini raised concerns about fielding Leonardo Balerdi and Matías Soulé together: "They are not Svilar and Koné. What scares me more is what the Argentines will do after the match than during it." Francesca Ferrazza noted the Como fixture's kickoff time as problematic: "How do you put a big match like Como–Roma at 12:30?" Stefano Carina praised Aurélien Tchouaméni's performance in international duty, saying "Doumbia is the best on the pitch, he has elegance and physical strength, you can see he is a top-level player. Our clubs slept, and Sporting took him away for €20 million. You'll see, they'll sell him for €50 million now." Roberto Pruzzo questioned the reported €600 million squad valuation, and Nardo Orsi observed that Como's squad, also valued at €580 million, was assembled far more economically—built from youth development at roughly €10 million outlay versus Roma's €400 million spend.

Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing Roma for a return fixture against Como on Sunday, determined not to repeat the defensive confusion that haunted last season's meeting. The Italian manager joked about studying Cesc Fabregas's tactical setup like a Subbuteo game, but behind the quip lies serious intent: Roma must arrive prepared for Como's constant rotations and mid-match adjustments. Gasperini said: "Domenica sarà diverso" — Sunday will be different — signalling he will not allow Fabregas to seize control as he did before. Last season's encounter exposed a key weakness: the absence of Evan N'Dicka. The Ivorian defender sat out that match, and when Como pressed forward, Roma lacked the physical presence needed to contain Fabregas's attacking focal point. N'Dicka's presence proved crucial in the opening fixture of the previous campaign, shutting down opponents and frustrating Fabregas throughout. Now, with the rematch approaching, N'Dicka's physicality and ability to win defensive duels looms as a potential difference-maker. Balerdi offers greater speed, but the Ivorian possesses the frame to challenge Como's strikers — both the threat of Artem Douvikas and potentially Moise Kean — in direct contests. Gasperini has six days to finalize his blueprint. Roma's squad contains attacking talent — Donyell Malen, Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Wesley all carry above-average quality — but the match against Como requires more than technical excellence. It demands a willingness to battle, to win contested moments and to disrupt play when necessary. Last season, Douvikas's goal sparked Como's comeback, opening spaces that multiplied as the match progressed. That pattern must not repeat. The away support will follow Roma to Como; the visiting fans' section is already sold out.

Evan N'Dicka is set to return to Trigoria after international duty with Ivory Coast and will target a starting berth against Como. Physical complaints, a virus, and Leonardo Balerdi's strong performances have limited his appearances; he was benched for tactical reasons against Inter. Bryan Cristante remains under assessment following a left knee collateral problem. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini explained the situation: "Bryan is recovering, he's being treated and it takes time. It's not certain he'll definitely miss Como and Real Madrid, but we won't be willing to risk anything. If he has to miss one or two more matches, the objective is to get him back in top condition." Wesley reportedly reached out directly to his friend Endrick, expressing how pleased he would be to welcome him to Roma as early as January. The contact between the two Brazilians drew on a bond formed through difficult moments; last June, Endrick had himself called Wesley after an injury forced him to leave Brazil's training camp. The roles have now reversed, with the Roma winger ready to tell Endrick about the club and Trigoria. The pair will have a chance to meet at the Olimpico on 14 October when Roma face Real Madrid. According to Football Benchmark estimates, Roma's squad is valued at approximately €600 million, the third-highest figure in Serie A behind Inter (€829 million) and Juventus (€777 million). The valuation is linked to resources invested by the Friedkin Group and Gasperini's work during his first year. Two Roma players feature in the top 10 in the league: Manu Koné at €64 million and Donyell Malen at €58 million. Roma supporters will return to away fixtures without residency restrictions for the first time in nine months. The away section at Sinigaglia will be full for the Como match, despite technical issues many fans encountered during ticket sales. From Sunday, Roma enter an intense stretch of nine matches in 27 days across Serie A and the Champions League, with approximately 62,000 spectators expected at the Olimpico for Real Madrid's visit.