Torri: Endrick could become Gasperini's new Muriel, thinks like Malen

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."

Radio commentators Simone Valdarchi and another analyst have assessed Roma's preparation for a congested fixture schedule and squad availability ahead of matches against Como, Real Madrid, and Genoa. Valdarchi expects Marten de Roon and Manu Koné to start in midfield at Como, with Niccolò Pisilli potentially partnering Koné against Real Madrid. Bryan Cristante is expected to return to the squad for the Genoa fixture. Valdarchi praised de Roon as a trusted figure under Gasperini and noted that Roma's defence ranks among the league's strongest, partly due to the midfield's contribution. He observed that matches every three days over a period will require tactical rotation in certain positions on the pitch. Valdarchi stated: "De Roon, if used in some matches, can be an excellent signing because he is a man of trust for Gasperini. Roma's defence is one of the strongest in the championship, also thanks to the midfield." He added that Roma will not suffer unduly from absences, observing that players have grasped Gasperini's system: "Except perhaps for one period in Turkey, Roma has shown it is always in the match, often playing very well." On de Roon's prospects, Valdarchi said: "I have the impression he will play many matches. He is a player of experience who also knows how to be a leader, someone Gasperini relied on heavily at Atalanta."

Luciano Spalletti has reflected on his time managing Roma in an interview with Tuttosport, drawing comparisons between the three cities where he has worked. "Turin is perfect — they let you live in peace," Spalletti said. "At Naples the fans' love takes your breath away, and for some it can become suffocating, but I breathed it all in completely. The same at Roma. I understand that way of living football, because I've been through it myself." Spalletti praised Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi in separate remarks. When asked which emerging managers he admires, Spalletti named De Rossi and mentioned observing Francesco Farioli at Porto. On Totti, Spalletti addressed recent comments about settling differences: "No, don't make me cause trouble. In November we're shooting the second part of the advert you've already seen on television — we climbed trees, put rafts in the lake, created tunnels. But let this be clear: in these years I've argued more with those around him than with him. We both made mistakes, but he's good. Also at being light, at coming to take the piss out of you constantly." Describing Totti as a player, Spalletti said: "He was able to construct technical malice. He had the strength to transform plays into schemes, and usually the opposite happens. I gave him the machine of the future: I suffered for years his charisma, his power, and when I arrived at Roma and found myself coaching him I couldn't believe my eyes. I loved and suffered him as a totem of football beauty."

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.

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."

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.