Totti at 50: Milan would have been his choice if he'd left Roma; reveals Castro tip to Gasperini

Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar has moved into business, announcing that he has invested in Botan, presented as the first non-alcoholic distillery in Europe. The Serbian shot-stopper made the news public through his personal Instagram profile, accompanying the announcement with a statement outlining the philosophy behind the project: "We did not invent the world of non-alcoholic drinks: we want to help define its future. I have invested in Botan, the first non-alcoholic distillery in Europe. One company, a new point of reference." The venture aims to go beyond the traditional boundaries of the sector, focusing on the pursuit of flavour rather than simply removing alcohol from the equation. The company's presentation on its official website makes the same point, with the brand stressing that it has not tried to fit into an existing category. The company's own description, quoted in full: "We have not tried to fit into an existing category. Our goal has been to explore taste through distillation. The absence of alcohol is not the destination, but the consequence of choosing a precise method, designed to extract, combine and preserve the various aromatic nuances as well as possible. Botan was created to build a new creative category, capable of enhancing depth, balance and versatility in the gastronomic sphere. It is an expression of the territory in which we operate, shaped by the rhythm of the seasons. We select herbs of gastronomic quality, grown with priority given to aromatic characteristics rather than harvest quantity. Each harvest tells the story of its soil, its climate and the moment it is gathered. Nature never produces identical results, and the same is true of our creations. The differences between one harvest and another are an integral part of their identity."

Daniele De Rossi has admitted that his dismissal by Roma may have played a part in his decision to become president of Ostiamare, the club where he took his first steps as a boy. Now in charge of Genoa, the former Roma midfielder spoke about the link during the presentation of Radici, a docuserie dedicated to his return to the Ostia club. The move into club management is rooted in the past, but it is also tied to his time as a coach in the capital. De Rossi was dismissed by Roma after four matches in 2025, and the sacking has stayed with him as he builds a new path in football away from the bench of the Giallorossi. Speaking at the presentation, De Rossi said: "I always had this dream, regardless of the sacking and the fact that it was a bit abrupt and early. Perhaps it had an effect in an unconscious way, that is looking for another place that would make me happy. I left a place that always made me happy and perhaps unconsciously I went looking for another one."

Roma and AC Milan remain interested in Endrick, while Real Madrid are not yet convinced about letting the Brazilian forward go, according to The Athletic, which cites well-informed sources. The Brazilian is looking for more playing time, and Roma want a quality reinforcement in attack to take the next step. No decision has been taken on a possible departure in January. However, if his minutes stay low over the coming month, Endrick could push for a move. Real Madrid and Mourinho would prefer to keep him and continue to believe he will get his chance. For now, interest from Sporting and Arsenal appears to have been ruled out, leaving Roma and Milan as the clubs still keeping the option alive. His situation will be reviewed in January. The situation is similar to last year, but according to the English tabloid, Real Madrid this time would be less inclined to sell him in order to preserve squad depth. A permanent departure could only be considered for a fee above 60 million euros. The report places the matter firmly in the January window, with Endrick's playing time over the next month set to be the decisive factor in whether he pushes for a exit.

Former Roma striker Abel Balbo has praised Matías Soulé's personality, saying it has surprised him, and said Santiago Castro will have the chance to prove his worth behind Donyell Malen. Speaking exclusively to Retesport, Balbo also reflected on playing in the club's Scudetto-winning season. Balbo said being part of that campaign, even briefly, was the crowning moment of his career, as he had arrived near the end of it. Asked about the number of Argentines now at Roma, he said: "The Argentine player has certain characteristics, he has personality and technical qualities. They are people who form a group. We are presumptuous, we are not afraid, and we always push forward to reach a goal. They are all functional to Gasperini's game, and they will do great things." On Soulé, Balbo said: "I expected his growth because he has enormous talent and has everything to do great things. I did not think he could have so much personality. He is a young lad, he is not afraid, he goes at people and creates situations whether it is Real Madrid or the team at the bottom of the table. He is very mature in this respect and it has surprised me." On Balerdi, he said: "Very functional to Gasperini's game. He is fast, aggressive and sees the goal, scoring because he is strong in the air. He comes from Boca, has many matches behind him with Marseille and in the German league: he has experience, he is doing and will do well. Then mistakes can be made, as happened in Manchester, it can happen." Asked how it feels to play alongside a striker like Malen, and about Castro, Balbo said: "It is painful because logically he has been paid a lot, and there is a lot of expectation. He will have time, Malen is doing extraordinary things. He will have the chance to prove his value. He is not a great goalscorer but he gives his life for the team. He will be loved by Roma fans." Balbo also recalled a derby from his time at the club. "It was one derby among others, but they wrote us off because Lazio were flying while we were not. We played a great game and we played with force. Cervone even grabbed one of them by the neck, lifting him inside the small area (laughs). Mazzone deserved it, he suffered so much every Sunday: he was coach of his beloved team and did not want to make mistakes. Everyone talked about Zeman and his attacking football, and about the catenaccio of Mazzone, so it was a huge satisfaction." On the fans, he added: "Before there was a beautiful, direct and sincere relationship with the supporters, sometimes it even went too far: it is a pity that things have changed now. My football was much better from this point of view."

Santiago Castro has been named the best Serie A goal of October for his strike against Genoa, which helped Roma to a 2-0 win in the seventh matchday of the league season. The Argentine forward has scored only one goal since joining Roma in the final summer transfer window, and that was the effort against Genoa. The goal showcased the technical qualities of the centre-forward. Surrounded by three Genoa defenders inside the penalty area, Castro found space from nothing, struck a sudden and precise shot, and beat the goalkeeper to send the ball into the net. The award came ahead of the spectacular overhead kick by Orsolini against Lecce. The Serie A league's official account shared the award on social media, with video of the goal available to watch.

Santiago Castro has won the 'goal of the month' award for October with his strike against Genoa, a single but spectacular effort. The Argentine broke his duck against the Rossoblu with a delicate touch under the ball inside the penalty area, beating Riccardo Orsolini, who had scored against Lecce with an overhead kick. Despite limited playing time, Castro has been called up to Argentina by Scaloni and will be available for the friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica. He has started only two matches in the giallorossi shirt, but his opportunities should come after the November international break, with seven fixtures scheduled in just under a month.

Roma's squad news is mixed during the international break: Paulo Dybala and Gianluca Mancini took part in part of Thursday's training session with the group at Trigoria, while Pierluigi Gollini and Mile Svilar trained separately. Eleven Roma players are currently with their national teams. Gian Piero Gasperini continues to work with the rest of the squad, focusing on recovering injured players ahead of the resumption of Serie A. For Svilar, the programme was agreed with the medical staff, and his condition will be assessed daily, with the aim of having him available for the match against Parma. Elsewhere, the future of Endrick may lie away from Real Madrid. According to Matteo Moretto, reporting on Fabrizio Romano's YouTube channel, the decision will rest mainly with the player, even though José Mourinho is in favour of keeping him at the Spanish club. If the Brazilian forward asked for more space and continuity, Real Madrid would be willing to consider a loan departure. The 2006-born player, who previously had a spell at Lyon, is keen to accumulate minutes and keep developing. Two Italian clubs are monitoring the situation, but Roma currently appear to have the advantage: they maintain constant contact and are following developments closely. AC Milan are further in the background, despite good relations with Roc Nation, the agency that manages the Brazilian's interests. The chances of a loan exit are reportedly increasing. In a long interview with Diario Marca, Niccolò Pisilli spoke about his bond with Roma, the coaches who shaped his career and his ambitions. The midfielder warmly recalled José Mourinho, who gave him his first-team debut and his first goal for the club: "He is a truly exquisite person. I will always be grateful to him." He also praised Gian Piero Gasperini, describing him as a master for his work at Atalanta and for the results achieved in his first season in Rome. Pisilli spoke of Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi as legendary figures, stressing the gap between their history and his own few minutes as captain. Among his football role models he named Pedri, admiring his personality and calmness on the ball. On Roma's form, he recalled the performance against Real Madrid, arguing the team has shown it can compete with anyone when it stays focused and compact. Asked what he would do if Roma won the Scudetto, he replied: "We would celebrate in great style." Roma return to action on 21 November to face Parma at the Stadio Tardini. The presence of their supporters in the away section remains uncertain: the Osservatorio Nazionale sulle Manifestazioni Sportive has postponed its assessment on the sale of tickets, without imposing restrictive measures for now. A final decision will only come after further examination. The possibility of restrictions for Roma fans, who risk being unable to follow the team to Emilia, therefore remains open. Further updates will clarify how supporters can access the stadium.

Paulo Dybala has returned to group training at Trigoria and is targeting Roma's trip to Parma on 21 November, while Endrick moves closer to a possible January loan move from Real Madrid. Roma's January market, however, is still waiting on answers from the Friedkin Group. Among the day's headlines, Gian Piero Gasperini is still awaiting clarity from the owners on his budget, and Lookman is back in the frame. Dybala has taken part in part of the session with his team-mates. Mancini is also showing encouraging signs after a problem with his hamstring. Svilar and Gollini are continuing with differentiated work, while Rensch remains out. Journalist Matteo Moretto rates the chances of a loan move for Endrick at 70 per cent, naming Roma as the main Italian suitor. The Brazilian's willingness to find more regular football will be decisive, but the deal would still need the approval of Real Madrid and of Mourinho. Endrick has played only 140 minutes in seven appearances this season, according to Corriere dello Sport, which also reports that he has turned down a move to AC Milan while Sporting Director D'Amico continues to follow him. Roma remain interested, but there is no agreement yet and there is international competition. According to Corriere della Sera, Gasperini and D'Amico do not yet know the budget available for January. A meeting with a representative of the ownership could take place in the coming days. Gasperini wants reinforcements to support the team's ambitions, but without financial guidelines D'Amico is struggling to turn sounding-out into negotiations. Il Messaggero reports a salary threshold of four million euros. Alongside Endrick, D'Amico is evaluating PSV's Ruben van Bommel and Stuttgart's Jamie Leweling, two wide players whose profiles appeal to the coach. Loan formulas remain central to the plans. Repubblica reports that Roma are monitoring Lookman, who has lost ground at Atlético Madrid under Simeone and stayed on the bench for ninety minutes in their most recent match against Barcelona. The Nigerian is a former Atalanta player who has been coached by Gasperini. There has been no transfer request and no official approach from the Spanish club, but his profile matches Roma's attacking needs. Elsewhere, agent Diego Tavano has spoken about Bove's departure from Roma, recalling a tough confrontation in August 2024 with Souloukou and Ghisolfi. According to the agent, Bove never wanted to leave Trigoria and the solutions initially proposed were not welcome. Bove later joined Fiorentina and returned emotionally in front of the Curva Sud. In an interview with Marca, Lorenzo Pisilli's team-mate Niccolò Pisilli described Gasperini as an excellent coach he learns from every day, and expressed gratitude to Mourinho, who gave him his first-team debut. Asked about the captaincy comparisons with Totti and De Rossi, he said: "They made the history of the club."

Roma have returned to training to begin preparations for their away match at Parma on 21 November. Paulo Dybala and Gianluca Mancini were partially involved in group training at Trigoria, while goalkeepers Mile Svilar and Pierluigi Gollini worked on separate sessions. Svilar trained apart from the squad, although he has started to put his boots on. Reports from the camp suggest optimism over his recovery ahead of the Serie A fixture. Gollini also trained separately from the group. The Parma match is scheduled for 21 November, and the update on Svilar's fitness will be closely watched as Roma prepare for the league trip.

Roma have 13 players called up by their national teams for the November break, a total that places them level with AC Milan and Como in the chasing pack behind Inter, Torino and Frosinone, who lead on 14. The squad list was drawn from the official call-ups for the November fixtures and is subject to changes before the matches. The Roma contingent includes goalkeepers Devis Vásquez and Giorgio De Marzi; forwards Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé; defenders Leonardo Balerdi, Daniele Ghilardi, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Emanuele Lulli, Evan N'Dicka and Wesley; and midfielder Niccolò Pisilli. Behind the leaders, Atalanta and Udinese are on 12, Juventus have 11, and Napoli and Lazio have eight, with the two Lazio absentees excluded from that count. The total could have been higher, potentially reaching or exceeding 17, had several physical issues or technical decisions by the national coaches gone differently. Gianluca Mancini was initially called up by Italy but had to withdraw with a muscle problem that has also kept him out of the recent match against Sassuolo. Italy coach also left Bryan Cristante out of the squad, although the coach explained he had no need to test him at this stage. Manu Koné, who returned and started against Sassuolo, was left out of France's squad by coach Zidane to avoid a possible physical setback. Nahuel Molina had been called up late by Argentina, but a one-match suspension still to be served, together with opposition from Roma and Gian Piero Gasperini, blocked his departure.

Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante has been left out of Italy coach Roberto Mancini's 31-man squad for the Nations League matches against France and Belgium, despite a strong start to the season with Roma. Mancini addressed the decision at a press conference today at Coverciano, where the squad is gathering. Mancini said: "We know Cristante, there is no need to prove him. When we need him, we will call him." He stressed that the decision was not technical. Instead, he said, it was aimed at giving more room to young players who will have the chance to show what they can do in the senior national team shirt. Two Roma players have been called up: Daniele Ghilardi and Niccolò Pisilli.

Roma head into the international break with a near-perfect run to protect, and Gian Piero Gasperini has used a demanding stretch of nine matches in 27 days to rotate his squad. Gasperini admitted the schedule had been tough but said it had allowed him to use the whole squad: "We had tough clashes like Como, Napoli, Manchester and Real Madrid. The management was not a problem, and this allowed us to rotate the whole squad." During that intense spell, players who had been on the fringes stepped forward. Rodrigo Mora took advantage of Paulo Dybala's extended absence to win a key role, scoring in three consecutive matches. De Roon showed why Gasperini wanted him in the capital, while Ghilardi, Gollini and Vásquez also got their chances. Gasperini gave everyone a run-out, partly out of necessity. Both the coach and D'Amico have acknowledged that the squad is thin, and with a few injuries it risks becoming very thin indeed. The debate over whether the break is a blessing may therefore be answered by the players Roma get back when the league resumes. Roma are among the clubs that could benefit most from the pause. Their injuries have required fairly long recovery periods, but few players have been affected. The problem is that nearly all of them are key figures in the Giallorossi set-up. Chief among them is Mile Svilar, who has been out since 10 October and has kept training both at Trigoria and in individual sessions with a fitness coach, without managing to speed up his recovery. Tests carried out about ten days ago led the club and the goalkeeper to choose caution. The aim is for him to return against Parma, and then reach peak condition for the highly delicate trip to Paris. Dybala is on the same timetable. The calf injury he suffered against Real Madrid kept him out longer than expected, but the Argentine is now ready to return and make a difference, perhaps also finding a goal he has not scored since 18 January. Manu Koné has already returned, playing 66 excellent minutes against Sassuolo. The Frenchman was not called up by his national team and will use these days to regain his best condition. He will have an extra incentive compared with his team-mates: to impress at the Parc des Princes, a stadium a few kilometres from the home where he grew up. Gasperini hopes to get back the Roma of the "first lines", because he refuses to talk about starters. The coach remains torn about the break: "It interrupts the league again, although this time only for a week. I like international matches when they play for something important. For friendlies or matches of little consequence, it is a pity to lose so many players." Roma face another demanding run: seven matches in 29 days, during which the Giallorossi will play a major part of their season. The fixtures include the already mentioned trip to Paris Saint-Germain, the home match against Sporting, the game against Juventus and, above all, the derby against Lazio on 13 December. The next month will be crucial in measuring Roma's real ambitions, with the January transfer window expected to bring fresh impetus.