Totti says Roma need one or two signings to challenge for Serie A title

Endrick has been on Gian Piero Gasperini's list for several months as a possible attacking reinforcement, a signing the Roma coach has requested since arriving at Trigoria. The Brazilian forward received a decisive refusal from Mourinho to leave Real Madrid in the last transfer window, but his playing time at the club remains limited. He wants to play regularly, and a move to Roma, possibly as early as January, is considered one of the best options for his development. Asked about his future, Endrick told Fabrizio Romano: "I'm only 20 years old, so I'll see how things evolve. I just want to play, be happy and help my teammates." He added: "I don't know what will happen in January; it's in God's hands. I only ask for what is best for my career. Whatever is meant to happen will happen. I'll keep my feet on the ground and continue to give my absolute best. Madrid is a wonderful city, but I will always do whatever is necessary to advance my career."

Endrick has sent signals about his future, saying he wants only to play and be happy, and that he does not know what will happen in January. The Brazilian, who is 20 and currently with his national team in Singapore, has kept the door open to leaving Real Madrid, keeping AS Roma interested in the forward. "I just want to play, be happy and help my teammates," Endrick said of the winter transfer window. On a possible departure from Madrid, he added: "I don't know what will happen in January, it is in God's hands. I only ask for what is best for my career." The comments are of interest to Tony D'Amico, who continues to follow the Brazilian as Gian Piero Gasperini looks to strengthen his attack. Endrick has so far made just seven appearances for Real Madrid this season, totalling 140 minutes and one goal. His playing time remains limited, despite the high regard in which he is held inside the Spanish club. Endrick did not distance himself from Real Madrid or from head coach José Mourinho. "I will always give everything for Real Madrid because the club comes before anyone else, but with the attention and affection that Mourinho shows me, I am even more motivated to give my best." The Portuguese coach had already publicly opposed a move for the Brazilian during the January window. Endrick stressed that his professional growth comes first: "Madrid is a wonderful city, but I will always do everything necessary to advance my career." He also asked for patience, reminding that he is only twenty and wants to keep working without being influenced by transfer rumours. Roma are waiting, ready to evaluate a possible loan should Real Madrid decide to open the door to a departure. Mourinho's stance remains a significant obstacle, but Endrick's words confirm that his future has not been definitively decided. From now until January, the minutes Mourinho gives him will be the key factor in determining whether Roma's pursuit can gain ground.

Roma are preparing to strengthen their wide areas in January, with Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Endrick currently the more appealing option over Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens, according to Alessio D'Urso in La Gazzetta dello Sport. The club have promised a reinforcement for the left flank, and Gian Piero Gasperini is keen to add the player to make a further step forward in attack and push for the Scudetto. It is still early to draw a clear picture, but Endrick seems to hold greater appeal at the moment than Gittens, a strong player whose characteristics would also suit Roma's style of play. If talks on Endrick and Gittens move quickly, the operation could be discussed in the coming days. Another known target is Georgian winger Giorgi Kvernadze, who appeals to both Gasperini and sporting director Tony D'Amico. Roma's interest in Kvernadze, however, will have to wait: Frosinone do not intend to part with the Georgian in January as they chase their league objectives, so the matter is expected to be revisited next summer. On contracts, the club are set to proceed, it seems, with a renewal for Spanish defender Mario Hermoso until 2029. D'Urso describes Hermoso as a defender with consistent performances and a left foot with a venomous edge.

Former Roma defender Vincent Candela has written a letter to Il Messaggero backing Gian Piero Gasperini's message that the club must not be satisfied, and argues the side can still push for the title. Candela, a Serie A champion with Roma in 2001, says the team has every reason to believe it can compete until the end of the season, even though Inter have the strongest squad on paper and may win the league. Candela praised the way Roma play, writing: "Watching them play is a spectacle: they score, they entertain, and they show an intensity and quality that is not common, especially in Serie A." He credited Gasperini directly: "The credit goes to Gian Piero: his work is a guarantee." He also highlighted the coach's relationship with the city, saying he had approached it quietly and had already built a strong sense of belonging. Candela went through the squad in detail. He said the attack is firing on all cylinders, that Soulé has returned to making the difference, and that Cristante, de Roon and Koné are a guarantee in midfield. He added that Lulli and Pisilli bring freshness, and that the defence offers many guarantees. He also pointed to the start to the season with Malen as something that can make a difference. Candela concluded: "If you have clear ideas and give a couple of the pieces this squad is missing, you can enjoy yourselves even more. I am certain the club will do it."

Former Roma player Vincent Candela has written in a letter published by Il Messaggero that Roma should believe they can contend for the Serie A title until the end of the season, backing Gian Piero Gasperini's approach that the club should not settle for less. Candela wrote that Inter may win the league given they have the strongest squad, but that Roma have all the qualities to fight for it to the final day. Candela praised the way Roma play, saying watching them is a spectacle: they score, entertain and show an intensity and quality that is not common, especially in Serie A. He credited Gasperini for the team's progress, describing his work as a guarantee. He also praised the coach's relationship with the city, saying he approached it humbly and has already built a strong sense of belonging. Candela highlighted several players. He said the attack is firing on all cylinders, that Soulé has returned to making the difference, and that Cristante, de Roon and Koné in midfield are a guarantee. He added that Lulli and Pisilli bring freshness, and that the defence offers many guarantees. Starting the year with Malen, he said, can make the difference. He concluded that if the club keeps its ideas clear and adds a couple of pieces the squad is missing, the team can enjoy itself even more. He said: "I am certain the club will do it."

Roma are looking to strengthen in January, with sporting director Tony D'Amico prioritising a quick, right-footed winger who can operate from the left, cut inside and beat his man, as Gian Piero Gasperini has been waiting for since the summer. The club's room for manoeuvre is limited by the settlement agreement with UEFA, which is preparing a new fine for the Friedkin Group's club in November. For that reason, D'Amico is working on a model similar to the Donyell Malen deal: a loan with a option to buy, which could be turned into an obligation under certain conditions, spreading the investment over several financial years. The first name remains Endrick. The Brazilian from Real Madrid is still D'Amico's dream target, and contacts are being kept alive to see whether a door could open in January. The 2006-born talent is getting very little playing time and needs regular football. However, Roma must overcome the resistance of the Spanish club and its coach José Mourinho. Endrick also does not perfectly fit the profile of the left-sided winger with pace that Gasperini wants, although he would represent an opportunity of the highest level. The other concrete option leads to Jamie Gittens of Chelsea. The Englishman, already chased last summer, is a winger closer to the characteristics the coach is seeking. He too is struggling to find minutes, and the Blues could consider a temporary move. Competition is not lacking, but the possibility of a loan makes this option particularly interesting for Roma. The name of Giorgi Kvernadze of Frosinone also remains warm, but mainly with a view to next summer. The Ciociaro club does not seem willing to part with the Georgian mid-season and is working to tie him down with a renewal and a significant salary increase, so a January move appears complicated, while the discussion could reopen at the end of the season. Gasperini is also reportedly weighing the addition of a midfielder to his rotations. Over the summer he considered four central players sufficient, but the tight schedule of matches and the injury to Manu Koné have shown how thin the midfield cover can become. Among the names circulating again is Pierre-Emile Højbjerg of Marseille, a club facing financial difficulties. The Dane was already evaluated in the summer and could come back into focus. Wiafe of Genoa and Darryl Bakola of Sassuolo are also attracting interest, the latter a young profile with long-term potential on whom competition is already significant. For now these are interests to be explored, with no defined negotiations. Jayden Oosterwolde, by contrast, does not look set to be revisited, the move having fallen through over the summer after problems emerged in his medical tests. The striker therefore remains the absolute priority, but January could also bring a second signing. D'Amico must balance Gasperini's requests, the opportunities offered by the market and the club's financial constraints. Roma are showing they can compete at the top of Serie A, and the goal now is to give the coach more options to face the second half of the season without constantly asking the same players for extra effort.

Roma are looking to strengthen in January, with sporting director Tony D'Amico prioritising a quick, right-footed winger who can operate from the left, cut inside and beat his man, as Gian Piero Gasperini has been waiting for since the summer. The club's room for manoeuvre is limited by the settlement agreement with UEFA, which is preparing a new fine for the Friedkin Group's club in November. For that reason, D'Amico is working on a model similar to the Donyell Malen deal: a loan with a option to buy, which could be turned into an obligation under certain conditions, spreading the investment over several financial years. The first name remains Endrick. The Brazilian from Real Madrid is still D'Amico's dream target, and contacts are being kept alive to see whether a door could open in January. The 2006-born talent is getting very little playing time and needs regular football. However, Roma must overcome the resistance of the Spanish club and its coach José Mourinho. Endrick also does not perfectly fit the profile of the left-sided winger with pace that Gasperini wants, although he would represent an opportunity of the highest level. The other concrete option leads to Jamie Gittens of Chelsea. The Englishman, already chased last summer, is a winger closer to the characteristics the coach is seeking. He too is struggling to find minutes, and the Blues could consider a temporary move. Competition is not lacking, but the possibility of a loan makes this option particularly interesting for Roma. The name of Giorgi Kvernadze of Frosinone also remains warm, but mainly with a view to next summer. The Ciociaro club does not seem willing to part with the Georgian mid-season and is working to tie him down with a renewal and a significant salary increase, so a January move appears complicated, while the discussion could reopen at the end of the season. Gasperini is also reportedly weighing the addition of a midfielder to his rotations. Over the summer he considered four central players sufficient, but the tight schedule of matches and the injury to Manu Koné have shown how thin the midfield cover can become. Among the names circulating again is Pierre-Emile Højbjerg of Marseille, a club facing financial difficulties. The Dane was already evaluated in the summer and could come back into focus. Wiafe of Genoa and Darryl Bakola of Sassuolo are also attracting interest, the latter a young profile with long-term potential on whom competition is already significant. For now these are interests to be explored, with no defined negotiations. Jayden Oosterwolde, by contrast, does not look set to be revisited, the move having fallen through over the summer after problems emerged in his medical tests. The striker therefore remains the absolute priority, but January could also bring a second signing. D'Amico must balance Gasperini's requests, the opportunities offered by the market and the club's financial constraints. Roma are showing they can compete at the top of Serie A, and the goal now is to give the coach more options to face the second half of the season without constantly asking the same players for extra effort.

Roma are beginning to plan for the January transfer window, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and sporting director D'Amico both weighing up targets. Before the match against Sassuolo, D'Amico reiterated Roma's desire to bring an attacking winger to the capital. Gasperini is also pushing for an attacking winger and a midfielder. The advice to strengthen the squad carries Francesco Totti's signature, even though it came from Kuwait. Roma's options are limited, however. Any deal will have to be a loan with a possible obligation to buy, in the style of the Malen signing, because of an impending UEFA fine. Chelsea's Gittens and Real Madrid's Endrick are the front-runners in attack, while Hojbjerg has moved up the list in midfield as Marseille face a deep economic crisis. Genoa's Wiafe and Sassuolo's Bakola are also liked by the club. Oosterwolde has been ruled out. Totti's message was direct: "One or two reinforcements, then Roma can win the Scudetto." Gasperini is understood to share that view, and D'Amico has already started work on the market. Meanwhile, the squad is enjoying a rest period during the international break at Trigoria, where Dybala and Svilar are preparing to return to full training with the group.

Barcelona have decided to sell left-back Alejandro Balde, who is finding game time increasingly hard to come by in La Liga, and Manchester United are now reportedly in the running for the Spanish wing-back alongside Roma, according to ElNacional.cat. The reports describe interest rather than a concrete negotiation. Balde has never started a match for Barcelona, and coach Flick has reportedly opened the door to his departure. Roma's interest is not new: the left-back profile was linked to the Giallorossi in the previous weeks as well. Balde would be an alternative to Oosterwolde for the left-back berth in Roma's defence. The article adds that Balde's profile has been mentioned in connection with Roma before, and that the left-side options under consideration include Balde as a replacement for Oosterwolde in the lower band of the defence.

Gian Piero Gasperini can count on the return of Mile Svilar and Paulo Dybala for Roma's Serie A trip to Parma on 21 November, barring setbacks. The international break gives the coach a welcome boost as Roma aim to stay near the top of Serie A and climb the table in the Champions League. After two rest days granted by Gasperini, Roma reconvene at Trigoria tomorrow afternoon and train until Saturday morning. Dybala and Svilar will gradually rejoin the group. Svilar is due a further check-up after recovering from a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his foot. His rehabilitation, carried out between Belgium and Italy, has gone well, and he is set to be in goal against Parma on 21 November. Manu Koné and Nahuel Molina will also remain at Trigoria. Molina's omission has been decided by Roma; Scaloni has accepted the situation, making do with Balerdi, Soulé and Castro. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the break comes at the right moment to recover Dybala, the Joya, who is one of the key players for the squad. Roma are looking to stay in contention at the top of Serie A while working their way back up the Champions League standings.

Gian Piero Gasperini is set to have both Mile Svilar and Paulo Dybala available for Roma's trip to Parma on 21 November, barring any setbacks. The international break gives the coach a welcome boost as Roma look to stay near the top of Serie A and climb the table in the Champions League. Roma return to training at Trigoria tomorrow afternoon after two rest days granted by Gasperini, and will train there until Saturday morning. Dybala and Svilar will gradually rejoin the group. Svilar is due a further check-up after recovering from a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his foot. His rehabilitation, carried out between Belgium and Italy, has been successful, and he is expected to be between the posts against Parma on 21 November. Manu Koné and Nahuel Molina will also stay at Trigoria. Roma have ruled Molina out, with Lionel Scaloni having taken note and making do with Balerdi, Soulé and Castro. The article also links to a feature on the 13 Roma players called up by their national teams and the commitments they face during the break. Dybala's return is particularly important, as the club seeks to recover the Argentine forward, nicknamed La Joya, after the pause in Serie A.

Paulo Dybala and Mile Svilar are set to return to Roma's group after the international break, with both players coming back gradually. Roma are back at Trigoria tomorrow afternoon, where they will train until Saturday morning, following two days of rest granted by Gian Piero Gasperini. Svilar is expected to undergo a new check-up, having recovered from a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his foot. His rehabilitation, carried out between Belgium and Italy, has been successful, and he will be in goal against Parma on 21 November. Manu Koné and Nahuel Molina will also stay at Trigoria. For Molina, Roma have refused a call-up to the Argentina squad, and Lionel Scaloni has accepted this, making do with Balerdi, Soulé and Castro.