Udinese injury doubt for Alaba ahead of Roma clash

Radio pundits across Rome's stations have been debating Paulo Dybala's latest setback, Gian Piero Gasperini's squad management and Roma's upcoming Champions League fixture against Slovan, in the latest edition of the On Air round-up of Roman radio shows. Rete Sport commentator David Rossi said the Dybala situation was initially described as simple fatigue, but that the forward rested, tried to train again and felt pain. Rossi said: "Su Dybala c'avevano detto che era solo un affaticamento, va a capire se era già lesione e c'hanno fatto il gioco delle tre carte o se era affaticamento, si è riposato un po', poi ha provato a fare qualcosina e ha sentito dolore. Io francamente non sono sorpreso, anzi, sono abbastanza stanco di commentare l'ovvio." He added that Gasperini's remark that Dybala is a "beast" would not prevent the muscle problems, and that Gasperini can make mistakes, such as choosing to field only four midfielders. Rossi said: "E questa su Dybala è sbagliata, va gestito, perchè Dybala si fa male. E ora sei corto nelle rotazioni anche davanti…" Gianluca Piacentini, also of Rete Sport, said Dybala should have played a few minutes less in some matches, when there was no need to keep him on the pitch until the 90th minute. He said Lorenzo Pellegrini alongside Marten de Roon, with Mora and Soulé behind Donyell Malen, "è una soluzione che ci può stare". On Slovan, Piacentini said: "Se pensi di aver già vinto, non la vinci, ne abbiamo già avuto ampie dimostrazioni." He noted that Napoli, reigning Serie A champions, finished 30th in the Champions League last year. Checco Oddo Casano said he considered the match against PSG lost and did not take the Roma-Sporting fixture for granted, as the Portuguese side are strong. He said Lille and AEK Athens are within reach. He suggested Roma could finish the league phase with 13 points, and that 13 points would not be enough to reach the top eight by much. He added: "Rischieresti di non arrivare nelle prime otto per Roma-Real Madrid…" Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo said Slovan have never been strong in their history, adding: "Non dico che sia una partita da vincere con la pippa in bocca, ma insomma…" He said finishing third or fourth would still mean Champions League football, and called Gasperini "tanta roba", saying he is "il 50% della squadra, forse anche di più." Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo said Roma have resources, as shown against Genoa, but that Dybala's latest stop is worrying. She said Gasperini had spoken of two more weeks out, adding: "andiamo per eccesso: parliamo di una mesata." She said Gasperini had not ruled out using Santiago Castro alongside Malen, and that Roma lack quality up front with only Pellegrini, Mora and Soulé to alternate behind Malen. Paolo Cosenza, also on Tele Radio Stereo, said that finishing below third would be a total disappointment. He said: "Quest'anno dunque non è Gasperini il valore aggiunto, c'è un valore disgiunto da parte delle altre squadre." Lorenzo Pes, on Tele Radio Stereo, said Malen and Castro together is not a combination that excites Gasperini, and that Roma will stick with one striker supported by attacking players. He said Pellegrini and Mora do not look a strong pairing in the hole, so Soulé is likely to start before a switch with Mora. He said the stated aim is to reach the playoff, and that 10-11 points looks achievable given the fixture list. He said that apart from PSG, Roma could compete at Old Trafford. He added: "Stasera però sarà importante cercare di fare più gol possibile per la differenza reti che può essere decisiva per la classifica finale…" Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said Dybala felt pain again and will return after the international break. He compared Evan N'Dicka to Aldair for his ability to play every two days without fatigue, and said Leonardo Balerdi's presence increases competition and he can also play as a right centre-back. Daniele Lo Monaco of Radio Romanista said Slovan had faced the most shots in the first two Champions League matches, with 51 shots on target against them. He said this could allow Roma to play more openly and that Pellegrini could play in midfield, though he had been tried up front. Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio said Roma must win while conserving energy, and that given the injuries, the effort must be limited. He said: "Lo Slovan è sicuramente più forte del Genoa e serve attenzione, ma il turnover fatto contro il Genoa ha avuto buoni risultati." On Malen he said: "Il suo è strapotere assoluto…" Nando Orsi of Radio Radio asked whether Molina or Lulli should start, saying Molina does not seem to be convincing Gasperini while Lulli does. He said that for a 19-year-old, there should be no tiredness at this moment, only enthusiasm Gasperini should use more. On Malen he said: "Nessuno si aspettava un'esplosione del genere."

Paulo Dybala's return from injury has been pushed back after Roma discovered a small tear in the twin calf muscle of his right leg, which was hidden by swelling in the first scan. The Argentine forward had come off at half-time of the match against Real Madrid. Initial sensations were reassuring and the first tests showed no lesions, so in the following days there was talk of a quick recovery and even a possible call-up for the Champions League game against Slovan Bratislava. The problem had not fully disappeared, however. On Sunday and Monday Dybala tried to increase his training loads again at Trigoria, but during the session he felt a slight discomfort in the calf again. The medical staff then decided not to take any risks and ordered a new magnetic resonance scan. It was the second check that clarified the situation: a very small tear to the gemello, already in the healing phase, which had been concealed in the first scan by the presence of oedema. This is why the problem was initially classified as simple fatigue. The good news is that there is no serious alarm. The tear is mild and is not considered comparable to the muscle problems that in the past forced Dybala into much longer spells out of action. However, the timetable inevitably changes: Dybala will miss the Slovan game and his recovery will be managed with greater caution. The precise timing will be set in the coming days, including through further checks. Corriere dello Sport indicates a possible return in about a week, with the Udinese match and then the trip to Manchester as the targets. Roma will not force his comeback. Gasperini will therefore have to wait a little longer before having the Dybala and Malen partnership available again. This time the scare seems to have lasted only as long as needed to establish what was really behind the discomfort. No drama, but a lesson in caution: the calf was not yet ready, and the second scan explained why.

Roma need a win against Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico, with only one point from their first two Champions League league-phase matches. Following a draw in Istanbul against Fenerbahce and a painful late comeback by Real Madrid at the Olimpico, the Giallorossi arrive at the third matchday with just a single point, which is too little for those hoping to continue their European journey. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has set out the target clearly: at least 10 points, and probably 10 to 11, will be needed to secure a place in the playoffs. Roma-Slovan Bratislava therefore already carries the weight of a fixture that cannot be lost. The points dropped in the first two matchdays mean Roma must make the most of their home games. Gasperini has warned his players not to regard the match as already won. Slovan are a dynamic side, physically well prepared and with some interesting individual talents. Slovan are still on zero points after two defeats in their opening two matchdays, and Roma cannot allow them the chance to get off the mark at the Olimpico. Compared with the win over Genoa, Gasperini will return to some of his trusted options. Malen, who was suspended in the league, will take back his place in the centre of attack, while Wesley is ready to return to the starting line-up on the flank. A return to the XI for some players rested on Saturday is also possible. Svilar, Koné, Cristante and Dybala will not be available. Cristante's return to group training is approaching, and the aim is to have him back for Napoli. Dybala's timeline is longer: Gasperini had initially hoped to have him back against Slovan, possibly at least on the bench, but the latest scan revealed a small muscle tear in the calf. The complication will extend his recovery by about another two weeks. Dybala's absence also reopens the question of attacking options. Santiago Castro scored against Genoa with a goal that showed all of his qualities, and Gasperini has not ruled out playing him alongside Malen, although he is unlikely to change a department that has found important balance so far. The two-striker system could become a weapon to use during the match if more presence in the box is needed. Gasperini must balance the need to win with the need to manage energy, because after Slovan comes another demanding away trip, to Napoli. The article's message is that Roma have already shown against Real Madrid that they can compete with Europe's strongest sides. Now they must win matches in which they are the favourites. Qualification will not be built only on big nights against Real Madrid, Manchester United or Paris Saint-Germain, but mainly by not wasting the chances the fixture list provides. Roma-Slovan Bratislava is one of those chances, and Roma need to win it.

Roma look for their first win in the Champions League League Phase when they host Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 20 October at 21:00, in the third matchday of the competition. Gian Piero Gasperini's side have collected just one point from their opening two games, drawing 1-1 at Fenerbahçe and losing 4-3 to Real Madrid after leading 3-1 until the closing stages. Victory is therefore vital to revive their European standing. Slovan Bratislava are still without a point and have conceded nine goals already: a 6-1 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain and a 3-0 loss to Stuttgart. The Slovaks arrive in Rome after a heavy 3-0 league win over Spartak Trnava. Roma, however, face a significant injury crisis in goal and midfield. Mile Svilar remains unavailable, so Pierluigi Gollini is set to be confirmed in goal. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are also not fit. Gasperini hopes to have Cristante back for the next league match against Napoli, while Koné will need more time after a muscle injury. The biggest blow concerns Paulo Dybala. His recovery will take longer than expected: the latest scan revealed a small tear in the calf, and Gasperini spoke of around two additional weeks before his return. La Joya will certainly miss the Slovan match. Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso are expected to return from the start in defence, after rotation against Genoa, although Balerdi could give the Ivorian N'Dicka a rest. Molina and Wesley are favoured on the flanks, with Lulli a possible option on the right. In midfield, Pisilli and De Roon are set to form the central pairing again. Gasperini has confirmed that Lorenzo Pellegrini could be deployed deeper if needed, but the pre-match signals place him mainly in the attacking midfield role. Donyell Malen returns up front after missing the league game against Genoa through suspension. Soulé and Pellegrini are expected to play behind him, with Rodrigo Mora initially on the bench. Gasperini has admitted the match could allow him to try a double striker system with Malen and Santiago Castro together, particularly once the game is underway. For Slovan Bratislava, Yaya Touré is expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1. Takáč will be in goal, with Blackman, Bajrić, Marković and Sandro Cruz in defence. Pokorný and Ibrahim will occupy central midfield. The player Roma must watch most closely is Tigran Barseghyan, one of the most dangerous and creative players in the Slovak side. Christian Martínez and Suleiman Camara are expected to support Andraž Šporar. UEFA has listed only Čerepkai as doubtful. The match will be broadcast live on Sky and streamed on NOW, shown on Sky Sport Arena, Sky Sport 253 and Sky Sport 4K, as well as via Sky Go and NOW. Fabio Caressa will provide commentary with expert analysis from Beppe Bergomi. Paolo Assogna and Angelo Mangiante will be pitchside. Bookmakers make Roma strong favourites. A Roma win is priced between 1.11 and 1.15, a draw between 7.50 and 8.75, and a Slovan Bratislava win between 14.00 and 19.00. The odds reflect the defensive problems Slovan have shown in Europe, having conceded nine goals in the first two matchdays and allowed more chances and shots than almost every other competing side. Roma, without Dybala and the important midfielders Cristante and Koné, have a very favourable opportunity to secure their first three European points. A Roma win with No Goal is offered at around 2.00. Among correct scores, 2-0 is among the most fancied and is also the score chosen by Sisal's analysis, at 8.00.

Roma put on a show against Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday evening, with Lulli and Castro scoring, despite missing Malen through suspension and several key players through injury, including Svilar, Cristante, Koné and Dybala. Hermoso and Mancini were not fully fit. Before the match, Gasperini had said: "We need to widen the squad, the young players must help us win." His side delivered, and the performance pointed to the future as much as the present, with Roma facing a demanding month of fixtures. Seven players born after 2003 started the game, giving the XI an average age of 24 years and 362 days, which also takes into account Di Nunzio's debut late in the match. Alongside Lulli and Castro, the goalscorers, Mora, Soulé, Wesley, Ghilardi, Koulierakis and Rensch all started. La Gazzetta dello Sport noted that Roma, together with Como, have used more Under-23 players than any other club considered a top side in Serie A so far this season. The approach also gives a clear indication for the second team the Friedkin Group wants to create. The youth pipeline goes further. Gasperini is keeping an eye on several players from the youth categories, including Arena, who scored against Torino in the Coppa Italia last year, and Di Nunzio. Paratici and Camara have already been called up, as has third-choice goalkeeper De Marzi.

Roma face a mounting injury crisis ahead of their match against Genoa, with Paulo Dybala, Donyell Malen, Bryan Cristante, Mile Svilar and Manu Koné all unavailable. In midfield, Niccolò Pisilli starts alongside Marten de Roon. Gasperini has made significant changes in defence, dropping Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso for Leonardo Balerdi and Konstantinos Koulierakis. Santiago Castro makes his first start for the club up front. Roma line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Pierluigi Gollini in goal; Balerdi, Evan N'Dicka and Koulierakis in defence; Emanuele Lulli, de Roon, Pisilli and Devyne Rensch across the midfield; Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora behind Castro. Genoa, managed by former Roma manager Claudio Ranieri, counter with a 4-4-1-1 setup. Roma's bench includes Wesley, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Antonio Arena and several others available for deployment.

Roma have conceded fewer goals than any other side in Europe's top five leagues, with just three goals against so far this season. Before Sunday's fixture, Cagliari shared that record, but their 4-0 defeat to Monza dropped them down the table. Roma's only goals conceded came twice against Inter and once against Atalanta. Lazio and Borussia Dortmund trail them with four each among the top five European leagues. The solidity has not dropped even after the injury to Svilar. Gollini has already recorded two clean sheets in Serie A, against Como and Genoa. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini calls his defenders 'gladiators', and the numbers back him up. Hermoso is third in Serie A for interceptions per game with 2.4, while N'Dicka is eighth for defensive clearances per game with 5.8. Mancini, after a difficult start to the season, is returning to his high level. This year Balerdi and Koulierakis have also joined the back line. Balerdi is already a fixed starter and a true utility player. He can play in all three positions of the back three, and tonight against Slovan he will lead the defence. Ghilardi is finding less space at present, but his minutes are expected to increase as the matchdays pass. The Roma wall continues to impress.

Roma return to action tonight looking for their first win in the Champions League League Phase, with kickoff at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico against Slovan Bratislava, who are still on zero points after two matches. The Slovaks come to Rome after Roma's win over Genoa in Serie A. Mancini, Hermoso, Wesley and Malen all return to the starting line-up from the first minute, while Evan N'Dicka is expected to be rested. Gian Piero Gasperini's side is set to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, according to the main Roman dailies. The predicted XI is largely the same across the papers. Mile Svilar is not included; Pierluigi Gollini starts in goal, with Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi and Mario Hermoso forming the back three. Marten de Roon and Niccolò Pisilli operate in the middle, with Wesley on the right of midfield and Lulli or Nahuel Molina on the left, depending on the newspaper. Matías Soulé and Lorenzo Pellegrini support Donyell Malen up front. Molina is named in the lineups of two outlets, Il Corriere dello SportRoma and La Gazzetta dello SportRoma, and in Leggoroma, while Lulli is picked by the rest. For Roma, a win tonight would be a first points gain in the Champions League league phase and a chance to build on the momentum from the weekend victory over Genoa. The return of Wesley and Malen gives Gasperini a fully fit attacking and midfield core, while the decision to rest N'Dicka offers a rotation option for a team playing regularly across competitions. Mancini and Hermoso's return restores experience to the defensive line.

Roma are chasing their first win in the Champions League as they prepare to face Slovan Bratislava, with Gian Piero Gasperini set to be without Svilar, Cristante, Koné and Dybala. Malen is the only player returning from the Genoa league fixture and will start tonight, with Soulé and Pellegrini behind him. Evan N'Dicka may be rested. On the right side of the defence, Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli are in a straight fight for a place. The Italian newspapers' predicted line-ups are split on the pick: Corriere dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Il Tempo and Corriere della Sera all name Lulli, while La Gazzetta dello Sport and Leggo go with Molina. All of them set Roma up in a 3-4-2-1 with Gollini in goal, Mancini, Balerdi and Hermoso across the back three, and Wesley, de Roon and Pisilli in midfield alongside the right-back option. The home side are without several first-team regulars, so the selection call on the flank and the rotation of N'Dicka will shape how Gasperini sets his back line. Roma are still searching for their first Champions League victory of the season, and tonight's fixture gives them the chance to address that.

Former Slovakia and Napoli coach Francesco Calzona has spoken to Il Messaggero ahead of Roma's clash with Slovan, saying Roma are much stronger than their opponents but must remain careful. Slovan have won the Slovak title for eight consecutive years, Calzona said, though they have struggled to reach the group stage after qualifying rounds when they face European opposition. He added that the club has considerable potential, pointing to a recent interview in which their president said he wanted to establish the club in European competition, and said it will take time. Slovan have begun rejuvenating their squad, bringing in local talent. Calzona also looked ahead to Saturday's Napoli-Roma fixture, which he believes could be a crossroads for Napoli given the gap in the table. "If they want to get back up, they cannot afford to lose. Ten points would start to be really many, even though there would still be more than 30 games to play, because you can make up ground on one team but it becomes difficult when there are two or three." On Roma, he was confident of a season at the top whatever the final result. "It is a very strong team, it always manages to play with incredible intensity. Watching Roma entertains me, they have a European style of play." Asked which Roma player he would most like to coach, Calzona said the easy answer would be Malen or Dybala, but he chose Koné. "What a player... He is of a very high level, he has everything you could ask of a midfielder." Told that Koné does not score often, he replied: "You will see that Gasperini will manage to get him scoring too."

Radio pundits across Rome's stations have been debating Paulo Dybala's latest setback, Gian Piero Gasperini's squad management and Roma's upcoming Champions League fixture against Slovan, in the latest edition of the On Air round-up of Roman radio shows. Rete Sport commentator David Rossi said the Dybala situation was initially described as simple fatigue, but that the forward rested, tried to train again and felt pain. Rossi said: "Su Dybala c'avevano detto che era solo un affaticamento, va a capire se era già lesione e c'hanno fatto il gioco delle tre carte o se era affaticamento, si è riposato un po', poi ha provato a fare qualcosina e ha sentito dolore. Io francamente non sono sorpreso, anzi, sono abbastanza stanco di commentare l'ovvio." He added that Gasperini's remark that Dybala is a "beast" would not prevent the muscle problems, and that Gasperini can make mistakes, such as choosing to field only four midfielders. Rossi said: "E questa su Dybala è sbagliata, va gestito, perchè Dybala si fa male. E ora sei corto nelle rotazioni anche davanti…" Gianluca Piacentini, also of Rete Sport, said Dybala should have played a few minutes less in some matches, when there was no need to keep him on the pitch until the 90th minute. He said Lorenzo Pellegrini alongside Marten de Roon, with Mora and Soulé behind Donyell Malen, "è una soluzione che ci può stare". On Slovan, Piacentini said: "Se pensi di aver già vinto, non la vinci, ne abbiamo già avuto ampie dimostrazioni." He noted that Napoli, reigning Serie A champions, finished 30th in the Champions League last year. Checco Oddo Casano said he considered the match against PSG lost and did not take the Roma-Sporting fixture for granted, as the Portuguese side are strong. He said Lille and AEK Athens are within reach. He suggested Roma could finish the league phase with 13 points, and that 13 points would not be enough to reach the top eight by much. He added: "Rischieresti di non arrivare nelle prime otto per Roma-Real Madrid…" Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo said Slovan have never been strong in their history, adding: "Non dico che sia una partita da vincere con la pippa in bocca, ma insomma…" He said finishing third or fourth would still mean Champions League football, and called Gasperini "tanta roba", saying he is "il 50% della squadra, forse anche di più." Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo said Roma have resources, as shown against Genoa, but that Dybala's latest stop is worrying. She said Gasperini had spoken of two more weeks out, adding: "andiamo per eccesso: parliamo di una mesata." She said Gasperini had not ruled out using Santiago Castro alongside Malen, and that Roma lack quality up front with only Pellegrini, Mora and Soulé to alternate behind Malen. Paolo Cosenza, also on Tele Radio Stereo, said that finishing below third would be a total disappointment. He said: "Quest'anno dunque non è Gasperini il valore aggiunto, c'è un valore disgiunto da parte delle altre squadre." Lorenzo Pes, on Tele Radio Stereo, said Malen and Castro together is not a combination that excites Gasperini, and that Roma will stick with one striker supported by attacking players. He said Pellegrini and Mora do not look a strong pairing in the hole, so Soulé is likely to start before a switch with Mora. He said the stated aim is to reach the playoff, and that 10-11 points looks achievable given the fixture list. He said that apart from PSG, Roma could compete at Old Trafford. He added: "Stasera però sarà importante cercare di fare più gol possibile per la differenza reti che può essere decisiva per la classifica finale…" Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said Dybala felt pain again and will return after the international break. He compared Evan N'Dicka to Aldair for his ability to play every two days without fatigue, and said Leonardo Balerdi's presence increases competition and he can also play as a right centre-back. Daniele Lo Monaco of Radio Romanista said Slovan had faced the most shots in the first two Champions League matches, with 51 shots on target against them. He said this could allow Roma to play more openly and that Pellegrini could play in midfield, though he had been tried up front. Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio said Roma must win while conserving energy, and that given the injuries, the effort must be limited. He said: "Lo Slovan è sicuramente più forte del Genoa e serve attenzione, ma il turnover fatto contro il Genoa ha avuto buoni risultati." On Malen he said: "Il suo è strapotere assoluto…" Nando Orsi of Radio Radio asked whether Molina or Lulli should start, saying Molina does not seem to be convincing Gasperini while Lulli does. He said that for a 19-year-old, there should be no tiredness at this moment, only enthusiasm Gasperini should use more. On Malen he said: "Nessuno si aspettava un'esplosione del genere."

Former Roma captain Giuseppe Giannini has said the club will push hard from the opening minutes tonight in the Champions League, aiming to overwhelm the opponent and force them back into defence and into mistakes. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Giannini also said that with Paulo Dybala absent, Roma are relying on Matías Soulé. Giannini highlighted the need to manage the final minutes carefully. He pointed to the recent game against Real Madrid as a lesson: when tiredness sets in late on, Roma risk losing their shape and conceding. His message is that intensity must be sustained for the whole match, not just the opening stages. Giannini said: "Certainly the team will press the accelerator from the first minutes to stun the opponent and force them onto the defensive and into making mistakes. It will be important to manage the final minutes well too, because, as the game against Real taught us, when a bit of tiredness sets in, you run a risk."