UEFA backs retaken Fernandes penalty in Manchester United-Roma

Roma remain unbeaten in Serie A after ten matchdays, with seven wins and three draws, despite the difficulties they have shown in the Champions League. Against Sassuolo, Gasperini can extend the run and achieve a feat managed only twice in recent Giallorossi history: avoiding defeat in the opening 11 league matches. Before him, only Rudi Garcia in 2013-14, with 17 initial league games unbeaten, and Capello in 2003-04, with 14, had managed it. Il Messaggero reports that the absence of Svilar has been felt, but does not fully explain Roma's defensive decline. Without the Belgian... no, without Svilar, Roma have conceded 14 goals in seven matches, 10 of them in the last four. The bigger problem, according to the paper, is mental management of games, particularly in the Champions League, where Roma were pegged back against Real Madrid and Manchester United after leading by two goals in each match. "The group loses its bearings at the first difficulty," the paper stresses, also highlighting a squad that is still short to cope with the double commitment. January, in this regard, could prove decisive. Il Tempo gives a positive picture of Matías Soulé, who is now one of the certainties in Gasperini's Roma. After two assists against Real Madrid, the Argentine scored at Old Trafford, producing a first half of the highest level against Manchester United. With 939 minutes played, he is the third most-used player in the squad, behind Wesley and Hermoso, and continues to make his mark mainly playing from the right. "Matías shines with his own light without needing comparisons with anyone," the paper writes, highlighting growth that is now evident in Europe too.

Roma's run of nine matches in 27 days ends at the Stadio Olimpico the day after next, bringing a demanding spell that has tested the squad on three fronts. The sequence began with Como and Sassuolo, with Champions League fixtures in between, and the last of them is the trip to Manchester United, who could overturn Roma's initial two-goal advantage. The working assumption, noted since late August, is that Roma have improved on last season's third-place finish. Simone Valdarchi, writing in Il Tempo, credits the greater understanding between coach and squad, with the club's transfer business also playing a part. A second, fairly obvious view is that the squad is short in depth. Even if it is not inadequate, it is thin enough to be stretched across three competitions. That is the stress test, and some players have passed it. Soulé's form over this period has stood out, and he has become a key technical reference in the trequarti. Still, the article argues that the team needs something more to keep progressing. D'Amico knows this well.

Roma's excellent run of results and defensive balance in Serie A has not carried over to the Champions League, where the club continues to suffer lapses in the big European fixtures, according to Il Messaggero. Gian Piero Gasperini's side have conceded 10 goals in Serie A while scoring 28, but in their seven continental matches, including the qualifiers and group stage, they have scored just 8 and conceded 10. The negative trend is compounded by 14 goals conceded across their last seven official games in all competitions. A key factor identified in the analysis is the enforced absence of Mile Svilar in goal. The Belgian keeper's injury has deprived the team of a charismatic figure and a fundamental reference point for the Giallorossi backline. Despite the efforts of Gollini beforehand, and the recent emergency debut of Devis Vásquez at Old Trafford, the absence of the first-choice keeper continues to be felt in decisive moments. The analysis also points to rotation and mentality under maximum pressure. Difficulties in managing a two-goal lead or in facing late comebacks by opponents reflect, the piece argues, the need to strengthen the squad available to Gasperini. The January transfer window could offer the chance to add experienced players capable of bringing weight and balance to support the club's European ambitions.

Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli is reportedly on course for a first call-up to the Italy senior squad, according to Il Messaggero. Coach Roberto Mancini has reportedly decided to include him for Nations League fixtures against France and Belgium. Pisilli has been one of the standout performers in Roma's strong start to the season, making the most of the opportunities given to him by Gian Piero Gasperini. The report says he has earned Mancini's trust, placing him among the candidates for a possible senior debut. Il Messaggero also names two other Roma players who could be involved: Gianluca Mancini and Daniele Ghilardi. The presence of Bryan Cristante, however, is reported to be in doubt.

Lorenzo Pisilli's strong start to the season has earned him a place in the Italy squad, with Italy coach Roberto Mancini reportedly set to call him up for the Nations League fixtures against France and Belgium, according to Il Messaggero. Pisilli has also won the trust of Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, despite a poor display in Manchester. Gianluca Mancini and Daniele Ghilardi are also possible call-ups from Roma, according to the report. Bryan Cristante's involvement is in doubt. The squad list for the double header, which decides qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals, is expected to be announced today. The Manchester performance did not overshadow what the report describes as a season started at a high level by Pisilli. The Italian daily says the 2026-27 campaign has been a strong one for the midfielder, who has earned the confidence of both his club boss and the national team coach.

Roma's problems after half-time are showing up in the numbers: 83% of their goals conceded this season have come in the second half. In their 14 official matches they have conceded three goals in first halves against 15 in second halves, while scoring 19 goals in each half. The issue is defensive resilience rather than attacking output. Roma have now lost a lead again after the comeback against Real Madrid. At Old Trafford they dominated the first half before fading after the restart. Mora's withdrawal at half-time and the introduction of Lulli for Rensch have both drawn debate, and the squad has few quality alternatives. Gasperini is under scrutiny, and an editorial asks why this Roma is not yet ready for the Champions League. On the transfer front, Balerdi's place is secure despite his error on United's equaliser. According to Fabrizio Romano, the club is satisfied with the Argentine and intends to buy him outright from Marseille. The fee is reported at between 11 and 14 million euros, depending on his seasonal appearances. Inter and Juventus showed interest in the defender this summer. Spanish referee Gil Manzano received heavy ratings: 4 from Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport and 3 from Romanista. The penalty awarded for the Mancini-Cunha contact was criticised, as was the failure to send off Maguire for a second yellow card. The retake of the penalty for Cristante's early entry into the box was judged correct. Roma supporters have also made serious accusations against English police after the tensions at Old Trafford. Some fans describe long waits, aggressive treatment and medical emergencies on entry and exit, and one fan was reportedly immobilised by officers before receiving medical assistance. On Radio Roma, Ferrazza suggested focusing on the league, Corsi criticised some of Gasperini's assessments, and Torri blamed the officiating. In the transfer market, Roma's clear priority is to strengthen the attack, with Endrick at the top of the list. In midfield, Issa Doumbia of Sporting Lisbon and Gabriel Sara of Galatasaray are also attracting interest. Roma's next fixture is the Rome derby's rival-free home test against Sassuolo, a match in the eleventh round at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 7 November at 20:45. Marco Di Bello will referee, assisted by Peretti and Scatragli, with Pezzuto at VAR and Guida as AVAR.

Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli is reportedly on course for a first call-up to the Italy senior squad, according to Il Messaggero. Coach Roberto Mancini has reportedly decided to include him for Nations League fixtures against France and Belgium. Pisilli has been one of the standout performers in Roma's strong start to the season, making the most of the opportunities given to him by Gian Piero Gasperini. The report says he has earned Mancini's trust, placing him among the candidates for a possible senior debut. Il Messaggero also names two other Roma players who could be involved: Gianluca Mancini and Daniele Ghilardi. The presence of Bryan Cristante, however, is reported to be in doubt.

Lorenzo Pisilli's strong start to the season has earned him a place in the Italy squad, with Italy coach Roberto Mancini reportedly set to call him up for the Nations League fixtures against France and Belgium, according to Il Messaggero. Pisilli has also won the trust of Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, despite a poor display in Manchester. Gianluca Mancini and Daniele Ghilardi are also possible call-ups from Roma, according to the report. Bryan Cristante's involvement is in doubt. The squad list for the double header, which decides qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals, is expected to be announced today. The Manchester performance did not overshadow what the report describes as a season started at a high level by Pisilli. The Italian daily says the 2026-27 campaign has been a strong one for the midfielder, who has earned the confidence of both his club boss and the national team coach.

Roma's problems after half-time are showing up in the numbers: 83% of their goals conceded this season have come in the second half. In their 14 official matches they have conceded three goals in first halves against 15 in second halves, while scoring 19 goals in each half. The issue is defensive resilience rather than attacking output. Roma have now lost a lead again after the comeback against Real Madrid. At Old Trafford they dominated the first half before fading after the restart. Mora's withdrawal at half-time and the introduction of Lulli for Rensch have both drawn debate, and the squad has few quality alternatives. Gasperini is under scrutiny, and an editorial asks why this Roma is not yet ready for the Champions League. On the transfer front, Balerdi's place is secure despite his error on United's equaliser. According to Fabrizio Romano, the club is satisfied with the Argentine and intends to buy him outright from Marseille. The fee is reported at between 11 and 14 million euros, depending on his seasonal appearances. Inter and Juventus showed interest in the defender this summer. Spanish referee Gil Manzano received heavy ratings: 4 from Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport and 3 from Romanista. The penalty awarded for the Mancini-Cunha contact was criticised, as was the failure to send off Maguire for a second yellow card. The retake of the penalty for Cristante's early entry into the box was judged correct. Roma supporters have also made serious accusations against English police after the tensions at Old Trafford. Some fans describe long waits, aggressive treatment and medical emergencies on entry and exit, and one fan was reportedly immobilised by officers before receiving medical assistance. On Radio Roma, Ferrazza suggested focusing on the league, Corsi criticised some of Gasperini's assessments, and Torri blamed the officiating. In the transfer market, Roma's clear priority is to strengthen the attack, with Endrick at the top of the list. In midfield, Issa Doumbia of Sporting Lisbon and Gabriel Sara of Galatasaray are also attracting interest. Roma's next fixture is the Rome derby's rival-free home test against Sassuolo, a match in the eleventh round at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 7 November at 20:45. Marco Di Bello will referee, assisted by Peretti and Scatragli, with Pezzuto at VAR and Guida as AVAR.