Weekly Ratings: Sinner shines, Dybala renewal backed, Zaniolo slips again

Nicolò Zaniolo has praised Gian Piero Gasperini as a visionary coach capable of elevating Roma's ambitions this season. Speaking to Calciomercato.com, the former Roma forward reflected on his time at the club and his experience working under Gasperini at Atalanta, where he recovered from a fifth metatarsal injury. "Gasperini is an incredible coach," Zaniolo said. "He manages to pull 120% out of every player, he makes you fly physically and mentally. Wherever he goes he leaves his mark, and Roma are flying this year. They can certainly have their say in the Scudetto race." Zaniolo departed Roma in 2023 and now plays for Udine. His time in giallorosso remains formative: he won the UEFA Europa Conference League, made his debut at the Bernabéu, and scored his first Serie A goal against Sassuolo. He acknowledged regrets about how his Roma spell ended, but said the experience shaped him as a person and athlete. "My spell in giallorosso was one of the most important and instructive of my life," he reflected. "I left many friends there, my wife is from Rome, my first son was born there. We are even thinking of moving back to live there when my career ends. I left the relationship with the environment a bit abruptly, but I still support them." On his evolution as a player, Zaniolo identified the trequartista role as his perfect fit. "I have played so many positions in my career: I started as a half-back, then moved to the right at Roma," he explained. "Injuries took away some of the explosiveness I had covering the whole wing and moved me more inside the pitch. I think the trequartista is my perfect suit: I need to see the goal in front of me, not behind me. I can shoot from outside, provide assists, those are all my characteristics." Zaniolo also praised José Mourinho, under whom he achieved his best goal and assist return in a single season. He recalled Mourinho's conviction before the Conference League final: "Mourinho then replied: 'No, tomorrow Nicolò must play because he scores.'" Zaniolo noted they remain in contact via WhatsApp. "The fact that a coach who has managed world-class champions finds the time spontaneously to ask me how I am shows the greatness of the man before the technician," he said.

Cicinho, who joined Roma from Real Madrid in August 2007 and won a Coppa Italia and Supercoppa during his time in giallorosso, has backed the club to challenge for honours and urged young Brazilian forward Endrick to make the switch from Madrid if the opportunity arises. Speaking exclusively to Forzaroma.info ahead of Wednesday's match at the Olimpico, the former right-back reflected on Endrick's situation and Roma's current trajectory under Gian Piero Gasperini. Asked whether he would advise Endrick to join Roma or remain at Real Madrid awaiting his chance, Cicinho said: "If I were Endrick, I would go to Roma without thinking twice. I think Real Madrid should also consider this possibility, because it would be very positive for him. A player with his talent needs to be on the pitch, not getting rusty on the bench. He still has a lot to learn and I think he would adapt very well to Gasperini's energetic style and the intensity of his game." Cicinho also addressed Paulo Dybala's worthiness of Roma's number 10 shirt, a subject on which Francesco Totti recently expressed reservations. "The Captain gave Roma's number 10 a meaning that goes well beyond football and borders on magic," Cicinho reflected. "Twenty-four years of devotion to the giallorosso shirt, during which he brought professionalism and dedication to the highest levels and, above all, reminded everyone in the dressing room that they had a duty to represent that fanbase. Dybala is also, as they say in Italy, a fantasist, a player capable of making fans dream, and has already shown great attachment to the club, even refusing economically more advantageous offers. I think the number 10 would be in good hands with Dybala, but we must make peace with the idea that we will never find another Totti." On Roma's title prospects, Cicinho expressed cautious optimism about Gasperini's project but suggested it remains in a growth phase. "Yes, I believe in it, but it seems to me that the Roma-Gasperini project is still in a phase of growth and could reach its peak perhaps in the next season, provided we manage to retain the most important players, like Manu Koné, and continue to strengthen well in the market," he said. "Roma's starting eleven is exceptional, but I believe it is necessary to increase the depth of the squad. The second half against Inter was an example. Matches like that decide the title, not only for the points in the table, but also for the message they send to opponents." Cicinho also spoke of finding contentment away from football, having previously described a period in which he "saw no joy in anything." He credited his family and simpler life with providing genuine happiness. "Being able to be with my wife and my children, seeing them grow. True happiness lies in simple things, in the possibility of enjoying them without rush and with a clear mind, to fully live these beautiful moments. That is the real luxury of life, not cars, parties or spotlights."

Nicolò Zaniolo, now at Udinese, has reflected on his time at Roma with a mixture of regret and gratitude, acknowledging both the significance of his spell in giallorosso and the manner in which it ended. Speaking to Calciomercato.com and Goal, Zaniolo said he was disappointed by how the relationship with the club and supporters concluded, though he remains a Roma supporter. His 4.5 years at the Stadio Olimpico were highlighted by the Conference League victory, but marked also by injuries and eventual discord. When asked what he would change about his Roma experience, Zaniolo said: "My spell in giallorosso was one of the most important and instructive of my life. I carry great joys with me – the Conference League victory, my debut at the Bernabéu, my first Serie A goal against Sassuolo – but also disappointments. I left many friends at Roma, my wife is from Rome, my first son was born there… we're even thinking of moving back there when my career ends. Perhaps I wouldn't do many things again, but without those mistakes and without such serious injuries like the cruciate ligament problems, I wouldn't be the person and athlete I am today. They taught me to care for my body, nutrition and injury prevention. Today I don't go on the pitch without having done prevention work. It upset me to close the relationship in a somewhat abrupt way with the environment, which I still support and cheer for." Zaniolo praised Gian Piero Gasperini, the Roma head coach who also managed him at Atalanta. He said: "Gasperini is an incredible manager. He manages to get 120% out of every player, makes you fly physically and mentally. At Atalanta I was coming back from a fifth metatarsal problem and couldn't fully satisfy his demands, but I had the honour of being trained by a visionary like him. Wherever he goes he leaves his mark, and Roma this year are flying. They can certainly have their say for the Serie A title." Zaniolo also paid tribute to José Mourinho, under whom he scored and assisted at his highest rate. He recalled: "Before the Conference League final I was in contention with another player and his entire staff advised not to play me. Mou said: 'No, tomorrow Nicolò must play because he scores'. He's special in everything – management, tactics, match vision. We still message on WhatsApp. The fact that a manager who has guided world-class champions takes time to ask how I'm doing shows his greatness as a man before anything else."

Roma host Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico in the second round of the Champions League, a fixture that pits Donyell Malen against Kylian Mbappé in a battle between two of Europe's most dangerous attacking players. The giallorossi will look to Paulo Dybala's quality and Malen's offensive threat to counter a Real Madrid side laden with world-class talent including Thibaut Courtois, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé. Malen, born in 1999, brings speed, penetrative runs and the ability to find the finish quickly from positions far from the penalty area. The Dutch forward can operate as a central striker or from a wider, deeper position, using his acceleration and mobility to break free from defenders. Under Gasperini's system, these qualities provide vertical outlets and allow him to capitalize on his teammates' passes. His chief strength lies in changing tempo: he can drop deep to engage in combination play, then attack the space behind the opposition's back line. Right-footed, he typically seeks a rapid shot without giving his marker time to recover. Roma can unlock him most effectively by accompanying his movements with well-timed passes—Malen becomes particularly dangerous when receiving on the run with a direct line to goal. Mbappé, born in 1998, requires no introduction. He combines speed and progression with a diverse skill set that makes him lethal both in open space and near the box. He can occupy centre-forward or drift left, positions from which he enjoys cutting infield onto his right foot to shoot. Oriented control, dribbling and sharp execution allow him to turn seemingly innocent ball reception into a clear chance. Defending against him demands close attention to the gap between the lines and coverage of depth; giving him space invites his explosive runs, while pressing without cover favours his one-on-one ability. The comparison between the two attackers hinges on Roma's ability to press space and apply continuous tempo changes to unsettle Madrid's defenders. Malen provides mobility and verticality; Mbappé adds a broader range of individual solutions, making him one of Real Madrid's principal attacking reference points.

Gian Piero Gasperini will hold his pre-match press conference tomorrow at 13:30, alongside one of his players, as Roma prepare for their Champions League fixture against Real Madrid on Wednesday at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico. The squad will conduct a final training session shortly after the press conference. Gasperini has few formation doubts ahead of the encounter, with the main tactical question centring on the attacking midfield position. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matías Soulé are competing for a starting place alongside Paulo Dybala in that area of the pitch.

Cicinho, who joined Roma from Real Madrid in August 2007 and won a Coppa Italia and Supercoppa during his time in giallorosso, has backed the club to challenge for honours and urged young Brazilian forward Endrick to make the switch from Madrid if the opportunity arises. Speaking exclusively to Forzaroma.info ahead of Wednesday's match at the Olimpico, the former right-back reflected on Endrick's situation and Roma's current trajectory under Gian Piero Gasperini. Asked whether he would advise Endrick to join Roma or remain at Real Madrid awaiting his chance, Cicinho said: "If I were Endrick, I would go to Roma without thinking twice. I think Real Madrid should also consider this possibility, because it would be very positive for him. A player with his talent needs to be on the pitch, not getting rusty on the bench. He still has a lot to learn and I think he would adapt very well to Gasperini's energetic style and the intensity of his game." Cicinho also addressed Paulo Dybala's worthiness of Roma's number 10 shirt, a subject on which Francesco Totti recently expressed reservations. "The Captain gave Roma's number 10 a meaning that goes well beyond football and borders on magic," Cicinho reflected. "Twenty-four years of devotion to the giallorosso shirt, during which he brought professionalism and dedication to the highest levels and, above all, reminded everyone in the dressing room that they had a duty to represent that fanbase. Dybala is also, as they say in Italy, a fantasist, a player capable of making fans dream, and has already shown great attachment to the club, even refusing economically more advantageous offers. I think the number 10 would be in good hands with Dybala, but we must make peace with the idea that we will never find another Totti." On Roma's title prospects, Cicinho expressed cautious optimism about Gasperini's project but suggested it remains in a growth phase. "Yes, I believe in it, but it seems to me that the Roma-Gasperini project is still in a phase of growth and could reach its peak perhaps in the next season, provided we manage to retain the most important players, like Manu Koné, and continue to strengthen well in the market," he said. "Roma's starting eleven is exceptional, but I believe it is necessary to increase the depth of the squad. The second half against Inter was an example. Matches like that decide the title, not only for the points in the table, but also for the message they send to opponents." Cicinho also spoke of finding contentment away from football, having previously described a period in which he "saw no joy in anything." He credited his family and simpler life with providing genuine happiness. "Being able to be with my wife and my children, seeing them grow. True happiness lies in simple things, in the possibility of enjoying them without rush and with a clear mind, to fully live these beautiful moments. That is the real luxury of life, not cars, parties or spotlights."

Gian Piero Gasperini will hold his pre-match press conference tomorrow at 13:30, alongside one of his players, as Roma prepare for their Champions League fixture against Real Madrid on Wednesday at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico. The squad will conduct a final training session shortly after the press conference. Gasperini has few formation doubts ahead of the encounter, with the main tactical question centring on the attacking midfield position. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matías Soulé are competing for a starting place alongside Paulo Dybala in that area of the pitch.

Roma secured a valuable point despite fielding a depleted squad and playing more than half an hour with ten men. The absence of goalkeeper Svilar and midfielder Malen, combined with the red card shown to their leading striker, left the team severely weakened, yet they managed to contain Como and avoid defeat. The opposition created their only genuine chances during stretches when both teams had eleven players on the pitch; once Roma's attacking threat was neutered by Malen's absence, the team adjusted tactically to prioritise containment. Gasperini's management of the crisis demonstrated the hallmark of a top-level coach. Rather than rigidly adhering to a fixed approach, he recognised the context demanded adaptation—a point earned under such circumstances represented a solid outcome. The display showed Roma's capacity to suffer intelligently when circumstances demanded it, maintaining their shape and discipline even as key personnel were unavailable. Gollini stepped into the void left by Svilar's absence, while Pellegrini continued to marshal the midfield. The performance also reflected the broader philosophy underpinning Gasperini's tenure: he makes decisions based on conviction rather than convenience or political calculation. The article notes his independence from what it characterises as a self-serving faction within the fanbase, positioning his approach as the correct direction for the club's future.

Roma held firm at Como for 50 minutes with a display matching a top-six side, only to be undone by a controversial refereeing decision. Referee Fabbri of Ravenna allowed a clear foul on Malen to pass without sanction, then issued a red card to the winger moments later for a challenge of at least debatable intent. That dismissal handed Como territorial control and possession for the remaining 40 minutes of the second half, but Roma emerged unscathed and without defensive risk—a result that, judged against last season's standard, represents genuine progress. Gasperini's side carried home encouraging signs from a bruising 90-minute contest against Fàbregas's combative setup. Gasperini deployed the recently recovered Pellegrini in a hybrid trequartista role on the left, flanking Malen with Dybala operating wide on the opposite flank. Como set up to play through the centre, with both teams vacating midfield spaces before refilling them through timed runs with the ball exposed during build-up play from defence. Fàbregas arranged a three-man midfield behind striker Douvikas, with Nico Paz and Diao operating at his sides. Roma entered the final third through rotations along the wing corridors, with Mancini notably active; Como found their openings through vertical tracers in the central lanes, springing Diao and Nico Paz into space. Both sides suffered from ball quality early on, with Dybala missing a monumental chance inside five minutes and Nico Paz testing Gollini moments later. Koné flanked Perrone while De Roon stood alongside Caqueret; Roma's first defensive difficulty was reaching Da Cunha, who dropped deep then cut transversely into midfield through gaps opened by his teammates. Roma rotated marking between Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso against Como's three attacking players, while Wesley faced a precarious duel with Diao. De Roon gradually took Da Cunha's measure, leaving forward momentum to Koné, whose passes after regaining possession were frequently imprecise, wasting multiple transition opportunities—particularly when Pellegrini and the defensive line sat high, a pattern Roma's midfielders and wing-backs could have exploited both for ball-free runs and to spring Malen. Roma also failed to read Como's aggressive press on the ball-carrier from behind, the intensity Como brought to defensive possession, making a switch of play from flank to flank tactically sensible. At half-time Gasperini withdrew Pellegrini in favour of Soulé to mark Yan Couto, but after five minutes Roma's defensive exhibition began in earnest once Fabbri's red card left them outnumbered, regrouping into a 3-4-2 with Balerdi replacing Hermoso. Fàbregas sensed an opportunity to go for the win, removed Caqueret for Jesus Rodriguez and shifted to 4-2-4, raising his line and attacking with angled runs without needing to defend the depth that Dybala, lacking the required pace, could not threaten. Dybala finished too isolated, though he managed the ball well on several occasions before ceding his place alongside Koné to Lulli, deployed as left-sided midfielder, and Pisilli. Rensch came on for the exhausted Molina. Fàbregas played his final card with Addai, to intensify pressure in the 1v1 wide contests, and Kempf for aerial duels at corners and set plays. At the 90th minute, however, Como managed only tentative attempts, unable to give substance to their pressure—they remained most dangerous when finding open or disorganised opponents in central spaces, a consequence of their coaching and player quality.