Wesley impresses on the wing with strong chance creation

Cesc Fabregas has publicly expressed respect for Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of Como's fixture against Roma in one week's time, moving to defuse tension between the two coaches after a heated encounter last season. The Spanish manager addressed the pair's previous conflict at the Festival dello Sport in Trento, where he stated: "I have great respect for him." Last season, Gasperini refused to shake Fabregas's hand after Como's 2–1 home victory, walking directly toward the tunnel in protest at Wesley's expulsion, which the Roma coach deemed dubious. Fabregas had called the gesture "unsporting" at the time, fueling friction between them. The article comes as Roma prepare for their next league match against Como. Gasperini, who took charge of Roma in 2025, is one of the most experienced and strongest coaches in Serie A, presenting a contrasting tactical approach to Fabregas's style. The incident has left some residual effects on their relationship, though Fabregas's recent comments suggest a willingness to move past it. Fabregas acknowledged his own mistakes and emotional nature, saying: "I myself make errors many times; I am still young and often still emotional." He then directed his comments at Gasperini specifically: "I hope that a more experienced coach, if I make a mistake, will tell me. For example Gasperini. I like to listen to people who know more than I do." He also noted that relationships cannot be identical with all colleagues: "You cannot keep the same friendship or relationship with everyone; we are all different."

Santiago Castro and Matías Soulé both earned their senior Argentina caps in a 7–0 friendly victory against Burkina Faso. Castro came close to scoring but struck the crossbar in the closing stages. Speaking to journalists after the match, the former Bologna forward reflected on the occasion with emotion. "I was nervous before the match, but once you get on the pitch you just have to play and be yourself. To be honest it makes me really happy, I feel so many emotions," Castro said. "After everything I've been through and all this time, I'm really happy. But the goal slipped away – the ball hit the crossbar. Lately I've hit quite a few crossbars and posts (laughs), but anyway I'm really happy and I just have to keep going like this." Castro's reference to recent woodwork touches on Roma's Serie A campaign. In the club's third league match against Atalanta, Castro struck the woodwork twice in what proved a narrow victory, with teammate Soulé scoring the decisive late goal. Both players have now made their mark at international level, with Soulé also featuring in the Argentina side against Burkina Faso.

Santiago Castro made his Argentina debut in a friendly against Burkina Faso last night, hitting the crossbar in the 92nd minute with a powerful right-foot strike from inside the box. The forward remains without a goal this season for both Roma and his national team, having struck the post and bar against Atalanta in Serie A. Castro has come agonisingly close to breaking his drought on multiple occasions. Speaking after the match, he said: "I was nervous before the game, but once you get on the pitch you just have to play and be yourself. Honestly, it makes me really happy—I feel so many emotions. After everything I've been through and all this time, I'm truly happy. But the goal got away: the ball hit the crossbar. Lately I've hit quite a few crossbars and posts (laughs), but anyway I'm really happy and I just need to keep going like this."

Cesc Fabregas has publicly expressed respect for Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of Como's fixture against Roma in one week's time, moving to defuse tension between the two coaches after a heated encounter last season. The Spanish manager addressed the pair's previous conflict at the Festival dello Sport in Trento, where he stated: "I have great respect for him." Last season, Gasperini refused to shake Fabregas's hand after Como's 2–1 home victory, walking directly toward the tunnel in protest at Wesley's expulsion, which the Roma coach deemed dubious. Fabregas had called the gesture "unsporting" at the time, fueling friction between them. The article comes as Roma prepare for their next league match against Como. Gasperini, who took charge of Roma in 2025, is one of the most experienced and strongest coaches in Serie A, presenting a contrasting tactical approach to Fabregas's style. The incident has left some residual effects on their relationship, though Fabregas's recent comments suggest a willingness to move past it. Fabregas acknowledged his own mistakes and emotional nature, saying: "I myself make errors many times; I am still young and often still emotional." He then directed his comments at Gasperini specifically: "I hope that a more experienced coach, if I make a mistake, will tell me. For example Gasperini. I like to listen to people who know more than I do." He also noted that relationships cannot be identical with all colleagues: "You cannot keep the same friendship or relationship with everyone; we are all different."

AS Roma have been working on a move for Real Madrid forward Endrick over the last few months, with increasingly positive signals that a deal could materialise in January. Sporting director Tony D'Amico is driving the initiative, and crucially, Endrick has already given his approval to join the Giallorossi, viewing a Roma move as an opportunity to regain prominence after his time in Madrid. Endrick's father is also supportive of the transfer, particularly given that his Brazilian teammate Wesley is performing well at Roma. The player has confided to close friends that a switch to the Giallorossi is a genuine possibility. AC Milan have also attempted to recruit Endrick, but Roma are ahead in the race, having already held initial talks with the player and his representatives. A forthcoming fixture between Roma and Real Madrid could provide a suitable moment for both parties to advance discussions further on the deal.

Wesley was spotted at Ponte Milvio test-driving his new Lamborghini during the international break. The Roma defender, born in 2003, remained in the capital rather than travel during the national team pause, taking the opportunity to enjoy some leisure time away from Trigoria. Wesley is currently recovering from a physical problem that prevented him from answering Brazil's call-up. He is expected to rejoin full training in the coming days with the goal of returning to Gian Piero Gasperini's squad for the resumption of the league campaign.