Wesley sidelined by ankle injury as Koulierakis joins Roma in Cardiff

Marten de Roon has started seven consecutive matches for Roma and remains one of Gian Piero Gasperini's trusted players, starting from the first minute again against Udinese. Following the win, the Dutch midfielder celebrated on social media with a Halloween-themed message: "Dolcetto o scherzetto? Tre punti sono meglio! Grazie per il vostro supporto e godetevi una dolce notte di Halloween giallorossi!" Soulé also posted on Instagram after the result, writing: "Un'altra vittoria. Questa è la strada che dobbiamo continuare a percorrere. Forza Roma!" The Argentine did not score but registered two assists on the day. Mora also found the net and posted a short message: "+3". The victory against Udinese keeps Roma's momentum going, with De Roon's consistent selection underlining his importance to the side under Gasperini.

Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi has spoken about scoring his first Serie A goal, in the win over Udinese, and said the squad is full of players who all feel like starters under Gian Piero Gasperini. Speaking to Dazn after the match, Ghilardi described the moment: "Yes, it's my first goal in Serie A. I'm very happy. I struck it with all the strength I had. It was the end of the match, I had cramp in my calves. I was dead, I was stretching and they didn't see me." Asked whether he celebrated better than Emanuele Lulli, he laughed off the comparison: "Emanuele wasn't used to it, I've scored 2 in B and 1 in C. Few, but something. I'm very happy. It took me more than two seasons to do it, and I'm glad." Ghilardi also explained how Gasperini's attacking style helps defenders get forward. "We're used to getting into the box and playing in the penalty area. The coach says all of us have the quality to score or assist, and we work on it a lot in training. I think it shows." He has scored one goal and provided two assists in 10 days, and has only one assist in his career before this run. Asked when that was, he recalled: "A Mantova-Vicenza, with a goal by Padella. I remember it very well." Asked whether everyone in the Roma squad is really a starter, Ghilardi replied: "Yes, we're really all starters and it shows. Everyone has played and each of us has had his own minutes, doing what he had to do. We're having a great season and we'll keep going like this. There are many matches and we need everyone."

Roma travel to Udinese for Serie A matchday 10, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side needing to keep pace with Inter and Lazio, who sit top on 4 points more than Roma, while also keeping an eye on Como, who are just one point behind. Roma come into the fixture after beating Cagliari. Defender Lulli is set for a confirmation in the starting line-up after the win over Cagliari. Donyell Malen is ready to return from the start alongside Matías Soulé. Rodrigo Mora, decisive in the last round, is pushing for a starting shirt. Paulo Dybala remains out. On the Udinese side, Zaniolo is set for a return to his old club, ready to help the hosts climb a table that is very complicated for the Friulani. The article also covers where to watch the match on television (Sky and Dazn), the kickoff time and the current Serie A standings.

Roma produced a dominant display to beat Udinese 5-2 at the Bluenergy Stadium in the tenth round of Serie A, with Cristante, Rodrigo Mora, Malen, Ndicka and Ghilardi all on the scoresheet. Cristante was named the best player on the pitch by the Giallorossi.net editorial team, which rated him 8 out of 10, after a first half the reviewer described as monstrous: he opened the scoring with a header and then set up Rodrigo Mora for the second goal. Soulé was credited with an assist for the third goal and also set up Ndicka's header for the fourth. The result was a commanding performance from Gasperini's side, who were rated 7.5 for the manager's work despite heavy absences. The first half was largely one-sided, with Roma playing an attacking, brilliant brand of football. The second half was more loose, and Udinese scored twice, though the reviewer felt those goals were avoidable and did not detract from a strong evening. Ghilardi was rated 7.5 and was praised for playing with a composure surprising for his age, staying clean in his challenges and sealing the win with a late goal. Ndicka, rated 7, was described as attentive and was rewarded with a headed goal that made it 4-0 for the time being. Hermoso, rated 6.5, was praised for his passing and his quality with the ball. Soulé was rated 7.5 and was singled out for quality, personality and an added concreteness, with the reviewer saying he had finally made the step up that had long been asked of him. De Roon, rated 7, was praised for taking control of midfield and for his positioning. Wesley, rated 6.5, was credited with the cross for Cristante's opening header but was criticised for avoidable technical errors. Molina, rated 6, was judged to have been less convincing and was said to have made numerous simple mistakes. Gollini was rated 6, having had little to do in the first half before being beaten twice after the break. Rodrigo Mora, rated 7, scored the second goal, his third of the season, despite limited minutes, and was described as a player who knows how to find the net. Malen, rated 7, had a missed chance against the crossbar but then produced a clinical left-foot finish past Okoye. Malen was described as always dangerous, and Castro, rated 6, came on and was said to have been repeatedly called back to the bench by Gasperini before providing the pass for Ghilardi's late goal. Pisilli was rated 6 after coming on, and Koulierakis and Rensch and Mancini all came on late in the game without leaving a mark.

Roma beat Udinese 5-2 away, with Daniele Ghilardi scoring the fifth goal. In the player ratings, Ghilardi earned a 7, Ndicka a 7, while Gollini and Hermoso were each given a 6. Gasperini had predicted that Ghilardi would find more and more space in the team, and the defender started immediately. He showed personality and a healthy aggression in the tackle. In the first half, few dangers came down his side, though part of the credit for that was his. After the break, Udinese's attackers changed, but Ghilardi's concentration did not, and he went on to score Roma's fifth. Gollini got through his first two minutes as Miller tested him from distance, then watched much of the game from a distance. He made a brave save from Palma's header at the end of the first half. The second half opened with a familiar scene: a short, central parry, with a deflection, and a tap-in from Zaniolo. Hermoso was often used to build play from deep, and his urge to push the ball into dangerous areas was a trait that pleased Gasperini. He headed clear at the middle of the first half and dozed slightly on Zaniolo's goal, but he made many important interventions. Ndicka was tested when the danger came in his own area, a feeling he rarely experiences. He appeared unexpectedly in the opposition box, like Michael Myers. Koulierakis came on at 84' and was not rated.

Roma head to Udinese with Gian Piero Gasperini making several changes to his starting line-up, with Daniele Ghilardi coming into the defence. The match is part of a demanding run of fixtures for the Giallorossi, and the team sheets for both sides have been confirmed. In midfield, Marten de Roon keeps his place rather than being rested and will pair with Bryan Cristante. Up front, Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé form the attacking partnership, with Donyell Malen playing behind them. Udinese are coached by Runjaic and line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Okoye in goal and Zaniolo and Ekkelenkamp supporting Davis in attack. Roma's starting XI is Gollini; Ghilardi, Ndicka, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, De Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen, set out in a 3-4-2-1. For Udinese, Okoye starts in goal, with Abankwah, Kabasele and Palma in defence, Vojvoda, Piotrowski, Karlström and Kamara in midfield, and Davis leading the line. On the bench, Roma have Vásquez, De Marzi, Koulierakis, Rensch, Mancini, Pisilli, Lulli, Di Nunzio, Castro, Arena and Camara among the options available to Gasperini. Udinese's replacements include Padelli, Mrozek, Bertola, Ebosse, Zarraga, Miller, Lovric, Arizala, Chakvetadze, Jovanovic, Unai Gómez and Vinciati.

Roma produced a dominant display to beat Udinese 5-2 at the Bluenergy Stadium in the tenth round of Serie A, with Cristante, Rodrigo Mora, Malen, Ndicka and Ghilardi all on the scoresheet. Cristante was named the best player on the pitch by the Giallorossi.net editorial team, which rated him 8 out of 10, after a first half the reviewer described as monstrous: he opened the scoring with a header and then set up Rodrigo Mora for the second goal. Soulé was credited with an assist for the third goal and also set up Ndicka's header for the fourth. The result was a commanding performance from Gasperini's side, who were rated 7.5 for the manager's work despite heavy absences. The first half was largely one-sided, with Roma playing an attacking, brilliant brand of football. The second half was more loose, and Udinese scored twice, though the reviewer felt those goals were avoidable and did not detract from a strong evening. Ghilardi was rated 7.5 and was praised for playing with a composure surprising for his age, staying clean in his challenges and sealing the win with a late goal. Ndicka, rated 7, was described as attentive and was rewarded with a headed goal that made it 4-0 for the time being. Hermoso, rated 6.5, was praised for his passing and his quality with the ball. Soulé was rated 7.5 and was singled out for quality, personality and an added concreteness, with the reviewer saying he had finally made the step up that had long been asked of him. De Roon, rated 7, was praised for taking control of midfield and for his positioning. Wesley, rated 6.5, was credited with the cross for Cristante's opening header but was criticised for avoidable technical errors. Molina, rated 6, was judged to have been less convincing and was said to have made numerous simple mistakes. Gollini was rated 6, having had little to do in the first half before being beaten twice after the break. Rodrigo Mora, rated 7, scored the second goal, his third of the season, despite limited minutes, and was described as a player who knows how to find the net. Malen, rated 7, had a missed chance against the crossbar but then produced a clinical left-foot finish past Okoye. Malen was described as always dangerous, and Castro, rated 6, came on and was said to have been repeatedly called back to the bench by Gasperini before providing the pass for Ghilardi's late goal. Pisilli was rated 6 after coming on, and Koulierakis and Rensch and Mancini all came on late in the game without leaving a mark.

Roma beat Udinese 5-2 at Udine on Halloween, with Bryan Cristante, Rodrigo Mora, Donyell Malen and Evan Ndicka all scoring in a dominant first half, and Daniele Ghilardi adding a late goal. Roma move up to 24 points and are temporarily just one point behind joint leaders Inter and Lazio. Gasperini named Ghilardi, Ndicka and Hermoso in defence in front of Gollini, with Cristante and De Roon in midfield, Molina and Wesley on the flanks, and Malen and Soulé alongside Rodrigo Mora up front. Udinese opened brightly, with Miller testing Gollini from distance, but Roma struck at their first real attack. Cristante headed home from Wesley's cross inside ten minutes, beating Okoye with a powerful run and header. Udinese tried to respond through physical play and Vojvoda's left-foot effort, which Gollini held comfortably. Roma then hit the woodwork twice within a minute. Soulé struck the post after taking advantage of a mistake by Palma, and Malen, with the goal open, hit the crossbar after Okoye parried his first-time shot. Gasperini was seen on the bench in disbelief. The second goal came on the half-hour, when Cristante sent a strong ball to the far post for Mora to tap in. Two minutes later Malen made amends for his miss, skipping past Kabasele and curling a left-footed shot into the corner. Cristante then tried a backheel that Okoye saved, and Ndicka headed in Soulé's perfect corner in the 37th minute. Zaniolo was the main outlet for Udinese, but Ndicka dealt with him well. Maresca sent the teams off at half-time with no added time. The second half began without changes and at a slower pace. Five minutes in, Nicolò Zaniolo reduced the deficit, reacting first to the rebound from Gollini after Miller's long-range effort. Gasperini was furious on the touchline at his side's start to the half. Malen then missed a chance from close range after Molina's cross arrived a moment late. Runjaic made changes on the hour, bringing on Chakvetadze and Unai Gomez for Davis and Ekkelenkamp. Gasperini replied by sending on Castro and Pisilli for Malen and Mora. Palma pulled one back for Udinese with a sweet first-time right-foot strike with twelve minutes left. Gasperini immediately made changes, bringing on Rensch and Mancini for Wesley and Soulé. Unai Gomez came close for Udinese at the 83rd minute. Ghilardi settled the match in the second minute of added time with a powerful first-time right-foot shot that Okoye could not reach. Roma won 5-2, and Maresca blew for full time after four minutes of added time.

Roma head to Udinese with Gian Piero Gasperini making several changes to his starting line-up, with Daniele Ghilardi coming into the defence. The match is part of a demanding run of fixtures for the Giallorossi, and the team sheets for both sides have been confirmed. In midfield, Marten de Roon keeps his place rather than being rested and will pair with Bryan Cristante. Up front, Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé form the attacking partnership, with Donyell Malen playing behind them. Udinese are coached by Runjaic and line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Okoye in goal and Zaniolo and Ekkelenkamp supporting Davis in attack. Roma's starting XI is Gollini; Ghilardi, Ndicka, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, De Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen, set out in a 3-4-2-1. For Udinese, Okoye starts in goal, with Abankwah, Kabasele and Palma in defence, Vojvoda, Piotrowski, Karlström and Kamara in midfield, and Davis leading the line. On the bench, Roma have Vásquez, De Marzi, Koulierakis, Rensch, Mancini, Pisilli, Lulli, Di Nunzio, Castro, Arena and Camara among the options available to Gasperini. Udinese's replacements include Padelli, Mrozek, Bertola, Ebosse, Zarraga, Miller, Lovric, Arizala, Chakvetadze, Jovanovic, Unai Gómez and Vinciati.

Roma and Inter will meet on the pitch this Saturday as the Serie A leaders, but behind the fixture lies a stark contrast in how their respective owners build and sustain their projects. Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma have invested €211 million in player acquisitions since his arrival, while Cristian Chivu's Inter have spent €186 million—a gap of €25 million that illustrates the Friedkin Group's commitment to backing the sporting project despite UEFA financial fair play constraints. By contrast, Inter's ownership under Oaktree has prioritised economic and financial stability. The €211 million Roma figure spans the campaigns that began with Gasperini's appointment. In the 2025–26 season, Roma spent €86.5 million, with Wesley arriving for €25 million and Neil El Aynaoui for €23 million, alongside Robinio Vaz (€20 million), Jan Ziółkowski (€6.5 million), and several expensive loans including Donyell Malen, Bailey, Evan Ferguson, Daniele Ghilardi and Zaragoza. The acceleration came this summer: the Friedkin Group approved €124.5 million for 2026–27, comprising Santiago Castro (€35 million), Rodrigo Mora (€25 million), Malen's permanent transfer (€25 million), Konstantinos Koulierakis (€16.5 million), Nahuel Molina (€13 million), Ghilardi's purchase (€8 million), Marten de Roon (€1 million) and Leonardo Balerdi's loan (€1 million). The Porto agreement for Mora includes a further €25 million for 2027 or 50 per cent of any future sale. The contrast deepens when examining the wider impact on club finances. Since summer 2025, Roma's squad costs—including salaries, depreciation and loan fees—have risen by approximately €15 million, while Inter's have fallen by approximately €10 million. The Friedkin Group has covered losses through fresh capital injections, accepting red accounts to sustain sporting growth; Roma has not closed a profitable financial year since their 2020 arrival, with 2025–26 expected to end in loss. Oaktree delivered a €35 million profit in its first Inter season and is preparing to close the next year in the black. Both approaches remain valid: Chivu inherited a structured squad already competing at the highest level, while Gasperini was tasked with rebuilding after Roma's seven-year absence from the Champions League. Saturday's direct clash will test both strategies on the pitch. One club has chosen acceleration to close the gap; the other is maintaining competitiveness while reducing the squad's economic burden.

Roma's evolution under coach Gian Piero Gasperini has taken shape across two decisive fixtures—the Champions League debut against Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday and a four-day-later trip to Turin against Torino—that showcase the impact of the summer transfer market overhaul steered by new sporting director D'Amico. In the first match, Roma's return to Europe's elite competition after a seven-year absence saw Gasperini field performers who had earned third place in Serie A. Against Torino, however, two summer signings started, with three more introduced during play as Roma secured a fourth consecutive league win. Despite missing three key players—Evan N'Dicka, Wesley, and Manu Koné—Roma maintained tactical identity and attacking threat at Turin, underlining how the summer reinforcements have strengthened the squad's reliability compared to the previous season. The shift in personnel tells the story plainly. A year ago, Gasperini would have replaced N'Dicka and Wesley with Kostas Tsimikas and Jan Ziółkowski; neither remains at Trigoria. Manu Koné's role would have gone to Neil El Aynaoui, who has been moved on after one season, as have Tsimikas and Ziółkowski. In their place came Leonardo Balerdi and Nahuel Molina, both Argentine internationals—Balerdi absent from last year's World Cup only through injury, Molina a Qatar winner alongside Paulo Dybala and recently a World Cup runner-up. Niccolò Pisilli, grown into his role at the start of 2026 and a national team player, has inherited Koné's midfield spot. Gasperini paired Balerdi immediately with Marten de Roon, who arrived from Bergamo in the final moments of the window and played more than half the second half against Torino. Lorenzo Pellegrini, called up after five months out, extended Gasperini's roster of captains—the coach has made clear he possesses multiple leaders beyond Bryan Cristante and Gianluca Mancini. Gasperini operates what he calls the "law of sixteen," seeking to deploy the same core of players in every match to guarantee brilliance, intensity and competitive edge. He refuses publicly to divide his squad into starters and substitutes; there is no difference between a player who begins and one who enters in progress. New sporting director D'Amico's tenure has produced a squad numerically smaller than its predecessor, as D'Amico himself acknowledged, yet Gasperini presented it at full strength in Turin. The article notes that one or two adjustments in January may be needed to perfect the squad further.

Roma's radio commentators dissected yesterday's victory in the context of the title race and squad depth, with particular focus on Leonardo Balerdi's impact and Rodrigo Mora's early form. Mario Corsi declared that only Roma, Inter and Como are serious contenders: "I'm not saying we win the Scudetto tomorrow, but it's real that there are Roma, Inter and Como. Full stop. But where do the others go…" David Rossi highlighted Balerdi's performance against the established order, saying: "I said this would take the place from N'Dicka, and yesterday he took it from him. How can Balerdi not be the starter on Saturday?…" Roma's campaign statistics drew praise—12 goals scored and just 1 conceded in the league so far—with Gianluca Piacentini observing that Roma have the best defence in Serie A, while Francesca Ferrazza identified European football as the decisive factor: "The discriminant for the Scudetto will be the Champions League. Roma, Inter and Como all play it—that's the key." Bareldi's defensive prowess dominated discussion. Piacentini described him as "maestro" and confessed: "I'm totally in love with Balerdi, and I'm developing a crush on Lulli." Mario Corsi compared him to Samuel, while Piero Torri acknowledged the central-back dilemma: "I believe Roma will buy him outright. He has everything: he's quick, strong in the air, elegant…the problem is he seems like a proper centre-back, and there's N'Dicka there." Sandro Sabatini expressed surprise at the overall squad calibre, asking rhetorically: "Is Balerdi, Roma's fourth defender, this strong? Is Pisilli, the fourth midfielder, this strong? And Lulli, unknown until mid-August, this strong? Roma are sending very important signals, both collectively and from individuals." Alessio Nardo noted the squad's transformation over the past year: "If a year ago you were missing N'Dicka, Wesley and Koné, you'd have played with a far less developed Pisilli, Tsimikas and Ziółkowski. Today you have new starters whom you now struggle to exclude." Roberto Pruzzo offered a critical take on Mora's play: "If he plays 20 metres from goal he can be decisive, but at 40–50 metres from goal it seems like a mess to me." Corsi defended the midfielder's early contribution: "Now I read a lot of criticism of Mora, but he arrived the day before yesterday…enough, let's wait. We need him a lot." Niccolò Pisilli drew praise for his performance in an unfamiliar role, while Marten de Roon impressed Lorenzo Pes: "He knows everything by heart, he's brought order and is an added value. He shouldn't be a starter, but at the right moments he knows how to manage traffic." Nando Orsi confirmed Roma's merit in yesterday's win but tempered expectations: "Roma clearly deserved to win, didn't thrill me like other matches, but that was predictable. We're only at the fifth game; I'd wait for the tenth, but if one of the two wins on Saturday there would already be a hierarchy." Gasperini was credited with instilling tactical intensity, with Corsi stating: "Gasperini has put a sporting nastiness into the players, and now they all run in a remarkable way." Roma face Inter in what multiple commentators framed as a title-defining fixture within weeks of the season's start. The squad's depth and injury management were identified as potential deciding factors in the campaign ahead.