Roma in Europe

Gian Piero Gasperini has called for greater proximity between the Friedkin family ownership and the club's day-to-day operations, drawing a contrast with his previous experience at Atalanta under the Percassi family, who maintained constant on-field contact. While reaffirming his perception of the American owners' support and esteem, Gasperini has made clear his desire to see them more closely involved in the squad's affairs. He cited two decisive moments when the Friedkins' physical presence shifted outcomes: Ryan Friedkin's presence in Rome in January unlocked the deal that brought Donyell Malen to the club, and Dan Friedkin's backing secured the push needed in the closing stages of last season to clinch Champions League qualification. The appointment of new chief executive John Galantic is intended to bridge this gap and reconnect ownership with the everyday needs of the city and the training ground. On the transfer front, Gasperini has firmly ruled out any possibility of selling Manu Koné. The prospect of his departure in the final stages of the summer window was never practically viable because the club could not source an adequate replacement in the limited time available. Gasperini expressed strong satisfaction with the Frenchman's stay, confirming that the player has all the qualities to continue raising his technical and economic value within Roma's framework. From the medical department, Gasperini categorically denied reports of a collateral ligament problem affecting Bryan Cristante, leaving open the possibility of his inclusion in the Champions League fixture against Real Madrid. The coaching staff remains highly attentive to managing the attacking resources, with the performances and composure of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen identified as the certainties to lean on for the rest of the season. Gasperini also paid tribute to José Mourinho, describing him as a "special" coach who left a profound mark on the club through European triumphs during his time in Rome.

Roma are exploring a move for Endrick, the Brazilian forward at Real Madrid, with midfielder Wesley acting as an intermediary to persuade the 18-year-old to join the club in January. Endrick was signed by Real Madrid from Palmeiras for €60 million in 2022 but has been sidelined under José Mourinho, accumulating only four minutes of competitive football across Liga and cup competitions. Wesley and Endrick share a deep bond forged through the Brazilian national team under Carlo Ancelotti; when Wesley suffered a serious knee injury on 7 June, Endrick was among the first to reach out with support. Now the roles have reversed, with Wesley intensifying contact to convince Endrick of the merits of Gasperini's Roma project and persuade him to open the door to a winter transfer to the capital. Roma have already made initial contact with Endrick's representatives and want to structure the deal as a loan with a right of purchase and a counter-option in favour of Real Madrid. The Spanish club's president Florentino Pérez has signalled openness to a temporary move to give the young striker playing time. Endrick holds 24 senior caps for Brazil despite his limited minutes in Madrid. Wesley has made no secret of his desire to play alongside his compatriot, expressing his wish to do so during the summer window. Milan are also monitoring developments, but Roma are banking on the appeal of Gasperini's football and Wesley's decisive influence to win the race. Two key dates will present opportunities for the parties to discuss the move in detail. Roma and Real Madrid meet at the Stadio Olimpico on 14 October in the UEFA Champions League league phase, followed by a November international break when Ancelotti's Brazil squad will play engagements in Singapore. These fixtures and the period around them will be crucial in determining whether the transfer can gather momentum ahead of the winter window.

Roma have initiated contact with the representatives of Endrick, the Brazilian forward at Real Madrid, as they monitor him for potential recruitment in forthcoming transfer windows. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the club are watching the player closely, particularly if his playing time at the Spanish club remains limited. A significant opportunity may arise on 14 October when Real Madrid visit the Olimpico to face Roma in the Champions League, a fixture that could allow the club's executives to meet directly and explore the forward's availability. Roma are believed to be interested in a temporary arrangement that would give Endrick greater consistency. The 22-year-old has been on Roma's radar as a player capable of adding depth to their attacking options. Club scouts are attempting to gauge whether concrete margins for a deal might open in the coming months, contingent on his situation at Madrid. The presence of Real Madrid's board members in the capital during the Champions League encounter presents a unique chance for direct negotiations between the two organisations, potentially accelerating discussions. However, Roma face competition for the Brazilian. AC Milan have also been tracking Endrick for several weeks, with club owner Gerry Cardinale reportedly monitoring the player. Milan had attempted to move for him during the most recent summer window before ultimately opting for the loan of Omari Hutchinson. Should Hutchinson fail to impress and Endrick continue to see limited minutes at Real Madrid, the Rossoneri may reignite their interest.

Roma have moved ahead of AC Milan in the pursuit of Real Madrid's Endrick, already opening discussions with the player's representative agency Roc Nation and positioning themselves for direct talks with Madrid's hierarchy during the Champions League match at the Olimpico on 14 October. The Brazilian winger has endured a difficult start at Madrid, limited to just four minutes of playing time due to a muscle injury and seeking rhythm through Brazil's friendlies against Australia and India. Madrid rejected approaches from Milan and Aston Villa in the summer, but that stance could shift in January if Endrick's minutes remain scarce through the congested autumn fixture schedule. Roma intends to exploit the Champions League encounter to speak directly with Madrid's board and press their case for either a loan or transfer move. Milan, for their part, rely on owner Cardinale's established partnership with Roc Nation, strengthened by joint investments in the United States. However, Madrid holds the final say: the club has previously loaned Endrick out—to Lyon without recall options—to aid his development. Should the player seek regular playing time midway through the season, Roma are ready to move decisively into the running.

Roma return to action after the international break with two crucial fixtures ahead: a Serie A visit to Como on Sunday 11 October at 12:30, followed by a Champions League match against Real Madrid. Marten de Roon is poised to seize a starting role in midfield after Bryan Cristante sustained a collateral ligament injury that will sideline him for approximately twenty days. The Dutch midfielder, who has joined Roma after several years at Bergamo, has impressed since his arrival and adapted well to the club's training environment at Trigoria. With Cristante sidelined, Gasperini's midfield setup has opened up significant space that de Roon is well-positioned to fill. The 33-year-old midfielder carries the tactical knowledge and versatility that suits the coach's system, making him a strong candidate for a starting berth in what will be a demanding double test across the domestic league and Europe's elite competition. Training resumes on Tuesday afternoon following a weekend rest period given to the squad after Friday's session. Gasperini will hold his pre-match press conference on Saturday before Roma's departure for Lombardy. The Real Madrid encounter follows immediately after the Como fixture, bringing the intensity of back-to-back high-stakes matches in rapid succession.

Roma's international break will conclude this weekend, with the Serie A campaign resuming on Sunday 11 October at Como (12:30 CET, Stadio Sinigaglia). The Giallorossi arrive on the back of a 2–2 draw against Inter, a result that underlined their strong start to the season and their ability to compete with title contenders. The timing of the break is awkward—Roma must immediately shift mental gears for a relentless schedule that will see them play nine times in 27 days, a fixture run that will define their seasonal ambitions under Gasperini. The stretch begins at Como and continues without respite. Three days after the Lombard trip, on Wednesday 14 October, the Champions League returns to the Olimpico after seven years; Real Madrid, managed by José Mourinho, are the visitors. Saturday 17 brings Genoa to Rome, followed by Slovan Bratislava at home on Tuesday 20 in the Champions League league phase. Roma then travel to Napoli on Saturday 24 October, a fixture described as capable of revealing much about the Giallorossi's capacity to compete. There is no time to celebrate or recover: Tuesday 27 sees Cagliari at home in a midweek fixture. Saturday 31 brings a trip to Udinese, followed by a journey to England on 3 November to face Manchester United. The run concludes on 7 November with Sassuolo at home, the ninth and final match of the month-long cycle before the second international break of the season. The injury to Bryan Cristante is poorly timed, depriving the midfield of one of its key equilibrating figures at the start of this critical period. However, his absence opens a tactical opportunity: Marten de Roon is primed to take over the midfield and make his Roma debut from the start, likely already at Como. De Roon brings his customary aggression, solidity and experience. Niccolò Pisilli will offer freshness and enthusiasm, though he is more likely to deputise for Manu Koné than for Cristante. Lorenzo Pellegrini's return, even in a different role—more attacking midfielder than central midfielder in a two-man midfield—is the best possible news for Gasperini. The coach has made clear that there are no hierarchies at Trigoria: "those who are in better form play, for Roma's benefit." Roma's squad training resumes on Tuesday afternoon before the Como trip. The fixture list over the next month presents no respite and no room for fluctuation, with injury risk a constant concern as the team aims to navigate this pivotal stretch.

Bryan Cristante will miss approximately 20 days through a knee problem suffered at Trigoria, leaving Gasperini to rebuild Roma's midfield during a congested period of league and Champions League fixtures. Cristante, often criticised but essential for balance and continuity in midfield, was ruled out of his national team call-up due to lower back pain and a collateral ligament injury. The medical staff targets his return for Roma's visit to Napoli on 24 October at the Maradona. Cristante's absence comes at a critical moment. Roma face seven consecutive matches from their away trip to Como through their European debut against Real Madrid, with further fixtures against Genoa, Slovan Bratislava and Napoli in between. Gasperini will rely on rotation to manage the crisis, with Marten de Roon and Niccolò Pisilli competing for a place alongside Manu Koné in the centre of the park. Following the latest training session at Fulvio Bernardini, overseen by Tony D'Amico and supported by Primavera players, the squad will enjoy three days of rest before resuming work on Tuesday afternoon.

Bryan Cristante will miss Roma's upcoming matches against Como and a Champions League fixture against Real Madrid due to inflammation of his right knee. The midfielder will undergo further instrumental tests next week to establish the exact recovery timeline, which could range between two and three weeks. This marks his first injury absence since January 2025. If the recovery takes the full three weeks, Cristante would miss Roma's trips to Como and Madrid, plus the home match against Genoa scheduled for 17 October. The midfielder will definitely be unavailable for the first two fixtures after the international break. Marten de Roon is being prepared to take his place and form a midfield pairing with Manu Koné.

Roma director Tony D'Amico is preparing to reopen talks over Endrick this summer after the Brazilian forward's move to the Giallorossi stalled in the transfer window. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, D'Amico had effectively concluded a loan deal with Real Madrid before Endrick withdrew following direct contact from José Mourinho, who promised the player greater playing time. That promise has not materialised: Endrick has played just four minutes so far this season in a single appearance against Elche, with competition in Real's attacking department remaining fierce. Roma are keeping channels warm and D'Amico is ready to return to the charge in January if Endrick's minutes do not improve in the coming weeks. The Champions League fixture against Real offers a timely opportunity to reopen discussions. The player's representatives are reportedly reassessing a loan move that would guarantee regular football, on the lines of the spell he had last season at Lyon. Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has publicly stressed the need for young talents to play regularly in order to develop. From a tactical standpoint, Gasperini sees Endrick as capable of operating across the entire attacking front. He would not be the classic left-footed attacking midfielder Roma have pursued in recent months, but he would bring what the squad currently lacks: pace, acceleration and the ability to attack in depth. That profile makes him one of the most interesting options available ahead of January. In summer, both Real Madrid and Endrick himself had already agreed to the deal before Mourinho's intervention. If playing time continues to remain minimal, convincing the forward to leave this time could prove considerably easier.

Bryan Cristante has suffered a knee injury during the international break and is expected to miss two to three weeks of action, creating a significant problem for Gasperini as Roma face a congested fixture list across Serie A and the Champions League. The midfielder, born in 1995, initially withdrew from Italy's call-up due to lower back pain, but developed a knee problem during the week. What was initially thought to be mild inflammation has proved more serious, and Cristante is certain to miss Roma's Serie A fixture at Como next Sunday when the league restarts. His participation in the Champions League match against Real Madrid three days later is also in serious doubt. Cristante is one of the cornerstones of Gasperini's midfield, and his absence leaves the coach with limited options during a demanding period of fixtures. The injury emerged in the latter stages of the international break, after the early part of the stoppage had passed without incident at the club's training ground. The extent of the problem became clear only in recent days as medical assessment revealed the extent of the damage to the knee. The club's medical staff initially assessed the issue as a minor inflammation but further examination established it as more significant, forcing the expectation that the player will be sidelined for between two and three weeks.

Roma are in sharper defensive form than Real Madrid ahead of their Champions League meeting, according to a statistical comparison of the two sides' starts to the 2026-27 season. Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma have conceded just 3 goals, while José Mourinho's Real Madrid have already reached 8. The giallorossi are conceding an average of 0.6 goals per match against Madrid's 1.1, and have kept three clean sheets compared to the Spanish side's one shutout. Beyond the raw goal tallies, Roma's defensive solidity is being built on aggressive ball recovery and contest-winning. The team produces 13.8 interceptions per match—almost double Real Madrid's 7.4—and averages 20.6 tackles per game against Madrid's 14.9. These figures reflect two fundamentally different approaches to defending, though Gasperini's Roma are avoiding easy judgements about overall defensive quality by supporting their press with possession control. The giallorossi hold an average of 57.6% possession, higher than Madrid's 52.4%, allowing them to construct their solidity not solely through defensive labour but also through their ability to dominate the ball throughout matches. The statistical picture Roma have built early in the season—three goals conceded against eight, three clean sheets against one, 0.6 goals per game against 1.1—shows a team that has mastered ball recovery, duels and restraint. The underlying work reveals Roma's foundation in this opening phase: the capacity to win the ball back consistently, compete physically, and above all concede very little to opponents. The coming Champions League fixture will provide a completely different level of examination for Gasperini's side.

Roma face their first real test of the season in October as Gian Piero Gasperini's side navigate a demanding month of seven matches across twenty days with a fixture every three days. The schedule begins with a trip to Como and swiftly turns to European competition: eighty hours later, the Stadio Olimpico will host a Champions League fixture against José Mourinho's side, a particularly significant encounter following Roma's opening draw against Fenerbahce. How Roma perform over the coming weeks will determine their ambitions in both Serie A and the Champions League. The month culminates with away trips to Napoli and Udine, separated by a home match against Cagliari. Lorenzo Pellegrini's recovery from injury will be vital; the midfielder is still awaiting his seasonal debut. The results in these fixtures, especially in direct contests and matches against top sides, will reveal Roma's maturity and the true extent of their capabilities.

Roma face a grueling October fixture list that will test their credentials in their first major run of the season. Between 11 and 31 October, Gian Piero Gasperini's side will play seven matches across Serie A and the Champions League—one every three days. The month begins with a trip to Como on Sunday, followed 80 hours later by a return visit from José Mourinho's side to the Olimpico. That clash carries particular weight as Roma seek points in the Champions League following a draw with Fenerbahce. The month closes with away fixtures at Napoli and Udine, separated by a midweek Serie A home match against Cagliari. The recovery of Lorenzo Pellegrini is among the priorities ahead of these tests; he remains the only squad member awaiting his debut this season. Roma's recent record against top-flight opponents has been a concern, and their ability to perform in such high-stakes fixtures will largely define their ambitions. According to Simone Valdarchi in the Corriere della Sera, the challenge facing Roma in October is a formidable one.

Real Madrid have been dealt another injury setback with defender Raúl Asencio requiring surgery on a stress fracture to his right tibia. The 2003-born defender, who has not played a single official minute this season, will undergo surgery tomorrow and is expected to be sidelined for approximately three months, with a return anticipated in 2027. José Mourinho will be without Asencio for Real Madrid's fixture against Roma on 14 October at the Olimpico, adding to injury concerns that already include Konaté and Valverde. Asencio had initially been hopeful that conservative treatment following the tibia fracture would suffice, particularly with an expectation that Konaté's injury could have created opportunities for playing time. However, the approach proved insufficient, forcing the surgical intervention. Real Madrid confirmed in a statement: "Our player Raúl Asencio will undergo surgery tomorrow due to a stress fracture to the tibia of his right leg."

The Stadio Olimpico and AS Roma's future home at Pietralata are among the venues under consideration to host UEFA Euro 2032, which Italy will co-host with Turkey. Roma is the only Italian city to have submitted three separate stadium proposals: the Olimpico, the new Pietralata stadium, and the Stadio Flaminio. Of 13 cities and 16 total facilities that submitted documentation to the Italian Football Federation, Roma occupies a prominent position in the bidding process. The development carries particular significance for the club following a major administrative milestone. On 28 September, the Pietralata project secured formal approval when the decisive Services Conference gave a favourable opinion and cleared the scheme to proceed. The institutions have set 2027 as the target year to begin construction. UEFA had already conducted direct scrutiny of the project: a delegation visited the Stadio Olimpico in February and subsequently met with Roma to examine the Pietralata stadium realisation programme. The next phase arrives imminently. The Italian Football Federation has announced that by 30 September—meeting UEFA's 1 October deadline—it will submit documentation on facilities deemed compliant with Bid Dossier requirements. However, the Federation clarified that the final selection of five Italian host cities will come later: UEFA will first carry out its own compliance verification, after which the Federation will proceed to its own selection.

Roma face back-to-back fixtures on their return from the international break that will reveal much about their credentials as a major club. The standout occasion is a Champions League home match against Real Madrid on 14 October — a reunion heavy with history. José Mourinho returns to the Olimpico, where he spent two and a half seasons and where Roma supporters are primed to salute him properly, though Gasperini's bench will hold no warm pleasantries. The fixture carries particular weight because Roma can approach it without fear: Real Madrid have struggled through the early campaign, including against Inter despite the Bernabéu result, and will arrive in Rome without key players including Konaté, Valverde, and possibly Mbappé, who is recovering from a tendon injury to his knee sustained with France. A dominant first-half display against Inter has delivered confidence and clarity to a squad that has identified gaps in their game — notably goals conceded early in the second half — but retains the hunger to return among Europe's elite. Gasperini has already shown in little more than a year that his football can carry a whole city, and Roma know these two matches will test their maturity against world-class opposition. The coach will not afford to slip. Gasperini's own words on Daniele De Rossi's arrival underscore the tension between different eras: "At Roma De Rossi put football first — before that people sought results through other things," he said, a pointed reference to Mourinho's tenure. Roma's ambition in the Champions League phase and their need to defend the first-half coherence they showed against Inter will define whether this squad belongs among the continent's best.

Kylian Mbappé suffered a tendon injury during Turkey–France on 26 September and is a major concern for Real Madrid and beyond. The forward collapsed to the ground clutching his knee moments after scoring in the match; he was substituted immediately. Zidane, France's coach, made his assessment clear: "He is not well, the injury does not look benign. He will have to return to Madrid." Real Madrid are now on high alert over Mbappé's availability for upcoming fixtures. The injury has direct implications for Roma. Mourinho, Real's manager, faces the prospect of being without Mbappé for several matches, including the clash at the Stadio Olimpico against Roma scheduled for 14 October. Zidane's words leave no room for interpretation; the injury appears serious enough to sideline him for the coming weeks.

Kylian Mbappé has suffered a tendon injury to his knee while playing for France against Turkey in Nations League action and is a doubt for Real Madrid's Champions League visit to Roma on 14 October. Mbappé left the field visibly concerned after sustaining the problem. France manager Zinedine Zidane confirmed the extent of the injury: "He will have to leave the squad. He has suffered a hyperextension of the tendon and we do not want to take risks." The French Football Federation issued an official statement describing it as a "tendon lesion". Mbappé will undergo further examination to determine the full severity of the injury, but he will miss France's three upcoming Nations League fixtures against Belgium (two matches) and Italy. Real Madrid are already without other key players; the club has been managing absences elsewhere in the squad. The fixture against Roma in the Champions League is scheduled for 14 October, and Mbappé's participation remains uncertain pending the results of further medical assessment in the coming days.

Manu Koné started in midfield alongside Rabiot as Zinedine Zidane took charge of France for the first time, facing Turkey in a match that opened a new chapter for the national team. Koné arrived in top form after scoring twice against Inter, drawing global attention to his performances. The Roma midfielder played the full match and received a yellow card as France won by a single goal, with Kylian Mbappé scoring before suffering an injury early in the second half. Koné has been a mainstay under previous manager Didier Deschamps and remains a certainty for club and country under Zidane's new regime. The 24-year-old's combination of power, positioning and finishing has made him a key player in the midfield, and the new France coach has immediately confirmed his trust by naming him in the starting XI. Zidane's first match in charge delivered an immediate result—victory over Turkey—with Koné featuring throughout and adding to his growing reputation at the highest level.

Tickets for Roma's Champions League match against Slovan Bratislava go on sale today, with the fixture scheduled for 20 October at 21:00. The match is Roma's third outing in the league phase. Seats in Curva Nord start at €45. Tickets for the earlier fixture against Real Madrid sold out several weeks ago. Roma have announced a tiered ticket allocation system to manage demand for the Bratislava match, with priority given to certain categories of season-ticket holders before the general public release. Roma stated: "From 16:00 on Thursday 24 September, PLUS Serie A season-ticket holders and the women's first-team season-ticket holders for the 2026–27 season may purchase non-transferable tickets at a dedicated price. To access this presale, login online using your PNR and date of birth; you can purchase a maximum of two tickets per code in a single transaction. General ticket sales begin at 12:00 on Friday 25 September 2026. Each supporter may purchase a maximum of four tickets per single transaction. Alongside general sales and throughout the sales period, PLUS Serie A and women's first-team season-ticket holders for 2026–27 can benefit from a dedicated price for extra non-transferable tickets. This discounted tariff is available online only; login with your PNR and date of birth. Each season-ticket holder may purchase a maximum of two tickets in one transaction. Chip exchange for COPPE season-ticket holders will not be available for this match."

Roma have reached the top of Serie A alongside Inter and Lazio after the opening phase of the season, but attention has already turned to a gruelling month ahead combining league and Champions League fixtures with no respite until November. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has relied heavily on the established core of the squad in the early weeks, with the summer signings introduced gradually, rotating between starting roles and substitute appearances. The intensity of the coming period will require him to call on the full squad of twenty-two players. Among the summer arrivals, Leonardo Balerdi has made an immediate impact, supported by strong performances from Nahuel Molina, the former Atlético Madrid player who provided his first assist against Inter and impressed on the left flank against Torino despite arriving with delayed pre-season preparation due to World Cup commitments. Rodrigo Mora has shown promise in two starts against Fiorentina and Atalanta, though he has found reading the game more difficult as a substitute—though he did score from the bench at Lecce. Gasperini is focused on unlocking the Portuguese midfielder's potential as a player capable of making a difference through his quality. The squad refresh is completed by Koulierakis, Lorenzo Pellegrini and especially Marten de Roon, a signing Gasperini strongly advocated for to strengthen and provide balance to the midfield.

Rodrigo Mora is settling into Roma after arriving from Porto this summer with high expectations and a significant financial investment. The Portuguese midfielder has had to earn every minute of playing time while adapting to Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical demands at Trigoria. So far this season he has made 5 appearances across Serie A and the Champions League for a total of 187 minutes — the equivalent of roughly two full matches. In Gasperini's 3-4-2-1 formation, Mora has been rotating primarily with Matías Soulé to complete the attacking trio alongside Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen in an offensive department rich with talent and competition. Gasperini expects Mora to deliver concrete contributions in goals and decisive plays, elements essential to increase the attacking threat and prevent the entire goalscoring burden falling on Malen alone. The opportunity to significantly raise his playing time comes immediately after the international break. From Como to Sassuolo, Roma face an intensive tour de force of 9 matches over 27 days — including 3 Champions League fixtures — in which squad rotation will be intense and all squad members will have the space to prove their worth.

Rodrigo Mora arrived at Roma this summer from Porto with significant expectations, but has had to earn his place in the opening weeks of the season, alternating with Matías Soulé to complete the attacking trio alongside Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. By the first international break, Mora has made five appearances across Serie A and the Champions League, totalling 187 minutes — roughly two complete matches. Gasperini expects Mora to provide the attacking support and goals the forward line needs, particularly to ease the burden on Malen's shoulders. Although Mora has time to develop and improve, Roma will demand stronger performances from him when the squad returns from the break. The club faces a demanding schedule: nine matches — including three Champions League fixtures — across 27 days, starting with fixtures against Como and Sassuolo. Mora, like every other squad member, will have sufficient minutes to demonstrate his value during this crucial period.

Marten de Roon has arrived at Roma as Gian Piero Gasperini's most trusted lieutenant. The 35-year-old Dutch midfielder transferred to the club on the final day of the summer window after nine seasons at Atalanta, where he became Gasperini's preferred embodiment of his football — a tireless engine and tempo-setter. De Roon did not play a minute for Atalanta under Maurizio Sarri, which explains why Gasperini has used him sparingly since arrival. Now, with the international break providing crucial recovery time, de Roon is settling into the rhythms of Roma and preparing to make his mark on the supporters. For Gasperini, de Roon represents a tactical guarantee: an experienced, complete midfielder capable of rotating with Bryan Cristante as Roma face a congested schedule from October onwards — seven matches in eighteen days. De Roon's game rests on incessant running (averaging 11 kilometres per match), winning duels, launching counter-attacks and timely box incursions that occasionally yield goals. He has already earned the respect of his teammates and younger players, who regard him as a reference point. His knowledge of Gasperini's requirements and the dressing-room dynamics, forged over nearly a decade together, positions him as a guarantee of tactical equilibrium. De Roon has already made 43 appearances for Roma — third-most on the club's appearance list behind Paulo Dybala (53) and ahead of Nahuel Molina (37), Donyell Malen and Mario Hermoso (31 each). His experience will be essential as Roma prepare to face Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico on 14 October.

Roma are using the international break to work away from the spotlight, with experienced midfielders Marten de Roon and Lorenzo Pellegrini among the senior figures remaining at Trigoria to strengthen their position in the pecking order ahead of the squad's return to action. The Giallorossi want to maintain their strong form when fixtures resume, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini central to Roma's resurgence both on and off the pitch. The club has returned to Champions League football for the first time in seven years, and the financial picture has improved alongside sporting progress. Gasperini has been instrumental in this turnaround, replicating the sustained success he achieved during his nine-year spell at Atalanta. Roma's squad is now valued approximately €150 million higher than it was a year ago, reflecting both the quality of recruitment and the effectiveness of the coaching environment. The improvement comes despite the competitive demands of the current season. The break gives Roma's players the chance to work in concentrated fashion on the training ground without the pressure of immediate fixtures, positioning the club well for the demanding schedule ahead.

Roma top a ranking of European pressing intensity across the continent's five major leagues, according to analysis by SofaScore. Gasperini's side record a PPDA (Passes Allowed Per Defensive Action) of 8.54, a metric that measures how many passes opponents complete before Roma win the ball back through defensive action. Frosinone rank second with 8.55. A PPDA between 8 and 9 indicates very aggressive, high-intensity pressing that severely restricts opposition possession. Barcelona (8.72), Brighton (8.92) and Hoffenheim (8.96) also fall into this elite band across Europe's top five leagues. Roma's pressing approach represents a hallmark of Gasperini's tactical system and underscores the intensity required at the highest level of European competition. The metric highlights how the club's defensive structure is operating at championship standard even in this early phase of the 2026-27 campaign. Among other Italian sides, Venezia rank 17th with 10.77, Como 24th with 11.08, Milan and Inter occupy 29th and 30th with 11.25 and 11.26 respectively, and Lazio are 65th with 13.48. Bologna and Juventus rank lower still, while Atalanta are last in Europe with 18.18. Real Madrid, managed by Mourinho, sit 88th with 15.49 and will face Roma at the Olimpico on 14 October at 21:00 in the Champions League.

Paulo Dybala has signed a new annual contract with Roma heavily weighted to performance. The forward has taken a 72 per cent pay cut from his previous deal, with a fixed base of €2.2 million. He will earn an additional €100,000 for each match in which he plays as a starter for at least 45 minutes, up to a maximum of 20 appearances and €2 million in bonus payments. Niccolò Pisilli marked his 22nd birthday on Wednesday as a protagonist in Roma's latest fixture. Against Torino, he set a new club record for distance covered in a single match at 12.53 kilometres, adding a goal despite suffering from cramps. The midfielder has also scored four goals and provided an assist in his last four matches for the Under-21 side, strengthening his case for further involvement with the first team. Roma's women's team began their Champions League campaign today with a fixture at OH Leuven's Den Dreef stadium, kicking off at 18:45 and broadcast on Disney+. Manager Piovani said: "We have the opportunity to bounce back immediately," seeking redemption after losing the Women's Cup final on penalties to Juventus. Piemonte travelled with the squad but is unlikely to feature due to a cracked rib, while Pilgrim remains sidelined and Lukasova is unavailable.

Frederico Valverde suffered a third-degree ankle sprain in Real Madrid's derby against Atlético Madrid after a challenge from Lee Kang-In that went unpunished. Medical assessment today confirmed the injury, and the Uruguayan will miss the Champions League match at the Olimpico against Roma on 14 October — a timeframe too short for full recovery. The absence is a potential advantage for Gasperini's side, though Madrid will still field considerable talent. José Mourinho will be without his midfielder for the fixture, with no certainty yet on when Valverde can return to action.

Nine teams have begun the season unbeaten, and the Friedkin Group owns two of them. Roma have won four matches and drawn two, while Everton have recorded four victories and three draws. The pair stand among an elite group that also includes Liverpool, Brentford, Freiburg, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Paris FC and Monaco—each without a defeat so far. At Roma, the atmosphere reflects confidence in the ownership's direction. Head coach Gasperini has stated his contentment with the project, and the society's presence is felt more acutely than in the past. The situation at Everton has proven more fractious: supporters there have been critical of the summer transfer activity. The Friedkin Group can take satisfaction from having constructed two genuinely strong squads this time around.

Manu Koné claimed the headlines after his double against Inter in a commanding midfield display, but Roma's engine room has already delivered five goals across Serie A and the Champions League this season. Koné and Niccolò Pisilli have each scored twice—Pisilli sealing the finales against Fiorentina and Torino—while Bryan Cristante marked his Champions League debut with a goal at Fenerbahçe. Cristante, known for his long-range shooting and prowess from set-pieces, represents one of the squad's sharpest finishers from distance and in headed situations. Roma sit top of the table and have shown marked improvement on the same stage a year ago, building on the momentum of the final matches of last spring. Training resumed at Trigoria from yesterday with a limited squad available, and the club awaits the resumption of action against Como, which remains some time away.

Manu Koné's brace against Inter has silenced doubts about the French midfielder and lifted Roma to seven different goalscorers across league and Champions League action so far this season. Donyell Malen leads the charge with six of Roma's 14 total goals, but the attacking depth runs wide: Koné, Matías Soulé, Rodrigo Mora, Mario Hermoso, Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli have all found the net. Among Serie A clubs including cup competition, only Inter have done better with nine different scorers; Como, Juventus and Sassuolo also stand at seven. Paulo Dybala remains goalless but has been instrumental in Roma's attacking play, either scoring or assisting more than half the team's goals through direct and indirect involvement. The spread of scoring responsibility represents a significant strength as Roma press forward in both domestic and European competition.