Gian Piero is bringing a clear identity to Roma, despite an up-and-down start to the season that has brought four home defeats across Serie A and the Europa League. The victory against Sassuolo over the weekend, however, rounded off by a Paulo Dybala winner, is a platform to build on from a technical and mental standpoint.
Gasperini doesn’t need the transfer window, Roma are increasingly strong
Despite the fact that he is lacking the strikers and wingers needed to play his way, Gasperini has led Roma to the top of the Serie A standings along with Napoli, with six wins from their first eight league matches of the season.
This achievement comes from Gasperini’s ability to adapt, his ability to make do with what he has, and his ability to stay competitive, even in times of trouble.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates victory after during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The Roma side that we see today doesn’t quite line up with the coach’s philosophy: That would be impossible given the squad’s shortcomings, but they’re picking up valuable points and are becoming increasingly solid.
It’s a solid team, one that is working hard on a daily basis rather than talking too much or making too many complaints.
And, if this journey results in a return to the Champions League, it will be an impressive achievement, a sign that the project is finding form and continuity. For now, the transfer window can wait.
Parma coach Carlos Cuesta says his side will need humility, intensity and complete collective focus as they prepare to face Roma at the Stadio Olimpico in Tuesday’s midweek Serie A round.
With the league immediately returning after the weekend fixtures, the Crociati now face one of the toughest away matches on the calendar – and will have to do so without most of their travelling fans, following restrictions on away ticket sales to Parma residents.
GENOA, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Carlos Cuesta, head coach of Parma, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on October 19, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Parma coach Cuesta has respect for Roma
Cuesta was full of respect for the Giallorossi when speaking in his pre-match press conference. “Roma are a very strong, solid team with clear ideas,” he said, via TMW.
“Their coach is a reference point in this league for what he has done and what he has inspired. It will be a difficult match that we must approach with humility and confidence.”
On the coaching duel, Cuesta smiled at the contrast in experience: “I want to learn from everyone, and he is certainly a major reference. Roma transform quickly under his guidance. We go there with the will to play our football and to play well.”
PARMA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 24: Carlos Cuesta head coach of Parma Calcio during the Coppa Italia match between Parma Calcio and Spezia at Ennio Tardini on September 24, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Parma Calcio 1913 via Getty Images)
Cuesta: Rotation vital – matches last more than 90 minutes
Rotation could be a factor, but Cuesta stressed mentality over names. “We will always choose the players who are most ready. Matches last more than 90 minutes – everyone must be ready to make a positive impact.”
Roma’s threat is no mystery to him. “We expect a Roma side that wants to play in our half, attack space and press without the ball. They are solid, aggressive and flexible. We must be ready for every scenario.”
Despite Parma’s goal struggles, Cuesta remains calm. “We are convinced the goals will come. When you give everything, there is nothing more you can ask.”
Paulo Dybala admits he was getting ‘pressure’ to score his first Serie A goal of the season, while Lorenzo Pellegrini sees Roma improvements in a 1-0 win at Sassuolo.
The Giallorossi had lost three of their last four competitive games between Serie A and the Champions League, but emerged with a 1-0 victory from the Mapei Stadium.
The only goal of the game was scored by Dybala, on the rebound from a save on Bryan Cristante, to put them joint top of the table alongside Napoli.
Dybala and Pellegrini lead Roma response
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“We are relaxed, we knew before the game with the other results that we could take top spot, but there is a very long way to go,” Dybala told DAZN Italia.
“These are three important points, also for us to make up for recent setbacks, and now we have to turn our focus to Wednesday.”
Although he had found the net in the Europa League, this was La Joya’s first Serie A goal of the season, and it allowed him to debut a special celebration with the ball under his jersey, for pregnant wife Oriana.
“Strikers live for goals, obviously, so we would love to score in every game. Unfortunately, there are negative moments during the season, but the important thing is that the team wins, not who scores.
“I had been waiting to make this celebration, as my wife was putting pressure on me to get on with it!”
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates victory after during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Pellegrini came off the bench and almost scored within 120 seconds, as his dinked finish bounced off the upright.
The former captain was asked if Roma really can aim to stay top of the table and if a Scudetto challenge is their objective this season.
“The objective is to keep improving, and I thought today was a little better when attacking than previous games, we could’ve scored a few more goals,” replied Pellegrini.
“We were coming off defeats and really eager to prove ourselves on the pitch. We are giving our all.”
Curiously, all four defeats between Serie A and the Europa League have been at the Stadio Olimpico, but even in away fixtures, Roma always have a strong presence of cheering fans.
“We are fortunate that our fans always travel with us with passion, I don’t think they realise how much they give to us on the field with their presence. This is also a special match for me, as I called Sassuolo home for a while and want to salute the Sassuolo supporters too, as they remained in my heart.”
Gian Piero Gasperini reveals why the Paulo Dybala and Bryan Cristante tactical experiments go way back, as Roma beat Sassuolo and turn to their next ‘absolute priority.’
Wesley and Zeki Celik also came close, while Lorenzo Pellegrini hit the upright just moments after coming off the bench, but it proved enough for all three points and the leadership alongside Napoli.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, gestures during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“I am very satisfied with our position, but also with today’s game, as it was not easy against a Sassuolo side that is doing well. After two defeats to Inter and Viktoria Plzen that left us with regrets, there was a good reaction,” Gasperini told DAZN Italia.
Midfielder Cristante tended to push into a more advanced role, and that was decisive for the goal before Dybala turned in the rebound, but Gasperini noted this is hardly new.
“I never doubted that Dybala was a striker. I might’ve had doubts on others. He can play as a centre-forward, a support striker, just not really wide. Players have characteristics and a coach must try to make the most of those strengths.
“I have to say Mario Pasalic scored lots of goals in that role over the years with me and Atalanta, but even if it was eight years ago, Cristante had been doing it first! He hasn’t forgotten, he is now more mature and experienced, so is giving the team a big hand.”
Gasperini still experimenting with Roma attack
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma celebrates victory after the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Artem Dovbyk came off the bench and was instructed to not drift into the middle too much, so how is the Ukrainian developing under Gasperini’s very different style?
“We needed to keep the forwards a little wider for this match and allow spaces for the midfielders to push through the centre. Dovbyk came on well, his fitness levels are certainly better now,” noted the coach.
“I work with everyone and try to improve them, I’m attempting to find solutions in attack, because that has been the least prolific area of the team. Despite that, we have a good position in the table.
“It requires experiments during the matches, as Dybala was out for a while, this was the first time Bailey managed to start, so we are getting there.”
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Leon Bailey of AS Roma applauds the fans during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
This means Roma are top of the Serie A table after eight rounds, which hadn’t happened since the 2013-14 campaign, albeit sharing the seat with Napoli.
Their next fixture is the midweek round against Parma on Sunday at 17.30 GMT, hoping to end their run of home losses.
“It is absolutely a priority to win at home. It’s a pity for our fans, who were not accustomed to seeing so many defeats. With an always sold out stadium and passionate crowd behind us, we want to give them something to celebrate,” added Gasperini.
“Some performances were unlucky, but others like on Thursday we really should’ve won. We have to be wary, as evidently some of our characteristics see us hit our heads against a brick wall at home and then concede on the counter, so we need to be more efficient.”
Paulo Dybala’s first Serie A goal of the season proved enough to beat Sassuolo and send Roma to the top of the table alongside Napoli.
The Giallorossi had the opportunity to go joint top of the table, but had also lost three of their last four games, including Thursday’s 2-1 to Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League. Angelino was the only absentee, but Matias Soulé was rested, with Paulo Dybala used as a False 9 and Leon Bailey getting his first start. The Neroverdi had seven points from three rounds and brought Alieu Fadera into the trident attack, with ex-Roma man Nemanja Matic in midfield. Tarik Muharemovic, Yeferson Paz, Daniel Boloca and Edoardo Pieragnolo missed out.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Alieu Fadera of Sassuolo controls the ball whilst under pressure from Leon Bailey of AS Roma during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
It was an aggressive start from the hosts, as after a strong Aliou Fadera run from midfield, Kristian Thorstvedt got the header all wrong from seven yards. Mile Svilar then flew to palm away a deflected Fadera strike, but it was Roma who broke the deadlock.
Bryan Cristante surged forward on the Dybala lay-off and saw his effort parried by Arijanet Muric, but only into the path of La Joya to finish it off on the rebound. It was his first Serie A goal of the season.
Manu Koné charged down a powerful Sebastian Walukiewicz strike, and from the resulting corner Thorstvedt nodded wide when he should’ve left it for Filippo Romagna behind him.
Neil El Aynaoui’s effort was straight at Muric, who had to rush off his line to smother at Cristante’s feet after an inspired Dybala pass.
Bailey had his boot torn apart by a Josh Doig foul just outside the area, so had to finish the half with it wrapped in duct tape, while Dybala’s free kick hit the side-netting.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Wesley Franca of AS Roma crosses the ball whilst under pressure from Cristian Volpato of Sassuolo during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Sassuolo lost Romagna to injury, while Mario Hermoso replaced the disappointing Kostas Tsimikas and within 60 seconds had been booked for a raised elbow on Doig inches outside the area.
Zeki Celik stung the goalkeeper’s gloves at the near post on a Dybala lay-off, but Sassuolo saw Domenico Berardi forced off after a bizarre head injury when he crossed paths with Cristante and fell very awkwardly.
Lorenzo Pellegrini came on and within 120 seconds had almost doubled Roma’s lead, as his delicate dink beat the goalkeeper only to bounce off the upright on Artem Dovbyk’s assist.
Wesley could’ve rolled across for Dovbyk, but instead tested Muric himself at the near post, while the Brazilian stood up a cross for Zeki Celik’s header over the bar.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Nemanja Matic of Sassuolo runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Bryan Cristante of AS Roma during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
It was a strong ending to the game for Wesley, who also flashed a great right-foot finish across the face of goal to skim the back post.
The result remained open though, as Gianluca Mancini threw himself in the way of a Walid Cheddira angled drive at the near post in stoppages.
Pellegrini also threatened again with a right-foot curler from outside the box that Muric pushed round the far post with one glove.
Gian Piero Gasperini explains why he made such radical changes to the Roma attack against Sassuolo, including fitness updates on Matias Soulé and Evan Ferguson.
It kicks off at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia at 14.00 GMT.
Soulé had originally been mentioned in the starting XI released to the media, but was then replaced in the official line-up by Manu Koné, moving Neil El Aynaoui into a more advanced role.
This is the first time that the Argentine talent has been left on the bench this season, so what prompted that decision?
“We play very often, and Soulé had practically not missed a minute yet. We start like this, I hope he can be a valuable resource off the bench,” Gasperini told DAZN.
Gasperini keeps Roma strikers on their toes
WALSALL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on before the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and AS Roma at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on August 06, 2025 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Paulo Dybala is again used as a False 9, even though it has had extremely limited results so far, as Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk continue to struggle with one goal between them.
Following Thursday’s 2-1 Europa League defeat to Viktoria Plzen, Gasperini said that he had only just seen the first “real training session” from Ferguson, so what did that mean?
“He needs to be an important factor for the future. It was his first really hard working session, but unfortunately he also got a knock to the ankle and he’s on the bench today, but I’m not sure if he can play.”
A victory here would send Roma joint top of the Serie A table alongside Napoli, who beat Inter 3-1 last night.
“We all know the situation, but it’s quite early to start looking at the table. We need to focus our attention on Sassuolo, who are a newly promoted side, but getting good results already. We just need to concentrate on this game and getting the result we want today,” concluded Gasperini.
It is remarkable that Roma always saw the Stadio Olimpico as their fortress in previous years, but all four of their defeats in Serie A and the Europa League this season have been home fixtures.
Roma can go joint top of the table with a win away to Domenico Berardi’s Sassuolo, so give Leon Bailey his first start with Paulo Dybala and Neil El Aynaoui.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between AS Roma and FC Viktoria Plzen at Stadio Olimpico on October 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The Giallorossi are an unpredictable side at the moment, as while a victory would send them into joint first place with Napoli, they have also lost three of their last four competitive games.
Angelino is the only absentee, as Manu Kone has shaken off an ankle knock sustained on Thursday evening.
Gian Piero Gasperini keeps squad rotation to an absolute minimum, so Dybala start again, but centre-forwards Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson are dropped for poor performances.
Instead, Bailey finally gets his first start for the club, with Dybala as a False 9.
Matias Soule’ had originally been named in the starting XI, but was then replaced by moving Neil El Aynaoui into a more advanced role.
Jan Ziolkowski was hauled off just 30 minutes into his first start for the club, so Zeki Celik is placed in the back three instead.
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – APRIL 21: Inter linked Domenico Berardi of US Sassuolo during the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and US Lecce at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on April 21, 2024 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy.(Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Sassuolo have improved recently with seven points from the last three rounds, steadily climbing up the table.
Tarik Muharemovic, Yeferson Paz, Daniel Boloca and Edoardo Pieragnolo are still out of action.
Former Roma players Nemanja Matic and Cristian Volpato are in the squad, but Berardi completes the trident attack with Andrea Pinamonti and Aliou Fadera.
Man United may add to their squad in January, but it appears very likely that there will be one or two players that leave Old Trafford. Specifically, it is being increasingly taken for granted that Joshua Zirkzee will depart, having been barely counted on since the start of the season.
Zirkzee has yet to start a match in any competition, with the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha/Mason Mount preferred to him as striker options. Because of this, he has made it clear that he wants to leave, and Man United are prepared to give the green light.
Roma ready January move for Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee of Man United warming up (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
As per TBR Football, Man United will sanction Zirkzee’s exit in January, and Roma are currently pushing hardest to sign him. They are prepared to cut short Evan Ferguson’s loan deal, which would open the door for the Dutch forward to return to Italy.
“We are told that Roma are now looking at the mechanisms to send the Irishman back to Brighton, which would enable them to bring in a new front-man, and Zirkzee is their favoured choice. Zirkzee is set to move and the interest in him is very strong, he can stay in England, has options back in Italy as we have revealed, but there are teams in Spain, France and Germany too – he really is going to have his pick.
“United are going to sanction it, they really like his attitude and commitment, but given the summer arrivals of Cunha, Sesko and Mbeumo, they all realise he is way down the pecking order. The Red Devils want him to go to the World Cup next summer, and the only chance is for him to play next year.”
It makes a lot of sense for Zirkzee to leave Man United, and it will be interesting to see whether a permanent deal is sought – either in January or next summer.
Paulo Dybala is expected to lead the line again for Roma when they take on Sassuolo in the league on Sunday afternoon, aiming to draw themselves level with Napoli at the top of the Serie A standings.
The weekend’s fixtures thus far have fallen relatively favourably for the Giallorossi: Inter were beaten by Napoli, while Milan had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Pisa, which means that Roma will draw level with the Partenopei at the top of the standings with a win against Sassuolo.
Pre-match reports suggest that Gian Piero Gaperini will continue to leave both Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson on the bench in favour of Dybala at centre-forward. If that is the case, then Matias Soule and Lorenzo Pellegrini are expected to provide the support in attack.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: Gian Piero Gasperini looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between against FC Viktoria Plzen at Stadio Olimpico on October 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Kostas Tsimikas is set for another start in the absence of Angelino, unavailable through injury. Wesley is expected to start on the opposite flank.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: Players of AS Roma pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between AS Roma and FC Viktoria Plzen at Stadio Olimpico on October 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Tonight’s game will be available to watch live in the UK with DAZN. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+.
Join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Debatable penalty from De Bruyne (who gets hrt while scoring the goal for 1-0). Marotta: ‘We’re angry, it changed the game’. Conte: ‘Stop acting like the pope’. Arguments and insults with Lautaro. Goals from McTominay and Anguissa, Calhanoglu’s penalty unhelpful
Juve
Tudor: ‘Not afraid’. David with Vlahovic, Yildiz on the bench, but he is about to sign
Roma
Dybala attack, they need goals to take the lead
Corriere dello Sport
Napoli cackle
Conte silences Inter and Marotta
What a lesson: 3-1
The champions return to first place: Gasp’s Roma could draw level today
De Bruyne, McTominay and Anguissa decide the clash. Calhanoglu’s goal at 2-1 no good. The President: ‘Their victory came from a soft penalty’. Antonio: ‘Those are excuses, I wouldn’t have let one of my directors complain like that’. Sparks also fly with Lautaro at the end
Tudor wall: ‘Sacked? I’m not afraid’
Lazio-Juve at 19.45: Igor hasn’t won in seven games
The Croatian: ‘Yildiz being like Del Piero? Comparisons are tricky’. Sarri: ‘We might have different ideas to Lotito, but our relationship is normal’
Kean and Castro, Derby call
Fiorentina-Bologna at the Franchi
The viola have lost three in three at home in the league. The Argentine could push Italiano to -2 from Napoli
Tuttosport
‘I’m not afraid’
Tudor against his Old Lazio. Needs to find goals and wins again. ‘I’m not afraid of the sack. And I want a more attacking Juve’
The coach protects his team: ‘I’m only thinking about the players, not about myself’, and tries to take the pressure off Yildiz: ‘Like Del Piero? Calm down’. Tempted to play the Turk with Conceicao behind Vlahovic and David. Zhegrova case. Perin in goal?
Conte rises Napoli, Inter and Lautaro on a tilt
Penalties, woodwork, battles, injuries, scuffles: The 3-1 at the MAradona had it all
‘Go on Toro! Ride the wave of enthusiasm’
Against Genoa at 11.30, in a full stadium
Baroni: ‘The hug with the supporters was great, we can’t take anything for granted now’ Cholito looking for his third consecutive goal. Israel out, there’s Paleari
Gasp to Dybala: ‘Words weren’t right, score goals and assist, you’
Ukraynalı hücumçu Artyom Dovbik yaxın transfer pəncərəsində “Roma”dan ayrılmağa hazırlaşır.
Komanda.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə “Gazzetta dello Sport” məlumat yayıb.
28 yaşlı futbolçu komandadakı vəziyyətindən narazıdır və daha çox oyun praktikası əldə edə biləcəyi klub axtarır. Hazırda Dovbik bu məsələdə öz meneceri ilə birgə müxtəlif variantları dəyərləndirir.
Cari mövsümdə A Seriyasında 6 oyun keçirən hücumçu 1 qol vurub və 1 məhsuldar ötürmə verib. Onun “Roma” ilə müqaviləsinin müddəti 2029-cu ilin yayına qədərdir.
2025/2026-cı illər mövsümündə qeyri-sabiq çıxışı ilə seçilən İtaliyanın “Roma” klubu 14 ildən sonra antirekordunu təkrarlayıb. Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu, paytaxt təmsilçisinin keçirdiyi ardıcıl üç ev oyununda məğlub olması ilə reallaşıb. “Canavarlar” son olaraq Avropa Liqasının 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 3-cü təsnifat mərhələsi çərçivəsində Çexiya təmsilçisi “Viktoriya”ya (1:2)…
Məlum olduğu kimi, “İnter” İtaliya A Seriyasının 7-ci turu çərçivəsində “Roma”nı “Olimpiko”da 1:0 hesabı ilə məğlub edib. Arena.az məlumat verir ki, bu qələbə sayəsində Milan klubu İtaliya A Seriyasında mütləq rekord müəyyənləşdirib. Belə ki, “neradzurri” ölkə çempionatlarında “canavarlar”ı “Olimpiko”da ardıcıl 5 dəfə məğlub etməyi bacarmış ilk klub ünvanına sahib olub.
Login
