Roma striker Artem Dovbyk is ‘happy’ to have contributed to a 2-1 win over Parma and insists Gian Piero Gasperini and his teammates are ‘trying to help.’

The Ukraine international scored his second goal this season in Roma’s 2-1 victory against Parma on Wednesday.

The win allowed the Giallorossi to reach Napoli at the top of the table ahead of next weekend’s key clash with Milan at San Siro.

Dovbyk: Last home game ‘a disaster’ for Roma

“The last game [at home] was also difficult for us, as a team. It was a disaster. It was important to win because our fans were waiting for these positive emotions. I’m happy to have made this,” Dovbyk told DAZN.

Roma had lost the previous three home games across all competitions, so their win last night was a breath of fresh air.

Dovbyk has now scored two goals in 11 appearances across all competitions, and Gasperini praised the Ukrainian for his finishing in last night’s encounter.

“I focus on training and in games. I understand how I can score, but sometimes it’s difficult,” Dovbyk said.

“The coach and everyone try to help me. I just try to do my job. Confidence is very important for a striker. I was happy to score.

Roma reach Napoli at the top of Serie A table

“We tried to do this movement in training, the coach wanted to always pass forward to the strikers, sometimes it’s difficult because Italian defenders are very strong and compact, but we improve in every game, and we must continue this.”

Roma remain the best defence in the league with just four goals conceded in nine matches. On the other hand, they have only scored 10 goals in Serie A, the fewest in the top ten of the table.

Gian Piero Gasperini jokes about Roma’s title dreams but expects more ‘clarity’ from referees after seeing a Matias Soulé goal disallowed.

Gasperini’s Roma returned to the top of the table on Wednesday, beating Parma 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico in a mid-week Serie A fixture.

“Three important and good points. We struggled, especially in the opening 30 minutes, because we always take some time to take the appropriate measurements,” Gasperini told DAZN.

“We need to work on this, but when we fixed things, we played well, we didn’t concede much and created opportunities.”

Gasperini hints that Roma’s objective has not changed

Evan Ferguson started the game, but picked up an ankle injury after just seven minutes. He was replaced by Leon Bailey, but the Jamaica international was also subbed off during the break.

Roma’s main target is to qualify for the Champions League this season, but now that they have caught Napoli at the top of the table again, have they changed their objectives?

“Yes, we were supposed to train tomorrow afternoon, but we’ll train in the morning instead,” joked Gasperini.

“Then we train again on Friday morning, Saturday afternoon and then on Sunday we go to Milan. If we win, we’ll remain at the top; if not, we have to hope for the others,” he added, smiling.

DAZN pundits noted that Roma look so in control of games that they can turn things in their favour quite easily, but Gasp didn’t quite agree.

Gasperini wants clarity from referees

“Yes, even if what happened at the end of the first half was not exactly in our favour,” he said.

“There was a disallowed goal, and we have to understand the rules. They’ll have to explain to us, because we saw exactly the same thing in the past. So either this was a mistake, which is acceptable, or the others were mistakes. There can’t be different interpretations. We expect clarity.”

Soulé had scored a goal in the first half, but it was disallowed as Zeki was offside and considered involved in active play in front of Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

Mario Hermoso and Artem Dovbyk scored the goals for Roma today.

“Hermoso came from a long injury; he made the pre-season with us and had a positive impact with me, in the way he trains and behaves,” said Gasperini.

“He had been playing at the highest levels with Atletico Madrid for years; he has knowledge and great determination. Surely, he is not only valuable from a defensive standpoint, but also technically. We are lucky to have him in the team.

“It seems to me that Dovbyk has been improving physically in recent weeks,” continued the Roma coach.

“If he had scored those penalties and some other big chances against Inter and Fiorentina, he would have already netted a few goals. He scored a beautiful one today. He was more involved against Sassuolo. We work with him and give him all the necessary trust. I’m happy with all these lads. We are working on all of them. Daniele Ghilardi also made his debut today. We have many players, but all can find space.”

Gian Piero Gasperini says Evan Ferguson suffered a suspected ankle sprain against Parma, while Leon Bailey ‘struggled’ after making three consecutive appearances in Serie A: ‘Perhaps it was too early.’

Ferguson started in Roma’s home game against Parma on Wednesday, but was subbed off after just seven minutes with an ankle injury.

Suspected ankle injury for Ferguson

“Evan had an issue with his ankle. He had had pain for the last few weeks,” Gasperini told DAZN.

“It was a big knock, perhaps a sprain, so he was no longer able to stay on the pitch.”

Bailey replaced the Brighton loanee, but the Jamaica international was then substituted during the break.

“Bailey was struggling. He’s a guy coming from a long injury. Perhaps, we threw him into the field too early against Inter and Sassuolo,” Gasperini admitted.

“Today, he practically started, but we didn’t want to run risks. Perhaps he had not recovered from the Sassuolo game.”

Roma eventually secured a 2-1 win which allowed them to catch Napoli at the top of the Serie A table.

Roma secured their place as joint Serie A leaders thanks to Mario Hermoso and Artem Dovbyk goals to defeat Parma.

The Giallorossi knew only a victory would allow them to keep up with Napoli in top spot, but Angelino was still out of action, and all four seasonal defeats had been at the Stadio Olimpico. Matias Soulé returned to the starting XI with Paulo Dybala, but Evan Ferguson brought back the role of a classic centre-forward. The Ducali were without a win or a goal in three games, missing Mandela Keita, Pontus Almqvist, Emanuele Valeri, Gaetano Oristanio, Matija Frigan and Jacob Ondrejka, but Abdoulaye Ndiaye returned from suspension.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

There was an early blow, as Ferguson limped off after just seven minutes, so Leon Bailey came on for a very different attacking approach.

Wesley tested Zion Suzuki from distance and Adrian Bernabé saw his free kick sail over the bar.

Parma had a huge opportunity when Mario Hermoso failed to clear the Mateo Pellegrino cross and Ordonez forced a desperate save out of Mile Svilar.

Bailey blushes were saved by the offside flag, because he horribly scuffed the finish wide when one-on-one with Suzuki.

Roma did have the ball in the net on 43 minutes when a cross was only knocked down as far as Soulé for a half-volley into the near bottom corner from 12 yards. However, it was disallowed following a VAR On-Field Review, because Zeki Celik was offside and influencing play, as he shielded Suzuki’s view.

Dybala almost scored a rare goal for him, an acrobatic header on the Gianluca Mancini cross, but Suzuki flew to palm it out from under the crossbar in first half stoppages.

Dybala stung Suzuki’s gloves after the restart, while Manu Kone and Bryan Cristante got their finishing wrong from promising positions.

Roma finally broke the deadlock when Mario Hermoso was allowed a practically free header on a Dybala corner towards the far post.

Parma stayed in the game though, as Svilar flew to fingertip the Sorensen half-volley out from under the crossbar.

It proved crucial, because Roma doubled their lead moments later. Cristante saw his attempt charged down after combining with Artem Dovbyk, but the Ukrainian reacted quickly on the rebound to control with his back to goal and turn in.

Parma refused to give in and got one back, as Adrian Benedyczak knocked down a set play for Alessandro Circati to come sliding in from six yards.

Roma 2-1 Parma

Hermoso 63 (R), Dovbyk 81 (R), Circati 86 (P)

29-10-2025 17:30

MatchDay 9

Stadio Olimpico

Roma

Parma

2 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

38'

Mateo Pellegrino

2nd half

Mario Hermoso (Assist: Paulo Dybala)		63'
Artem Dovbyk		81'
		86'		Alessandro Circati (Assist: Adrian Benedyczak)
Paulo Dybala		90+4'
		90+1'		Christian Ordoñez

Match statistic

60

Possession %

40

18

Total shots

8

6

Shots on target

5

8

Shots off target

2

4

Blocked shots

1

9

Corners

2

3

Offsides

2

8

Fouls

9

Roma

Parma

Starting lineups

99

Mile Svilar

Goalkeeper

5

Evan Ndicka

Defender

23

Gianluca Mancini

Defender

85'

22

Mario Hermoso

Defender

43

Wesley

Defender

86'

19

Zeki Celik

Defender

4

Bryan Cristante

Midfielder

17

Manu Koné

Midfielder

11

Evan Ferguson

Attacker

7'

18

Matìas Soulé

Attacker

73'

21

Paulo Dybala

Attacker

31

Zion Suzuki

Goalkeeper

39

Alessandro Circati

Defender

15

Enrico Delprato

Defender

5

Lautaro Valenti

Defender

27

Sascha Britschgi

Defender

90'

10

Adrián Bernabé

Midfielder

77'

24

Christian Ordoñez

Midfielder

8

Nahuel Estévez

Midfielder

77'

22

Oliver Sörensen

Midfielder

9

Mateo Pellegrino

Attacker

77'

32

Patrick Cutrone

Attacker

60'

Substitutes

7

Lorenzo Pellegrini

Midfielder

92

Stephan El Shaarawy

Attacker

35

Tommaso Baldanzi

Midfielder

95

Pierluigi Gollini

Goalkeeper

12

Konstantinos Tsimikas

Defender

32

Devis Vásquez

Goalkeeper

61

Niccolò Pisilli

Midfielder

24

Jan Ziolkowski

Defender

66

Buba Sangaré

Defender

31

Leon Bailey

Attacker

8

Neil El Aynaoui

Midfielder

46'

9

Artem Dovbyk

Attacker

73'

87

Daniele Ghilardi

Defender

85'

2

Devyne Rensch

Defender

86'

23

Hernani

Midfielder

66

Filippo Rinaldi

Goalkeeper

40

Edoardo Corvi

Goalkeeper

18

Mathias Løvik

Midfielder

3

Abdoulaye Ndiaye

Defender

63

Nicolas Trabucchi

Defender

65

Elia Plicco

Midfielder

37

Mariano Troilo

Defender

75

Alessandro Cardinali

Attacker

7

Adrian Benedyczak

Attacker

60'

30

Milan Djuric

Attacker

77'

11

Pontus Almqvist

Attacker

77'

25

Benja Cremaschi

Midfielder

77'

19

Tjas Begic

Attacker

90'

Alphadjo Cisse has been a key figure for US Catanzaro in the early stages of the 2025-26 season, and is beginning to attract the interest of Serie A title hopefuls Roma, Football Italia understands. 

Roma keen on Verona-owned teenager

Cisse, who joined Catanzaro on loan from Hellas Verona over the summer, has impressed with his performances and impressive technical ability in Serie B, which has brought a return of four goals from his first nine matches in the second tier. 

The 19-year-old is still owned by Verona, and could potentially become a key player in one of the upcoming transfer windows, likely this summer. 

As was originally reported by Lorenzo Canicchio, Roma are evaluating a potential move for Cisse. He is a profile that Gasperini admires, and given the coach’s previous track record in developing young prospects, could be an ideal fit. 

Representatives from Roma met with Cisse’s entourage in Trigoria a few days ago. While it is too soon to make any definitive conclusions, it is understood that the Giallorossi will continue to monitor Cisse’s development with a strong interest.

Frederic Massara says that Roma are achieving ‘surprisingly good early results’ under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, but insists that the club’s goal is to grow ‘over time and build for the future’. 

The Giallorossi director of Football gave his thoughts on the current state of affairs at the Stadio Olimpico ahead of Roma’s Serie A clash against Parma on Wednesday evening, which kicks off at 17.30 BST. 

You can follow the action from tonight’s Serie A matches as they unfold on the Football Italia Liveblog. 

Massara: Roma having ‘surprisingly good early results’ under Gasperini 

Roma have an opportunity to draw level on points with Napoli at the top of the Serie A standings with a victory at home against Parma on Wednesday evening. 

That is despite the fact that the Giallorossi are lacking goals from their centre-forwards, with Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson scoring just once between them since the start of the season. 

Massara insists that Ferguson, who has not scored at club level in over a year, needs time to settle in following his move on loan with an option to buy from Brighton over the summer. 

“Let us not forget Ferguson is young, he has arrived at a difficult league in Italy and needs time to adapt. He also had a few fitness issues, but we are confident he can give a big contribution to the team,” Massara told DAZN Italia before kick-off.

Massara was also asked how it has been working alongside Gasperini as head coach and Claudio Ranieri as a director. 

“Gasperini and Ranieri are two legendary figures, so there is great reciprocal respect and collaboration on how to go forward for the good of Roma.”

And what does Massara expect to see from Roma during the January transfer window? 

“A big signing in January is always tough, because players who are already making the difference in their teams are hard to move. We have FFP restrictions, and it is not easy. On the other hand, we have many games to go until then, so we will be able to evaluate when and if we need to intervene and in which areas of the team.”

Friedkin family tend not to speak publicly, they delegate to other figures

“The owners are very close to us and we speak to them almost daily, so they care very much for Roma. This summer we decided on a different approach, to focus on a coach who could help create value in the squad for players with promising talent. 

“We knew it could be more laborious and will take time, also because the ideas of the coach take time to be absorbed by the players. He is having surprisingly good early results, but the intention is to grow over time and build for the future.”

Roma once again turn to Paolo Dybala as they look to draw level with Napoli at the top of the Serie A standings with a Serie A match at home against Carlos Cuesta’s Parma on Wednesday evening.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.30 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s six Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The Giallorossi sat level with Napoli at the top of the Serie A standings at the end of the weekend following their 1-0 win over Sassuolo on Sunday. The Partenopei have since beaten Lecce 1-0 on Tuesday evening, which has temporarily sent them three points clear of Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.

Gasperini was expected to turn to Dybala to lead the Roma attack as a false nine following his first goal of the season against Sassuolo last time out.

However, Matias Soulé returns to the starting XI and notably so does Evan Ferguson, scrapping the False nine approach.

Angelino is Roma’s only injury absentee, which means that Wesley starts at left wing-back with Zeki Celik starting on the right, as Mario Hermoso returns to the back three.

The Ducali are without a win or a goal in three games, missing Mandela Keita, Pontus Almqvist, Emanuele Valeri, Gaetano Oristanio, Matija Frigan and Jacob Ondrejka, but Abdoulaye Ndiaye returns from suspension.

Roma vs. Parma line-ups

Roma: Svilar; Hermoso, Mancini, N’Dicka; Celik, Cristante, Koné, Wesley; Soulé, Dybala; Ferguson

Parma: Suzuki; Delprato, Circati, Valenti, Britschgi; Estevez, Bernabé, Ordonez, Sorensen; Cutrone, Pellegrino

29-10-2025 17:30

MatchDay 9

Stadio Olimpico

Roma

Parma

2 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

38'

Mateo Pellegrino

2nd half

Mario Hermoso (Assist: Paulo Dybala)		63'
Artem Dovbyk		81'
		86'		Alessandro Circati (Assist: Adrian Benedyczak)
Paulo Dybala		90+4'
		90+1'		Christian Ordoñez

Match statistic

60

Possession %

40

18

Total shots

8

6

Shots on target

5

8

Shots off target

2

4

Blocked shots

1

9

Corners

2

3

Offsides

2

8

Fouls

9

Roma

Parma

Starting lineups

99

Mile Svilar

Goalkeeper

5

Evan Ndicka

Defender

23

Gianluca Mancini

Defender

85'

22

Mario Hermoso

Defender

43

Wesley

Defender

86'

19

Zeki Celik

Defender

4

Bryan Cristante

Midfielder

17

Manu Koné

Midfielder

11

Evan Ferguson

Attacker

7'

18

Matìas Soulé

Attacker

73'

21

Paulo Dybala

Attacker

31

Zion Suzuki

Goalkeeper

39

Alessandro Circati

Defender

15

Enrico Delprato

Defender

5

Lautaro Valenti

Defender

27

Sascha Britschgi

Defender

90'

10

Adrián Bernabé

Midfielder

77'

24

Christian Ordoñez

Midfielder

8

Nahuel Estévez

Midfielder

77'

22

Oliver Sörensen

Midfielder

9

Mateo Pellegrino

Attacker

77'

32

Patrick Cutrone

Attacker

60'

Substitutes

7

Lorenzo Pellegrini

Midfielder

92

Stephan El Shaarawy

Attacker

35

Tommaso Baldanzi

Midfielder

95

Pierluigi Gollini

Goalkeeper

12

Konstantinos Tsimikas

Defender

32

Devis Vásquez

Goalkeeper

61

Niccolò Pisilli

Midfielder

24

Jan Ziolkowski

Defender

66

Buba Sangaré

Defender

31

Leon Bailey

Attacker

8

Neil El Aynaoui

Midfielder

46'

9

Artem Dovbyk

Attacker

73'

87

Daniele Ghilardi

Defender

85'

2

Devyne Rensch

Defender

86'

23

Hernani

Midfielder

66

Filippo Rinaldi

Goalkeeper

40

Edoardo Corvi

Goalkeeper

18

Mathias Løvik

Midfielder

3

Abdoulaye Ndiaye

Defender

63

Nicolas Trabucchi

Defender

65

Elia Plicco

Midfielder

37

Mariano Troilo

Defender

75

Alessandro Cardinali

Attacker

7

Adrian Benedyczak

Attacker

60'

30

Milan Djuric

Attacker

77'

11

Pontus Almqvist

Attacker

77'

25

Benja Cremaschi

Midfielder

77'

19

Tjas Begic

Attacker

90'

Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler has had an opportunity to share his thoughts on Roma loanee Evan Ferguson, who has come under criticism for his lack of goals, despite the Giallorossi being among the early challengers for the Serie A title. 

Ferguson joined Roma on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy for a cost of €40m during the summer transfer window. 

The Irishman started in three of Roma’s first four league matches of the season, all of which resulted in 1-0 victories, but has since struggled to break into Gian Piero Gasperini’s starting line-up, and has now gone a full calendar year without scoring a competitive goal at club level. 

What Hurzeler said about Ferguson’s goal drought at Roma

Brighton head coach Hurzeler was asked what he made of Ferguson’s form during his pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s cup clash against Arsenal on Tuesday. 

He believes it is ‘natural’ that a young player goes through ‘waves’ in their development, and insists that patience is the only thing that will help Ferguson get through his goal drought. 

“It’s not easy, especially for Evan, to go to another culture, it’s a completely different style of football,” Hurzeler told the press. 

“I think we need to be patient with him, he’s still very young, he needs to adapt. I think he had a really good start. 

“It’s natural, when you look at our squad, it’s the same with our young players, there are waves in the way they develop. We can’t expect that it always goes (upwards). 

“Overall, the main thing is that he doesn’t regret what he’s doing, that he’s overcoming these phases because overcoming these phases means you get stronger in your personality, you become more mature, you make the next step and I’m sure long-term, this will help in his development.”

Paulo Dybala is expected to start as a false nine for Roma against Parma with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matias Soulé playing as attacking midfielders.

It kicks off t 18:30 CET (17:30 GMT) at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

The Giallorossi need a win to catch Napoli at the top of the Serie A table as the Partenopei beat Lecce 1-0 away on Tuesday.

Angelino is still unavailable for the home side, while Parma have travelled to the capital without the injured Ondrejka, Frigan, Oristanio, Valeri and Keita.

Roma coach Gasperini will confirm Dybala as a false nine after the Argentine scored his first Serie A goal this season in Sunday’s 1-0 victory against Sassuolo.

According to Gazzetta, Parma will switch to a four-man defence with Abdoulaye Ndiaye returning after a one-game ban.

Patrick Cutrone and Mateo Pellegrino will lead the Ducali’s attack at the Olimpico today. Adrian Bernabé, Oliver Sorensen, Nahuel Estevez and Christian Ordonez will start in midfield.

Roma vs. Parma – where to watch on TV

The game will be streamed live on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA.

Roma vs. Parma – probable line-ups

Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Ndicka; Rensch, Cristante, Kone, Wesley; Soulé, Pellegrini; Dybala.

Parma (4-3-1-2): Suzuki; Delprato, Circati, Ndiaye, Britschgi; Estevez, Sorensen, Ordonez; Bernabé; Cutrone, Pellegrino.

Remo Freuler’s future is back in the spotlight as Bologna work to secure a contract extension for the experienced midfielder.

The 33-year-old is tied to the Rossoblù until June 2026, and initial discussions have already taken place in recent weeks.

However, progress has been slow, and another club may now be considering an approach.

Gasperini seeks Freuler reunion at Roma

According to reports from Il Resto del Carlino, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini has made an exploratory call to Freuler to understand the player’s openness to a future move to the capital.

The two know each other extremely well, with Freuler having made 254 appearances under Gasperini during their long spell together at Atalanta, the most he has played for any coach in his career.

For now, concrete steps are yet to be taken, but Roma’s interest could increase pressure on Bologna to accelerate renewal talks and avoid letting the situation drift.

Roma remain joint-top of Serie A, but the lack of a reliable goalscorer at centre-forward has become a clear concern.

Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson have scored just once between them in the league, and the club are evaluating solutions ahead of January.

Joshua Zirkzee is the primary idea, as per reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The former Bologna striker has had limited minutes since joining Manchester United and is open to a return to Italy.

Roma like his ability to combine and work between the lines, but the costs of any deal remain significant.

Roma eye alternatives to Man Utd forward Zirkzee

Other names are also under consideration. Arnaud Kalimuendo (Nottingham Forest) and Promise David (Union Saint-Gilloise) are being followed abroad.

Meanwhile two profiles closer to home are gaining attention: Parma’s Mateo Pellegrino and Genoa’s Jeff Ekhator, both viewed as promising long-term talents.

The final plan will depend on outgoings. If one striker leaves, Roma will likely sign one replacement; if both depart, a double move is possible.

Roma legend Francesco Totti believes Paulo Dybala can make a difference ‘consistently’ but insists the Giallorossi must score more goals to fight for the title: ‘Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk still need to get up to speed.’

Totti joined Luciano Spalletti for an event in Milan on Tuesday, where he spoke about Roma’s season so far.

• Read more – Totti: Spalletti would be a ‘great acquisition’ for Juventus

The Giallorossi are the joint-table leaders alongside Napoli, so can they aim for the Scudetto?

“It’s not easy because two or three better-equipped teams,” Totti said, via Corriere dello Sport.

“The main objective is the Champions League. When we won the Scudetto, we used to score three or four goals per game. This year, there are different players. Ferguson and Dovbyk still need to get up to speed, but they are great players and I hope they can make Roma great and become great themselves.”

Paulo Dybala scored his first Serie A goal this season on Sunday, giving Roma a 1-0 win over Sassuolo.

“Paulo is one of the best Roma players, and he has to make a difference consistently,” Totti concluded.

Francesco Totti believes Luciano Spalletti would be a ‘great acquisition’ for Juventus as the Italian tactician prepares to meet with the Bianconeri.

Spalletti has emerged as Juventus’ leading candidate to replace Igor Tudor, who was sacked on Monday following three consecutive defeats and an eight-game winless streak.

Spalletti is due to meet with Juventus’ director Damien Comolli later today, but on Tuesday morning, he reunited with his ex-Roma star Totti.

Spalletti and Totti teamed up for the new commercial of Amaro Montenegro in Italy, and the company unveiled their latest advertisement at an event in Milan.

Totti comments on Spalletti’s possible appointment as Juventus coach

Talking about rumours linking Spalletti with the Juventus job, Totti said (via Corriere dello Sport): “From what is being rumoured, he’s one of the candidates, and I think Juventus would make a great acquisition if they were to hire him. Whenever he’s gone, he’s always done well.”

Totti and Spalletti openly argued at the end of the 2016-17 campaign when the former striker accused the coach of forcing his retirement. Nevertheless, the duo seems to have cleared the air in recent years.

Totti: ‘Great friendship’ with Spalletti

“Many years have passed, and some things just need to be put aside,” said Totti.

“There has been a great friendship, and it’s a pleasure to have met again on this occasion. We revisited and discussed things, and we were very happy with what we accomplished.”

Spalletti also spoke during the event, praising ex-Juventus coach Tudor and saying that whoever will replace him “will be lucky.”

Antonio Conte and Gian Piero Gasperini were Juventus’ primary options at the end of the 2024-25 campaign, and while Igor Tudor has already been sacked by the Bianconeri, the Italian coaches are now at the top of the Serie A table.

Juventus are expected to hold talks with Luciano Spalletti today as the Serie A giants seek a replacement for Tudor.

The Croatian tactician was hired in March 2025 to replace Thiago Motta and remained at the helm after leading the team to a Champions League qualification and with the Club World Cup just around the corner.

Tudor signed a contract until 2027 in June, but Juventus had considered different options before that.

Conte chased Conte and Gasperini in the summer

As reported by Gazzetta, it is no secret that Juventus’ top priority for the bench in May was their former coach and midfielder Conte.

The Napoli boss had been contacted by ex-Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli, but eventually decided to remain at the Stadio Maradona after winning the Scudetto.

According to Gazzetta, Giuntoli had approached Conte even before appointing Tudor in March, working for a possible agreement for the 2025-26 campaign.

The pink paper claims that Giuntoli had also contacted Gasperini, who had no agreement with Roma and was preparing to leave Atalanta.

Gasperini picked Roma over Juventus

However, Napoli convinced Conte to stay, and Giuntoli was fired by Juventus, so when Damien Comolli arrived as the new Juventus General Manager, the club’s strategy partially changed.

There was still contact between Comolli and Gasperini, but the Italian tactician was already in advanced talks with Roma, and Comolli was not entirely convinced about hiring the Grugliasco-born coach.

Giorgio Chiellini had reportedly suggested hiring Gasperini, but the now Roma coach felt Comolli was sceptical about appointing him, so he closed the deal with Roma.

Ironically, while Juventus are now looking for a new coach, Conte and Gasperini share the top spot of the table in Serie A ahead of a mid-week round.

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. 

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.

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.”

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

“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!”

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.’

The use of Dybala as a False 9 has failed to provide results so far, but it paid off eventually, as La Joya scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory away to Sassuolo this afternoon.

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.

“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

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.”

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.”