Paulo Dybala is "one of the most important signings in Roma's history," according to former Giallorossi striker and head coach Rudi Voller.
The Argentina international has made an impressive start to life in the Italian capital, scoring four goals and providing two assists in seven Serie A appearances since his free transfer from Juventus.
The former Bianconeri forward has also netted twice in the Europa League and his impact has caught the eye of Voller, who scored 68 goals in 198 games for Roma between 1987 and 1992.
"He's one of the most important signings in Roma's history," he told Corriere dello Sport. "The fans were waiting for a big hit, and he arrived. [He is] magnificent, and he is fulfilling expectations.
"I hope he can continue like this and not have any physical problems. If Paulo is physically well, he can be devastating with that exceptional left foot."
Voller, who was also briefly head coach of Roma in 2004, offered words of encouragement to striker Tammy Abraham following his steady start to the campaign.
The England international top-scored for the club last season with 17 goals - a tally only bettered by Ciro Immobile (27), Dusan Vlahovic (24) and Lautaro Martinez (21) in Serie A - but has netted just twice in 10 appearances across all competitions this term.
"He must believe in himself; never stop having faith in his abilities because these moments happen to all strikers, even the strongest ones," Voller added. "Then comes the match when you score a hat-trick and everything changes, especially in your head.
"The important thing is to always remain focused on the tasks and duties, even if he doesn't score, Abraham must continue to work for the team, give everything on the pitch."
Roma welcome Lecce to Stadio Olimpico on Sunday aiming to bounce back from their Europa League defeat by Real Betis in midweek, and Voller believes that Champions League qualification should be the Giallorossi's minimum aim this season.
"The victory against Inter was exciting for the fans and put the team back in a good position in the standings," he said. "They have a very good chance of at least making it to the Champions League spots.
"The beauty of Italian football is that right now there is no Bayern Munich that is superior to all the others. Here, there are five-six teams that can fight for the Scudetto.
"Roma must now aim for fourth place, then once they've stabilised and found their balance they'll be able to think about even more important objectives."
Popp to bring curtain down on illustrious Germany career
Germany great Alexandra Popp has confirmed her impending international retirement.
Popp, the captain of Germany's women's team, will play her final game for her country on October 28, against Australia.
The 33-year-old has played for Germany since 2010, and has scored 67 goals in 144 appearances.
She won gold at the Rio Olympics and claimed bronze in Paris this year, while also leading Germany at two World Cups and skippering them at the 2022 Euros, in which they reached the final before losing to England.
"I have always stressed that my gut will make the decision, and now it has," Wolfsburg's Popp said in a video posted on social media on Monday.
"After long, tearful deliberations, I have decided with a heavy heart to end my career with the national team. The fire that ignited in me 18 years ago and grew stronger from year to year has now almost burnt out.
"It was always important to me to make this decisive decision myself, from within myself. Neither my body, which is a ticking time bomb, nor another person should get ahead of me.
"Before the fire is completely extinguished - because then it would be too late - the right time has now come."
Popp missed Germany's Euro 2013 success due to injury.
Al Kholood 2-4 Al-Hilal: Koulibaly on target as champions move to summit
Al-Hilal withstood a late Al Kholood rally to move top of the Saudi Pro League following a 4-2 victory at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium.
The damage was done during a late first-half surge by the reigning champions, who leapfrogged Al-Ittihad to the summit of the table.
Al-Hilal broke the deadlock in the 38th minute through former Napoli and Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who finished after Renan Lodi initially struck the woodwork.
Malcom doubled the lead four minutes later, then Ali Al Bulayhi made it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time.
Former Atletico Madrid and Nottingham Forest defender Lodi then got in the act to make it four within three minutes of the restart.
The hosts finished the contest the stronger of the two sides with Hammam Al Hammami and a William Troost-Ekong penalty halving the deficit, but that rally could not prevent the visitors from remaining perfect after their first five games.
Data Debrief: Al-Hilal remain perfect
Al-Hilal have won each of their opening five games in a Saudi Pro League season for the third time in their history, also achieving the feat in 2010-11 and 2018-19.
Jorge Jesus' side also continued their dominant record against newly promoted clubs, having now won each of their last nine such matches.
Despite their late surge, Al Kholood suffered their third defeat of the season, though there was individual cause for celebration, as former Al-Hilal player Mohammed Jahfali came on for his 200th Saudi Pro League appearance.
International record goalscorer Sinclair to retire after NWSL season
Christine Sinclair, the all-time record goalscorer in international football, will retire at the end of the National Women’s Soccer League in November.
Sinclair, 41, has 190 goals in 331 appearances for Canada, making her the top scorer across both men's and women's football.
She has played for the NWSL's Portland Thorns since 2013, helping them to win the inaugural title that year. She added further league crowns to her collection in 2017 and 2022.
The Canadian great has had similar success with her national team, winning a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. She is also one of three players to score at five World Cups, alongside Brazil's Marta and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo.
Sinclair retired from international football in December 2023, and will now call time on her club career.
"Portland, thank you will never be enough. Soccer has been my passion since I was four years old and it has taken me on a journey I could never have imagined," Sinclair wrote on Instagram.
"As I finish out this last ride, I want to say what a privilege it has been to represent this unique, beautiful, and passionate city that I will always call home."
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