Bah out for season after ACL injury

Mario Hermoso trained with the squad on 17 September after missing a session on 16 September with an ankle contusion, and will be available for the upcoming fixture. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini must decide between Evan N'Dicka and Leonardo Balerdi for the centre of defence, with N'Dicka appearing favoured, though Balerdi's defensive recovery pace offers an alternative consideration. Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina are also competing for the right-back position, tasked with containing opposition wide attacks. Gasperini may deploy Matías Soulé in attack or alternatively use Niccolò Pisilli as a number 10, a choice that would allow him to field three midfielders and maintain numerical balance in defensive phases.

Gian Piero Gasperini has urged Roma to focus on daily improvement rather than chase trophy talk after a perfect start to the season. Speaking to Sky Sport ahead of the Inter fixture, the coach said: "I hoped for it more than I expected it. Today we are a squad that knows itself better than at the start of last season and we have already assimilated many things." On title ambitions, he was emphatic: "The bar does not rise by setting objectives, but by improving every day. You can only talk of targets after around twenty matches." Gasperini praised Leonardo Balerdi's immediate impact as a professional "ready to contribute straight away" and highlighted the group's balance: "The young players bring freshness, the more experienced are an example every day. It is a squad that feeds itself." Mario Hermoso trained fully with the group on 17 September after undergoing differentiated work the previous day for a mild ankle contusion, and is on course to be available for the match against Inter on Saturday 19 September at 18:00 at the Stadio Olimpico. Gasperini spoke of upcoming fixtures against Inter, Como and Real Madrid, saying: "We have earned the chance to face these teams. They will be important matches to understand what we are truly capable of." Rodrigo Mora, who arrived from Porto in the summer, has already won over supporters. The Portuguese midfielder scored his first Serie A goal against Lecce and told Sky Sport of his reasons for joining: "Roma is a very prestigious club and the style of play it proposes was one of the main reasons why I chose to come. Playing in the Champions League is an important step for my career." On his relationship with Gasperini, Mora added: "He is a very demanding coach with the whole squad, but that pushes you to grow every day." Reflecting on his first goal in giallorosso colours, he said: "It was a special moment. I like to score, but my aim is above all to help the team with goals, assists and everything needed to win."

Mario Hermoso has returned to full training with Roma's squad after working separately on 16 September due to a slight ankle contusion. The defender completed the entire session without problems and will be available for Saturday's match against Inter at the Stadio Olimpico, which kicks off at 18:00. Roma continue preparations for the fixture with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini providing an injury update on 17 September at Trigoria. Hermoso's return to availability is a boost for the big match, with the defender having missed only the previous day's session as a precaution.

Roma host Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 19 September at 18:00 in Serie A's fifth round, a clash between the only two unbeaten sides after four matches. Both teams arrive with 12 points from four wins apiece—Roma's latest a 2–0 victory at Torino, Inter's a 5–3 comeback win over Udinese. Roma lead on goal difference in what marks the first genuine test of the season for two sides in outstanding form. Gian Piero Gasperini reports a fully fit squad for the match. Evan N'Dicka has recovered from a gastrointestinal issue, Wesley from a knock to his ankle, and Mario Hermoso from a contusion sustained during the week. Lorenzo Pellegrini is back in full training after two weeks out and available for selection, though likely as a substitute. Gasperini has deployed a 3–4–2–1 formation in recent games and may continue it here, weighing whether to use Niccolò Pisilli as a secondary forward alongside Paulo Dybala behind Donyell Malen, or to maintain Matías Soulé in that role for greater midfield cover against Inter's attack. At fullback, a contest remains between Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina on the right, with Lulli slightly favored, while Wesley returns on the left. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are expected to form the midfield partnership. In defence, Gianluca Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso are lined up to start, though Leonardo Balerdi continues to press the Ivorian after recent strong displays. Inter, managed by Cristian Chivu, are without key midfield figure Hakan Calhanoglu, sidelined by a right adductor muscle strain and unavailable until after the international break. John Stones is also absent with a hamstring issue, and Denzil Spence is not yet ready. Josep Martinez is expected to retain the goalkeeper role despite some recent lapses. The back three should feature Yann Bisseck, Mohammed Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni. On the right, Luis Henrique is favored over the fatigued Diouf, while Federico Dimarco returns at left-back. Piotr Zielinski takes Calhanoglu's role in midfield alongside Nicolò Barella and Curtis Jones, who is preferred to Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mario Sucic. Lautaro Martinez, rested against Udinese, will start alongside Marcus Thuram in attack. Betting markets show an extremely tight contest, with Inter marginally favored: Roma victory is quoted at 2.70–2.76, a draw at 3.35–3.50, and Inter at 2.50–2.60. Over 2.5 goals trades at 1.60, reflecting both teams' attacking prowess, though Roma have shown superior defensive solidity so far. The match is exclusive to DAZN, available through the app on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, consoles and computers, with no broadcast on standard Sky Sport channels. Referee is Davide Massa, assisted by Meli and Berti, fourth official Maresca, VAR Mazzoleni, and assistant VAR Di Paolo.

Roma and Inter meet in a Serie A heavyweight clash on the final fixture before the international break, both sides unbeaten and among the form teams of the season's opening weeks. Gasperini is monitoring the fitness of Wesley and N'Dicka ahead of the match, with Leonardo Balerdi set to start in their absence, while Mario Hermoso's injury concern has eased. Inter boss Chivu will be without Calhanoglu and Stones, forcing Akanji and Zielinski into their places.

Leonardo Balerdi is expected to start in defence for Roma against Inter, taking a place alongside one of Evan N'Dicka or Mario Hermoso. Wesley will play on the left side of the defence, while Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala will support Donyell Malen in attack. The fixture will be played at the Olimpico, where over 60,000 spectators are expected. Gates will open from 15:30. Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli remain in contention for selection, with one set to feature in the squad.

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

As Roma and Inter prepare to meet this week, the two clubs' transfer philosophies have diverged sharply over the past two years. The Friedkin Group has committed €211m in investment across two seasons under Gian Piero Gasperini, while Inter's owners Oaktree have adopted a more cautious strategy, spending €186m under Cristian Chivu with an emphasis on youth development and financial stability. In Gasperini's first season at Roma (2025-26), the club invested €86.5m across the transfer window and January. Summer arrivals included Wesley (€25m) and El Aynaoui (€23m), followed by Robinio Vaz (€20m) in January and a costly loan deal for Donyell Malen (€2m). The squad was further bolstered by acquisitions and loans involving Ziolkowski, Bailey, Ferguson, Ghilardi and Zaragoza. The current 2026-27 campaign has seen Roma spend €124.5m, with major moves including the permanent purchase of Malen (€25m), Santiago Castro (€35m), Rodrigo Mora (€25m), Konstantinos Koulierakis (€16.5m), Nahuel Molina (€13m) and Marten de Roon (€1m), plus the redemption of Ghilardi (€8m) and the loan of Leonardo Balerdi (€1m). Over two years, these investments have increased the squad's salary and amortisation costs by approximately €15m. Inter's approach under Oaktree reflects cost containment and team development. During Chivu's first season they acquired younger talent including Luis Henrique (€24.5m), Bonny (€23m), Diouf (€20m) and Sucic (€15.5m), plus Akanji on loan (€1m), totalling €84m. The 2026-27 window has seen just €102m committed to signings, bringing cumulative Chivu-era spending to €186m. Unlike Roma, Inter has cut squad costs by approximately €10m over the same period, inheriting a competitive core that required less overhaul.

AS Roma have spent €211 million on transfers since Gian Piero Gasperini's arrival in summer 2025, significantly more than Inter's €186 million under Cristian Chivu over the same period. The spending patterns reflect differing philosophies between owner Friedkin, who readily invests in quality acquisitions, and Inter's ownership Oaktree, which has prioritised young prospects and financial stability. Gasperini received immediate backing from Friedkin in summer 2025 with two signings over €20 million each: Wesley for €25 million and Neil El Aynaoui for €23 million. That window also brought Ziolkowski for €6.5 million and loans including Bailey (€3m), Evan Ferguson (€3m), Ghilardi (€2m) and Zaragoza (€2m), totalling €86.5 million. The 2026-27 season saw heavier investment: Donyell Malen's loan made permanent for €25 million, Santiago Castro for €35 million, Rodrigo Mora for €25 million, Konstantinos Koulierakis for €16.5 million, and Nahuel Molina for €13 million. Ghilardi was bought out for €8 million, while Leonardo Balerdi joined on loan for €1 million. Marten de Roon arrived for €1 million, bringing the current season's total to €124.5 million. Inter's approach under Chivu has centred on younger profiles. Summer 2025 signings were Luis Henrique (€24.5 million), Bonny (€23 million), Diouf (€20 million) and Sucie (€15.5 million), plus Akanji on loan (€1 million) — €84 million total. This season added Provedel for €3 million, reaching €102 million. The comparison shows stark strategic differences: Roma's squad cost rose by approximately €15 million through wages, amortisation and loan fees since summer 2025, while Inter's squad cost fell by roughly €10 million over the same span, reflecting their contrasting investment and salary philosophies.

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

As Roma and Inter prepare to meet this week, the two clubs' transfer philosophies have diverged sharply over the past two years. The Friedkin Group has committed €211m in investment across two seasons under Gian Piero Gasperini, while Inter's owners Oaktree have adopted a more cautious strategy, spending €186m under Cristian Chivu with an emphasis on youth development and financial stability. In Gasperini's first season at Roma (2025-26), the club invested €86.5m across the transfer window and January. Summer arrivals included Wesley (€25m) and El Aynaoui (€23m), followed by Robinio Vaz (€20m) in January and a costly loan deal for Donyell Malen (€2m). The squad was further bolstered by acquisitions and loans involving Ziolkowski, Bailey, Ferguson, Ghilardi and Zaragoza. The current 2026-27 campaign has seen Roma spend €124.5m, with major moves including the permanent purchase of Malen (€25m), Santiago Castro (€35m), Rodrigo Mora (€25m), Konstantinos Koulierakis (€16.5m), Nahuel Molina (€13m) and Marten de Roon (€1m), plus the redemption of Ghilardi (€8m) and the loan of Leonardo Balerdi (€1m). Over two years, these investments have increased the squad's salary and amortisation costs by approximately €15m. Inter's approach under Oaktree reflects cost containment and team development. During Chivu's first season they acquired younger talent including Luis Henrique (€24.5m), Bonny (€23m), Diouf (€20m) and Sucic (€15.5m), plus Akanji on loan (€1m), totalling €84m. The 2026-27 window has seen just €102m committed to signings, bringing cumulative Chivu-era spending to €186m. Unlike Roma, Inter has cut squad costs by approximately €10m over the same period, inheriting a competitive core that required less overhaul.

AS Roma have spent €211 million on transfers since Gian Piero Gasperini's arrival in summer 2025, significantly more than Inter's €186 million under Cristian Chivu over the same period. The spending patterns reflect differing philosophies between owner Friedkin, who readily invests in quality acquisitions, and Inter's ownership Oaktree, which has prioritised young prospects and financial stability. Gasperini received immediate backing from Friedkin in summer 2025 with two signings over €20 million each: Wesley for €25 million and Neil El Aynaoui for €23 million. That window also brought Ziolkowski for €6.5 million and loans including Bailey (€3m), Evan Ferguson (€3m), Ghilardi (€2m) and Zaragoza (€2m), totalling €86.5 million. The 2026-27 season saw heavier investment: Donyell Malen's loan made permanent for €25 million, Santiago Castro for €35 million, Rodrigo Mora for €25 million, Konstantinos Koulierakis for €16.5 million, and Nahuel Molina for €13 million. Ghilardi was bought out for €8 million, while Leonardo Balerdi joined on loan for €1 million. Marten de Roon arrived for €1 million, bringing the current season's total to €124.5 million. Inter's approach under Chivu has centred on younger profiles. Summer 2025 signings were Luis Henrique (€24.5 million), Bonny (€23 million), Diouf (€20 million) and Sucie (€15.5 million), plus Akanji on loan (€1 million) — €84 million total. This season added Provedel for €3 million, reaching €102 million. The comparison shows stark strategic differences: Roma's squad cost rose by approximately €15 million through wages, amortisation and loan fees since summer 2025, while Inter's squad cost fell by roughly €10 million over the same span, reflecting their contrasting investment and salary philosophies.