Balerdi attracting widespread attention as Boniek and Cobolli thank Balzaretti

Wesley has been one of Gian Piero Gasperini's first-choice picks this season, and the Brazilian full-back has improved across almost every statistical measure compared with last year, according to SofaScore data. Carlo Ancelotti has kept selecting him for Brazil since taking over the national team, making him the only player who has been on the squad list throughout that period. The defender was denied a starring role at the World Cup by bad luck, but he remains one of the cornerstones of both Brazil and Roma. Personal issues involving his now ex-wife have not distracted him, and he delivered the assist for Leonardo Balerdi's equaliser in the 3-3 draw at Napoli, even though he was not one of the best players on the pitch that night. This season he has already registered two assists, while last year he had none after nine Serie A matchdays. His key passes per match have risen from 0.88 to 2.38, his cross accuracy from 26.9% to 40%, and his duel success rate from 42.7% to 52.6%. The one thing missing so far is a goal. He scored with his first touch for the club last season, in the opener against Bologna, but he is still waiting to find the net this time. Gasperini needs more from him in attack, although goals are not a problem for Roma this season. Wesley was rested for the first 45 minutes against Cagliari, but he is set to start against Udinese tomorrow and in the Champions League match at Manchester on Tuesday. He will be closely watched at Old Trafford, where Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing him. The English side, struggling after a disastrous start to the season, have reportedly made him a target. Chelsea also considered a move in the summer, but Roma rejected an offer of around 40 million euros.

Roman radio pundits have urged Roma to move quickly for Endrick, while debating the Udinese fixture and the club's attacking options. Mario Corsi (Tele Radio Stereo) said that Roma must act first, warning that AC Milan could beat them to the forward. He pointed to Roma's spending: "Dopo aver speso 60 milioni per Ramos, uno che non segna mai, se può spendere anche per questo... ecco perché dobbiamo muoverci." Corsi also claimed that Endrick would agree to join Roma if he chose the club, and he suggested Mourinho was still thinking about Roma. David Rossi (Rete Sport) raised concerns about Paulo Dybala's fitness before the international break. He said playing Dybala in the game before the break would be "una forzatura" and suggested that Matías Soulé would be used in every match, which could become a problem. Rossi also asked why Roma did not try Guaglianone in the current emergency, noting that Guaglianone had brought forwards such as Arena and Paratici but had never brought in a "mezza punta", the role where Roma are struggling. Gianluca Piacentini (Rete Sport) said that Roma now feel more confident in the strength of the squad than they did last season, when a top-four finish was essential. He said he wanted Roma to aim for first place rather than fourth, and he admitted he would now prefer AC Milan to win the derby over Inter. Lorenzo Pes (Tele Radio Stereo) expected Hermoso and Balerdi to play at Udine, and said Marten de Roon, whom he had seen declining against Cagliari, would likely start alongside Bryan Cristante with Niccolò Pisilli pushed forward. He tipped Rodrigo Mora and Santiago Castro to come off the bench. Pes said Mile Svilar would return after the break, and that Manu Koné had resumed training on the pitch to be available against Sassuolo. Of Dybala, he said: "Dipende da lui. Ma per Manchester mi sembra obiettivamente difficile." Alessio Nardo (Tele Radio Stereo) questioned whether Gasperini already had an XI in mind for Manchester and, consequently, for Udinese. He said: "Sia United che Udinese sono due panchine a fortissimo rischio, bisognerà capire se è un vantaggio o meno per noi." He added: "Io non dico che vincere a Udine domani sarebbe un'impresa, ma comunque sarebbe un grandissimo risultato per la Roma." Nando Orsi (Radio Radio) was the most confident of a Roma win, arguing that Udinese were in free fall. He said: "Questa è l'occasione giusta per la Roma... Non vedo un altro tipo di risultato oltre alla vittoria della Roma." Roberto Pruzzo (Radio Radio) warned that Roma must settle the match early, cautioning that Udinese had recovered Davis and Zaniolo and could cause problems if Roma conceded space. He added: "È una partita da prendere con le molle." Mario Mattioli (Radio Radio) argued that Udine would not be easy for Roma despite Udinese's crisis, and said a Roma win would be "un'altra piccola impresa di questo campionato." Ubaldo Righetti (Radio Romanista) said Roma were not tired against Cagliari, though Mancini may have been, and that De Roon was still effective because he worked through the lines rather than chasing opponents. Righetti said the problem was frenzy, with simple passes going astray. Daniele Lo Monaco (Radio Romanista) warned that Mora risked the same fate as Bojan, who never fulfilled the promise he showed after leaving Barcelona.

Roma are looking at Brazilian left-back Kaua Pascini of Atletico Mineiro as a possible understudy to Wesley, according to tuttomercatoweb, as the club prepares for the approaching winter transfer window. The window is traditionally known as the 'repair' market, and Roma need to address the incomplete squad left at the end of August. Tony D'Amico is prioritising the search for two players: an attacking winger and a left-sided midfield wide player. Pascini, a left-back born in 2008, has been on Roma's scouting list for weeks. He is already in the Brazil Under-20 squad and has been compared in style to Marcelo. Several European clubs are monitoring him, including Juventus, who have reportedly already asked for information. Pascini is under contract until 2030, but Atletico Mineiro could consider selling him as early as January if they receive a convincing offer.

Wesley has been one of Gian Piero Gasperini's first-choice picks this season, and the Brazilian full-back has improved across almost every statistical measure compared with last year, according to SofaScore data. Carlo Ancelotti has kept selecting him for Brazil since taking over the national team, making him the only player who has been on the squad list throughout that period. The defender was denied a starring role at the World Cup by bad luck, but he remains one of the cornerstones of both Brazil and Roma. Personal issues involving his now ex-wife have not distracted him, and he delivered the assist for Leonardo Balerdi's equaliser in the 3-3 draw at Napoli, even though he was not one of the best players on the pitch that night. This season he has already registered two assists, while last year he had none after nine Serie A matchdays. His key passes per match have risen from 0.88 to 2.38, his cross accuracy from 26.9% to 40%, and his duel success rate from 42.7% to 52.6%. The one thing missing so far is a goal. He scored with his first touch for the club last season, in the opener against Bologna, but he is still waiting to find the net this time. Gasperini needs more from him in attack, although goals are not a problem for Roma this season. Wesley was rested for the first 45 minutes against Cagliari, but he is set to start against Udinese tomorrow and in the Champions League match at Manchester on Tuesday. He will be closely watched at Old Trafford, where Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing him. The English side, struggling after a disastrous start to the season, have reportedly made him a target. Chelsea also considered a move in the summer, but Roma rejected an offer of around 40 million euros.

Roman radio pundits have urged Roma to move quickly for Endrick, while debating the Udinese fixture and the club's attacking options. Mario Corsi (Tele Radio Stereo) said that Roma must act first, warning that AC Milan could beat them to the forward. He pointed to Roma's spending: "Dopo aver speso 60 milioni per Ramos, uno che non segna mai, se può spendere anche per questo... ecco perché dobbiamo muoverci." Corsi also claimed that Endrick would agree to join Roma if he chose the club, and he suggested Mourinho was still thinking about Roma. David Rossi (Rete Sport) raised concerns about Paulo Dybala's fitness before the international break. He said playing Dybala in the game before the break would be "una forzatura" and suggested that Matías Soulé would be used in every match, which could become a problem. Rossi also asked why Roma did not try Guaglianone in the current emergency, noting that Guaglianone had brought forwards such as Arena and Paratici but had never brought in a "mezza punta", the role where Roma are struggling. Gianluca Piacentini (Rete Sport) said that Roma now feel more confident in the strength of the squad than they did last season, when a top-four finish was essential. He said he wanted Roma to aim for first place rather than fourth, and he admitted he would now prefer AC Milan to win the derby over Inter. Lorenzo Pes (Tele Radio Stereo) expected Hermoso and Balerdi to play at Udine, and said Marten de Roon, whom he had seen declining against Cagliari, would likely start alongside Bryan Cristante with Niccolò Pisilli pushed forward. He tipped Rodrigo Mora and Santiago Castro to come off the bench. Pes said Mile Svilar would return after the break, and that Manu Koné had resumed training on the pitch to be available against Sassuolo. Of Dybala, he said: "Dipende da lui. Ma per Manchester mi sembra obiettivamente difficile." Alessio Nardo (Tele Radio Stereo) questioned whether Gasperini already had an XI in mind for Manchester and, consequently, for Udinese. He said: "Sia United che Udinese sono due panchine a fortissimo rischio, bisognerà capire se è un vantaggio o meno per noi." He added: "Io non dico che vincere a Udine domani sarebbe un'impresa, ma comunque sarebbe un grandissimo risultato per la Roma." Nando Orsi (Radio Radio) was the most confident of a Roma win, arguing that Udinese were in free fall. He said: "Questa è l'occasione giusta per la Roma... Non vedo un altro tipo di risultato oltre alla vittoria della Roma." Roberto Pruzzo (Radio Radio) warned that Roma must settle the match early, cautioning that Udinese had recovered Davis and Zaniolo and could cause problems if Roma conceded space. He added: "È una partita da prendere con le molle." Mario Mattioli (Radio Radio) argued that Udine would not be easy for Roma despite Udinese's crisis, and said a Roma win would be "un'altra piccola impresa di questo campionato." Ubaldo Righetti (Radio Romanista) said Roma were not tired against Cagliari, though Mancini may have been, and that De Roon was still effective because he worked through the lines rather than chasing opponents. Righetti said the problem was frenzy, with simple passes going astray. Daniele Lo Monaco (Radio Romanista) warned that Mora risked the same fate as Bojan, who never fulfilled the promise he showed after leaving Barcelona.

Radio pundit Simone Valdarchi expects Gian Piero Gasperini to rotate Roma's defence and flanks for the upcoming match. Speaking on Radio Manà Manà, he said Koulierakis and Mancini could drop out of the starting line-up compared with the last outing, while at least two of Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso could feature. Valdarchi also believes Gasperini would give Evan N'Dicka a rest if he had the chance, but he thinks it is not the right moment to do so. The comments come as Roma prepare for Saturday's league fixture against Udinese and the Champions League trip to Manchester. Piero Torri, also speaking on Radio Manà Manà, said: "Dell'Udinese temo la classifica. Non è una squadra che merita di essere nel punto in cui si trova per i valori che ha. Hanno recuperato quasi tutti gli infortunati Solet a parte. Tra la gara di sabato e quella di Manchester è più importante la prima." In English: "I fear Udinese's league position. It is not a team that deserves to be where it is, given the quality it has. They have recovered almost all their injured players except Solet. Between Saturday's match and the one in Manchester, the first is more important."

Roman radio pundits have urged Roma to move quickly for Endrick, while debating the Udinese fixture and the club's attacking options. Mario Corsi (Tele Radio Stereo) said that Roma must act first, warning that AC Milan could beat them to the forward. He pointed to Roma's spending: "Dopo aver speso 60 milioni per Ramos, uno che non segna mai, se può spendere anche per questo... ecco perché dobbiamo muoverci." Corsi also claimed that Endrick would agree to join Roma if he chose the club, and he suggested Mourinho was still thinking about Roma. David Rossi (Rete Sport) raised concerns about Paulo Dybala's fitness before the international break. He said playing Dybala in the game before the break would be "una forzatura" and suggested that Matías Soulé would be used in every match, which could become a problem. Rossi also asked why Roma did not try Guaglianone in the current emergency, noting that Guaglianone had brought forwards such as Arena and Paratici but had never brought in a "mezza punta", the role where Roma are struggling. Gianluca Piacentini (Rete Sport) said that Roma now feel more confident in the strength of the squad than they did last season, when a top-four finish was essential. He said he wanted Roma to aim for first place rather than fourth, and he admitted he would now prefer AC Milan to win the derby over Inter. Lorenzo Pes (Tele Radio Stereo) expected Hermoso and Balerdi to play at Udine, and said Marten de Roon, whom he had seen declining against Cagliari, would likely start alongside Bryan Cristante with Niccolò Pisilli pushed forward. He tipped Rodrigo Mora and Santiago Castro to come off the bench. Pes said Mile Svilar would return after the break, and that Manu Koné had resumed training on the pitch to be available against Sassuolo. Of Dybala, he said: "Dipende da lui. Ma per Manchester mi sembra obiettivamente difficile." Alessio Nardo (Tele Radio Stereo) questioned whether Gasperini already had an XI in mind for Manchester and, consequently, for Udinese. He said: "Sia United che Udinese sono due panchine a fortissimo rischio, bisognerà capire se è un vantaggio o meno per noi." He added: "Io non dico che vincere a Udine domani sarebbe un'impresa, ma comunque sarebbe un grandissimo risultato per la Roma." Nando Orsi (Radio Radio) was the most confident of a Roma win, arguing that Udinese were in free fall. He said: "Questa è l'occasione giusta per la Roma... Non vedo un altro tipo di risultato oltre alla vittoria della Roma." Roberto Pruzzo (Radio Radio) warned that Roma must settle the match early, cautioning that Udinese had recovered Davis and Zaniolo and could cause problems if Roma conceded space. He added: "È una partita da prendere con le molle." Mario Mattioli (Radio Radio) argued that Udine would not be easy for Roma despite Udinese's crisis, and said a Roma win would be "un'altra piccola impresa di questo campionato." Ubaldo Righetti (Radio Romanista) said Roma were not tired against Cagliari, though Mancini may have been, and that De Roon was still effective because he worked through the lines rather than chasing opponents. Righetti said the problem was frenzy, with simple passes going astray. Daniele Lo Monaco (Radio Romanista) warned that Mora risked the same fate as Bojan, who never fulfilled the promise he showed after leaving Barcelona.

Former Roma and Udinese player Stefano Desideri, who spent six seasons at Roma from 1985 to 1991 with 189 appearances and 33 goals, and five at Udinese from October 1992 to 1997 with 137 appearances and nine goals, has praised Bryan Cristante as an increasingly influential leader in an interview ahead of Udinese v Roma. Desideri was asked whether Roma looked tired after their win over Cagliari. He did not fully agree: he pointed to a run of closely spaced matches, travelling, and forced changes in the line-up because of injuries. He added that Cagliari are one of the surprises of the league, and said Roma had coped more than well with the rotation and adjustments. On the midfield, Desideri said Cristante has been consistently positive. Despite an injury, his return was immediately at a high level, even with recent tactical adjustments. He said Cristante is useful to every coach and is increasingly a leader who does not need to raise his voice in the dressing room, and a reference point for the young players who arrive at Roma. Of Marten de Roon, Desideri said the two are similar in type and that his impact has been impressive: he made his weight and value felt immediately, along with his guidance. He said it is not easy to change clubs after many years and perform at a high level straight away, but that it has come naturally to De Roon. Asked to rank the top sides in Serie A, Desideri placed Inter and Roma ahead because they have something extra. He said Lazio are doing something surprising and entirely unexpected, and praised Como, whose club he said is working in an extraordinary way and consolidating a series of aspects and values on the pitch, adding that he expects them to maintain those levels until the end. On Udinese, who sit low after nine matchdays, Desideri said he could never have predicted it. He described a settled side with a recognisable identity and players improved by the coaching of Kosta Runjaić. He warned that Udinese must pull themselves out by any means to avoid being dragged into a part of the table they are no longer used to. Looking ahead to January, Desideri said he does not put much faith in the winter transfer market in general. He was reassured, however, that Gasperini does not sign players just to sign them. If the opportunities and terms are right, he believes Roma will try to bring in another midfielder, who would be useful, and a winger.

Roma's radio pundits have been weighing up the team ahead of tomorrow's trip to Udinese, and Lorenzo Pes on Teleradiostereo 92.7 says Paulo Dybala is unlikely to feature in the Champions League against Manchester United. Pes said: "Balerdi and Hermoso have recovered. I expect de Roon to start again. Svilar will return against Parma, the medical staff have decided not to take a risk and the goalkeeper could go back to work in Belgium. Koné trained on the pitch yesterday, his goal is to return with Sassuolo and then go to the national team. Dybala wants to be there against Manchester, but it will depend on him. He also did personalised work yesterday, and for now it is difficult to see him in the Champions League." The broadcasters are unanimous that Roma must win in Udine, and several pundits warn that the fixture is no formality. Francesco Balzani on Teleradiostereo 92.7 said: "I fear everyone. Roma are clearly stronger and must win in Udine, but when there are these closely spaced matches... And Udinese at home have always caused problems for the giallorossi. My mind is on Manchester on Sunday, and I hope the players do the same. The most important path for me remains the one in Italy, the goal is the Scudetto, and you must not fail these games against the 'small' sides." Roberto Pruzzo on Radio Radio Mattino 104.5 noted that Udinese have recovered Davis and Zaniolo and could cause problems, adding: "Roma must immediately steer the game tomorrow. In the last match Gollini made some saves and the giallorossi must be careful. In midfield Roma have few alternatives. This point of the season is delicate." The panel's predictions on the line-up vary. Ugo Trani on Teleradiostereo 92.7 said: "I think the certainties like Wesley and Malen will surely play tomorrow, the doubt is at the back. If Balerdi is well he could play him at centre-right, but if he is not at 100% he will not risk him. On the right flank, in my opinion, Lulli plays. Up front Soulé and Mora from the start, but they could also field a midfielder. I don't think they will force Koné's return before the break, also because France are there too. The Udine game frightens me, Manchester is whatever comes. But against Udinese I consider it the hardest of the three matches." Trani also said: "Ghilardi has learned a lot from Mancini, sometimes he even gives the impression he could play as a winger because he has an explosive pace." He added: "I really hope for Endrick, Milan are out. If he leaves, he comes here." Felici said on Teleradiostereo 92.7: "We need some attention towards Udinese, but we also need a sense of reality, and the conclusion is that Roma cannot afford not to win in Udine. Against Cagliari, even though the win came 4-2, it was not a stroll. In Udine you may not have to score a goal-fest, but to win you have to win." Balzani expected "two changes in defence", with Ghilardi and Balerdi alongside Hermoso, and suggested Mora could start with Cristante pushed forward and de Roon behind. Simone Valdarchi on Radio Manà Manà 90.9 expects rotation in defence and on the flanks, pointing out that Koulierakis and Mancini could be left out compared with the last outing, while at least two of Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso could play. He said: "If he had the chance, I think Gasp would give Ndicka a rest too, but maybe it is not the moment." Nando Orsi on Radio Radio Mattino 104.5 was the most confident: "There is too great a gap between Roma and Udinese. All games are difficult, but on the pitch you see the differences in value. I do not see any other result besides a Roma win."

Hermoso has played the most minutes of any Roma player this season, with 812 minutes on the pitch across the first twelve matches in Serie A and the Champions League. Wesley follows closely on 806 minutes, having just been called up by the Brazilian national team, and Gianluca Mancini has logged 798 minutes. Il Tempo reports that the figures show Gian Piero Gasperini is rotating his squad rather than relying on fixed starters. The rotation has become necessary because of a demanding run of nine matches in 27 days, which ends with games against Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo. Mancini has shown some signs of fatigue in recent outings, which has given Gasperini the chance to turn to fresher options such as Ghilardi, Koulierakis and Balerdi. On the flanks, Molina, Lulli and Rensch take turns, while Ndicka remains a reliable presence in defence with 727 minutes played. In midfield, Cristante and Koné have been used consistently, alongside Pisilli and De Roon. In attack, Soulé (770 minutes) and Malen (752 minutes) have been the most used forwards. Dybala, who is currently sidelined, is next on the list, followed by younger players Mora and Castro, who continue to earn valuable spells within the season's rotations.

Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing significant changes for tomorrow's trip to Udinese, with Donyell Malen returning to the starting XI. Malen's last visit to Udine was his worst performance in a Roma shirt, though he did find the net that day, sadly the wrong one: his deflection was the decisive touch on Ekkelenkamp's free kick. Behind him, Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé are set to play. Marten de Roon, who needs a rest after six matches in twenty days, drops out, along with the other three midfielders who were in the previous selection. Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli will form the central midfield pairing. Roma face two games in four days, with the squad still stretched by injuries and absences. Wesley will start on the left in both fixtures. On the right, Nahuel Molina, Emanuele Lulli and Devyne Rensch are in contention, with Rensch surprisingly named in the starting line-up in Istanbul and Naples. Rotation is also on the cards at the back, the department with the most players available. Leonardo Balerdi has put behind him a tough setback and will start. Mario Hermoso has recovered after not being at his best and is also available. Gianluca Mancini is likely to miss out, having run low on energy and been among the weakest performers of the season so far, with some physical complaints picked up on international duty that have never fully cleared. Daniele Aloisi, writing in Il Messaggero, reports that Daniele Ghilardi is looking for minutes and consistency and could take Mancini's place. Evan N'Dicka is the defender in the best form, and Gasperini does not want to do without him. If N'Dicka plays, Balerdi will operate on the left of the centre-back pairing. If N'Dicka rests, Balerdi will move into the middle with Hermoso alongside him. Gasperini will settle those doubts in the coming hours. Roma's focus then turns to Old Trafford, where the hope is that, for once, the 'theatre of dreams' does not turn back into a nightmare.

Every Roma player has started at least one match from the first minute this season, with Gian Piero Gasperini refusing to separate starters from reserves. The rotation has been key to managing a nine-match cycle in 27 days, which ends with Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo, and has been needed in part because of injuries. Gasperini has widened his rotations, giving some regulars rest. Mario Hermoso sat on the bench against Cagliari. In the first twelve matches across Serie A and the Champions League, Hermoso has been the most-used player with 812 minutes, ahead of Wesley, who is with the Brazil squad, on 806 and Gianluca Mancini on 798. Mancini, a former Atalanta defender, has shown some signs of fatigue in his recent outings. In defence, Gasperini can count on the freshness of Daniele Ghilardi (248 minutes) and Konstantinos Koulierakis (206), as well as Leonardo Balerdi (464). Evan N'Dicka has not appeared to feel the strain, logging 727 minutes. On the flanks, Nahuel Molina (571), Emanuele Lulli (477) and Devyne Rensch (305) are the players rotated most often. Matías Soulé is the most-used forward. The figures show how Gasperini is spreading the workload across the squad as the fixture congestion builds. Roma's run of nine matches in 27 days puts a premium on depth, and the minutes for the back line and wide players show the boss relying on a wide group rather than a fixed XI.