Balerdi features as Soulé and Castro stay on bench in Argentina's 4-0 win over Bolivia

Rodrigo Mora scored a spectacular overhead kick in the 21st minute as Portugal U21 defeated Gibraltar 4–0 to secure direct qualification to the European Under-21 Championship. Mora, wearing the number 10, was in the starting lineup and played 61 minutes, adding a decisive moment to Portugal's dominant performance. The goal extended Portugal's campaign record to 22 points, four clear of second-placed Czech Republic with one qualifying round remaining. As group B leaders, Portugal confirmed their place at the finals immediately after the match.

Italy bounced back from their defeat to Belgium with a 4-1 away victory over Turkey in the Nations League on 28 September, claiming their opening three points of the competition. Bastoni, Frattesi and Kayode scored three goals in the opening thirty minutes before Yilmaz halved the deficit early in the second half. Pio Esposito restored Italy's three-goal lead to seal the win. Daniele Ghilardi spent all 90 minutes on the bench, while Gianluca Mancini was not included in the squad at all. France beat Belgium 1-0 on the same day with Oliver Olise scoring in the 88th minute. Manu Koné came off the bench in the closing moments as a replacement for Da Cunha in that fixture. Italy's next Nations League fixture is scheduled for Friday against France.

Italy defeated Turkey 4–1 in a Nations League fixture at Belediye Stadyumu in Bursa on 28 September 2026, with goals from Bastoni, Frattesi, Kayode and Pio Esposito. The result came in the second matchday, with Italy seeking to recover after a home loss to Belgium. Kayode and Sebastiano Esposito made their debuts for the national team, while Ruggeri also earned a first cap. Roberto Mancini's side established control early: Bastoni opened the scoring from a corner in the ninth minute, Frattesi doubled the lead in the 22nd minute after Kayode's initial effort was parried, and Kayode himself added the third in the 27th. Turkey reduced the deficit through Yilmaz in the 47th minute before Pio Esposito headed in a fourth from Tonali's rebound in the 51st minute. From a Roma perspective, Gianluca Mancini was not included in the Italy squad, while Daniele Ghilardi was named on the bench. The match was significant for Italy's Nations League campaign, with a win essential to avoid relegation to League B. Turkey, managed by Vincenzo Montella, had lost their opening fixture to France. Italy's lineup featured Donnarumma in goal with Kayode at right-back, Scalvini and Bastoni as centre-backs, and Ruggeri at left-back. Frattesi, Tonali and Fagioli operated in midfield, with Raspadori, Pio Esposito and Sebastiano Esposito in attack. Italy's bench included Ghilardi, Calafiori, Di Lorenzo, Mandragora, Romano, Doumbia, Cambiaghi, Vergara, Kean and Scamacca.

Argentina defeated Bolivia 4–0 in a friendly, with Nico Paz of Como stealing the spotlight by scoring and assisting. The standout performance came from Paz, who has now positioned himself as a new face in the Argentina national team's future. Two Roma players remained unused: Matías Soulé, listed as a possible starter in pre-match reports, was benched throughout by manager Scaloni, though the coach signalled he would give the forward greater playing time in upcoming fixtures. Santiago Castro also saw no action across the full 90 minutes. Leonardo Balerdi was the sole Roma representative to feature, entering the pitch in the second half and helping to secure the clean sheet. His appearance capped a positive run in form that has also defined his performances with Roma in this early part of the season. Balerdi's contribution on the night reinforces the improvement he has shown since the campaign began. Argentina will face Burkina Faso next in another friendly fixture. The fixture will precede the eagerly anticipated clash against Benin, which will serve as the backdrop to Lionel Messi's farewell celebration. Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not participate in that match, though both will be present in spirit for what is set to become a historic evening in Argentine football.

Evan N'Dicka has returned to form for his national team and will intensify the competition for his defensive place at Roma, with Leonardo Balerdi having recently earned promotion to the starting XI by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini in a match against Inter. N'Dicka featured in two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for Ivory Coast, both won 2–0 against Ghana and Somalia, delivering statistical performances that underline his claim to a central role in Roma's defence. Last season, Roma's backline was the second-stingiest in Serie A. An injury in the derby and limited involvement in the World Cup had put N'Dicka under scrutiny, but he has begun this campaign positively. Balerdi's emergence as a starter, however, has intensified the battle for a regular berth. The competition for places will sharpen when Balerdi returns from Argentina only 48 hours before Roma's fixture with Como.

Paulo Dybala has accepted Roma's decision to keep him from travelling to Argentina for Lionel Messi's final international match on 6 October in Buenos Aires, a decision made by mutual agreement with the club. Nahuel Molina made the same choice. Both players, despite their affection for Messi and their shared World Cup victory in 2022, understood the club's reasoning: avoiding a long intercontinental trip for both just hours before Roma's double fixture against Como and Real Madrid. There is no controversy, and full focus remains on the Giallorossi. Dybala will have Gian Piero Gasperini's full attention throughout the week, with the aim of returning the Argentine to the scoresheet after his last goal on 18 January. His start to the 2026-27 season has been outstanding. He has been ever-present in the line-up, often decisive, and has created four assists—the best tally in Serie A. His physical recovery metrics also recall his Juventus form. During his four days of rest, Dybala trained in the gym to maintain his rhythm ahead of the encounter with Nicolò Paz. Paz, along with Balerdi, Soulé and Castro, will be available to face Roma just 48 hours after international duty. The 12-year age gap between Dybala and Paz represents a generational clash that does not trouble the Argentine, who is keen to demonstrate to national team coach Scaloni that his best years are far from finished.

Argentina defeated Bolivia 4–0 in a friendly, with Nico Paz of Como stealing the spotlight by scoring and assisting. The standout performance came from Paz, who has now positioned himself as a new face in the Argentina national team's future. Two Roma players remained unused: Matías Soulé, listed as a possible starter in pre-match reports, was benched throughout by manager Scaloni, though the coach signalled he would give the forward greater playing time in upcoming fixtures. Santiago Castro also saw no action across the full 90 minutes. Leonardo Balerdi was the sole Roma representative to feature, entering the pitch in the second half and helping to secure the clean sheet. His appearance capped a positive run in form that has also defined his performances with Roma in this early part of the season. Balerdi's contribution on the night reinforces the improvement he has shown since the campaign began. Argentina will face Burkina Faso next in another friendly fixture. The fixture will precede the eagerly anticipated clash against Benin, which will serve as the backdrop to Lionel Messi's farewell celebration. Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not participate in that match, though both will be present in spirit for what is set to become a historic evening in Argentine football.

Paulo Dybala has accepted Roma's decision to keep him from travelling to Argentina for Lionel Messi's final international match on 6 October in Buenos Aires, a decision made by mutual agreement with the club. Nahuel Molina made the same choice. Both players, despite their affection for Messi and their shared World Cup victory in 2022, understood the club's reasoning: avoiding a long intercontinental trip for both just hours before Roma's double fixture against Como and Real Madrid. There is no controversy, and full focus remains on the Giallorossi. Dybala will have Gian Piero Gasperini's full attention throughout the week, with the aim of returning the Argentine to the scoresheet after his last goal on 18 January. His start to the 2026-27 season has been outstanding. He has been ever-present in the line-up, often decisive, and has created four assists—the best tally in Serie A. His physical recovery metrics also recall his Juventus form. During his four days of rest, Dybala trained in the gym to maintain his rhythm ahead of the encounter with Nicolò Paz. Paz, along with Balerdi, Soulé and Castro, will be available to face Roma just 48 hours after international duty. The 12-year age gap between Dybala and Paz represents a generational clash that does not trouble the Argentine, who is keen to demonstrate to national team coach Scaloni that his best years are far from finished.

Matías Soulé is thriving under Gasperini's system after a strong start to the 2026–27 season. The 23-year-old has scored two goals and provided one assist in his first five league matches, matching his output from the same stage last season. The improvement comes after a difficult first year at Roma—his first goal arrived at the eleventh match in 2024–25, and his progress was further disrupted by a two-month pubalgia injury that cost him a place in the World Cup. This season, continuity is the aim. Last summer he began brilliantly and was the team's top scorer before Malen's arrival, but the injury derailed his campaign. Now, with Scaloni's new Argentina cycle underway, Soulé has been recalled to the national squad and is a candidate for a starting place against Bolivia. He previously made clear his commitment to Argentina: "No to Italy, I want only the Selección." Off the pitch, the birth of his first son, Bautista, has added to a golden spell. Soulé will be among the last to return from international duty, alongside Balerdi and Castro. Argentina play a friendly against Benin on 6 October, with Roma players due back at Trigoria on 8 October—just 72 hours before the fixture against Como. That tight turnaround concerns Gasperini, who has an open selection battle with Rodrigo Mora. Soulé has started the last three matches, but the Portuguese midfielder is pressing for inclusion, particularly if Gasperini opts for a 3-4-1-2 formation. The coach has time to settle on his team; Soulé's focus now is delivering for Argentina.

Argentina defeated Bolivia 4–0 in a friendly, with Nico Paz of Como stealing the spotlight by scoring and assisting. The standout performance came from Paz, who has now positioned himself as a new face in the Argentina national team's future. Two Roma players remained unused: Matías Soulé, listed as a possible starter in pre-match reports, was benched throughout by manager Scaloni, though the coach signalled he would give the forward greater playing time in upcoming fixtures. Santiago Castro also saw no action across the full 90 minutes. Leonardo Balerdi was the sole Roma representative to feature, entering the pitch in the second half and helping to secure the clean sheet. His appearance capped a positive run in form that has also defined his performances with Roma in this early part of the season. Balerdi's contribution on the night reinforces the improvement he has shown since the campaign began. Argentina will face Burkina Faso next in another friendly fixture. The fixture will precede the eagerly anticipated clash against Benin, which will serve as the backdrop to Lionel Messi's farewell celebration. Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not participate in that match, though both will be present in spirit for what is set to become a historic evening in Argentine football.

Roma's three-week international break offers Gian Piero Gasperini time to recover Wesley and resolve a tactical question about how to deploy him when Serie A resumes. Wesley arrives at the break after an intense campaign last season, during which he made 69 appearances and played effectively on the left wing alongside his natural right-flank position. His progress was interrupted by a serious injury against Egypt ahead of the World Cup, and more recently a right-thigh strain cost him a Brazil call-up. Despite the setback, Wesley showed promise in the first half against Inter, operating on his natural right side in sync with Dybala and causing problems for Dimarco. Roma, sitting top of the league and relying on the consistency of players like Dybala, Malen, Svilar and Koné, recognise that Wesley's full recovery is essential to achieving the next level. The break comes at a critical moment: after months without a pause, his body has demanded rest and restoration to full fitness. Upon the resumption of the season, Gasperini faces a key tactical decision. Wesley may remain on the right with Molina shifted to the left, or he could return to the left wing to open up rotations with other wide options. Gasperini is taking time to reflect on the choice during the international break.

Wesley holds the key to Roma's next leap forward. The Brazilian left-back, already one of Serie A's standout performers last season alongside Dimarco and Palestra despite playing out of position, has been sidelined by injury setbacks that have disrupted his momentum. In a pre-World Cup friendly against Egypt, Wesley suffered an injury that derailed his plans heading into September. Just as he returned to action with Roma, a right thigh muscle strain forced him back to the sidelines when called up by Brazil again. Last season Wesley played in a role not naturally his own, yet his performances were so effective that he climbed the hierarchy of the Brazilian national team. His durability was remarkable—he reached 69 appearances in a single season before the injury against Egypt halted his run. His absence has been felt as Roma, currently top of the league with Paulo Dybala in fine form and Donyell Malen consistently finding the net, have otherwise tightened their defence with Mile Svilar's assured keeping and the emerging quality of Manu Koné, who is now earning recognition at international level with France. Wesley finally stopped after an exhausting campaign of constant availability. He now has three weeks to recover fully, reconnect his physical condition and rediscover his best self. The timing of his return could be crucial: Roma remain just one player away from their ideal setup, and Wesley represents that final piece of the puzzle.