Balerdi has already won over Roma: the possible fees explained

Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi is named in Italy's squad for a second time with the senior side and is among the substitutes for the match against France at San Siro, where he hopes to make his debut during the game. Speaking to Sky Sport before kick-off, he focused on the challenge ahead. Ghilardi, born in 2003, said: "They are all great players, but we must be calm and sure of our qualities. Obviously we will need to pay attention to their attack because they are all stars." He described the fixture as a special occasion, adding that Italy would give their maximum against a major side in a beautiful stadium. For Roma's centre-back, the match is a second call-up to the senior Italy team, which gives him another chance to test himself against top international opposition. He also reflected on the make-up of the squad. "Once again, it is a very beautiful match, we face a great team in a beautiful stadium, so we will certainly give our all. For me it is the second time, we are many young players and all very strong, and I hope everyone can show their qualities." His message was one of confidence: a young, talented group that needs to believe in itself.

Roma are looking to add two forwards to bring their squad up to 25 players, and Fulham's Kevin has emerged as one of the names. The plan has changed from the original idea. D'Amico had initially planned to let Devyne Rensch go to sign a left-sided wide player, a position the squad currently lacks. However, Lorenzo Pellegrini's new and long-term injury, together with the confirmed unreliability of Paulo Dybala, has shifted the focus to strikers, whether left- or right-footed. Kevin, 23, has been used sparingly in the Premier League, playing just 75 minutes so far this season. That is partly because Fulham's coach Arbeola prefers two attacking midfielders in place of wingers. Endrick and Lookman also remain on Roma's list. A wide midfielder to provide cover for Wesley is not a priority. Roma are, however, continuing to monitor Alejandro Balde, a left-back born in 2003. The Spaniard is not finding playing time under Flick at Barcelona and could leave the Camp Nou in January. On the financial front, UEFA's verdict on Roma's settlement agreement under Financial Fair Play will arrive in May.

Mile Svilar and Paulo Dybala are edging back towards the starting XI, with the goalkeeper's medical giving a positive result during the international break. Svilar had been sidelined by a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his right foot, picked up in training just over a month ago. He opted for conservative treatment rather than surgery, which allowed the bone callus to form correctly. The Belgian has already trained on the pitch, albeit in a differentiated programme alongside Pierluigi Gollini. The club's aim is to have him back as a regular starter for the trip to Parma when the league resumes. Dybala, who has also returned to group work, could also start from the first minute. Roma are also linked with Atalanta left-back Lorenzo Bernasconi, born in 2003, whose name is picking up transfer speculation ahead of the January window. The left-back, who has enjoyed an excellent start to the season, has attracted interest from several major clubs including Roma, Milan and Newcastle. His consistency and constant forward runs down the flank have fuelled international interest in a player considered one of the most promising young players in his position in the league. Atalanta, who value their talents highly, are reportedly valuing his contract at between 20 and 25 million euros. Artem Dovbyk, currently on loan from Roma, left the capital last summer in search of more regular football, but his spell at Bologna has not gone as hoped. Injuries and a change of coach have limited his opportunities, and his situation could change during the January window, as Bologna are reportedly considering ending the loan early in the winter session. The two clubs will discuss the matter in the coming weeks. The Ukrainian striker is not part of Gasperini's plans. On Roman radio, the return of Svilar and Dybala was debated. Alessandro Vocalelli told Radio Radio: "Dybala's absence was felt more than Svilar's. Gollini did very well, although he conceded a few goals he perhaps could have avoided. Vasquez, on the other hand, did his job: he saved a penalty, then had it retaken, and on the goals conceded he had little responsibility." Luigi Ferrajolo added: "Vasquez and Gollini conceded two goals from over 25 metres, but the calmness Svilar brings is something else. Gollini was unlucky because he was playing a good game before his injury. I would start with Soulé and Dybala and then bring on Mora during the match, because I don't think Dybala has 90 minutes in his legs and he needs managing."

Leonardo Balerdi has been one of the more unexpected standouts of Roma's season so far, and his playing time now carries real weight in his future at the club. According to information obtained exclusively by Tele Radio Stereo from sources inside Olympique Marseille, the Argentine centre-back's obligatory buy-back clause is not tied to the number of appearances he makes, but to the percentage of minutes he has played by the end of the season. So far Balerdi has been used for around 50% of the total minutes Roma have played this season, which is enough to trigger the obligatory buy-back at around €15 million, a figure widely reported in recent months. The clause therefore depends on minutes rather than matches, a point the report says differs from what has been read and heard since he arrived in Rome. The final amount Roma would pay to buy his registration outright will also vary according to the percentage of minutes he plays. It could therefore be either lower or higher than €15 million.

Paulo Dybala could return to Roma's starting line-up for the trip to Parma on 21 November, with Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly weighing up a start for the Argentine forward at kick-off, while Matías Soulé may begin on the bench and be introduced during the game. The reasoning centres on the international break, which has left Roma with 11 players called up to their national teams, more than any other club in the squad sense described by the source. Argentina are the national side with the largest number of Roma players called up: Leonardo Balerdi, Santiago Castro and Matías Soulé will all be involved in Argentina's upcoming fixtures. Argentina face Uruguay on 14 November and Costa Rica on 18 November. The Costa Rica match is the one that could cause Gasperini problems ahead of the resumption of Serie A and the away trip to Parma, scheduled for 21 November at 18:00. After the game against Costa Rica, Soulé, Castro and Balerdi will not return to Rome until 19 November. That leaves Gasperini just two days to work with them alongside the rest of the group, before accounting for the inevitable fatigue of the long intercontinental journey. For this reason, the Roma coach is reportedly considering starting Dybala from the first minute against Parma, while Soulé could start on the bench and be used once the match is underway. Roma's total of 11 internationals is the headline figure for the break, and it is the travel schedule rather than the opponents that is shaping Gasperini's selection options for the Parma match. The Argentine trio's late return means that the Parma fixture is the key pressure point for the coach's rotation decisions.

Leonardo Balerdi, who left Marseille for Roma, has become one of the pillars of Gian Piero Gasperini's side and is now being considered by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni to fill the central defensive void left by Otamendi's departure. The Marseille supporters who celebrated his exit in August now have a Roma fan base enjoying his performances instead. Balerdi defends, commands his area, supports attacks and, when he has space, can carry the ball forward. His combination of qualities is reminiscent, in some respects, of the best version of Manolas. Gasperini has repeatedly praised him, and the start to this season has confirmed how important the Argentine has become to the balance of the team. His progress has also not gone unnoticed back home. Scaloni continues to call him up to the national team, and now a new opportunity may open for him. With Otamendi gone, Argentina are searching for a new reference point at the heart of the defence. According to TyC Sports, the Giallorossi defender is among the candidates for a starting berth in the friendly against Uruguay, with Lisandro Martínez expected to partner him. The report underlines how quickly Balerdi has established himself as a key figure at Roma, moving from a player whose departure Marseille supporters welcomed to a central defender the national team is considering for a starting role. A call-up and a starting place against Uruguay would represent a significant step for the 2026-27 season.