Balerdi reacts to Roma's late defeat at Manchester United with message to fans

Roma are reportedly ready to exercise their option to buy Leonardo Balerdi from Marseille, with a fee of between 11 and 14 million euros depending on his number of appearances of at least 45 minutes this season. Balerdi was one of the standout figures in the 3-2 Champions League defeat at Manchester United at Old Trafford, playing very well for around 80 minutes before a costly error: he miscuffed a clearance, allowing Cunha to equalise and make it 2-2. Despite that moment, his overall impact at the club has been positive, and the Argentine is reportedly happy in the capital and the club is satisfied with his performances. Fabrizio Romano reported the story. The Italian press has also revealed that the 1999-born defender was sounded out by Inter in the summer, while Juventus had considered him on several occasions in recent years. The defeat in Manchester is quickly making way for preparations for Saturday's game against Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, the eleventh round of Serie A. Roma will be looking to put the Old Trafford setback behind them and continue their strong start to the league season. The Lega Serie A has released the referee appointments for the fixture: Marco Di Bello of the Brindisi section will referee, with assistants Peretti and Scatragli and fourth official Abisso. Pezzuto will be at the VAR, with Guida as AVAR. Gazzetta Regionale reports that Roma continue to monitor Georgian talent Giorgi Kvernadze, whom the club have been tracking since last season. His contract, which runs until 2028, reportedly contains a 4 million euro release clause that can be activated next summer. A significant percentage would also go to his agent, the same agent who looks after the interests of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Il Tempo reports that Gasperini could have Manu Koné back at least on the bench against Sassuolo. Koné is very close to full recovery from the thigh muscle injury that kept him out for 20 days. Paulo Dybala has also resumed working on the pitch and could be available at the last minute to face the Emilia side.

Gian Piero Gasperini is facing a barrage of criticism after Roma squandered a two-goal lead and lost 3-2 at Manchester United in the Champions League, with the coach's decisions, substitutions and tactical handling of the second half all called into question. The defeat was Roma's second of the season, following their first loss in the Champions League, and it came after they had also thrown away a two-goal advantage against Inter and Real Madrid. Roma have scored six goals in those three matches yet have taken only one point from them, the draw against Chivu's Inter, while Mourinho's and Carrick's sides took three points each. The article also recalls the 3-1 lead against Juventus last season that became a 3-3 draw. The critique is seen as legitimate, though the article argues the debate needs to go deeper. Gasperini has already responded that the comebacks were different but share similar ingredients: Roma often conceded immediately after half-time rather than only after returning to the field with a lead. That happened at Manchester, unlike against Real Madrid at the Olimpico, where three goals were conceded at the death. The article argues the problem is mental rather than technical: when Roma concede, they seem to switch off from the match. Balerdi's misplaced pass at Old Trafford is cited as the latest confirmation. Roma have been unbeaten in Serie A for seven months. The article criticises the handling of the match itself. Two halves cannot be played at the same intensity, and the substitutions made were questioned, particularly with Rensch already off in the first half, which meant the team had to pay attention to the wing-back slots too. Individual errors were highlighted, along with changes that saw two of three central defenders replaced, which would have unbalanced the back line. The article notes that the player who stayed on as the least tired, and arguably the best of the night, was the one who went on to err on United's second and third goals. Gasperini admitted a drop-off after the break and a lack of clarity, but did not mention absences. The article argues that Svilar, Koné and Dybala's absences do affect results, and points out that a fourth goalkeeper played, with De Marzi the third choice, a player who was outside the squad list until a month ago. Gasperini described the penalty awarded to Manchester as a "rigorino" (a soft penalty) without criticising the silent VAR over Mancini's foul, or the VAR who was quick to flag Cristante's encroachment for the retaken penalty. He did not protest about Maguire escaping a red card, already booked earlier, for his foul on Castro. He also did not address Rosetti, who had assigned the same referee, Spaniard Gil Manzano, for the first two Champions League away trips, a referee already criticised after Istanbul. Gasperini admitted the lesson would help, saying: "in Europa il percorso da fare è ancora lungo" ("in Europe the road ahead is still long"). The article concludes that Roma are not yet competitive at these levels. The most significant criticism, the article argues, is inconsistent: Gasperini was faulted for leaving Mora in the dressing room at half-time, which the article calls the coach's main error in England. Only days ago, the Portuguese's signing had been considered the worst mistake of the last transfer window. The article describes Rodrigo Mora as low, useless and expensive, someone who would struggle to become a starter at Roma. Today he plays in place of Dybala, is decisive, and drops onto the flank when needed, as at Manchester. The article sums up the shift as out of role yet suddenly fundamental.

Rodrigo Mora has spoken highly of Brazilian defender Wesley after Roma's 3-2 defeat at Manchester United, saying the 22-year-old will reach the highest level of the game. Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Mora said Wesley had produced another excellent performance. Mora was asked whether he and Wesley talk often, partly because of the language link. He said they share the same language, which helps them communicate, and that they both follow Brazil and Brazilian football closely. Mora said: "Yes, I think today Wesley played another great match. He is a great player and he will reach the highest level of football. We mainly talk about Brazil and Brazilian football, which we both follow. The language, of course, helps us a lot. He has given me a great hand in this welcome to Roma and I am really grateful to him for that."

Roma are reportedly ready to exercise their option to buy Leonardo Balerdi from Marseille, with a fee of between 11 and 14 million euros depending on his number of appearances of at least 45 minutes this season. Balerdi was one of the standout figures in the 3-2 Champions League defeat at Manchester United at Old Trafford, playing very well for around 80 minutes before a costly error: he miscuffed a clearance, allowing Cunha to equalise and make it 2-2. Despite that moment, his overall impact at the club has been positive, and the Argentine is reportedly happy in the capital and the club is satisfied with his performances. Fabrizio Romano reported the story. The Italian press has also revealed that the 1999-born defender was sounded out by Inter in the summer, while Juventus had considered him on several occasions in recent years. The defeat in Manchester is quickly making way for preparations for Saturday's game against Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, the eleventh round of Serie A. Roma will be looking to put the Old Trafford setback behind them and continue their strong start to the league season. The Lega Serie A has released the referee appointments for the fixture: Marco Di Bello of the Brindisi section will referee, with assistants Peretti and Scatragli and fourth official Abisso. Pezzuto will be at the VAR, with Guida as AVAR. Gazzetta Regionale reports that Roma continue to monitor Georgian talent Giorgi Kvernadze, whom the club have been tracking since last season. His contract, which runs until 2028, reportedly contains a 4 million euro release clause that can be activated next summer. A significant percentage would also go to his agent, the same agent who looks after the interests of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Il Tempo reports that Gasperini could have Manu Koné back at least on the bench against Sassuolo. Koné is very close to full recovery from the thigh muscle injury that kept him out for 20 days. Paulo Dybala has also resumed working on the pitch and could be available at the last minute to face the Emilia side.

Roma's problems after half-time are showing up in the numbers: 83% of their goals conceded this season have come in the second half. In their 14 official matches they have conceded three goals in first halves against 15 in second halves, while scoring 19 goals in each half. The issue is defensive resilience rather than attacking output. Roma have now lost a lead again after the comeback against Real Madrid. At Old Trafford they dominated the first half before fading after the restart. Mora's withdrawal at half-time and the introduction of Lulli for Rensch have both drawn debate, and the squad has few quality alternatives. Gasperini is under scrutiny, and an editorial asks why this Roma is not yet ready for the Champions League. On the transfer front, Balerdi's place is secure despite his error on United's equaliser. According to Fabrizio Romano, the club is satisfied with the Argentine and intends to buy him outright from Marseille. The fee is reported at between 11 and 14 million euros, depending on his seasonal appearances. Inter and Juventus showed interest in the defender this summer. Spanish referee Gil Manzano received heavy ratings: 4 from Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport and 3 from Romanista. The penalty awarded for the Mancini-Cunha contact was criticised, as was the failure to send off Maguire for a second yellow card. The retake of the penalty for Cristante's early entry into the box was judged correct. Roma supporters have also made serious accusations against English police after the tensions at Old Trafford. Some fans describe long waits, aggressive treatment and medical emergencies on entry and exit, and one fan was reportedly immobilised by officers before receiving medical assistance. On Radio Roma, Ferrazza suggested focusing on the league, Corsi criticised some of Gasperini's assessments, and Torri blamed the officiating. In the transfer market, Roma's clear priority is to strengthen the attack, with Endrick at the top of the list. In midfield, Issa Doumbia of Sporting Lisbon and Gabriel Sara of Galatasaray are also attracting interest. Roma's next fixture is the Rome derby's rival-free home test against Sassuolo, a match in the eleventh round at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 7 November at 20:45. Marco Di Bello will referee, assisted by Peretti and Scatragli, with Pezzuto at VAR and Guida as AVAR.

Gian Piero Gasperini is facing a barrage of criticism after Roma squandered a two-goal lead and lost 3-2 at Manchester United in the Champions League, with the coach's decisions, substitutions and tactical handling of the second half all called into question. The defeat was Roma's second of the season, following their first loss in the Champions League, and it came after they had also thrown away a two-goal advantage against Inter and Real Madrid. Roma have scored six goals in those three matches yet have taken only one point from them, the draw against Chivu's Inter, while Mourinho's and Carrick's sides took three points each. The article also recalls the 3-1 lead against Juventus last season that became a 3-3 draw. The critique is seen as legitimate, though the article argues the debate needs to go deeper. Gasperini has already responded that the comebacks were different but share similar ingredients: Roma often conceded immediately after half-time rather than only after returning to the field with a lead. That happened at Manchester, unlike against Real Madrid at the Olimpico, where three goals were conceded at the death. The article argues the problem is mental rather than technical: when Roma concede, they seem to switch off from the match. Balerdi's misplaced pass at Old Trafford is cited as the latest confirmation. Roma have been unbeaten in Serie A for seven months. The article criticises the handling of the match itself. Two halves cannot be played at the same intensity, and the substitutions made were questioned, particularly with Rensch already off in the first half, which meant the team had to pay attention to the wing-back slots too. Individual errors were highlighted, along with changes that saw two of three central defenders replaced, which would have unbalanced the back line. The article notes that the player who stayed on as the least tired, and arguably the best of the night, was the one who went on to err on United's second and third goals. Gasperini admitted a drop-off after the break and a lack of clarity, but did not mention absences. The article argues that Svilar, Koné and Dybala's absences do affect results, and points out that a fourth goalkeeper played, with De Marzi the third choice, a player who was outside the squad list until a month ago. Gasperini described the penalty awarded to Manchester as a "rigorino" (a soft penalty) without criticising the silent VAR over Mancini's foul, or the VAR who was quick to flag Cristante's encroachment for the retaken penalty. He did not protest about Maguire escaping a red card, already booked earlier, for his foul on Castro. He also did not address Rosetti, who had assigned the same referee, Spaniard Gil Manzano, for the first two Champions League away trips, a referee already criticised after Istanbul. Gasperini admitted the lesson would help, saying: "in Europa il percorso da fare è ancora lungo" ("in Europe the road ahead is still long"). The article concludes that Roma are not yet competitive at these levels. The most significant criticism, the article argues, is inconsistent: Gasperini was faulted for leaving Mora in the dressing room at half-time, which the article calls the coach's main error in England. Only days ago, the Portuguese's signing had been considered the worst mistake of the last transfer window. The article describes Rodrigo Mora as low, useless and expensive, someone who would struggle to become a starter at Roma. Today he plays in place of Dybala, is decisive, and drops onto the flank when needed, as at Manchester. The article sums up the shift as out of role yet suddenly fundamental.