Balerdi: Roma has always been a dream for me

Roma are reportedly showing renewed interest in Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara, according to the German outlet fussball-news.de, as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini looks to strengthen the midfield when the January window opens. The report says Gasperini expects to add a midfielder, particularly after the serious injury suffered by Lorenzo Pellegrini. The Brazilian, born in 1999, plays for Galatasaray and has attracted the attention of several clubs. Roma had already sought him a couple of years ago. Napoli are also interested in Italy, while in the Premier League Newcastle and Everton have already expressed interest and are ready to offer around 30 million euros to secure his services. The report places the midfielder among the names under consideration as Roma look to reinforce the department, with the focus falling on a player who could fill the gap left by Pellegrini's absence.

Pierluigi Gollini returns to Old Trafford twelve years after leaving Manchester United, the club he joined as a teenager and the place where he first made his name. The Roma goalkeeper is coming back in a key moment of his time in Rome. Gollini left Fiorentina's youth sector in 2012, aged 16, to move to England. The decision angered sporting director Corvino. After two seasons in the Academy, he moved into the Under-21 side, alongside Macheda, and began training regularly with the first team. In 2013/14 he played three Youth League matches but never made a first-team debut for the Red Devils. A few months later he returned to Italy, signing for Verona. He went back to the Premier League two years later with Aston Villa, and again with Tottenham in 2021. Looking back on his time in Manchester, Gollini has spoken of how the experience shaped him deeply, both as a person and as a player, exposing him to a completely different culture and reality. He recalled how his father first raised the idea: "My dad at one point asked me: 'Would you feel up to going to play abroad?' We went out to dinner at a restaurant and at a certain point my dad pulled a little card out and placed it in front of me: it was the business card of Manchester United. I was incredulous, I couldn't believe it." He also said: "Manchester was fundamental for my development. In England there is a different mentality, much more open and functional. Looking at how a club is run, what surprises you most is the level of the youth sectors, where they immediately work on physicality. In Italy a young player coming from the Primavera can't establish himself because of his physique, while in England the gap between the Under-23s and the first team is not so pronounced." The return comes at a particular moment in his Roma career. A stress fracture to the foot suffered by Svilar gave Gollini the starting berth. The former Atalanta keeper seized the opportunity, making his seventh consecutive appearance of the season in Udine. An important test now lies ahead before the gloves are handed back to Svilar.

Roma are reportedly monitoring midfielder Gabriel Sara, who was tracked for several weeks in summer 2024 and could be back on the club's radar. The Turkish-based player is finding limited game time and is reportedly keen to make the step up to Serie A. The interest is part of a wider search to add options for Gian Piero Gasperini, particularly after recent physical problems for Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné. Reports from Germany say Roma face strong competition. Napoli have also reportedly shown interest, while Newcastle and Everton from the Premier League are said to be ready to offer around €30 million. For now, the interest is at the market-sounding stage, with no advanced negotiations between clubs.

Roma radio pundits split on whether Gian Piero Gasperini should keep Gianluca Mancini in the back three or give the starting role to Daniele Ghilardi, while also discussing Manchester United's slump ahead of the Champions League meeting. David Rossi of Rete Sport argued that Ghilardi should play, saying: "Ghilardi deve giocare, non Mancini, sia per un discorso difensivo che offensivo." He pointed to Ghilardi's recent form, with two goals in the last two matches, one of them disallowed, and a decisive assist against Cagliari, adding that he had been the best player on the pitch at Lecce. Rossi said Mancini's continued selection was a dressing-room decision, noting that Gasperini had asked for new contracts for Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala. The debate sits against a strong run for the club. Roma have six matches in a row behind them and have reached the seventh game of a run of nine, which Lorenzo Pes noted with a squad stretched thin. Pes also pointed out that against the same opponents as last season, Roma have seven more points this year. Fabio Petruzzi of Rete Sport said the team was showing strong attitude and that Roma were clearly superior to recent years, adding: "non bisogna aver timore di pensare alla vittoria del titolo." Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo argued that either Roma or Inter would win the Scudetto, and that a stadium project and a Scudetto would make the Friedkins historic. On team selection, Gianluca Piacentini expected some rotation, with Marten de Roon expected to start because he is due at the press conference, and Niccolò Pisilli seen taking Rodrigo Mora's place. Piacentini said Wesley would not play if Gasperini had seen his social media activity. Pes saw Leonardo Balerdi starting in place of Mario Hermoso, with Devyne Rensch as a card the fans underestimate, and expected the three midfielders to return with Mora coming on during the game. Corsi also argued that Bryan Cristante had become more important than Manu Koné. On Manchester United, Roberto Pruzzo said: "Lo United ha staccato la spina", describing them as weakened and unable to motivate anyone under former player Carrick, and calling it an opportunity to exploit. Nando Orsi warned that Old Trafford is always difficult, saying: "Non so se è sicura la vittoria della Roma." Mario Mattioli added that the team must take the game seriously, that entering Old Trafford is intimidating, and that Roma should avoid thinking only of avenging the seven goals conceded. Piero Torri said a win at Manchester would put Roma three-quarters of the way towards a play-off place, while noting that Inter depend heavily on Lautaro Martínez. The programme also covered refereeing controversies, including a revoked penalty in Como-Venezia that Alessio Nardo called inexplicable, and a player struck in the face in Lazio-Cagliari. Roma's next match is the trip to Manchester United in the Champions League.

Roma travel to Old Trafford for tomorrow evening's Champions League clash against Manchester United, a fixture that could shape their route towards the play-offs. Il Messaggero reports that Roma have struggled at this ground, losing all four previous visits, some by heavy margins. This time, though, the picture is different: Manchester United are third from bottom in the Premier League and going through a difficult spell, and English fans on social media fear another heavy defeat. Gian Piero Gasperini is not underestimating the opponent, however, and has to deal with several injuries. Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Mile Svilar will all miss the match. Dybala and Koné will try to recover for the Sassuolo fixture, while Svilar will not return until after the international break. Gollini is expected to continue in goal, having previously worn the Manchester United shirt. In defence, Evan N'Dicka, the returning Gianluca Mancini and one of Leonardo Balerdi or Mario Hermoso are set to start. Cristante and De Roon will form the midfield pairing. Wesley, closely watched by English scouts, is set to operate on the left, while the right-hand position remains an open contest. Without Dybala, Malen leads the attack: he has three goals and two assists in three European matches, and is eager to perform at a stadium where he previously played a few minutes for Aston Villa. Soulé will partner him, while the final place in the front three is between Mora, who is improving, and Pisilli, who wants to win back his place after resting in Udine. Roma finished their previous match in Udine strongly, and the squad now travels to England to prepare for the Champions League tie against Manchester United. The Old Trafford game is the first of the two visits, and the result is expected to weigh heavily on Roma's chances of reaching the play-offs.

Nine months after their last visit to Udine, Roma are a different side: authoritative, overwhelming and capable of playing at relentless tempo with an intensity that eventually overwhelms their opponents. Much of the transformation comes from the work done on the training ground, even though the squad, enriched in quality, is still missing a couple of key pieces. Gian Piero Gasperini has managed to deepen the squad over recent weeks, shaping and developing several players despite a run of injuries to Svilar, Koné, Cristante, Dybala and Pellegrini that would have halted any club in Serie A. Today, anyone who takes the pitch, writes Stefano Carina in Il Messaggero, does not leave fans longing for those on the bench. From Lulli to Ghilardi, passing through Mora, Rensch, Castro and Balerdi, each player who gets his chance is able to take a leading role in turn. The acceleration has come without Dybala, who was the team's guiding light before a calf problem sidelined him. That setback has allowed Soulé to shine again. Soulé is a paradox in himself. Over the summer, every effort was made to sell him. Today, alongside the "monster" Malen, who has scored 22 goals in 2026, the most of any striker in Europe this year, ahead of Yamal, Mbappé, Haaland, Raphinha and Ballon d'Or winner Kane, he is the extra man, the player capable of carrying the team on his shoulders. A leader, something he was long accused of not being. Another piece of Gasperini magic.

Roma radio pundits split on whether Gian Piero Gasperini should keep Gianluca Mancini in the back three or give the starting role to Daniele Ghilardi, while also discussing Manchester United's slump ahead of the Champions League meeting. David Rossi of Rete Sport argued that Ghilardi should play, saying: "Ghilardi deve giocare, non Mancini, sia per un discorso difensivo che offensivo." He pointed to Ghilardi's recent form, with two goals in the last two matches, one of them disallowed, and a decisive assist against Cagliari, adding that he had been the best player on the pitch at Lecce. Rossi said Mancini's continued selection was a dressing-room decision, noting that Gasperini had asked for new contracts for Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala. The debate sits against a strong run for the club. Roma have six matches in a row behind them and have reached the seventh game of a run of nine, which Lorenzo Pes noted with a squad stretched thin. Pes also pointed out that against the same opponents as last season, Roma have seven more points this year. Fabio Petruzzi of Rete Sport said the team was showing strong attitude and that Roma were clearly superior to recent years, adding: "non bisogna aver timore di pensare alla vittoria del titolo." Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo argued that either Roma or Inter would win the Scudetto, and that a stadium project and a Scudetto would make the Friedkins historic. On team selection, Gianluca Piacentini expected some rotation, with Marten de Roon expected to start because he is due at the press conference, and Niccolò Pisilli seen taking Rodrigo Mora's place. Piacentini said Wesley would not play if Gasperini had seen his social media activity. Pes saw Leonardo Balerdi starting in place of Mario Hermoso, with Devyne Rensch as a card the fans underestimate, and expected the three midfielders to return with Mora coming on during the game. Corsi also argued that Bryan Cristante had become more important than Manu Koné. On Manchester United, Roberto Pruzzo said: "Lo United ha staccato la spina", describing them as weakened and unable to motivate anyone under former player Carrick, and calling it an opportunity to exploit. Nando Orsi warned that Old Trafford is always difficult, saying: "Non so se è sicura la vittoria della Roma." Mario Mattioli added that the team must take the game seriously, that entering Old Trafford is intimidating, and that Roma should avoid thinking only of avenging the seven goals conceded. Piero Torri said a win at Manchester would put Roma three-quarters of the way towards a play-off place, while noting that Inter depend heavily on Lautaro Martínez. The programme also covered refereeing controversies, including a revoked penalty in Como-Venezia that Alessio Nardo called inexplicable, and a player struck in the face in Lazio-Cagliari. Roma's next match is the trip to Manchester United in the Champions League.

Daniele Ghilardi has established himself as a key figure in the Roma defence, more than a year after a difficult afternoon in August 2025 that changed his approach. The Italian outlet's feature traces his rise from that moment, when he was a new arrival from Verona and was in the squad for the friendly against Neom in Rome. A mistake and a lapse of concentration brought an furious reaction from Gian Piero Gasperini, with shouts, dressing-downs and harsh words aimed at the centre-back. That moment, the article says, sparked his determination to prove he was a player worthy of Roma and to earn his place in the team. Ghilardi, now 21, has since worked quietly and patiently, earning his place step by step rather than taking shortcuts. The article describes him as a defender who defends, attacks, tackles and leaves no space for the striker, having removed his weaknesses one by one. Gasperini does not like to talk about reserves and considers every player a starter, and after Ghilardi's goal at Udine he is one in reality. He has also surprised in an unexpected role at the Bluenergy Stadium. Gasperini had known what he could offer for a year but preferred to give him the time needed to grow into a more complete player. Gasperini said nothing in the article, but the piece is clear that Ghilardi's versatility gives Roma another option across several roles. Displacing Gianluca Mancini will not be simple, the article notes, but his adaptability opens new possibilities and gives Gasperini an extra card to play. Ghilardi will start on the bench in Manchester. The article concludes that the great stages are no longer so distant, and that he has already shown he is ready to claim them, and this time he will not wait for someone to make room for him, but will take his place himself.

Roma travel to Old Trafford for tomorrow evening's Champions League clash against Manchester United, a fixture that could shape their route towards the play-offs. Il Messaggero reports that Roma have struggled at this ground, losing all four previous visits, some by heavy margins. This time, though, the picture is different: Manchester United are third from bottom in the Premier League and going through a difficult spell, and English fans on social media fear another heavy defeat. Gian Piero Gasperini is not underestimating the opponent, however, and has to deal with several injuries. Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Mile Svilar will all miss the match. Dybala and Koné will try to recover for the Sassuolo fixture, while Svilar will not return until after the international break. Gollini is expected to continue in goal, having previously worn the Manchester United shirt. In defence, Evan N'Dicka, the returning Gianluca Mancini and one of Leonardo Balerdi or Mario Hermoso are set to start. Cristante and De Roon will form the midfield pairing. Wesley, closely watched by English scouts, is set to operate on the left, while the right-hand position remains an open contest. Without Dybala, Malen leads the attack: he has three goals and two assists in three European matches, and is eager to perform at a stadium where he previously played a few minutes for Aston Villa. Soulé will partner him, while the final place in the front three is between Mora, who is improving, and Pisilli, who wants to win back his place after resting in Udine. Roma finished their previous match in Udine strongly, and the squad now travels to England to prepare for the Champions League tie against Manchester United. The Old Trafford game is the first of the two visits, and the result is expected to weigh heavily on Roma's chances of reaching the play-offs.

Roma radio pundits split on whether Gian Piero Gasperini should keep Gianluca Mancini in the back three or give the starting role to Daniele Ghilardi, while also discussing Manchester United's slump ahead of the Champions League meeting. David Rossi of Rete Sport argued that Ghilardi should play, saying: "Ghilardi deve giocare, non Mancini, sia per un discorso difensivo che offensivo." He pointed to Ghilardi's recent form, with two goals in the last two matches, one of them disallowed, and a decisive assist against Cagliari, adding that he had been the best player on the pitch at Lecce. Rossi said Mancini's continued selection was a dressing-room decision, noting that Gasperini had asked for new contracts for Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala. The debate sits against a strong run for the club. Roma have six matches in a row behind them and have reached the seventh game of a run of nine, which Lorenzo Pes noted with a squad stretched thin. Pes also pointed out that against the same opponents as last season, Roma have seven more points this year. Fabio Petruzzi of Rete Sport said the team was showing strong attitude and that Roma were clearly superior to recent years, adding: "non bisogna aver timore di pensare alla vittoria del titolo." Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo argued that either Roma or Inter would win the Scudetto, and that a stadium project and a Scudetto would make the Friedkins historic. On team selection, Gianluca Piacentini expected some rotation, with Marten de Roon expected to start because he is due at the press conference, and Niccolò Pisilli seen taking Rodrigo Mora's place. Piacentini said Wesley would not play if Gasperini had seen his social media activity. Pes saw Leonardo Balerdi starting in place of Mario Hermoso, with Devyne Rensch as a card the fans underestimate, and expected the three midfielders to return with Mora coming on during the game. Corsi also argued that Bryan Cristante had become more important than Manu Koné. On Manchester United, Roberto Pruzzo said: "Lo United ha staccato la spina", describing them as weakened and unable to motivate anyone under former player Carrick, and calling it an opportunity to exploit. Nando Orsi warned that Old Trafford is always difficult, saying: "Non so se è sicura la vittoria della Roma." Mario Mattioli added that the team must take the game seriously, that entering Old Trafford is intimidating, and that Roma should avoid thinking only of avenging the seven goals conceded. Piero Torri said a win at Manchester would put Roma three-quarters of the way towards a play-off place, while noting that Inter depend heavily on Lautaro Martínez. The programme also covered refereeing controversies, including a revoked penalty in Como-Venezia that Alessio Nardo called inexplicable, and a player struck in the face in Lazio-Cagliari. Roma's next match is the trip to Manchester United in the Champions League.

Roma travel to Old Trafford for tomorrow evening's Champions League clash against Manchester United, a fixture that could shape their route towards the play-offs. Il Messaggero reports that Roma have struggled at this ground, losing all four previous visits, some by heavy margins. This time, though, the picture is different: Manchester United are third from bottom in the Premier League and going through a difficult spell, and English fans on social media fear another heavy defeat. Gian Piero Gasperini is not underestimating the opponent, however, and has to deal with several injuries. Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Mile Svilar will all miss the match. Dybala and Koné will try to recover for the Sassuolo fixture, while Svilar will not return until after the international break. Gollini is expected to continue in goal, having previously worn the Manchester United shirt. In defence, Evan N'Dicka, the returning Gianluca Mancini and one of Leonardo Balerdi or Mario Hermoso are set to start. Cristante and De Roon will form the midfield pairing. Wesley, closely watched by English scouts, is set to operate on the left, while the right-hand position remains an open contest. Without Dybala, Malen leads the attack: he has three goals and two assists in three European matches, and is eager to perform at a stadium where he previously played a few minutes for Aston Villa. Soulé will partner him, while the final place in the front three is between Mora, who is improving, and Pisilli, who wants to win back his place after resting in Udine. Roma finished their previous match in Udine strongly, and the squad now travels to England to prepare for the Champions League tie against Manchester United. The Old Trafford game is the first of the two visits, and the result is expected to weigh heavily on Roma's chances of reaching the play-offs.

Roma have left Udine and travelled to Manchester, where they face Manchester United at Old Trafford, and the squad is preparing for the trip. The side will train in the hotel gym in the morning before a pre-match training session at Old Trafford at 19:00 Italian time. Roma have a poor record at the ground, having lost all four previous meetings, including heavy defeats of 7-1 and 6-2. The Red Devils are less intimidating than in the past, and some England fans on social media reportedly fear a 7-1 scoreline is possible, although United sit third from bottom in the Premier League. Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to make some changes at the back. Gianluca Mancini returns to the starting line-up from the first minute on the centre-left after a rest, with N'Dicka alongside him and either Balerdi or Hermoso on the other side. Niccolò Pisilli, who rested during the Bluenergy Stadium game, is pushing for a start and dreams of another big European night. In midfield, Cristante and de Roon are expected to pair up. On the right, Lulli, Molina and Rensch are in a contest for the spot. Gasperini will decide the team on matchday, as is his habit. It is the last push before the international break, and the coach will again try to manage his players' energy levels. The report, published by Il Messaggero, describes the Old Trafford venue as the Theatre of Dreams, which for Roma has been a theatre of nightmares in past years. Mancini and his teammates will be aiming to end that run in the coming game.