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Balerdi set to start as Roma prepare for Inter clash
·18 September 2026·45d ago

Balerdi set to start as Roma prepare for Inter clash

Source: Forza Roma

Leonardo Balerdi is expected to start in defence for Roma's match against Inter, taking a place ahead of either Evan N'Dicka or Mario Hermoso. Wesley will operate on the left, while Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala are set to play behind Donyell Malen in the forward line. A battle between Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli remains unresolved ahead of the fixture.

Gasperini said of the challenge: "Inter nettamente più forte, ma proveremo a inserirci. Massa? Sarà perfetto" (Inter are markedly stronger, but we will try to insert ourselves. Massa will be perfect). The match at the Olimpico is expected to draw over 60,000 supporters, with gates opening from 15:30.

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Roma drew 2–2 with Inter in a match that showcased both attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities. The Giallorossi dominated stretches of the first half but struggled to maintain intensity after the interval, with errors at both ends proving costly. Forza Roma's ratings reflected a team that created chances but ultimately could not close out the contest.

Manu Koné emerged as the standout performer with a rating of 8, entering with what Forza Roma describes as "gladiatorial intensity." He silenced doubts about his finishing within five minutes and went on to score or assist twice more, dominating the midfield against Inter's Barella and Zielinski. Leonardo Balerdi received 7.5 for a series of seemingly impossible recoveries and Superman-like interventions that kept Roma in the match. Bryan Cristante put in a leader's performance across midfield, reading play with awareness and driving Roma forward, though he could not maintain that tempo in the second half. Gianluca Mancini struggled at 5.5, losing a crucial ball early in the second half that led to Lautaro's opening goal. Nahuel Molina impressed with 6.5, winning possession forcefully before delivering a perfect header to Koné. Mile Svilar made an assured start with a crucial save on Bisseck after 23 minutes, though he could not prevent Inter's two goals.

Forza Roma notes that Balerdi is expected to start in Roma's defence ahead of either Evan N'Dicka or Mario Hermoso, with Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala set to play behind Donyell Malen in the forward line.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

“Il difensore argentino dovrebbe prendere il posto di uno tra Ndicka ed Hermoso. Wesley a sinistra, in avanti Soulé e Dybala alle spalle di Malen Redazione 18 settembre - 20:15 Roma-Inter, le probabili formazioni: Balerdi parte dal 1'. Ballottaggio Molina-Lulli Scegli Forzaroma.info come fonte…”

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

Read original on Forza Roma →

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