Balerdi turned down Boca approach to join Roma

Leonardo Balerdi was the standout figure in Roma's 3-3 draw against Napoli, scoring a brace after coming on in the second half for Mario Hermoso. The goals were the first of his career with Roma. Before the match at the Maradona, the Argentine defender had received two paintings in the style of The Simpsons from artist Stefano Monda: one showing him and his girlfriend in Roma colours, the other showing his whole family. Balerdi returned the gesture with a signed shirt, and the gift brought him luck on the night. The performance underlines how Balerdi is carving out a place in the side and earning the trust of the coaching staff. His double came at a difficult venue and helped Roma secure a point from a match that swung back and forth. Monda's artwork and the shirt exchange made for a light-hearted pre-match story, but it was Balerdi's second-half impact that dominated the afternoon. The video of the paintings and the goals has been shared widely by fans.

Leonardo Balerdi returned from Napoli not only with his first career brace but also with two portraits from artist Steart, whose real name is Stefano Monda. Steart had commissioned the works ahead of the trip to Naples, and both are themed on The Simpsons. The Roma defender received them before the match against Allegri's side. One portrait shows Balerdi with his girlfriend, who is wearing a Roma shirt. The other shows his family, this time with Balerdi in an Argentina shirt. Balerdi is set to return to the starting line-up tomorrow evening at the Olimpico against Cagliari. In return, Balerdi gave the artist a signed giallorossi shirt.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday in a midweek fixture for Serie A's ninth matchday, and the club have confirmed that defender Emanuele Lulli has signed a new contract running to 2031. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini admitted the schedule leaves no time to rest, saying at his pre-match press conference: "Today is the first training session and it is already the eve of the match." Gasperini did not rule out changes to his starting eleven. Hermoso and de Roon could be rested, with a chance for Mora, while Balerdi and Lulli are in contention for a place from the first minute. Paulo Dybala's return also looks likely, at least as part of the matchday squad. Gasperini said: "We will try to get him onto the bench. I have good confidence." Cagliari coach Pisacane spoke on the eve of the game, saying: "Gasperini is extraordinary. We have to exploit Roma's weaknesses." Referee Feliciani will take charge of the match. He has been a lucky charm for Roma, who have won all five of the matches he has officiated, while Cagliari have lost all three of theirs under him.

Leonardo Balerdi was the standout figure in Roma's 3-3 draw against Napoli, scoring a brace after coming on in the second half for Mario Hermoso. The goals were the first of his career with Roma. Before the match at the Maradona, the Argentine defender had received two paintings in the style of The Simpsons from artist Stefano Monda: one showing him and his girlfriend in Roma colours, the other showing his whole family. Balerdi returned the gesture with a signed shirt, and the gift brought him luck on the night. The performance underlines how Balerdi is carving out a place in the side and earning the trust of the coaching staff. His double came at a difficult venue and helped Roma secure a point from a match that swung back and forth. Monda's artwork and the shirt exchange made for a light-hearted pre-match story, but it was Balerdi's second-half impact that dominated the afternoon. The video of the paintings and the goals has been shared widely by fans.

Leonardo Balerdi returned from Napoli not only with his first career brace but also with two portraits from artist Steart, whose real name is Stefano Monda. Steart had commissioned the works ahead of the trip to Naples, and both are themed on The Simpsons. The Roma defender received them before the match against Allegri's side. One portrait shows Balerdi with his girlfriend, who is wearing a Roma shirt. The other shows his family, this time with Balerdi in an Argentina shirt. Balerdi is set to return to the starting line-up tomorrow evening at the Olimpico against Cagliari. In return, Balerdi gave the artist a signed giallorossi shirt.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday in a midweek fixture for Serie A's ninth matchday, and the club have confirmed that defender Emanuele Lulli has signed a new contract running to 2031. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini admitted the schedule leaves no time to rest, saying at his pre-match press conference: "Today is the first training session and it is already the eve of the match." Gasperini did not rule out changes to his starting eleven. Hermoso and de Roon could be rested, with a chance for Mora, while Balerdi and Lulli are in contention for a place from the first minute. Paulo Dybala's return also looks likely, at least as part of the matchday squad. Gasperini said: "We will try to get him onto the bench. I have good confidence." Cagliari coach Pisacane spoke on the eve of the game, saying: "Gasperini is extraordinary. We have to exploit Roma's weaknesses." Referee Feliciani will take charge of the match. He has been a lucky charm for Roma, who have won all five of the matches he has officiated, while Cagliari have lost all three of theirs under him.