Castro: no one feels like a reserve under Gasperini

Roma and Inter meet in the final match before the international break, with both sides unbeaten and level on points at the top of Serie A. Gasperini has confirmed all his players are available but is monitoring the fitness of Wesley and N'Dicka, suggesting Leonardo Balerdi could start. Inter will be without Calhanoglu and Stones, with Akanji and Zielinski set to replace them. Both teams will pay tribute before kick-off to Sandro Mazzola, the Inter legend and Italy international who died at the age of 83 overnight.

Leonardo Balerdi has explained his departure from Olympique Marseille after six years and his desire to play for Roma. Speaking to DAZN France, the defender reflected on his move to Serie A and what drew him to the Giallorossi. Bareldi said of leaving Marseille: "It was a difficult moment to leave the OM. But I take everything that came with it: the beautiful things and the bad things." He acknowledged the mixed reception from supporters but used that experience as motivation. "I didn't remember being booed in the last match — sometimes people loved me, sometimes they didn't. I took the love they gave me as energy. I felt it was time to go. Six years at a club is a lot. But six years at Olympique de Marseille is something few players do. It was time to discover another league. I wanted to prove my value, try to do something different. I was very happy to leave." Bareldi joined Roma this summer as part of the club's defensive reinforcements for the 2026-27 season.

Santiago Castro has given his first substantial interview since joining Roma, speaking to DAZN about his early weeks at the club, his relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, and the quality of his fellow attackers. The 21-year-old Argentine striker, who arrived this summer from Bologna, reflected on the step up in class and the challenge of competing with established forwards in the Giallorossi squad. Castro highlighted the calibre of his new teammates, naming Paulo Dybala, Donyell Malen, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora as examples of the standard he now faces daily. He said: "Sì, certo. Quando arrivi in una squadra come la Roma ti trovi davanti giocatori come Dybala, Malen, Pellegrini, Soulé e adesso è arrivato anche Rodrigo Mora." On training alongside Dybala and Malen, he remarked: "Paulo e Donyell sono giocatori che impressionano i tifosi ogni settimana e noi che li vediamo ogni giorno. Noi che ci alleniamo con loro vediamo cose che sembrano appartenere a un altro sport." He praised Dybala's left foot as among the finest in Italy and the world, and commended Malen's aggression, movement and shooting ability. Gasperini's management style has impressed Castro, who said the coach emphasizes constant readiness over any hierarchy of starting players. "Con lui non ti senti mai una riserva o un titolare: devi sempre essere pronto, sempre al massimo, sia in allenamento sia in partita," Castro explained. The striker also recalled his debut at the Olimpico against Atalanta as a proud moment at age 21, noting the warmth of the crowd as a powerful motivator. He expressed respect for Inter's Lautaro Martinez ahead of the upcoming fixture, describing him as "un grandissimo giocatore, molto forte" and noting his consistency in Serie A and leadership of one of Italy's biggest clubs. Castro also touched on the group atmosphere at Roma, mentioning the presence of several Argentine players and praising the cohesion with staff and international teammates alike. On wearing the number 9 shirt, he said: "È bello pensare a tutti i giocatori che hanno avuto la numero 9 nella Roma. Sono stati tanti e hanno fatto tantissime cose importanti, come Balbo e altri grandi attaccanti. Io spero solamente di riuscire a fare anche solo una piccola parte di quello che hanno fatto loro."

Santiago Castro has given his first substantial interview since joining Roma, speaking to DAZN about his early weeks at the club, his relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, and the quality of his fellow attackers. The 21-year-old Argentine striker, who arrived this summer from Bologna, reflected on the step up in class and the challenge of competing with established forwards in the Giallorossi squad. Castro highlighted the calibre of his new teammates, naming Paulo Dybala, Donyell Malen, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora as examples of the standard he now faces daily. He said: "Sì, certo. Quando arrivi in una squadra come la Roma ti trovi davanti giocatori come Dybala, Malen, Pellegrini, Soulé e adesso è arrivato anche Rodrigo Mora." On training alongside Dybala and Malen, he remarked: "Paulo e Donyell sono giocatori che impressionano i tifosi ogni settimana e noi che li vediamo ogni giorno. Noi che ci alleniamo con loro vediamo cose che sembrano appartenere a un altro sport." He praised Dybala's left foot as among the finest in Italy and the world, and commended Malen's aggression, movement and shooting ability. Gasperini's management style has impressed Castro, who said the coach emphasizes constant readiness over any hierarchy of starting players. "Con lui non ti senti mai una riserva o un titolare: devi sempre essere pronto, sempre al massimo, sia in allenamento sia in partita," Castro explained. The striker also recalled his debut at the Olimpico against Atalanta as a proud moment at age 21, noting the warmth of the crowd as a powerful motivator. He expressed respect for Inter's Lautaro Martinez ahead of the upcoming fixture, describing him as "un grandissimo giocatore, molto forte" and noting his consistency in Serie A and leadership of one of Italy's biggest clubs. Castro also touched on the group atmosphere at Roma, mentioning the presence of several Argentine players and praising the cohesion with staff and international teammates alike. On wearing the number 9 shirt, he said: "È bello pensare a tutti i giocatori che hanno avuto la numero 9 nella Roma. Sono stati tanti e hanno fatto tantissime cose importanti, come Balbo e altri grandi attaccanti. Io spero solamente di riuscire a fare anche solo una piccola parte di quello che hanno fatto loro."

Santiago Castro has reflected on his early weeks at Roma, discussing his relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and his debut experience at the Olimpico, speaking to DAZN hours before the Inter match. Castro highlighted the quality difference between his former club Bologna and Roma, pointing to the calibre of players available: "When you arrive at a club like Roma you find yourself facing players like Dybala, Malen, Pellegrini, Soulé and now Rodrigo Mora has also arrived too. We are many players of great quality. At Bologna I also found many quality footballers, like Bernardeschi, Orsolini, Rowe, Zirkzee and Ndoye. I'm happy because from every teammate I can take something and always learn." Castro's comments underscore Roma's attacking depth as they prepare to face Inter. The 21-year-old forward, who joined Roma this summer from Bologna, has integrated quickly into Gasperini's squad and benefits from direct competition with experienced forwards.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named 23 players for Roma's Serie A match against Inter, a fifth-round fixture taking place today at the Olimpico. Mario Hermoso returns after sustaining a minor ankle injury in recent days, and Lorenzo Pellegrini is included. Evan N'Dicka, Wesley and Manu Koné have all recovered from issues that sidelined them in recent weeks. Gasperini's squad includes goalkeepers Mile Svilar, Giorgio De Marzi and Pierluigi Gollini. The defence comprises Devyne Rensch, Konstantinos Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli and Daniele Ghilardi. Midfield options are Bryan Cristante, Pellegrini, Marten de Roon, Koné, Niccolò Pisilli and Rodrigo Mora. The attacking players available are Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala.

Santiago Castro has given his first substantial interview since joining Roma, speaking to DAZN about his early weeks at the club, his relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, and the quality of his fellow attackers. The 21-year-old Argentine striker, who arrived this summer from Bologna, reflected on the step up in class and the challenge of competing with established forwards in the Giallorossi squad. Castro highlighted the calibre of his new teammates, naming Paulo Dybala, Donyell Malen, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora as examples of the standard he now faces daily. He said: "Sì, certo. Quando arrivi in una squadra come la Roma ti trovi davanti giocatori come Dybala, Malen, Pellegrini, Soulé e adesso è arrivato anche Rodrigo Mora." On training alongside Dybala and Malen, he remarked: "Paulo e Donyell sono giocatori che impressionano i tifosi ogni settimana e noi che li vediamo ogni giorno. Noi che ci alleniamo con loro vediamo cose che sembrano appartenere a un altro sport." He praised Dybala's left foot as among the finest in Italy and the world, and commended Malen's aggression, movement and shooting ability. Gasperini's management style has impressed Castro, who said the coach emphasizes constant readiness over any hierarchy of starting players. "Con lui non ti senti mai una riserva o un titolare: devi sempre essere pronto, sempre al massimo, sia in allenamento sia in partita," Castro explained. The striker also recalled his debut at the Olimpico against Atalanta as a proud moment at age 21, noting the warmth of the crowd as a powerful motivator. He expressed respect for Inter's Lautaro Martinez ahead of the upcoming fixture, describing him as "un grandissimo giocatore, molto forte" and noting his consistency in Serie A and leadership of one of Italy's biggest clubs. Castro also touched on the group atmosphere at Roma, mentioning the presence of several Argentine players and praising the cohesion with staff and international teammates alike. On wearing the number 9 shirt, he said: "È bello pensare a tutti i giocatori che hanno avuto la numero 9 nella Roma. Sono stati tanti e hanno fatto tantissime cose importanti, come Balbo e altri grandi attaccanti. Io spero solamente di riuscire a fare anche solo una piccola parte di quello che hanno fatto loro."

Santiago Castro has reflected on his early weeks at Roma, discussing his relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and his debut experience at the Olimpico, speaking to DAZN hours before the Inter match. Castro highlighted the quality difference between his former club Bologna and Roma, pointing to the calibre of players available: "When you arrive at a club like Roma you find yourself facing players like Dybala, Malen, Pellegrini, Soulé and now Rodrigo Mora has also arrived too. We are many players of great quality. At Bologna I also found many quality footballers, like Bernardeschi, Orsolini, Rowe, Zirkzee and Ndoye. I'm happy because from every teammate I can take something and always learn." Castro's comments underscore Roma's attacking depth as they prepare to face Inter. The 21-year-old forward, who joined Roma this summer from Bologna, has integrated quickly into Gasperini's squad and benefits from direct competition with experienced forwards.

Gian Piero Gasperini has downplayed Sunday's meeting with Inter at the Olimpico as a scudetto decider, calling it instead a significant fixture between two in-form teams but one that arrives too early in the season to carry championship weight. In a wide-ranging interview, the Roma head coach reflected on the club's strong start to 2026-27, the recovery from last season's intense campaign, and the squad's growing cohesion. Gasperini acknowledged Inter's standing as the benchmark in Italian football. "Inter is ahead of everyone, they prove it with the results they are making and those they have made in recent years. They remain a reference point for all the other teams trying to climb and get closer," he said. He stressed that Roma cannot fix their deficiencies in five matches and that meaningful objectives can only be set after around twenty games. Roma's qualification for the UEFA Champions League this season was not guaranteed last year, he noted, and he sees the competition as an opportunity to grow by testing themselves against Europe's elite. On Paulo Dybala, Gasperini said: "It is a great aspect, perhaps for some years he was not able to have this continuity of performance and condition, not only of quality. He is a champion recovered to our football." He praised Dybala and Donyell Malen as complementary forwards, describing Dybala's ability to spot Malen's runs and serve him with precision, combined with Malen's capacity to convert straightforward chances into goals. On young defender Emanuele Lulli, Gasperini sidestepped comparisons to legendary defenders, saying he compares players only with the world's strongest to judge merit fairly and that he introduces young players because they deserve it, not for convenience. He also backed Leonardo Balerdi, saying the defender made a strong impact despite having done only partial pre-season preparation with Roma, evidence of his professionalism. Gasperini identified the club's greatest strength as "a great unity between environment, squad, fans and society. This is something that helps you work well and gives you confidence to achieve the best results." He expressed satisfaction with the new league format this season and noted that Roma fans are content. The squad combines youth and experienced players, each contributing—younger members bringing freshness and established players setting an example through their dedication. Roma face Como before the Real Madrid fixture in the Champions League.

Santiago Castro has given his first substantial interview since joining Roma, speaking to DAZN about his early weeks at the club, his relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, and the quality of his fellow attackers. The 21-year-old Argentine striker, who arrived this summer from Bologna, reflected on the step up in class and the challenge of competing with established forwards in the Giallorossi squad. Castro highlighted the calibre of his new teammates, naming Paulo Dybala, Donyell Malen, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora as examples of the standard he now faces daily. He said: "Sì, certo. Quando arrivi in una squadra come la Roma ti trovi davanti giocatori come Dybala, Malen, Pellegrini, Soulé e adesso è arrivato anche Rodrigo Mora." On training alongside Dybala and Malen, he remarked: "Paulo e Donyell sono giocatori che impressionano i tifosi ogni settimana e noi che li vediamo ogni giorno. Noi che ci alleniamo con loro vediamo cose che sembrano appartenere a un altro sport." He praised Dybala's left foot as among the finest in Italy and the world, and commended Malen's aggression, movement and shooting ability. Gasperini's management style has impressed Castro, who said the coach emphasizes constant readiness over any hierarchy of starting players. "Con lui non ti senti mai una riserva o un titolare: devi sempre essere pronto, sempre al massimo, sia in allenamento sia in partita," Castro explained. The striker also recalled his debut at the Olimpico against Atalanta as a proud moment at age 21, noting the warmth of the crowd as a powerful motivator. He expressed respect for Inter's Lautaro Martinez ahead of the upcoming fixture, describing him as "un grandissimo giocatore, molto forte" and noting his consistency in Serie A and leadership of one of Italy's biggest clubs. Castro also touched on the group atmosphere at Roma, mentioning the presence of several Argentine players and praising the cohesion with staff and international teammates alike. On wearing the number 9 shirt, he said: "È bello pensare a tutti i giocatori che hanno avuto la numero 9 nella Roma. Sono stati tanti e hanno fatto tantissime cose importanti, come Balbo e altri grandi attaccanti. Io spero solamente di riuscire a fare anche solo una piccola parte di quello che hanno fatto loro."

Santiago Castro has reflected on his early weeks at Roma, discussing his relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and his debut experience at the Olimpico, speaking to DAZN hours before the Inter match. Castro highlighted the quality difference between his former club Bologna and Roma, pointing to the calibre of players available: "When you arrive at a club like Roma you find yourself facing players like Dybala, Malen, Pellegrini, Soulé and now Rodrigo Mora has also arrived too. We are many players of great quality. At Bologna I also found many quality footballers, like Bernardeschi, Orsolini, Rowe, Zirkzee and Ndoye. I'm happy because from every teammate I can take something and always learn." Castro's comments underscore Roma's attacking depth as they prepare to face Inter. The 21-year-old forward, who joined Roma this summer from Bologna, has integrated quickly into Gasperini's squad and benefits from direct competition with experienced forwards.

Gian Piero Gasperini has downplayed Sunday's meeting with Inter at the Olimpico as a scudetto decider, calling it instead a significant fixture between two in-form teams but one that arrives too early in the season to carry championship weight. In a wide-ranging interview, the Roma head coach reflected on the club's strong start to 2026-27, the recovery from last season's intense campaign, and the squad's growing cohesion. Gasperini acknowledged Inter's standing as the benchmark in Italian football. "Inter is ahead of everyone, they prove it with the results they are making and those they have made in recent years. They remain a reference point for all the other teams trying to climb and get closer," he said. He stressed that Roma cannot fix their deficiencies in five matches and that meaningful objectives can only be set after around twenty games. Roma's qualification for the UEFA Champions League this season was not guaranteed last year, he noted, and he sees the competition as an opportunity to grow by testing themselves against Europe's elite. On Paulo Dybala, Gasperini said: "It is a great aspect, perhaps for some years he was not able to have this continuity of performance and condition, not only of quality. He is a champion recovered to our football." He praised Dybala and Donyell Malen as complementary forwards, describing Dybala's ability to spot Malen's runs and serve him with precision, combined with Malen's capacity to convert straightforward chances into goals. On young defender Emanuele Lulli, Gasperini sidestepped comparisons to legendary defenders, saying he compares players only with the world's strongest to judge merit fairly and that he introduces young players because they deserve it, not for convenience. He also backed Leonardo Balerdi, saying the defender made a strong impact despite having done only partial pre-season preparation with Roma, evidence of his professionalism. Gasperini identified the club's greatest strength as "a great unity between environment, squad, fans and society. This is something that helps you work well and gives you confidence to achieve the best results." He expressed satisfaction with the new league format this season and noted that Roma fans are content. The squad combines youth and experienced players, each contributing—younger members bringing freshness and established players setting an example through their dedication. Roma face Como before the Real Madrid fixture in the Champions League.