Collovati: Gasperini has the better defence ahead of Roma-Inter

Manchester United and Roma meet at Old Trafford in matchday four of the Champions League league phase, with the two sides looking to Amad Diallo and Rodrigo Mora to provide the spark behind their strikers. Roma have four points so far, while United have three, and are coming off a nightmare start to the Premier League season with Carrick's position as head coach increasingly under pressure. Diallo is one of the most unpredictable players in the United squad. The Ivorian was given his break by Gasperini at Atalanta, and he likes to start on the right before cutting inside onto his left foot, though he can also play more centrally and look for quick combinations with team-mates in the final third. In the Premier League this season he has made four appearances, all starts, for just over 300 minutes, without a goal or an assist. In the Champions League he has already provided one assist in two appearances. His attacking output is not yet at the level of his best seasons, but he remains capable of creating overloads with his dribbling and attacking the space behind the defensive line. Diallo is still doubtful because of a muscle problem, but if he recovers he could be one of United's main sources of unpredictability against Roma. Rodrigo Mora, who is younger, has already earned an important role in Gasperini's Roma and is enjoying a much more productive start in front of goal. The Portuguese, born in 2007, can play as an attacking midfielder, start from a wider position or drop deeper to help build play, using his close control, quick thinking and quality in the final pass. In Serie A he has made eight appearances, four of them starts, for 333 minutes, scoring three goals. He has also taken 11 shots in total, six on target, and made eight key passes, with a passing accuracy of 85%. In the Champions League he has played three matches for 150 minutes and has recorded one assist. The duel between the two left-footed, technical and creative players is therefore a contrast in styles: Diallo prefers the burst and the one-on-one, while Mora has so far shown greater end-product in the final third and a natural ability to find the net.

Roma thrashed Udinese 5-0 and continued their remarkable scoring run, with 28 goals in the first ten rounds of the season, an average of 2.8 per match. The Corriere della Sera reports that it is the club's best return in a single-group league format, a record matched only in 1928-29, and Roma now boast the best attack in the division. The side have kept their attacking identity despite a long injury list. Svilar, Koné, Pellegrini and Dybala have all been sidelined, while Cristante has just returned from injury. Roma have not altered the way they play, and the team keeps pressing for goals even when the tempo drops. The goals have been spread across the squad rather than resting on one man. Malen is among the scorers, but the output is not down to him alone: 11 different players have scored in Serie A, rising to 14 once Champions League goals are included. Gasperini has highlighted that many of the goals come after well-constructed, attractive moves. The report places this side in a long Roman tradition of attacking football, from Liedholm's web-like passing and Eriksson's vertical play with Pruzzo, through Spalletti's team with Totti and Dzeko, to Zeman's offensive sides. The article argues that Gasperini's Roma now belongs in that gallery of teams that have made Roma fans dream.

Roma have scored 28 goals in their first ten Serie A matches of the 2026-27 season, a club record, according to Il Tempo. Gian Piero Gasperini's side thrashed Udinese 5-0 to close a week in which they scored 12 goals across games against Napoli, Cagliari and Udinese. The Giallorossi have also netted 36 times in 13 matches in all competitions, an average of three per game that puts them on course for around 100 goals this season. The article describes a genuine "goal cooperative", with 14 different players already on the scoresheet. Donyell Malen continues to carry the attack, but the goals have come from across the squad. At the Bluenergy Stadium, defenders also made their mark. Evan N'Dicka scored at the ground where he suffered a serious scare in April 2024, while young Daniele Ghilardi scored his first Serie A goal. The two defensive goals underline the strength of the group and the work of Gasperini, who has helped develop both young players and veterans within a project that is working and winning people over. Il Tempo's report presents the scoring spread as the clearest sign of how the squad has been built.

An analysis piece asks whether Roma can genuinely challenge for the Scudetto, arguing that after ten Serie A matchdays Inter are slipping often while Roma are the side offering the most guarantees. The column, written by Francesco Balzani and published on 2 November 2026, invites readers to consider whether the title is a realistic target, perhaps with a helping hand from the Friedkin Group. The piece frames the title race around Inter's inconsistency and Roma's steadiness over the first ten rounds of the 2026-27 campaign. The argument is that Roma have shown the most reliability of the leading contenders, which is why the question of believing in the Scudetto is being put to supporters directly. The article is a short opinion column, and it closes with a call for readers to give their view on whether Roma can win the championship. Related headlines on the same page cover Gasperini managing his energy ahead of a Manchester trip, and Gollini returning to face Manchester, with Balerdi tipped to start against United by a radio pundit.

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's strong start to the season has drawn praise from several voices on Rome's radio stations, who are looking ahead to the Champions League trip to Manchester United. Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo 92.7 said: "The Friedkins are a very strange personality, and even Gasperini doesn't quite understand what kind of reasoning they follow from an emotional point of view. From a financial point of view, though, we've understood very well: they tend to keep things tight. I don't know if this pride in being able to enter Roma's history can work, but let's hope so. Because if you can't bring home a Scudetto even this year, you really enter a state of frustration, because this is a league where everyone is waiting for you and they compete to see who makes the most mistakes." Antonio Felici, also on Tele Radio Stereo 92.7, said: "If the chance comes along, you have to seize it in a flash. Some have been lucky, like Napoli in recent years. In my view Roma must believe in themselves, and they have many reasons to. The team is strong and when they attack they are frightening. They have some lapses, but they convince. And they play the best football in Italy. We saw it against Inter, and against Como when they were down to ten men, and I had the feeling Roma were stronger. So they must believe. At the moment, there is no team stronger than Roma." Francesco Balzani, also on Tele Radio Stereo 92.7, said: "In the first half Roma could have been 6-0 up. The match was effectively over there. People always say Roma's opponents are weak, but this season I have never seen a team get on top of Roma. Against Udinese Gasperini's side switched off, partly because they already had their minds on Manchester. So far they are the only team that has truly convinced me. Inter have more experience and quality, but Roma are closing the gap. This year they must try and believe: Serie A can be won. However, in January they will need a little help from the Friedkins. The atmosphere is united: I see no internal obstacles." Lorenzo Pes, also on Tele Radio Stereo 92.7, said: "In this run of matches there is one statistic: against the same opponents as last season, Roma have seven more points this year. Roma have reached the seventh match of a run of nine, and they are arriving with a limited number of players. Lulli and Balerdi starting tomorrow? I see Balerdi starting in place of Hermoso, and for Lulli I have more reserves. It is true he did not play in Udine, but there is always the Rensch card, which many underrate, and Gasp has shown that he trusts him. I expect the return of the three midfielders, with Mora coming on during the match..." Piero Torri, on Radio Manà Manà Sport 90.9, said: "At Old Trafford you never go in as favourites, because of history and tradition. Manchester are better than the league table suggests, and their first half against Chelsea on Sunday confirms it. I hope Zirkzee doesn't play." Roberto Pruzzo, on Radio Radio Mattino 104.5, said: "Manchester United look like a second-tier side. Against Como they played very badly; it's a team that has pulled the plug. But Roma must not think they are stronger than United. Cristante has recovered fully, and in the spaces there is no comparison. There are prospects of continuing as we have in the league." Nando Orsi, also on Radio Radio Mattino 104.5, said: "It is the best moment to face Manchester, but I don't know... they could find their best form and not lose. This is the best moment, but you always play United at Old Trafford: you must not take it lightly, you must always produce a great match. On the win, I don't know if you can be sure: Manchester are in crisis, so Roma have to win."

Former Roma left-back Max Tonetto, speaking exclusively to Retesport, said Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma share a strong identity with the side Luciano Spalletti built, with both projects built on a clear idea and a club that backs its coach. Tonetto said the results are now visible: Roma reached the Champions League in a season that brought many defeats, and the team has grown with signings made in the market. He noted that the first Spalletti team had far more difficulties. Looking ahead to Manchester United, Tonetto said the environment at Old Trafford is important, as the stadium regularly hosts Champions League football. He said Roma must impact the match in the right way, and that the first 15 minutes will be key. He added that Roma are aware of their qualities but must not give the opponent courage, because things can turn around quickly. On Gasperini, Tonetto said the coach's great philosophy is to accept no compromises: regardless of the opponent or the league position, the team always plays the same way. He said the road Gasp has taken is the right one, and that this way of playing pays off. Tonetto contrasted the two coaches: unlike Gasperini, Spalletti sought adjustments when an opponent had particular traits, while this Roma does not do that. He cited the match against Cagliari, when Mancini struggled against Fadera but the coach made no changes and kept playing the same way. The only change came in the final minutes, with Ghilardi, and Tonetto said the coach admitted he should have made it earlier. He added that all the players think in the same way. On Lulli, Tonetto called him a great discovery. He said Gasperini has worked with him since last season and that he is the ideal winger for the coach's game. He described him as the perfect stereotype: he has sprint, closes down every cross, and has an incredible engine and legs. Tonetto said he was surprised by the maturity and personality the player has shown, adding that it is not normal at his age. He said it could be a gradual path Gasperini is studying for him, or a chance from rotation, but that it will happen soon, and that the player is showing on the pitch that he is reliable, a fundamental quality for a coach. He said he did not believe there were many coaches better than Gasp at developing young players like him. Tonetto said the leap forward has been remarkable and that the fact he could be a starter is important. Tonetto also addressed the team's gaps and Niccolò Pisilli. He said the side lacks a midfielder, and that Pisilli is not, in his view, a defensive midfielder: he can do it, but lacks those characteristics, and paradoxically one would lose something in his forward movement. He called Pisilli good in many roles, adding that he will need a clearly defined identity but is on the right track with Gasp. Tonetto said he sees Pisilli as a box-to-box midfielder, closer to the trequartista zone than the holding line, and said he has already shown a lot. He said it is always pleasing to add a player from the academy, and that it is a source of pride to see him wear the captain's armband. On sending players out on loan, Tonetto said it makes sense to have this internal option, since not everyone becomes a first-rate player immediately and some need a few years, which is why the Under 23 side is useful. Asked whether Roma are a title side, Tonetto said the goal is to settle in the top part of the table. He said the same mentality must be kept, and that the final half hour of a season can make the difference in winning the Scudetto. He concluded that always being close to the top is the right path.

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.

Fabio Petruzzi spoke to Retesport after Roma's 5-2 win over Udinese, which the club wrapped up in 38 minutes. He praised the performance, saying: "Extraordinary result, a Roma that enjoys itself, that plays high-level football and dispatched the Udinese game in 38 minutes." Petruzzi also commented on individual players. He said of Ghilardi: "Well done Ghilardi, growing all the time, but removing Mancini at all I don't think will happen. He is a leader, a player who as a centre-back perfectly interprets the technical-tactical demands of Gasperini." Mancini, who has been a central figure in Gasperini's back line, remains a key part of the defence in Petruzzi's view. Looking ahead, Petruzzi turned his attention to Champions League action. He said: "Manchester are in great difficulty, but beware of underestimating them. In the first half against Chelsea they played an excellent game, wasting two or three goals in front of the goalkeeper."

Former Roma left-back Max Tonetto, speaking exclusively to Retesport, said Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma share a strong identity with the side Luciano Spalletti built, with both projects built on a clear idea and a club that backs its coach. Tonetto said the results are now visible: Roma reached the Champions League in a season that brought many defeats, and the team has grown with signings made in the market. He noted that the first Spalletti team had far more difficulties. Looking ahead to Manchester United, Tonetto said the environment at Old Trafford is important, as the stadium regularly hosts Champions League football. He said Roma must impact the match in the right way, and that the first 15 minutes will be key. He added that Roma are aware of their qualities but must not give the opponent courage, because things can turn around quickly. On Gasperini, Tonetto said the coach's great philosophy is to accept no compromises: regardless of the opponent or the league position, the team always plays the same way. He said the road Gasp has taken is the right one, and that this way of playing pays off. Tonetto contrasted the two coaches: unlike Gasperini, Spalletti sought adjustments when an opponent had particular traits, while this Roma does not do that. He cited the match against Cagliari, when Mancini struggled against Fadera but the coach made no changes and kept playing the same way. The only change came in the final minutes, with Ghilardi, and Tonetto said the coach admitted he should have made it earlier. He added that all the players think in the same way. On Lulli, Tonetto called him a great discovery. He said Gasperini has worked with him since last season and that he is the ideal winger for the coach's game. He described him as the perfect stereotype: he has sprint, closes down every cross, and has an incredible engine and legs. Tonetto said he was surprised by the maturity and personality the player has shown, adding that it is not normal at his age. He said it could be a gradual path Gasperini is studying for him, or a chance from rotation, but that it will happen soon, and that the player is showing on the pitch that he is reliable, a fundamental quality for a coach. He said he did not believe there were many coaches better than Gasp at developing young players like him. Tonetto said the leap forward has been remarkable and that the fact he could be a starter is important. Tonetto also addressed the team's gaps and Niccolò Pisilli. He said the side lacks a midfielder, and that Pisilli is not, in his view, a defensive midfielder: he can do it, but lacks those characteristics, and paradoxically one would lose something in his forward movement. He called Pisilli good in many roles, adding that he will need a clearly defined identity but is on the right track with Gasp. Tonetto said he sees Pisilli as a box-to-box midfielder, closer to the trequartista zone than the holding line, and said he has already shown a lot. He said it is always pleasing to add a player from the academy, and that it is a source of pride to see him wear the captain's armband. On sending players out on loan, Tonetto said it makes sense to have this internal option, since not everyone becomes a first-rate player immediately and some need a few years, which is why the Under 23 side is useful. Asked whether Roma are a title side, Tonetto said the goal is to settle in the top part of the table. He said the same mentality must be kept, and that the final half hour of a season can make the difference in winning the Scudetto. He concluded that always being close to the top is the right path.

Roma's strong start to the season has drawn praise from several voices on Rome's radio stations, who are looking ahead to the Champions League trip to Manchester United. Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo 92.7 said: "The Friedkins are a very strange personality, and even Gasperini doesn't quite understand what kind of reasoning they follow from an emotional point of view. From a financial point of view, though, we've understood very well: they tend to keep things tight. I don't know if this pride in being able to enter Roma's history can work, but let's hope so. Because if you can't bring home a Scudetto even this year, you really enter a state of frustration, because this is a league where everyone is waiting for you and they compete to see who makes the most mistakes." Antonio Felici, also on Tele Radio Stereo 92.7, said: "If the chance comes along, you have to seize it in a flash. Some have been lucky, like Napoli in recent years. In my view Roma must believe in themselves, and they have many reasons to. The team is strong and when they attack they are frightening. They have some lapses, but they convince. And they play the best football in Italy. We saw it against Inter, and against Como when they were down to ten men, and I had the feeling Roma were stronger. So they must believe. At the moment, there is no team stronger than Roma." Francesco Balzani, also on Tele Radio Stereo 92.7, said: "In the first half Roma could have been 6-0 up. The match was effectively over there. People always say Roma's opponents are weak, but this season I have never seen a team get on top of Roma. Against Udinese Gasperini's side switched off, partly because they already had their minds on Manchester. So far they are the only team that has truly convinced me. Inter have more experience and quality, but Roma are closing the gap. This year they must try and believe: Serie A can be won. However, in January they will need a little help from the Friedkins. The atmosphere is united: I see no internal obstacles." Lorenzo Pes, also on Tele Radio Stereo 92.7, said: "In this run of matches there is one statistic: against the same opponents as last season, Roma have seven more points this year. Roma have reached the seventh match of a run of nine, and they are arriving with a limited number of players. Lulli and Balerdi starting tomorrow? I see Balerdi starting in place of Hermoso, and for Lulli I have more reserves. It is true he did not play in Udine, but there is always the Rensch card, which many underrate, and Gasp has shown that he trusts him. I expect the return of the three midfielders, with Mora coming on during the match..." Piero Torri, on Radio Manà Manà Sport 90.9, said: "At Old Trafford you never go in as favourites, because of history and tradition. Manchester are better than the league table suggests, and their first half against Chelsea on Sunday confirms it. I hope Zirkzee doesn't play." Roberto Pruzzo, on Radio Radio Mattino 104.5, said: "Manchester United look like a second-tier side. Against Como they played very badly; it's a team that has pulled the plug. But Roma must not think they are stronger than United. Cristante has recovered fully, and in the spaces there is no comparison. There are prospects of continuing as we have in the league." Nando Orsi, also on Radio Radio Mattino 104.5, said: "It is the best moment to face Manchester, but I don't know... they could find their best form and not lose. This is the best moment, but you always play United at Old Trafford: you must not take it lightly, you must always produce a great match. On the win, I don't know if you can be sure: Manchester are in crisis, so Roma have to win."

Radio Radio pundits have offered their views on Roma's upcoming clash with Manchester United, with several saying the moment is favourable for the Giallorossi. Matera said Gasperini had expressed hope of a result, but that it would not be easy, as nobody had yet joined in that optimism. He argued that Roma face a Manchester side in evident difficulty, giving the team an opportunity to pick up points where they might not have seemed likely to before. He said that whoever comes into the side is making a contribution, and that with the players available the team cannot change much more than it already has. Matera said he did not know whether Lulli would get the chance to make his debut against Manchester at Old Trafford. He described the squad as short, noting that Mora had played against Udinese, and added: "I expect a De Roon–Cristante partnership with Pisilli." Carina said: "It is the best moment to face Manchester." She pointed out that Roma have lost all four previous meetings, including the heavy 7-1 defeat, and said those defeats had hurt, so now there is a chance to do well. She described Roma as a pleasure to watch, a side that always wants to score more goals and can trouble any team in the world for as long as their legs hold up. On Dybala, she recalled that the first diagnosis said it was nothing, then it became fatigue, then a hardening, before becoming a tear. She said that what was initially a muscular strain had cost him seven matches. Carina added that she felt the club were navigating from one game to the next, listing Cagliari, Udinese and Manchester, and said Dybala would probably be seen again after the international break. Pruzzo said: "Manchester look like a second-tier side. Against Como they did very badly; it is a team that has switched off. It is an opportunity to seize, without thinking we are much stronger than our opponents. The squad is in full health and I think there are prospects to keep doing well." Orsi said: "It is the best moment to face Manchester, but I don't know... they can find the right day and not lose. This is the best moment, but you always play against United at Old Trafford: you must not take it lightly, you must always produce a great match. On the win I don't know if you can be sure: Manchester are in crisis, so Roma must win for certain."