D'Amico on Balerdi signing and the Inter challenge ahead

Former Roma midfielder Aleandro Rosi, speaking to Retesport ahead of Manchester United v Roma, said his own side of the past was stronger than the current squad and backed the Giallorossi to take maximum points at Old Trafford tonight. Rosi recalled a 2-1 Roma win at the Stadio Olimpico, adding that the team was a very strong group and that he still has fond memories of it. He also recalled what followed in Manchester, saying the side did not get ahead of itself, but that two or three important players were lost on the return and something went wrong during the warm-up. Asked whether his Roma was stronger than the current one, Rosi said there was no comparison, pointing to Totti, Vucinic, De Rossi and Pizarro. He said he would only take Svilar over his own goalkeeper, and named Mexes and Juan as the defenders of his era. He added that Roma are now one of the strongest sides in the league and that football has changed. On tonight's game, Rosi said Manchester United have nothing in common with the side Roma faced in his day. "I expect Roma to win tonight and take maximum points: these matches are fascinating, the giallorossi are well trained and they are clinical, so I expect a bold performance." He said he hopes the defeat to Real Madrid has taught this Roma side a lesson, adding that he would never have dropped defenders in that match, but that it should not teach anything to Gasperini. Rosi praised Konstantinos Koulierakis's team-mate Lulli, describing him as an excellent player and a simple lad with engine, speed and technical quality. "He is a quarter of midfield, he is humble, has big margins for improvement and deserves this stage, so I hope he continues like this. The hardest thing is not getting there but staying at those levels." He said he hopes Lulli plays tonight, adding that young players bring energy and carefree attitude, and that playing at Manchester will not be like facing Parma or Genoa in Serie A. He believes Gasperini may start Molina and one between Wesley and Lulli for balance. Rosi also spoke about Alberto Aquilani, whom he said he always supports, hoping he finds the right formula. He said Aquilani is struggling defensively and that Sassuolo must find another balance. Asked about his own future as a coach, Rosi said he remains attached to Perugia: "Maybe I could return as a coach, I live here now. I played six years, let's see what happens."

Gian Piero Gasperini has heaped praise on Wesley ahead of Roma's Champions League clash with Manchester United, saying the left-sided defender has improved considerably. Speaking on Monday at Old Trafford after the final training session, the Roma coach told TNT Sports Brasil that Wesley is likely to start on the left flank tonight, barring a late change. Wesley, who joined Roma from Flamengo in July 2025, has been one of the club's standout performers. Gasperini said he had already enjoyed an excellent season last year and has grown further this term. The Roma boss also noted that the Brazilian was unlucky not to be part of the World Cup, a setback that has not dulled his development. Gasperini said: "Wesley is doing really well. He had an excellent season last year already, and this year he has grown even more." He added: "He was unlucky not to take part in the World Cup. Now he is a player who can play on both the right and the left. He has improved a lot, and I think he can be a good asset for Brazil too. Carletto (Ancelotti) knows him well and will know how to make the most of him in the national team as well." The match kicks off at 15:45 Brasília time and is shown in Brazil on YouTube and HBO Max.

Gian Piero Gasperini has heaped praise on Wesley ahead of Roma's trip to Manchester, saying the right-back has improved again this season after a good campaign last year. Speaking to a TntSport journalist on the eve of the match at Old Trafford, the coach confirmed the Brazilian will start tonight after a strong display in Udine. Wesley, who plays on both the right and left, has continued his development under Gasperini. The coach also spoke about the defender's international prospects, a point of interest for Brazilian reporters who are present in large numbers for the fixture. Gasperini said: "He is doing very well, this year he has grown again after the good season he had last year. I am sorry he did not play at the World Cup, he was unlucky. He can play on the right and on the left, and he will become a good player for Brazil too. Carletto Ancelotti knows him well, he will know how to get the best out of him, you'll see." The words were also aimed at reassuring Seleção supporters about the 27-year-old's future with the national side.

Roma travel to Old Trafford tonight for their fourth League Phase match of the Champions League, facing Manchester United under head coach Michael Carrick, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side looking for points after a comprehensive win over Slovan Bratislava. Roma have four points from their first three European matches, while United sit on three points and are going through a very difficult spell. Gollini has been ruled out, and Devis Vásquez will start in goal in his place. The Roma line-up is a 3-4-2-1 formation: Vásquez; Balerdi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, De Roon, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Leonardo Balerdi is pushing Mancini for a place in the defence, while Rodrigo Mora is set for a starting spot. On the bench for Roma are De Marzi, Gollini, Koulierakis, Mancini, Ghilardi, Lulli, Rensch, Di Nunzio, Pisilli and Castro. Manchester United line up in a 4-2-3-1: Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Dalot; Mainoo, Andrey Santos; Mbeumo, Tielemans, Bruno Fernandes; Cunha. Their substitutes are Darlow, Heaton, De Ligt, Mazraoui, Heaven, Amass, Baleba, Mount, Diallo, Zirkzee and Lacey. The referee is Jesús Gil Manzano (Spain), assisted by Guadalupe Porras Ayuso and Diego Barbero, with Juan Martínez Munuera as fourth official. The VAR is Carlos del Cerro Grande, with Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez as assistant VAR.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has named his squad for the next two friendlies, against Uruguay and Costa Rica, and three AS Roma players have been included: Matías Soulé, Santiago Castro and Leonardo Balerdi. The call-ups are a confirmation for the three players, who had already been selected by Scaloni for Argentina's most recent fixtures. The three are coached at club level by Gian Piero Gasperini. Alongside them, Serie A is represented in the Argentina squad by Troilo (Parma), Perrone (Como) and Mastantuono (Fiorentina). The squad list for the Uruguay and Costa Rica matches gives Roma's Argentine contingent continued international recognition under Scaloni, with Soulé, Castro and Balerdi all involved in the national team set-up for these friendlies.

Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma face Manchester United in matchday four of the Champions League league phase, and the line-up is taking shape. Gollini is sidelined with a back problem and is set to start on the bench, leaving Vásquez in goal. Leonardo Balerdi is ahead of Gianluca Mancini in the race to complete the back three alongside Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. On the flanks, Nahuel Molina is preferred at right-back, with Emanuele Lulli pushing for a place, while Wesley starts on the left. Marten de Roon and Bryan Cristante are set to form the central midfield pairing. Up front, Matías Soulé will play behind Donyell Malen, with Rodrigo Mora having overtaken Niccolò Pisilli in the final hours before the match for a starting berth. Roma's expected starting XI: Vásquez; Balerdi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, De Roon, Cristante, Wesley, Soulé, Mora; Malen. The side lines up in a 3-4-2-1 formation.