D'Aversa backs Roma to challenge Inter for the Serie A title

Midfielder Romano, loaned to Cagliari with a mandatory €6.5 million buy clause, has emerged as one of Serie A's most promising performers this season and has attracted Inter's attention. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are preparing ground to attempt to bring him to Milan, with the club's interest depending partly on the renewal of Calhanoglu. Inter's strategy is to move early, avoid auction competition, and closely monitor the midfielder's development. The 2006-born player has impressed with his performances, personality and consistency, playing a leading role in Cagliari's strong start to the campaign. Roma inserted a 10 per cent resale clause into the deal, a provision that now carries particular weight given Inter's pursuit. The question lingers whether Roma released one of its talents too early, though the giallorossi have kept a door open through that clause. Cagliari naturally have no intention of selling at a discount. In fact, Romano's performances and Inter's interest could push his valuation upwards. A fee above €20 million is already being discussed, and if the midfielder maintains his current level, the price could rise further.

Roma face their first real test of the season in October as Gian Piero Gasperini's side navigate a demanding month of seven matches across twenty days with a fixture every three days. The schedule begins with a trip to Como and swiftly turns to European competition: eighty hours later, the Stadio Olimpico will host a Champions League fixture against José Mourinho's side, a particularly significant encounter following Roma's opening draw against Fenerbahce. How Roma perform over the coming weeks will determine their ambitions in both Serie A and the Champions League. The month culminates with away trips to Napoli and Udine, separated by a home match against Cagliari. Lorenzo Pellegrini's recovery from injury will be vital; the midfielder is still awaiting his seasonal debut. The results in these fixtures, especially in direct contests and matches against top sides, will reveal Roma's maturity and the true extent of their capabilities.

Rodrigo Mora announced his arrival at Serie A with a stunning overhead kick for Portugal Under 21 against Gibraltar, drawing comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo's famous acrobatic finish and earning a standing ovation when substituted after 61 minutes. Playing in a 4-0 victory, the 19-year-old delivered a display that left observers speechless and left no doubt about his quality at the highest level. Mora is now keen to press his case for a starting place when Roma face Como, having made a promising early impact in the league with a goal and flashes of brilliance, though occasional moments of timidity are understandable given his age and the adjustment to Italian football. Roma invested 50 million euros in Mora because of the player he can become. The club recognises his potential, and he is gradually beginning to demonstrate it day by day. He has not yet reached 100% of his capability, but time is on his side. Gasperini will be watching the trajectory closely: if Mora continues to produce performances like the one witnessed with Portugal, the coach will soon have another attacking weapon to deploy. Head coach Giampiero Gasperini confirmed his assessment, saying: "I haven't seen it yet, but I think it was a superb goal." The match came during the international break, offering Mora the platform to make his case for increased involvement in Serie A.