Gasperini backs Roma to challenge Inter amid title ambitions

Mile Svilar has dismissed speculation over a move to Juventus, insisting he has had no contact with the Serie A rivals. The Roma goalkeeper spoke ahead of the club's fixture against Inter, describing it as a significant test against the strongest team in the championship. When asked whether Roma's strong form signals the start of a title race, Svilar urged caution: "In this city you play 2–3 good matches and you get praised, then you lose and it's a drama. We must be balanced, stable. We know where we've come from and where we want to go." Svilar acknowledged that last season Roma did not begin with third place in mind, but after 20–25 matches "we understood that Champions League qualification was possible." He said the club would know later in the campaign whether they genuinely harbour title ambitions. On the Juventus offer of 40 million euros, Svilar was emphatic: "I haven't even had a conversation about this. I'm not someone who signs a renewal until 2030 and then denies the choice the year after." Asked about Inter's attacking threat, Svilar said he studies opposition forwards extensively during the week and on match days. He identified Donyell Malen as a constant scorer, even in training, and rated Lautaro as "extremely difficult to decipher," while praising Thuram's pace. When the subject turned to former manager Daniele De Rossi, Svilar said: "He changed my life. Perhaps I wouldn't be at Roma today without him."

Leonardo Balerdi has made an immediate impression at Roma in just three appearances, winning over supporters within weeks of his arrival on loan from Marseille. The Argentine defender spoke to Il Tempo ahead of Roma's match against Inter, reflecting on his rapid integration at the club and his hopes of a permanent future in the capital. Bareldi arrived with a deep affection for Roma already formed—he revealed he had asked former Marseille teammate Kevin Strootman for a Roma shirt years ago, which he still keeps at home. "I was mad about the shirt, the colours," he said. "It was always one of my favourites. It was destiny that sooner or later I had to wear it." He also explained his deliberate avoidance of naming Lazio in his first official interview, drawing a parallel to his experience in Argentina. "That expression came spontaneously to me. I understand the passion of the fans well, coming from Argentina. When I talk about Boca, River is always 'the other team'. In my first interview as a Roma player I didn't want to say the name of the other team in the city, and so that phrase came out." On his adaptation to Gasperini's methods, Balerdi was positive: "I get on well with his instructions. I feel that physically I'm improving day by day. His way of training is an advantage for me because in matches I feel stronger. He comes to the pitch and does what he has to do. We haven't spoken much about other things but he's been top with me. He's totally focused on the work and I like that." Asked about his loan deal with a purchase option and whether he hopes to stay long-term, he replied: "Absolutely yes." Looking ahead, Balerdi set out his ambitions: "I want to do everything I can to stay here long-term. Personally, both in the national team and at Roma, I want to win a trophy. I repeat, I want to always give 100%. I think that if I manage it and everyone else does too, we can get some satisfaction."

Gian Piero Gasperini has urged Roma to focus on daily improvement rather than chase trophy talk after a perfect start to the season. Speaking to Sky Sport ahead of the Inter fixture, the coach said: "I hoped for it more than I expected it. Today we are a squad that knows itself better than at the start of last season and we have already assimilated many things." On title ambitions, he was emphatic: "The bar does not rise by setting objectives, but by improving every day. You can only talk of targets after around twenty matches." Gasperini praised Leonardo Balerdi's immediate impact as a professional "ready to contribute straight away" and highlighted the group's balance: "The young players bring freshness, the more experienced are an example every day. It is a squad that feeds itself." Mario Hermoso trained fully with the group on 17 September after undergoing differentiated work the previous day for a mild ankle contusion, and is on course to be available for the match against Inter on Saturday 19 September at 18:00 at the Stadio Olimpico. Gasperini spoke of upcoming fixtures against Inter, Como and Real Madrid, saying: "We have earned the chance to face these teams. They will be important matches to understand what we are truly capable of." Rodrigo Mora, who arrived from Porto in the summer, has already won over supporters. The Portuguese midfielder scored his first Serie A goal against Lecce and told Sky Sport of his reasons for joining: "Roma is a very prestigious club and the style of play it proposes was one of the main reasons why I chose to come. Playing in the Champions League is an important step for my career." On his relationship with Gasperini, Mora added: "He is a very demanding coach with the whole squad, but that pushes you to grow every day." Reflecting on his first goal in giallorosso colours, he said: "It was a special moment. I like to score, but my aim is above all to help the team with goals, assists and everything needed to win."

Roma train today ahead of Saturday's match against Inter, with the squad staying overnight at Trigoria to maintain focus on the fixture. Gian Piero Gasperini has all players available, including Mario Hermoso, who has recovered from a minor ankle injury and will start. The Spanish defender will line up alongside Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini in defence, though Leonardo Balerdi remains a consideration. Gasperini's main tactical uncertainty centres on Roma's full-back positions. Wesley will feature, but the coach has not yet settled on which flank to deploy him. The Brazilian has been tested on the right in recent training sessions—a clear attempt to counter the threat posed by Inter's Dimarco. If Wesley is positioned on the right, Nahuel Molina will occupy the left flank, with Emanuele Lulli omitted from that scenario. Alternatively, Gasperini could use the young full-back on the right, a position where he has featured in all league matches this season and has outperformed Molina in recent fitness tests. Gasperini has the final hours to decide on his approach, knowing the stakes are high for what promises to be a decisive encounter. The coach is aware that victory will require a flawless performance from his side.

Gian Piero Gasperini has almost his full squad available for Roma's clash with Inter, with Mario Hermoso back in training after an ankle contusion that forced him to miss Wednesday's session. The Spanish defender is now set to reclaim his place in the back line, though the team's defensive shape remains fluid with three significant selection dilemmas still unresolved. The primary doubt centres on the centre of defence, where Evan N'Dicka holds a slight edge over Leonardo Balerdi following the Argentine's strong performance in Turin. Balerdi's pace in covering and recovery could prove valuable against Inter's attackers in what Roma expect to be an open contest. With Gianluca Mancini likely on the right side of a back three, Hermoso completing the unit, and Mile Svilar in goal, the most probable defensive line is Mancini–N'Dicka–Hermoso, though Balerdi remains a serious challenger to the Ivorian until the final decision. On the right flank, Emanuele Lulli currently leads Nahuel Molina, with the choice complicated by the need to contain Dimarco, one of Inter's primary creative forces. Wesley should retain the left-back role. Midfield offers fewer surprises: Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné remain the leading candidates to start. The real tactical intrigue lies in the attacking third. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are untouchable; the third attacking role remains open. Matías Soulé is pressing for inclusion, Rodrigo Mora remains an alternative, but Niccolò Pisilli warrants particular attention. Deploying the midfielder in a more advanced position would allow Roma to shift defensively, recreating a three-man midfield line and matching Inter's numerical strength in that area—a solution with significant tactical weight against a team that has troubled Gasperini for years through rotations between fullbacks, wing-backs and centre-backs. Gasperini has termed the match a "bank of prova" (test). Three genuine doubts persist: N'Dicka versus Balerdi, Lulli versus Molina, and Soulé versus Pisilli versus Mora. Roma have not beaten Inter at the Olimpico in ten years, and the tactical detail could prove decisive.

Mario Hermoso trained with the squad on 17 September after missing a session on 16 September with an ankle contusion, and will be available for the upcoming fixture. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini must decide between Evan N'Dicka and Leonardo Balerdi for the centre of defence, with N'Dicka appearing favoured, though Balerdi's defensive recovery pace offers an alternative consideration. Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina are also competing for the right-back position, tasked with containing opposition wide attacks. Gasperini may deploy Matías Soulé in attack or alternatively use Niccolò Pisilli as a number 10, a choice that would allow him to field three midfielders and maintain numerical balance in defensive phases.

Roma train today ahead of Saturday's match against Inter, with the squad staying overnight at Trigoria to maintain focus on the fixture. Gian Piero Gasperini has all players available, including Mario Hermoso, who has recovered from a minor ankle injury and will start. The Spanish defender will line up alongside Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini in defence, though Leonardo Balerdi remains a consideration. Gasperini's main tactical uncertainty centres on Roma's full-back positions. Wesley will feature, but the coach has not yet settled on which flank to deploy him. The Brazilian has been tested on the right in recent training sessions—a clear attempt to counter the threat posed by Inter's Dimarco. If Wesley is positioned on the right, Nahuel Molina will occupy the left flank, with Emanuele Lulli omitted from that scenario. Alternatively, Gasperini could use the young full-back on the right, a position where he has featured in all league matches this season and has outperformed Molina in recent fitness tests. Gasperini has the final hours to decide on his approach, knowing the stakes are high for what promises to be a decisive encounter. The coach is aware that victory will require a flawless performance from his side.

Gian Piero Gasperini has almost his full squad available for Roma's clash with Inter, with Mario Hermoso back in training after an ankle contusion that forced him to miss Wednesday's session. The Spanish defender is now set to reclaim his place in the back line, though the team's defensive shape remains fluid with three significant selection dilemmas still unresolved. The primary doubt centres on the centre of defence, where Evan N'Dicka holds a slight edge over Leonardo Balerdi following the Argentine's strong performance in Turin. Balerdi's pace in covering and recovery could prove valuable against Inter's attackers in what Roma expect to be an open contest. With Gianluca Mancini likely on the right side of a back three, Hermoso completing the unit, and Mile Svilar in goal, the most probable defensive line is Mancini–N'Dicka–Hermoso, though Balerdi remains a serious challenger to the Ivorian until the final decision. On the right flank, Emanuele Lulli currently leads Nahuel Molina, with the choice complicated by the need to contain Dimarco, one of Inter's primary creative forces. Wesley should retain the left-back role. Midfield offers fewer surprises: Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné remain the leading candidates to start. The real tactical intrigue lies in the attacking third. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are untouchable; the third attacking role remains open. Matías Soulé is pressing for inclusion, Rodrigo Mora remains an alternative, but Niccolò Pisilli warrants particular attention. Deploying the midfielder in a more advanced position would allow Roma to shift defensively, recreating a three-man midfield line and matching Inter's numerical strength in that area—a solution with significant tactical weight against a team that has troubled Gasperini for years through rotations between fullbacks, wing-backs and centre-backs. Gasperini has termed the match a "bank of prova" (test). Three genuine doubts persist: N'Dicka versus Balerdi, Lulli versus Molina, and Soulé versus Pisilli versus Mora. Roma have not beaten Inter at the Olimpico in ten years, and the tactical detail could prove decisive.

Mario Hermoso trained with the squad on 17 September after missing a session on 16 September with an ankle contusion, and will be available for the upcoming fixture. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini must decide between Evan N'Dicka and Leonardo Balerdi for the centre of defence, with N'Dicka appearing favoured, though Balerdi's defensive recovery pace offers an alternative consideration. Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina are also competing for the right-back position, tasked with containing opposition wide attacks. Gasperini may deploy Matías Soulé in attack or alternatively use Niccolò Pisilli as a number 10, a choice that would allow him to field three midfielders and maintain numerical balance in defensive phases.

Roma train today ahead of Saturday's match against Inter, with the squad staying overnight at Trigoria to maintain focus on the fixture. Gian Piero Gasperini has all players available, including Mario Hermoso, who has recovered from a minor ankle injury and will start. The Spanish defender will line up alongside Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini in defence, though Leonardo Balerdi remains a consideration. Gasperini's main tactical uncertainty centres on Roma's full-back positions. Wesley will feature, but the coach has not yet settled on which flank to deploy him. The Brazilian has been tested on the right in recent training sessions—a clear attempt to counter the threat posed by Inter's Dimarco. If Wesley is positioned on the right, Nahuel Molina will occupy the left flank, with Emanuele Lulli omitted from that scenario. Alternatively, Gasperini could use the young full-back on the right, a position where he has featured in all league matches this season and has outperformed Molina in recent fitness tests. Gasperini has the final hours to decide on his approach, knowing the stakes are high for what promises to be a decisive encounter. The coach is aware that victory will require a flawless performance from his side.

Gian Piero Gasperini has almost his full squad available for Roma's clash with Inter, with Mario Hermoso back in training after an ankle contusion that forced him to miss Wednesday's session. The Spanish defender is now set to reclaim his place in the back line, though the team's defensive shape remains fluid with three significant selection dilemmas still unresolved. The primary doubt centres on the centre of defence, where Evan N'Dicka holds a slight edge over Leonardo Balerdi following the Argentine's strong performance in Turin. Balerdi's pace in covering and recovery could prove valuable against Inter's attackers in what Roma expect to be an open contest. With Gianluca Mancini likely on the right side of a back three, Hermoso completing the unit, and Mile Svilar in goal, the most probable defensive line is Mancini–N'Dicka–Hermoso, though Balerdi remains a serious challenger to the Ivorian until the final decision. On the right flank, Emanuele Lulli currently leads Nahuel Molina, with the choice complicated by the need to contain Dimarco, one of Inter's primary creative forces. Wesley should retain the left-back role. Midfield offers fewer surprises: Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné remain the leading candidates to start. The real tactical intrigue lies in the attacking third. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are untouchable; the third attacking role remains open. Matías Soulé is pressing for inclusion, Rodrigo Mora remains an alternative, but Niccolò Pisilli warrants particular attention. Deploying the midfielder in a more advanced position would allow Roma to shift defensively, recreating a three-man midfield line and matching Inter's numerical strength in that area—a solution with significant tactical weight against a team that has troubled Gasperini for years through rotations between fullbacks, wing-backs and centre-backs. Gasperini has termed the match a "bank of prova" (test). Three genuine doubts persist: N'Dicka versus Balerdi, Lulli versus Molina, and Soulé versus Pisilli versus Mora. Roma have not beaten Inter at the Olimpico in ten years, and the tactical detail could prove decisive.

Leonardo Balerdi has won over Roma supporters in just three appearances and says the club was always meant to be his home. In an interview ahead of Roma's match against Inter, the defender revealed that his agent first approached Roma during the early days of the summer transfer window, but negotiations stalled until the final days of the market, when he made the decision to join. "When they told me about Roma I was happy," Balerdi said. "There were other squads, but at that point I said that if I didn't come here I would have stayed at Marseille. The shirt fascinated me. I was mad about the shirt and the colours. When I had Strootman as a teammate I asked him to get me a Roma shirt, which I still keep at home. It was destiny that sooner or later I had to wear it." Bareldi arrived on loan with an option to buy from Marseille and has made an immediate impact. He played in Roma's comeback victory at Atalanta and is hoping to continue his development under head coach Gasperini. "I find myself well with his instructions; I feel that physically I am improving day by day," Balerdi said. "His way of training is an advantage for me because in matches I feel strong." The 23-year-old Argentine also addressed media comparisons to Franco Baresi, saying the comments had been partly misconstrued but that he looks up to the club's defensive tradition. He prefers playing as a pure centre-back but is adaptable and has fitted quickly into the squad despite arriving with little time to settle. Bareldi was eager to play down the early hype surrounding his arrival. "I'm a bit used to this, coming from Marseille: if you play two matches well you're a god, then two others are enough for you to be like the devil," he explained. "Now I'm just trying to concentrate on the pitch without thinking about listening to what is said outside." He highlighted the quality of his new teammates, particularly Manu Koné, who "physically surprised me, he is an animal," and Donyell Malen, who "made many goals as soon as he arrived and continues to do so." Balerdi acknowledged the importance of Roma's Argentine contingent—Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé, Santiago Castro and Nahuel Molina—telling him they were content at the club. He also confirmed he has a good relationship with Inter's Benjamin Pavard and Luis Henrique, his former Marseille teammates, though they have not spoken before tomorrow's fixture. Looking ahead, Balerdi stated his intention unequivocally: "Absolutely yes," when asked if he hopes to remain at Roma permanently. He also expressed his honour at being selected for Argentina at a moment when Lionel Messi is preparing for his final match for the national team. "Messi and Maradona are sacred," Balerdi said. "Having the chance to be there for Leo's last match is incredible. I can't wait to live it."