Gasperini to start Pisilli alongside Dybala in Inter showdown; Hermoso ankle concerns linger

Gian Piero Gasperini has identified a new tactical formula ahead of tonight's match against Inter at the Olimpico, with changes to Roma's full-back positions central to his strategy. For the first time this season, Gasperini is considering deploying both Wesley and Molina from the start. Wesley, a Brazilian defender, returns to his natural role on the right flank to challenge Inter's Dimarco, while Molina lines up on the left, a position he has already occupied against Torino. Emanuele Lulli is expected to drop to the bench, available to feature in the second half. Further adjustments remain undisclosed: Leonardo Balerdi may yield his place to Evan N'Dicka at centre-back, while Manu Koné holds an advantage over Niccolò Pisilli in midfield. The fixture carries high stakes, with first place in Serie A up for grabs before the international break. Gasperini has endured a lengthy poor run against Inter, a dynamic he openly acknowledged. "Is it my kryptonite? Possibly," the coach said. "In recent years, against them, I have always lost." However, he perceives a shift in circumstances. "There is enthusiasm, positive energy and a favourable environment to raise the level," Gasperini added. Kickoff at the Olimpico is set for 18:00 this evening.

Roma face Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on 19 September 2026 with the chance to reach the international break unbeaten and extend their sequence of victories in Serie A. A win would cap what Gasperini's side could describe as a perfect start to the season, and would also represent a tenth consecutive league victory when counted across the final five matches of last season and the opening fixtures of 2026-27. The clash comes with Roma's squad now at full strength for what the club considers a genuine examination of their title credentials. Evan N'Dicka has recovered from the intestinal influenza that ruled him out of last week's fixture in Turin. Mario Hermoso sustained a contusion during the week but will still be available for selection. Leonardo Balerdi, who impressed in Piedmont, is pushing for a starting role. Emanuele Lulli holds the advantage in the left-back battle with Nahuel Molina, while Wesley will continue on the left flank. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné form the midfield pair. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are automatic selections, and Niccolò Pisilli is competing with Matías Soulé for the role of left-sided attacking midfielder.

Gian Piero Gasperini plans to field Niccolò Pisilli ahead of Matías Soulé in tonight's Serie A match against Inter, seeking an unexpected tactical edge against the defending champions. Pisilli, who has already scored two goals in the league this season, is ready to operate alongside Paulo Dybala in an unchanged approach that prioritises form over hierarchy. Bryan Cristante will anchor midfield as usual, with Manu Koné returning to the starting eleven after sitting on the bench on Monday. On the flanks, Gasperini will clarify his final decisions in the hours ahead, with Wesley positioned on the left and Emanuele Lulli deployed on the right, though the head coach is tempted to move Wesley to the right flank to counter Dimarco. Mario Hermoso is at risk of missing the match due to precaution, despite training with the group yesterday and reporting reduced pain in his ankle. Leonardo Balerdi stands ready to replace him and has impressed in the early stages of the season, capable of playing both centre-back and left-centre-back roles. Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini will partner Balerdi in defence, with Mile Svilar in goal. Gasperini had emphasised days before the Torino–Roma fixture that no established pecking order exists and that form dictates selection. The philosophy remains unchanged for this evening's big match: playing those in best condition to overcome the Italian champions.

Gian Piero Gasperini has identified a new tactical formula ahead of tonight's match against Inter at the Olimpico, with changes to Roma's full-back positions central to his strategy. For the first time this season, Gasperini is considering deploying both Wesley and Molina from the start. Wesley, a Brazilian defender, returns to his natural role on the right flank to challenge Inter's Dimarco, while Molina lines up on the left, a position he has already occupied against Torino. Emanuele Lulli is expected to drop to the bench, available to feature in the second half. Further adjustments remain undisclosed: Leonardo Balerdi may yield his place to Evan N'Dicka at centre-back, while Manu Koné holds an advantage over Niccolò Pisilli in midfield. The fixture carries high stakes, with first place in Serie A up for grabs before the international break. Gasperini has endured a lengthy poor run against Inter, a dynamic he openly acknowledged. "Is it my kryptonite? Possibly," the coach said. "In recent years, against them, I have always lost." However, he perceives a shift in circumstances. "There is enthusiasm, positive energy and a favourable environment to raise the level," Gasperini added. Kickoff at the Olimpico is set for 18:00 this evening.

Roma face Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on 19 September 2026 with the chance to reach the international break unbeaten and extend their sequence of victories in Serie A. A win would cap what Gasperini's side could describe as a perfect start to the season, and would also represent a tenth consecutive league victory when counted across the final five matches of last season and the opening fixtures of 2026-27. The clash comes with Roma's squad now at full strength for what the club considers a genuine examination of their title credentials. Evan N'Dicka has recovered from the intestinal influenza that ruled him out of last week's fixture in Turin. Mario Hermoso sustained a contusion during the week but will still be available for selection. Leonardo Balerdi, who impressed in Piedmont, is pushing for a starting role. Emanuele Lulli holds the advantage in the left-back battle with Nahuel Molina, while Wesley will continue on the left flank. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné form the midfield pair. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are automatic selections, and Niccolò Pisilli is competing with Matías Soulé for the role of left-sided attacking midfielder.

Gian Piero Gasperini plans to field Niccolò Pisilli ahead of Matías Soulé in tonight's Serie A match against Inter, seeking an unexpected tactical edge against the defending champions. Pisilli, who has already scored two goals in the league this season, is ready to operate alongside Paulo Dybala in an unchanged approach that prioritises form over hierarchy. Bryan Cristante will anchor midfield as usual, with Manu Koné returning to the starting eleven after sitting on the bench on Monday. On the flanks, Gasperini will clarify his final decisions in the hours ahead, with Wesley positioned on the left and Emanuele Lulli deployed on the right, though the head coach is tempted to move Wesley to the right flank to counter Dimarco. Mario Hermoso is at risk of missing the match due to precaution, despite training with the group yesterday and reporting reduced pain in his ankle. Leonardo Balerdi stands ready to replace him and has impressed in the early stages of the season, capable of playing both centre-back and left-centre-back roles. Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini will partner Balerdi in defence, with Mile Svilar in goal. Gasperini had emphasised days before the Torino–Roma fixture that no established pecking order exists and that form dictates selection. The philosophy remains unchanged for this evening's big match: playing those in best condition to overcome the Italian champions.

Roma face Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on 19 September 2026 with the chance to reach the international break unbeaten and extend their sequence of victories in Serie A. A win would cap what Gasperini's side could describe as a perfect start to the season, and would also represent a tenth consecutive league victory when counted across the final five matches of last season and the opening fixtures of 2026-27. The clash comes with Roma's squad now at full strength for what the club considers a genuine examination of their title credentials. Evan N'Dicka has recovered from the intestinal influenza that ruled him out of last week's fixture in Turin. Mario Hermoso sustained a contusion during the week but will still be available for selection. Leonardo Balerdi, who impressed in Piedmont, is pushing for a starting role. Emanuele Lulli holds the advantage in the left-back battle with Nahuel Molina, while Wesley will continue on the left flank. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné form the midfield pair. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are automatic selections, and Niccolò Pisilli is competing with Matías Soulé for the role of left-sided attacking midfielder.

Gian Piero Gasperini plans to field Niccolò Pisilli ahead of Matías Soulé in tonight's Serie A match against Inter, seeking an unexpected tactical edge against the defending champions. Pisilli, who has already scored two goals in the league this season, is ready to operate alongside Paulo Dybala in an unchanged approach that prioritises form over hierarchy. Bryan Cristante will anchor midfield as usual, with Manu Koné returning to the starting eleven after sitting on the bench on Monday. On the flanks, Gasperini will clarify his final decisions in the hours ahead, with Wesley positioned on the left and Emanuele Lulli deployed on the right, though the head coach is tempted to move Wesley to the right flank to counter Dimarco. Mario Hermoso is at risk of missing the match due to precaution, despite training with the group yesterday and reporting reduced pain in his ankle. Leonardo Balerdi stands ready to replace him and has impressed in the early stages of the season, capable of playing both centre-back and left-centre-back roles. Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini will partner Balerdi in defence, with Mile Svilar in goal. Gasperini had emphasised days before the Torino–Roma fixture that no established pecking order exists and that form dictates selection. The philosophy remains unchanged for this evening's big match: playing those in best condition to overcome the Italian champions.

Gian Piero Gasperini will field Niccolò Pisilli ahead of Matías Soulé in what shapes as a surprise selection for Roma's match against Inter this evening. The midfielder has already scored two Serie A goals this season, most recently on Monday, and Gasperini believes he has earned a starting role in a fixture of this magnitude. Pisilli will partner Paulo Dybala in the attacking line, with Donyell Malen completing the front three. Gasperini has been consistent since before last week's trip to Turin that places will go to whoever is in the best form; that philosophy remains unchanged for this meeting with the defending Serie A champions. In midfield, Bryan Cristante will anchor as usual, with Manu Koné recalled to the starting eleven after being named on the bench on Monday. The defence remains a key strength for Roma this season. Mario Hermoso is available but may be rested as a precaution—his ankle has caused him less pain and he trained with the squad yesterday, but Leonardo Balerdi is ready to step in at centre-back if needed. Balerdi has impressed early this season and can play either in the centre of defence or on the left. Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini will complete the back line with Mile Svilar in goal. Roma's defence has been outstanding in the opening matches, conceding only one goal—Ederson's strike for Atalanta. Across Europe's five major leagues, only Arsenal and Freiburg match Roma's defensive record. Gasperini explained his approach at his press conference: "For me it is fundamental to always try to do things for the team's result, so to achieve the result. Every match is different: the performances of the players can be different, as can those of the opponents. It is fundamental to read the situation moment by moment, because today it is unpredictable what can happen in the next ninety minutes, and to try to find remedies or solutions, but always aimed at the maximum, which is achieving the result." Malen was called up yesterday by Xavi for the Netherlands' upcoming internationals and is hunting his first goal against Inter; last season he managed only an assist in Roma's defeat at San Siro. The attacking line will also be buoyed by the news that Lulli received his first Under-21 call-up yesterday, alongside Pisilli. Roma have not won at home against Inter since 2016, while Gasperini himself has not beaten the Nerazzurri since 2018. Gasperini will make final decisions on the full-back positions in the coming hours, with Wesley and Emanuele Lulli competing for the right-hand slot.

Roma face Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on 19 September 2026 with the chance to reach the international break unbeaten and extend their sequence of victories in Serie A. A win would cap what Gasperini's side could describe as a perfect start to the season, and would also represent a tenth consecutive league victory when counted across the final five matches of last season and the opening fixtures of 2026-27. The clash comes with Roma's squad now at full strength for what the club considers a genuine examination of their title credentials. Evan N'Dicka has recovered from the intestinal influenza that ruled him out of last week's fixture in Turin. Mario Hermoso sustained a contusion during the week but will still be available for selection. Leonardo Balerdi, who impressed in Piedmont, is pushing for a starting role. Emanuele Lulli holds the advantage in the left-back battle with Nahuel Molina, while Wesley will continue on the left flank. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné form the midfield pair. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are automatic selections, and Niccolò Pisilli is competing with Matías Soulé for the role of left-sided attacking midfielder.

Gian Piero Gasperini plans to field Niccolò Pisilli ahead of Matías Soulé in tonight's Serie A match against Inter, seeking an unexpected tactical edge against the defending champions. Pisilli, who has already scored two goals in the league this season, is ready to operate alongside Paulo Dybala in an unchanged approach that prioritises form over hierarchy. Bryan Cristante will anchor midfield as usual, with Manu Koné returning to the starting eleven after sitting on the bench on Monday. On the flanks, Gasperini will clarify his final decisions in the hours ahead, with Wesley positioned on the left and Emanuele Lulli deployed on the right, though the head coach is tempted to move Wesley to the right flank to counter Dimarco. Mario Hermoso is at risk of missing the match due to precaution, despite training with the group yesterday and reporting reduced pain in his ankle. Leonardo Balerdi stands ready to replace him and has impressed in the early stages of the season, capable of playing both centre-back and left-centre-back roles. Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini will partner Balerdi in defence, with Mile Svilar in goal. Gasperini had emphasised days before the Torino–Roma fixture that no established pecking order exists and that form dictates selection. The philosophy remains unchanged for this evening's big match: playing those in best condition to overcome the Italian champions.

Gian Piero Gasperini will field Niccolò Pisilli ahead of Matías Soulé in what shapes as a surprise selection for Roma's match against Inter this evening. The midfielder has already scored two Serie A goals this season, most recently on Monday, and Gasperini believes he has earned a starting role in a fixture of this magnitude. Pisilli will partner Paulo Dybala in the attacking line, with Donyell Malen completing the front three. Gasperini has been consistent since before last week's trip to Turin that places will go to whoever is in the best form; that philosophy remains unchanged for this meeting with the defending Serie A champions. In midfield, Bryan Cristante will anchor as usual, with Manu Koné recalled to the starting eleven after being named on the bench on Monday. The defence remains a key strength for Roma this season. Mario Hermoso is available but may be rested as a precaution—his ankle has caused him less pain and he trained with the squad yesterday, but Leonardo Balerdi is ready to step in at centre-back if needed. Balerdi has impressed early this season and can play either in the centre of defence or on the left. Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini will complete the back line with Mile Svilar in goal. Roma's defence has been outstanding in the opening matches, conceding only one goal—Ederson's strike for Atalanta. Across Europe's five major leagues, only Arsenal and Freiburg match Roma's defensive record. Gasperini explained his approach at his press conference: "For me it is fundamental to always try to do things for the team's result, so to achieve the result. Every match is different: the performances of the players can be different, as can those of the opponents. It is fundamental to read the situation moment by moment, because today it is unpredictable what can happen in the next ninety minutes, and to try to find remedies or solutions, but always aimed at the maximum, which is achieving the result." Malen was called up yesterday by Xavi for the Netherlands' upcoming internationals and is hunting his first goal against Inter; last season he managed only an assist in Roma's defeat at San Siro. The attacking line will also be buoyed by the news that Lulli received his first Under-21 call-up yesterday, alongside Pisilli. Roma have not won at home against Inter since 2016, while Gasperini himself has not beaten the Nerazzurri since 2018. Gasperini will make final decisions on the full-back positions in the coming hours, with Wesley and Emanuele Lulli competing for the right-hand slot.