Ghilardi on competition and Pellegrini: 'It would be special to have him back'

AS Roma are increasingly determined to make Leonardo Balerdi's loan from Marseille permanent, and the club's stance has not changed despite his costly error at Old Trafford. A missed ball gave Cunha the opening for Manchester United's 2-2 equaliser. According to Fabrizio Romano, Roma are fully satisfied with the Argentina defender's performances, and he is happy in the capital. The intention, barring surprises, is to turn the loan into a permanent deal for a fee that should range between €11 million and €14 million, depending on the number of appearances of at least 45 minutes over the season. The mechanism reportedly sets the buy-back fee at €14 million if Balerdi plays at least 55% of matches, falling to €11 million if his share of appearances is between 40% and 55%. Romano also revealed that Inter had sounded out Balerdi last summer but did not pursue contacts with Marseille. Juventus had also considered the Argentine on several occasions between 2024 and 2025 without making their interest concrete. In the end, Roma came out on top, having found in the 1999-born defender a player particularly suited to Gian Piero Gasperini's style of football. His pace, aggression and personality allowed him to win the coach's trust quickly, culminating in a splendid brace against Napoli. The slip that led to Manchester United's comeback remains a heavy stain on an otherwise very high-level performance up to that point. Roma's assessment, however, does not change because of a single mistake. Balerdi has convinced both Gasperini and the club's management, and his future appears set to remain in giallorosso. Roma's plan is to keep the defender for the long term, with the difference between the two buy-back thresholds not expected to alter that commitment.

Roma lost 3-2 at Manchester United's Old Trafford in a group-stage match. Rodrigo Mora was one of the Giallorossi's standout players, producing an excellent first half and providing an assist for Soulé before being replaced by Pisilli at the start of the second half. After the final whistle, Mora spoke to TNT Sports Brasil about his relationship with Wesley in the dressing room. He was asked whether he and his team-mate talk often, language considered, and what he thinks of Wesley as a player. Mora said the two of them share a common interest in Brazil and Brazilian football, which they both follow closely, and that the shared language helps them a great deal. Mora said: "Yes, I think today Wesley played another great match. He is a great player and he will reach the highest levels of football. We talk mostly about Brazil and Brazilian football, which we both follow. The language, of course, helps us a lot. He has given me a great hand in this welcome to Roma and I am really grateful to him for that."

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini has left uncertainty over the return of goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, who has a back problem, ahead of Saturday's match against Sassuolo. Asked about his return, Gasperini replied: "Non lo so, vediamo" ("I don't know, we'll see"). The injury that kept Gollini out of the game against Manchester United could also affect the next fixture. Yesterday Devis Vásquez took his place in goal, making his first appearance in the Roma shirt. His performance is hard to judge. He made no serious mistakes, and his only fault came on Cunha's goal that made it 3-2. He also saved Fernandes's penalty, but the referee denied him the chance to enter Roma's history books. Vásquez could now be asked to play again on Saturday, with Gollini still uncertain and Mile Svilar also in the picture. The game against Sassuolo is on Saturday. Gasperini's cautious comments leave the starting goalkeeper choice open, and Vásquez's debut performance means he is in line for another start if Gollini is not fit.

Roma's comeback defeat at Manchester United has revived a pattern that has followed the club for several weeks: a side often bright in the first half but far more vulnerable after the interval. The numbers confirm the phenomenon, though with an important qualification. The problem lies less in attacking output than in the ability to defend, control and manage games in the second half. In Serie A, after ten matchdays Roma have scored 13 goals in the first halves and 15 in the second, so there is no scoring collapse; they actually score slightly more after the break. The picture changes completely at the other end. Roma have conceded just 2 goals in the first 45 minutes and 8 after the interval, four times as many. While across the league about 55% of goals are scored in the second half, in Roma's case 80% of the goals conceded arrive after the break. Broadening the analysis to the four Champions League matches played so far, the gap becomes even clearer. In their 14 official matches across league and cup, Roma have scored exactly the same number of goals in each half: 19 in the first and 19 in the second. But they have conceded only 3 before the interval and as many as 15 after it. That means 83% of the goals conceded this season have come in the second half. Their goal difference moves from an impressive +16 in first halves to just +4 in second halves. Treating each half as a small match of its own, Roma's first halves show 9 wins, 4 draws and one defeat. Their second halves produce 8 wins, one draw and 5 defeats. This does not mean Roma play badly in every second half: in Serie A they are third in the table built solely on second-half results. It does mean that Gasperini's side becomes much less stable after the 45th minute, especially when the game shifts momentum. The examples are mounting. Against Inter, Roma led 2-0 at half-time and lost the second half 0-2. In Istanbul against Fenerbahçe they led 1-0 and finished 1-1, suffering badly after the equaliser. Against Real Madrid the problem came even later: Roma led 3-1 in the 57th minute, then conceded three goals between the 83rd and 90th minutes and lost 4-3. In Udine, after a practically perfect first half that ended 4-0, the second half finished 2-1 to the hosts before Ghilardi's goal in stoppage time. The most dramatic case remains Old Trafford. Roma went into the break against Manchester United leading 2-0, after a first half of the highest level. In the second half they practically disappeared: zero shots for Roma, 10 for United, five of them on target, and 2.48 expected goals produced by the English side. The second-half result of 3-0 turned a possible shock into one of the most painful defeats of the season. Still, it would be wrong to turn the trend into an absolute rule. Against Genoa, Roma were goalless at half-time and won the second half 2-0; against Slovan Bratislava they scored two goals in each half; in Naples, after trailing 1-0 at the break, they won the second half 3-2 to snatch a 3-3 draw. There is therefore no systematic collapse in attack or in physical condition. There is, however, a figure that is hard to ignore: before the interval Roma concede very little, after it they become five times more vulnerable. That, more than the goals scored, is probably where Roma's real second-half problem lies.

Roma were beaten 3-2 at Old Trafford after dominating the first half, with Manchester United winning the game after a controversial refereeing decision and a defensive error by Reportedly Balerdi. Roma's first-half display was built on an aggressive 3-4-2-1 press that left United's 4-2-3-1 struggling to cope. The visitors took control with a Soulé goal, assisted by a delicious pass from Mora, and then a penalty converted by Malen after Soulé was fouled. Roma came close to extending their lead in the first half: Soulé came close to scoring, and Malen wasted several chances through poor first touches, while Roma's pressing forced repeated turnovers. Rensch went off injured in the first half and was replaced by Lulli, a role unusual for him. Gasperini made changes at the break, bringing on Pisilli for Mora to seek more balance, and Tielemans replaced Baleba. Roma's control faded late in the match. Several loose passes and too many backpasses from Roma gave United a foothold, and Maguire and De Roon created the danger from corners. Referee Gil Manzano judged a foul by Cunha in the area, awarded a penalty and ordered it retaken, which changed the game. Roma's keeper Vásquez was denied the chance to be the hero, as the penalty was retaken and Vásquez was unable to stop it. Rensch's withdrawal and the switch to a back three of Ghilardi, N'Dicka and Castro for Hermoso, Mancini and Malen came after Roma's defeat to Napoli, Gasperini's team had already faced Real Madrid in a heavy defeat, and the match was another negative result for the club in a big game against a top-level opponent. The article notes that Gasperini remained calm after the match, saying he was learning from the errors without making a drama of it. Roma must now avoid any hangover in Serie A, where the club's ambitions appear more justified.

Rodrigo Mora has spoken warmly about team-mate Wesley after Roma's defeat at Manchester United, where Mora was among the Giallorossi's best players in the first half. Mora said: "Today he played another great match. He is a great player and he will reach the highest levels of football." The Portuguese midfielder also described their relationship: "We talk mostly about Brazil and Brazilian football. The language helps us a lot. He gave me a big hand when I joined Roma and I am really grateful to him." Mora's comments were reported by TNT Sports. Manchester United celebrated the win on social media with a post recalling their previous meetings with Roma, from a 7-1 result through to the comeback of last night. The caption, "Absolute cinema", referred to a contest in which Roma, under Gasperini, had dominated the first half and gone two goals ahead before the Red Devils turned the game around. Newspaper ratings favoured Soulé, who earned a 7.00 as Roma's best player thanks to a very strong first half that included a goal and a penalty won. Mora followed on 6.75, while Cristante and Wesley received generally positive marks of 6.25. At the bottom of the ratings, Balerdi scored 4.42, penalised for the error that started United's comeback. Pisilli (4.83) and Lulli (5.08) also struggled, while Vasquez and Ghilardi, both on 5.50, remained below the pass mark. Rensch left the Manchester United match early with a muscle problem in his right adductor and was replaced by Lulli. The Dutchman will undergo further assessments in the coming hours by the Roma medical staff to establish the extent of the problem. Rensch is a serious doubt for the Saturday fixture against Sassuolo.

Roma head to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, coached by Carrick, in the fourth matchday of the Champions League league phase, with Gasperini forced into a change in goal. Pierluigi Gollini has withdrawn at the last hour, so Devis Vásquez starts. Leonardo Balerdi comes in at centre-back instead of Evan N'Dicka, and Devyne Rensch is the right wing-back. Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli are on the bench. The midfield and attack are unchanged, with Rodrigo Mora starting from the first minute. Manchester United line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Lammens in goal, Yoro, Maguire, Heaven and Dalot in defence, Mainoo and Baleba in midfield, Cunha, Fernandes and Diallo behind Mbeumo. Roma play a 3-4-2-1, with Vásquez; Mancini, Balerdi and Hermoso at the back; Rensch, Cristante, de Roon and Wesley in midfield; Soulé and Mora in support of Malen up front. United's bench includes Darlow, Heaton, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Mount, Tielemans, Santos, Lacey, Fletcher, Amass and Zirkzee. Roma's bench features De Marzi, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Pisilli, Ghilardi, Molina, Lulli, Di Nunzio and Castro.

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.

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."

Roma head to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the Champions League, with Gian Piero Gasperini's preparations disrupted by a back problem that has ruled Lorenzo Pellegrini's fellow goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini out, leaving Devis Vásquez to start in goal. The match kicks off at 21:00 Italian time. Roma come into the fixture after an away win over Udinese. Gasperini has confirmed Rodrigo Mora in attack, alongside Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen. Gianluca Mancini returns to the defence, with Leonardo Balerdi completing the back line in place of Evan N'Dicka. Devyne Rensch and Wesley are named on the flanks. Roma line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Vásquez; Mancini, Balerdi, Hermoso; Rensch, Cristante, de Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Manchester United, coached by Carrick, line up in a 4-2-3-1 with Lammens in goal, Yoro, Maguire, Heaven and Dalot in defence, Mainoo and Baleba in midfield, and Cunha, Fernandes and Diallo supporting Mbeumo. Tielemans replaces Baleba at the 50th minute. Roma's Rensch was replaced by Lulli in the 22nd minute, and Mora was substituted by Pisilli in the 46th minute of the second half. The referee is Gil Manzano (Spain), assisted by Porras Ayuso-Barbero and Barbero, with Martínez Munuera as fourth official, Del Cerro Grande on VAR and Cuadra Fernandez as AVAR. Goals came from Soulé in the 9th minute, Malen in the 18th minute and Fernandes in the 53rd minute. Yellow cards were shown to Soulé and Bruno Fernandes in the 21st minute, Lulli in the 35th minute, Malen in the 41st minute and Heaven in the 70th minute.

Roma travel to Old Trafford on Tuesday for a high-stakes UEFA Champions League clash that could decide Michael Carrick's future at Manchester United, with the home side enduring their worst run of form since the late 1980s. United lost 2-0 at home to Chelsea on Saturday and are level on points with 18th-placed Crystal Palace in the Premier League. They are on a nine-game winless streak in all competitions (D3, L6), their worst run since 1988. Carrick's position is under scrutiny ahead of what is described as a must-win game. United beat Champions League debutants Sabah Baku 4-0, but have since lost back-to-back group-phase matches, suffering multi-goal defeats at Atletico Madrid and Como. Roma arrive in better shape. Gian Piero Gasperini's side recovered from a two-game winless start (D1, L1) to thrash Slovan Bratislava 4-0 on matchday three. That win is part of a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions (W4, D1), capped by a dominant 5-2 win at Udinese last weekend. Roma are unbeaten in 17 Serie A matches (W13, D4), and the Giallorossi will take the Old Trafford pitch in high spirits, seeking their maiden win on United's home ground. United have beaten Roma in all four previous meetings at the Theatre of Dreams, including a 7-1 rout in 2007, when Carrick scored a brace. The under-pressure United boss will be desperate to repeat that success, knowing anything other than a win would likely seal his fate at the club. United have won 13 of their 17 Champions League home matches against Italian opposition at Old Trafford (D1, L3) and bring a seven-game winning streak in European home games into the fixture, with each of their last four wins in that sequence seeing them score at least four goals. However, the 20-time English champions are enduring their worst-ever ten-game Champions League run (W2, D1, L7), and they have failed to score in five of their seven defeats this season. Roma's scoring has been prolific, with Gasperini's side netting two or more goals in six consecutive outings across all competitions. That run started with a 4-3 home loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League, and Roma have since won five straight games without defeat (W4, D1). Their domestic form has not translated to Europe, however. They have secured just two wins from their last 20 Champions League road fixtures (D6, L12) and have gone 32 successive Champions League road trips without a clean sheet. They are also seeking their first-ever away win over English opposition in the Champions League proper (D3, L7). That said, Roma have not lost any of their last six European away games (W3, D3). Patrick Dorgu, Luke Shaw and Benjamin Sesko are definite absentees for United, while Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo could be on the bench. Bryan Mbeumo is expected to lead the line amid Matheus Cunha's rough patch, with Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Youri Tielemans behind him in Carrick's 4-2-3-1 set-up. Roma remain without Paulo Dybala, Manu Kone and first-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is struggling with a thigh injury, is also out, meaning Matias Soule is likely to start behind Donyell Malen. Roma's probable lineup is Gollini; N'Dicka, Mancini, Hermoso; Molina, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante, Soule; Malen. The prediction is a Roma win.

Roma's radio commentators have looked ahead to Thursday night's Champions League trip to Manchester United at Old Trafford, with several pundits stressing that a win would carry weight well beyond the three points. David Rossi of Rete Sport said: "Gasperini has understood that Manchester won't be a walk in the park, and that he would really like to win. Beyond the three points at stake tonight, because winning would take you a good way forward in the qualification, playing and doing well in Manchester would bring a series of positive consequences across the board. Winning 1-0 at Old Trafford tonight would be worth more than 5-2 at Udine; a win tonight would carry over to the Olimpico against Sassuolo…" Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport declined to make a prediction, saying Gasperini had got it right in insisting Roma should not be influenced by Manchester's recent form. He added that United manager Carrick could be sacked if he fails to get a result against Roma, noting that the club has saved many coaches in its history. Piacentini joked that a hat-trick of dismissed coaches would not be a bad outcome, with Runjaic dismissed first, Carrick tonight and Aquilani on Saturday, "with all due respect to Alberto." Giorgio Marota of Rete Sport expects Gasperini to rely on his senior players in such big games, meaning Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso are likely to start. He said Ghilardi is growing rapidly and looks like the player who has developed most. Marota described the squad as having two strong groups, the Italians and the Argentines, and said dressing-room dynamics exist but Gasperini will not be swayed by them, as shown by his removing Pellegrini's captaincy as soon as he arrived. He said Mancini is even more Gasperini-like in his role than Ghilardi, though Ghilardi could challenge him in the long run. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo said tonight's match has great appeal and that, against the Roma side Carrick faced before, Roma would have returned the 7-1 scoreline. He argued Roma would have done well to sign 21- and 22-year-olds ready to break through, citing Moreira, Mastantuono, Alajbegovic and Mora, who has already scored three goals. He said these players cost money but have a future, and expressed hope of signing Endrick, adding that Mora would not be bothered by his arrival. Corsi also warned about AC Milan, saying they want to invest heavily, and that with Moreira and Endrick they could start to take shape, though he noted they have a major brake in Amorim. Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo said that in January a club cannot take a gamble and should instead sign established players who may not be performing at their clubs, a loan move that could help Roma take a step up and push for the title. She said that in the summer a different kind of investment is needed, and recalled that last January the 19-year-old was not signed, which is why people say Roma need another Malen, a fully formed player who provides the final step. Lorenzo Pes of Tele Radio Stereo said Roma must focus on the present rather than the ghosts of the past. On Rensch, he said he had been picked from the first minute, but the battle for that place is open, adding that he was not convinced by him in Naples. He said a win on such an important pitch would, for now, place Roma among Europe's elite and represent a real step up in quality. On United, he said the quality is there with Bruno Fernandes, Mbuemo, Cunha and Mainoo, but that the side does not deserve its league position and looks very disjointed. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said that if Roma beat Sassuolo, Parma and Monza in their next three league games, they would be close to first place. He said Bologna, Lazio and Juventus also follow, and that Lazio must be considered. He suggested Balerdi should start tonight and that Molina should be backed for his experience of big stages. He would also play Mora with Soulé and Malen. Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio said United in these conditions are like Juventus, but Roma must not fall into the trap. He warned that Roma cannot go there and do what they did at Udine, and that a different mental and physical resilience will be needed. On Soulé, Pruzzo said he thinks all the good possible of him and that the club waited for him too long given his qualities, though he has not yet taken the team by the hand and still lacks something to be a recognised leader. He said he backed him because he deserves it. Nando Orsi of Radio Radio said Manchester United having Dorgu, the former Lecce player, means they are no longer the Manchester United of old if they invest in him. He called tonight's match complicated and difficult, noting Roma always play at Old Trafford, and that by the law of big numbers one match must go their way. He hoped it would not be so for Roma, adding that if Roma score first, United may collapse because they are mentally weak, while if they score first, they may become elated. For that reason, Roma must be careful.