Giannini: Roma can compete with Inter, but it is too early to speak of the title

Andrea Stramaccioni, a commentator for DAZN and Rai who has managed both Roma's youth academy and Inter's first team, previewed Roma's match against Inter at the Olimpico on 19 September, kickoff 18:00, as a double ex with close knowledge of both clubs and their managers. Stramaccioni framed the fixture as significant for Roma's development. "I see two worlds I know well and two coaches who are friends and doing very well," he said. While stopping short of calling it a title decider, he noted that victory would provide "a real blow to the other side's enthusiasm." For Roma, he stressed, returning to fixtures of this magnitude offers a chance to prove their progress: "Inter are used to challenges at this level from years of competing, while for Roma it will be good to breathe this atmosphere again." He highlighted Paulo Dybala as central to the team's transformation. "It's a Roma I see mentally grown," Stramaccioni explained. "The quality jump came with Dybala's constant presence behind Malen." On Donyell Malen's seven goals in four matches, Stramaccioni attributed his explosive form to tactical deployment: "He was closed off by Watkins at Aston Villa, often played on the wing in a different system and philosophy. No one uses him as Gasperini does. Not even Koeman in the national team when he tried him as a striker. Here he plays ideally to his characteristics—he always gets the ball served vertically and following his movement. His first touch while running like a world-class player and his ability to shoot make the rest." On Inter's strength, Stramaccioni noted Simone Inzaghi's 3-5-2 formation has proved troublesome for Gasperini: "Since Inter switched to this system under Conte, then Inzaghi and now under Chivu, Gian Piero has collected four draws and ten defeats against Inter. It is no accident." He named Paulo Dybala as Roma's decisive player and Lautaro as Inter's potential match-winner. Stramaccioni's firm prediction: "For me it ends with a spectacular draw: 2-2."

Roma and Inter meet on Saturday 19 September 2026 in a Serie A fixture billed as the competition's flagship match, with both sides unbeaten and on maximum points so far this season. The match takes place at the Olimpico before the international break. Gasperini has announced that all his squad members are available for selection, but is monitoring the fitness of Wesley and Evan N'Dicka, suggesting Leonardo Balerdi will start in defence. Inter will be without Calhanoglu and Stones, with Akanji and Zielinski set to replace them. Both teams will pay tribute to Sandro Mazzola before kick-off. The Inter and Italy legend died at 83 during the night.

Roma and Inter meet at the Olimpico at 18:00 for a summit clash, but Inter manager Chivu faces three key selection decisions in the hours before kickoff. In Inter's 3-5-2 formation, Dimarco is expected to start on one flank, though Carlos Augusto is in fine form and his recent performances make him a genuine contender for the role. On the opposite wing, Diouf and Luis Henrique are competing for the chance to contain Wesley. The third dilemma concerns the left-midfield position, where Jones appears to be the favourite to start ahead of both Sucic and Mkhitaryan. For Roma, Gasperini must still resolve his own final shape questions—principally whether to hand Leonardo Balerdi and Niccolò Pisilli their starting places. The fixture carries extra weight as a battle between the league's top contenders, with both teams seeking advantage at a critical stage of the season.