Koné enters peak form: no midfielder in Serie A is worth more

Leonardo Balerdi has impressed AS Roma in his opening weeks at the club, having arrived this summer from Marseille. The Argentine defender has quickly adapted to Gian Piero Gasperini's system and earned the coach's trust, establishing himself in Roma's defence. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma's leadership has few doubts about making his move permanent, viewing a definitive confirmation as virtually certain regardless of which contractual conditions are triggered. Barerdi arrived on a loan deal worth one million euros, paired with a purchase right that can become an obligation depending on specific performance targets. The fee Roma must pay Marseille is performance-based and structured around his playing time. If Balerdi reaches 55 per cent of available matches with at least 45 minutes played, the buyout stands at 14 million euros. Should his appearance percentage fall between 40 and 55 per cent, the cost drops to 11 million euros. With a minimum of 20 per cent of matches played, the figure would be 9 million euros. Beyond the contractual mechanisms, Balerdi's early-season displays have convinced Roma most. He has demonstrated the ability to meet Gasperini's tactical demands, showing composure in possession and leadership across the defensive line. Those qualities have earned him regular opportunities in rotation. His integration matters particularly given Gasperini's defensive system, which requires centre-backs to defend high up the pitch, regularly engage in one-on-one contests, and contribute to build-up play.

Mario Hermoso has established himself as an indispensable fixture in Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma defence, ranking second only to Bryan Cristante in minutes played under the manager. The Spanish defender has appeared in 509 of Roma's 540 available minutes—94.2 per cent—and Gasperini has described him as a statue in the position. Hermoso's defensive output backs up his importance. He leads Serie A with 16 interceptions, a remarkable tally achieved through aggressive pressing and constant anticipation that fits seamlessly into Gasperini's tactical system. His discipline is equally striking: he has committed only 3 fouls in Serie A this season, fewer than half the tally of fellow Roma defenders Evan N'Dicka (8 fouls) and Gianluca Mancini (7 fouls). The former Atlético Madrid player has developed into an absolute leader at the club, accompanying offensive actions with progressive passes towards the opposition goal. Squawka's data collection shows Hermoso shares his interception record with Frendurp of Genoa.

Santiago Castro is preparing for a key phase of his Roma career after the international break, armed with encouragement from Francesco Totti and a fresh Argentina call-up. The 21-year-old Argentine forward has made an immediate impression since joining the club, hitting two posts and building strong rapport with the dressing room, though he has yet to open his account in giallorosso. Castro is now with Argentina, where he has returned following his sole previous call-up in March 2025, during which he did not take the field. His manager Gasperini will hope to deploy him as an additional attacking option alongside Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala, who are considered undroppable. Castro deliberately chose Roma despite knowing the calibre of the competition for places, and the intensity of October's fixture list may provide his breakthrough moment. Last autumn at Bologna, he scored three goals and supplied one assist across a 30-day span at the start of the season, establishing a template for what is possible. He will miss Argentina's friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin in the coming days but will return only three days before Roma's trip to Como alongside fellow squad members Leonardo Balerdi and Matías Soulé. Castro, who was recommended by Totti, faces competition from Lautaro at international level but shows no sign of being daunted by it. The premature nature of his return will limit his recovery time, though the calendar's demands may force Gasperini's hand in rotating his forward line.

Mario Hermoso has established himself as an indispensable fixture in Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma defence, ranking second only to Bryan Cristante in minutes played under the manager. The Spanish defender has appeared in 509 of Roma's 540 available minutes—94.2 per cent—and Gasperini has described him as a statue in the position. Hermoso's defensive output backs up his importance. He leads Serie A with 16 interceptions, a remarkable tally achieved through aggressive pressing and constant anticipation that fits seamlessly into Gasperini's tactical system. His discipline is equally striking: he has committed only 3 fouls in Serie A this season, fewer than half the tally of fellow Roma defenders Evan N'Dicka (8 fouls) and Gianluca Mancini (7 fouls). The former Atlético Madrid player has developed into an absolute leader at the club, accompanying offensive actions with progressive passes towards the opposition goal. Squawka's data collection shows Hermoso shares his interception record with Frendurp of Genoa.

Francesco Totti marked his 50th birthday on 27 September with reflections on his Roma career and a revelation about the club's recruitment. In a long interview and in his book *Oltre*, published on his birthday, Totti spoke about the debt he owes to Roma: "Roma has allowed me to realise my dream, to wear a single shirt, number 10, and to be captain." On the historic number 10, Totti insisted it should go to a player who could stay at Roma long-term rather than a passing figure. Totti also disclosed a curious behind-the-scenes transfer story involving the club's current squad. During a dinner with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini in recent months, Totti recommended several potential signings. Among them was Santiago Castro, the forward who arrived from Bologna this summer. Totti recalled: "I suggested an attacker to Gasperini—Castro, a winger, and a midfielder." Gasperini, the article reports, held a positive view of the Argentine's profile, saying: "Castro appeals to me a great deal; I think we see football in the same way." Separately, Gianluca Mancini will not travel with Italy for the Nations League away fixture against Turkey. Roberto Mancini, the Italy coach, has opted to manage the squad's workload, leaving ten players at Coverciano including Roma's defender. Daniele Ghilardi, also of Roma, has been called up and will be part of the Italian delegation for the match scheduled for tomorrow evening in Bursa. Mancini will follow a personalised training programme at the Italian Football Federation's technical centre. Former Roma players paid tribute to Totti on his milestone birthday. Fabrizio Aspri, speaking on Radio Radio, reflected on his character: "I remember feeling unwell after the goal against Genoa. I liked Totti as a man. Francesco is kind and good. At his first American press conference he said: 'Fabrizio Aspri doesn't start the press conference.' Totti is many things, you can't capture him in a book. The Totti I experienced was a daily Totti—like the desk mate we never had. If Totti missed a match, the airport was empty. His simplicity was the most beautiful thing about him."

Italy manager Roberto Mancini brushed off criticism after the national team's loss to Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico, ahead of tomorrow's Nations League fixture against Turkey in Turkey. Mancini said in a press conference: "The criticism does not touch me, there is too much agitation, let's stay calm. With Turkey I will make changes to evaluate other players. Anyway, no one would have played four matches in close succession. There are cycles, and unfortunately Italy is going through one like this, without a generation with Totti, Del Piero and people like that. We only need time to work and put together a competitive squad. Nothing else." Gianluca Mancini, the Roma defender, was left out of the squad for the match, while Daniele Ghilardi of Roma is included and hopes to find playing time during the game.