Malen in Netherlands squad for Xavi's first call-up

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media on the eve of Roma's fixture against Inter, acknowledging the scale of the challenge ahead while expressing satisfaction with his team's start to the season. Gasperini framed the match as a significant occasion for both clubs: "It is a satisfaction to arrive at an appointment in this league position, with the matches and victories we have obtained, just as Inter have done. It is an important appointment: a full stadium, a great atmosphere, lots of enthusiasm, two teams that are getting important results." He praised the competitive energy around the fixture while warning against over-reliance on early momentum, noting that setbacks are inevitable in a balanced Italian league. Gasperini was direct about Inter's standing in Serie A. "Without any doubt, Inter is the reference team for our league and for everyone," he said. "It is a team that over time is doing extraordinary things in Italy and in Europe, because it has played two finals in recent times. It is a very strong team and this I think is recognised by everyone. For the other teams, seeking to get closer and compete with them is certainly a reference point." He acknowledged Roma's progress from the previous season while explaining that the club's ambition is to narrow the gap with the champions. Gasperini also confirmed that all key players—Manu Koné, Evan N'Dicka, Wesley, and Lorenzo Pellegrini—would be available for selection: "I continue to cross my fingers. We are all here for tomorrow, so we are all available. This is already an extraordinary result, because it rarely happens." On the tactical challenge posed by Inter, Gasperini reflected on historical patterns. "There was a period in which we managed to get results against Inter, then in recent years it has not been that way; instead there have always been defeats," he said. "It can be a bit the tactical aspect, although the coaches have changed: there was Conte, then Inzaghi arrived and now Chivu has arrived. The result has not changed." He drew a parallel to Juventus's period of dominance, suggesting that such runs are cyclical. Gasperini stressed that his approach remains outcome-focused: "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 tomorrow in the ninety minutes." Gasperini noted that Pellegrini, who has been sidelined, is now available for selection after training regularly with the squad for the second consecutive week. The coach indicated that the upcoming international break might provide an opportunity for additional recovery or friendly matches for players with limited recent playing time, though no specific plans were announced.

Donyell Malen has been named in the Netherlands squad by new head coach Xavi Hernández for the first time. The Roma forward was among 26 players selected as Xavi began his tenure as national team manager, replacing Ronald Koeman. Malen's inclusion reflects a strong start to the season at Roma under Gian Piero Gasperini, during which he has become one of the team's principal attacking players. Xavi has signed a contract with the Dutch federation until 2030 and has opted to retain Malen despite the forward's disappointing World Cup, when he failed to replicate the form he has shown in Roma colours. Under Koeman, Malen had been used in various tactical experiments and different positions. The new coaching era offers fresh opportunity for the Roma forward, who will report to the national team camp in strong form after his impressive recent performances in the Giallorossi shirt. Malen struggled to perform at the required level during the World Cup, but his return to favour with a new Netherlands regime reflects his consistency this season. The selection comes after Roma's strong start to the 2026-27 campaign, where Malen has established himself as a key attacking outlet under Gasperini's direction.

Roma have roughly 24 hours until their big match against Inter. Gasperini will resolve his final team selection doubts today, with the full squad available to him. Wesley's positioning remains uncertain—he could return to the right flank, with Nahuel Molina moving to the left to contain Dimarco. The squad will train this afternoon before retreating to Trigoria for the night, staying at the centre to maintain group cohesion and full concentration ahead of tomorrow's fixture. Gasperini is determined to prevent any lapse in focus for a match that already carries title-race significance.

Donyell Malen has been named in the Netherlands squad by new head coach Xavi Hernández for the first time. The Roma forward was among 26 players selected as Xavi began his tenure as national team manager, replacing Ronald Koeman. Malen's inclusion reflects a strong start to the season at Roma under Gian Piero Gasperini, during which he has become one of the team's principal attacking players. Xavi has signed a contract with the Dutch federation until 2030 and has opted to retain Malen despite the forward's disappointing World Cup, when he failed to replicate the form he has shown in Roma colours. Under Koeman, Malen had been used in various tactical experiments and different positions. The new coaching era offers fresh opportunity for the Roma forward, who will report to the national team camp in strong form after his impressive recent performances in the Giallorossi shirt. Malen struggled to perform at the required level during the World Cup, but his return to favour with a new Netherlands regime reflects his consistency this season. The selection comes after Roma's strong start to the 2026-27 campaign, where Malen has established himself as a key attacking outlet under Gasperini's direction.

Street artist Drugi has unveiled a mural depicting Paulo Dybala as a superhero, complete with a cape in Roma's giallorossi colours. The work celebrates the special relationship between Dybala and Roma's fanbase, particularly younger supporters who have embraced the Argentine as one of their idols. Drugi accompanied the piece with the caption: "Every child has their superhero." Dybala is enjoying an impressive start to the 2026-27 season on the pitch. He has already provided five assists, four of them to teammate Donyell Malen, forming a partnership that has become one of the key weapons in Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma side and captivating the club's supporters. The combination of Dybala's creative play and Malen's finishing has given fans reason for optimism as the campaign unfolds. With the new mural now immortalizing him in comic-book form, Dybala has gained a fictional alter ego to match his status among young Roma supporters—though for many giallorossi children, the forward's performances on the field may already be enough to qualify him as a superhero in their eyes.

Radio commentators across Rome's main sports stations weighed in on Saturday's clash between Roma and Inter, the league leaders, with opinion divided over which team should be considered favourites and how Gasperini should set up his squad. Giancarlo Padovan backed Roma at 60–40 odds, saying: "The value will show itself over time. I give Roma 60% and Inter 40%; for me Roma wins tomorrow. But this is a discussion that must be seen over the long term. Roma is playing better and will assert its form, its enthusiasm, and for that reason Roma wins. But the championship is not finished: Inter's values will come out, and the head-to-head with Roma will go on until the end of the championship. Inter is capable of recovering any gap that might open tomorrow." David Rossi warned against complacency: "I see a danger — the idea is creeping into the Roma soul that we are favourites tomorrow, and I don't like this thing. Roma is a very important squad, but we must not fall into the error of thinking we are favourites. If Roma won tomorrow, and after five matches found itself top with a perfect record after winning the direct clash, would you think it is the favourite for the Scudetto? I don't. For me Inter would remain the favourite." Stefano Agresti called it level: "Roma is certainly playing better, the numbers say so — it has won matches dominating, some also under pressure — but I cannot forget what Inter is and its strength: I believe it continues to have something more than Roma as a squad. For me it is truly even." On team selection, Gianluca Piacentini suggested deploying Balerdi, Lulli and Pisilli as trequartista with Dybala and Malen in front, arguing that using a high midfielder would not abandon Gasperini's football. Lorenzo Pes favoured N'Dicka over Balerdi on Saturday evening because of structure, and predicted Wesley would move to the right flank for a duel with Dimarco if Molina played on the left. Alessio Nardo offered tactical advice: "I would give advice to our players for Saturday's match against Inter: shoot — shoot on goal. Martinez is a goalkeeper who is now insecure, suffering the moment. With the Olimpico being a cauldron and putting pressure, let us try to engage him and expose his limits." Piero Torri cautioned that after the international break, Como–Roma would be extremely tough, especially with South American players departing: "When the South Americans leave it is always tough: there is the long journey and the time zone to absorb."