Malen returns to group training at Cardiff after flu

Roma's 2–2 draw with Inter at the Olimpico featured two goals each from Koné and Lautaro. The match precedes a three-week break for international fixtures, which will take many Roma players away from the club's Trigoria training ground. The squad will return to training on Monday afternoon at reduced numbers as national team commitments continue.

Roma will return to training on Monday afternoon following a draw against Inter, during which the team produced a strong first-half display. Gasperini's squad will have one day of rest before resuming work, though several players will be absent as they are away on international duty during the break. Roma's next competitive action comes in less than a month, with two significant fixtures lined up. The club will face Como on 11 October before travelling to face Real Madrid in the Champions League on 14 October.

Matías Soulé expressed frustration after Roma's 2–2 draw with Inter, saying the team had every reason to believe they would win the match. 'I'm really tired and a bit disappointed,' he told DAZN. 'We were ahead and we drew.' Soulé credited head coach Gasperini with helping him overcome a pubic bone injury that limited his training during the previous season. 'I feel very good, I've got past the issue with pubalgia. Last year I couldn't train properly, but this year is different,' he said. He acknowledged the challenge of playing on the left wing rather than his preferred right flank, where Paulo Dybala operates. 'Playing on the left I need to adapt, I'm learning. There's Paulo on the right who makes a difference and I need to try to give my contribution.' Soulé noted that the small gap between Roma and Inter remains significant. 'It's still early, they've been the strongest for years. There's disappointment because we were ahead but this draw should give us extra motivation,' he said. On the competition for places in the squad, he added: 'Obviously we're all available, we're a very competitive team and whoever starts gives their all, just like those who come on in the second half. The level has risen a lot compared to last year.'

Roma dominated the first half and built a two-goal lead through Manu Koné's double, but Inter mounted another comeback to earn a 2–2 draw at the Olimpico. The Nerazzurri, holding their third consecutive two-goal deficit, surged after the interval as Lautaro Martínez halved the gap before scoring again to level the match with a volley past Mile Svilar. Roma's performance dipped sharply in the second half as Inter took control of the game. Gasperini's side demonstrated they can compete with Italy's champions and remain equipped for a strong campaign, though there is clear frustration at surrendering a commanding position. Inter's comeback—their third in succession, though this time without victory—highlighted both their resilience and Roma's defensive vulnerability after the break. Martínez produced a crucial save from Donyell Malen, and Thuram came close to a late winner, with his effort coming inches from a third goal.

Roma and Inter finished 2-2 at the Stadio Olimpico in a match where the hosts dominated the first half before surrendering their lead. Roma went two goals ahead through a Manu Koné double, with Gasperini's team playing at a high level against their visitors. Inter, managed by Chivu, emerged transformed after the interval, with Lautaro Martínez scoring twice to level the match. The Argentine captain struck first to reduce the deficit early in the second half, then sealed the draw with a volley past Mile Svilar despite the goalkeeper's touch. Inter have now come from two goals down for the third consecutive occasion, though this time without securing victory. Roma showed they can compete with the Serie A champions and remain equipped for a strong campaign, though Gasperini's side will rue the manner of the collapse. Donyell Malen saw a clear chance saved by Martínez, while Thuram came close to a late winner for Inter but could not find the breakthrough. The result offers encouragement to both teams—Roma that they can threaten the elite, Inter that their comeback resilience remains intact.

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media after Roma drew with Inter in a fifth-round Serie A fixture where both teams arrived level on points. The match went to the wire at the Stadio Olimpico, with Inter scoring early in the second half to take the lead, but Roma refusing to surrender and creating chances throughout. Gasperini emphasised the positives despite the dropped points. "I believe this match should give us satisfaction and awareness," he said. "There are margins for improvement for everyone, even for Inter. We must be happy with the path we are taking and the quality we are putting into these matches, not just condition and enthusiasm. There are many positive energies in this squad and we must continue like this." He acknowledged physical tiredness in the second half forced defensive changes, noting that Balerdi had to withdraw from the match. "His performance was outstanding," Gasperini said of the defender. "We took him because we knew his value. His injury — cramps — is nothing serious but was crucial. We had to make another change at the back which prevented us from making changes in midfield or attack." On midfielder Manu Koné's substitution, Gasperini explained: "It was my choice. He had clearly dropped off in midfield. He doesn't have 90 minutes from the start of the season — he went all the way through the World Cup, and his stamina at the moment is not what it was last year. But Pisilli did well, as did the others who came on." The coach also praised Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé for playing the full match. Regarding Roma's recent vulnerability at the start of second halves, he said: "Probably yes, and the way we conceded the goal was superficial, presumptuous if you like. But I must say that even in difficulty at 2-1, Roma always tried to win. We had an obvious chance with Malen; Inter had chances too but we never gave up." Gasperini reflected on the bigger picture: "We played a great match against a team that was very well. For me the value is even higher." Looking ahead, Gasperini outlined his challenge: "We will necessarily have to use the squad, rotate from the start without losing competitiveness and we can do that. In these first five matches I relied on a core from last season to give the new players a way to settle in, and I am convinced they will be protagonists. After the break the calendar will be hard — we restart with Como and Real Madrid. There it becomes a different championship, a marathon. But I have faith. I see a homogeneous squad and even the substitutes always come in well."

Roma host Inter at the Olimpico in a top-of-the-table clash, both sides arriving unbeaten after four matches and seeking to reach the first international break in first place. Gasperini has a full squad available with no absences. In defence, the established trio of Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso is confirmed, with no surprise inclusion for Balerdi. Molina and Wesley operate on the flanks, Koné and Cristante patrol midfield, and Soulé lines up in the attacking three behind Malen, with Dybala in support. Roma field a 3-4-2-1 formation: Svilar in goal, Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso at the back, Molina and Wesley as wing-backs, Cristante and Koné in central midfield, Soulé and Dybala in the attacking midfield positions, and Malen as the lead forward. On the bench are Gollini, De Marzi, Ghilardi, Rensch, Koulierakis, Lulli, Pisilli, Pellegrini, de Roon, Castro and Mora. Inter deploy a 3-5-2 with Martinez, Bisseck, Akanji and Bastoni in defence, Diouf, Barella, Zielinski, Jones and Dimarco in midfield, and Lautaro Martinez and Thuram in attack.

Santiago Castro has praised the atmosphere at Roma ahead of tomorrow's match against Inter, saying the coach creates an environment where every player feels valued. Speaking to DAZN hours before kick-off, the 21-year-old Argentine highlighted the quality of his teammates and Gasperini's man-management approach. "With him you never feel like a reserve or a starter," Castro said. "You always have to be ready, always at your best, both in training and in matches. That's really important and I think it makes all the players feel good." Castro, who joined Roma from Bologna, drew a contrast between the two clubs' squads. "When you arrive at a team like Roma you find players in front of you like Dybala, Malen, Pellegrini, Soulé and now Rodrigo Mora has also arrived. We have many high-level players," he explained. "At Bologna I found many quality players too, like Bernardeschi, Orsolini, Rowe, Zirkzee and Ndoye. I'm happy because I can take something from every teammate and always learn." He singled out Dybala and Malen for special praise, describing them as players who impress fans every week but reveal far more in daily training. "Paulo has a left foot that few people have. I think he's one of the best left-footed players in Italy's history, even at world level," Castro said. "From Donyell you have to take that meanness to go and score goals, the cunning, the movements he has and then the shot, which is crazy." Gasperini's tactical demands on Castro focus on positioning and team play. "The main thing the manager asks me is to always keep my body facing the goal, not to always play with my back to goal because that way I'm not dangerous," Castro explained. "He asks me to always be in the match, to attack, to play for the team. For him it's important to score goals, but also to give an assist, because that's something that helps the team and gives a great hand to everyone." Castro also reflected on his debut at the Olimpico against Atalanta, calling it "a moment of great pride" and crediting the fans for their support during the match. On Inter's challenge, Castro acknowledged the quality of both squads. "It will always be difficult to face teams with this type of players, because they also, like us, have world-class players and big names," he said. "It will be a beautiful match to watch from outside: a hot stadium, two teams that arrive well, with the same points, many goals scored and few conceded. It will definitely be nice to see." Roma and Inter sit level on points after four matches. Castro also praised Lautaro Martinez as "a very strong player" and captain of one of Italy's biggest teams.

Santiago Castro has given his first substantial interview since joining Roma, speaking to DAZN about his early weeks at the club, his relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, and the quality of his fellow attackers. The 21-year-old Argentine striker, who arrived this summer from Bologna, reflected on the step up in class and the challenge of competing with established forwards in the Giallorossi squad. Castro highlighted the calibre of his new teammates, naming Paulo Dybala, Donyell Malen, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora as examples of the standard he now faces daily. He said: "Sì, certo. Quando arrivi in una squadra come la Roma ti trovi davanti giocatori come Dybala, Malen, Pellegrini, Soulé e adesso è arrivato anche Rodrigo Mora." On training alongside Dybala and Malen, he remarked: "Paulo e Donyell sono giocatori che impressionano i tifosi ogni settimana e noi che li vediamo ogni giorno. Noi che ci alleniamo con loro vediamo cose che sembrano appartenere a un altro sport." He praised Dybala's left foot as among the finest in Italy and the world, and commended Malen's aggression, movement and shooting ability. Gasperini's management style has impressed Castro, who said the coach emphasizes constant readiness over any hierarchy of starting players. "Con lui non ti senti mai una riserva o un titolare: devi sempre essere pronto, sempre al massimo, sia in allenamento sia in partita," Castro explained. The striker also recalled his debut at the Olimpico against Atalanta as a proud moment at age 21, noting the warmth of the crowd as a powerful motivator. He expressed respect for Inter's Lautaro Martinez ahead of the upcoming fixture, describing him as "un grandissimo giocatore, molto forte" and noting his consistency in Serie A and leadership of one of Italy's biggest clubs. Castro also touched on the group atmosphere at Roma, mentioning the presence of several Argentine players and praising the cohesion with staff and international teammates alike. On wearing the number 9 shirt, he said: "È bello pensare a tutti i giocatori che hanno avuto la numero 9 nella Roma. Sono stati tanti e hanno fatto tantissime cose importanti, come Balbo e altri grandi attaccanti. Io spero solamente di riuscire a fare anche solo una piccola parte di quello che hanno fatto loro."