Mancini: Bryan and Lorenzo are deeply connected to Roma

Roma's return to the UEFA Champions League is delivering immediate financial rewards. Participation in the competition's league phase alone guarantees each of the 36 qualified clubs €18.62 million — an increase from the €15.64 million available in the previous 2021–24 cycle. Additional revenue flows from match results: €2.1 million for each victory and €700,000 for each draw, with further bonuses tied to final league-phase placement. The club's finances have been bolstered significantly by the "value pillar", which for the 2026–27 season is valued at €30.49 million for Roma. Combined, these figures already total €50.09 million into the club's coffers at Trigoria. Gian Piero Gasperini's squad has scope to increase that sum substantially: further revenue will depend both on results in forthcoming matches and on Roma's finishing position in the league phase. The return to European football's premier competition therefore represents both an immediate economic lift and the prospect of greater riches ahead. The financial injection from the Champions League has already exceeded €50 million, with the potential for the total to grow considerably depending on how far the team progresses through the competition.

Federico Balzaretti appeared as the first guest on a new podcast hosted by former referee Giampaolo Calvarese, who now works as a collaborator for Prime Video. The show, titled "Fischio Finale", featured a lengthy conversation spanning new regulations and past incidents. Balzaretti recounted a striking moment from a Sampdoria–Roma match that ended 0–2, which took place during Rudi Garcia's first year in charge. Roma were top of the table at the time and the fixture was tightly contested. According to Calvarese's account, Balzaretti addressed Gabbiadini forcefully: "If you do it again I'll lift you off the ground." When the referee heard these words, he asked the Roma player to calm down. Balzaretti, furious, then spoke to the referee in the same manner. Both men later recalled the episode while joking about it, also reflecting on the human rapport that existed between Calvarese and various players.

Francesco Totti has given his assessment of Roma's opening to the 2026–27 season, speaking on the sidelines of the World Padel Legends Tour. Reflecting on Roma's draw in their opening Champions League fixture against Fenerbahçe, Totti said: "It's a point, hopefully it can help with the final table. Better a point than zero as they say. Let's see, it's the first Champions League match and everything is still to play for." He did not expect Roma to start the season as they have, stating: "No, I think almost nobody expected it. We started with the right foot, with the accelerator pressed and I hope it can continue like that. The league is still long, the Champions League is a separate competition, the summaries will be drawn in February–March." Totti praised the partnership between Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, calling it "one of the strongest in the championship". He said: "Yes, we're talking about players who until now understand each other with their eyes closed. I hope they can continue like this." He also confirmed recent contact with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, saying: "Yes, I heard from him." When asked if they had booked dinner, Totti replied: "Maybe a lunch…" On the wider title picture, Totti offered his view: "Well, let's say that from how they've started, yes, they are a step ahead. Inter is the team to beat and it's difficult to do that, but with this Roma everything is possible." He emphasized that Roma's main need is consistency: "Continuity — to win the Scudetto you need that. Roma expanded their squad from last year, they made the choice of taking the right players to have a great season." Addressing young midfielder Rodrigo Mora, a 2007-born prospect who recently joined the club, Totti said: "We're talking about a 2007, he changed city, culture, way of working. You have to stand by him and wait for him. Of course, if the figures are what they say, he must make a difference right away." Totti also reflected on his own legacy and future involvement with the club. On his status for Roma's continued campaign, he said: "Maybe in the league as well, maybe. Centenary? I don't know, but in the league and Champions sure." He declined to confirm progress on Roma's centenary plans, stating: "No (laughs). After what I said? There never have been."

Roma returned from their Champions League visit to Fenerbahce with a draw and an encouraging first-half display, though the second half brought frustration. Bryan Cristante opened the scoring, and the team showed positive signs as they began their campaign with a playoff objective in mind. The standout moment came when Leonardo Balerdi entered the pitch in the 74th minute as a substitute for Gianluca Mancini, immediately catching supporters' attention with a composed defensive performance that sparked a wave of praise across social media. Fans seized on Balerdi's brief appearance to call for him to start matches regularly, with many suggesting he should displace either Mancini or Evan N'Dicka in the defensive lineup. The Argentine defender's composure against opposition attackers—notably withstanding challenges from physically demanding forwards—left Roma supporters convinced of his quality after limited exposure. His performance prompted widespread social media reaction comparing him favourably to the club's established defenders and arguing he warrants an immediate promotion to the starting eleven. Fan comments flooded platforms with phrases including: "He must be the starter, a WALL!", "I believe Balerdi is steel reinforced with titanium, how strong he is... Lukaku bounced off his legs, 2 metres by 100 kilos", "Balerdi must always play", and "Why is Balerdi on the bench? A phenomenon." Others added: "Why did Marseille fans thank us for taking Balerdi?! How that excites me." More pointed criticism followed: "Mancini every so often gets distracted, Balerdi I see as much superior", "For me Balerdi is stronger than two out of three defensive players, he comes on and the opposition attack is nullified", and "It's not conceivable that Balerdi is Mancini's backup now."

Roma's opening Champions League match in Istanbul provided a revealing examination of individual readiness at the competition's highest level, exposing both natural fit and shortcomings that Serie A sometimes masks. Manu Koné emerged as the clearest success story. Until a knee injury forced his substitution at the 52nd minute, he appeared to raise his game as the match intensified, showing pressure, physical duels, ball protection and the ability to break the first press. Donyell Malen proved similarly suited to matches where chances are limited and the capacity to attack space becomes decisive. Mile Svilar's performance raised only the question of how far he can progress in the competition. Paulo Dybala demonstrated that while understanding how to play at this level has never been his problem, availability remains the constraint. When his physical condition allows, the Champions League remains his natural habitat: he takes possession facing forward, makes precise decisions, and creates space where others see none. Gianluca Mancini's European credentials are not in doubt, but Istanbul confirmed he appears less sharp and reactive than his usual standard. His replacement by Leonardo Balerdi sharpened the contrast; the Argentine entered immediately into the match's intensity, bringing aggression and intensity. Nahuel Molina passed a significant test, showing he can handle the demands placed on full-backs across both phases. Wesley posed a tactical question: at left-back with his weaker foot, Fenerbahçe systematically closed his inside corridor, forcing him onto the byline with his left foot and making him more predictable. Rodrigo Mora, frequently called upon by Gian Piero Gasperini, revealed that the Champions League is also a physical examination. Pressed, challenged and confined to tight spaces, he could not impose himself as he knows he can. Matías Soulé discovered that talent must be paired with better decision-making as margins shrink. Dybala, Koné, Malen and Svilar appear ready for this dimension; Balerdi entered with force and Molina withstood the impact. Mancini must rediscover his sharpness, Wesley needs a tactical solution, and Mora requires the physical tools to express his talent at this level.

Leonardo Balerdi has made a strong impression in limited appearances for Roma, playing 43 minutes across matches against Atalanta and Fenerbahce. The Argentine defender is now poised to start against Torino, potentially giving Gianluca Mancini a rest after the latter appeared below par in recent fixtures. Balerdi's statistics are striking: he completed all 31 of his pass attempts for a perfect 100% accuracy rate, enabling clean distribution from the back. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini praised him after the Atalanta match, and supporters on social media have already called for him to be handed the starting role. Breaking into Roma's back line is no simple task. Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso formed the second-best defence in Serie A last season, making competition for places intense. Balerdi was born on 26 January 1999 in Villa Mercedes, a town just over 30 kilometres from Córdoba, and holds Italian citizenship alongside his Argentine passport. He has arrived in Rome alongside his partner, model Giulia Ciancio, who was born in Milan but grew up between Venice and Sicily. Ciancio's striking appearance—particularly her eyes, which blend shades of blue and emerald green and have become her signature feature in various advertising campaigns—has already drawn attention from her social media followers. Following Balerdi's debut against Atalanta, she posted on Instagram: "Seeing you happy, you have no idea the joy it gives me. With you anywhere in the world, I am proud of you."

Gigi Di Biagio, a former Roma midfielder now coaching Saudi Arabia's Under-21 side, has backed Roma's direction under Gasperini following their draw with Fenerbahçe. Speaking to Retesport, Di Biagio said: "The draw with Fenerbahçe is fine, you could have won or lost it, it doesn't change anything about the path Roma must take: the glass is half full, I don't see many negative aspects in yesterday's match." Di Biagio highlighted Roma's summer recruitment and the emerging talent in the squad. He praised Emanuele Lulli as "an exceptional lad, serious and very skilled" and noted that alongside young players like Rodrigo Mora, Roma have added the experience of Nahuel Molina and Marten de Roon. "Roma has done very good business in the market," he said. He also drew a parallel between Gasperini and the late Zdeněk Zeman, noting both share "the desire to win the match at all costs, even at the risk of losing it."

Roma returned from their Champions League visit to Fenerbahce with a draw and an encouraging first-half display, though the second half brought frustration. Bryan Cristante opened the scoring, and the team showed positive signs as they began their campaign with a playoff objective in mind. The standout moment came when Leonardo Balerdi entered the pitch in the 74th minute as a substitute for Gianluca Mancini, immediately catching supporters' attention with a composed defensive performance that sparked a wave of praise across social media. Fans seized on Balerdi's brief appearance to call for him to start matches regularly, with many suggesting he should displace either Mancini or Evan N'Dicka in the defensive lineup. The Argentine defender's composure against opposition attackers—notably withstanding challenges from physically demanding forwards—left Roma supporters convinced of his quality after limited exposure. His performance prompted widespread social media reaction comparing him favourably to the club's established defenders and arguing he warrants an immediate promotion to the starting eleven. Fan comments flooded platforms with phrases including: "He must be the starter, a WALL!", "I believe Balerdi is steel reinforced with titanium, how strong he is... Lukaku bounced off his legs, 2 metres by 100 kilos", "Balerdi must always play", and "Why is Balerdi on the bench? A phenomenon." Others added: "Why did Marseille fans thank us for taking Balerdi?! How that excites me." More pointed criticism followed: "Mancini every so often gets distracted, Balerdi I see as much superior", "For me Balerdi is stronger than two out of three defensive players, he comes on and the opposition attack is nullified", and "It's not conceivable that Balerdi is Mancini's backup now."

Bryan Cristante scored as Roma returned to the Champions League after a seven-year absence, taking the captain's armband following Daniele De Rossi's last European goal in the competition. Cristante's strike marks a symbolic passing of the torch at the Giallorossi, with the midfielder now surpassing Lorenzo Pellegrini in the captaincy hierarchy. Roma's European comeback under Gian Piero Gasperini comes after a lengthy absence from the continent's elite competition. The victory underscores Gasperini's early impact on the squad as the club looks to establish itself as a fixture in the Champions League.

Bryan Cristante scored as Roma returned to the Champions League after a seven-year absence, taking the captain's armband following Daniele De Rossi's last European goal in the competition. Cristante's strike marks a symbolic passing of the torch at the Giallorossi, with the midfielder now surpassing Lorenzo Pellegrini in the captaincy hierarchy. Roma's European comeback under Gian Piero Gasperini comes after a lengthy absence from the continent's elite competition. The victory underscores Gasperini's early impact on the squad as the club looks to establish itself as a fixture in the Champions League.

Bryan Cristante scored his first Champions League goal and surpassed Lorenzo Pellegrini's European cup appearance record in Roma's match against Fenerbahçe on 10 September. The captain now stands on 84 total appearances in European competitions, behind only Francesco Totti (103) and Daniele De Rossi (98) in the club's history. Cristante has played every minute available so far this season—aside from goalkeeper Mile Svilar—and remains an untouchable presence under Gian Piero Gasperini, as he was under previous managers Di Francesco, Fonseca, Mourinho, De Rossi and Ranieri. Beyond his leadership, Cristante operates across multiple positions without disrupting the team's balance; distances remain coherent, departments communicate, and transition remains intact. He consistently ranks in the top three for distance covered, functioning as a binding agent in Roma's system. Gasperini has never rested him despite the arrival of Marten de Roon. Against Fenerbahçe, Cristante's performance read: 1 goal (39 minutes), 111 touches, 91 of 106 passes completed (85.9 per cent accuracy), 49 ball carries (244 metres gained for the team), 5 of 7 balls recovered, 1 interception and 3 clearances. The statistics underline the coherence of his contribution—not flashy, but the numerical evidence of his determinative role.

Bryan Cristante scored in Roma's opening Champions League match of the season against Fenerbahce, marking a personal milestone as the last surviving member of the squad from Porto. Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is injured, are the only players remaining from that era. Speaking after the match, Cristante reflected on Roma's performance: "Excellent display, we managed the match well, we went ahead, and in the second half we attacked for the most part. Unfortunate to concede a goal but a very good performance." On his goal, he added: "It was early but it was an important one. Beyond the goal, we put in an excellent performance for our first match. We go home with our heads held high." He concluded: "We started with determination, we interpreted it well, we had chances. We return home with our heads held high."