Mancini: Inter are a benchmark for all Italian clubs, but it is too early to read much into tonight's test

Roma sporting director Tony D'Amico spoke to reporters ahead of the fifth Serie A match between Roma and Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on 19 September 2026, with both sides unbeaten. On the acquisition of Leonardo Balerdi, D'Amico explained the club's reasoning and confirmed the deal's timing: "We needed to strengthen the defence with an experienced player, although he is still young. He has physical strength and pace. We have been following him for years, and in the last week we had the opportunity to acquire him on good terms as well. We are very happy. We have known him for years, we know the human values too, which are very important to us in building the squad." D'Amico stressed that Inter remain the benchmark as defending Serie A champions. "Inter is the reference team, Italian champions, strong and complete. For us it is a great motivation to test ourselves against the best," he said. When asked about the criticism surrounding Luca Percassi, D'Amico deflected focus to the immediate challenge: "In a pre-match like this, with a stadium like this, we think about enjoying this match, which will be difficult but I hope beautiful for us. We think about today and the future." On Manu Koné's recovery and availability for the fixture, D'Amico was positive: "Manu is well. We are happy with the whole squad. We know that whoever is called every Sunday always gives their contribution. After the break we will have many matches and we will need everyone. We hope Manu plays well tonight too."

Roma's sporting director D'Amico spoke ahead of the club's Serie A fifth-round fixture against Inter, emphasising the challenge and opportunity of the match. "Inter are a reference point, they are Italian champions and a strong, complete squad. We know it will be a difficult match, but it is also a great motivation for us to test ourselves against the best," he said. D'Amico highlighted the defensive reinforcement made in the closing stages of the summer transfer window, describing the new arrival as a player Roma had tracked for years. "We needed to strengthen the defence, especially with an experienced player. He has physical strength and speed. We've been following him for a few years and in the last week of the market we had the opportunity to acquire him on good terms and we were quick. We are very happy," he explained. The director stressed that Roma know the technical and human qualities of all their new players, which he considers very important in squad building. On Manu Koné's availability, D'Amico said: "Manu is well, we are happy with him as we are with the whole squad. Whoever is called upon gives their contribution. After the international break we will have many matches and we will need everyone." D'Amico also suggested focusing on enjoying the match rather than analysing the wider context: "I think in a pre-match like this, with a stadium like this, it is better to think about enjoying the game, which will be difficult but I hope will be beautiful for us. We think about today."

Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta spoke ahead of today's fifth-round Serie A match between Roma and Inter, describing the fixture as a significant test. Marotta acknowledged Roma's early-season form, saying: "The Roma has demonstrated, in this start to the season, not only in points but also in the play expressed, to be a team of all respect." He also praised Gasperini's tactical influence on the club, highlighting the quality of football and concepts the Roma coach has instilled. Marotta framed the encounter as a chance for Inter to prove their credentials as defending champions. "It will be a beautiful challenge against an opponent of great value," he said. "Regardless of the result, it counts a lot the performance that we manage to offer." The Inter chief also reflected on the recent loss of Sandro Mazzola, calling him "a piece of nerazzurri history" who represented important values the club must preserve and transmit to future generations.

Manu Koné's first-half brace gave Roma a 2–0 lead over Inter under Gasperini, with the second goal sparking initial uncertainty before confirmation. The midfielder's second strike appeared offside when Gianluca Mancini deflected Paulo Dybala's cross, triggering immediate concern on the pitch and in the stands. VAR intervention, however, revealed that Koné was behind the ball at the moment of Mancini's touch, making the goal valid. The decision prompted wild celebration among Roma players and supporters. In the stands, Davide Orsato, the former referee now serving as match designator, decoded the action instantly—spotting the goal's legitimacy before the on-field referee Massa made the official announcement. Koné's unexpected double, and its validation, energised the giallorossi heading into the second half.

Roma face Inter at the Stadio Olimpico in Serie A's fifth matchday. The fixture has sold out, with Italy national team coach Roberto Mancini in attendance following the announcement of his squad for the Nations League. Three Roma players feature in Mancini's call-up: Gianluca Mancini, Bryan Cristante and Daniele Ghilardi, all confirmed for the upcoming international matches.

Alessandro Romano, a Roma academy graduate who departed for Cagliari a few weeks ago, has impressed his new club sufficiently to earn a call-up to the Italy national team at the behest of coach Mancini. Cagliari manager Pisacane highlighted Romano's development after his side's victory over Udinese, drawing a comparison to a former Roma midfielder. Pisacane told Sky: "Romano? I don't think he even knows how strong he is himself. He's a complete player—if I have to give an example, he's a player like Strootman but with more physical impact. Perhaps Strootman had a more educated left foot, but he's a player who understands the game, has sacrifice, has dedication, knows how to play football. He's a complete player. He needs to play a lot, even if he makes mistakes: he surprised me—compared to Palestra, who made two or three mistakes at Udinese, he seems a player much more mature than his age would suggest."