Massara departs as Roma seeks €60m in sales within a month

Leonardo Balerdi's loan deal from Marseille contains a complex purchase structure tied directly to his match appearances. If the Argentine defender plays in at least 55% of Roma's fixtures across all competitions for a minimum of 45 minutes, the buyout becomes mandatory at €14 million. Should his appearance rate fall between 40 and 55%, the obligation drops to €11 million. Marseille has secured a protection clause requiring Roma to pay a minimum €9 million if Balerdi accumulates just 20% of minutes played in the second half of the season. Balerdi will earn €1.5 million annually under the loan agreement—a significantly reduced figure relative to his market value—with a salary increase guaranteed if Roma exercise the permanent transfer option from next season onwards.

Inter have tracked several Roma players across multiple transfer windows, with some coming closer to a move than others. Mile Svilar was a target in summer 2025 before he renewed his contract with Roma, while contacts were made with Gianluca Mancini's representatives in early July when his deal was set to expire in 2027. Nahuel Molina was examined as a possible replacement for Dumfries, and in spring Inter president Marotta considered Lorenzo Pellegrini as an option. The most serious pursuit came in summer 2025 when director Ausilio agreed a deal with Roma's then sporting director Massara for Manu Koné on 15 August—reportedly worth 40 million euros plus bonuses—but Roma's ownership halted the transfer following supporter unrest. Paulo Dybala represents perhaps the most intriguing near-miss. In June 2022, fresh from leaving Juventus, his agent secured an agreement with Inter for a contract worth 6 million euros. The move collapsed when Inter owner Zhang hesitated, head coach Simone Inzaghi harboured doubts about the fit, and the club could not offload Alexis Correa elsewhere. Inter ultimately pivoted to bringing Romelu Lukaku back on loan instead. The article, published by Federico Masini in Tuttosport, frames these overlapping negotiations as a series of alternate paths in the transfer market. It traces how each of these Roma players—Svilar, Mancini, Pellegrini, Molina, Koné and Dybala—has at different times occupied Inter's thinking, whether as established targets or passing considerations.

Ahead of the big match between Roma and Inter, the transfer market reveals a thread connecting the two clubs over recent years: failed negotiations, hidden probes and shared targets that have intertwined their strategies from goalkeeper to attack. Inter considered Mile Svilar before his 2025 renewal, and came close to signing Mario Hermoso in 2024 before Oaktree's green-line policy on free transfers halted the move. The Nerazzurri also evaluated Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini, though the latter never wavered in his commitment to Roma despite Inter's interest. The clubs also conducted scouting missions for Nahuel Molina and Lorenzo Pellegrini on the flanks and in midfield. The biggest near-miss involved Manu Koné: in summer 2025, Inter reached an agreement worth 40 million euros, but Roma's ownership blocked the deal after a strong reaction from the supporters. The greatest regret for Inter remains Paulo Dybala, who came very close to joining the Nerazzurri in 2022. Zhang began to waver, Inzaghi was not entirely convinced, and Inter ultimately chose to pursue Lukaku's return on loan instead. That decision effectively cleared the path for Dybala's historic move to Roma.

Roma face Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on 19 September 2026 with the chance to reach the international break unbeaten and extend their sequence of victories in Serie A. A win would cap what Gasperini's side could describe as a perfect start to the season, and would also represent a tenth consecutive league victory when counted across the final five matches of last season and the opening fixtures of 2026-27. The clash comes with Roma's squad now at full strength for what the club considers a genuine examination of their title credentials. Evan N'Dicka has recovered from the intestinal influenza that ruled him out of last week's fixture in Turin. Mario Hermoso sustained a contusion during the week but will still be available for selection. Leonardo Balerdi, who impressed in Piedmont, is pushing for a starting role. Emanuele Lulli holds the advantage in the left-back battle with Nahuel Molina, while Wesley will continue on the left flank. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné form the midfield pair. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are automatic selections, and Niccolò Pisilli is competing with Matías Soulé for the role of left-sided attacking midfielder.

Gian Piero Gasperini plans to field Niccolò Pisilli in midfield for Roma's match against Inter at the Olimpico, continuing his stated philosophy of selecting players based on individual condition rather than preset hierarchies. Pisilli, who has scored twice this season, will compete with Matías Soulé for a starting place on the attacking midfield line alongside Paulo Dybala. Manu Koné is set to return to the starting XI after being benched on Monday, pairing with Bryan Cristante in the centre of the pitch. On the flanks, Wesley is expected to operate on the left wing despite Gasperini's earlier consideration of deploying him on the right to face Dimarco directly; Emanuele Lulli will occupy the right side instead. The defence faces uncertainty over Mario Hermoso's availability. The Spanish defender's ankle pain has subsided and he trained with the squad the previous day, but Roma's medical staff may opt for precaution and keep him on the bench initially. Leonardo Balerdi, among Roma's standout performers so far this season, is ready to deputise and can play either as a central defender or on the left of the back line. Mile Svilar will start in goal, with Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka completing the defensive unit.

Gian Piero Gasperini plans to field Niccolò Pisilli ahead of Matías Soulé in tonight's Serie A match against Inter, seeking an unexpected tactical edge against the defending champions. Pisilli, who has already scored two goals in the league this season, is ready to operate alongside Paulo Dybala in an unchanged approach that prioritises form over hierarchy. Bryan Cristante will anchor midfield as usual, with Manu Koné returning to the starting eleven after sitting on the bench on Monday. On the flanks, Gasperini will clarify his final decisions in the hours ahead, with Wesley positioned on the left and Emanuele Lulli deployed on the right, though the head coach is tempted to move Wesley to the right flank to counter Dimarco. Mario Hermoso is at risk of missing the match due to precaution, despite training with the group yesterday and reporting reduced pain in his ankle. Leonardo Balerdi stands ready to replace him and has impressed in the early stages of the season, capable of playing both centre-back and left-centre-back roles. Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini will partner Balerdi in defence, with Mile Svilar in goal. Gasperini had emphasised days before the Torino–Roma fixture that no established pecking order exists and that form dictates selection. The philosophy remains unchanged for this evening's big match: playing those in best condition to overcome the Italian champions.

Roma's match against Inter at the Olimpico represents a pivotal moment in the season, pitting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's title ambitions against two significant statistical obstacles. The club must overturn Inter's run of five consecutive victories at the Olimpico and address Gasperini's poor personal record in direct meetings with the Nerazzurri. These are not mere historical footnotes: both teams retain their core playing personnel, with Roma's spine formed by Mancini, Cristante and Pellegrini, while Inter's strength lies in their block of Bastoni, Dimarco, Barella and Lautaro Martinez. A positive result would represent a definitive breakthrough for Roma, validating their credentials as genuine Serie A title contenders and marking a clear break with the past. The fixture arrives before the international break, making it a crucial opportunity to build momentum in the squad and the environment before the pause for national team commitments. For Inter's side under Cristian Chivu, the primary mission is to contain the growing enthusiasm building around the Giallorossi. A Roma victory would confirm their status as a candidate for the top of the table and provide the final proof of quality needed to establish themselves as genuine challengers this season.

Roma host Inter at the Olimpico in a direct battle for Serie A's top spot, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side seeking to extend their perfect record against Cristian Chivu's team. The fixture pits the league's two most potent attacking units against each other: Roma have scored 12 goals in their first four matches this season, up from 3 in the same period last season, while Inter have netted 13, a gain of two from 2025. Roma operate at a high tempo with an average midfield line of 55.8 metres and average 21.3 shots per game; Inter rely on directness and quick transitions as their main weapon. Historically, Roma-Inter is Serie A's highest-scoring fixture, with 340 goals across 186 matches at an average of 2.9 per game. For Gasperini, victory offers a chance to reach a significant milestone: a tenth consecutive league win. That feat has been achieved only twice in Roma's history—by Rudi Garcia in 2013–14 and Luciano Spalletti in 2005–06. At the Olimpico across all Serie A meetings, Roma hold a slim advantage: 34 wins to Inter's 33 from 93 encounters, with 26 draws. Roma have scored 139 goals at home in these clashes to Inter's 135. Arbitro Davide Massa will oversee the match. Gasperini is expected to deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation: Svilar in goal; a back three of Mancini, Balerdi and Hermoso; Wesley and Lulli on the flanks with Koné and Cristante in midfield; Dybala and Pellegrini supporting Malen as the single striker. The main pre-match uncertainties concern the defence, where Balerdi is favoured over N'Dicka (60%–40%), and the right flank, where Lulli holds an edge over Molina (65%–35%). Among the standout performers, Paulo Dybala has five career goals against Inter, though only one wearing Roma's shirt, while Inter forward Marcus Thuram has scored four against Roma—among his preferred targets in Italy.

Roma host Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 19 September at 18:00 in Serie A's fifth round, a clash between the only two unbeaten sides after four matches. Both teams arrive with 12 points from four wins apiece—Roma's latest a 2–0 victory at Torino, Inter's a 5–3 comeback win over Udinese. Roma lead on goal difference in what marks the first genuine test of the season for two sides in outstanding form. Gian Piero Gasperini reports a fully fit squad for the match. Evan N'Dicka has recovered from a gastrointestinal issue, Wesley from a knock to his ankle, and Mario Hermoso from a contusion sustained during the week. Lorenzo Pellegrini is back in full training after two weeks out and available for selection, though likely as a substitute. Gasperini has deployed a 3–4–2–1 formation in recent games and may continue it here, weighing whether to use Niccolò Pisilli as a secondary forward alongside Paulo Dybala behind Donyell Malen, or to maintain Matías Soulé in that role for greater midfield cover against Inter's attack. At fullback, a contest remains between Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina on the right, with Lulli slightly favored, while Wesley returns on the left. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are expected to form the midfield partnership. In defence, Gianluca Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso are lined up to start, though Leonardo Balerdi continues to press the Ivorian after recent strong displays. Inter, managed by Cristian Chivu, are without key midfield figure Hakan Calhanoglu, sidelined by a right adductor muscle strain and unavailable until after the international break. John Stones is also absent with a hamstring issue, and Denzil Spence is not yet ready. Josep Martinez is expected to retain the goalkeeper role despite some recent lapses. The back three should feature Yann Bisseck, Mohammed Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni. On the right, Luis Henrique is favored over the fatigued Diouf, while Federico Dimarco returns at left-back. Piotr Zielinski takes Calhanoglu's role in midfield alongside Nicolò Barella and Curtis Jones, who is preferred to Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mario Sucic. Lautaro Martinez, rested against Udinese, will start alongside Marcus Thuram in attack. Betting markets show an extremely tight contest, with Inter marginally favored: Roma victory is quoted at 2.70–2.76, a draw at 3.35–3.50, and Inter at 2.50–2.60. Over 2.5 goals trades at 1.60, reflecting both teams' attacking prowess, though Roma have shown superior defensive solidity so far. The match is exclusive to DAZN, available through the app on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, consoles and computers, with no broadcast on standard Sky Sport channels. Referee is Davide Massa, assisted by Meli and Berti, fourth official Maresca, VAR Mazzoleni, and assistant VAR Di Paolo.

Roma have strengthened their squad depth considerably this summer, moving beyond a reliance on a fixed starting eleven. Leonardo Balerdi has replaced Jan Ziółkowski as a key defender, Nahuel Molina has taken over from Zeki Çelik, and Marten de Roon has arrived to displace concerns about midfield depth. The arrivals of Emanuele Lulli and Konstantinos Koulierakis add further options across the back line. Gasperini, who last season was forced to deploy makeshift solutions—using Baldanzi as a centre-forward and reluctantly fielding Kostas Tsimikas and Zaragoza—now has genuine alternatives. In the match against Torino, Roma demonstrated they possess not eleven starters but at least sixteen capable players. Balerdi showed himself to be a commanding defender and leader in brief outings against Atalanta and Fenerbahce, confirming his qualities across all dimensions of play. De Roon's entrance in yesterday's fixture at Torino displayed the right attitude and the unconditional backing of Gasperini, who brought him to the club; his experience and assurance offset any reservations some may hold. Molina's addition means Roma can rotate their full-back options without sacrifice. Marten Lulli's emergence has made the remaining transfer market gap feel less troubling. Santiago Castro has yet to score but showed his capabilities against Atalanta and a goal will come; Gasperini is pleased with his on-field conduct. The club still awaits a final piece—possibly Rodrigo Mora—but the summer business by director D'Amico and Gasperini has been purposeful, securing functional players with the correct character rather than marquee names.

Zeki Çelik's departure this summer has proven beneficial for Roma, with the Turkish defender struggling at his new club while the Giallorossi have found capable alternatives. Çelik, who had agreed a renewal with Roma before changing his mind to join another side, has posted uninspiring numbers in his opening matches. Against Milan yesterday he recorded zero successful crosses, matching the same figure across his previous two outings against Parma and Frosinone. Social media criticism has already mounted, with fans questioning the absence of a 'Çelik cam'—a reference to a video DAZN produced weeks earlier following his first friendly appearance. His exit has cleared the path for Emanuele Lulli, who has become integral to Gasperini's setup. Initially withdrawn from the transfer market, Lulli started in all three of Roma's opening matches and has impressed the coaching staff considerably. Equally significant is the emergence of Nahuel Molina, the Argentine fullback who is continuing to build his fitness following Argentina's run to the World Cup final. Against Atalanta, Molina made a decisive 36-minute appearance, creating multiple dangerous situations and setting up a header from Santiago Castro that struck the crossbar. He recorded 100 per cent of tackles won and 90 per cent pass accuracy. Roma's first Champions League fixture arrives Thursday against Feyenoord, with Molina and Lulli in direct competition for the fullback berth. Molina's experience in high-pressure stadiums should serve him well as Roma prepare for what the article describes as an extremely hostile environment.

Roma are flying this season, and Gian Piero Gasperini has been central to building a unity across the club that extends from the pitch to the boardroom. The coach has overseen a start to the campaign that may rival even the magical 2000–01 season. After comfortable victories over Fiorentina and Lecce, Roma faced a severe test against Atalanta on Saturday and managed not only to win but to overturn the flow of the match—playing what the commentary describes as "winning in the Mourinho way while playing Gasperini football." The side showed genuine compactness in that contest, particularly during difficult moments when they could have faltered; instead, the entire Roma family—players, management, staff and supporters—rallied together. Gasperini has also brought D'Amico onto the coaching staff to ensure everyone speaks the same language, an approach likened to a well-coordinated naval fleet where no one rows against the current. The appointment of the right people and the absence of internal division have created an environment where squad, leadership and fanbase all pull in the same direction. On the pitch, Roma deployed what appeared to be 13 players rather than 11 against Atalanta, a testament to the collective spirit that has taken root. The article contrasts Roma's current harmony with the pattern of internal factions that has plagued the club in the past, noting that some external commentators have already prepared critiques—whether about Zeki Çelik's non-renewal, spending on Rodrigo Mora or Santiago Castro, or other decisions—but results are rendering those arguments moot. The article frames Roma's trajectory as one where polemica (internal dispute) is being actively rejected in favour of unified purpose, suggesting the club is moving in a markedly different direction from its historical tendency toward division.