← All stories
Pes: Roma now as certain as Inter and Como
·15 September 2026·2h ago

Pes: Roma now as certain as Inter and Como

Source: Forza Roma

Rome's radio stations offered their verdict on Roma's latest performance, with broadcasters drawing parallels between the club and Serie A's title contenders. Roberto Pruzzo on Radio Radio noted Roma's quality in the opening half hour, praising Donyell Malen as decisive and dangerous, and Paulo Dybala for demonstrating good fitness. Sandro Sabatini also called it a strong display, highlighting Roma's attacking control when ahead and singling out Leonardo Balerdi as an unexpected standout, though he pointed to Inter's defensive vulnerabilities as a contrast.

Lorenzo Pes on Teleradiostereo made the boldest assessment, saying Roma have emerged as a genuine title contender alongside Inter and Como. He underlined Roma's recent defensive record—just one goal conceded in four matches—and identified centre-backs Hermoso and Mancini as a significant asset. Pes also praised Balerdi's composure and speed, and expressed surprise at Marten de Roon's quick adaptation, suggesting the midfielder's presence could complicate Gasperini's team selection in the defensive line.

Pes stated: "The Roma team has become a certainty, together with Como and Inter." He noted that Inter's next opponent will be Roma after the international break, followed by Como. Pes also observed that Roma's setup differs markedly from the fixture between the clubs last season, marking a shift in how the team approaches its challenges.

● AI Generated Summary

This summary was generated by an AI model. Always read the source for complete and accurate information.

Story Coverage6 sources on this story

Roma maintained their perfect start to the season with a 2–0 victory over Torino, extending their unbeaten run to four wins from four matches and securing twelve points at the summit of Serie A. Donyell Malen opened the scoring in the first half after Paulo Dybala's cross, with Niccolò Pisilli sealing the result late on. The performance drew widespread praise from Italian radio commentators, with Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical approach and squad rotation earning particular acclaim. Roberto Pruzzo highlighted Roma's control in the opening thirty minutes and singled out Malen's decisiveness and Dybala's fitness, while Sandro Sabatini commended the team's attacking dominance when ahead and Leonardo Balerdi's unexpected strength in defence. Mario Hermoso delivered an outstanding defensive display, including a sixty-metre recovery that impressed onlookers.

The standout assessment came from Lorenzo Pes on Teleradiostereo, who declared Roma "a certainty" alongside Inter and Como in the title race. Pes emphasised Roma's defensive record—just one goal conceded in four matches—and praised centre-backs Hermoso and Mancini as significant assets, alongside Balerdi's composure and speed. Carina on Radio Radio went further, arguing Roma "seems to have something more even compared to Inter," citing Inter's defensive injury problems. Gasperini's decision to withdraw both Dybala and Malen late in the match demonstrated careful squad management while balancing Champions League demands.

Roma now face their crucial examination: Inter visit the Olimpico on Saturday evening at 18:00. However, Inter's preparations are clouded by uncertainty, with defender John Stones and midfielder Calhanoglu both nursing muscle injuries sustained in their recent fixture. Ahead of the match, Roma will resume training at Trigoria on 15 September, with Gasperini monitoring the fitness of Evan N'Dicka, Wesley and Manu Koné.

AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.

Testo Originale / Source Text

Quello delle radio romane è un fenomeno che non ha eguali nel resto d'Italia. Una pluralità di stazioni che fungono da piattaforma, una schiera di giornalisti, ex calciatori e opinionisti ad animare lo spettacolo. Ecco le opinioni dei protagonisti delle emittenti radiofoniche: Roberto Pruzzo (Radio…

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

Read original on Forza Roma

More Opinion

Carina backs Roma over Inter and Como; Sabatini impressed by Balerdi's strength
Match ReportOpinion AI
2h ago

Carina backs Roma over Inter and Como; Sabatini impressed by Balerdi's strength

Radio commentators have delivered strong verdicts on Roma's performance in their most recent match, with consensus that the team is well-positioned heading into the season. Carina told Radio Radio: "Roma seems to me to have something more even compared to rivals, even Inter, which appears to have some injury problems, especially in defence. Roma instead seems well set up, together with Como. Inter's strikers, nobody has in Italy: Lautaro didn't play yesterday and nobody noticed, but they have problems that Roma and Como don't have." Pruzzo added: "I liked Roma: in the first half an hour it found solutions, exploited the opponents' errors. Malen is too decisive and too dangerous, Dybala showed he is in good condition. It seemed to me a good Roma for what the match demanded." Orsi emphasised the team's trajectory: "Yesterday was a match where Roma deserved to win. It didn't excite me, but that's normal given the energy spent in these days. Roma at the moment is doing well. Svilar made only one save, it seems to me that Torino's attack was soft: it confirmed the squad's good moment. The direct clash against Inter can give the championship answers about the work done so far. Roma plays as Gasperini wants, but it doesn't always find inconsistent squads: now it finds Inter, which when it breaks away in one-on-one is more complicated to face." Sabatini highlighted individual performances: "It was a great match, because as long as Roma went ahead it was always on the attack: Torino was, as they say, put to sleep. A match of good management, with individuals like Malen and with some surprise like Balerdi: I didn't think he was so strong." Pes noted that Roma has conceded only one goal in four matches and praised defensive structure: "Roma attacks with two centre-backs, Hermoso and Mancini, and for me this is also a great added value. Balerdi has a way of playing that impresses: security, speed." Roma will face Inter next, followed by Como after the international break.

Sabatini: Roma is my life, but I would have clashed with Gasperini
OpinionClub News AI
22h ago

Sabatini: Roma is my life, but I would have clashed with Gasperini

Walter Sabatini, the former sporting director who built Roma into title contenders, has returned to football as a consultant at Pro Patria, the Serie D club where he ended his playing career 43 years ago. Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Sabatini reflected on his life in the game and offered observations on current Italian football, including pointed comments about his former club and its rivals. Sabatini left Roma's hierarchy years ago and has now chosen to restart in a modest setting, describing it as "a sort of catharsis" and "entering the starting box once more". He acknowledged struggling in an environment that does not accommodate his ideas: "I need agility and speed. I don't hide that I'm finding myself uncomfortable and I don't want to waste my final years. I'm entering perhaps the third or fourth age of my life." Yet he retains the fighting spirit of his early career, when he began working for Triestina at 39. He still relies on instinct over data analysis: "When I see a player I must feel something immediately at first meeting. He must strike me like lightning. The only yardstick of evaluation I conceive is the eye, sensitivity, passion." On Roma specifically, Sabatini was emphatic: "Roma. It's my life, don't make me say anything else because I've developed a complex about being a boring man." He praised Paulo Dybala as "a residual champion of our championship", the only player of the calibre that graced Serie A in the 1990s—when Ronaldo, Platini and Rummenigge competed in Italy. Of Gian Piero Gasperini, Roma's current head coach, Sabatini said: "I have great admiration for his work as a technician but I would have entered into a collision course." He also expressed regret over his spell at Inter, calling himself "a meteor" that earthlings barely noticed pass. On the current league standings, Sabatini noted "great euphoria" within Roma's environment and "spiritual cohesion that makes everyone feel unbeatable", but judged Inter superior: "For the quality of the squad and depth of choices, Inter are a step above everyone." Sabatini watches every match in Serie A and finds inspiration in each one. He remains characteristically combative about his career and health, describing himself as "bulimic for life" and comparing his condition to Kafka's protagonist: "Guilty but no one knows of what crime."

Sabatini: Roma is my life, Gasperini and I would have clashed
Club NewsOpinion AI
23h ago

Sabatini: Roma is my life, Gasperini and I would have clashed

Walter Sabatini, the former Roma executive now working as a consultant for Pro Patria, has reflected on his career at the club in an interview with Corriere della Sera. On his time in the game, Sabatini said: "At Roma. It's my life, don't make me say anything else because I've developed a complex about being a boring man." Sabatini also addressed the current state of Italian football and Roma's standing. Discussing which club has the strongest squad values at present, he observed: "There is great euphoria in the Roma environment. A spiritual cohesion that makes everyone feel unbeatable. But in terms of squad quality and depth of choices, Inter are a step above everyone else." Sabatini commented on the prospect of working alongside Gasperini, the current Roma head coach, though he did not elaborate on the specifics of that assessment beyond the headline suggestion that collaboration between them would have led to friction.

More on Donyell Malen

Player profile →
Malen scores, Pisilli seals fourth straight Serie A win as Roma beat Torino
Match ReportSerie A AI
2h ago

Malen scores, Pisilli seals fourth straight Serie A win as Roma beat Torino

Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli scored as Roma won at Torino to extend their perfect start to the season to four consecutive Serie A victories. Malen's goal opened the scoring — his sixth of the campaign — before Pisilli added a second in injury time to secure the points. The display showed the defensive leadership of Leonardo Balerdi and the tactical impact of Gasperini's substitutions, with Nahuel Molina's performance on the wing and Marten de Roon's immediate influence after coming on praised for order and authority. Pisilli, deployed in the starting midfield alongside Bryan Cristante, was the standout performer. The academy product answered summer transfer speculation that had linked him with a possible exit by delivering a complete display built on work rate, game management and consistency. Gasperini demands exactly this standard and Pisilli continued to deliver it without prompting. Roma maintained their compact shape throughout at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, demonstrating the mature, solid and ambitious structure that has underpinned their four consecutive league wins and unbeaten record this season.

Pisilli Scores Twice in 126 Minutes; In Contention for Inter Clash
Squad NewsSerie A AI
2h ago

Pisilli Scores Twice in 126 Minutes; In Contention for Inter Clash

Niccolò Pisilli has scored twice in 126 minutes of Serie A action, demonstrating a ruthless finishing touch despite not always getting into shooting positions. The young midfielder's conversion rate is striking: while he doesn't generate a high volume of attempts, he is consistently effective when the chance arrives. Pisilli could feature again against Inter, possibly even if Manu Koné recovers from injury. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is considering deploying him alongside Paulo Dybala behind Donyell Malen to reinforce Roma's midfield compactness from the start. The decision will be made on Saturday morning.

Roma flash news: Balerdi stars in Turin win, Maresca ratings mixed
Match ReportSerie A AI
2h ago

Roma flash news: Balerdi stars in Turin win, Maresca ratings mixed

Leonardo Balerdi earned the highest rating from match reviewers after Roma's victory in Turin on 15 September, recording an average of 7.5, ahead of Donyell Malen (7.4) and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini (7.3). Niccolò Pisilli and Paulo Dybala both scored 7, with Pisilli netting Roma's second goal despite cramping, while Matías Soulé (5.9) and substitute Rodrigo Mora (5.4) struggled in comparison. Referee Fabio Maresca received divided marks for his performance: 5 from Gazzetta dello Sport, 6.5 from Corriere dello Sport and 6 from Il Romanista. The key incident centred on a challenge by Comuzzo on a cross from Nahuel Molina, which was adjudged to strike the defender's chest rather than his arm, making the non-award of a penalty correct. Both of Roma's goals were considered correctly allowed. Meanwhile, Inter face uncertainty ahead of their Serie A fixture against Roma on Saturday: midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is in serious doubt after missing the match against Udinese with adductor fatigue. He underwent examinations on 15 September. Manchester City's John Stones also suffered injury during the week, suffering a hamstring problem and requiring reassessment.

GialloRossi.netRead original →

More on Paulo Dybala

Player profile →
Pisilli Scores Twice in 126 Minutes; In Contention for Inter Clash
Squad NewsSerie A AI
2h ago

Pisilli Scores Twice in 126 Minutes; In Contention for Inter Clash

Niccolò Pisilli has scored twice in 126 minutes of Serie A action, demonstrating a ruthless finishing touch despite not always getting into shooting positions. The young midfielder's conversion rate is striking: while he doesn't generate a high volume of attempts, he is consistently effective when the chance arrives. Pisilli could feature again against Inter, possibly even if Manu Koné recovers from injury. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is considering deploying him alongside Paulo Dybala behind Donyell Malen to reinforce Roma's midfield compactness from the start. The decision will be made on Saturday morning.

Roma flash news: Balerdi stars in Turin win, Maresca ratings mixed
Match ReportSerie A AI
2h ago

Roma flash news: Balerdi stars in Turin win, Maresca ratings mixed

Leonardo Balerdi earned the highest rating from match reviewers after Roma's victory in Turin on 15 September, recording an average of 7.5, ahead of Donyell Malen (7.4) and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini (7.3). Niccolò Pisilli and Paulo Dybala both scored 7, with Pisilli netting Roma's second goal despite cramping, while Matías Soulé (5.9) and substitute Rodrigo Mora (5.4) struggled in comparison. Referee Fabio Maresca received divided marks for his performance: 5 from Gazzetta dello Sport, 6.5 from Corriere dello Sport and 6 from Il Romanista. The key incident centred on a challenge by Comuzzo on a cross from Nahuel Molina, which was adjudged to strike the defender's chest rather than his arm, making the non-award of a penalty correct. Both of Roma's goals were considered correctly allowed. Meanwhile, Inter face uncertainty ahead of their Serie A fixture against Roma on Saturday: midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is in serious doubt after missing the match against Udinese with adductor fatigue. He underwent examinations on 15 September. Manchester City's John Stones also suffered injury during the week, suffering a hamstring problem and requiring reassessment.

GialloRossi.netRead original →
Carina backs Roma over Inter and Como; Sabatini impressed by Balerdi's strength
Match ReportOpinion AI
2h ago

Carina backs Roma over Inter and Como; Sabatini impressed by Balerdi's strength

Radio commentators have delivered strong verdicts on Roma's performance in their most recent match, with consensus that the team is well-positioned heading into the season. Carina told Radio Radio: "Roma seems to me to have something more even compared to rivals, even Inter, which appears to have some injury problems, especially in defence. Roma instead seems well set up, together with Como. Inter's strikers, nobody has in Italy: Lautaro didn't play yesterday and nobody noticed, but they have problems that Roma and Como don't have." Pruzzo added: "I liked Roma: in the first half an hour it found solutions, exploited the opponents' errors. Malen is too decisive and too dangerous, Dybala showed he is in good condition. It seemed to me a good Roma for what the match demanded." Orsi emphasised the team's trajectory: "Yesterday was a match where Roma deserved to win. It didn't excite me, but that's normal given the energy spent in these days. Roma at the moment is doing well. Svilar made only one save, it seems to me that Torino's attack was soft: it confirmed the squad's good moment. The direct clash against Inter can give the championship answers about the work done so far. Roma plays as Gasperini wants, but it doesn't always find inconsistent squads: now it finds Inter, which when it breaks away in one-on-one is more complicated to face." Sabatini highlighted individual performances: "It was a great match, because as long as Roma went ahead it was always on the attack: Torino was, as they say, put to sleep. A match of good management, with individuals like Malen and with some surprise like Balerdi: I didn't think he was so strong." Pes noted that Roma has conceded only one goal in four matches and praised defensive structure: "Roma attacks with two centre-backs, Hermoso and Mancini, and for me this is also a great added value. Balerdi has a way of playing that impresses: security, speed." Roma will face Inter next, followed by Como after the international break.

More on Leonardo Balerdi

Player profile →
Ziółkowski and Balerdi: Roma's defensive evolution explained
Squad NewsTransfer News AI
1h ago

Ziółkowski and Balerdi: Roma's defensive evolution explained

Roma's transfer strategy this summer has drawn criticism from sections of the media, particularly the departures and arrivals in defence. Jan Ziółkowski, signed in August 2025 at a low fee following scout Massara's assessment of his potential in Poland, has left to gain playing time elsewhere after Gasperini identified other priorities. Alongside Konstantinos Koulierakis, Leonardo Balerdi arrived late in the window—the former Marseille captain—prompting complaints from observers who questioned why Ziółkowski was sold if money was then spent on a replacement. The logic behind Roma's approach is becoming clearer in the opening weeks of the season. Ziółkowski may return one day ready to compete for a starting place, or he may represent a useful profit for the club's finances. For now, Balerdi is what Roma need. What rankles some commentators is that those now celebrating Balerdi's arrival were among those who dismissed his signing initially, often appearing unfamiliar with his name. Before Turin-Roma, some called for Balerdi to replace Gianluca Mancini, whom they had written off as finished after errors against Atalanta and Fenerbahçe. Mancini, however, produced a monumental display at Turin, exposing the opportunism of those quick to turn on him. The article criticizes media outlets for excitement in watching Roma stumble rather than genuine engagement with the club's direction.

TeleRadioStereoRead original →
Malen scores, Pisilli seals fourth straight Serie A win as Roma beat Torino
Match ReportSerie A AI
2h ago

Malen scores, Pisilli seals fourth straight Serie A win as Roma beat Torino

Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli scored as Roma won at Torino to extend their perfect start to the season to four consecutive Serie A victories. Malen's goal opened the scoring — his sixth of the campaign — before Pisilli added a second in injury time to secure the points. The display showed the defensive leadership of Leonardo Balerdi and the tactical impact of Gasperini's substitutions, with Nahuel Molina's performance on the wing and Marten de Roon's immediate influence after coming on praised for order and authority. Pisilli, deployed in the starting midfield alongside Bryan Cristante, was the standout performer. The academy product answered summer transfer speculation that had linked him with a possible exit by delivering a complete display built on work rate, game management and consistency. Gasperini demands exactly this standard and Pisilli continued to deliver it without prompting. Roma maintained their compact shape throughout at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, demonstrating the mature, solid and ambitious structure that has underpinned their four consecutive league wins and unbeaten record this season.

Ndícka and Wesley fit for Inter clash; Gasperini has full squad available
Squad NewsEurope AI
2h ago

Ndícka and Wesley fit for Inter clash; Gasperini has full squad available

Evan N'Dicka and Wesley will be available for Roma's match against Inter at the Olimpico on Saturday, despite recent minor fitness concerns. N'Dicka, who had an intestinal virus and some light fatigue, is expected to reclaim his place in defence, though Leonardo Balerdi's performance in Turin means the decision carries some conditionality. Wesley will operate regularly on the left, while the right-back position will see competition between Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli. Manu Koné will return to the starting lineup after his absence. Lorenzo Pellegrini remains on the bench as part of his gradual reintegration following the international break. Roma approach their most difficult fixture of the season with a fully available squad.

Feedback