Pruzzo backs Dodo over Read as Roma radio voices debate transfer strategy

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 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.

Gian Piero Gasperini has acknowledged Inter's superior record ahead of tomorrow's meeting between the sides, saying: "Inter are stronger in points earned and victories. We must have the serenity to recognise these objective situations. We must look at ourselves, not others." He added that Roma are content with their progress and have improved since last season, with Lorenzo Pellegrini now in his second week of full training and available for selection. Mile Svilar, speaking to Il Corriere della Sera, addressed speculation about a Juventus move and Roma's title ambitions. "I never had even one conversation with Juventus," he said. "I'm not someone who signs a renewal and then denies the choice." On the scudetto: "Two good matches here and we're exalted; one defeat and it's drama. We must stay balanced. We'll understand later if we're truly title contenders. We're playing better, more dominant, more as a team. In Gasperini's second year his ideas come automatically." Leonardo Balerdi, recently called up to Argentina's national squad, described his Roma move as a dream realised. "I wanted to change air after many years at Marseille," he told Il Tempo. "I've wanted to play in Serie A since childhood and now at Roma I'm more than happy. I get on well with Gasperini's instructions; I feel myself improving physically every day. His way of training is an advantage because in matches I feel strong." Series A will pause after matchday five for a 20-day international break. Italy's Nations League fixtures run 25 September (Belgium), 28 September (Turkey), 2 October (France) and 5 October (Turkey). Gianluca Mancini, Bryan Cristante and Daniele Ghilardi are in the senior squad; Niccolò Pisilli and Emanuele Lulli have been called to the Under-21. Manu Koné and Donyell Malen are also engaged internationally with France and the Netherlands respectively.

Roma and Inter, the only two Serie A sides with 12 points after four rounds, meet at the Olimpico on Saturday in a high-stakes title clash. Gian Piero Gasperini's side have made a superb start to their second season in charge, winning all four league matches by an aggregate of 12–1, including a 2–0 victory at Torino on Monday with goals from Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli. That came after a 1–1 draw at Fenerbahce in their opening Europa League fixture. Roma will attempt to reverse a damaging recent record: they have won only two of their last 16 encounters with Inter (D6, L10), and have lost their last five league clashes against them at home, failing to score four times in that sequence. The Giallorossi will seek to avenge an embarrassing 5–2 defeat from their last meeting. Despite the historical disadvantage, Roma's form this season suggests they can compete. They are the only Serie A team to have scored at least two goals in each of the first four rounds, and have extended their remarkable winning streak in the division to 11 games, including matches from last season. They are the second-highest scorers in Italy's top flight after four matchdays. Roma are also unbeaten in their last 14 home league matches (W11, D3) and boast one of the best defensive records in Europe's top-five leagues this season—only Arsenal and Freiburg have conceded as few goals as the Giallorossi (1). Inter, the reigning champions, are unbeaten in their last 30 Serie A games (W23, D6) despite netting just once in their only league trip so far in 2026–27, a narrow win over Cagliari. They top the scoring charts with 13 goals and have demonstrated remarkable fighting spirit, coming from 2–0 down to beat Napoli 3–2 and Udinese 5–3. However, they have conceded five goals across their last two league matches and let in at least two goals in three of their last five Serie A away games. Gasperini will have his entire squad available on Saturday, with Wesley Franca and Evan N'Dicka resuming full training earlier in the week. Manu Koné, who came off the bench at Turin, could return to the starting lineup in place of Pisilli. Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé are expected to start behind Malen. Inter will be without midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu (adductor strain) and summer signing John Stones (thigh injury), with Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni forming the defensive trio. Marcus Thuram could make his first Serie A start of the season after two impressive substitute appearances. Roma's projected lineup: Svilar; Mancini, Balerdi, N'Dicka; Molina, Koné, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Dybala; Malen. Inter's projected lineup: J. Martínez; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Diouf, Barella, Zielinski, Jones, Dimarco; Thuram, L. Martínez.

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.