Pruzzo backs Dodô over Read; Torri warns of lost identity at Roma

Francesco Totti was the central figure at the presentation of French defender Vincent Candela's book on 18 September, delivering warm praise for his former teammate. Totti highlighted Candela's exceptional intelligence as a player, noting that he "flew" across the pitch rather than simply running, and that he "seemed like a dancer." Candela, who played alongside Totti during his time at Roma, is now seeing his memoir celebrated by one of the club's greatest figures. Totti's remarks underscored how Candela's footballing mind set him apart, even as the presentation maintained a light and entertaining tone throughout the event.

Roma's flying form has sparked title-race optimism among the club's supporters, with actor Carlo Verdone telling Corriere dello Sport that this season could be their moment. Verdone praised head coach Gasperini's work, saying: "It could be the right year, yes. Gasperini is doing a huge job, he's brought out genuinely incredible players and the squad is performing very well." He singled out defender Emanuele Lulli as an unexpected prospect and midfielders Niccolò Pisilli and Leonardo Balerdi for particular praise, with Verdone describing Balerdi—a recent arrival—as "very strong" and predicting Lulli will soon feature for Italy. On the threat posed by Inter, Verdone acknowledged the challenge ahead. "Inter are genuinely frightening, without doubt," he said. "They're a team that becomes a force when they attack—we've seen that in this opening stretch of the season and last season under a good coach like Chivu. But Inter can also give something away, as the Udinese match showed. Roma have the best defence in the league, but the Nerazzurri are always scary."

Massimo Moratti has spoken ahead of Inter's visit to Roma on 19 September at 18:00, telling La Repubblica that he expects a competitive fixture between two clubs whose strength often rises and falls in tandem. 'It is destiny that Roma are competitive when we are too. By now it is a classic, like Inter-Juventus and Inter-Milan,' Moratti said. 'In a single match it is hard to say who will have the better of it. Over the course of the season, though, I say Inter.' He praised Roma's current manager, noting: 'Chivu is capable, has good sense, knows how to hold the squad together.' Moratti reflected on his personal connection to Roma through players he signed from the club. He recalled Chivu's courage after a near-fatal head injury: 'I went to see him in hospital. He said he would come back soon, without complaining. A brave man.' On his fractured relationship with Gasperini, Moratti said: 'We have met, shaken hands, embraced. I have no grudge. He perhaps does, and it would be justified. It was an unlucky moment: we were not winning a match.' Moratti also spoke of his long-standing desire to sign Francesco Totti, Roma's all-time great. 'Totti. I tried. I told Sensi I would not make a fuss over the price. He replied that it was not to be discussed. He behaved like a Romanista, not a merchant.' Moratti went on to describe his actual Roma signing: 'I took Batistuta from Roma. He scored only one goal but I would do it again.' On the upcoming match, Moratti expects an open contest: 'A fine one. We are at the start, the teams do not have too much fear of losing points. And it can be valuable as training for the Champions League, where you cannot afford to be foolish.'