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Radio Roma declares Roma a title contender alongside Inter and Como
·15 September 2026·45d ago

Radio Roma declares Roma a title contender alongside Inter and Como

Source: Forza Roma

Rome's radio stations offered a broad consensus on Roma's credentials after the team's victory on 14 September. Multiple commentators, including Lorenzo Pes of Teleradiostereo, positioned Roma as genuine Scudetto contenders. Pes stated: "The squad has become a certainty, together with Como and Inter."

Gasperini's squad depth and tactical flexibility drew widespread praise. Simone Valdarchi noted that "the level of the squad is higher than last year and Gasperini has several formation choices without lowering the quality threshold." Stefano Agresti highlighted the coach's player management, explaining: "Gasperini is giving a great lesson in handling players. He needs to have players like Castro and Mora in form. He wants to bring everyone to good condition and this allows him to have Malen and Dybala more rested." However, Alessandro Vocalelli identified a potential weakness in attacking alternatives, arguing that whereas Inter can replace Calhanoglu and Lautaro, Roma's Castro and Mora do not have the same calibre of backup to Dybala and Malen.

Defensive solidity emerged as a source of confidence. Commentators highlighted Roma's record of conceding only one goal in four matches and praised individual performances. Sandro Sabatini noted the difference between Roma and Inter lay in defence, citing Inter's vulnerabilities stemming from Madrid. Balerdi received particular acclaim—Sandro Sabatini remarked: "With some surprise like Balerdi: I didn't think he was that strong." Ugo Trani observed that "this Roma is one of the best in recent years" owing to its "balance, solidity, mentality and physicality," though he urged the club to pursue two additional players before December. Francesco Balzani suggested that in "points and play, Roma is actually ahead of the other two," while Luciano Moggi described Roma as "a squared-off squad" with "something good in all departments," adding that it was "a squad that can play for the title."

Roma faces Inter next, a fixture commentators framed as a direct test of the club's championship credentials despite Inter remaining favourites. Moggi noted: "Beating Inter will be difficult but there will be competition."

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Story Coverage2 sources on this story

Roma's radio commentators have declared the club a genuine Serie A title contender following an impressive recent performance. Mario Corsi stated plainly that only Roma, Inter and Como are serious challengers for the Scudetto, dismissing other rivals entirely. Lorenzo Pes on Teleradiostereo reinforced this assessment, calling Roma "a certainty, together with Como and Inter," while citing the club's defensive solidity—just one goal conceded in four matches—as evidence of title-winning credentials. Roma's attacking output has also impressed, with 12 goals scored in the league so far. Francesca Ferrazza identified European football as the decisive factor in the title race, noting that all three contenders compete in the Champions League, which could prove the differentiator over a long campaign.

Leonardo Balerdi's emergence as a centre-back has dominated discussion among commentators. David Rossi declared that Balerdi has displaced N'Dicka as the starting option, while Mario Corsi compared him favourably to Samuel. Piacentini confessed to being "totally in love with Balerdi," describing him as a "maestro" with speed, strength in the air and elegance. Piero Torri acknowledged the resulting selection dilemma: "I believe Roma will buy him outright," though he noted N'Dicka remains established. Sandro Sabatini expressed surprise at the overall squad depth, questioning rhetorically whether Roma's fourth defender, fourth midfielder and a previously unknown player like Lulli could all be this strong. Alessio Nardo highlighted the squad's transformation, noting that injuries to N'Dicka, Wesley and Koné last season would have forced weaker alternatives into the side.

Roberto Pruzzo offered measured criticism of Rodrigo Mora's positioning, suggesting he struggles when operating 40–50 metres from goal, though Corsi urged patience given Mora's recent arrival. Niccolò Pisilli drew praise for his unfamiliar role performance, while Marten de Roon impressed Lorenzo Pes with his quick adaptation and tactical awareness. Commentators credited manager Gasperini with instilling intensity, with Corsi noting the manager "has put a sporting nastiness into the players."

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: Simone Valdarchi…”

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

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