Radio voices assess Roma's Inter test and title contenders

Francesco Graziani, the former Roma striker, has expressed confidence in the club's season after a strong start, singling out Donyell Malen for particular praise in an interview with Il Tempo. Graziani, who spent three seasons in the capital and remains closely connected to the Giallorossi, told the outlet that Malen represents a level of attacking talent the club has not seen in some time. "At Roma an attacker like this hasn't been seen for a long time. He is strong physically and technically skilled," Graziani said. "I don't understand why in his national team they don't play him in the position most suited to him—exactly the position that manager Gasperini gives him. It's madness not to make the most of his undoubted qualities." Graziani highlighted the strength of Roma's squad depth as a foundation for optimism. "The squad is strong and compared to the past has an important bench, almost of the same value as the starters. This allows the manager to manage his forces and the many commitments better," he explained. He also credited Gasperini's appointment and the role of his assistant D'Amico as decisive for the club's direction. "After a long and rewarding experience at Atalanta, he chose Roma and arrived with a strong desire to prove himself. Last season he was good at building; this summer he worked very well to reinforce the squad and the results are showing. I believe D'Amico's arrival was decisive. The two know each other perfectly and have already shown they are a pair capable of building quality teams," Graziani said. Graziari stressed that Gasperini is interpreting his role in an English manner—as a manager with control over both coaching and the transfer market, not simply as a coach. "The president, his son and the collaborators decided to entrust themselves completely to Gasperini, giving him not only technical guidance but also the market. Gian Piero is interpreting his role in the English way; he is more a manager than a coach. I am truly very confident." Graziani remained measured on European prospects, acknowledging that the Champions League is "a super competition, fascinating and very difficult," while noting that Roma possess the qualities to perform well. On the upcoming clash with Inter at the Olimpico, he predicted that "a great many things can happen" but that the result would arrive too early in the season to be decisive.

Radio commentators analysed Roma's recent performance and prospects ahead of their Serie A clash with Inter. Carina told Radio Radio: "It seems to me that Roma have something more even compared to their rivals, even Inter, who seem to have some problems related to injuries, especially in defence. Roma instead seem well set, together with Como. Inter's strikers are not matched by anyone in Italy: Lautaro didn't play yesterday and nobody noticed, but they have problems that Roma and Como don't have." Furio Zara described the Inter match as "the first real maturity test" for Roma, while Stefano Agresti called it "a title clash; but obviously it doesn't decide who will win the championship. Both are the most favoured teams to win Serie A." Roberto Pruzzo praised Roma's display, saying: "I liked Roma: in the first half hour they found solutions, they exploited their opponents' errors. Malen is too decisive and too dangerous, Dybala showed he's in good condition. It seemed like good Roma for the needs of the match." Orsi noted that yesterday's match was one Roma deserved to win, adding that the direct clash against Inter "can give the championship answers about the work done so far." Sabatini highlighted defensive strengths and a surprise performer: "It was a great match, because as long as Roma went ahead they were always attacking: Torino was, as they say, put to bed. A match of good management, with individuals like Malen and with some surprise like Balerdi: I didn't think he was so strong." He identified Inter's weakness: "The problem with Inter is in defence, from the errors of Madrid. The keeper can react, but if the three defenders have anxiety then they put the department in difficulty. Between Inter and Roma there's the difference of defence." Pes on Teleradiosstereo noted Roma's defensive solidity: "Roma have conceded only one goal in four matches," and praised Balerdi's impact: "Balerdi has a way of playing that impresses: confidence, speed." He also noted surprise at De Roon's quick adaptation and said Roma "present themselves differently compared to last year's clash."

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."

Marten De Roon's arrival at Roma in the final days of the summer transfer window had raised eyebrows among supporters, not least because of the departure of Neil El Aynaoui. The 35-year-old Dutch midfielder faced scepticism over his age and a history of social media provocations directed at Roma following clashes between his former club Atalanta and the Giallorossi. But in his early appearances, De Roon has already justified Gian Piero Gasperini's decision to reunite with him. Gasperini has deployed De Roon more frequently than any other player across his managerial career—361 appearances, compared to Toloi's 289—demonstrating the depth of their working relationship. De Roon left Atalanta after falling out of favour under Sarri, and Gasperini brought him to Roma on what amounted to a free transfer within 48 hours. His arrival initially unsettled Roma's fanbase due to past social media friction, but De Roon apologised immediately and made himself available. Though his competitive minutes remain limited—35 across Serie A and Champions League—his early impact has been positive, with Gasperini appearing to orchestrate play from the dugout with precision. De Roon brings valuable experience to a squad that is shorter than last season but higher in quality. After Paulo Dybala, he holds the second-most Champions League appearances in the group with 44, offering younger players like Niccolò Pisilli the chance to develop under an established presence. His integration has helped stabilise a Roma side operating with Gasperini's direct tactical methods.

Marten De Roon has arrived at Roma to rejoin Gian Piero Gasperini, the coach who has deployed him more frequently than any other manager in his career. The 35-year-old midfielder left Atalanta after Sarri and D'Amico determined he no longer fit their plans, and Roma secured him on what was reportedly a nominal fee within 48 hours. His exit from Bergamo prompted Atalanta ultras to unveil a pointed banner: "You chose to pass through our history but not to belong to it. Goodbye little flag." Gasperini responded swiftly: "Should he have become an old shoe gathering dust in a cupboard? He didn't leave of his own accord." De Roon's arrival initially unsettled Roma's fanbase, given tensions dating back to social media provocations in previous years. He apologised immediately and made himself available. Though his minutes remain limited—35 across Serie A and the Champions League—his impact has been positive. De Roon understands Gasperini's system instinctively; the coach appears to operate him with remote-control precision from the bench. The squad is smaller than last season but superior in quality, and his presence is a luxury. He has brought experience to the group: after Paulo Dybala, he ranks second for Champions League appearances with 44, and younger players such as Niccolò Pisilli can develop optimally alongside him.

Marten de Roon has already justified head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's faith in him since arriving at Roma, delivering an assured display in just 35 combined minutes across Serie A and the Champions League. Entering the second half against Torino at the 64-minute mark, the 35-year-old Dutch midfielder immediately imposed order and reading of the game on a side that needed precisely that stability. In his 25-minute spell, he completed four interceptions, won two of three duels, and achieved a 100% success rate in his dribbling attempts—figures that illustrated his value despite the limited time on the pitch. Gasperini made clear his conviction in de Roon shortly before, defending him against criticism from Atalanta's ultra supporters, who had unfurled a banner during his departure after eleven seasons at Bergamo. The manager responded bluntly: "Doveva fare la scarpa vecchia in uno sgabuzzino? Non è andato via per sua volontà. Sono molto contento che sia qua, è una fortuna e darà un contributo importantissimo" (Should he have become an old shoe in a cupboard? He did not leave of his own choice. I am very happy he is here; it is a stroke of luck and he will make an extremely important contribution). De Roon is the player Gasperini has deployed most in his career across all clubs, amassing 361 appearances—well clear of Toloi, who stands at 289. Roma secured him for a minimal outlay, spending up to €600,000 including all bonus payments. De Roon is being eased into action as he builds his match fitness after an unusual summer; he did not feature in Atalanta's opening two league matches before his move. Last season with the Bergamaschi, he ranked fourth in Serie A for balls won (93), fifth for recoveries (47), and third for tackles (79)—metrics that underscore why Gasperini continues to regard him as a vital resource. Beyond his defensive and technical contributions, de Roon showed leadership off the ball during the Turin fixture, assisting Pisilli when the young midfielder was struggling with cramps after Roma's second goal—a small, nearly invisible gesture that reflected his experience and awareness of team needs. Gasperini is introducing de Roon gradually, waiting for his conditioning to reach the level required to sustain a full 90 minutes at the pace his system demands. Roma have a forthcoming break after facing Inter that may allow de Roon further time to recover ground, though it remains too early to predict him as a regular starter from the beginning.

Aldo Serena, the former striker turned Sky pundit, has weighed in on Saturday's Roma–Inter clash, describing it as a defining examination for Gasperini's side. Serena praised Roma's early-season form, saying the team has been given an attacking game by the coach that is both eye-catching and concrete. "Gasperini has given them football that catches the eye with a physically sharp Dybala. The team attacks, entertains but is at the same time concrete thanks to that phenomenon that is Malen," Serena said. For Inter, Serena sees a tougher assignment on the defensive front. While highlighting the pace of Bonny, the agility of Thuram, the power of Pio Esposito and the quality of Lautaro, he suggested their summer acquisitions have improved the squad's overall calibre, but warned their defence needs work. "With the Roma match, it could be difficult," he concluded, noting that Inter cannot rely on comebacks if they want to progress in the Champions League.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has named three AS Roma players in his latest national squad selection. Leonardo Balerdi, Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro have been called up, though notable absences include Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina, who will remain at Trigoria. The squad announcement came via the Argentina Football Association's official social media channels. Dybala and Molina's omission marks a surprise, as both are among Roma's more established international players. Both will stay at the club during the international break while their teammates fulfil their national team duties.

Marten De Roon's arrival at Roma in the final days of the summer transfer window had raised eyebrows among supporters, not least because of the departure of Neil El Aynaoui. The 35-year-old Dutch midfielder faced scepticism over his age and a history of social media provocations directed at Roma following clashes between his former club Atalanta and the Giallorossi. But in his early appearances, De Roon has already justified Gian Piero Gasperini's decision to reunite with him. Gasperini has deployed De Roon more frequently than any other player across his managerial career—361 appearances, compared to Toloi's 289—demonstrating the depth of their working relationship. De Roon left Atalanta after falling out of favour under Sarri, and Gasperini brought him to Roma on what amounted to a free transfer within 48 hours. His arrival initially unsettled Roma's fanbase due to past social media friction, but De Roon apologised immediately and made himself available. Though his competitive minutes remain limited—35 across Serie A and Champions League—his early impact has been positive, with Gasperini appearing to orchestrate play from the dugout with precision. De Roon brings valuable experience to a squad that is shorter than last season but higher in quality. After Paulo Dybala, he holds the second-most Champions League appearances in the group with 44, offering younger players like Niccolò Pisilli the chance to develop under an established presence. His integration has helped stabilise a Roma side operating with Gasperini's direct tactical methods.

Aldo Serena, the former striker turned Sky pundit, has weighed in on Saturday's Roma–Inter clash, describing it as a defining examination for Gasperini's side. Serena praised Roma's early-season form, saying the team has been given an attacking game by the coach that is both eye-catching and concrete. "Gasperini has given them football that catches the eye with a physically sharp Dybala. The team attacks, entertains but is at the same time concrete thanks to that phenomenon that is Malen," Serena said. For Inter, Serena sees a tougher assignment on the defensive front. While highlighting the pace of Bonny, the agility of Thuram, the power of Pio Esposito and the quality of Lautaro, he suggested their summer acquisitions have improved the squad's overall calibre, but warned their defence needs work. "With the Roma match, it could be difficult," he concluded, noting that Inter cannot rely on comebacks if they want to progress in the Champions League.

Roma stayed top of Serie A alongside Inter after four matches with a victory away at Turin, extending their perfect record. Donyell Malen scored again, but the standout feature was a third clean sheet of the campaign: Mile Svilar's record in goal has been breached only by Atalanta's Ederson. The addition of Leonardo Balerdi to an already-settled back line of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso has significantly strengthened the defence. Against Turin's forwards, Balerdi posted commanding numbers: 7 duels won, 11 defensive actions, 6 clearances—more than any other player on the pitch—plus 29 completed passes from 32 attempted, a success rate of 91%. He was combative in close defence and brave in pressing opponents into the attacking third. Gasperini benefits from the fact that Balerdi functions as an extra layer rather than a replacement for the established trio, giving Roma a more powerful shield while opponents face added danger in attack. The defence will face a stern examination on Saturday in a title clash against Inter, whose 13 goals make them the league's leading scorers. Last season Inter scored 6 goals against Roma—nearly one-fifth of all the goals Roma conceded in the entire Serie A campaign—a significant test of the giallorossi's defensive resilience.

Former Roma striker Ciccio Graziani has praised the early shape of Gian Piero Gasperini's squad, highlighting the strength of the bench as a key advantage. Speaking to Il Tempo, Graziani spent three seasons at Roma and won two Coppa Italia titles with the club. He said: "I am very happy with what I am seeing. The squad is strong and compared to the past it has an important bench, almost of the same value as the starters. This allows the coach to best manage his resources and the many commitments." Graziani was particularly effusive about forward Donyell Malen, describing him as exceptional. "At Roma an attacker like this has not been seen for a long time. He is strong physically and technically skilled. I do not understand why in his national team they do not play him in the position most suited to him, exactly the position that manager Gasperini gives him. It is madness not to make the most of his undoubted qualities." He also backed Gasperini's appointment: "After his long and rewarding experience at Atalanta, he chose Roma and arrived with a strong desire to prove himself. Last season he was good at building; this summer he worked very well to shore up the squad and the results are showing. I believe the arrival of D'Amico was decisive. The two know each other perfectly and have already shown they are a couple capable of building top-level teams." Graziani acknowledged the emotional weight of Mourinho's imminent return to the Olimpico with Real Madrid. "A fantastic coach. When he left Roma I was enormously disappointed. I almost wept. Beyond winning a European cup and coming close in another, he was able to bring the environment together, and what you feel in the stadium today is also the fruit of his great work." On Saturday's match against Inter, Graziani said: "It will be a great contest between two squads that so far have not missed a beat. Anything can happen at the Olimpico, but it will not be a decisive match—it comes too early, and whatever the final result, both teams will have time and opportunity to run."