Roma hunt tenth consecutive win against Inter in Serie A summit clash

Gian Piero Gasperini plans to field Niccolò Pisilli in midfield for Roma's match against Inter at the Olimpico, continuing his stated philosophy of selecting players based on individual condition rather than preset hierarchies. Pisilli, who has scored twice this season, will compete with Matías Soulé for a starting place on the attacking midfield line alongside Paulo Dybala. Manu Koné is set to return to the starting XI after being benched on Monday, pairing with Bryan Cristante in the centre of the pitch. On the flanks, Wesley is expected to operate on the left wing despite Gasperini's earlier consideration of deploying him on the right to face Dimarco directly; Emanuele Lulli will occupy the right side instead. The defence faces uncertainty over Mario Hermoso's availability. The Spanish defender's ankle pain has subsided and he trained with the squad the previous day, but Roma's medical staff may opt for precaution and keep him on the bench initially. Leonardo Balerdi, among Roma's standout performers so far this season, is ready to deputise and can play either as a central defender or on the left of the back line. Mile Svilar will start in goal, with Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka completing the defensive unit.

Gian Piero Gasperini plans to field Niccolò Pisilli ahead of Matías Soulé in tonight's Serie A match against Inter, seeking an unexpected tactical edge against the defending champions. Pisilli, who has already scored two goals in the league this season, is ready to operate alongside Paulo Dybala in an unchanged approach that prioritises form over hierarchy. Bryan Cristante will anchor midfield as usual, with Manu Koné returning to the starting eleven after sitting on the bench on Monday. On the flanks, Gasperini will clarify his final decisions in the hours ahead, with Wesley positioned on the left and Emanuele Lulli deployed on the right, though the head coach is tempted to move Wesley to the right flank to counter Dimarco. Mario Hermoso is at risk of missing the match due to precaution, despite training with the group yesterday and reporting reduced pain in his ankle. Leonardo Balerdi stands ready to replace him and has impressed in the early stages of the season, capable of playing both centre-back and left-centre-back roles. Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini will partner Balerdi in defence, with Mile Svilar in goal. Gasperini had emphasised days before the Torino–Roma fixture that no established pecking order exists and that form dictates selection. The philosophy remains unchanged for this evening's big match: playing those in best condition to overcome the Italian champions.

Roma and Inter meet at the Olimpico on the back of identical records: four wins from four matches. Both sides arrive unbeaten and level on points at the summit, setting up a fixture charged with extra intensity in a rare midweek slot before the international break begins. For Gian Piero Gasperini, the clash carries deeper weight. His spell at Inter ended prematurely in 2011, a chapter he has never fully digested, and the club remains a taboo opponent—Roma have not beaten them since 2018, a gap spanning eight years. The Olimpico is poised to amplify that frustration. Cristian Chivu's side are approaching the match with maximum intensity: no rotation, no concessions to rest. The preparation has been methodical—training in the morning, lunch, then a flight to Rome and confinement in the hotel by evening to shield against distraction. Chivu has declined to hold a pre-match press conference, choosing silence to protect focus and ward off the inevitable echoes of the past, particularly the old middle-finger gesture he directed at the Roma ultras after a Coppa Italia victory—a ghost the giallorossi crowd has resurrected to stoke an already incendiary atmosphere. Inter's defensive spine rests on Bisseck, Akanji and Bastoni, with Stones sidelined by injury. Dimarco competes for the left-back berth, while Diouf and Luis Henrique battle for the right flank. Calhanoglu is unavailable—and with him absent from midfield, Spence is also out—leaving Zielinski to control tempo, flanked by Barella and the favoured Jones, with Sucic pressing for minutes. In attack, Lautaro Martinez and Thuram carry the burden, while Esposito and Bonny await from the bench. The focal point of Chivu's deepest concerns is Josep Martinez in goal. After lapses against Real Madrid and Udinese, the weight of the shirt has pressed heavily, and Provedel's presence as backup casts a shadow. Yet Chivu has defended him paternally, and his call-up to the Spanish national team has restored pride: absent a surprise, Martinez will again stand guard against the Roma assault. The contest unfolds as the night of reckoning approaches.

Gian Piero Gasperini plans to field Niccolò Pisilli in midfield for Roma's match against Inter at the Olimpico, continuing his stated philosophy of selecting players based on individual condition rather than preset hierarchies. Pisilli, who has scored twice this season, will compete with Matías Soulé for a starting place on the attacking midfield line alongside Paulo Dybala. Manu Koné is set to return to the starting XI after being benched on Monday, pairing with Bryan Cristante in the centre of the pitch. On the flanks, Wesley is expected to operate on the left wing despite Gasperini's earlier consideration of deploying him on the right to face Dimarco directly; Emanuele Lulli will occupy the right side instead. The defence faces uncertainty over Mario Hermoso's availability. The Spanish defender's ankle pain has subsided and he trained with the squad the previous day, but Roma's medical staff may opt for precaution and keep him on the bench initially. Leonardo Balerdi, among Roma's standout performers so far this season, is ready to deputise and can play either as a central defender or on the left of the back line. Mile Svilar will start in goal, with Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka completing the defensive unit.

Gian Piero Gasperini plans to field Niccolò Pisilli ahead of Matías Soulé in tonight's Serie A match against Inter, seeking an unexpected tactical edge against the defending champions. Pisilli, who has already scored two goals in the league this season, is ready to operate alongside Paulo Dybala in an unchanged approach that prioritises form over hierarchy. Bryan Cristante will anchor midfield as usual, with Manu Koné returning to the starting eleven after sitting on the bench on Monday. On the flanks, Gasperini will clarify his final decisions in the hours ahead, with Wesley positioned on the left and Emanuele Lulli deployed on the right, though the head coach is tempted to move Wesley to the right flank to counter Dimarco. Mario Hermoso is at risk of missing the match due to precaution, despite training with the group yesterday and reporting reduced pain in his ankle. Leonardo Balerdi stands ready to replace him and has impressed in the early stages of the season, capable of playing both centre-back and left-centre-back roles. Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini will partner Balerdi in defence, with Mile Svilar in goal. Gasperini had emphasised days before the Torino–Roma fixture that no established pecking order exists and that form dictates selection. The philosophy remains unchanged for this evening's big match: playing those in best condition to overcome the Italian champions.

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.

Gian Piero Gasperini plans to field Niccolò Pisilli in midfield for Roma's match against Inter at the Olimpico, continuing his stated philosophy of selecting players based on individual condition rather than preset hierarchies. Pisilli, who has scored twice this season, will compete with Matías Soulé for a starting place on the attacking midfield line alongside Paulo Dybala. Manu Koné is set to return to the starting XI after being benched on Monday, pairing with Bryan Cristante in the centre of the pitch. On the flanks, Wesley is expected to operate on the left wing despite Gasperini's earlier consideration of deploying him on the right to face Dimarco directly; Emanuele Lulli will occupy the right side instead. The defence faces uncertainty over Mario Hermoso's availability. The Spanish defender's ankle pain has subsided and he trained with the squad the previous day, but Roma's medical staff may opt for precaution and keep him on the bench initially. Leonardo Balerdi, among Roma's standout performers so far this season, is ready to deputise and can play either as a central defender or on the left of the back line. Mile Svilar will start in goal, with Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka completing the defensive unit.

Gian Piero Gasperini plans to field Niccolò Pisilli ahead of Matías Soulé in tonight's Serie A match against Inter, seeking an unexpected tactical edge against the defending champions. Pisilli, who has already scored two goals in the league this season, is ready to operate alongside Paulo Dybala in an unchanged approach that prioritises form over hierarchy. Bryan Cristante will anchor midfield as usual, with Manu Koné returning to the starting eleven after sitting on the bench on Monday. On the flanks, Gasperini will clarify his final decisions in the hours ahead, with Wesley positioned on the left and Emanuele Lulli deployed on the right, though the head coach is tempted to move Wesley to the right flank to counter Dimarco. Mario Hermoso is at risk of missing the match due to precaution, despite training with the group yesterday and reporting reduced pain in his ankle. Leonardo Balerdi stands ready to replace him and has impressed in the early stages of the season, capable of playing both centre-back and left-centre-back roles. Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini will partner Balerdi in defence, with Mile Svilar in goal. Gasperini had emphasised days before the Torino–Roma fixture that no established pecking order exists and that form dictates selection. The philosophy remains unchanged for this evening's big match: playing those in best condition to overcome the Italian champions.

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.

Gian Piero Gasperini plans to field Niccolò Pisilli in midfield for Roma's match against Inter at the Olimpico, continuing his stated philosophy of selecting players based on individual condition rather than preset hierarchies. Pisilli, who has scored twice this season, will compete with Matías Soulé for a starting place on the attacking midfield line alongside Paulo Dybala. Manu Koné is set to return to the starting XI after being benched on Monday, pairing with Bryan Cristante in the centre of the pitch. On the flanks, Wesley is expected to operate on the left wing despite Gasperini's earlier consideration of deploying him on the right to face Dimarco directly; Emanuele Lulli will occupy the right side instead. The defence faces uncertainty over Mario Hermoso's availability. The Spanish defender's ankle pain has subsided and he trained with the squad the previous day, but Roma's medical staff may opt for precaution and keep him on the bench initially. Leonardo Balerdi, among Roma's standout performers so far this season, is ready to deputise and can play either as a central defender or on the left of the back line. Mile Svilar will start in goal, with Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka completing the defensive unit.

Gian Piero Gasperini plans to field Niccolò Pisilli ahead of Matías Soulé in tonight's Serie A match against Inter, seeking an unexpected tactical edge against the defending champions. Pisilli, who has already scored two goals in the league this season, is ready to operate alongside Paulo Dybala in an unchanged approach that prioritises form over hierarchy. Bryan Cristante will anchor midfield as usual, with Manu Koné returning to the starting eleven after sitting on the bench on Monday. On the flanks, Gasperini will clarify his final decisions in the hours ahead, with Wesley positioned on the left and Emanuele Lulli deployed on the right, though the head coach is tempted to move Wesley to the right flank to counter Dimarco. Mario Hermoso is at risk of missing the match due to precaution, despite training with the group yesterday and reporting reduced pain in his ankle. Leonardo Balerdi stands ready to replace him and has impressed in the early stages of the season, capable of playing both centre-back and left-centre-back roles. Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini will partner Balerdi in defence, with Mile Svilar in goal. Gasperini had emphasised days before the Torino–Roma fixture that no established pecking order exists and that form dictates selection. The philosophy remains unchanged for this evening's big match: playing those in best condition to overcome the Italian champions.

Gian Piero Gasperini has settled his starting XI for the clash against Inter after a training session and an overnight stay by the squad at the Fulvio Bernardini centre in Trigoria. The Roma head coach is building the team around tactical certainties and the recovery of key players to full fitness. In defence, Evan N'Dicka has made a full recovery and will return to the starting lineup alongside Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso, who is completely recovered from an ankle knock suffered mid-week. Leonardo Balerdi remains available as a substitute option, with Gasperini having outlined his philosophy on defensive changes: "We need to get used to making substitutions with defenders — a strong centre-back can be a weapon even during the game." On the flanks, Emanuele Lulli will continue at right-back, his form outweighing the candidacy of Nahuel Molina, while Wesley returns to the starting XI at left-back after missing the previous match in Turin. In midfield, Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante form the established pairing despite strong performances from Niccolò Pisilli and Marten De Roon. On the attacking midfield, Matías Soulé holds a clear advantage over Rodrigo Mora to complete the offensive unit alongside Paulo Dybala — set for his sixth consecutive start in less than a month — in support of striker Donyell Malen.