Roma lose 3-0 to Brighton in final British friendly

Roma's match against Inter on Saturday revealed a fundamental shift in how top coaches approach modern football. Gian Piero Gasperini made five substitutions in the fixture, a decision that exemplifies the sport's rapid tactical evolution. He replaced all three of his starting central defenders, a midfielder and an outside player, while keeping his attack unchanged throughout the ninety minutes. From the opposing dugout, Cristian Chivu made similarly bold choices, withdrawing a centre-back, a midfielder and a full-back before introducing his attacking changes only at the ninety-first minute. The match demonstrated how thoroughly the old certainties of football have eroded. For decades, an unwritten rule held that central defenders should never leave the pitch except through injury or at full-time. Chivu broke another long-standing taboo by making two substitutions immediately before a Roma corner kick and a set-piece—a move previously considered reckless. Both managers' decisions underscore how the sport now operates at such intensity that the five-substitution rule, introduced along with five-second throw-in limits and the ability to roll the ball out from the goalkeeper inside the penalty area, has become essential to surviving and controlling a match. Gasperini's own evolution on this matter is particularly telling. In previous comments on new regulations, the Grigliasco-born coach expressed reservations: "I don't like the five solutions, but I use them all. Teams don't drop off anymore; with all these changes nowadays it looks like basketball. Matches were prettier before, but these are the rules and I use all the slots." Today, he has abandoned those doubts entirely, converting the five-substitution rule into one of his primary weapons for reading and transforming matches in real time. The tactical performance against Inter confirms how thoroughly he has moved past those old reservations.

Leonardo Balerdi has become an indispensable leader of Roma's defence, translating a temperament forged in adversity into commanding performances at the highest level. Against Inter, he delivered a masterclass in defending, dominating his duel with Thuram through the match before asking to be substituted due to cramps. His performance—6 recoveries, 4 duels won out of 5, and 2 contrasts won out of 3—underscored just how vital he has become to Roma's ability to maintain a high defensive line. Barerdi's journey to this point has been marked by transformation. As a boy at Boca, his first coach nicknamed him "Rummenigge" for his physicality and blonde hair; teammates called him "Balazo" for his explosive temperament. He initially wanted to become a midfielder, inspired by Boca greats like Gago, Riquelme and Palermo, but his fierce character pushed him towards the centre of defence. At Marseille, however, that same intensity created friction. Manager De Zerbi publicly rebuked him after a defeat to Auxerre, saying—as reported by Équipe—"You have humiliated us and you have humiliated the club. You don't have the balls. And you, Leo, have less balls than all of them." At Roma, everything changed. Balerdi has blossomed into a complete defender: elegant, quick, dominant in the air and skilled in playing vertically. The sharpness of his defending against Inter—a spectacular battle of bodies with Thuram across the match—confirmed how much he has matured. When he departed the pitch, Roma's defensive shape immediately dropped deeper, a telling sign of his indispensability to the team's structure.

Leonardo Balerdi has made a powerful impression at Roma in recent appearances, drawing comparisons to figures from his past and present. His first coach at Villa Mercedes, Luis Lucero, once told Balerdi's father: "Your boy is going to be a Rummenigge." The 27-year-old defender shares some surface similarities with the Bayern Munich legend—blonde hair, height, technical ability and a good shot—but his career has taken a different path. After an early spell at Borussia Dortmund, Balerdi eventually settled into defence, though he initially resisted the position. "I didn't want to play in defence, I wanted to be a midfielder," he has said. Now, supporters and media are drawing fresh parallels between Balerdi and Walter Samuel, the former Argentine defender and vice-coach under Scaloni. Both products of Boca Juniors' school, Balerdi has quickly endeared himself to Roma's fanbase through a combination of aggression and composure. His defensive recovery work, distribution, physical presence in challenges and aerial ability have made an immediate impact. A recovery on Simeone in Turin sparked particular debate among local radio audiences. Against Inter, Balerdi delivered a commanding display: six defensive recoveries, four duels won out of five contested and two challenges won out of three. His influence was so significant that Roma deepened their defensive shape when Balerdi, suffering from cramps, requested substitution late in the match.

Paulo Dybala is dazzling Roma early in the 2026-27 season, with the Argentine leading the club to first place in Serie A thanks to his incisive performances. Dybala has already provided 4 assists—more than any other player in the division so far—and according to Squawka data, he holds the top spot across multiple statistical categories: most big chances created (8), most chances created overall (22), and most successful passes on the attacking third (125). His only shortcoming remains a goal—his last Serie A strike came in January against Torino. Roma face Como on the next matchday, an opportunity for Dybala to end his goal drought. The 33-year-old's creative brilliance has been central to Roma's strong league position. His eight big chances created and 22 total chances put him well clear of the competition in playmaking, while his 125 passes on the attacking third demonstrate his consistent involvement in Roma's attacking build-up.

Gianluca Mancini is poised to lead Italy's defence in the upcoming match against Belgium, with the Roma centre-back a permanent fixture in Roberto Mancini's tactical drills at Coverciano. The Italian technical staff have been working primarily in a 4-3-3 formation, and the Roma defender has featured consistently alongside Di Lorenzo, Calafiori and Coppola in recent training sessions. Mancini's presence offers the squad stability, experience and continuity as the final preparations continue ahead of the team's departure for Rome. Meanwhile, Roma are monitoring Giorgi Kvernadze, the Frosinone winger, according to reports from Nicolò Schira and confirmed by Il Tempo. The 2003-born Georgian has produced five goals and two assists across Serie A and Coppa Italia in recent matches observed by Roma scouts. Napoli are also tracking the situation. In his early Roma career, Rodrigo Mora has spoken of his experience since arriving. On the adjustment to Italian football, he said: "It was a different change. I lived 19 years in Porto and played for Porto for 10 years. It's a different culture. But I'm happy with the change. It will be a positive change." Regarding his goal against Lecce in his second Roma appearance, Mora added: "I like scoring very much. Scoring for Roma was beautiful, but I want to score again at the Olimpico. It's special and I can't wait to score at the Olimpico. I'm happy with my journey so far. The atmosphere at the Olimpico is something really special and beautiful and it makes you want to play and score for Roma." Mora also reflected on his relationship with Paulo Dybala: "He's someone I admired as a child, now being able to play and train with him…seeing the things he does, that few do…He's a humble person and he's helped me a lot at the start of my Roma career. I like him as a player and as a person. I'm grateful to be able to play at his side."

Rodrigo Mora, who arrived this summer from Porto, has spoken about his early weeks at Roma while on international duty with Portugal's Under-21 squad. The 2007-born midfielder scored in his second appearance for the club against Lecce and has already featured in the Champions League, describing the experience as an important step in his development. Mora reflected on his transition from Porto, where he spent 19 years and played for the club for 10 of them. "It was a different change. I lived 19 years in Porto and played for Porto for 10. It's a different culture. But I'm happy with the change. It will be a positive change," he said. He emphasised his gratitude for Paulo Dybala's influence in his settling-in period: "He's someone I admired as a child, now to be able to play and train with him…to see the things he does, that few do…He's a humble person and has helped me a lot at the start of my Roma journey. I like him as a player and as a person. I'm grateful to be able to play at his side." On his goal against Lecce, Mora stated: "I love scoring. Scoring for Roma was beautiful, but I still want to score at Stadio Olimpico. It's special and I can't wait to score at Stadio Olimpico. I'm happy with my journey so far. The atmosphere at Stadio Olimpico is something really special and beautiful and it makes you want to play and score for Roma." He spoke candidly about leaving Porto, saying: "Farewells are never easy. It was difficult. It was a long period, it was my home. It will always be my home. All cycles close, they can reopen later. I'm leaving with a full heart, I was a champion with my club. I'm leaving as a champion and I'll continue to be another Porto fan, now supporting from Italy. I wish them good luck. I know things are going well, I hope they continue like that and that the second Scudetto arrives. I knew I needed a new challenge in my life. I'm grateful for all these years, but that's what I wanted, a new challenge in a competitive league like the Italian one." Mora also discussed his ambitions at Roma and his international prospects. "Football changes everything very quickly. Now I want to have a good season at Roma. I made my Champions League debut, it was an important step. I hope to win titles at Roma and play the best football possible. We're in a good phase, but it's a very competitive league. We're on the right track," he said. Regarding his Portugal Under-21 ambitions, he added: "It's everyone's dream. I've already been called up twice, I got injured. That's part of the game, we have a dream. Step by step, and continuing to work, one day it will come true."

Roma's squad has increased in value by approximately €150 million over the past year, driven by Gian Piero Gasperini's management since his appointment. The club has returned to the Champions League after a seven-year absence, and the upturn extends beyond the pitch into the club's finances. Gasperini, who built a successful nine-year project at Atalanta, is repeating that model at Roma, with improvements visible across every department of the squad. Mile Svilar arrived on a free transfer and remains unchanged in value as an integral goalkeeper, while Evan N'Dicka, also a free signing, is now valued at €35 million. Mario Hermoso has been transformed from a surplus player into a defensive cornerstone worth €15 million. Gianluca Mancini's value has climbed to €25 million, and Leonardo Balerdi, a recent arrival, has already proven his calibre and reclaimed his place in Argentina's squad. Wesley, signed last summer for €25 million, has attracted a €40 million offer from Chelsea that Roma rejected. Young prospect Emanuele Lulli exemplifies the club's emerging talents whose economic value is rising. Niccolò Pisilli, a Roma academy product who rejected potential summer moves, now commands €30 million. Manu Koné, the headline signing of the summer window, remained at the capital despite interest and is valued at €60 million according to Transfermarkt. Donyell Malen's worth has jumped from the €25 million Roma spent in January plus €2 million in loan fees to a current valuation of €50 million. With numerous young players in the squad—including Konstantinos Koulierakis, Rodrigo Mora, Daniele Ghilardi, and Matías Soulé—these valuations are expected to grow further if on-field performance remains strong.

Roma top Serie A after five matches with 13 points, drawing 2–2 against Inter at the Olimpico last Saturday, yet rank only fifth in squad value among Italian clubs according to Transfermarkt's latest assessment on 15 September. The gap between league position and market valuation reflects the squad's youth and short contract lengths, though Roma have shown significant growth: their squad value stands at approximately €498 million, up 27.9 per cent from €390 million on 15 September 2025. Manu Koné and Donyell Malen have emerged as standout performers this season. The French midfielder, who remained at Roma despite summer transfer speculation, has seen his market value rise by €10 million to €60 million, placing him fifth among Serie A players. Malen, the Dutch forward with six Serie A goals already, gained the same €10 million increase to reach €55 million and sits seventh. Both have impressed under Gasperini, who has won over supporters and observers alike. Ahead of Roma in the overall squad value rankings are Inter (over €738 million), Juventus (nearly €613 million), Como (€568 million) and Milan (approximately €503 million). Koné and Malen rank fifth and seventh in individual player values across the league; Lautaro Martínez leads at €85 million, followed by Nico Paz (€80 million) and Yildiz (€75 million), with Bastoni fourth at €65 million. Other Roma players have seen their valuations shift. Emanuele Lulli, a young squad member, has risen dramatically from €500,000 during his Primavera spell to €8 million. Defensively, Konstantinos Koulierakis, who made his debut last Saturday, dropped from €25 million to €20 million, while goalkeeper Vasquez fell by €700,000 to €800,000. The disparities in squad value reflect contract duration and player age—factors that significantly influence market assessments. De Roon and Dybala, for instance, each have only one year remaining on their current deals, a constraint that depresses their recorded valuations despite their on-field contributions.

Roma's opening five matches of the 2026-27 season have dominated discussion on Italian radio, with pundits divided between optimism about the squad's quality and caution about expectations. Nando Orsi declared that Roma were constructed to win the Scudetto, saying: "This year it was built to win the Scudetto, but nobody says it out of fear and superstition, yet in their hearts they know it can stand up to Inter. Roma is strong, it just needs to manage its forces a bit during the match: you can't start at full throttle and then fade." Orsi added: "Roma was built to win the Scudetto, and whoever says otherwise says it out of superstition." He highlighted the depth available, noting that Castro can replace Malen, De Roon can come in for Cristante, and Ndícka can take Balerdi's place, and argued that Saturday's match proved Roma and Inter are the strongest teams, with Juventus, Milan and Napoli appearing less ready. However, Piero Torri urged restraint, warning that media pressure was being applied strategically: "The media operation for a Scudetto-winning Roma has already begun; they want to load Roma with responsibility. I'm watching all this with some diffidence." He acknowledged Balerdi as "certainly an extra trump card for Roma" but resisted linking his arrival to title ambitions. Roberto Pruzzo offered a measured assessment of the defence, describing Balerdi as "an old-school centre-back from the 70s, very practical, very reactive, and he doesn't take risks" — an "excellent impact" and "a value added to a defensive squad that is numerically sound." Pruzzo cautioned that Scudetto distances remain tight and that the picture will become clearer after 8–10 matches and some direct clashes. Fabio Petruzzi gave Roma maximum marks, saying: "I see perfection in this squad. If Malen hadn't taken Martinez in the face, you would have won the match; unfortunately that episode changed the game. Roma has done so much, the maximum — doing more seems difficult." Francesca Ferrazza noted that Dybala had not played consecutive minutes like this since 2016, exactly ten years ago, and explained her willingness to accept fewer goals in exchange for his constant presence: "His presence is too important; I'd rather give up a few more goals than see him off the field." Daniele Lo Monaco discussed Gasperini's training approach, noting that some teams had granted eight days of rest while Gasperini wanted everyone working, and commented on Juventus fans turning away during the minute's silence for Mazzola: "If you want to make a protest, that technically was a civil protest. I don't think it was against Mazzola, but against a hypocritical sense of certain celebrations." Gianluca Piacentini praised consistency in refereeing standards across the five matchdays, and Lorenzo Pes suggested Balerdi's defensive positioning — at 40 metres from goal — reflected his Marseille habits and that a season-long rotation between him and Ndícka was likely. The radio consensus acknowledged Roma's competitive strength while debating how far expectations should be allowed to climb.

Roma's squad has increased in value by approximately €150 million over the past year, driven by Gian Piero Gasperini's management since his appointment. The club has returned to the Champions League after a seven-year absence, and the upturn extends beyond the pitch into the club's finances. Gasperini, who built a successful nine-year project at Atalanta, is repeating that model at Roma, with improvements visible across every department of the squad. Mile Svilar arrived on a free transfer and remains unchanged in value as an integral goalkeeper, while Evan N'Dicka, also a free signing, is now valued at €35 million. Mario Hermoso has been transformed from a surplus player into a defensive cornerstone worth €15 million. Gianluca Mancini's value has climbed to €25 million, and Leonardo Balerdi, a recent arrival, has already proven his calibre and reclaimed his place in Argentina's squad. Wesley, signed last summer for €25 million, has attracted a €40 million offer from Chelsea that Roma rejected. Young prospect Emanuele Lulli exemplifies the club's emerging talents whose economic value is rising. Niccolò Pisilli, a Roma academy product who rejected potential summer moves, now commands €30 million. Manu Koné, the headline signing of the summer window, remained at the capital despite interest and is valued at €60 million according to Transfermarkt. Donyell Malen's worth has jumped from the €25 million Roma spent in January plus €2 million in loan fees to a current valuation of €50 million. With numerous young players in the squad—including Konstantinos Koulierakis, Rodrigo Mora, Daniele Ghilardi, and Matías Soulé—these valuations are expected to grow further if on-field performance remains strong.

Roma's radio pundits have delivered their verdicts on the club's title credentials and recent form, with particular focus on goalkeeper Mile Svilar's importance, Leonardo Balerdi's unexpected impact, and concerns over player availability. Nando Orsi told Radio Radio Mattino that Roma were constructed this season to compete for the Serie A title, though he noted few say so openly for superstitious reasons. "The Inter have calculative deficiencies that need to be fixed," he said. "Roma is strong and capable; it just needs to manage its forces. Those who say otherwise do so out of superstition. Roma has a strong squad—Saturday's match confirmed they are among the strongest. Juventus, Milan and Napoli don't seem like teams that can compete: they are too inconsistent. Roma and Inter instead are more ready at a technical and squad level." Orsi added that despite Inter's perceived weakness, Roma remain genuine contenders. Lorenzo Pes highlighted Svilar as a decisive factor for Roma's defence. "Compared to several competitors, including Inter and Como, Roma can boast an element that gives security to the defence and to those watching," he said. "A goalkeeper who brings points is additional help. If Roma's squad can increase goals, it will become interesting, because so far most goals have come from Malen, Soulé and Pisilli." On the squad's recuperation, Simone Valdarchi noted that Lorenzo Pellegrini, despite fully recovering from injury, must still regain match rhythm through work at Trigoria in the coming weeks. Roberto Pruzzo called Leonardo Balerdi a positive surprise: "He is reactive, very practical and does not take unnecessary risks. On the defensive phase he is numerically sound and is added value." Mario Mattioli described Balerdi as an experienced player who made 200 appearances in the French league and is demonstrating his worth in Italy. Both Valdarchi and Piero Torri flagged concerns over the potential absence of Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina for Argentina's farewell tribute to Lionel Messi, with fixtures against Como imminent. Torri stated: "The fact that Roma doesn't view the possible departure of Dybala and Molina for Argentina's party favourably seems right to me. Facing two long trips hours before Como–Roma cannot be well regarded."

Roma's early-season form has sparked debate among Rome radio commentators about the club's ability to challenge for the Serie A title. Leonardo Balerdi, the defender who arrived this summer, has made an immediate impact that surprised analysts, though questions remain about the decision to bench Evan N'Dicka and the inconsistency of established players. Mattioli told Radio Radio that Balerdi "is a player of experience, he has played 200 matches in the French league. I'm pleased he came to Italy and is showing what he is worth." Pruzzo added: "I did not expect Balerdi's impact, it is a positive surprise. He is reactive, very practical and does not take risks when there is no need to. On the defensive phase he is numerically sound, he is an added value." Orsi struck a bullish tone about Roma's prospects, saying the squad was built to compete for the title this year and that Roma, alongside Inter, are more ready technically and in terms of squad depth than Juventus, Milan and Napoli, which he described as "too inconsistent." Carina offered a more measured assessment, praising Balerdi's impact but cautioning that benching N'Dicka—"the strongest in one-on-one marking in Serie A"—required courage. He criticised Gianluca Mancini's defending, saying "on the goal conceded by Roma there is his fingerprint," and suggested that with five matches played, it is premature to draw firm conclusions about title contenders, noting that Juventus and Milan remain close in points despite negative talk. Pes on Teleradiostereo highlighted Mile Svilar as a decisive advantage over rivals including Inter and Como, describing him as "a goalkeeper who brings points" and an element that provides security. Pes added that if Roma can increase their goalscoring output beyond the players currently delivering—Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Niccolò Pisilli—the team will become genuinely interesting.