Roma players pose for selfies and sign autographs with fans in Cardiff after morning training

Roma occupy 11th place in Serie A's squad age rankings after the opening fixtures, with an average age of 26 years and 75 days. Gian Piero Gasperini's side sits near the middle of the league's age table, reflecting the varied demographic approaches taken by Serie A's managers this season. The spread across Italian football is significant, with Napoli fielding the oldest average starting XI in their match against Bologna at the Maradona, while Monza have selected the youngest. Como are also distinguished by their youthful squad composition. Roma's placement reflects a balanced approach, their average age sitting just above 26 years. The variation across the league's opening matches shows clear strategic differences in how clubs have constructed their squads for the 2026–27 campaign.

Leonardo Balerdi has become the focal point of Roma's preparation for Saturday's clash with Inter at the Olimpico after an impressive display on Monday against Torino in place of Evan N'Dicka. His convincing performance prompted Gasperini to view the Argentine defender as a potential starter against the Serie A champions, a promotion that has raised competitive intensity across the defence and the wider squad. Gasperini's team selection will be shaped by who delivers the strongest performances in training at Trigoria: those who maintain full commitment and maximum effort will earn starting places. The likely starting formation will closely resemble the strongest XI fielded last season, built around the established core players. The returning absentees from Monday—N'Dicka, Wesley, and Manu Koné—are set to come back into contention. The intriguing tactical question centres on the left-back slot, where teenage defender Emanuele Lulli has emerged as the focus of recent debate. Lulli's physical test results place him ahead of Nahuel Molina, making him the favourite to start, provided Gasperini prioritises the pace and pressing strength needed to contain Inter's left-side playmaker Dimarco. A third option exists: Wesley deployed on the right with Molina on the left, a setup already tested in training. Elsewhere, Mario Hermoso will mark Nicolò Barella, while Niccolò Pisilli is warming up for a potential late-match impact.

Mario Hermoso has returned to full training with Roma's squad after working separately on 16 September due to a slight ankle contusion. The defender completed the entire session without problems and will be available for Saturday's match against Inter at the Stadio Olimpico, which kicks off at 18:00. Roma continue preparations for the fixture with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini providing an injury update on 17 September at Trigoria. Hermoso's return to availability is a boost for the big match, with the defender having missed only the previous day's session as a precaution.

Roma's defensive solidity has emerged as a cornerstone of their 2026–27 season under Gian Piero Gasperini. Conceding just one goal in the first four Serie A matches, Roma's back line shares the best defensive record across the top five European leagues with Arsenal. Mile Svilar's performances and a rotating system of centre-backs have maintained the unit's effectiveness throughout the early campaign. Leonardo Balerdi, who arrived on loan in the summer, is pushing to establish himself in the starting lineup for Roma's upcoming fixture against Inter, building on his display in the recent match at Turin. The Argentine centre-back's path to a permanent move is already mapped: Roma hold the option to buy him from Marseille for €16 million, with an obligation clause triggered by specific conditions relating to his playing time, total appearances, and Roma's qualification for European competitions. This rotation approach also keeps Daniele Ghilardi in the frame—he was unused against Turin but featured as a starter against Lecce and came on against Atalanta. Mario Hermoso is being monitored for an ankle contusion sustained recently, though the medical staff report no serious alarm. For Gasperini, the defensive depth offers substantial resources in a department that conceded 31 goals in the previous season, a figure bettered only by Como. The contrast underscores how effectively Roma's backline is functioning under his stewardship.

Roma have conceded just one goal in their opening four matches of the 2026–27 season, putting them level with Arsenal for the best defensive record across Serie A and the top five European leagues. Head coach Gasperini has overseen a defensive unit that functions with machine-like precision; in the fixture at Turin, he replaced Evan N'Dicka with Leonardo Balerdi, who will aim to replicate that performance against Inter. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar has been instrumental in the run, with each defensive change producing no drop in standard. Bareldi's pathway to permanence is already clear. Roma have the option to secure the centre-back's ownership from Marseille for €16 million at the end of his loan spell. There is also the possibility of an obligation to purchase, which would be triggered by specific conditions tied to appearances, playing time, and qualification for European competitions. Mario Hermoso is managing an ankle contusion that is not causing particular concern, while Daniele Ghilardi, unused in the most recent match, featured as a starter against Lecce and came off the bench against Atalanta. Gasperini has rarely enjoyed such depth in defence throughout his managerial career. Last season Roma finished with 31 goals conceded, bettered only by Como under Fabregas.

Luigi Di Biagio, the former Roma and Inter midfielder who now coaches Saudi Arabia Under 23, has given his verdict on Saturday's Roma–Inter fixture at the Olimpico, stressing that despite the quality on display it will not decide the Scudetto. "Sarà uno spettacolo, ma è presto per immaginarsi qualcosa di definitivo: questa sfida non deciderà lo scudetto," he said. "L'Inter ha l'obbligo di vincerlo per la squadra che ha e per la storia degli ultimi anni. La Roma, invece, è lì per un percorso di crescita ed è una piacevolissima sorpresa: merita tutto per quello che sta facendo." Di Biagio believes Roma have undergone a fundamental shift under Gasperini's direction. "La Roma ha comprato giocatori funzionali alle sue richieste e direi che non ne ha sbagliato mezzo. Quanto sia stato fondamentale Malen è quasi scontato dirlo, ma è cambiata tutta la Roma. È cambiato proprio il motore," he explained. He highlighted the transformation in Paulo Dybala's performances: "Prendete Dybala, che gioca con una continuità che in passato non aveva. È anche merito del metodo Gasperini: sono convinto che più ti alleni forte e più stai bene. Oggi i giocatori della Roma hanno un altro ritmo e un'altra mentalità: vanno all'attacco e cercano sempre di vincere." Di Biagio acknowledged that Inter remain favourites but warned: "L'Inter, numericamente e per i cambi che ha, è ancora più avanti, ma Gasp può darle molto fastidio." On the midfield battle, Di Biagio praised Roma's structure: "La Roma con Cristante ha trovato un mediano che accompagna la costruzione; lui e Koné vanno spesso verso la linea dei difensori e permettono agli esterni di alzarsi. È lo svuotamento del centrocampo tipico di Gasp, una bellezza da studiare." He assessed the goalkeeping situation, noting that while Svilar offers certainty, Inter's Martinez deserves defence: "Se Svilar è una certezza della Roma, anche Martinez è un portiere interessante e moderno." On the forwards, he ranked both as decisive: "Malen fa quasi reparto da solo, è lui solo e tutti gli altri si muovono attorno a lui... Attacca la profondità e negli ultimi trenta metri diventa incredibilmente decisivo. Lautaro... gira di più, viene incontro, gioca anche lontano dalla porta e poi si butta dentro. Sono decisivi entrambi, qui il livello è altissimo." Di Biagio expressed belief that Roma's enthusiasm in the city is entirely positive. "No, a un taglio solo… È soltanto qualcosa di positivo. Mi tengo tutta la vita l'entusiasmo," he said, adding that the critical test for Roma will come in managing both Serie A and Champions League: "Bisognerà capire come la Roma reagirà quando dovrà gestire insieme campionato e Champions, questo passaggio sarà decisivo."

Marcus Thuram has emerged as the primary danger to Roma's defence ahead of their clash with Inter, with statistics backing up tactical concern. The French forward has scored three goals and provided two assists across four matches against Roma, a striking average. Last season he settled the first fixture with an early goal, then replicated the pattern at San Siro with a goal and two assists in Inter's 5–2 victory. Gasperini recognises the threat and is preparing a precise defensive adjustment rather than a wholesale overhaul. Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso will remain in the back line, but Evan N'Dicka faces the prospect of dropping out to make room for Leonardo Balerdi. The change reflects tactical requirements rather than a demotion: Thuram's attacking runs into space and explosive pace in open play have exposed Roma's defensive shape, particularly when the match stretches and space opens up behind the line. Balerdi possesses the speed to track Thuram and recover quickly, and appears better suited to defending in those scenarios where the opponent can exploit depth. Roma want to avoid repeating last season's outcome. If Saturday's match develops as it did a year ago, Gasperini believes the Argentine defender may be better equipped than N'Dicka to manage Thuram's threat.

Gianluca Mancini will face Inter on Saturday at the Olimpico, but the encounter carries extra weight after the Nerazzurri attempted to lure him away during the summer. With his contract set to expire in 2027, Mancini found himself at a crossroads with several clubs ready to move for him. Inter were among them, prepared to offer him significantly higher wages. Instead, Mancini chose to renew his Roma deal through 2029, forgoing the chance to earn more elsewhere. His agent Giuseppe Riso did not hide his preference for exploring other options. "I would have wanted to take him away with even more important offers," Riso said. But Mancini refused to budge. Riso added: "He rejected everything for Roma," even joking with his client that "he is crazy." When asked directly about Inter's interest, Mancini did not deny it—"a club is known"—but made clear his mind was made up. He explained his thinking with a telling phrase: "I am not crazy, but you cannot command the heart." Mancini stressed that his will was already clear: to continue at Roma under Gasperini and remain part of a group he now considers family. Since arriving at the club in 2019, Mancini has become one of Roma's most recognisable figures and a leader in the dressing room. What started as a professional move has evolved into something far deeper. The calendar has now orchestrated an almost perfect twist: Inter, who could have taken him from Roma, arrive at the Olimpico as joint leaders alongside the Giallorossi. Mancini will be there wearing the shirt he chose even at the cost of greater money, and on Saturday he will attempt to shut the door on their advances one more time.

Gianluca Mancini rejected Inter's advances this summer and signed a contract renewal with Roma despite being offered more lucrative terms elsewhere. The defender's agent Giuseppe Riso, as Corriere dello Sport reported, actively pushed for a move to Milan, where Chivu was prepared to welcome him, but Mancini showed no hesitation about remaining in the capital despite childhood admiration for Inter's side under Materazzi. Mancini chose to extend his deal on reduced financial terms. His fixed salary fell from €2.5 million in the previous season, and he accepted a structure built around performance bonuses and seasonal objectives shared with Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante. The decision reinforces Roma's commitment to players willing to align compensation with team success. The 1996-born defender now aims to increase his goal tally against Inter, where he has already scored four times. Three of those goals came in a Roma shirt, though only one has so far yielded points for his side.

Roma made it four wins from four Serie A matches, with Donyell Malen opening the scoring once again and Niccolò Pisilli adding a second goal despite cramping. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini fielded a reshuffled lineup on the night, confirming his pre-match assertion that all his players are of first-team calibre. The squad showed intensity throughout, refusing to surrender ground in what became a dominant display. Gasperini earned a rating of 7 to 8 from the major Italian newspapers, reflecting the positive impression of his tactical handling. Leonardo Balerdi emerged as the standout performer in defence, earning marks between 7 and 8 across outlets, taking command of the back line. Malen received consistent recognition for his attacking threat, rated 7 to 7.5 across publications. The 3-4-2-1 shape allowed Roma to control proceedings, with the manager's use of substitutions demonstrating his confidence in squad depth. Gazzetta della Sport rated Svilar 7, Mancini 6.5, and Hermoso 6.5, with Pisilli at 7. Corriere dello Sport gave Balerdi an 8, Dybala 7.5, and Malen 7.5, with Gasperini earning 8. Il Messaggero rated Balerdi 7.5 and Malen 7.5. Il Tempo awarded Balerdi 7.5 and Malen 7. Leggo gave Malen 7.5. Substitutions included Rensch, Koné, De Roon, Mora, and Castro, reflecting the manager's willingness to rotate across the squad.

Roma lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation for their Serie A match at Torino on 14 September 2026, with Niccolò Pisilli and Emanuele Lulli in the starting eleven. Matías Soulé was preferred to Rodrigo Mora in the forward line, while Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen completed the attacking unit. Gianluca Mancini, Mario Hermoso and Leonardo Balerdi formed the back three, with Bryan Cristante and Pisilli operating in midfield alongside Nahuel Molina and the left-side defender. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini named Mile Svilar in goal. The bench included several squad options: De Marzi, Gollini, Koulierakis, Ghilardi, Wesley, Devyne Rensch, Marten de Roon, Manu Koné, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Santiago Castro and Mora. Torino, managed by Abate, deployed a 3-5-1-1 formation led by Simeone in attack, with Vlasic supporting. The match was refereed by Maresca, with Tegoni and Fontani as assistants, Sozza as fourth official, and Aureliano on VAR duties with Ghersini as assistant VAR.

Roma face Torino in Serie A on 14 September at 18:30, four days after their Champions League return, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini managing squad rotation following the trip to Istanbul. The starting XI appears largely settled, though midfield and the right flank remain open questions. Svilar will start in goal, with the familiar trio of Mancini, Ndicka and Hermoso in defence; Ghilardi is the alternative. Wesley is expected to hold the left-back spot, while the right side is contested between Lulli and Rensch, with Lulli marginally favoured, though Gasperini indicated in his press conference that his condition would need to be assessed before the match. The main shift could come in midfield. Manu Koné picked up a knee problem against Fenerbahçe, opening the door for Nicolò Pisilli to partner Bryan Cristante; Koné has attempted recovery and remains an option. Dybala and Donyell Malen are set pieces in attack, with Matías Soulé the likely choice to complete the forward line, while Rodrigo Mora stands ready either from the start or as an in-match solution. The probable Roma formation is 3-4-2-1: Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Lulli, Cristante, Pisilli, Wesley; Soulé, Dybala; Malen.