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Roma seek perfect marks against Inter as title ambitions take shape
·19 September 2026·45d ago

Roma seek perfect marks against Inter as title ambitions take shape

Source: Forza Roma

Roma face Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on 19 September 2026 with the chance to reach the international break unbeaten and extend their sequence of victories in Serie A. A win would cap what Gasperini's side could describe as a perfect start to the season, and would also represent a tenth consecutive league victory when counted across the final five matches of last season and the opening fixtures of 2026-27. The clash comes with Roma's squad now at full strength for what the club considers a genuine examination of their title credentials.

Evan N'Dicka has recovered from the intestinal influenza that ruled him out of last week's fixture in Turin. Mario Hermoso sustained a contusion during the week but will still be available for selection. Leonardo Balerdi, who impressed in Piedmont, is pushing for a starting role. Emanuele Lulli holds the advantage in the left-back battle with Nahuel Molina, while Wesley will continue on the left flank. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné form the midfield pair. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are automatic selections, and Niccolò Pisilli is competing with Matías Soulé for the role of left-sided attacking midfielder.

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Roma host Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on 19 September 2026 in a Serie A title showdown between the league's only two unbeaten sides, each on 12 points after four rounds. A victory would extend Roma's remarkable winning streak to either ten or eleven consecutive league matches—outlets differ on whether the count includes only 2026-27 fixtures or stretches back into the final matches of last season. Roma have scored at least two goals in every league game so far and boast one of Europe's tightest defences, conceding just one goal across their opening four matches. However, they face a daunting historical obstacle: they have won only two of their last 16 encounters with Inter overall, and have lost their last five league meetings at home, including an embarrassing 5–2 defeat.

Inter arrive as reigning champions on an extraordinary unbeaten run of 30 Serie A games, though their form shows cracks. They lead the scoring charts with 13 goals and have displayed fighting spirit in comebacks, but have conceded five goals across their last two league matches and shipped at least two goals in three of their final five away games. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini told Sky Sport he will reserve judgement on title credentials until twenty matches have been played, acknowledging that while Roma have eliminated major defensive weaknesses, improvement remains possible across the board.

On team news, Evan N'Dicka has recovered from intestinal influenza and Wesley Franca has resumed full training. Mario Hermoso sustained a contusion but will be available. Outlets differ slightly on personnel: Cult of Calcio suggests Manu Koné could return to the starting lineup, while Forza Roma indicates right-back Emanuele Lulli holds the advantage over Nahuel Molina on the right flank, with competition between Matías Soulé, Niccolò Pisilli and another forward for a left-sided attacking role. Inter will be without midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu and defender John Stones, with Marcus Thuram potentially making his first Serie A start of the season.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

“C'è la domanda per la lode e la partita per il dieci. Perché, su questo ci sono pochi dubbi, se la Roma dovesse riuscire oggi pomeriggio a battere l'Inter e arrivare alla sosta a punteggio pieno, si potrebbe parlare di una partenza da 10 in pagella. E, tra l'altro, Gasperini e i suoi, in un…”

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

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