Roma to hold fresh talks with Torino over Cacciamani

Leonardo Balerdi's loan deal from Marseille contains a complex purchase structure tied directly to his match appearances. If the Argentine defender plays in at least 55% of Roma's fixtures across all competitions for a minimum of 45 minutes, the buyout becomes mandatory at €14 million. Should his appearance rate fall between 40 and 55%, the obligation drops to €11 million. Marseille has secured a protection clause requiring Roma to pay a minimum €9 million if Balerdi accumulates just 20% of minutes played in the second half of the season. Balerdi will earn €1.5 million annually under the loan agreement—a significantly reduced figure relative to his market value—with a salary increase guaranteed if Roma exercise the permanent transfer option from next season onwards.

Inter have tracked several Roma players across multiple transfer windows, with some coming closer to a move than others. Mile Svilar was a target in summer 2025 before he renewed his contract with Roma, while contacts were made with Gianluca Mancini's representatives in early July when his deal was set to expire in 2027. Nahuel Molina was examined as a possible replacement for Dumfries, and in spring Inter president Marotta considered Lorenzo Pellegrini as an option. The most serious pursuit came in summer 2025 when director Ausilio agreed a deal with Roma's then sporting director Massara for Manu Koné on 15 August—reportedly worth 40 million euros plus bonuses—but Roma's ownership halted the transfer following supporter unrest. Paulo Dybala represents perhaps the most intriguing near-miss. In June 2022, fresh from leaving Juventus, his agent secured an agreement with Inter for a contract worth 6 million euros. The move collapsed when Inter owner Zhang hesitated, head coach Simone Inzaghi harboured doubts about the fit, and the club could not offload Alexis Correa elsewhere. Inter ultimately pivoted to bringing Romelu Lukaku back on loan instead. The article, published by Federico Masini in Tuttosport, frames these overlapping negotiations as a series of alternate paths in the transfer market. It traces how each of these Roma players—Svilar, Mancini, Pellegrini, Molina, Koné and Dybala—has at different times occupied Inter's thinking, whether as established targets or passing considerations.

Ahead of the big match between Roma and Inter, the transfer market reveals a thread connecting the two clubs over recent years: failed negotiations, hidden probes and shared targets that have intertwined their strategies from goalkeeper to attack. Inter considered Mile Svilar before his 2025 renewal, and came close to signing Mario Hermoso in 2024 before Oaktree's green-line policy on free transfers halted the move. The Nerazzurri also evaluated Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini, though the latter never wavered in his commitment to Roma despite Inter's interest. The clubs also conducted scouting missions for Nahuel Molina and Lorenzo Pellegrini on the flanks and in midfield. The biggest near-miss involved Manu Koné: in summer 2025, Inter reached an agreement worth 40 million euros, but Roma's ownership blocked the deal after a strong reaction from the supporters. The greatest regret for Inter remains Paulo Dybala, who came very close to joining the Nerazzurri in 2022. Zhang began to waver, Inzaghi was not entirely convinced, and Inter ultimately chose to pursue Lukaku's return on loan instead. That decision effectively cleared the path for Dybala's historic move to Roma.

Roma and Inter, the only two Serie A sides with 12 points after four rounds, meet at the Olimpico on Saturday in a high-stakes title clash. Gian Piero Gasperini's side have made a superb start to their second season in charge, winning all four league matches by an aggregate of 12–1, including a 2–0 victory at Torino on Monday with goals from Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli. That came after a 1–1 draw at Fenerbahce in their opening Europa League fixture. Roma will attempt to reverse a damaging recent record: they have won only two of their last 16 encounters with Inter (D6, L10), and have lost their last five league clashes against them at home, failing to score four times in that sequence. The Giallorossi will seek to avenge an embarrassing 5–2 defeat from their last meeting. Despite the historical disadvantage, Roma's form this season suggests they can compete. They are the only Serie A team to have scored at least two goals in each of the first four rounds, and have extended their remarkable winning streak in the division to 11 games, including matches from last season. They are the second-highest scorers in Italy's top flight after four matchdays. Roma are also unbeaten in their last 14 home league matches (W11, D3) and boast one of the best defensive records in Europe's top-five leagues this season—only Arsenal and Freiburg have conceded as few goals as the Giallorossi (1). Inter, the reigning champions, are unbeaten in their last 30 Serie A games (W23, D6) despite netting just once in their only league trip so far in 2026–27, a narrow win over Cagliari. They top the scoring charts with 13 goals and have demonstrated remarkable fighting spirit, coming from 2–0 down to beat Napoli 3–2 and Udinese 5–3. However, they have conceded five goals across their last two league matches and let in at least two goals in three of their last five Serie A away games. Gasperini will have his entire squad available on Saturday, with Wesley Franca and Evan N'Dicka resuming full training earlier in the week. Manu Koné, who came off the bench at Turin, could return to the starting lineup in place of Pisilli. Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé are expected to start behind Malen. Inter will be without midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu (adductor strain) and summer signing John Stones (thigh injury), with Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni forming the defensive trio. Marcus Thuram could make his first Serie A start of the season after two impressive substitute appearances. Roma's projected lineup: Svilar; Mancini, Balerdi, N'Dicka; Molina, Koné, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Dybala; Malen. Inter's projected lineup: J. Martínez; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Diouf, Barella, Zielinski, Jones, Dimarco; Thuram, L. Martínez.

Roma will host Inter on 19 September at 18:00 at the Stadio Olimpico in a top-of-the-table fixture. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 18 September and confirmed that Manu Koné, Evan N'Dicka, Wesley and Lorenzo Pellegrini are all available for selection. Gasperini described the occasion as a source of satisfaction given Roma's strong start to the season and praised the environment at the stadium. Gasperini acknowledged Inter's standing in Serie A, saying: "Without any doubt Inter is the reference team for our league. Over time they are doing extraordinary things both in Italy and in Europe. For other teams, trying to get closer and compete with them is certainly a reference." He framed the fixture as an opportunity rather than a burden, stating that positive energy and desire to perform are forces to harness. The head coach also ruled out complacency, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the tactical battle ahead. On the injury front, Gasperini delivered encouraging news: "I continue to cross my fingers. We are all available for tomorrow, so everyone is fit. This is already an extraordinary result." Pellegrini, recovering from injury, has now completed a second consecutive week of full training with the squad and is ready to play. Gasperini also expressed confidence in young defender Emanuele Lulli, saying: "He is a player who has come through in recent matches and needs a development process, perhaps accelerating through certain steps. I am very satisfied with what he is doing." Regarding the referee appointment, Gasperini added: "Tomorrow Massa will be perfect. There will be no more controversy."

Roma face Inter at the Olimpico on 19 September with kickoff at 18:00 in a sold-out fixture, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirming his full squad is available for the match. Both sides arrive with perfect records, but Gasperini acknowledged Inter's status as the benchmark in Serie A. "Inter is the reference team for our championship and everyone else's," he said. "It's a team doing extraordinary things in Italy and in Europe, with two finals in recent times, it's very strong, recognised by everyone. Then for the others it's a reference point, to try to get closer and compete with them, it's an ambition for everyone because their strength is recognised." Gasperini framed Roma's ambition within realistic terms, describing the task as one of insertion into an ever-higher band of the league rather than overtaking Inter. "We're looking to insert ourselves into an increasingly higher tier of the championship," he explained. On Inter's advantage over Roma specifically, he said: "I think against everyone they have something more, the results show it and they are striking. You have to also have the serenity to recognise it. We look at ourselves, not others: I'm satisfied with what we're doing." The coach also reflected on his record against Inter, noting that results have shifted in their favour in recent seasons despite changes in their managerial personnel. "It can be that they've been my kryptonite," he said. "There was a period where I found results with Inter, in recent years that hasn't been the case. The coaches have also changed: Conte, Inzaghi, Chivu, and the result hasn't changed." On team news, Gasperini confirmed that Manu Koné, Evan N'Dicka and Wesley are all available for selection, with Lorenzo Pellegrini also fit after training with the squad for two consecutive weeks. "It's extraordinary because it happens rarely," Gasperini said of having his full complement. "Then of course, there's someone who is better and worse, there was also some flu. Today is the final training session, but we'll all be there." He backed young defender Emanuele Lulli as capable of performing at this level, noting: "If he plays in the league he's able to do the same in the Champions League. He's young, he's making a path, skipping stages quickly. I look at the present and yes, I'm satisfied with him." On tactical flexibility for the Inter match, Gasperini indicated willingness to adapt his approach. When asked whether Niccolò Pisilli or Bryan Cristante might play in an attacking midfield role, he said: "For me it's fundamental to try to do everything for the result. Every match is different, performances change, players change. It's fundamental to read the situation at the right moment. Against Atalanta I put two defenders to win it, for example. Even changes between defenders must be considered."

Roma host Inter on 19 September in a top-of-the-table clash before the international break. The match, valid for Serie A Matchday 5, kicks off at 18:00 at the Olimpico. Both sides sit joint top of the league on a perfect record after four matches. Gasperini has the full squad available for the second consecutive game. Roma's defensive lineup presents selection decisions, with Balerdi competing for a place and Molina hoping to overcome competition from Lulli. Roma vs Inter will be broadcast exclusively on DAZN with a kickoff at 18:00. To watch on television, a DAZN subscription is required, available via the app on smart TVs, Xbox, PlayStation, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast or TIM VISION Box. Live updates will be available via Forzaroma.info and the site's social media channels on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Roma and Inter, the only two Serie A sides with 12 points after four rounds, meet at the Olimpico on Saturday in a high-stakes title clash. Gian Piero Gasperini's side have made a superb start to their second season in charge, winning all four league matches by an aggregate of 12–1, including a 2–0 victory at Torino on Monday with goals from Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli. That came after a 1–1 draw at Fenerbahce in their opening Europa League fixture. Roma will attempt to reverse a damaging recent record: they have won only two of their last 16 encounters with Inter (D6, L10), and have lost their last five league clashes against them at home, failing to score four times in that sequence. The Giallorossi will seek to avenge an embarrassing 5–2 defeat from their last meeting. Despite the historical disadvantage, Roma's form this season suggests they can compete. They are the only Serie A team to have scored at least two goals in each of the first four rounds, and have extended their remarkable winning streak in the division to 11 games, including matches from last season. They are the second-highest scorers in Italy's top flight after four matchdays. Roma are also unbeaten in their last 14 home league matches (W11, D3) and boast one of the best defensive records in Europe's top-five leagues this season—only Arsenal and Freiburg have conceded as few goals as the Giallorossi (1). Inter, the reigning champions, are unbeaten in their last 30 Serie A games (W23, D6) despite netting just once in their only league trip so far in 2026–27, a narrow win over Cagliari. They top the scoring charts with 13 goals and have demonstrated remarkable fighting spirit, coming from 2–0 down to beat Napoli 3–2 and Udinese 5–3. However, they have conceded five goals across their last two league matches and let in at least two goals in three of their last five Serie A away games. Gasperini will have his entire squad available on Saturday, with Wesley Franca and Evan N'Dicka resuming full training earlier in the week. Manu Koné, who came off the bench at Turin, could return to the starting lineup in place of Pisilli. Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé are expected to start behind Malen. Inter will be without midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu (adductor strain) and summer signing John Stones (thigh injury), with Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni forming the defensive trio. Marcus Thuram could make his first Serie A start of the season after two impressive substitute appearances. Roma's projected lineup: Svilar; Mancini, Balerdi, N'Dicka; Molina, Koné, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Dybala; Malen. Inter's projected lineup: J. Martínez; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Diouf, Barella, Zielinski, Jones, Dimarco; Thuram, L. Martínez.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on the eve of Roma's fixture against Inter, scheduled for Saturday 19 September at 18:00 at the Stadio Olimpico. Roma arrive at the encounter unbeaten after four matches and level on points with Inter at the top of the Serie A table. The coach emphasised the significance of the moment: "The satisfaction of arriving at an appointment in this situation. It's a fine fixture, stadium full, great enthusiasm. I'd stop at this sensation of a much-anticipated encounter early in the season, very positive on both sides." Gasperini acknowledged Inter's standing as the benchmark in Italian football while defending Roma's progress. "Inter is the reference team in our championship, doing extraordinary things in Italy and Europe too. It's a very strong team. For the other teams it's a reference point to try to get closer, precisely because Inter's strength right now is recognised," he said. The coach has managed Roma for one year and noted the gap has narrowed, though he stressed the need for realism: "Not just against Roma, it's in the points and victories they've accumulated. We must have the serenity to acknowledge these things are objective. We must look at ourselves. I'm satisfied with how we're doing to insert ourselves into an ever-higher band of the championship. Inter has been the strongest team in the championship for years, then Napoli inserted itself for a few years. We're trying to insert ourselves. Compared to last year we've certainly grown." On squad fitness, Gasperini confirmed availability ahead of the Inter clash. "I keep crossing my fingers: we're all here for tomorrow, already that's an extraordinary result. Some knocks are part of normal life. Today is the final session and even small things will be overcome," he said. He addressed Emanuele Lulli's readiness, noting: "I won't get into that detail. He's a lad who came through recently, doing a path by skipping stages in a fast way. I'm looking at the present, and I'm very satisfied with what he's doing." On Lorenzo Pellegrini's return from injury: "Pellegrini is the second week training. He can do everything, he's available. In his case the long break could help. We'll see if it's the case to play some friendlies." Gasperini also reflected on Roma's historical record against Inter: "It may be. There was a period when I managed to get results, then always defeats. But managers have changed, and the result hasn't changed... (laughs). But Inter got these results with many teams, Juventus for example. Evidently there are many components. Certainly it's a strong team." On tactical flexibility for the Inter fixture, Gasperini said: "For me it's fundamental to try to do things to reach the result. Every match is different. Today it's unpredictable what tomorrow might be. Solutions are sought to find the result, to win it." He noted his willingness to adapt structure, citing his time at Atalanta: "I did it with Atalanta by putting two defenders, but to win it, not to lose it. You have to get used to changes in defenders—with changes in strikers this should be considered too." On defending options, he confirmed flexibility: "Both [Nahuel Molina and Wesley] can play on one side and the other. Being right-footed both are different plays, but they're skilled enough to play on both flanks."