Roma v Inter: a chess match as Gasperini seeks clinical edge and Chivu demands defensive solidity

Roma travel to Udine for Serie A matchday 10 against Udinese, with the match kicking off at 18:00 and broadcast exclusively on DAZN. Gian Piero Gasperini is without several key players, including Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Mile Svilar, and Lorenzo Pellegrini is also absent. Roma's probable starting XI sees Daniele Ghilardi in defence, while Rodrigo Mora has a chance to start from the first minute. Roma come into the fixture on a strong run. They are unbeaten in the league after nine matchdays, with six wins and three draws, and have the second-best defence in Serie A, having conceded just eight goals. Udinese, by contrast, are looking for a turnaround after a difficult spell. A 0-0 draw with Parma ended a run of six consecutive defeats, but the Friulani have not won in seven matchdays. Their home form is the main concern, with four straight home defeats at the Bluenergy Stadium and 311 minutes without scoring in front of their own fans. Gasperini is again calling up two youngsters from the Primavera, Di Nunzio and Camara, and is backing Mora to get the better of Runjaic's side. Udinese are set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under Runjaic, with Okoye in goal and Davis leading the line. Roma's XI is also a 3-4-2-1, with Gollini in goal, Ghilardi, N'Dicka and Hermoso in defence, and Malen up front. The head-to-head record favours Roma: in 55 meetings in Friuli, Roma have won 24, Udinese 18, with 13 draws. The most recent meeting, in January, ended 1-0 to Udinese, with the goal scored by Ekkelenkamp, and the home side have won two of their last four home games against the capital club.

Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma are planning to attack Udinese's vulnerability from dead-ball situations, with the aim of winning the match at Udine and catching out coach Runjaic. Roma need points as Inter and Lazio keep up the pressure at the top, and the article says the Giallorossi cannot afford to fall behind in the chase. Gasperini has reportedly passed on the message that it is no time to give up. Udine will not be easy. Udinese have taken less from their results than they deserved, and against Parma they faced a real siege, with twenty shots and no goals. Runjaic is looking for a turnaround and wants to find it precisely against Roma. The Friulani have already shown they can trouble the Giallorossi, and last season Gasperini's side suffered badly against their physicality. Roma's plan starts with taking the game onto technical ground and quality, avoiding a contest of duels and tackles where Udinese can use all their strength. With the ball at their feet, Roma believe they have the quality to make the difference. Udinese have won one of their last seven matches, scoring few goals and conceding many. Since Monza, they have conceded the most goals from set pieces, five in total, with an average of 0.57 xG conceded per match from these situations. Roma, meanwhile, have been less effective from set pieces this season: they are ninth for goals from dead-ball situations with three, compared with fifteen in 2025-26, when they finished fourth in Serie A. Gasperini has the men and the options to hurt Udinese. Hermoso is a guarantee in the air, Cristante knows how to attack the near post, and Balerdi can also be a resource. Bryan Cristante has already shown he can be decisive from these situations: with De Rossi on the bench, his header decided a nerve-shredding match. The match kicks off at 18:00, and the article suggests set pieces could be the key to taking the game.

Roma travel to the Bluenergy Stadium to face Udinese today, the last match before the international break, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side aiming to keep their winning run going despite a heavy injury list. Roma then fly to Manchester for their Champions League clash at Old Trafford and close the cycle at the Olimpico against Sassuolo. According to Corriere della Sera, Svilar, Koné, Pellegrini and Dybala are all absent, yet Gasperini's team approach the fixture with confidence. Roma have already collected four more points than at this stage last season against the same opponents, and the side are showing clear progress. Around 5,000 fans will travel to Friuli to back the team. Gasperini can also reach a notable landmark: becoming the fastest coach in Roma history to reach 30 Serie A wins, ahead of Spalletti, Capello and Mourinho. The coach is expected to rely on his core players and rotate the squad. Ghilardi and Hermoso are set to start either side of N'Dicka, with Wesley on the flanks and Soulé and Mora operating behind Donyell Malen, the team's main focal point up front.

Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma are planning to attack Udinese's vulnerability from dead-ball situations, with the aim of winning the match at Udine and catching out coach Runjaic. Roma need points as Inter and Lazio keep up the pressure at the top, and the article says the Giallorossi cannot afford to fall behind in the chase. Gasperini has reportedly passed on the message that it is no time to give up. Udine will not be easy. Udinese have taken less from their results than they deserved, and against Parma they faced a real siege, with twenty shots and no goals. Runjaic is looking for a turnaround and wants to find it precisely against Roma. The Friulani have already shown they can trouble the Giallorossi, and last season Gasperini's side suffered badly against their physicality. Roma's plan starts with taking the game onto technical ground and quality, avoiding a contest of duels and tackles where Udinese can use all their strength. With the ball at their feet, Roma believe they have the quality to make the difference. Udinese have won one of their last seven matches, scoring few goals and conceding many. Since Monza, they have conceded the most goals from set pieces, five in total, with an average of 0.57 xG conceded per match from these situations. Roma, meanwhile, have been less effective from set pieces this season: they are ninth for goals from dead-ball situations with three, compared with fifteen in 2025-26, when they finished fourth in Serie A. Gasperini has the men and the options to hurt Udinese. Hermoso is a guarantee in the air, Cristante knows how to attack the near post, and Balerdi can also be a resource. Bryan Cristante has already shown he can be decisive from these situations: with De Rossi on the bench, his header decided a nerve-shredding match. The match kicks off at 18:00, and the article suggests set pieces could be the key to taking the game.

Former Roma director Walter Sabatini has continued to praise Gian Piero Gasperini's side, focusing on the spirit within the group. Sabatini said: "The spiritual cohesion is a superior factor. Roma are going through this collective state of mind." He added: "Gasperini teaches the orthodoxy of winning, he is a coach who makes you take giant strides." On the 3-3 draw in Naples, Sabatini said: "It is a tonic for Italian football. Both sides played very well." Roma open their final week before the international break in Udine, and the fixture will be followed by matches against Manchester United and Sassuolo. Gasperini does not plan to rotate and wants to field the best possible Roma side in Udine. Gollini will be confirmed in goal, while Ghilardi is named by all the newspapers among the starters in defence. The other two central defensive places remain a contest between Balerdi, N'Dicka and Hermoso. Lulli and Wesley are favoured on the flanks, while Cristante, De Roon and Pisilli rotate in midfield. Up front, Soulé and Malen are certain to start, with Pisilli and Mora in contention to complete the attack. Roma have 21 points after nine matches, the same total as after nine matchdays last season, but they have collected four more points than in the same fixtures last year. Gasperini is close to his 30th Serie A win as Roma coach and could reach it in his 48th game in charge, ahead of Spalletti (54), Capello (55) and Mourinho (59).

Roma travel to Udine this afternoon to face Udinese in Serie A matchday 10, and Italian newspapers have published their predicted line-ups. Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero and Corriere della Sera all suggest Gollini in goal with Ghilardi, Lulli and Wesley in the side, while the other outlets differ on the back three and the midfield. Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero and Corriere della Sera all expect Mora to play in the attacking midfield role behind Soulé and Malen, while Il Corriere dello Sport and Il Tempo prefer Pisilli in that position and De Roon in midfield. The papers are split on the back line. Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero and Il Tempo name Balerdi and Hermoso alongside Ghilardi, while Il Corriere dello Sport picks N'Dicka with Balerdi. Corriere della Sera chooses Ndicka and Hermoso, and also gives Rensch a start in midfield. Cristante is named in every projected line-up, and Soulé and Malen are expected to lead the attack in all five predictions. The headline pairing of Ghilardi and the choice between Mora and Pisilli sums up the main debate ahead of the fixture. Roma's forwards are in form and the midfield selection will decide how the team balances defence and attack in Udine.

Roma travel to Udine for Serie A matchday 10 against Udinese, with the match kicking off at 18:00 and broadcast exclusively on DAZN. Gian Piero Gasperini is without several key players, including Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Mile Svilar, and Lorenzo Pellegrini is also absent. Roma's probable starting XI sees Daniele Ghilardi in defence, while Rodrigo Mora has a chance to start from the first minute. Roma come into the fixture on a strong run. They are unbeaten in the league after nine matchdays, with six wins and three draws, and have the second-best defence in Serie A, having conceded just eight goals. Udinese, by contrast, are looking for a turnaround after a difficult spell. A 0-0 draw with Parma ended a run of six consecutive defeats, but the Friulani have not won in seven matchdays. Their home form is the main concern, with four straight home defeats at the Bluenergy Stadium and 311 minutes without scoring in front of their own fans. Gasperini is again calling up two youngsters from the Primavera, Di Nunzio and Camara, and is backing Mora to get the better of Runjaic's side. Udinese are set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under Runjaic, with Okoye in goal and Davis leading the line. Roma's XI is also a 3-4-2-1, with Gollini in goal, Ghilardi, N'Dicka and Hermoso in defence, and Malen up front. The head-to-head record favours Roma: in 55 meetings in Friuli, Roma have won 24, Udinese 18, with 13 draws. The most recent meeting, in January, ended 1-0 to Udinese, with the goal scored by Ekkelenkamp, and the home side have won two of their last four home games against the capital club.

Former Roma director Walter Sabatini has continued to praise Gian Piero Gasperini's side, focusing on the spirit within the group. Sabatini said: "The spiritual cohesion is a superior factor. Roma are going through this collective state of mind." He added: "Gasperini teaches the orthodoxy of winning, he is a coach who makes you take giant strides." On the 3-3 draw in Naples, Sabatini said: "It is a tonic for Italian football. Both sides played very well." Roma open their final week before the international break in Udine, and the fixture will be followed by matches against Manchester United and Sassuolo. Gasperini does not plan to rotate and wants to field the best possible Roma side in Udine. Gollini will be confirmed in goal, while Ghilardi is named by all the newspapers among the starters in defence. The other two central defensive places remain a contest between Balerdi, N'Dicka and Hermoso. Lulli and Wesley are favoured on the flanks, while Cristante, De Roon and Pisilli rotate in midfield. Up front, Soulé and Malen are certain to start, with Pisilli and Mora in contention to complete the attack. Roma have 21 points after nine matches, the same total as after nine matchdays last season, but they have collected four more points than in the same fixtures last year. Gasperini is close to his 30th Serie A win as Roma coach and could reach it in his 48th game in charge, ahead of Spalletti (54), Capello (55) and Mourinho (59).

Roma travel to the Bluenergy Stadium to face Udinese today, the last match before the international break, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side aiming to keep their winning run going despite a heavy injury list. Roma then fly to Manchester for their Champions League clash at Old Trafford and close the cycle at the Olimpico against Sassuolo. According to Corriere della Sera, Svilar, Koné, Pellegrini and Dybala are all absent, yet Gasperini's team approach the fixture with confidence. Roma have already collected four more points than at this stage last season against the same opponents, and the side are showing clear progress. Around 5,000 fans will travel to Friuli to back the team. Gasperini can also reach a notable landmark: becoming the fastest coach in Roma history to reach 30 Serie A wins, ahead of Spalletti, Capello and Mourinho. The coach is expected to rely on his core players and rotate the squad. Ghilardi and Hermoso are set to start either side of N'Dicka, with Wesley on the flanks and Soulé and Mora operating behind Donyell Malen, the team's main focal point up front.

Roma travel to Udine for Serie A matchday 10 against Udinese, with the match kicking off at 18:00 and broadcast exclusively on DAZN. Gian Piero Gasperini is without several key players, including Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Mile Svilar, and Lorenzo Pellegrini is also absent. Roma's probable starting XI sees Daniele Ghilardi in defence, while Rodrigo Mora has a chance to start from the first minute. Roma come into the fixture on a strong run. They are unbeaten in the league after nine matchdays, with six wins and three draws, and have the second-best defence in Serie A, having conceded just eight goals. Udinese, by contrast, are looking for a turnaround after a difficult spell. A 0-0 draw with Parma ended a run of six consecutive defeats, but the Friulani have not won in seven matchdays. Their home form is the main concern, with four straight home defeats at the Bluenergy Stadium and 311 minutes without scoring in front of their own fans. Gasperini is again calling up two youngsters from the Primavera, Di Nunzio and Camara, and is backing Mora to get the better of Runjaic's side. Udinese are set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under Runjaic, with Okoye in goal and Davis leading the line. Roma's XI is also a 3-4-2-1, with Gollini in goal, Ghilardi, N'Dicka and Hermoso in defence, and Malen up front. The head-to-head record favours Roma: in 55 meetings in Friuli, Roma have won 24, Udinese 18, with 13 draws. The most recent meeting, in January, ended 1-0 to Udinese, with the goal scored by Ekkelenkamp, and the home side have won two of their last four home games against the capital club.

Former Roma striker Okaka has backed the Giallorossi to win the Scudetto, speaking to Sky Sport on the day Roma face Udinese. He said the team under Gian Piero Gasperini is in a strong position so early in the season, and that the club has a clear ambition. Okaka praised the club's young players, who have been scoring for Roma this season. "It's a positive aspect because young players are the future of football. At Rome they have a master like Gasperini who prepares them for the big step, and for this reason they find it easier to emerge," he said. Asked which of the two sides had surprised him more, Roma or Udinese, he named Udinese. "Certainly Udinese. I didn't expect them to be so low. Roma, on the other hand, had already built an important base last year, with a coach who created a different kind of magic. Udinese are a fantastic club, very strong, who could reach the European zone. Unfortunately, things don't always go as you imagine." He added that Udinese face a difficult match tonight against "an armada that wants to play for the title". Asked what convinces him most about Roma, Okaka pointed to the chemistry between coach, squad and fans. "Rome is not a square like the others: you must put your heart in first, then everything follows. Let's hope we all go to the Circo Massimo to celebrate." He also spoke about Donyell Malen, saying: "Beyond the qualities of the Dutchman, what strikes me is his way of playing. He has an incredible hunger, he feels the shirt he wears, he never pulls back his leg, he runs and fights. He is someone who has connected with all of Rome."

Former Roma director Walter Sabatini has continued to praise Gian Piero Gasperini's side, focusing on the spirit within the group. Sabatini said: "The spiritual cohesion is a superior factor. Roma are going through this collective state of mind." He added: "Gasperini teaches the orthodoxy of winning, he is a coach who makes you take giant strides." On the 3-3 draw in Naples, Sabatini said: "It is a tonic for Italian football. Both sides played very well." Roma open their final week before the international break in Udine, and the fixture will be followed by matches against Manchester United and Sassuolo. Gasperini does not plan to rotate and wants to field the best possible Roma side in Udine. Gollini will be confirmed in goal, while Ghilardi is named by all the newspapers among the starters in defence. The other two central defensive places remain a contest between Balerdi, N'Dicka and Hermoso. Lulli and Wesley are favoured on the flanks, while Cristante, De Roon and Pisilli rotate in midfield. Up front, Soulé and Malen are certain to start, with Pisilli and Mora in contention to complete the attack. Roma have 21 points after nine matches, the same total as after nine matchdays last season, but they have collected four more points than in the same fixtures last year. Gasperini is close to his 30th Serie A win as Roma coach and could reach it in his 48th game in charge, ahead of Spalletti (54), Capello (55) and Mourinho (59).