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Roma vs Inter: Lulli favoured over Molina, two defensive uncertainties ahead of top-of-table clash
·19 September 2026·3h ago

Roma vs Inter: Lulli favoured over Molina, two defensive uncertainties ahead of top-of-table clash

Source: Forza Roma

Roma face Inter at the Olimpico this evening at 18:00 in a summit meeting that will see the winners occupy the top of the Serie A table alone for three weeks. The match falls before the international break that straddles September and October. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has a fully fit squad for the first time this season, though selection dilemmas remain in defence. Mario Hermoso's condition is uncertain and he could be replaced by Leonardo Balerdi; however, Balerdi himself may lose out to Evan N'Dicka on the left side. On the left flank, Emanuele Lulli is in front of Nahuel Molina, while Wesley occupies the right. Manu Koné returns to the starting midfield after time out, and one of Matías Soulé or Niccolò Pisilli will operate alongside Paulo Dybala and behind Donyell Malen.

The major Italian newspapers have offered their predicted lineups. La Gazzetta dello Sport lines up 3-4-2-1 with Hermoso and Balerdi in defence alongside Gianluca Mancini, and Soulé in support. Corriere dello Sport switches to 3-4-1-2 with N'Dicka replacing Balerdi and Soulé the sole attacking midfielder. Il Messaggero's 3-4-2-1 includes both Balerdi and N'Dicka, with Pisilli preferred to Soulé. Il Tempo and Corriere della Sera follow the same formation with identical choices: N'Dicka and Balerdi in defence, though Corriere della Sera names Pisilli rather than Soulé. Leggo reverts to 3-4-1-2, bringing Molina into the left-back slot and retaining Hermoso. La Repubblica keeps Molina on the left in a 3-4-2-1. Tuttosport uses 3-4-2-1 with Hermoso and N'Dicka in defence, Lulli at left-back, and Pisilli joining Dybala in the attacking line.

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Story Coverage5 sources on this story

Roma face Inter at the Olimpico on Saturday at 18:00 in a summit meeting between Serie A's only two unbeaten sides. The winner will occupy top of the table alone, with the fixture falling before the international break. Mario Hermoso has returned to full training after a precautionary absence and will be available, though defensive selection remains fluid across outlets' predicted lineups. Major Italian newspapers disagree on the back line: La Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero, and Tuttosport favour N'Dicka or Balerdi alongside Hermoso and Mancini, while others retain Hermoso with different partners. Emanuele Lulli is favoured over Nahuel Molina at left-back, though Pess notes a conditional tactical shift—if Molina plays, Wesley may move to the right. Manu Koné returns to midfield after time out, with either Matías Soulé or Niccolò Pisilli operating in attack alongside Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen.

Radio pundits back Roma's chances heading into the clash. Roberto Pruzzo told Radio Radio Mattino that Roma arrive in superior condition despite Inter's strength, while Sandro Sabatini praised their focus and solidity, seeing Inter as "a bit careless" and "less linear." Nando Orsi framed the encounter as a major event between two deserving equals, calling it "a thesis" for Roma and "a confirmation" for Inter, expecting an entertaining contest rather than a tactical game. Other analysts offered more cautious views: Orsi elsewhere described Inter as slight favourites in a 49–51 proposition, while Carina predicted a tight, low-scoring match, stressing that player quality rather than coaching would prove decisive. Vanni singled out Inter's absence of Calhanoglu as significant, noting the midfielder's ability to thrive under pressure.

Offensively, both clubs bring firepower. Roma have scored 12 goals under Gasperini this season, while Inter have netted 13. Historically, Roma and Inter have met 186 times in Serie A, producing 540 goals—an average of 2.9 per match. Gasperini will complete final preparations with training today before the squad retreats to Trigoria overnight to maintain concentration.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

La Roma si prepara alla sfida al vertice contro l'Inter, in programma questa sera alle 18 all'Olimpico. Sarà l'ultima gara prima della lunga sosta nazionali a cavallo tra settembre e ottobre e in palio c'è la vetta della classifica per tre settimane in solitaria. Qualche dubbio di formazione per…

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

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