Roma vs Inter: Unbeaten Giallorossi seek redemption against perfect Nerazzurri

Fulvio Collovati, the 1982 World Cup winner, assessed Roma's challenge against Inter on the eve of their Serie A match, arguing that Gasperini's side possesses the superior defence. Collovati, who spent four seasons at Inter (1982–86) and two at Roma before a year at Udine, drew on his experience of both clubs to frame the tactical battle ahead. Collovati believed Roma arrive in better psychological and motivational shape, noting that Inter, already cast as super-favourites, have more to lose. He grounded his analysis in defensive statistics: Inter have conceded six goals while scoring 13, whereas Roma have shipped only one goal in the same period while scoring 12. "It is a non-negligible fact," he said, "which translates the solidity of Gasperini's team; instead Chivu in the same period is working to make the defence more solid." Collovati stressed that defensive strength remains Serie A's defining characteristic, pointing out that Como reached the Champions League last season by conceding just 29 goals rather than scoring 36. He argued that for Roma, having an impenetrable backline is almost as important as possessing attacking talent. On individual defenders, Collovati assessed that Leonardo Balerdi is earning his place through performances, describing him as "a young man who has modern qualities coupled with an 'ancient' temperament as a defender." He added that Gasperini's comparison of Balerdi to Baresi may have been slightly excessive, though the coach clarified he was speaking of characteristics. Collovati also highlighted several young talents with international significance: Ghilardi, whom he considers almost ready, and Emanuele Lulli, arguing that if there is such talk of talented youth, ``then you have to start betting on them, as happens abroad.'' He named Bastoni, Dimarco, Esposito, Barella, Mancini and Cristante as players whose club performance carries weight for the national team, noting that Roberto Mancini will be present at the Olimpico on Saturday. When asked whether he was rooting for either side, Collovati said: "I'm not someone who shies away from answers, but since I became a commentator I've managed to exercise healthy distance, so I say I support beautiful football and in my opinion we will see it in Roma–Inter."

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the scale of Roma's challenge ahead of the match against Inter, acknowledging the gap between the two sides while framing the fixture as an opportunity to measure progress. Speaking at a pre-match press conference on 18 September, Gasperini said: "They are clearly the team to beat for all the squads, but obviously we must have the ambition to be able to get closer." He described Inter as the reference point in Italian football, yet emphasised Roma's intention to compete and find a way to compete against them. The fixture represents a significant test for Gasperini's side early in the 2026–27 season. Roma's preparation will culminate in a final training session today followed by a retreat at Trigoria, part of Gasperini's tactical strategy heading into the encounter. The referee for the match has also been confirmed, with Gasperini expressing confidence in the official's performance.

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."

Donyell Malen has been included in the Netherlands squad under new head coach Xavi Hernandez. The Roma forward is among several Serie A players called up for the international break that follows the first league phase, with Netherlands fixtures against Germany, Serbia, Grecia and Serbia again on the horizon. Malen, formerly of Aston Villa, will depart with several other Italian league players named in Xavi's initial squad. The squad announcement comes as Roma complete their first league block before the international window, with the defender contingent and attacking reinforcements distributed across multiple national teams.

Donyell Malen has been named in the Netherlands squad by new head coach Xavi Hernández for the first time. The Roma forward was among 26 players selected as Xavi began his tenure as national team manager, replacing Ronald Koeman. Malen's inclusion reflects a strong start to the season at Roma under Gian Piero Gasperini, during which he has become one of the team's principal attacking players. Xavi has signed a contract with the Dutch federation until 2030 and has opted to retain Malen despite the forward's disappointing World Cup, when he failed to replicate the form he has shown in Roma colours. Under Koeman, Malen had been used in various tactical experiments and different positions. The new coaching era offers fresh opportunity for the Roma forward, who will report to the national team camp in strong form after his impressive recent performances in the Giallorossi shirt. Malen struggled to perform at the required level during the World Cup, but his return to favour with a new Netherlands regime reflects his consistency this season. The selection comes after Roma's strong start to the 2026-27 campaign, where Malen has established himself as a key attacking outlet under Gasperini's direction.

Street artist Drugi has unveiled a mural depicting Paulo Dybala as a superhero, complete with a cape in Roma's giallorossi colours. The work celebrates the special relationship between Dybala and Roma's fanbase, particularly younger supporters who have embraced the Argentine as one of their idols. Drugi accompanied the piece with the caption: "Every child has their superhero." Dybala is enjoying an impressive start to the 2026-27 season on the pitch. He has already provided five assists, four of them to teammate Donyell Malen, forming a partnership that has become one of the key weapons in Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma side and captivating the club's supporters. The combination of Dybala's creative play and Malen's finishing has given fans reason for optimism as the campaign unfolds. With the new mural now immortalizing him in comic-book form, Dybala has gained a fictional alter ego to match his status among young Roma supporters—though for many giallorossi children, the forward's performances on the field may already be enough to qualify him as a superhero in their eyes.

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's flying form has sparked title-race optimism among the club's supporters, with actor Carlo Verdone telling Corriere dello Sport that this season could be their moment. Verdone praised head coach Gasperini's work, saying: "It could be the right year, yes. Gasperini is doing a huge job, he's brought out genuinely incredible players and the squad is performing very well." He singled out defender Emanuele Lulli as an unexpected prospect and midfielders Niccolò Pisilli and Leonardo Balerdi for particular praise, with Verdone describing Balerdi—a recent arrival—as "very strong" and predicting Lulli will soon feature for Italy. On the threat posed by Inter, Verdone acknowledged the challenge ahead. "Inter are genuinely frightening, without doubt," he said. "They're a team that becomes a force when they attack—we've seen that in this opening stretch of the season and last season under a good coach like Chivu. But Inter can also give something away, as the Udinese match showed. Roma have the best defence in the league, but the Nerazzurri are always scary."

Radio commentators across Rome's main sports stations weighed in on Saturday's clash between Roma and Inter, the league leaders, with opinion divided over which team should be considered favourites and how Gasperini should set up his squad. Giancarlo Padovan backed Roma at 60–40 odds, saying: "The value will show itself over time. I give Roma 60% and Inter 40%; for me Roma wins tomorrow. But this is a discussion that must be seen over the long term. Roma is playing better and will assert its form, its enthusiasm, and for that reason Roma wins. But the championship is not finished: Inter's values will come out, and the head-to-head with Roma will go on until the end of the championship. Inter is capable of recovering any gap that might open tomorrow." David Rossi warned against complacency: "I see a danger — the idea is creeping into the Roma soul that we are favourites tomorrow, and I don't like this thing. Roma is a very important squad, but we must not fall into the error of thinking we are favourites. If Roma won tomorrow, and after five matches found itself top with a perfect record after winning the direct clash, would you think it is the favourite for the Scudetto? I don't. For me Inter would remain the favourite." Stefano Agresti called it level: "Roma is certainly playing better, the numbers say so — it has won matches dominating, some also under pressure — but I cannot forget what Inter is and its strength: I believe it continues to have something more than Roma as a squad. For me it is truly even." On team selection, Gianluca Piacentini suggested deploying Balerdi, Lulli and Pisilli as trequartista with Dybala and Malen in front, arguing that using a high midfielder would not abandon Gasperini's football. Lorenzo Pes favoured N'Dicka over Balerdi on Saturday evening because of structure, and predicted Wesley would move to the right flank for a duel with Dimarco if Molina played on the left. Alessio Nardo offered tactical advice: "I would give advice to our players for Saturday's match against Inter: shoot — shoot on goal. Martinez is a goalkeeper who is now insecure, suffering the moment. With the Olimpico being a cauldron and putting pressure, let us try to engage him and expose his limits." Piero Torri cautioned that after the international break, Como–Roma would be extremely tough, especially with South American players departing: "When the South Americans leave it is always tough: there is the long journey and the time zone to absorb."

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."

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media on the eve of Roma's fixture against Inter, acknowledging the scale of the challenge ahead while expressing satisfaction with his team's start to the season. Gasperini framed the match as a significant occasion for both clubs: "It is a satisfaction to arrive at an appointment in this league position, with the matches and victories we have obtained, just as Inter have done. It is an important appointment: a full stadium, a great atmosphere, lots of enthusiasm, two teams that are getting important results." He praised the competitive energy around the fixture while warning against over-reliance on early momentum, noting that setbacks are inevitable in a balanced Italian league. Gasperini was direct about Inter's standing in Serie A. "Without any doubt, Inter is the reference team for our league and for everyone," he said. "It is a team that over time is doing extraordinary things in Italy and in Europe, because it has played two finals in recent times. It is a very strong team and this I think is recognised by everyone. For the other teams, seeking to get closer and compete with them is certainly a reference point." He acknowledged Roma's progress from the previous season while explaining that the club's ambition is to narrow the gap with the champions. Gasperini also confirmed that all key players—Manu Koné, Evan N'Dicka, Wesley, and Lorenzo Pellegrini—would be available for selection: "I continue to cross my fingers. We are all here for tomorrow, so we are all available. This is already an extraordinary result, because it rarely happens." On the tactical challenge posed by Inter, Gasperini reflected on historical patterns. "There was a period in which we managed to get results against Inter, then in recent years it has not been that way; instead there have always been defeats," he said. "It can be a bit the tactical aspect, although the coaches have changed: there was Conte, then Inzaghi arrived and now Chivu has arrived. The result has not changed." He drew a parallel to Juventus's period of dominance, suggesting that such runs are cyclical. Gasperini stressed that his approach remains outcome-focused: "For me it is fundamental to always try to do things for the team's result, so to achieve the result. Every match is different: the performances of the players can be different, as can those of the opponents. It is fundamental to read the situation moment by moment, because today it is unpredictable what can happen tomorrow in the ninety minutes." Gasperini noted that Pellegrini, who has been sidelined, is now available for selection after training regularly with the squad for the second consecutive week. The coach indicated that the upcoming international break might provide an opportunity for additional recovery or friendly matches for players with limited recent playing time, though no specific plans were announced.