Romano earning regret at Trigoria as Cagliari boss draws Strootman comparison

AS Roma are increasingly determined to make Leonardo Balerdi's loan from Marseille permanent, and the club's stance has not changed despite his costly error at Old Trafford. A missed ball gave Cunha the opening for Manchester United's 2-2 equaliser. According to Fabrizio Romano, Roma are fully satisfied with the Argentina defender's performances, and he is happy in the capital. The intention, barring surprises, is to turn the loan into a permanent deal for a fee that should range between €11 million and €14 million, depending on the number of appearances of at least 45 minutes over the season. The mechanism reportedly sets the buy-back fee at €14 million if Balerdi plays at least 55% of matches, falling to €11 million if his share of appearances is between 40% and 55%. Romano also revealed that Inter had sounded out Balerdi last summer but did not pursue contacts with Marseille. Juventus had also considered the Argentine on several occasions between 2024 and 2025 without making their interest concrete. In the end, Roma came out on top, having found in the 1999-born defender a player particularly suited to Gian Piero Gasperini's style of football. His pace, aggression and personality allowed him to win the coach's trust quickly, culminating in a splendid brace against Napoli. The slip that led to Manchester United's comeback remains a heavy stain on an otherwise very high-level performance up to that point. Roma's assessment, however, does not change because of a single mistake. Balerdi has convinced both Gasperini and the club's management, and his future appears set to remain in giallorosso. Roma's plan is to keep the defender for the long term, with the difference between the two buy-back thresholds not expected to alter that commitment.

Roma lost 3-2 at Manchester United's Old Trafford in a group-stage match. Rodrigo Mora was one of the Giallorossi's standout players, producing an excellent first half and providing an assist for Soulé before being replaced by Pisilli at the start of the second half. After the final whistle, Mora spoke to TNT Sports Brasil about his relationship with Wesley in the dressing room. He was asked whether he and his team-mate talk often, language considered, and what he thinks of Wesley as a player. Mora said the two of them share a common interest in Brazil and Brazilian football, which they both follow closely, and that the shared language helps them a great deal. Mora said: "Yes, I think today Wesley played another great match. He is a great player and he will reach the highest levels of football. We talk mostly about Brazil and Brazilian football, which we both follow. The language, of course, helps us a lot. He has given me a great hand in this welcome to Roma and I am really grateful to him for that."

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini has left uncertainty over the return of goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, who has a back problem, ahead of Saturday's match against Sassuolo. Asked about his return, Gasperini replied: "Non lo so, vediamo" ("I don't know, we'll see"). The injury that kept Gollini out of the game against Manchester United could also affect the next fixture. Yesterday Devis Vásquez took his place in goal, making his first appearance in the Roma shirt. His performance is hard to judge. He made no serious mistakes, and his only fault came on Cunha's goal that made it 3-2. He also saved Fernandes's penalty, but the referee denied him the chance to enter Roma's history books. Vásquez could now be asked to play again on Saturday, with Gollini still uncertain and Mile Svilar also in the picture. The game against Sassuolo is on Saturday. Gasperini's cautious comments leave the starting goalkeeper choice open, and Vásquez's debut performance means he is in line for another start if Gollini is not fit.