Roma's average squad age sits mid-table in Serie A

Leonardo Balerdi has become the focal point of Roma's preparation for Saturday's clash with Inter at the Olimpico after an impressive display on Monday against Torino in place of Evan N'Dicka. His convincing performance prompted Gasperini to view the Argentine defender as a potential starter against the Serie A champions, a promotion that has raised competitive intensity across the defence and the wider squad. Gasperini's team selection will be shaped by who delivers the strongest performances in training at Trigoria: those who maintain full commitment and maximum effort will earn starting places. The likely starting formation will closely resemble the strongest XI fielded last season, built around the established core players. The returning absentees from Monday—N'Dicka, Wesley, and Manu Koné—are set to come back into contention. The intriguing tactical question centres on the left-back slot, where teenage defender Emanuele Lulli has emerged as the focus of recent debate. Lulli's physical test results place him ahead of Nahuel Molina, making him the favourite to start, provided Gasperini prioritises the pace and pressing strength needed to contain Inter's left-side playmaker Dimarco. A third option exists: Wesley deployed on the right with Molina on the left, a setup already tested in training. Elsewhere, Mario Hermoso will mark Nicolò Barella, while Niccolò Pisilli is warming up for a potential late-match impact.

Rodrigo Mora has explained his reasons for joining Roma, highlighting the club's prestige and playing style as key factors in his decision. Speaking to Sky Sport, the Portuguese midfielder praised the opportunity to compete in the Champions League and outlined his approach to life under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. "I think Roma is a very prestigious club and the style of play it proposes is one more reason why I chose to come," Mora said. "Then having the chance to play in the Champions League represents an important step for my life. Gasperini is certainly a very demanding coach towards the squad and all the players." Mora's early impact has been positive. He scored his first Roma goal in a league match against Lecce, a moment he described as highly emotional. "It was a very emotional moment. I like to score. And scoring my first goal for Roma was important," he reflected. The midfielder has set his priorities clearly, declining to focus on personal goal tallies in favour of team contribution. "Honestly I don't think about the number of goals I could score, but above all about helping the squad with goals, assists, whatever is needed to help the squad. This is the fundamental thing," Mora explained. His remarks underline Roma's confidence in his talent and ambition, positioning him as a key part of Gasperini's project.

Rodrigo Mora has become one of AS Roma's standout signings of the summer transfer window. Arriving for 25 million euros, the Portuguese midfielder marked his competitive debut with a goal in Roma's Serie A match against Lecce. In an interview with Sky Sport, Mora discussed the emotion of that opening goal and his working relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Mora explained his decision to join the club: "I think Roma is a very prestigious club and the style of play it proposes is an additional reason why I chose to come here. Then having the opportunity to play Champions League football represents an important step for my life. Without question, Gasperini is a very demanding coach towards the squad and all the players." On scoring against Lecce, he reflected: "It was a very emotional moment. I like to score, and scoring my first goal for Roma was very important. Honestly I don't think about the number of goals I could score, but above all about helping the team with goals, assists and whatever is needed — that is the fundamental thing."