Roma's squad value surges to €600m as Gasperini closes gap with Inter ahead of their clash

Andrea Stramaccioni, a commentator for DAZN and Rai who has managed both Roma's youth academy and Inter's first team, previewed Roma's match against Inter at the Olimpico on 19 September, kickoff 18:00, as a double ex with close knowledge of both clubs and their managers. Stramaccioni framed the fixture as significant for Roma's development. "I see two worlds I know well and two coaches who are friends and doing very well," he said. While stopping short of calling it a title decider, he noted that victory would provide "a real blow to the other side's enthusiasm." For Roma, he stressed, returning to fixtures of this magnitude offers a chance to prove their progress: "Inter are used to challenges at this level from years of competing, while for Roma it will be good to breathe this atmosphere again." He highlighted Paulo Dybala as central to the team's transformation. "It's a Roma I see mentally grown," Stramaccioni explained. "The quality jump came with Dybala's constant presence behind Malen." On Donyell Malen's seven goals in four matches, Stramaccioni attributed his explosive form to tactical deployment: "He was closed off by Watkins at Aston Villa, often played on the wing in a different system and philosophy. No one uses him as Gasperini does. Not even Koeman in the national team when he tried him as a striker. Here he plays ideally to his characteristics—he always gets the ball served vertically and following his movement. His first touch while running like a world-class player and his ability to shoot make the rest." On Inter's strength, Stramaccioni noted Simone Inzaghi's 3-5-2 formation has proved troublesome for Gasperini: "Since Inter switched to this system under Conte, then Inzaghi and now under Chivu, Gian Piero has collected four draws and ten defeats against Inter. It is no accident." He named Paulo Dybala as Roma's decisive player and Lautaro as Inter's potential match-winner. Stramaccioni's firm prediction: "For me it ends with a spectacular draw: 2-2."

Roma legend Giuseppe Giannini has urged the side to embrace the challenge of facing Inter at the top of the table, believing they can rise to the occasion. Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Giannini acknowledged the difficulty of the fixture but called for Roma to play with enthusiasm and without hesitation at this early stage of the season. "A defeat wouldn't compromise anything and a draw would be positive," he said. "But I expect the usual Roma, with the structure the coach has given them." Asked whether a win against Inter would justify talk of a title dream, Giannini cautioned against premature optimism but stressed the symbolic importance of three points. He noted the progress Roma have made following last season, which he described as a bedding-in year that ended with third place. "All have noticed Roma's growth," Giannini explained. "Three points would be a further confirmation and would also help external perception: reaching the break on a perfect record would be exhilarating."

Roma legend Giuseppe Giannini has said the club can challenge Inter at the top of Serie A, but cautioned against premature talk of a title push. Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Giannini acknowledged that Inter remain the stronger force. "Inter are still ahead, but this Roma can compete," he said. "There is still a gap between the two squads. That is why Roma will have to play with enthusiasm and without worries. We are only at the start of the season. A defeat would not compromise anything and a draw would be positive. But I expect the usual Roma, with the shape the coach has given them." On whether a victory over Inter would justify talk of a championship challenge, Giannini was measured: "Too soon, but it would be an important signal. Everyone has noticed Roma's growth after last season, which was a settling-in year but ended with an important third-place finish. Three points would be a further confirmation and would also help external perception: arriving at the international break with a full points tally would be exciting."

Andrea Stramaccioni, a commentator for DAZN and Rai who has managed both Roma's youth academy and Inter's first team, previewed Roma's match against Inter at the Olimpico on 19 September, kickoff 18:00, as a double ex with close knowledge of both clubs and their managers. Stramaccioni framed the fixture as significant for Roma's development. "I see two worlds I know well and two coaches who are friends and doing very well," he said. While stopping short of calling it a title decider, he noted that victory would provide "a real blow to the other side's enthusiasm." For Roma, he stressed, returning to fixtures of this magnitude offers a chance to prove their progress: "Inter are used to challenges at this level from years of competing, while for Roma it will be good to breathe this atmosphere again." He highlighted Paulo Dybala as central to the team's transformation. "It's a Roma I see mentally grown," Stramaccioni explained. "The quality jump came with Dybala's constant presence behind Malen." On Donyell Malen's seven goals in four matches, Stramaccioni attributed his explosive form to tactical deployment: "He was closed off by Watkins at Aston Villa, often played on the wing in a different system and philosophy. No one uses him as Gasperini does. Not even Koeman in the national team when he tried him as a striker. Here he plays ideally to his characteristics—he always gets the ball served vertically and following his movement. His first touch while running like a world-class player and his ability to shoot make the rest." On Inter's strength, Stramaccioni noted Simone Inzaghi's 3-5-2 formation has proved troublesome for Gasperini: "Since Inter switched to this system under Conte, then Inzaghi and now under Chivu, Gian Piero has collected four draws and ten defeats against Inter. It is no accident." He named Paulo Dybala as Roma's decisive player and Lautaro as Inter's potential match-winner. Stramaccioni's firm prediction: "For me it ends with a spectacular draw: 2-2."

Roma will host Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 19 September at 18:00, with gates opening at 15:30. The club advises supporters to arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff. Tickets and season passes are valid only in digital format; screenshots will not grant access. Services for disabled supporters, the Quiet Room and the secondary ticketing reporting form remain active. The match will be Roma's 81st sold-out fixture of the Friedkin era, with approximately 68,000 spectators and 3,500 Inter supporters in the visiting section. The Curva Sud is preparing a new choreography, and media accreditation has reached over 400. Ryan Friedkin is expected at the stadium, preceded in the capital by Ed Shipley. Roma have several tactical decisions to finalize: Leonardo Balerdi could challenge both Mario Hermoso and Evan N'Dicka for a defensive place, while Emanuele Lulli leads Nahuel Molina on the left flank. Manu Koné returns as a starter in midfield; Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are fixed in attack, with Matías Soulé and Niccolò Pisilli competing for the remaining forward spot. Former Roma player Giuseppe Giannini previewed the fixture, saying: "Inter are still ahead, but this Roma can compete." On Gasperini's tenure, Giannini stated: "Gasperini and Roma: the right pairing." He cautioned on the title race: "It is too soon, but a victory would be an important signal. Arriving at the international break with a perfect record would be uplifting."

Roma face Inter at the Stadio Olimpico at 18:00 today in the fifth round of Serie A, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side taking on Cristian Chivu's Inter in a full house. A handful of selection questions remain unresolved just hours before kickoff, particularly in defence and the attacking midfield positions. Mile Svilar will start in goal, with Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka expected to form a defensive pairing. The main uncertainty centres on the third defender: Leonardo Balerdi, who produced an excellent display in Turin, may displace Mario Hermoso. With Emanuele Lulli operating on the right and Wesley on the left, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné appear set for central midfield duties, with the Frenchman available after recent physical problems. The principal dilemma concerns the role behind Donyell Malen, the Serie A leading scorer with six goals. Paulo Dybala is expected to start alongside the striker, while the second attacking midfield spot is contested between Matías Soulé and Niccolò Pisilli. Soulé would provide greater offensive quality, whereas Pisilli offers Gasperini a different tactical solution through his positioning, running off the ball and pressing intensity. Roma's probable XI: Svilar; Mancini, N'Dicka, Balerdi; Lulli, Cristante, Koné, Wesley; Dybala, Soulé; Malen.

Roma and Inter meet on Saturday 19 September 2026 in a Serie A fixture billed as the competition's flagship match, with both sides unbeaten and on maximum points so far this season. The match takes place at the Olimpico before the international break. Gasperini has announced that all his squad members are available for selection, but is monitoring the fitness of Wesley and Evan N'Dicka, suggesting Leonardo Balerdi will start in defence. Inter will be without Calhanoglu and Stones, with Akanji and Zielinski set to replace them. Both teams will pay tribute to Sandro Mazzola before kick-off. The Inter and Italy legend died at 83 during the night.

Roma and Inter meet at the Olimpico at 18:00 for a summit clash, but Inter manager Chivu faces three key selection decisions in the hours before kickoff. In Inter's 3-5-2 formation, Dimarco is expected to start on one flank, though Carlos Augusto is in fine form and his recent performances make him a genuine contender for the role. On the opposite wing, Diouf and Luis Henrique are competing for the chance to contain Wesley. The third dilemma concerns the left-midfield position, where Jones appears to be the favourite to start ahead of both Sucic and Mkhitaryan. For Roma, Gasperini must still resolve his own final shape questions—principally whether to hand Leonardo Balerdi and Niccolò Pisilli their starting places. The fixture carries extra weight as a battle between the league's top contenders, with both teams seeking advantage at a critical stage of the season.

Roma face Inter at the Stadio Olimpico at 18:00 today in the fifth round of Serie A, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side taking on Cristian Chivu's Inter in a full house. A handful of selection questions remain unresolved just hours before kickoff, particularly in defence and the attacking midfield positions. Mile Svilar will start in goal, with Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka expected to form a defensive pairing. The main uncertainty centres on the third defender: Leonardo Balerdi, who produced an excellent display in Turin, may displace Mario Hermoso. With Emanuele Lulli operating on the right and Wesley on the left, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné appear set for central midfield duties, with the Frenchman available after recent physical problems. The principal dilemma concerns the role behind Donyell Malen, the Serie A leading scorer with six goals. Paulo Dybala is expected to start alongside the striker, while the second attacking midfield spot is contested between Matías Soulé and Niccolò Pisilli. Soulé would provide greater offensive quality, whereas Pisilli offers Gasperini a different tactical solution through his positioning, running off the ball and pressing intensity. Roma's probable XI: Svilar; Mancini, N'Dicka, Balerdi; Lulli, Cristante, Koné, Wesley; Dybala, Soulé; Malen.

Roma host Inter at the Olimpico tonight in a fixture weighted with significance for both clubs' championship ambitions. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledged the scale of the challenge, saying Inter are "more powerful, as they have shown in recent years. Stronger not just than Roma, but than everyone," yet framed the match as an opportunity for Roma to close the gap. Victory would boost morale and confidence in the title race; defeat, at this early fifth-matchday stage, would not derail the season but would serve as a reality check on genuine objectives. The Olimpico is sold out. Gasperini has not won against Inter in his last eight seasons—five victories and nine draws across 36 meetings—and Roma have not beaten the Nerazzurri at home since 2016 under Spalletti, a 2–1 win featuring goals from Dzeko, Banega and an own goal by Icardi. Yet the coach detected real optimism in the environment. He said: "It's positive energy that needs to be collected. Obviously there are results and matches; when things go less well there's the downside, the risk of getting depressed. But we mustn't think about that, only about the match—a fine appointment for the teams and the fans. Everyone wants to take part. It will require great clarity." Roma have shown they can compete in single matches—they drew with Atalanta and recently played Champions League football at Fenerbahce with ease after seven years away from Europe. The difficulty lies in maintaining consistency over a long campaign, where Roma may still be short of the resources required. Roma and Inter lead Serie A's attacking metrics: Inter have scored 13 goals and fired 32 shots on target; Roma have 12 goals and 31 shots. Roma have touched the ball in the opposition area 183 times to Inter's 177. Defensively, Roma rank among the strongest starts across Europe's five major leagues, conceding only one goal so far—level with Arsenal and Friburgo. Gasperini can reach his 300th Serie A victory tonight, though Inter remain formidable: they are unbeaten in 16 of their last 18 league matches against Roma, with 10 wins and 6 draws, and have won 9 of the 11 most recent contests, scoring 24 goals in those encounters. Asked about the taboo against Inter, Gasperini reflected: "There was a period when I got results against them, then in recent years only defeats. It may be tactical. There was a spell like this with Juventus during their consecutive titles, then victories came. There are many components involved. We're facing a strong squad." Gasperini also said: "Matches like this prepare themselves. We must have the clarity and calm to look at the field, understand what we need and can do to counter this team and try to be competitive. There are no other hidden agendas. Turin was hard as the league is hard. You can't expect to win every match as in the first two games. Serie A is balanced; winning against Turin and Atalanta is greater merit. It would be too nice to win easily every time."

Gian Piero Gasperini has settled his starting XI for the clash against Inter after a training session and an overnight stay by the squad at the Fulvio Bernardini centre in Trigoria. The Roma head coach is building the team around tactical certainties and the recovery of key players to full fitness. In defence, Evan N'Dicka has made a full recovery and will return to the starting lineup alongside Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso, who is completely recovered from an ankle knock suffered mid-week. Leonardo Balerdi remains available as a substitute option, with Gasperini having outlined his philosophy on defensive changes: "We need to get used to making substitutions with defenders — a strong centre-back can be a weapon even during the game." On the flanks, Emanuele Lulli will continue at right-back, his form outweighing the candidacy of Nahuel Molina, while Wesley returns to the starting XI at left-back after missing the previous match in Turin. In midfield, Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante form the established pairing despite strong performances from Niccolò Pisilli and Marten De Roon. On the attacking midfield, Matías Soulé holds a clear advantage over Rodrigo Mora to complete the offensive unit alongside Paulo Dybala — set for his sixth consecutive start in less than a month — in support of striker Donyell Malen.

Rodrigo Mora, the 2007-born midfielder who arrived at Roma this summer from Porto, has outlined his ambitions at the club in an interview with Sky Sport Insider. Mora praised Paulo Dybala as a player of exceptional quality who needs no words to communicate on the pitch. "With Paulo, he's a player that doesn't need words: you look at him and you understand," Mora said. "Every time he touches the ball, you can expect something that few know how to do: that pass that others don't even see, that move that changes the match. Off the pitch he welcomed me brilliantly from day one—he's a very humble and available person, and I'm truly grateful for how he helped me settle in." Mora also recalled a conversation with former manager José Mourinho upon his arrival. "When I came, we spoke a bit," he explained. "He told me how much he loves this club, how much he likes Roma and how special the relationship with the city is. It wasn't a long conversation, but he's a great coach and a great person, and I'm truly grateful for the words he spent on me. He made me feel welcome." Mourinho had previously stated that Mora possessed all the qualities to win over Roma's supporters. On his long-term objectives, Mora was clear about his ambitions: "I want to win titles. It's the most important objective I have, the one that drives me every morning when I arrive to train. I want to win them with Roma, in this city, with these fans, and I want to do it as a protagonist, giving my contribution on the pitch."