Roma host Inter at the Olimpico on Saturday 19 September for a Serie A title clash between the league's only two unbeaten sides, both on maximum points after four matches. Leonardo Balerdi is expected to start in defence, though outlets differ on his partner: Corriere dello Sport and others favour Evan N'Dicka on the left, while La Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero and Tuttosport prefer Mario Hermoso alongside him. Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina are in contention for the left-flank role, with Lulli favoured at 65–35 according to several outlets. Wesley will operate on the right side of defence. In midfield, Manu Koné returns after time out, while Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala will support Donyell Malen in attack. Referee Davide Massa of the Imperia section will oversee the encounter. The Olimpico is sold out, with over 60,000 spectators expected and gates opening from 15:30.
Both teams arrive in exceptional attacking form: Roma have scored 12 goals in four matches this season, up from 3 in the same period last year, while Inter have netted 13. The fixture carries profound historical weight—Roma and Inter have met 186 times in Serie A, producing 540 goals at an average of 2.9 per match. At the Olimpico specifically, Roma hold a slim advantage with 34 wins to Inter's 33 across 93 encounters. Crucially, Roma have not beaten Inter at home since 2016 under Spalletti, and Gasperini has not won against the Nerazzurri in his last eight seasons. Victory would give Gasperini his tenth consecutive league win—a feat achieved only twice in Roma's history, by Rudi Garcia in 2013–14 and Luciano Spalletti in 2005–06. Before the match, both teams will pay tribute to Sandro Mazzola, the Inter and Italy legend who died at 83 overnight.
In preview comments, Gasperini acknowledged Inter's superiority—"more powerful, as they have shown in recent years. Stronger not just than Roma, but than everyone"—yet framed the fixture as an opportunity to close the gap. Leonardo Balerdi, in an interview with Il Tempo, described his Roma move as destiny and called the Inter clash "a match that can give us the decisive click for the rest of the season." Inter will be without Calhanoglu and Stones, with Akanji and Zielinski drafted in as replacements, while Roma report a fully fit squad for the first time this season.
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