Stramaccioni: Gasperini struggles with Inter's 3-5-2 formation, but Roma have closed the gap

Roma and Inter lead Serie A after four matches, both on 12 points with a perfect record. The two sides meet at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday at 18:00 in a direct contest between the league's two unbeaten teams. Inter have scored more (13 to Roma's 12), while Roma have conceded fewer goals (1 to Inter's 6). Roma hold top spot on goal difference alone: +11 to Inter's +7. Alongside Lazio and Como, both Roma and Inter stand out as the season's most in-form sides, distinguished as the only two teams to have beaten every opponent they have faced in Serie A—whether by comeback (Inter against Udinese, Roma against Atalanta), narrow margins (Torino against Roma), or heavy scorelines (Roma against Fiorentina and Inter against Monza). Roma remain unbeaten across all competitions this season; Inter have suffered one defeat. Both Gasperini and Chivu deploy a three-man defence but differ from midfield onwards. Inter favour a 3-5-2 with a regista and two box-to-box players; Roma prefer an extra attacking player to link the lines and feed forward Malen. Both sides build from the flanks and press high up the pitch. Roma's attacking pair of Dybala and Malen will face Inter's Thuram and Lautaro, while both squads benefit from strong domestic cores and versatile substitutes capable of winning matches from the bench.

Radio Roma commentators are backing Roma to upset Inter in their upcoming league fixture, with analyst Mario Mattioli declaring Roma in the better psychological state to spring a surprise. Mattioli said: "Never like this time can Roma pull off a trick on Inter: in my view at this moment I see them superior to the Nerazzurri in character and psychological predisposition, I see them very consistent. Inter has more ups and downs: they concede two goals but then overturn it. Never like this time can Roma win it. But if the match doesn't open up in regular time, I don't rule out that in the end it could finish in a draw." Roma have not beaten Inter since November 2018, but commentators believe the pressure-based system Gasperini has installed offers a route to victory. David Rossi highlighted that "Roma has understood what the manager wants, they all go in the same direction, there's no one who breaks ranks. Inter is a team that suffers under pressure… when pressed well, man-to-man, it can run into difficulty." Fabio Petruzzi praised the conviction shown against Turin, noting Roma "doesn't fear playing high, plays with the defence on the midfield line, doesn't fear conceding goals. It's a calculated risk. The mentality of going onto any pitch and not fearing one-v-one football across the entire field is the most beautiful thing." Nando Orsi cautioned that the fixture will be revealing, saying: "This match can give different judgements compared to what we've seen so far because neither of the two has faced important teams until now." Francesca Ferrazza anticipated tactical rotation, predicting: "Gasperini doesn't put out the usual formation, in my view on Saturday with a more advanced midfielder in Cristante or Pisilli, and putting Dybala and Malen up front." The defence remains a live selection question. Alessio Nardo noted that the Mancini–Balerdi–Hermoso trio is "perhaps one of the fiercest trios and most temperamental," while Lorenzo Pes assessed the Balerdi versus Ndícka choice as "50–50," noting Ndícka's familiarity with the defensive unit may give him the edge. Roberto Pruzzo, a Roma legend, expressed concern about Inter's strength in depth, observing they have two squads and reacted powerfully after conceding two goals in recent form.

Aldo Serena, the former striker turned Sky pundit, has weighed in on Saturday's Roma–Inter clash, describing it as a defining examination for Gasperini's side. Serena praised Roma's early-season form, saying the team has been given an attacking game by the coach that is both eye-catching and concrete. "Gasperini has given them football that catches the eye with a physically sharp Dybala. The team attacks, entertains but is at the same time concrete thanks to that phenomenon that is Malen," Serena said. For Inter, Serena sees a tougher assignment on the defensive front. While highlighting the pace of Bonny, the agility of Thuram, the power of Pio Esposito and the quality of Lautaro, he suggested their summer acquisitions have improved the squad's overall calibre, but warned their defence needs work. "With the Roma match, it could be difficult," he concluded, noting that Inter cannot rely on comebacks if they want to progress in the Champions League.

Davide Massa has been appointed to referee Roma's Serie A clash against Inter at the Olimpico on Saturday 19 September at 18:00, with the fixture a top-of-the-table encounter between the two league leaders. Mazzoleni will oversee proceedings from the VAR room, supported by Di Paolo as AVAR. Meli and Berti are the assistant referees, while Maresca takes the fourth official role. Roma's record with Massa in charge stands at ten matches without victory. The last Roma win under his direction came in October 2022 when Roma beat Inter 2–1 away at San Siro. Most recently, Massa officiated Roma's trip to Como on 15 March, a match Roma lost 2–1 after Wesley was sent off in a controversial decision for a foul on Diao near Roma's penalty area. The full list of Serie A Week 5 referees has been announced: Perenzoni handles Monza–Sassuolo (Friday 18 September at 20:45); Guida takes Bologna–Torino (Saturday 19 September at 15:00); Manganiello directs Udinese–Cagliari (Saturday 19 September at 15:00); Sozza referees Venezia–Lazio (Saturday 19 September at 20:45); Doveri oversees Fiorentina–Napoli (12:30); Chiffi directs Frosinone–Como (15:00); Mariani handles Parma–Genoa (15:00); Zufferli referees Juventus–Atalanta (18:00); and La Penna takes Milan–Lecce (20:45).

Davide Massa of Imperia has been appointed to referee Roma's Serie A clash against Inter on Saturday 19 September at the Olimpico, with kickoff at 18:00. Meli and Berti will assist, Maresca will serve as fourth official, with Mazzoleni on VAR and Di Paolo as assistant VAR. Massa has overseen 34 matches involving Roma, making them the third team he has refereed most frequently after Juventus and Lazio, who each have 35 appearances. His record with the Giallorossi stands at 10 victories, 12 draws and 12 defeats. However, Roma have not won in any of their last 10 matches under Massa. Their last victory with him in charge came on 1 October 2022, when Roma won 2–1 away to Inter at San Siro. Massa's most recent match involving Roma took place on 15 March against Como at the Sinigaglia, where Como won 2–1. The fixture was marked by a controversial decision: Wesley was sent off for a supposed foul on Diao near the Roma penalty area, but replays showed the Brazilian defender had not made contact with the opponent.

Roma host Inter at the Olimpico on Saturday with both sides unbeaten and level on points. The visitors have not lost in Rome since 2016, but head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has endured a particularly difficult run against them, going 17 matches without a win in all competitions—including ten consecutive defeats. The Giallorossi, by contrast, are thriving: they have raised their squad's standard significantly and compete at a level far removed from a year ago, when absences of Evan N'Dicka, Manu Koné and Wesley would have created substantial difficulties. Gasperini is expected to have both Wesley and Koné available from the start, though much will depend on the collective display. Roma's current trajectory differs markedly from past seasons. The team enjoys playing, scores freely and suffocates opponents. The fixture will determine Serie A's leader heading into the international break. The Olimpico is preparing for a heavyweight occasion and promises to be an intimidating atmosphere for the visitors.

Radio Roma commentators are backing Roma to upset Inter in their upcoming league fixture, with analyst Mario Mattioli declaring Roma in the better psychological state to spring a surprise. Mattioli said: "Never like this time can Roma pull off a trick on Inter: in my view at this moment I see them superior to the Nerazzurri in character and psychological predisposition, I see them very consistent. Inter has more ups and downs: they concede two goals but then overturn it. Never like this time can Roma win it. But if the match doesn't open up in regular time, I don't rule out that in the end it could finish in a draw." Roma have not beaten Inter since November 2018, but commentators believe the pressure-based system Gasperini has installed offers a route to victory. David Rossi highlighted that "Roma has understood what the manager wants, they all go in the same direction, there's no one who breaks ranks. Inter is a team that suffers under pressure… when pressed well, man-to-man, it can run into difficulty." Fabio Petruzzi praised the conviction shown against Turin, noting Roma "doesn't fear playing high, plays with the defence on the midfield line, doesn't fear conceding goals. It's a calculated risk. The mentality of going onto any pitch and not fearing one-v-one football across the entire field is the most beautiful thing." Nando Orsi cautioned that the fixture will be revealing, saying: "This match can give different judgements compared to what we've seen so far because neither of the two has faced important teams until now." Francesca Ferrazza anticipated tactical rotation, predicting: "Gasperini doesn't put out the usual formation, in my view on Saturday with a more advanced midfielder in Cristante or Pisilli, and putting Dybala and Malen up front." The defence remains a live selection question. Alessio Nardo noted that the Mancini–Balerdi–Hermoso trio is "perhaps one of the fiercest trios and most temperamental," while Lorenzo Pes assessed the Balerdi versus Ndícka choice as "50–50," noting Ndícka's familiarity with the defensive unit may give him the edge. Roberto Pruzzo, a Roma legend, expressed concern about Inter's strength in depth, observing they have two squads and reacted powerfully after conceding two goals in recent form.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has named three AS Roma players in his latest national squad selection. Leonardo Balerdi, Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro have been called up, though notable absences include Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina, who will remain at Trigoria. The squad announcement came via the Argentina Football Association's official social media channels. Dybala and Molina's omission marks a surprise, as both are among Roma's more established international players. Both will stay at the club during the international break while their teammates fulfil their national team duties.

Roma stayed top of Serie A alongside Inter after four matches with a victory away at Turin, extending their perfect record. Donyell Malen scored again, but the standout feature was a third clean sheet of the campaign: Mile Svilar's record in goal has been breached only by Atalanta's Ederson. The addition of Leonardo Balerdi to an already-settled back line of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso has significantly strengthened the defence. Against Turin's forwards, Balerdi posted commanding numbers: 7 duels won, 11 defensive actions, 6 clearances—more than any other player on the pitch—plus 29 completed passes from 32 attempted, a success rate of 91%. He was combative in close defence and brave in pressing opponents into the attacking third. Gasperini benefits from the fact that Balerdi functions as an extra layer rather than a replacement for the established trio, giving Roma a more powerful shield while opponents face added danger in attack. The defence will face a stern examination on Saturday in a title clash against Inter, whose 13 goals make them the league's leading scorers. Last season Inter scored 6 goals against Roma—nearly one-fifth of all the goals Roma conceded in the entire Serie A campaign—a significant test of the giallorossi's defensive resilience.

Roma and Inter lead Serie A after four matches, both on 12 points with a perfect record. The two sides meet at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday at 18:00 in a direct contest between the league's two unbeaten teams. Inter have scored more (13 to Roma's 12), while Roma have conceded fewer goals (1 to Inter's 6). Roma hold top spot on goal difference alone: +11 to Inter's +7. Alongside Lazio and Como, both Roma and Inter stand out as the season's most in-form sides, distinguished as the only two teams to have beaten every opponent they have faced in Serie A—whether by comeback (Inter against Udinese, Roma against Atalanta), narrow margins (Torino against Roma), or heavy scorelines (Roma against Fiorentina and Inter against Monza). Roma remain unbeaten across all competitions this season; Inter have suffered one defeat. Both Gasperini and Chivu deploy a three-man defence but differ from midfield onwards. Inter favour a 3-5-2 with a regista and two box-to-box players; Roma prefer an extra attacking player to link the lines and feed forward Malen. Both sides build from the flanks and press high up the pitch. Roma's attacking pair of Dybala and Malen will face Inter's Thuram and Lautaro, while both squads benefit from strong domestic cores and versatile substitutes capable of winning matches from the bench.

Radio Roma commentators are backing Roma to upset Inter in their upcoming league fixture, with analyst Mario Mattioli declaring Roma in the better psychological state to spring a surprise. Mattioli said: "Never like this time can Roma pull off a trick on Inter: in my view at this moment I see them superior to the Nerazzurri in character and psychological predisposition, I see them very consistent. Inter has more ups and downs: they concede two goals but then overturn it. Never like this time can Roma win it. But if the match doesn't open up in regular time, I don't rule out that in the end it could finish in a draw." Roma have not beaten Inter since November 2018, but commentators believe the pressure-based system Gasperini has installed offers a route to victory. David Rossi highlighted that "Roma has understood what the manager wants, they all go in the same direction, there's no one who breaks ranks. Inter is a team that suffers under pressure… when pressed well, man-to-man, it can run into difficulty." Fabio Petruzzi praised the conviction shown against Turin, noting Roma "doesn't fear playing high, plays with the defence on the midfield line, doesn't fear conceding goals. It's a calculated risk. The mentality of going onto any pitch and not fearing one-v-one football across the entire field is the most beautiful thing." Nando Orsi cautioned that the fixture will be revealing, saying: "This match can give different judgements compared to what we've seen so far because neither of the two has faced important teams until now." Francesca Ferrazza anticipated tactical rotation, predicting: "Gasperini doesn't put out the usual formation, in my view on Saturday with a more advanced midfielder in Cristante or Pisilli, and putting Dybala and Malen up front." The defence remains a live selection question. Alessio Nardo noted that the Mancini–Balerdi–Hermoso trio is "perhaps one of the fiercest trios and most temperamental," while Lorenzo Pes assessed the Balerdi versus Ndícka choice as "50–50," noting Ndícka's familiarity with the defensive unit may give him the edge. Roberto Pruzzo, a Roma legend, expressed concern about Inter's strength in depth, observing they have two squads and reacted powerfully after conceding two goals in recent form.

Aldo Serena, the former striker turned Sky pundit, has weighed in on Saturday's Roma–Inter clash, describing it as a defining examination for Gasperini's side. Serena praised Roma's early-season form, saying the team has been given an attacking game by the coach that is both eye-catching and concrete. "Gasperini has given them football that catches the eye with a physically sharp Dybala. The team attacks, entertains but is at the same time concrete thanks to that phenomenon that is Malen," Serena said. For Inter, Serena sees a tougher assignment on the defensive front. While highlighting the pace of Bonny, the agility of Thuram, the power of Pio Esposito and the quality of Lautaro, he suggested their summer acquisitions have improved the squad's overall calibre, but warned their defence needs work. "With the Roma match, it could be difficult," he concluded, noting that Inter cannot rely on comebacks if they want to progress in the Champions League.