Team spirit: injured player follows Roma and celebrates victory

Roma host Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 19 September at 18:00 in Serie A's fifth round, a clash between the only two unbeaten sides after four matches. Both teams arrive with 12 points from four wins apiece—Roma's latest a 2–0 victory at Torino, Inter's a 5–3 comeback win over Udinese. Roma lead on goal difference in what marks the first genuine test of the season for two sides in outstanding form. Gian Piero Gasperini reports a fully fit squad for the match. Evan N'Dicka has recovered from a gastrointestinal issue, Wesley from a knock to his ankle, and Mario Hermoso from a contusion sustained during the week. Lorenzo Pellegrini is back in full training after two weeks out and available for selection, though likely as a substitute. Gasperini has deployed a 3–4–2–1 formation in recent games and may continue it here, weighing whether to use Niccolò Pisilli as a secondary forward alongside Paulo Dybala behind Donyell Malen, or to maintain Matías Soulé in that role for greater midfield cover against Inter's attack. At fullback, a contest remains between Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina on the right, with Lulli slightly favored, while Wesley returns on the left. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are expected to form the midfield partnership. In defence, Gianluca Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso are lined up to start, though Leonardo Balerdi continues to press the Ivorian after recent strong displays. Inter, managed by Cristian Chivu, are without key midfield figure Hakan Calhanoglu, sidelined by a right adductor muscle strain and unavailable until after the international break. John Stones is also absent with a hamstring issue, and Denzil Spence is not yet ready. Josep Martinez is expected to retain the goalkeeper role despite some recent lapses. The back three should feature Yann Bisseck, Mohammed Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni. On the right, Luis Henrique is favored over the fatigued Diouf, while Federico Dimarco returns at left-back. Piotr Zielinski takes Calhanoglu's role in midfield alongside Nicolò Barella and Curtis Jones, who is preferred to Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mario Sucic. Lautaro Martinez, rested against Udinese, will start alongside Marcus Thuram in attack. Betting markets show an extremely tight contest, with Inter marginally favored: Roma victory is quoted at 2.70–2.76, a draw at 3.35–3.50, and Inter at 2.50–2.60. Over 2.5 goals trades at 1.60, reflecting both teams' attacking prowess, though Roma have shown superior defensive solidity so far. The match is exclusive to DAZN, available through the app on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, consoles and computers, with no broadcast on standard Sky Sport channels. Referee is Davide Massa, assisted by Meli and Berti, fourth official Maresca, VAR Mazzoleni, and assistant VAR Di Paolo.

Roma and Inter meet in a Serie A heavyweight clash on the final fixture before the international break, both sides unbeaten and among the form teams of the season's opening weeks. Gasperini is monitoring the fitness of Wesley and N'Dicka ahead of the match, with Leonardo Balerdi set to start in their absence, while Mario Hermoso's injury concern has eased. Inter boss Chivu will be without Calhanoglu and Stones, forcing Akanji and Zielinski into their places.

Gian Piero Gasperini has acknowledged Inter's superior record ahead of tomorrow's meeting between the sides, saying: "Inter are stronger in points earned and victories. We must have the serenity to recognise these objective situations. We must look at ourselves, not others." He added that Roma are content with their progress and have improved since last season, with Lorenzo Pellegrini now in his second week of full training and available for selection. Mile Svilar, speaking to Il Corriere della Sera, addressed speculation about a Juventus move and Roma's title ambitions. "I never had even one conversation with Juventus," he said. "I'm not someone who signs a renewal and then denies the choice." On the scudetto: "Two good matches here and we're exalted; one defeat and it's drama. We must stay balanced. We'll understand later if we're truly title contenders. We're playing better, more dominant, more as a team. In Gasperini's second year his ideas come automatically." Leonardo Balerdi, recently called up to Argentina's national squad, described his Roma move as a dream realised. "I wanted to change air after many years at Marseille," he told Il Tempo. "I've wanted to play in Serie A since childhood and now at Roma I'm more than happy. I get on well with Gasperini's instructions; I feel myself improving physically every day. His way of training is an advantage because in matches I feel strong." Series A will pause after matchday five for a 20-day international break. Italy's Nations League fixtures run 25 September (Belgium), 28 September (Turkey), 2 October (France) and 5 October (Turkey). Gianluca Mancini, Bryan Cristante and Daniele Ghilardi are in the senior squad; Niccolò Pisilli and Emanuele Lulli have been called to the Under-21. Manu Koné and Donyell Malen are also engaged internationally with France and the Netherlands respectively.