Torri backs N'Dicka to start against Inter; Roma have strong squad

Marcus Thuram has emerged as the primary danger to Roma's defence ahead of their clash with Inter, with statistics backing up tactical concern. The French forward has scored three goals and provided two assists across four matches against Roma, a striking average. Last season he settled the first fixture with an early goal, then replicated the pattern at San Siro with a goal and two assists in Inter's 5–2 victory. Gasperini recognises the threat and is preparing a precise defensive adjustment rather than a wholesale overhaul. Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso will remain in the back line, but Evan N'Dicka faces the prospect of dropping out to make room for Leonardo Balerdi. The change reflects tactical requirements rather than a demotion: Thuram's attacking runs into space and explosive pace in open play have exposed Roma's defensive shape, particularly when the match stretches and space opens up behind the line. Balerdi possesses the speed to track Thuram and recover quickly, and appears better suited to defending in those scenarios where the opponent can exploit depth. Roma want to avoid repeating last season's outcome. If Saturday's match develops as it did a year ago, Gasperini believes the Argentine defender may be better equipped than N'Dicka to manage Thuram's threat.

Gianluigi Buffon has praised Cesc Fabregas as a manager with a rare quality, but explained why he finds Gian Piero Gasperini's teams more compelling to watch. Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, the former Juventus and Italy goalkeeper acknowledged Fabregas's ability to transmit his ideas: "I recognise in Fabregas: he has a bit of that light of the predestined, something special, for how he transmits his ideas." Buffon noted that Como have improved this season under Fabregas, observing that "the squad is convincing" and that the club has become "an incredible reality". He highlighted a tactical detail, remarking that Fabregas's approach keeps possession deep: "The ball is often behind the goalkeeper. Over 90 minutes, the goalkeeper holds it for 20, and this affects the rhythm." However, Buffon stressed that Gasperini's Roma engage him emotionally in a way Como's previous style did not: "I can never find a moment of rest, you play, you attack, there is no ball at the back. But I must say this year Como is changing this aspect." He reflected on the previous season, noting that "if I had to watch a match, I chose Roma in the second half of the season, because in the first they weren't yet a Gasperini team. Then the change was clearly visible in the second."

Gian Piero Gasperini has refused to set title ambitions after Roma's opening four consecutive victories, insisting that realistic objectives can only be discussed after roughly 20 matches. Speaking to Sky Sport Insider, the coach acknowledged the city's dreams but grounded expectations in reality: "The reality is that objectives can be discussed only after about twenty matches. Setting them after four or five makes no sense. We certainly have confidence, certainly we want to be high in the table, but at this moment this is the only concrete objective." Gasperini defended his squad's trajectory by noting that Roma began the season with significant advantages over last year's opener. "We had the conviction of having good preparation behind us, and a squad that started advantaged compared to the beginning of last season: we have been together longer, we know each other better, many things we have already assimilated," he said. He highlighted younger players including Emanuele Lulli, Niccolò Pisilli and Daniele Ghilardi, praising their hunger and willingness to learn. On Leonardo Balerdi's impact, Gasperini noted the Argentine defender had delivered "immediately positive" form despite completing only partial preparation with the club, drawing a comparison to Franco Baresi for his recovery speed, intensity in challenges, and composure in building play. Gasperini outlined the complementary nature of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen: "Their characteristics fit together well. Dybala has the capacity to read Malen's runs even when it seems he is not looking at him, and the quality with which he serves him is remarkable. Malen for his part has an extraordinary capacity to convert into goals actions that seem simple but are not. It is a combination that works." He reflected on Roma's return to the Champions League after seven years, describing it as not assured: "The Champions League forces you to overcome obstacles, gives you the opportunity to play against Europe's best teams, puts you against a more difficult and complicated football from which you can grow." When asked to identify flaws, Gasperini said: "The big defects we have eliminated." He credited the unity among environment, squad, supporters and the board as the club's greatest strength, and acknowledged the broader social environment's influence on results as deeply positive.

Marcus Thuram has emerged as the primary danger to Roma's defence ahead of their clash with Inter, with statistics backing up tactical concern. The French forward has scored three goals and provided two assists across four matches against Roma, a striking average. Last season he settled the first fixture with an early goal, then replicated the pattern at San Siro with a goal and two assists in Inter's 5–2 victory. Gasperini recognises the threat and is preparing a precise defensive adjustment rather than a wholesale overhaul. Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso will remain in the back line, but Evan N'Dicka faces the prospect of dropping out to make room for Leonardo Balerdi. The change reflects tactical requirements rather than a demotion: Thuram's attacking runs into space and explosive pace in open play have exposed Roma's defensive shape, particularly when the match stretches and space opens up behind the line. Balerdi possesses the speed to track Thuram and recover quickly, and appears better suited to defending in those scenarios where the opponent can exploit depth. Roma want to avoid repeating last season's outcome. If Saturday's match develops as it did a year ago, Gasperini believes the Argentine defender may be better equipped than N'Dicka to manage Thuram's threat.

Roma legend Aldair has praised Gasperini's squad, singling out Donyell Malen as the strongest player in the team. "They are right to say he is the strongest; I would have struggled against him too," Aldair said. On the title race, he added: "Roma can compete all the way with Inter." He also highlighted the defence, saying: "N'Dicka is making the difference, but Mancini and Hermoso always hold firm. And Balerdi — have you seen him?" Meanwhile, police have issued 16 Daspo (stadium bans) to Curva Sud supporters who were recorded performing a Roman salute during the Roma–Atalanta match on 5 September. The bans will last between one and five years and will prevent these supporters from attending Roma matches both in Rome and abroad. Four of those supporters have also been issued additional restrictions requiring them to report to police stations on match days when Roma play at home. Gasperini has brought a new defensive solidity to Roma. In the 2025–26 season, his team conceded just 0.82 goals per match—the best average of his managerial career. This trend began at Atalanta, where the side finished the 2024–25 campaign with 37 goals conceded. Gasperini now aims to improve that record further.

Roma travel to the Olimpico on Saturday with a perfect record—twelve points from four matches plus a draw in Istanbul—but face one of the season's sternest examinations against Inter and Chivu, a side that has historically troubled Gasperini. The head coach has the full squad available and must resolve three significant lineup decisions. At centre-back, Evan N'Dicka has returned to full fitness but Leonardo Balerdi is in outstanding form; the Ivorian holds a slight edge. On the right flank, Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina are competing for one spot, with Lulli's superior defensive cover making him the favourite alongside Wesley on the left. In attack, Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are guaranteed starts. Matías Soulé leads Rodrigo Mora for the third forward slot, though a surprise could emerge through the possible advancement of either Niccolò Pisilli or Bryan Cristante to bolster midfield cover.

Marcus Thuram has emerged as the primary danger to Roma's defence ahead of their clash with Inter, with statistics backing up tactical concern. The French forward has scored three goals and provided two assists across four matches against Roma, a striking average. Last season he settled the first fixture with an early goal, then replicated the pattern at San Siro with a goal and two assists in Inter's 5–2 victory. Gasperini recognises the threat and is preparing a precise defensive adjustment rather than a wholesale overhaul. Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso will remain in the back line, but Evan N'Dicka faces the prospect of dropping out to make room for Leonardo Balerdi. The change reflects tactical requirements rather than a demotion: Thuram's attacking runs into space and explosive pace in open play have exposed Roma's defensive shape, particularly when the match stretches and space opens up behind the line. Balerdi possesses the speed to track Thuram and recover quickly, and appears better suited to defending in those scenarios where the opponent can exploit depth. Roma want to avoid repeating last season's outcome. If Saturday's match develops as it did a year ago, Gasperini believes the Argentine defender may be better equipped than N'Dicka to manage Thuram's threat.

Gian Piero Gasperini has refused to set title ambitions after Roma's opening four consecutive victories, insisting that realistic objectives can only be discussed after roughly 20 matches. Speaking to Sky Sport Insider, the coach acknowledged the city's dreams but grounded expectations in reality: "The reality is that objectives can be discussed only after about twenty matches. Setting them after four or five makes no sense. We certainly have confidence, certainly we want to be high in the table, but at this moment this is the only concrete objective." Gasperini defended his squad's trajectory by noting that Roma began the season with significant advantages over last year's opener. "We had the conviction of having good preparation behind us, and a squad that started advantaged compared to the beginning of last season: we have been together longer, we know each other better, many things we have already assimilated," he said. He highlighted younger players including Emanuele Lulli, Niccolò Pisilli and Daniele Ghilardi, praising their hunger and willingness to learn. On Leonardo Balerdi's impact, Gasperini noted the Argentine defender had delivered "immediately positive" form despite completing only partial preparation with the club, drawing a comparison to Franco Baresi for his recovery speed, intensity in challenges, and composure in building play. Gasperini outlined the complementary nature of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen: "Their characteristics fit together well. Dybala has the capacity to read Malen's runs even when it seems he is not looking at him, and the quality with which he serves him is remarkable. Malen for his part has an extraordinary capacity to convert into goals actions that seem simple but are not. It is a combination that works." He reflected on Roma's return to the Champions League after seven years, describing it as not assured: "The Champions League forces you to overcome obstacles, gives you the opportunity to play against Europe's best teams, puts you against a more difficult and complicated football from which you can grow." When asked to identify flaws, Gasperini said: "The big defects we have eliminated." He credited the unity among environment, squad, supporters and the board as the club's greatest strength, and acknowledged the broader social environment's influence on results as deeply positive.

Gian Piero Gasperini has outlined Roma's approach after a perfect beginning to the 2026-27 season, emphasizing that while supporters are entitled to dream of the Serie A title, the club itself remains grounded in reality. Speaking to Sky Sport on 17 September, the head coach reflected on four consecutive wins and the mental benefit they bring, noting that Roma started this season in a stronger position than a year ago. "Me lo auguravo, più che aspettarmelo," he said. "D'altronde avevamo la convinzione di avere alle spalle un buon rodaggio, e una squadra che partiva avvantaggiata rispetto all'inizio della scorsa stagione: siamo insieme da più tempo, ci conosciamo meglio, tante cose le abbiamo già assimilate." On the atmosphere at the club after more than a year in the capital, Gasperini stressed the positive influence of Roma's environment. "L'ambiente influenza tantissimo. Ma come ho sempre detto, influenza in modo positivo, non negativo, perché è un ambiente di grande passione e di grande amore verso la propria squadra, e quindi sono tutte componenti fortemente positive." He credited the unity between players, supporters, club and management as Roma's greatest strength. "Il pregio più grande, tra i tanti, è che si è creata una grande unità tra ambiente, squadra, tifoseria e società, e questo è qualcosa che ti aiuta a lavorare bene e ti dà fiducia per fare i migliori risultati." Gasperini praised the partnership between Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, explaining their complementary qualities. "Dybala ha la capacità di leggere gli smarcamenti di Malen anche quando sembra non guardarlo, e la qualità con cui lo serve è notevole. Malen dal canto suo ha una straordinaria capacità di tradurre in gol azioni che sembrano semplici ma non lo sono." He also highlighted the development of young players including Emanuele Lulli, Niccolò Pisilli and Daniele Ghilardi, noting their professionalism and desire to improve. On the Scudetto question, Gasperini rejected setting concrete objectives so early. "L'asticella non si alza mettendo degli obiettivi più o meno raggiungibili: si alza migliorando ogni giorno." He added: "Ci rendiamo conto che intorno a noi si fanno tutte le previsioni possibili, ed è giusto così: la gente ha i suoi sogni, vuole il massimo. Per quanto riguarda noi, come ogni anno, dobbiamo guardare in faccia la realtà." Gasperini described upcoming matches against Inter, Como and Real Madrid as opportunities to measure Roma's true capabilities against elite opponents, noting that Como are a team "doing truly giant steps" and now belong among the campaign's big sides. On Leonardo Balerdi's arrival and immediate impact, he explained a comparison he had made to Franco Baresi, emphasizing shared defensive characteristics rather than absolute level. Balerdi, he said, had arrived in excellent condition despite limited preparation time and had already proven himself a strong professional making an instant contribution.

Mario Hermoso has returned to full training with Roma's squad after working separately on 16 September due to a slight ankle contusion. The defender completed the entire session without problems and will be available for Saturday's match against Inter at the Stadio Olimpico, which kicks off at 18:00. Roma continue preparations for the fixture with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini providing an injury update on 17 September at Trigoria. Hermoso's return to availability is a boost for the big match, with the defender having missed only the previous day's session as a precaution.

Marcus Thuram has emerged as the primary danger to Roma's defence ahead of their clash with Inter, with statistics backing up tactical concern. The French forward has scored three goals and provided two assists across four matches against Roma, a striking average. Last season he settled the first fixture with an early goal, then replicated the pattern at San Siro with a goal and two assists in Inter's 5–2 victory. Gasperini recognises the threat and is preparing a precise defensive adjustment rather than a wholesale overhaul. Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso will remain in the back line, but Evan N'Dicka faces the prospect of dropping out to make room for Leonardo Balerdi. The change reflects tactical requirements rather than a demotion: Thuram's attacking runs into space and explosive pace in open play have exposed Roma's defensive shape, particularly when the match stretches and space opens up behind the line. Balerdi possesses the speed to track Thuram and recover quickly, and appears better suited to defending in those scenarios where the opponent can exploit depth. Roma want to avoid repeating last season's outcome. If Saturday's match develops as it did a year ago, Gasperini believes the Argentine defender may be better equipped than N'Dicka to manage Thuram's threat.

Mario Hermoso will be available for Roma's match against Inter on Saturday after recovering from a minor ankle injury. The defender trained with the full squad in today's session, allaying concerns for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of the big fixture. Hermoso has become a cornerstone of Roma's defence this season. Gasperini will be able to count on the Spanish defender's leadership and experience for the Inter encounter, with Hermoso now pencilled in for a place in the back three. The former Atlético Madrid player brings both defensive solidity and attacking contribution to the team, making him integral to Gasperini's plans.