Torri: Roma–Inter among the most significant matches under Friedkin ownership

Roma face Inter at the Olimpico on 29 September, five months after a 5–2 defeat at San Siro on 5 April that sparked the Friedkin Group's demand for radical change. That loss marked a turning point. Days later, a dispute between Gasperini and the senior advisor Claudio Ranieri over comments before a match against Pisa forced the issue to a head. Gasperini imposed an ultimatum—"either him or me"—that reshaped the club entirely. The senior advisor departed, the sporting director followed months later, and Roma have not lost since that April night at Inter. The club have won nine matches and drawn two across Serie A and the Champions League, finishing third in the league on the final day against Verona. The encounter with Inter serves as a true test of how far this squad has progressed. Inter remain favourites for the title, but Roma now possess a sharper understanding of their own qualities than they did at San Siro. A historic curse hangs over the tie: Inter have won all five of their last away matches against Roma in Serie A, with a record of 11 goals scored and 2 conceded—the longest streak of consecutive home defeats against a single opponent in Roma's top-flight history. Across nine home meetings since 2 October 2016, Roma have managed three draws and six losses. Victory would put Roma alone at the top ahead of the season's first international break.

Roma face Inter in a fixture pitting Paulo Dybala against Lautaro Martínez, two Argentine World Cup winners from 2022 who now stand as symbols of their respective clubs. The match arrives at a decisive point in the season, with Gasperini describing it as a genuine test of maturity despite his usual caution about title talk before matchday twenty. Dybala, who joined Roma in summer 2022 after a long wait for Inter's interest that ultimately did not materialise, embodies the elegance and playmaking that recalls Francesco Totti's grandeur. The Joya has not scored since January, partly through injury and some restraint in his shooting, but Dybala remains Roma's creative reference point. His value to the team is evident in his influence on teammates: forward Donyell Malen, revitalised by Gasperini, carries 20 goals in 21 matches and frequently thanks Dybala for the technical "blessing" he provides, a connection underlined during the warm-up before a recent Turin fixture. Martínez stands as Inter captain and their total point of reference, with 177 goals across 380 appearances—an impressive consistency. Both players represent the revival of a two-striker system championed by Gasperini and Chivu, with Dybala moving freely alongside his forward partner. Beyond the rivalry on the pitch, a strong friendship forged in the Argentina national team remains between them.

Roma host Inter on Saturday in a high-profile fixture drawing extraordinary media attention: 61 photographers, over 250 journalists, more than 50 outlets and 8 foreign broadcasters are accredited, with coverage expected from China, the United States, Brazil, Argentina and major European nations. Ed Shipley, Dan Friedkin's right-hand man, has arrived at Trigoria, and a surprise visit from Ryan Friedkin is not ruled out. Former Roma striker Marco Delvecchio has weighed in on the matchup between Roma's Donyell Malen and Inter's Lautaro Martinez ahead of the Olimpico encounter. Delvecchio said: "In the final twenty metres, today, I see Malen a step above Lautaro." He praised the Dutchman for his speed of execution and quality of first touch, while acknowledging Lautaro's superiority in aerial play. On output, Delvecchio predicted: "I say 25 goals for Malen and 20 for Lautaro." Inter's interest in Roma players stretches back years. In summer 2025, the Nerazzurri considered Mile Svilar before his contract renewal; in 2024 they came close to signing Mario Hermoso but pulled out. More recently they assessed Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini, and Nahuel Molina as a possible alternative to Dumfries. The most significant detail involves Manu Koné: in August 2025, Inter's Ausilio reportedly reached an agreement worth 40 million euros before Roma's ownership blocked the deal. In 2022, Dybala's agent also reached an understanding with Inter, which ultimately pivoted to Lukaku's return. Gasperini faces two key selection decisions before Saturday. In defence, Leonardo Balerdi, standout performer against Torino, threatens Evan N'Dicka's place, while on the right flank Emanuele Lulli could start ahead of Molina. Mario Hermoso is fit, Wesley returns at left-back, and Matías Soulé is favoured over Rodrigo Mora in the attacking midfield role. Gasperini and Inter's Chivu will meet as opponents after both having served the club they face on Saturday. Chivu once called Gasperini "an example, an innovator," and Gasperini reciprocated: "I have always held great regard for him." Gasperini carries a painful memory of his Inter spell, which ended after just five matches.

Radio pundits debated Roma's chances against Inter in a key fixture, with assessments split on the balance of strength. Orsi told Radio Radio that Inter are slight favourites but framed it as a 50–50 or 49–51 proposition, describing both Roma and Inter—along with Como—as protagonists in the title race. "Sono due squadre che giocano bene e che hanno un gioco caratterizzato," he said. "Io mi aspetto una grande gara che testimonierà il fatto che queste due squadre, compreso il Como, saranno le protagoniste dello scudetto." He credited Chivu with personalising Inzaghi's game but noted he still has much to do, and contrasted that with Gasperini's approach: "Con Gasperini sono due pensieri diversi, ma entrambi danno identità alla squadra." Carina highlighted Roma's dominance and scoring rate but cautioned that they had not yet faced a squad of Inter's calibre. He predicted a tight contest: "Mi aspetto una bella partita, una gara con poche reti dove le squadre si studiano." He stressed that player quality, not coaching, would be decisive, noting that replacing Malen with most other Serie A forwards (except Inter's) would change the equation. Vanni saw Inter as favourites on current form but believed Roma could take satisfaction from a win, though he warned it would be hard for them to sustain the pace over the season. He singled out the absence of Calhanoglu as significant for Inter, explaining the midfielder's ability to thrive under pressure and eliminate the need for a playmaker. Pess analysed defensive arrangements and midfield balance ahead of the match. He expected N'Dicka to play in front of Balerdi against Inter and noted a conditional tactical shift: "Se dovesse giocare Molina, c'è la possibilità che Wesley vada a destra; se gioca Lulli, invece, rimane Lulli a destra." He also weighed the midfield: "Oggi Koné è più dominante di Barella."

Roma host Inter on Saturday in a high-profile fixture drawing extraordinary media attention: 61 photographers, over 250 journalists, more than 50 outlets and 8 foreign broadcasters are accredited, with coverage expected from China, the United States, Brazil, Argentina and major European nations. Ed Shipley, Dan Friedkin's right-hand man, has arrived at Trigoria, and a surprise visit from Ryan Friedkin is not ruled out. Former Roma striker Marco Delvecchio has weighed in on the matchup between Roma's Donyell Malen and Inter's Lautaro Martinez ahead of the Olimpico encounter. Delvecchio said: "In the final twenty metres, today, I see Malen a step above Lautaro." He praised the Dutchman for his speed of execution and quality of first touch, while acknowledging Lautaro's superiority in aerial play. On output, Delvecchio predicted: "I say 25 goals for Malen and 20 for Lautaro." Inter's interest in Roma players stretches back years. In summer 2025, the Nerazzurri considered Mile Svilar before his contract renewal; in 2024 they came close to signing Mario Hermoso but pulled out. More recently they assessed Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini, and Nahuel Molina as a possible alternative to Dumfries. The most significant detail involves Manu Koné: in August 2025, Inter's Ausilio reportedly reached an agreement worth 40 million euros before Roma's ownership blocked the deal. In 2022, Dybala's agent also reached an understanding with Inter, which ultimately pivoted to Lukaku's return. Gasperini faces two key selection decisions before Saturday. In defence, Leonardo Balerdi, standout performer against Torino, threatens Evan N'Dicka's place, while on the right flank Emanuele Lulli could start ahead of Molina. Mario Hermoso is fit, Wesley returns at left-back, and Matías Soulé is favoured over Rodrigo Mora in the attacking midfield role. Gasperini and Inter's Chivu will meet as opponents after both having served the club they face on Saturday. Chivu once called Gasperini "an example, an innovator," and Gasperini reciprocated: "I have always held great regard for him." Gasperini carries a painful memory of his Inter spell, which ended after just five matches.

Roma train today ahead of Saturday's match against Inter, with the squad staying overnight at Trigoria to maintain focus on the fixture. Gian Piero Gasperini has all players available, including Mario Hermoso, who has recovered from a minor ankle injury and will start. The Spanish defender will line up alongside Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini in defence, though Leonardo Balerdi remains a consideration. Gasperini's main tactical uncertainty centres on Roma's full-back positions. Wesley will feature, but the coach has not yet settled on which flank to deploy him. The Brazilian has been tested on the right in recent training sessions—a clear attempt to counter the threat posed by Inter's Dimarco. If Wesley is positioned on the right, Nahuel Molina will occupy the left flank, with Emanuele Lulli omitted from that scenario. Alternatively, Gasperini could use the young full-back on the right, a position where he has featured in all league matches this season and has outperformed Molina in recent fitness tests. Gasperini has the final hours to decide on his approach, knowing the stakes are high for what promises to be a decisive encounter. The coach is aware that victory will require a flawless performance from his side.

Radio pundits debated Roma's chances against Inter in a key fixture, with assessments split on the balance of strength. Orsi told Radio Radio that Inter are slight favourites but framed it as a 50–50 or 49–51 proposition, describing both Roma and Inter—along with Como—as protagonists in the title race. "Sono due squadre che giocano bene e che hanno un gioco caratterizzato," he said. "Io mi aspetto una grande gara che testimonierà il fatto che queste due squadre, compreso il Como, saranno le protagoniste dello scudetto." He credited Chivu with personalising Inzaghi's game but noted he still has much to do, and contrasted that with Gasperini's approach: "Con Gasperini sono due pensieri diversi, ma entrambi danno identità alla squadra." Carina highlighted Roma's dominance and scoring rate but cautioned that they had not yet faced a squad of Inter's calibre. He predicted a tight contest: "Mi aspetto una bella partita, una gara con poche reti dove le squadre si studiano." He stressed that player quality, not coaching, would be decisive, noting that replacing Malen with most other Serie A forwards (except Inter's) would change the equation. Vanni saw Inter as favourites on current form but believed Roma could take satisfaction from a win, though he warned it would be hard for them to sustain the pace over the season. He singled out the absence of Calhanoglu as significant for Inter, explaining the midfielder's ability to thrive under pressure and eliminate the need for a playmaker. Pess analysed defensive arrangements and midfield balance ahead of the match. He expected N'Dicka to play in front of Balerdi against Inter and noted a conditional tactical shift: "Se dovesse giocare Molina, c'è la possibilità che Wesley vada a destra; se gioca Lulli, invece, rimane Lulli a destra." He also weighed the midfield: "Oggi Koné è più dominante di Barella."

Roma host Inter on Saturday in a high-profile fixture drawing extraordinary media attention: 61 photographers, over 250 journalists, more than 50 outlets and 8 foreign broadcasters are accredited, with coverage expected from China, the United States, Brazil, Argentina and major European nations. Ed Shipley, Dan Friedkin's right-hand man, has arrived at Trigoria, and a surprise visit from Ryan Friedkin is not ruled out. Former Roma striker Marco Delvecchio has weighed in on the matchup between Roma's Donyell Malen and Inter's Lautaro Martinez ahead of the Olimpico encounter. Delvecchio said: "In the final twenty metres, today, I see Malen a step above Lautaro." He praised the Dutchman for his speed of execution and quality of first touch, while acknowledging Lautaro's superiority in aerial play. On output, Delvecchio predicted: "I say 25 goals for Malen and 20 for Lautaro." Inter's interest in Roma players stretches back years. In summer 2025, the Nerazzurri considered Mile Svilar before his contract renewal; in 2024 they came close to signing Mario Hermoso but pulled out. More recently they assessed Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini, and Nahuel Molina as a possible alternative to Dumfries. The most significant detail involves Manu Koné: in August 2025, Inter's Ausilio reportedly reached an agreement worth 40 million euros before Roma's ownership blocked the deal. In 2022, Dybala's agent also reached an understanding with Inter, which ultimately pivoted to Lukaku's return. Gasperini faces two key selection decisions before Saturday. In defence, Leonardo Balerdi, standout performer against Torino, threatens Evan N'Dicka's place, while on the right flank Emanuele Lulli could start ahead of Molina. Mario Hermoso is fit, Wesley returns at left-back, and Matías Soulé is favoured over Rodrigo Mora in the attacking midfield role. Gasperini and Inter's Chivu will meet as opponents after both having served the club they face on Saturday. Chivu once called Gasperini "an example, an innovator," and Gasperini reciprocated: "I have always held great regard for him." Gasperini carries a painful memory of his Inter spell, which ended after just five matches.

Inter have tracked several Roma players across multiple transfer windows, with some coming closer to a move than others. Mile Svilar was a target in summer 2025 before he renewed his contract with Roma, while contacts were made with Gianluca Mancini's representatives in early July when his deal was set to expire in 2027. Nahuel Molina was examined as a possible replacement for Dumfries, and in spring Inter president Marotta considered Lorenzo Pellegrini as an option. The most serious pursuit came in summer 2025 when director Ausilio agreed a deal with Roma's then sporting director Massara for Manu Koné on 15 August—reportedly worth 40 million euros plus bonuses—but Roma's ownership halted the transfer following supporter unrest. Paulo Dybala represents perhaps the most intriguing near-miss. In June 2022, fresh from leaving Juventus, his agent secured an agreement with Inter for a contract worth 6 million euros. The move collapsed when Inter owner Zhang hesitated, head coach Simone Inzaghi harboured doubts about the fit, and the club could not offload Alexis Correa elsewhere. Inter ultimately pivoted to bringing Romelu Lukaku back on loan instead. The article, published by Federico Masini in Tuttosport, frames these overlapping negotiations as a series of alternate paths in the transfer market. It traces how each of these Roma players—Svilar, Mancini, Pellegrini, Molina, Koné and Dybala—has at different times occupied Inter's thinking, whether as established targets or passing considerations.

Radio pundits debated Roma's chances against Inter in a key fixture, with assessments split on the balance of strength. Orsi told Radio Radio that Inter are slight favourites but framed it as a 50–50 or 49–51 proposition, describing both Roma and Inter—along with Como—as protagonists in the title race. "Sono due squadre che giocano bene e che hanno un gioco caratterizzato," he said. "Io mi aspetto una grande gara che testimonierà il fatto che queste due squadre, compreso il Como, saranno le protagoniste dello scudetto." He credited Chivu with personalising Inzaghi's game but noted he still has much to do, and contrasted that with Gasperini's approach: "Con Gasperini sono due pensieri diversi, ma entrambi danno identità alla squadra." Carina highlighted Roma's dominance and scoring rate but cautioned that they had not yet faced a squad of Inter's calibre. He predicted a tight contest: "Mi aspetto una bella partita, una gara con poche reti dove le squadre si studiano." He stressed that player quality, not coaching, would be decisive, noting that replacing Malen with most other Serie A forwards (except Inter's) would change the equation. Vanni saw Inter as favourites on current form but believed Roma could take satisfaction from a win, though he warned it would be hard for them to sustain the pace over the season. He singled out the absence of Calhanoglu as significant for Inter, explaining the midfielder's ability to thrive under pressure and eliminate the need for a playmaker. Pess analysed defensive arrangements and midfield balance ahead of the match. He expected N'Dicka to play in front of Balerdi against Inter and noted a conditional tactical shift: "Se dovesse giocare Molina, c'è la possibilità che Wesley vada a destra; se gioca Lulli, invece, rimane Lulli a destra." He also weighed the midfield: "Oggi Koné è più dominante di Barella."

Roma host Inter on Saturday in a high-profile fixture drawing extraordinary media attention: 61 photographers, over 250 journalists, more than 50 outlets and 8 foreign broadcasters are accredited, with coverage expected from China, the United States, Brazil, Argentina and major European nations. Ed Shipley, Dan Friedkin's right-hand man, has arrived at Trigoria, and a surprise visit from Ryan Friedkin is not ruled out. Former Roma striker Marco Delvecchio has weighed in on the matchup between Roma's Donyell Malen and Inter's Lautaro Martinez ahead of the Olimpico encounter. Delvecchio said: "In the final twenty metres, today, I see Malen a step above Lautaro." He praised the Dutchman for his speed of execution and quality of first touch, while acknowledging Lautaro's superiority in aerial play. On output, Delvecchio predicted: "I say 25 goals for Malen and 20 for Lautaro." Inter's interest in Roma players stretches back years. In summer 2025, the Nerazzurri considered Mile Svilar before his contract renewal; in 2024 they came close to signing Mario Hermoso but pulled out. More recently they assessed Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini, and Nahuel Molina as a possible alternative to Dumfries. The most significant detail involves Manu Koné: in August 2025, Inter's Ausilio reportedly reached an agreement worth 40 million euros before Roma's ownership blocked the deal. In 2022, Dybala's agent also reached an understanding with Inter, which ultimately pivoted to Lukaku's return. Gasperini faces two key selection decisions before Saturday. In defence, Leonardo Balerdi, standout performer against Torino, threatens Evan N'Dicka's place, while on the right flank Emanuele Lulli could start ahead of Molina. Mario Hermoso is fit, Wesley returns at left-back, and Matías Soulé is favoured over Rodrigo Mora in the attacking midfield role. Gasperini and Inter's Chivu will meet as opponents after both having served the club they face on Saturday. Chivu once called Gasperini "an example, an innovator," and Gasperini reciprocated: "I have always held great regard for him." Gasperini carries a painful memory of his Inter spell, which ended after just five matches.

Ottavio Bianchi, a former manager of Roma and Inter, has previewed tomorrow's match between Roma and Inter at the Olimpico on 19 September with a 18:00 kickoff. The fixture will determine which side claims sole leadership of the Serie A table, with both clubs currently level on points but having arrived there through different paths. Bianchi attributed Roma's strong start to several factors: Gasperini's experience and the advantage of having completed a full season together, the discovery of Donyell Malen as an established presence in the squad, and Paulo Dybala in excellent form. He emphasised that Gasperini's success is no shock: "This Roma is not a surprise, cannot be considered a novelty and is deservedly up there." Bianchi noted that Gasperini has already proven his worth by returning Roma to the Champions League last season, making the current campaign "a confirmation rather than a surprise." On Roma's potential trophies, Bianchi acknowledged the club's unique environment and suggested the intense rivalry with Lazio—unlike the relationship between Inter and Milan—potentially diverts energy from bigger objectives. However, he stated firmly: "Gasperini can think big and I believe he already does because he is a top-tier manager, as are his squad and his society. His squad can aim for the maximum." When asked which player had impressed him most so far, Bianchi singled out Emanuele Lulli for Roma, explaining: "No one expected him to have this continuity." He stressed the importance of consistency beyond early matches, saying: "Anyone can play two, three, four good matches. You have to maintain it until the end." On whether this fixture constitutes a title decider, Bianchi rejected the notion: "No, no. After four matches? Too soon. It has only just started and I have always seen Serie A as a stage race, a Giro d'Italia. Besides, the managers of Roma and Inter and those of other teams would get angry. Someone will re-enter the race and I'm thinking of Napoli, for example. But in football you never know. Everything can change from one moment to the next." Bianchi cautioned both sides to keep their feet on the ground, reserving judgment until "20 matches" had been played, when a clearer picture would emerge.