Wesley: We deserve top spot despite careless second-half display against Inter

Wesley spoke after Roma's match against Inter at the Stadio Olimpico in the fifth round of Serie A. The defender acknowledged that Roma faced a difficult test against one of Europe's strongest teams and said the squad had executed their tactical plan effectively. However, he identified a critical problem in the second half. "In the second half we came onto the pitch distracted, we conceded two goals and both we and they could have scored the winning goal," Wesley said. "We have shown we deserve to be in this league position. After the break we must not make the same mistakes again, now we need to rest." Wesley emphasised that Roma had managed to demonstrate they belonged at their current standing in the table, but the lapse in concentration that led to two conceded goals represented a lesson for the team heading into the international break.

Roma's 2–2 draw with Inter at the Olimpico featured two goals each from Koné and Lautaro. The match precedes a three-week break for international fixtures, which will take many Roma players away from the club's Trigoria training ground. The squad will return to training on Monday afternoon at reduced numbers as national team commitments continue.

Roma dominated the first half and built a two-goal lead through Manu Koné's double, but Inter mounted another comeback to earn a 2–2 draw at the Olimpico. The Nerazzurri, holding their third consecutive two-goal deficit, surged after the interval as Lautaro Martínez halved the gap before scoring again to level the match with a volley past Mile Svilar. Roma's performance dipped sharply in the second half as Inter took control of the game. Gasperini's side demonstrated they can compete with Italy's champions and remain equipped for a strong campaign, though there is clear frustration at surrendering a commanding position. Inter's comeback—their third in succession, though this time without victory—highlighted both their resilience and Roma's defensive vulnerability after the break. Martínez produced a crucial save from Donyell Malen, and Thuram came close to a late winner, with his effort coming inches from a third goal.

Wesley spoke after Roma's match against Inter at the Stadio Olimpico in the fifth round of Serie A. The defender acknowledged that Roma faced a difficult test against one of Europe's strongest teams and said the squad had executed their tactical plan effectively. However, he identified a critical problem in the second half. "In the second half we came onto the pitch distracted, we conceded two goals and both we and they could have scored the winning goal," Wesley said. "We have shown we deserve to be in this league position. After the break we must not make the same mistakes again, now we need to rest." Wesley emphasised that Roma had managed to demonstrate they belonged at their current standing in the table, but the lapse in concentration that led to two conceded goals represented a lesson for the team heading into the international break.

Roma drew 2–2 with Inter at the Olimpico in a match shaped by a stark contrast between the sides' first and second halves. Manu Koné scored twice for Roma—once to open the scoring early and again to double the lead—but Lautaro Martínez levelled before the interval ended and added a second in the second half, when Roma's resistance crumbled. The hosts began with intensity and control under Gasperini, but a pattern of conceding goals immediately after the restart proved decisive once more. Several Roma players arrived for the match with depleted energy; the upcoming international break will offer a chance to recharge. Mancini had a difficult afternoon and took responsibility for Roma's defensive lapses, notably on Martínez's first goal. Balerdi was composed and physical against Thuram, lasting just over an hour before withdrawal. Hermoso maintained positional discipline but lacked sharpness in execution. Wesley patrolled the flank tirelessly, shutting down Dimarco's advances repeatedly. Cristante operated as the engine room, covering more ground than any other Roma player. Koné's two-goal display was the bright spark—a particularly sharp irony given he could have joined Inter instead—though his early withdrawal raised questions about fatigue management. Dybala orchestrated Roma's attacking play in the first half with incisive passes that set up Koné's goals and fulfilled defensive duties, though he too faded after the break. Soulé provided quality when he found space, running the full 90 minutes with consistency. Malen troubled Bastoni with his movement and nearly broke through. Molina crafted the assist for Koné's opener with an impeccable header after reading the play perfectly. N'Dicka entered at the hour mark and worked to hold the defensive line steady, earning a yellow card for a necessary foul on Thuram. Pisilli came on at 59 minutes but lacked Koné's substance and appeared tentative. Rensch struggled to impose himself when Inter pressed hard. Ghilardi joined the proceedings at 65 minutes and quickly picked up a yellow card; his challenge on Thuram was insufficient. Koulierakis received a caution immediately upon entering late on. Svilar made a miraculous save from a corner and could not be faulted for the two Martínez finishes, maintaining his high standards throughout. Gasperini had urged the team to tighten up after the interval, yet Roma conceded again in the second half and allowed Inter back into the contest. The manager salvaged a point against a strong opponent, though the manner of the collapse—defensive errors and fatigue after 59 minutes of substitutions—left room for frustration. The international break arrives at a timely moment to restore freshness across the squad.

Roma surrendered a two-goal advantage to draw 2–2 with Inter at the Olimpico, a result that leaves both teams tied on 13 points at the top of Serie A. Manu Koné fired Roma ahead inside five minutes with a powerful right-foot finish after a move involving Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina, then doubled the lead at the 37th-minute mark with a tap-in after Dybala's cross found Gianluca Mancini, whose attempted header inadvertently provided the assist. The opener came from a Dybala change of play to Molina down the right, with the Argentine full-back providing the cross for Koné to strike low past Lautaro Martinez. The first half saw Roma completely dominate proceedings, with numerous chances created through Dybala, Donyell Malen and Wesley, while Mile Svilar made a crucial early save from a Bisseck chance. After an explosive opening, Inter began pressing late in the half and created several opportunities, including a free header for Lautaro that went wide. The second half began badly for Gasperini's side when Lautaro struck within 50 seconds of the restart, punishing Roma's poor transition and reentry from the dressing room. Gasperini responded with visible frustration, striking the bench after the goal, and gradually Roma regained control through systematic substitutions. Donyell Malen came close to a third goal at the 68th minute when he produced an extraordinary turn in the box but Martinez made an outstanding save with his face. Koné was withdrawn along with Mancini and Molina, replaced by Niccolò Pisilli, Evan N'Dicka and Devyne Rensch. Balerdi was later substituted due to cramp, with Daniele Ghilardi taking his place. Inter continued applying pressure, and at the 80th-minute mark constructed a period of sustained attack during which Svilar saved a Bisseck header and Luis Henrique struck the crossbar before Lautaro finished a goalmouth scramble with a clinical volley after controlling with his thigh. The Argentine captain's second goal levelled the match at 2–2 and meant both sides ended with a point apiece after a contest played at intense pace throughout. The stadium observed a minute of respect and prolonged applause before kickoff to honour Sandro Mazzola, who died the day before. Gasperini deployed Svilar in goal with Mancini, Mario Hermoso and Leonardo Balerdi as defenders; Wesley and Molina worked the full-back roles with Bryan Cristante and Koné in midfield; Soulé, Malen and Dybala formed the forward line. Inter introduced Sucic and Carlos Augusto in place of Jones and Dimarco shortly before the hour, with Gasperini subsequently withdrawing Koné, Mancini and Molina. Late defensive changes saw Hermoso replaced by Konstantinos Koulierakis as Roma managed the closing stages. Roma and Inter remain level on 13 points at the summit following a fixture that matched the intensity and quality of a title-deciding clash despite finishing level.