Ziółkowski and Balerdi: Roma's defensive evolution explained

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has drawn up a shopping list as the club looks to strengthen its squad, with three signings reportedly in mind before the international break. Roma face Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo as the last three matches of a gruelling run of nine games in 28 days, and they are doing so short of numbers. Svilar, Dybala and Koné will not be available tomorrow, and only the last two are hoping to return from the next fixtures. The squad is stretched thin. Gasperini said earlier in the season: "La rosa va allungata" ("The squad needs to be lengthened"). While awaiting the UEFA ruling expected in November, the sporting director is already working to reinforce the team. Last January, Malen, Vaz, Venturino and Zaragoza arrived at the club. Gasperini would be content with three targeted signings: an attacking winger, a backup for Wesley and a dynamic central midfielder. For the attacking unit, the names linked are Leweling and Gittens. A surprise could be van Bommel of PSV Eindhoven, a player Roma have been monitoring for some time. Roma are also not giving up on Endrick. Real Madrid have little room for the Brazilian, who wants to leave. D'Amico will need to find the right formula, which could resemble the deal that brought Bobby in a year ago: a loan with an obligation to buy on certain conditions. Attention then turns to the wide midfield. Mendes has offered Balde of Barcelona, while the new name is Pascini of Atlético Mineiro. The most pressing problem, however, is midfield. Pellegrini will return in 2027, and Koné has frequent physical problems. Roma need a energetic runner in the centre of the park, and Moses of Slavia Prague is on the notebook.

Roma are expected to rotate their defence and flanks for their upcoming match against Udinese, according to Simone Valdarchi of Radio Manà Manà (90.9). Valdarchi said: "In the defensive department and on the flanks I expect rotations. Compared with the last outing, we could see Koulierakis and Mancini leave the field, while at least two of Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso could play. If he had the chance, I believe Gasp would give Ndicka a rest too, but maybe it's not the moment." Lorenzo Pes of Teleradiostereo (92.7) reports that Balerdi and Hermoso have recovered from their issues, and he expects de Roon to start again. Svilar will return against Parma, as the medical staff decided not to take a risk, and the goalkeeper could go back to work in Belgium. Koné resumed training on the pitch yesterday, with his aim being to return for Sassuolo and then join up with the national team. Pes also said Dybala wants to be available against Manchester United, but it will depend on him. Dybala also did individualised work yesterday, and Pes said: "For now it is difficult to see him in the Champions League." Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio Mattino (104.5) said: "Roma must immediately steer tomorrow's match. Udinese have recovered Davis and Zaniolo and could create some problems. In the last game Gollini made some saves, and the giallorossi must be careful. In midfield Roma have few alternatives. The moment of the season is delicate." Nando Orsi, also of Radio Radio Mattino, said: "There is too much of a gap between Roma and Udinese. Matches are all difficult, but on the pitch you see the differences in value. I don't see any other result than a Roma win. Como also risked it against Torino, but in the end they won with their individual players."

Roma head into a double away trip with several absentees, though there are signs of improvement across the squad. Svilar's tests have confirmed he will return after the international break, while Dybala still feels discomfort in his calf and continues with individualised work. Manu Koné, recovered from injury, has returned to partial training on the pitch, and both he and Dybala could return against Sassuolo. Hermoso and Balerdi have overcome their respective knocks, while Mora is favoured over De Roon. The Giallorossi will be followed by a large travelling support on their upcoming away fixtures. Between Udine and Manchester, close to 10,000 Roma fans are expected to be present, around 5,000 for the trip to Udine tomorrow and 3,000 for Tuesday's match at Old Trafford. Many supporters in England are also set to travel without tickets just to experience the Champions League atmosphere. Before the international break, another sell-out is expected at the Olimpico for the match against Sassuolo. Gian Piero Gasperini is the oldest coach in Serie A, yet his style of football remains among the most modern and attacking in the league. As Il Messaggero reports, the Roma coach continues to work with the same innovative drive as his younger colleagues, building an identity partly rooted in the study of Van Gaal's Ajax: a back three, high pressing and a constant search for goals.

Roma and Inter will meet on the pitch this Saturday as the Serie A leaders, but behind the fixture lies a stark contrast in how their respective owners build and sustain their projects. Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma have invested €211 million in player acquisitions since his arrival, while Cristian Chivu's Inter have spent €186 million—a gap of €25 million that illustrates the Friedkin Group's commitment to backing the sporting project despite UEFA financial fair play constraints. By contrast, Inter's ownership under Oaktree has prioritised economic and financial stability. The €211 million Roma figure spans the campaigns that began with Gasperini's appointment. In the 2025–26 season, Roma spent €86.5 million, with Wesley arriving for €25 million and Neil El Aynaoui for €23 million, alongside Robinio Vaz (€20 million), Jan Ziółkowski (€6.5 million), and several expensive loans including Donyell Malen, Bailey, Evan Ferguson, Daniele Ghilardi and Zaragoza. The acceleration came this summer: the Friedkin Group approved €124.5 million for 2026–27, comprising Santiago Castro (€35 million), Rodrigo Mora (€25 million), Malen's permanent transfer (€25 million), Konstantinos Koulierakis (€16.5 million), Nahuel Molina (€13 million), Ghilardi's purchase (€8 million), Marten de Roon (€1 million) and Leonardo Balerdi's loan (€1 million). The Porto agreement for Mora includes a further €25 million for 2027 or 50 per cent of any future sale. The contrast deepens when examining the wider impact on club finances. Since summer 2025, Roma's squad costs—including salaries, depreciation and loan fees—have risen by approximately €15 million, while Inter's have fallen by approximately €10 million. The Friedkin Group has covered losses through fresh capital injections, accepting red accounts to sustain sporting growth; Roma has not closed a profitable financial year since their 2020 arrival, with 2025–26 expected to end in loss. Oaktree delivered a €35 million profit in its first Inter season and is preparing to close the next year in the black. Both approaches remain valid: Chivu inherited a structured squad already competing at the highest level, while Gasperini was tasked with rebuilding after Roma's seven-year absence from the Champions League. Saturday's direct clash will test both strategies on the pitch. One club has chosen acceleration to close the gap; the other is maintaining competitiveness while reducing the squad's economic burden.

Roma's evolution under coach Gian Piero Gasperini has taken shape across two decisive fixtures—the Champions League debut against Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday and a four-day-later trip to Turin against Torino—that showcase the impact of the summer transfer market overhaul steered by new sporting director D'Amico. In the first match, Roma's return to Europe's elite competition after a seven-year absence saw Gasperini field performers who had earned third place in Serie A. Against Torino, however, two summer signings started, with three more introduced during play as Roma secured a fourth consecutive league win. Despite missing three key players—Evan N'Dicka, Wesley, and Manu Koné—Roma maintained tactical identity and attacking threat at Turin, underlining how the summer reinforcements have strengthened the squad's reliability compared to the previous season. The shift in personnel tells the story plainly. A year ago, Gasperini would have replaced N'Dicka and Wesley with Kostas Tsimikas and Jan Ziółkowski; neither remains at Trigoria. Manu Koné's role would have gone to Neil El Aynaoui, who has been moved on after one season, as have Tsimikas and Ziółkowski. In their place came Leonardo Balerdi and Nahuel Molina, both Argentine internationals—Balerdi absent from last year's World Cup only through injury, Molina a Qatar winner alongside Paulo Dybala and recently a World Cup runner-up. Niccolò Pisilli, grown into his role at the start of 2026 and a national team player, has inherited Koné's midfield spot. Gasperini paired Balerdi immediately with Marten de Roon, who arrived from Bergamo in the final moments of the window and played more than half the second half against Torino. Lorenzo Pellegrini, called up after five months out, extended Gasperini's roster of captains—the coach has made clear he possesses multiple leaders beyond Bryan Cristante and Gianluca Mancini. Gasperini operates what he calls the "law of sixteen," seeking to deploy the same core of players in every match to guarantee brilliance, intensity and competitive edge. He refuses publicly to divide his squad into starters and substitutes; there is no difference between a player who begins and one who enters in progress. New sporting director D'Amico's tenure has produced a squad numerically smaller than its predecessor, as D'Amico himself acknowledged, yet Gasperini presented it at full strength in Turin. The article notes that one or two adjustments in January may be needed to perfect the squad further.

Roma's radio commentators dissected yesterday's victory in the context of the title race and squad depth, with particular focus on Leonardo Balerdi's impact and Rodrigo Mora's early form. Mario Corsi declared that only Roma, Inter and Como are serious contenders: "I'm not saying we win the Scudetto tomorrow, but it's real that there are Roma, Inter and Como. Full stop. But where do the others go…" David Rossi highlighted Balerdi's performance against the established order, saying: "I said this would take the place from N'Dicka, and yesterday he took it from him. How can Balerdi not be the starter on Saturday?…" Roma's campaign statistics drew praise—12 goals scored and just 1 conceded in the league so far—with Gianluca Piacentini observing that Roma have the best defence in Serie A, while Francesca Ferrazza identified European football as the decisive factor: "The discriminant for the Scudetto will be the Champions League. Roma, Inter and Como all play it—that's the key." Bareldi's defensive prowess dominated discussion. Piacentini described him as "maestro" and confessed: "I'm totally in love with Balerdi, and I'm developing a crush on Lulli." Mario Corsi compared him to Samuel, while Piero Torri acknowledged the central-back dilemma: "I believe Roma will buy him outright. He has everything: he's quick, strong in the air, elegant…the problem is he seems like a proper centre-back, and there's N'Dicka there." Sandro Sabatini expressed surprise at the overall squad calibre, asking rhetorically: "Is Balerdi, Roma's fourth defender, this strong? Is Pisilli, the fourth midfielder, this strong? And Lulli, unknown until mid-August, this strong? Roma are sending very important signals, both collectively and from individuals." Alessio Nardo noted the squad's transformation over the past year: "If a year ago you were missing N'Dicka, Wesley and Koné, you'd have played with a far less developed Pisilli, Tsimikas and Ziółkowski. Today you have new starters whom you now struggle to exclude." Roberto Pruzzo offered a critical take on Mora's play: "If he plays 20 metres from goal he can be decisive, but at 40–50 metres from goal it seems like a mess to me." Corsi defended the midfielder's early contribution: "Now I read a lot of criticism of Mora, but he arrived the day before yesterday…enough, let's wait. We need him a lot." Niccolò Pisilli drew praise for his performance in an unfamiliar role, while Marten de Roon impressed Lorenzo Pes: "He knows everything by heart, he's brought order and is an added value. He shouldn't be a starter, but at the right moments he knows how to manage traffic." Nando Orsi confirmed Roma's merit in yesterday's win but tempered expectations: "Roma clearly deserved to win, didn't thrill me like other matches, but that was predictable. We're only at the fifth game; I'd wait for the tenth, but if one of the two wins on Saturday there would already be a hierarchy." Gasperini was credited with instilling tactical intensity, with Corsi stating: "Gasperini has put a sporting nastiness into the players, and now they all run in a remarkable way." Roma face Inter in what multiple commentators framed as a title-defining fixture within weeks of the season's start. The squad's depth and injury management were identified as potential deciding factors in the campaign ahead.

Roma are expected to rotate their defence and flanks for their upcoming match against Udinese, according to Simone Valdarchi of Radio Manà Manà (90.9). Valdarchi said: "In the defensive department and on the flanks I expect rotations. Compared with the last outing, we could see Koulierakis and Mancini leave the field, while at least two of Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso could play. If he had the chance, I believe Gasp would give Ndicka a rest too, but maybe it's not the moment." Lorenzo Pes of Teleradiostereo (92.7) reports that Balerdi and Hermoso have recovered from their issues, and he expects de Roon to start again. Svilar will return against Parma, as the medical staff decided not to take a risk, and the goalkeeper could go back to work in Belgium. Koné resumed training on the pitch yesterday, with his aim being to return for Sassuolo and then join up with the national team. Pes also said Dybala wants to be available against Manchester United, but it will depend on him. Dybala also did individualised work yesterday, and Pes said: "For now it is difficult to see him in the Champions League." Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio Mattino (104.5) said: "Roma must immediately steer tomorrow's match. Udinese have recovered Davis and Zaniolo and could create some problems. In the last game Gollini made some saves, and the giallorossi must be careful. In midfield Roma have few alternatives. The moment of the season is delicate." Nando Orsi, also of Radio Radio Mattino, said: "There is too much of a gap between Roma and Udinese. Matches are all difficult, but on the pitch you see the differences in value. I don't see any other result than a Roma win. Como also risked it against Torino, but in the end they won with their individual players."

Hermoso has played the most minutes of any Roma player this season, with 812 minutes on the pitch across the first twelve matches in Serie A and the Champions League. Wesley follows closely on 806 minutes, having just been called up by the Brazilian national team, and Gianluca Mancini has logged 798 minutes. Il Tempo reports that the figures show Gian Piero Gasperini is rotating his squad rather than relying on fixed starters. The rotation has become necessary because of a demanding run of nine matches in 27 days, which ends with games against Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo. Mancini has shown some signs of fatigue in recent outings, which has given Gasperini the chance to turn to fresher options such as Ghilardi, Koulierakis and Balerdi. On the flanks, Molina, Lulli and Rensch take turns, while Ndicka remains a reliable presence in defence with 727 minutes played. In midfield, Cristante and Koné have been used consistently, alongside Pisilli and De Roon. In attack, Soulé (770 minutes) and Malen (752 minutes) have been the most used forwards. Dybala, who is currently sidelined, is next on the list, followed by younger players Mora and Castro, who continue to earn valuable spells within the season's rotations.

Every Roma player has started at least one match from the first minute this season, with Gian Piero Gasperini refusing to separate starters from reserves. The rotation has been key to managing a nine-match cycle in 27 days, which ends with Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo, and has been needed in part because of injuries. Gasperini has widened his rotations, giving some regulars rest. Mario Hermoso sat on the bench against Cagliari. In the first twelve matches across Serie A and the Champions League, Hermoso has been the most-used player with 812 minutes, ahead of Wesley, who is with the Brazil squad, on 806 and Gianluca Mancini on 798. Mancini, a former Atalanta defender, has shown some signs of fatigue in his recent outings. In defence, Gasperini can count on the freshness of Daniele Ghilardi (248 minutes) and Konstantinos Koulierakis (206), as well as Leonardo Balerdi (464). Evan N'Dicka has not appeared to feel the strain, logging 727 minutes. On the flanks, Nahuel Molina (571), Emanuele Lulli (477) and Devyne Rensch (305) are the players rotated most often. Matías Soulé is the most-used forward. The figures show how Gasperini is spreading the workload across the squad as the fixture congestion builds. Roma's run of nine matches in 27 days puts a premium on depth, and the minutes for the back line and wide players show the boss relying on a wide group rather than a fixed XI.

Roma are expected to rotate their defence and flanks for their upcoming match against Udinese, according to Simone Valdarchi of Radio Manà Manà (90.9). Valdarchi said: "In the defensive department and on the flanks I expect rotations. Compared with the last outing, we could see Koulierakis and Mancini leave the field, while at least two of Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso could play. If he had the chance, I believe Gasp would give Ndicka a rest too, but maybe it's not the moment." Lorenzo Pes of Teleradiostereo (92.7) reports that Balerdi and Hermoso have recovered from their issues, and he expects de Roon to start again. Svilar will return against Parma, as the medical staff decided not to take a risk, and the goalkeeper could go back to work in Belgium. Koné resumed training on the pitch yesterday, with his aim being to return for Sassuolo and then join up with the national team. Pes also said Dybala wants to be available against Manchester United, but it will depend on him. Dybala also did individualised work yesterday, and Pes said: "For now it is difficult to see him in the Champions League." Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio Mattino (104.5) said: "Roma must immediately steer tomorrow's match. Udinese have recovered Davis and Zaniolo and could create some problems. In the last game Gollini made some saves, and the giallorossi must be careful. In midfield Roma have few alternatives. The moment of the season is delicate." Nando Orsi, also of Radio Radio Mattino, said: "There is too much of a gap between Roma and Udinese. Matches are all difficult, but on the pitch you see the differences in value. I don't see any other result than a Roma win. Como also risked it against Torino, but in the end they won with their individual players."

Roma head into a double away trip with several absentees, though there are signs of improvement across the squad. Svilar's tests have confirmed he will return after the international break, while Dybala still feels discomfort in his calf and continues with individualised work. Manu Koné, recovered from injury, has returned to partial training on the pitch, and both he and Dybala could return against Sassuolo. Hermoso and Balerdi have overcome their respective knocks, while Mora is favoured over De Roon. The Giallorossi will be followed by a large travelling support on their upcoming away fixtures. Between Udine and Manchester, close to 10,000 Roma fans are expected to be present, around 5,000 for the trip to Udine tomorrow and 3,000 for Tuesday's match at Old Trafford. Many supporters in England are also set to travel without tickets just to experience the Champions League atmosphere. Before the international break, another sell-out is expected at the Olimpico for the match against Sassuolo. Gian Piero Gasperini is the oldest coach in Serie A, yet his style of football remains among the most modern and attacking in the league. As Il Messaggero reports, the Roma coach continues to work with the same innovative drive as his younger colleagues, building an identity partly rooted in the study of Van Gaal's Ajax: a back three, high pressing and a constant search for goals.

Hermoso has played the most minutes of any Roma player this season, with 812 minutes on the pitch across the first twelve matches in Serie A and the Champions League. Wesley follows closely on 806 minutes, having just been called up by the Brazilian national team, and Gianluca Mancini has logged 798 minutes. Il Tempo reports that the figures show Gian Piero Gasperini is rotating his squad rather than relying on fixed starters. The rotation has become necessary because of a demanding run of nine matches in 27 days, which ends with games against Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo. Mancini has shown some signs of fatigue in recent outings, which has given Gasperini the chance to turn to fresher options such as Ghilardi, Koulierakis and Balerdi. On the flanks, Molina, Lulli and Rensch take turns, while Ndicka remains a reliable presence in defence with 727 minutes played. In midfield, Cristante and Koné have been used consistently, alongside Pisilli and De Roon. In attack, Soulé (770 minutes) and Malen (752 minutes) have been the most used forwards. Dybala, who is currently sidelined, is next on the list, followed by younger players Mora and Castro, who continue to earn valuable spells within the season's rotations.