Leonardo Balerdi

Rome's radio stations dissected Roma's transfer activity and the arrival of Marten de Roon on 31 August 2026, with opinion divided over whether the club has adequately strengthened ahead of the new season. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo praised Gasperini's squad-building approach, saying: "Gasp has put together a really impressive group of guys, I like it." He defended Matías Soulé's quality, noting that the winger could deliver 8–10 goals a season and should not be written off. Paulo Cosenza of the same station highlighted the work of sporting director D'Amico, stating: "I have to say this—it is the first time I see a sporting director who, despite having to deal with a thousand difficulties that have a name and a surname, Dan Friedkin, is genuinely trying to satisfy the manager. He is doing exceptional work, despite a path full of obstacles." Francesca Ferrazza added context to Roma's financial manoeuvres, revealing that the club would receive approximately 6 million euros from lucrative loans of Neil El Aynaoui and Robinio Vaz, funds that could finance further arrivals including a right-back. Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport expressed hope that Gasperini would still land a winger, saying: "I still hope Gittens arrives, he is Gasperini's preferred option." He noted that De Roon's arrival alongside fellow newcomer Balerdi would inject leadership into the squad: "With him and Balerdi the club brings in two captains, which means you get people with personality and players who have international experience—things that last season were a significant deficit in certain matches." Lorenzo Pes regarded Balerdi as the window's standout deal: "For 15 million euros you bring home a defender of absolute calibre, who would have played in the World Cup if he had not been injured shortly before. For me it is the best operation of the transfer market." However, he identified a tactical paradox: "Paradoxically Roma has intervened perfectly in roles already covered, leaving uncovered instead the roles most in need." Nando Orsi of Radio Radio predicted a 2–0 Roma win over Lecce, while Mario Mattioli forecast a 1–3 victory. Orsi suggested De Roon would likely play around 30 matches across league and cup if properly managed, as he is "an intelligent player tactically" who suits Gasperini's system after years playing under him. Checco Oddo Casano raised questions about Brazilian winger Luiz Henrique, noting that his signing had stalled: "It is strange that Luiz Henrique was blocked but not yet taken. Logic suggests Roma wants to close something more important first, then wrap up the Brazilian." Multiple commentators referenced Roma's match against Fiorentina as evidence of the team's strength when full-strength, with Orsi stating the club was "dominant" in that fixture.

Rome's radio pundits weighed in on Roma's immediate prospects and transfer strategy ahead of the Lecce fixture. Lorenzo Pes of Teleradiostereo assessed the club's summer window and recent signings, highlighting the distinction between addressing the manager's specific requirements and broader squad building. "The Roma made a fairly precise choice a few months ago: it chose the line of the manager and all subsequent decisions are dictated by this, including those in the market," Pes said. "If I look at what the manager needs, the De Roon operation makes sense, because El Aynaoui hasn't convinced Gasperini. I want to see how De Roon's integration into Roma's dressing room goes. I think Balerdi is the best operation of this transfer market. I believe Gasperini will confirm the same eleven from Fiorentina." Simone Valdarchi of Radio Manà Manà (90.9) flagged Lecce's tactical threat despite Roma's technical advantage. "It's a match full of pitfalls, despite Roma's clear technical superiority," he said. "Di Francesco is a good coach, and there's a possibility Lecce will line up with three at the back. Given the calendar, it's essential to take the three points now." Nando Orsi of Radio Radio Mattino (104.5) backed Roma to win, citing the form of Malen and Dybala and the quality gap between the sides. "De Roon can give you a lot in midfield," Orsi added.

Rome radio pundits have weighed in on De Roon's arrival and Roma's transfer direction, with mixed assessments of the midfielder's age and fit within the squad. Pes told Teleradio Stereo that Roma has followed a precise line set months ago, choosing the manager's approach and making all subsequent decisions—including transfer choices—based on it. "If I look at what the coach needs, the De Roon operation makes sense, because El Aynaoui hasn't convinced Gasperini," Pes said. "I want to see how De Roon will settle into Roma's dressing room. But I don't understand the long-term thinking: you risk wasting another year of El Aynaoui. If he isn't bought by Leipzig, adding De Roon and letting a young player go to sign an older one—I don't understand it." Pes also praised Balerdi as "the best operation of this transfer window," calling it a potential move worth around €15 million that brings a top-level defender. He believes Gasperini will stick with the same eleven that played Fiorentina. Carina told Radio Radio the De Roon question will fade after a few matches, describing him as "one of Gasperini's soldiers," but questioned whether he arrives as the fourth or fifth midfielder. "Playing an entire season with only four midfielders gives me some concerns. He's turning 36—I'd be happier if he'd arrived as a fifth option," Carina said. He reported that Fofana was Roma's first target and expects Luiz Henrique to join: "He's an excellent player who plays on the right but does his best work cutting in from the left. If he arrives, Roma will have a pairing of players for every position and Gasperini will be happy." Carina also noted that Soulé's role depends on the transfer market, with Roma holding two offers for him from Fulham and Newcastle. Mattioli at Radio Radio offered a measured view of De Roon, saying he has always liked him but the midfielder's last season involved fewer appearances and his age might show. "In his role he's never held back or rested—that demands a lot of energy," Mattioli said. "He'll be useful as the season progresses and an important squad player, not necessarily a cornerstone." Orsi at Radio Radio backed the signing, stating De Roon "can give you plenty in midfield" and that Roma showed good form against Lecce, particularly through Malen and Dybala.

AS Roma confirmed the signing of midfielder Marten De Roon on 30 August, making him the sixth summer addition under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini following the arrival of Leonardo Balerdi. The Dutch midfielder, who spent nine years under Gasperini at a previous club where he served as captain, addressed his new club's official channels and spoke candidly about a past social media incident that drew criticism. De Roon acknowledged overstepping the mark with a previous post against Roma. "In that occasion I think I went over the limit," he said. "There is an explanation: it seems like a lie, but it was the only time I didn't authorise the post, because I had an interview after the match. I'm sorry, because I exaggerated." He emphasised his commitment to proving himself on the pitch rather than through social media: "I want to show on the field who I am: someone who goes beyond, who gives everything for the shirt. Now I have to repay this trust with facts." On joining Roma, De Roon expressed enthusiasm about the club's facilities and atmosphere. "I'm super happy, it's beautiful. A transfer like this, to a big club, is special," he said. Regarding the Stadio Olimpico environment, he added: "The stadium is something special: every time I've played here I've been impressed, always full with very warm fans. Playing Champions League at the Olimpico against strong teams will give us an amazing atmosphere." He highlighted the quality of the existing squad, naming Bryan Cristante, Paulo Dybala and Gianluca Mancini as established figures, and noted the presence of fellow Dutch players Donyell Malen and Devyne Rensch. De Roon concluded with a direct message to Roma supporters: "I can't wait to play in front of you at the Olimpico. I hope to be welcomed in the right way. Daje Roma."

Marten De Roon was officially announced as a Roma signing on 30 August, becoming the club's sixth summer reinforcement under Gian Piero Gasperini following the arrival of Leonardo Balerdi. The Dutch midfielder spoke to the club's official media, addressing his transfer, his long-standing relationship with Gasperini, and a previous social media episode that drew criticism from Roma supporters. De Roon spent nine years under Gasperini at his previous club, where he served as captain. "I've played nine years with him, we achieved fantastic results. I was his captain, he took me to a very high level. I thank him for that," De Roon said. "We spoke a day ago, we did this move quickly and he gave me the opportunity to come here. The club also wanted me, and that's not guaranteed: I thank everyone." On joining Roma, he added: "I'm super happy, it's beautiful. A transfer like this, to a big club, is special. I've seen the training ground: it's the highest level. I'm very keen to start." Regarding a controversial social media post from his time as an opponent of Roma, De Roon apologised to the fanbase. "On that occasion I think I crossed the line," he said. "There's an explanation: it sounds like an excuse, but it's the only time I didn't authorise the post, because I had an interview after the match. I'm sorry, because I went too far." He stressed his commitment to proving himself on the pitch: "I want to demonstrate on the field who I am: someone who goes beyond, who gives everything for the shirt. Now I have to repay this trust with actions." De Roon highlighted the strength of Roma's squad, mentioning Bryan Cristante, Paulo Dybala and Gianluca Mancini, and noted the presence of fellow Dutch players Donyell Malen and Devyne Rensch. On playing at the Olimpico, he said: "The stadium is something special: every time I've played here I've been impressed, always full and with very passionate fans. Bringing Champions League to the Olimpico against strong teams will give us an amazing atmosphere."

Roma travel to Lecce's Via del Mare stadium on 31 August at 18:30 for the second round of Serie A fixtures, looking to build on a convincing 4–0 victory over Fiorentina. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has few selection doubts, with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen leading the attack. The main uncertainty lies at right-back, where Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina are competing for the starting role. Gasperini will also be able to call on two new signings, Balerdi and De Roon. Multiple Italian outlets have published predicted lineups for the fixture. Most expect a 3–4–1–2 formation, with Roma's starting XI likely to feature Mile Svilar in goal, Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné in midfield, Wesley at left-back, Rodrigo Mora in an attacking midfield role, and Dybala and Malen in the forward line. The key variable remains the right-back position, with some outlets favouring Molina and others backing Lulli for the role.