In years past, heading into the break after a 2-2 draw with Inter Milan would have been cause for celebration. After all, given the historical imbalance between the two clubs, securing any positive result against the Nerazzurri was a job well done for the Giallorossi. However, now that Gian Piero Gasperini has Roma walking among the clouds, dropping points to Inter is no longer merely a matter of personal pride; it has genuine consequences for the club’s Scudetto ambitions.
The only difference is
that this time, in 2026, we have to sit on that result for three full weeks! With the newly expanded international break upon us, featuring four Nations League matchdays between September 21st and October 6th, the Romaverse will be on pause for nearly three weeks.
The good news is that, despite Saturday’s result, Roma remains in first place, though they are even on points with Inter and Lazio. So, while we wait for the return of club football, let’s catch up on some of the latest Roma-related headlines.
Cristante, Wesley & Malen Nursing Injuries
While Roma has avoided major injuries through the first month of the season, they are dealing with a few minor knocks as we head into the international break. Midfielder Bryan Cristante, wing-back Wesley França, and forward Donyell Malen have had to refuse calls from their respective national teams due to minor muscular injuries and will remain in Trigoria where the club can monitor their recovery.
It’s especially bad timing for Malen, who, after a difficult World Cup, had a chance to impress new Netherlands manager Xavi. On his star forward, the Spanish legend remained optimistic despite this week’s bad news:
“It’s a shame because Donyell is in excellent form. He had to withdraw at the last minute, but that’s football. I think Donyell is fine. I don’t know how long it will take him to recover, but the injury isn’t serious,”
A Dozen Roma Players on International Duty
While Malen, Wesley and Cristante will rest comfortably in Trigoria, the Giallorossi are sending 12 players, including U-21s, on international duty over the next three weeks: Daniele Ghilardi (ITA), Gianluca Mancini (ITA), Emanuele Lulli (ITA U-21), Niccolo Pisilli (ITA U-21), Manu Koné (FRA), Evan Ndicka (CIV), Konstantinos Koulierakis (GRE), Leonardo Balerdi (ARG), Santiago Castro (ARG), Matías Soulé (ARG) Rodrigo Mora (POR U-21), and Girogio De Marzi (ITA U-21).
Dybala & Molina on Waitlist for Messi Finale
They weren’t called up for Argentina’s slate of fixtures during the international break, including matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso. However, Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina could receive special invitations to Argentina’s October 6th fixture against Benin, which just happens to be Messi’s official farewell from the international stage. Given the quick turnaround between that match and Roma’s October 19th clash against Como, Dybala and Molina are reportedly on standby, awaiting the club’s approval to make the trip back home.
Capello Not Surprised by Roma’s Strong Start
Fabio Capello, the architect of Roma’s 2001 title team, knows a thing or two about winning in Italy. Following Roma’s 2-2 draw with Inter, Capello reflected on the lessons the Giallorossi can take from Saturday’s result. In an interview with the Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello waxed poetically on squad depth, preparing for the season and the cost of playing with a high press.
“Seeing Roma at the top of the table doesn’t surprise me: along with Inter, they’ve been the most ready team since the start of the season, and they’re proving it.”
“They played very well in the head-to-head match. Inter have players who make the difference, but there’s a question mark. Namely, why so many goals conceded? Something’s not working. You can’t always succeed in what you’ve achieved in these last few games, starting with Real Madrid, against whom they lost.”
“What can Roma learn from the 2-2 draw with Inter? What a huge expense full-court pressing is. Ultimately, when attention drops, top-tier opponents—like Inter—take advantage. And it’s been seen. Roma has everything it takes to be competitive in the league and has top-notch players who are determined to do very well.
Gasperini managed to convince them right from the transfer window: the players and the coach really wanted each other, and it shows that this team believes in itself. Some have even cut their salaries… I see desire and awareness.”
Roma Signs Malen’s Sister in Law
We’ll end today’s roundup with a bit of unexpected news: Silver Van Hetten, a 17-year-old Dutch forward and Donyell Malen’s sister-in-law, has signed with Roma Women’s Primavera side, already making her debut in the U-19s’ 2-1 win over Fiorentina last weekend.
