Roma director Tony D’Amico focuses on the ‘motivation’ of hosting Inter and explains how they targeted Leonardo Balerdi on the market. ‘We worked quickly.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).
There will be a minute’s silence before kick-off in every match, and Inter are wearing black armbands this evening, following the death of legend Sandro Mazzola at 83.
D’Amico outlines Roma approach
The Giallorossi finished third last season and so far this term look like the most realistic Scudetto contenders, as these are the only sides with a 100 per cent record.
“As the coach says, Inter are a reference point for everyone, especially as they are the reigning Champions of Italy,” D’Amico told DAZN Italia.
“They are a complete team, so we know this is a difficult match, but it’s also great motivation for us to face them.”
Roma have for the first time a full squad at their disposal, with Lorenzo Pellegrini finally back on the bench.
Evan Ndicka had been expected to start, but former Olympique Marseille defender Balerdi instead gets his second game in the initial XI, with Nahuel Molina also featured.
Balerdi was a surprise arrival, so how did that transfer come about?
“We needed to reinforce the defence, especially with an experienced player. Balerdi is young, but has a lot of games under his belt, he has physical strength, quality, and we’ve been tracking him for a few years. We had the chance late in the session to bring him in with favourable conditions, and we worked quickly to make it happen.
“Balerdi is not a surprise, we know his value, both on and off the field, which are important in building a team.”
Manu Koné is also back in the starting XI after shaking off a muscular issue
“Manu is doing well, so is everyone, and we know that whoever is called upon will give their contribution. There are so many fixtures, we will need everyone.”
Did Inter take this opportunity to ask for the midfielder again?
“No.”
These two teams have not played a draw since the 2-2 thriller in January 2021, followed by two Roma victories and 10 Inter wins in all competition.
Curiously, both those wins were at San Siro, so there hasn’t been a home victory in this fixture since a 2-1 result in October 2016.
