Gasperini to leave Argentine duo on bench for Roma’s clash with Como
TURIN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 14: Gian Piero Gasperini, Manager of AS Roma, looks on during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on September 14, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Sky Sport reports that Leonardo Balerdi and Matias Soulé are expected to start on the bench for Roma against Como on Sunday, as Gian Piero Gasperini aims to rest them after their international commitments with Argentina.
Roma’s Argentine players Balerdi and Soulé are expected to start on the bench in Sunday’s away game at Como.
Gasperini to start Balerdi and Soulé on the bench vs. Como
Sky Sport correspondent Angelo Mangiante reported from Trigoria on Friday morning that Gasperini has practically decided to initially rest the pair for the upcoming league game.
Balerdi and Soulé were part of the Argentina squad and only resumed training at Trigoria today. Soulé made his senior debut for La Selección during this break, coming on as a substitute in a 7-0 win over Burkina Faso. Balerdi, meanwhile, made two appearances against Burkina Faso and Bolivia.
Balerdi started Roma’s last two games against Torino and Inter.
Santiago Castro has also returned from Argentina international duty, but it’s less surprising that he will start on the bench, not just because Donyell Malen is Serie A’s top-goal scorer, but also because the Dutchman spent the break with his club.
Soulé and Balerdi’s compatriots and Roma teammates Nahuel Molina and Paulo Dybala were not included in the Argentina squad and are expected to start against Como.
Italy international Bryan Cristante is injured and will likely be replaced by Marten de Roon; Rodrigo Mora will replace Soulé, and Evan Ndicka will start instead of Balerdi.
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