Emanuele Lulli celebrates his second goal with Leonardo Balerdi for AS Roma against Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico on Oct 17, 2026. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Leonardo Balerdi says the Roma back line will undergo major tweaks for tonight’s Champions League tie with Slovan Bratislava, adding ‘I feel good in any role.’
Kick‑off is set for 20:00 UK time (21:00 CEST) at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.
Follow the live build‑up and action for this match and the Napoli‑Bodo/Glimt clash on our Liveblog.
The Giallorossi still chase their first Champions League win this season after a 1‑1 draw in Turkey and a heartbreaking 4‑3 loss to Real Madrid, squandering a 3‑1 lead in the 82nd minute. For my money, Roma’s resilience will finally pay off.
Paulo Dybala and Manu Koné are sidelined with injuries, as is goalkeeper Mile Svilar, while Bryan Cristante returns to the bench a month after his knee problem.
A sweeping defensive overhaul sees Balerdi shift to centre‑back, partnered by Daniele Ghilardi and Mario Hermoso.
Balerdi embraces Roma’s tweaks
“I feel good in any defensive role; we’re all strong. Ghilardi and Hermoso instantly grasp our tasks, and I get along with Mancini and Ndicka, so it’s fine,” Balerdi told Sky Sport Italia.
He arrived late in the transfer window from Olympique Marseille on loan, with an option to buy that can become an obligation for €16 million.
How does Balerdi rate working under Gian Piero Gasperini?
“Gasperini is a great coach, clear on his vision. I admire his passion and training methods. They boost our confidence on the pitch, which matters for a player,” he said.
Roma’s squad now features five Argentines, a number that grew after Balerdi, Nahuel Molina and Santiago Castro joined this summer.
“Many Argentines are at Roma; they welcomed me before I arrived. I’m happy, but we aim to lift Roma as high as possible—that’s our goal,” he added.