Leonardo Balerdi confirms some radical changes to the Roma defence for tonight’s Champions League match against Slovan Bratislava. ‘I feel good in any role.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Donyell Malen and Rodrigo Mora of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between AS Roma and Real Madrid C.F. at Stadio Olimpico on October 14, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
The Giallorossi are still seeking their first Champions League victory of the season, having drawn 1-1 away to Fenerbahce, then fumbled a 3-1 lead at the 82nd minute to lose 4-3 with Real Madrid.
Paulo Dybala and Manu Koné sustained injuries in that match, and miss out this evening along with goalkeeper Mile Svilar, but Bryan Cristante is back on the bench a month after his knee issue.
Notably, there is a radical revamp of the defence, with Balerdi moving to a central role, flanked by Daniele Ghilardi and Mario Hermoso.
Balerdi open to Roma changes
ITALY – OCTOBER 11: Nico Paz of Como 1907 is challenged by Leonardo Balerdi and Marten de Roon of AS Roma during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 11, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
“I feel good in any role in defence, we are all strong. Ghilardi and Hermoso immediately understand what we need to do, I get along with Mancini and Ndicka too, so it’s all good,” Balerdi told Sky Sport Italia.
He was a late arrival in the transfer session from Olympique Marseille, on loan with an option to buy that can become an obligation for a total €16m.
How has Balerdi enjoyed working under coach Gian Piero Gasperini?
“Gasperini is a great coach, he knows what he wants to do, I like his passion, the way he trains. It works, because we feel so much confidence on the field, and that’s important for a player.”
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Marten de Roon of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between AS Roma and Real Madrid C.F. at Stadio Olimpico on October 14, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
There are five Argentinean players in the Roma squad, a growing group that was further bolstered by Balerdi, Nahuel Molina and Santiago Castro this summer.
“There are many Argentines at Roma, they wrote to me before I came here and gave me a great welcome. I am happy, but we know that we’ve got to take Roma as high as possible, that’s what we want to do.”