Gasperini to Rest Argentine Duo: Balerdi and Soulé Benched for Roma’s Clash with Como

FolioPitch.com – 10 October 2026 | As Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini is set to make significant changes to his starting lineup for Sunday’s Serie A encounter against Como, with Sky Sport Italia reporting that Gasperini to leave Argentine duo on bench for Roma s clash with Como. The decision comes as the Giallorossi look to manage the fitness of key players returning from international duty.

Leonardo Balerdi and Matias Soulé, both of whom represented Argentina during the recent international break, are expected to start from the bench at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. The pair only resumed training at Trigoria on Friday morning, and Gasperini has practically decided to rest them initially, according to Sky Sport correspondent Angelo Mangiante.

Soulé, who made his senior debut for La Selección in a 7-0 thrashing of Burkina Faso, will be replaced in the starting XI by Rodrigo Mora. Balerdi, who started Roma’s last two league games against Torino and Inter, will make way for Evan Ndicka. The defensive reshuffle also sees Bryan Cristante ruled out through injury, with Marten de Roon expected to step in.

The decision to bench the Argentine duo is a clear indication of Gasperini’s intent to rotate his squad amid a congested fixture list. With Roma competing on multiple fronts, the coach is keen to avoid burnout among his international stars, especially those who traveled long distances during the break.

Interestingly, Gasperini to leave Argentine duo on bench for Roma s clash with Como does not extend to all of Roma’s Argentine contingent. Nahuel Molina and Paulo Dybala, who were not called up by Argentina, are expected to start against Como. Their freshness could prove crucial in a match where Roma will look to assert their dominance from the outset.

Another Argentine, Santiago Castro, has also returned from international duty but will start on the bench. This is less surprising given that Donyell Malen, Serie A’s top scorer, spent the break with his club and is fully fit. Malen’s form has been a bright spot for Roma this season, and his partnership with Dybala and Mora could cause problems for Como’s defense.

The changes also highlight Gasperini’s tactical flexibility. With Balerdi out, Ndicka’s physicality and pace will be relied upon to contain Como’s attacking threats. De Roon’s experience in midfield will be vital in replacing the injured Cristante, who has been a key figure in Roma’s engine room.

Como, meanwhile, will be looking to capitalize on any signs of fatigue from Roma’s returning internationals. The home side has shown flashes of brilliance this season and will be eager to upset the odds against a Roma side that may need time to gel with its new-look lineup.

From a fantasy football perspective, the benching of Soulé and Balerdi could open up opportunities for Mora and Ndicka to shine. Both players have shown promise when given the chance, and a strong performance against Como could force Gasperini to reconsider his pecking order in the coming weeks.

The international break has undeniably influenced Gasperini’s selection, and Gasperini to leave Argentine duo on bench for Roma s clash with Como is a testament to the challenges of managing a squad with global talent. The coach must balance the need for immediate results with the long-term health of his players, a task that is easier said than done.

As the match approaches, all eyes will be on Gasperini’s final lineup. If the reports are accurate, Roma will field a strong side capable of securing all three points, but the absence of Balerdi and Soulé from the start could be a gamble. The duo’s ability to change a game from the bench, however, remains a potent weapon for the second half.

In conclusion, Gasperini’s decision to rest Balerdi and Soulé is a pragmatic move that prioritizes player welfare and squad rotation. While it may raise eyebrows among some fans, the depth of Roma’s squad allows for such adjustments without a significant drop in quality. The match against Como will be a test of that depth, and if Roma emerges victorious, Gasperini’s rotation policy will be vindicated. As the season progresses, the ability to manage minutes effectively could prove decisive in the race for European qualification.