Gasperini to leave Argentine duo on bench for Roma’s clash with Como

Gasperini to leave Argentine duo on bench for Roma’s clash with Como 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 the Argentina national team. Roma’s Argentine players Balerdi and Soulé are expected to start on the bench in Sunday’s away game at Como. Soulé and Balerdi to start on the bench in Como vs. Roma NEWPORT, WALES – AUGUST 04: Matias Soule of AS Roma gestures during the pre-season friendly match between Newport County and AS Roma at Rodney Parade on August 04, 2026 in Newport, Wales. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) 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. BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – NOVEMBER 19: Leonardo Balerdi of Argentina controls the ball during the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Peru at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on November 19, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images) 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. ISTANBUL, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 10: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma holds the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Fenerbahce SK and AS Roma at Fenerbahce Sükrü Saracoglu Spor Kompleksi on September 10, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images) 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.