Alessandro Romano’s first weeks at Cagliari have quickly become one of the early stories of the Serie A season, and they may also sharpen Roma’s regret over last summer’s decision. The midfielder left Trigoria for Sardinia in a deal that includes an obligation for Cagliari to complete the purchase, ending Roma’s control over a player now attracting attention well beyond the island.
After five league rounds, Romano has emerged as one of the division’s standout Italian prospects. His form has brought him onto Mancini’s radar and helped Italy secure his international future ahead of Switzerland. It has also alerted leading clubs across Europe, with Inter among the Italian sides following his progress closely.
Inter consider the midfield beyond Calhanoglu
Romano fits a profile Inter have consistently valued: young, Italian, already capable of making an impact in Serie A and still carrying considerable room for development. The club’s leadership has repeatedly stressed the importance of retaining a strong Italian core, and the Cagliari midfielder has quickly become a name of interest in that wider planning.
There is a practical reason for the attention. Inter’s midfield picture remains tied to Hakan Calhanoglu, whose contract expires on 30 June. Neither a renewal nor a departure can currently be ruled out, leaving the club to assess its next steps with and without the Turkish international.
Romano is not simply being watched as a promising player from a strong start. His role in central midfield makes him relevant to an area Inter already know they must address in the coming months. Cagliari, meanwhile, are expected to activate the obligation to buy that accompanied his move from Roma, placing the next stage of his rise firmly in their hands.
For Roma, the situation is an uncomfortable reminder of how rapidly a young player’s value can change. For Cagliari, Romano’s emergence offers both an important sporting resource and a growing asset. And for Inter, his name belongs to the longer conversation around a midfield that may soon need a new reference point.
