Leonardo Balerdi’s first appearance at the Olimpico came on the biggest stage of Roma’s season so far, against Inter in a match carrying Scudetto weight. Yet the Argentine defender arrived in the capital with little need for an introduction inside the club: Gian Piero Gasperini and sporting director Tony D’Amico had tracked him since their time at Atalanta, and Roma moved quickly when an opportunity opened in the final days of the August window.
The defender had already made a decisive first impression away to Torino, where he completed his first full match as a Roma starter and was judged the outstanding player on the pitch. Against Inter, he again brought authority to the back line, sharing the first half with fellow Argentine internationals Nahuel Molina, Paulo Dybala and Matias Soulé, but looking every inch the commanding figure among them.
A long-held Roma ambition
Balerdi’s move has been more than a late-market solution for Roma. The 26-year-old had wanted the club for years. During his six seasons at Marseille, he had asked former Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman to obtain a Giallorossi shirt for him, drawn by a club he viewed as historic, ambitious and deeply connected to the city.
Speaking before the Inter match, Balerdi said leaving Marseille had not been straightforward after such a long spell in France.
“It was difficult to leave Marseille, but I take everything with me, both the good moments and the bad,” he said. “After six years, I felt it was time for a new experience and another league. As a child I already felt something for Roma and its shirt. I have always liked it, which is why I wanted to play in Italy for Roma. It is a historic club with ambition and a great past. And this season there is the Champions League, a competition that is always special to play in.”
His attachment to Marseille had been visible in the unusual warmth surrounding him there. On one occasion, four agents staged what appeared to be a police stop, only to get out of their car singing “Allez l’OM!” before driving away.
Gasperini gains experience and energy
D’Amico made clear that Roma saw Balerdi as a strategic addition rather than merely cover.
“We needed to strengthen the defence with an experienced player, even though he is still young,” the sporting director said. “We wanted him at Atalanta too. He has played many matches, he is physically strong and quick, and we are very happy that he is with us.”
At his best, Balerdi offers Gasperini a defender with international experience, speed and the confidence to organise a line that can operate high up the pitch. His mobility can help Roma both in individual marking and in catching opposing forwards offside.
His numbers against Inter reflected that influence before cramp forced him off after an hour. Balerdi recorded six defensive recoveries, won four of his five duels and succeeded in two of three tackles.
His arrival may reduce Evan Ndicka’s immediate opportunities, but Roma’s programme in Serie A and the Champions League should require constant rotation. Gasperini now has another established option for a demanding season, and Balerdi is expected to be ready again for the next league meeting with Como.
