Manu Koné’s first career brace gave Roma an evening of pride at the Olimpico, even if the comeback conceded to Inter left Gian Piero Gasperini and his players with a measure of regret. Against opponents who had followed him since the summer of 2025, the French midfielder underlined why Roma chose to keep him at the centre of their plans.
A landmark night against Inter
Koné struck twice before half-time, becoming only the fifth Roma player to score two first-half goals against Inter in the club’s history. The previous names in that small group are woven into different eras of the Giallorossi story: Francesco Totti in 2013, Abel Balbo in 1995, Ciccio Graziani in 1986 and Roberto Pruzzo in 1980.
It was a personal breakthrough for Koné, whose first double arrived in a match of particular significance. Inter had shown interest in the midfielder, but Roma’s position never softened. Gasperini was pleased that his side could compete on equal terms with the Nerazzurri, while Koné’s own satisfaction at his goals was tempered by the way the match turned.
- Koné scored his first-ever brace for Roma against Inter.
- Both goals came in the opening half at the Olimpico.
- He has now scored six goals in Giallorosso colours, with five of them coming at home.
- He completed 34 passes in the Inter match.
The Olimpico bond and a summer decision
After each goal, Koné turned towards the Roma support in the stands. It was a familiar exchange: the midfielder has become one of the figures most warmly received by the Olimpico crowd, particularly when he carries the ball forward with force or finds a colleague with a precise pass.
That relationship also explains the unease generated by late-market speculation. Chelsea were among the clubs linked with him, and supporters feared the prospect of beginning the league campaign without a player they see as a key presence in midfield.
Instead, Roma held their line. Gasperini was firm in protecting Koné’s place in the squad, while El Aynaoui departed and was replaced by Marten de Roon. The player valued at €50 million remained in the capital, to the clear approval of the Roma public.
Gasperini’s next task for Koné
Roma now see a broader role for the Frenchman. Gasperini has in mind a midfielder closer to the profile of Ederson during his Atalanta years: a player capable of breaking open tight matches through late runs into the area and shots on goal.
Koné already offers assurance in duels and drives from midfield, but there is another challenge after a demanding World Cup in which he played a prominent part. He must rebuild the capacity to maintain his influence over the full 90 minutes, especially in the later stages when his running and interventions can shift an uncertain contest.
The upcoming break is expected to help him recover freshness. If that physical edge returns, Roma believe his two goals against Inter can represent more than an isolated night: they can be the beginning of a more complete version of Koné, one able to reach double figures across Serie A, the Champions League and Coppa Italia.
For now, his future is being written in Rome, between Trigoria and the Olimpico, rather than in London, Manchester, Saudi Arabia, Milan or Madrid.
