Roma head into the international break sitting top of Serie A, level on 13 points with Inter after five games, but the mood around the club is tempered by a growing injury list that threatens to disrupt their strong early-season momentum. The 2-2 draw with Inter at the Olimpico was a result that felt more like two points dropped than one gained, with Gasperini's side leading 2-0 at half-time before Lautaro Martinez's double dragged the champions level. Manu Koné was the standout performer, scoring both goals in a dominant first-half display that underlined why Gasperini blocked his sale during the summer transfer window.

The bigger concern now is what Roma return with after the break. Wesley, who started the Inter match on the right flank, picked up an injury and has been ruled out of Brazil duty. Bryan Cristante also suffered a physical problem and will miss Italy's opening games under Roberto Mancini, with Samuele Ricci called up as his replacement. Most recently, Donyell Malen was ruled out of Netherlands' Nations League fixtures, with the Dutch federation confirming his absence officially. Three players from the starting eleven against Inter are now unavailable during the break.

On a more positive note, Leonardo Balerdi has firmly established himself as a starter in Gasperini's back three, ahead of Ndicka. Roma next travel to Como on October 11 in Serie A.