Balerdi, Inter background: the defender had also been monitored by Juventus

Leonardo Balerdi was linked with Roma, but his name had also appeared on the radars of Inter and Juventus. The Argentine defender, involved in the operation set up by the Giallorossi, had attracted the attention of both Italian giants before the final decision over his future.

The background story emerges from the details of the Roma negotiations. The Nerazzurri and the Bianconeri had made enquiries about the centre-back’s availability and the financial framework of the deal, without turning those contacts into an agreement. Roma instead pushed ahead until defining an operation that also includes a fee for a possible permanent transfer of the player.

For Inter, the episode represents another name assessed in the search for defensive options, but not a completed negotiation. Chivu’s team approach the match against Como after beating Venezia 2-0, losing the derby 3-1 and recording a convincing 3-0 victory over Feyenoord. The next fixture is scheduled for Sunday 8 November at 18:00 at San Siro.