Gasperini hails Balerdi and likens him to Franco Baresi

Leonardo Balerdi has been a Roma player since late August, and this Monday he finally earned his first start for the Giallorossi. The Argentine put in a strong display in the 2-1 win over Torino, and coach Gian Piero Gasperini responded with full praise.

Gasperini’s big comparison

As L'Équipe reports, Gasperini was asked about Balerdi after the match and didn’t hold back. “Who does he remind me of? It’s certainly a powerful, modern and fast defender… I can’t name today’s exceptional players, but the way he interprets his role reminds me of Franco Baresi. Baresi was obviously the incontestable No. 1, but the characteristics are the same,” he said on DAZN.

From sub appearances to the XI

Balerdi is 27. He joined Roma after six years at OM, where he was even captain. In his early time in Rome, he came on as a substitute against Atalanta Bergamo (2-1) in early September and versus Fenerbahçe (1-1) in the Champions League, but he hadn’t yet been trusted to start.

The article also underlines that, despite Balerdi’s role in the move, there is still no clear new signing in sight to replace him at OM.

The takeaway from Torino

The 2-1 victory gives Roma momentum and gives Balerdi confidence. If the performances keep coming, Gasperini’s “role interpretation” comparison—without claiming an exact match to Baresi’s level—could quickly become a reference point for the team’s defensive plans.