Baresi. That is some claim.
There are names in Italy you do not throw around lightly. Franco Baresi is one of them.
Gian Piero Gasperini did it anyway. Speaking to DAZN on Monday night after AS Roma’s 2-0 win at Torino, he was asked about Leonardo Balerdi. His answer has since travelled across the country.
“A very strong defender, modern, blessed with outstanding physical qualities and pace. Who does he make me think of? Baresi, a defender with similar traits, of course, without wanting to make comparisons or mention him.”
The caution comes after the line. Too late.
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One start and here we are
Balerdi is 27. He joined Roma this summer from Olympique de Marseille.
On Monday, he made his first start for the club. One outing, and his coach is already talking like this.
The night backed it up: an away win, a clean sheet, and a strong display from a player whose first steps had already caught the eye in Italy.
What Gasperini really meant
The coach was not just talking about pace. He was talking about role and build-up play.
“Because of the way he reads the role and organises the game, Balerdi is an important player.”
That is the real message. The Argentinian is not just another quick defender in a side full of them. He is supposed to start attacks.
Back in Marseille, some people will not be loving that.
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