Ahead of this weekend’s top clash at the Stadio Olimpico, Roma and Inter could each regain a pivotal player, as Paulo Dybala and Nicolò Barella are both nearing their return to action.

Both sides had a bumpy start to the season, so it will be interesting to see who will prevail on Sunday.

As is often the case, Dybala has been dealing with a muscular problem that saw him remain on the bench during the 2-1 victory over Venezia before skipping the trip to Monza just before the international break.

But according to Sky Sport Italia via La Voce Giallorossa, the 30-year-old will rejoin his teammates in group training starting Tuesday morning. Therefore, the Argentine should be available for selection by Sunday, which will be a major boost for the already-under-fire Ivan Juric.

Coincidentally, Sky Sport (via FcInterNews) also reports Barella’s return to full training on Tuesday. The Italian skipped Inter’s last two Serie A victories over Udinese and Torino, but he should be ready and raring to go for Sunday’s showdown in Rome.

The source believes the 27-year-old will be pushing for a starting spot, even if Simone Inzaghi is spoiled for choices in the middle of the park.

While the impact of the two stars’ expected returns could cancel one another since each side will recover the services of a main protagonist, the true winner in the whole equation would be the neutral fan, as we’re talking about two of the most technically gifted players in Serie A. Their presence would certainly add a different flavor to what should be a captivating encounter in the Eternal City.

AS Roma have parted ways with head coach Daniele De Rossi, the club announced on Wednesday, citing the decision as being in “the team’s best interest.”

Despite a winless start to the Serie A season, the move caught many by surprise, as De Rossi had recently extended his contract until 2027.

De Rossi, a club legend and former midfielder, had taken over as caretaker manager in January 2024, following the dismissal of José Mourinho.

In his 26 matches in charge, he led Roma to 13 victories and six defeats across Serie A and the Europa League.

His tenure saw the team finish sixth in the league last season and reach the Europa League semifinals, where they were eliminated by Bayer Leverkusen.

“AS Roma announces that Daniele De Rossi has been relieved of his duties as head coach,” read the club’s official statement.

“The decision was made in the best interests of the team, to get back on track while the season is still young. We thank Daniele for his dedication and remind him that Roma will always be his home.”

De Rossi’s success last season had convinced the club to extend his contract and shape their summer transfers around his vision for the squad. However, a dismal start to the new campaign — with just three points and two goals from their first four matches — ultimately led to his dismissal.

Lazio beat Hellas Verona 2-1 on Monday evening, with all three goals being scored in the first 20 minutes of the Serie A match.

The Biancocelesti dominated the game, earning three points and reaching sixth place in the Serie A table after the fourth round of top league fixtures, one point behind Torino and one ahead of their rivals on Monday, Hellas Verona, who are in seventh position.

Meanwhile, on Monday evening Udinese took the lead of the Serie A table after beating Parma 2-3, ahead of Napoli, Inter and Juventus.