← All stories
A Show of Strength
·15 September 2026·45d ago

A Show of Strength

Source: GialloRossi.net

Roma extended their winning run to four consecutive victories with a 2–0 defeat of Torino at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, maintaining their position alongside Inter at the top of Serie A. The significance lay not merely in the result but in the manner of the performance. Donyell Malen struck late in the first half before Niccolò Pisilli added a second in stoppage time, but the team's control of the match—sustained possession, tactical pressure, and evident technical and physical superiority—revealed a side learning to win without requiring a flawless display. Gasperini's squad demonstrated the maturity to wait, accelerate when required, defend effectively, and rotate personnel while preserving its identity.

Torino exposed the depth now available to Roma. Evan N'Dicka was absent through influenza, Wesley unavailable, and Manu Koné initially benched following recent knee problems—three players typically central to the squad's foundation. Yet Roma did not appear diminished. Leonardo Balerdi's replacement performance was the evening's most telling statement: he played with striking personality, aggressive in the tackle, commanding in the air, quick covering open space, and constantly engaged. He is no mere backup. Marten de Roon entered in the second half and immediately fitted Gasperini's system with experience, reading and order. Emanuele Lulli again confirmed his capacity to operate at this level, while Nahuel Molina, deployed on the left flank in Wesley's place, contributed without disrupting the team's balance. This marks the real growth: in previous years Roma required its established starters to maintain standards; now the squad contains alternatives who enter, perform, keep the team in the match, and function as genuine options rather than stopgaps.

The champions remain central to Roma's ambition. Paulo Dybala continues to transform ordinary matches through individual quality—a pass, a gesture, an instinct—while Malen supplies what the club lacked for too long: a striker who reads space and converts the team's work into goals. Inter remain the stronger force overall, with greater quality in depth and the natural frontrunners in the Scudetto race. Yet Roma has earned the right to approach a direct confrontation without inferiority complex or damage-limitation mentality. On Saturday at the Olimpico, Inter will visit when both sides sit at full points, offering a magnificent test to measure Gasperini's squad's genuine ambitions. September is too early to declare verdicts, but the fixture will reveal how closely Roma can approach the tournament's reference point.

Torino confirmed Roma's solidity, health, hunger and conviction in its methods. Success no longer depends solely on eleven names on the starting sheet; the club finds answers from those starting further back. Four consecutive wins do not award trophies or automatically transform a squad into a title candidate, but they permit looking higher. This Roma, today, has the right to try.

● AI Generated Summary

This summary was generated by an AI model. Always read the source for complete and accurate information.

Story Coverage2 sources on this story

Roma sit at the top of Serie A alongside Inter ahead of Saturday's clash at the Olimpico, with both sides unbeaten and level on points. The visitors have not lost in Rome since 2016, but head coach Gian Piero Gasperini enters the fixture in a difficult personal position: he has gone 17 matches without a win against Roma in all competitions, including ten consecutive defeats. The Giallorossi, by contrast, are thriving, having raised their squad's standard significantly compared to a year ago when key absences would have created substantial difficulties. Forza Roma reports that Gasperini is expected to have both Wesley and Manu Koné available from the start, though much will depend on the collective display.

Roma's current trajectory marks a decisive shift from past seasons. GialloRossi.net reports that Roma extended their winning run to four consecutive victories with a 2–0 defeat of Torino, with Donyell Malen striking late in the first half before Niccolò Pisilli added a second in stoppage time. Importantly, the team's control extended far beyond the scoreline: their sustained possession, tactical pressure, and evident technical and physical superiority revealed a side learning to win without requiring flawless displays. The depth Roma demonstrated proved particularly striking. Even with Evan N'Dicka absent through influenza, Wesley unavailable, and Manu Koné initially benched, the squad showed no diminishment. Leonardo Balerdi's replacement performance was especially telling, while Marten de Roon entered in the second half and immediately fitted Gasperini's system with experience and order. Four consecutive wins permit Roma to approach their confrontation with Inter without inferiority complex, though Inter remain the stronger force overall with greater quality in depth and the natural frontrunners in the Scudetto race.

AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.

Testo Originale / Source Text

“Quattro partite, quattro vittorie. La Roma passa anche sul campo del Torino, vince 2-0 all’Olimpico Grande Torino e continua a guardare tutti dall’alto insieme all’Inter. Ma stavolta, più ancora del risultato, conta il modo. Perché quella di Gasperini non è più soltanto una squadra che vince: è una…”

Read the full article in Italian at GialloRossi.net.

Read original on GialloRossi.net →

More Match Report

Maresca to referee Udinese vs Roma as Serie A referee appointments for Matchday 10 are released
Serie AMatch Report● AI
1h ago

Maresca to referee Udinese vs Roma as Serie A referee appointments for Matchday 10 are released

Fabio Maresca has been appointed to referee Udinese against Roma, a Serie A Matchday 10 fixture set for Saturday 31 October at 18:00 at the Stadio Friuli. The Italian Football Federation's referees' body (AIA) has published the full appointments for the round, and Roma, coached by Gian Piero Gasperini, travel to face Udinese in the match. Maresca, from the Naples section, will be assisted by linesmen Lo Cicero and Rossi L., with Chiffi as fourth official. The VAR will be Paterna, with Aureliano as AVAR. For Roma, the appointment places a referee from the Naples section in charge of an away game in the Friuli, with the rest of the team sheet set for the weekend. The rest of the Matchday 10 programme is also set. Bologna host Monza on Saturday 31 October at 15:00, with Zanotti refereeing. Milan meet Inter at 20:45 the same day, refereed by Guida. Juventus face Napoli at 20:45 with Sozza in charge. Lazio play Cagliari at 15:00 under Colombo, while Lecce face Genoa at 18:00 with Marchetti in the middle. Como host Venezia at 12:30 with Ferrieri Caputi, and Frosinone meet Torino at 15:00 with Mucera. Sassuolo host Fiorentina on Monday 2 November at 18:30 with Marcenaro, and Atalanta face Parma the same evening at 20:45 with Crezzini. The full list of officials for each match, including the VAR and AVAR teams, is published in the referees' designations for the 10th round of Serie A.

GialloRossi.netRead original →
Maresca to referee Udinese vs Roma, with Paterna on VAR
Match ReportSerie A● AI
1h ago

Maresca to referee Udinese vs Roma, with Paterna on VAR

Referee Maresca will officiate Udinese against Roma, a match set for tomorrow at 18:00. Maresca's record with the giallorossi is positive: ten wins, five draws and six defeats. Roma's most recent victory under him came against Torino this season. The official's history with Roma has not been free of controversy. In 2021 he denied the giallorossi a penalty in their game against Milan, which was also played on Halloween. Paterna will work the VAR booth, while Aureliano will be the AVAR. Chiffi is the fourth official.

Maresca to referee Udinese vs Roma; 21 previous meetings with the Giallorossi
Match ReportSerie A● AI
2h ago

Maresca to referee Udinese vs Roma; 21 previous meetings with the Giallorossi

Fabio Maresca has been named referee for Udinese against Roma, a Serie A tenth-round fixture at the Bluenergy Stadium scheduled for tomorrow at 18:00. The Italian Football Referees Association (AIA) made the appointment official. Lo Cicero and Rossi will be the assistant referees, with Chiffi as fourth official. Paterna will work in the VAR room, with Aureliano as AVAR. Roma are the second-most frequently refereed side in Maresca's career. He has officiated 21 matches involving the Giallorossi, with a record of 10 wins, 5 draws and 6 defeats. Tomorrow's match will be his 22nd meeting with Roma. Maresca's most recent Roma fixture came this season, when he refereed Torino against Roma in the fourth round of Serie A. Roma won that match 2-0. Roma travel to Friuli before flying directly to England for their next Champions League match against Manchester United.

TeleRadioStereoRead original →

More on Donyell Malen

Player profile →
Roma to train in Udine and Manchester ahead of Champions League clash with Man United
EuropeClub News● AI
2h ago

Roma to train in Udine and Manchester ahead of Champions League clash with Man United

Roma will travel from Udine to Manchester after Saturday's match at Udinese, having decided not to return to Rome in between. Their schedule is packed: Saturday's match in Friuli, then a Sunday morning training session at Udinese's sports centre, where the Friulani will host the giallorossi. Roma leave Trieste at 16:00 for England for the Champions League tie against Manchester United. On Monday, the eve of the game, Malen and his team-mates will train at Old Trafford at 19:00 Italian time. Gasperini's press conference, featuring one player, is scheduled for 18:20. The match against the Red Devils kicks off on Tuesday at 21:00. Roma will return to Italy on Wednesday morning rather than immediately after the game. Roma's next Serie A fixture is on Saturday 7 November, when they host Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico.

Gasperini's shopping list: Van Bommel, Balde and Endrick on Roma's wish list
Transfer NewsSquad News● AI
3h ago

Gasperini's shopping list: Van Bommel, Balde and Endrick on Roma's wish list

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has drawn up a shopping list as the club looks to strengthen its squad, with three signings reportedly in mind before the international break. Roma face Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo as the last three matches of a gruelling run of nine games in 28 days, and they are doing so short of numbers. Svilar, Dybala and Koné will not be available tomorrow, and only the last two are hoping to return from the next fixtures. The squad is stretched thin. Gasperini said earlier in the season: "La rosa va allungata" ("The squad needs to be lengthened"). While awaiting the UEFA ruling expected in November, the sporting director is already working to reinforce the team. Last January, Malen, Vaz, Venturino and Zaragoza arrived at the club. Gasperini would be content with three targeted signings: an attacking winger, a backup for Wesley and a dynamic central midfielder. For the attacking unit, the names linked are Leweling and Gittens. A surprise could be van Bommel of PSV Eindhoven, a player Roma have been monitoring for some time. Roma are also not giving up on Endrick. Real Madrid have little room for the Brazilian, who wants to leave. D'Amico will need to find the right formula, which could resemble the deal that brought Bobby in a year ago: a loan with an obligation to buy on certain conditions. Attention then turns to the wide midfield. Mendes has offered Balde of Barcelona, while the new name is Pascini of Atlético Mineiro. The most pressing problem, however, is midfield. Pellegrini will return in 2027, and Koné has frequent physical problems. Roma need a energetic runner in the centre of the park, and Moses of Slavia Prague is on the notebook.

Udinese vs Roma: TV details, kickoff time, probable line-ups and Serie A table
Match ReportSerie A● AI
5h ago

Udinese vs Roma: TV details, kickoff time, probable line-ups and Serie A table

Roma travel to Udinese for matchday 10 of Serie A, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side needing to keep pace with Inter and Lazio, who lead on 4 points more, while also keeping an eye on Como, who are just one point behind. Roma are coming off a win over Cagliari, and Lulli is on course to be retained in the starting line-up. Malen is ready to return from the start alongside Soulé, while Rodrigo Mora, decisive in the last round, is pushing for a starting place. Dybala remains out. For Udinese, there is a return to the past for Zaniolo, who is ready to help his side climb a table that is very complicated for the Friulani. The article also covers where to watch the match on television (Sky and Dazn), the kickoff time, the probable line-ups and the current Serie A standings.

Il Messaggero – RomaRead original →

More on Niccolò Pisilli

Player profile →
Roma radio pundits split over Endrick, Dybala and the Udinese test
OpinionSquad News● AI
3h ago

Roma radio pundits split over Endrick, Dybala and the Udinese test

Roman radio pundits have urged Roma to move quickly for Endrick, while debating the Udinese fixture and the club's attacking options. Mario Corsi (Tele Radio Stereo) said that Roma must act first, warning that AC Milan could beat them to the forward. He pointed to Roma's spending: "Dopo aver speso 60 milioni per Ramos, uno che non segna mai, se può spendere anche per questo... ecco perché dobbiamo muoverci." Corsi also claimed that Endrick would agree to join Roma if he chose the club, and he suggested Mourinho was still thinking about Roma. David Rossi (Rete Sport) raised concerns about Paulo Dybala's fitness before the international break. He said playing Dybala in the game before the break would be "una forzatura" and suggested that Matías Soulé would be used in every match, which could become a problem. Rossi also asked why Roma did not try Guaglianone in the current emergency, noting that Guaglianone had brought forwards such as Arena and Paratici but had never brought in a "mezza punta", the role where Roma are struggling. Gianluca Piacentini (Rete Sport) said that Roma now feel more confident in the strength of the squad than they did last season, when a top-four finish was essential. He said he wanted Roma to aim for first place rather than fourth, and he admitted he would now prefer AC Milan to win the derby over Inter. Lorenzo Pes (Tele Radio Stereo) expected Hermoso and Balerdi to play at Udine, and said Marten de Roon, whom he had seen declining against Cagliari, would likely start alongside Bryan Cristante with Niccolò Pisilli pushed forward. He tipped Rodrigo Mora and Santiago Castro to come off the bench. Pes said Mile Svilar would return after the break, and that Manu Koné had resumed training on the pitch to be available against Sassuolo. Of Dybala, he said: "Dipende da lui. Ma per Manchester mi sembra obiettivamente difficile." Alessio Nardo (Tele Radio Stereo) questioned whether Gasperini already had an XI in mind for Manchester and, consequently, for Udinese. He said: "Sia United che Udinese sono due panchine a fortissimo rischio, bisognerà capire se è un vantaggio o meno per noi." He added: "Io non dico che vincere a Udine domani sarebbe un'impresa, ma comunque sarebbe un grandissimo risultato per la Roma." Nando Orsi (Radio Radio) was the most confident of a Roma win, arguing that Udinese were in free fall. He said: "Questa è l'occasione giusta per la Roma... Non vedo un altro tipo di risultato oltre alla vittoria della Roma." Roberto Pruzzo (Radio Radio) warned that Roma must settle the match early, cautioning that Udinese had recovered Davis and Zaniolo and could cause problems if Roma conceded space. He added: "È una partita da prendere con le molle." Mario Mattioli (Radio Radio) argued that Udine would not be easy for Roma despite Udinese's crisis, and said a Roma win would be "un'altra piccola impresa di questo campionato." Ubaldo Righetti (Radio Romanista) said Roma were not tired against Cagliari, though Mancini may have been, and that De Roon was still effective because he worked through the lines rather than chasing opponents. Righetti said the problem was frenzy, with simple passes going astray. Daniele Lo Monaco (Radio Romanista) warned that Mora risked the same fate as Bojan, who never fulfilled the promise he showed after leaving Barcelona.

GialloRossi.netRead original →
Hermoso, Wesley and Mancini lead Roma's minutes count under Gasperini
Squad News● AI
5h ago

Hermoso, Wesley and Mancini lead Roma's minutes count under Gasperini

Hermoso has played the most minutes of any Roma player this season, with 812 minutes on the pitch across the first twelve matches in Serie A and the Champions League. Wesley follows closely on 806 minutes, having just been called up by the Brazilian national team, and Gianluca Mancini has logged 798 minutes. Il Tempo reports that the figures show Gian Piero Gasperini is rotating his squad rather than relying on fixed starters. The rotation has become necessary because of a demanding run of nine matches in 27 days, which ends with games against Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo. Mancini has shown some signs of fatigue in recent outings, which has given Gasperini the chance to turn to fresher options such as Ghilardi, Koulierakis and Balerdi. On the flanks, Molina, Lulli and Rensch take turns, while Ndicka remains a reliable presence in defence with 727 minutes played. In midfield, Cristante and Koné have been used consistently, alongside Pisilli and De Roon. In attack, Soulé (770 minutes) and Malen (752 minutes) have been the most used forwards. Dybala, who is currently sidelined, is next on the list, followed by younger players Mora and Castro, who continue to earn valuable spells within the season's rotations.

Koné recovered and pushing for Sassuolo return as Roma prepare for Udinese and Manchester United
InjurySquad News● AI
5h ago

Koné recovered and pushing for Sassuolo return as Roma prepare for Udinese and Manchester United

Roma have returned to training ahead of a crowded run of fixtures, with Koné now fully recovered from his injury and aiming to return against Sassuolo. The squad travels to Friuli today for Sunday's Serie A match against Udinese, before moving on to Manchester on Monday on the eve of the Champions League clash with United, and the club are facing both games with a depleted list of players. Mile Svilar's medical tests confirmed that his return has been pushed back until after the international break. Paulo Dybala gave no cause for optimism after yesterday's session, as the Argentine forward trained on a personalised programme because he is still feeling discomfort in his calf. His availability for the trip to England is therefore very uncertain. Koné, by contrast, is over his injury and has started working apart from the group on the pitch. The French midfielder, like Dybala, is determined to be back in action for the league meeting with Sassuolo. For the trip to Udine, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who has chosen not to hold his usual pre-match press conference, is weighing up solutions and changes in defence, where Hermoso and Balerdi have shaken off their respective knocks. In midfield, De Roon is the favourite to play alongside the pairing of Cristante and Pisilli, while up front Malen is set to return from the start alongside Soulé.

More on Evan N'Dicka

Player profile →
Valdarchi expects rotation in Roma's defence; Torri fears Udinese's league position
Squad NewsAnalysis● AI
3h ago

Valdarchi expects rotation in Roma's defence; Torri fears Udinese's league position

Radio pundit Simone Valdarchi expects Gian Piero Gasperini to rotate Roma's defence and flanks for the upcoming match. Speaking on Radio Manà Manà, he said Koulierakis and Mancini could drop out of the starting line-up compared with the last outing, while at least two of Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso could feature. Valdarchi also believes Gasperini would give Evan N'Dicka a rest if he had the chance, but he thinks it is not the right moment to do so. The comments come as Roma prepare for Saturday's league fixture against Udinese and the Champions League trip to Manchester. Piero Torri, also speaking on Radio Manà Manà, said: "Dell'Udinese temo la classifica. Non è una squadra che merita di essere nel punto in cui si trova per i valori che ha. Hanno recuperato quasi tutti gli infortunati Solet a parte. Tra la gara di sabato e quella di Manchester è più importante la prima." In English: "I fear Udinese's league position. It is not a team that deserves to be where it is, given the quality it has. They have recovered almost all their injured players except Solet. Between Saturday's match and the one in Manchester, the first is more important."

Gasperini plots rotation for Udinese as de Roon rests and Ghilardi pushes for a start
Squad NewsSerie A● AI
6h ago

Gasperini plots rotation for Udinese as de Roon rests and Ghilardi pushes for a start

Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing significant changes for tomorrow's trip to Udinese, with Donyell Malen returning to the starting XI. Malen's last visit to Udine was his worst performance in a Roma shirt, though he did find the net that day, sadly the wrong one: his deflection was the decisive touch on Ekkelenkamp's free kick. Behind him, Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé are set to play. Marten de Roon, who needs a rest after six matches in twenty days, drops out, along with the other three midfielders who were in the previous selection. Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli will form the central midfield pairing. Roma face two games in four days, with the squad still stretched by injuries and absences. Wesley will start on the left in both fixtures. On the right, Nahuel Molina, Emanuele Lulli and Devyne Rensch are in contention, with Rensch surprisingly named in the starting line-up in Istanbul and Naples. Rotation is also on the cards at the back, the department with the most players available. Leonardo Balerdi has put behind him a tough setback and will start. Mario Hermoso has recovered after not being at his best and is also available. Gianluca Mancini is likely to miss out, having run low on energy and been among the weakest performers of the season so far, with some physical complaints picked up on international duty that have never fully cleared. Daniele Aloisi, writing in Il Messaggero, reports that Daniele Ghilardi is looking for minutes and consistency and could take Mancini's place. Evan N'Dicka is the defender in the best form, and Gasperini does not want to do without him. If N'Dicka plays, Balerdi will operate on the left of the centre-back pairing. If N'Dicka rests, Balerdi will move into the middle with Hermoso alongside him. Gasperini will settle those doubts in the coming hours. Roma's focus then turns to Old Trafford, where the hope is that, for once, the 'theatre of dreams' does not turn back into a nightmare.

Gasperini set for another shake-up ahead of Udine trip
Squad NewsInjury● AI
6h ago

Gasperini set for another shake-up ahead of Udine trip

Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing another reshuffled Roma side for Saturday's trip to Udine, kicking off at 18:00 on 31 October, with changes expected mainly in defence and midfield after the rotations used against Cagliari. Mancini and N'Dicka risk a rest, with Ghilardi and Balerdi candidates to start from the first minute. Balerdi, along with Hermoso, has recovered from the knocks that forced him onto the bench against Cagliari. Changes on the flanks are also possible, while the midfield pairing of Cristante and Pisilli is gaining ground, with De Roon initially on the bench. These are pre-match indications only, with several places still open. Up front, Malen is ready to win back his starting spot, alongside the untouchable Soulé, who has 3 goals and 3 assists to his name this season. Behind them, Rodrigo Mora could start, having been favoured for a place from the first minute after his decisive goal against Cagliari. The Portuguese impressed Gasperini with his second-half introduction and now aims to gain more consistency. The absences remain heavy. Dybala will certainly miss Udine and is seriously doubtful for Manchester United: the calf injury is reportedly now overcome, but the Argentine continues to feel discomfort and trained individually again yesterday. A return against Sassuolo on 7 November is more likely, when Gasperini hopes to also get Koné back, who has resumed individual work on the pitch. For Svilar, his return has been postponed until after the international break, so Gollini will again be in goal in Udine, in the Champions League and against Sassuolo. Gasperini is forced into fresh choices, a situation that also confirms his intention to involve the whole squad for a increasingly demanding schedule.

GialloRossi.netRead original →
Feedback