Baldini hails quality of young Italy squad as Pisilli prepares for Champions League step

Gian Piero Gasperini deflected questions about Inter's struggles during his post-match press conference following Roma's victory against Torino. When a journalist opened with the message "Inter are losing, boss", Gasperini responded with humour: "But what time is it?" He then stood to leave, before clarifying with a smile: "2-2, not 0-2"—a reference to Udinese's scoreline—making clear he has no interest in discussing the scudetto at this stage of the season. Roma arrive at Saturday's clash against Inter at the Olimpico unbeaten, having won all four of their opening league fixtures: victories over Fiorentina, Lecce, Atalanta and Torino. The fixture kicks off at 18:00 and represents Roma's first direct clash of the campaign against Chivu's Inter side. The meeting comes as Roma continue their strong start to the 2026-27 season with maximum points from four matches.

Gian Piero Gasperini hailed Leonardo Balerdi as 'a strong, very strong defender' after Roma's 2-0 victory over Torino, drawing a comparison to the legendary Franco Baresi while acknowledging he could not place Balerdi in that company. In his post-match press conference, Gasperini described Balerdi as 'a modern defender, physically strong and quick', praising his recovery capabilities and overall interpretation of the role. Gasperini emphasised the importance of rotating his squad and bringing on fresh attacking talent. With Roma playing their third match in eight days, he explained his decision to substitute Donyell Malen despite the winger's fine form alongside Paulo Dybala. "We must grow the squad as much as possible," Gasperini said. "If attackers play 90 minutes all the time they are not in condition to play. If you manage to spare them 20–30 minutes, they can then handle more matches in the week. There is also the need to develop players who must follow in the footsteps of champions like Dybala and Malen. They must take the example not only technically but also in temperament, in the will to do things, to be protagonists. If we can do this, the squad becomes stronger." Gasperini credited both Roma's quality play in the first half and their resilience in the second. "We had a very good first half even if in terms of quality in the final 16–20 metres we could have done better," he said. "Then there is the opponent who can change the cards on the table. We had to live also on temperament, perhaps being less beautiful but always concrete. In the end we also doubled the score at the end. This is a fundamental aspect." Looking ahead to Inter, Gasperini said: "Inter is the reference team for our league, considered the strongest. Although Como is close. For us it is an occasion to measure ourselves. Last year we took a heavy defeat from them but from there was born the true Roma. Not only in results but also in mentality. In the away match it was a more fought game where perhaps we deserved something more."

Leonardo Balerdi earned praise from head coach Gian Piero Gasperini following Roma's victory over Torino, despite Donyell Malen being named the match MVP. The Argentine defender played all 90 minutes at a high level and made decisive interventions that contributed to the win. Gasperini spoke warmly about Balerdi in his post-match press conference, highlighting his qualities as a modern defender. The coach drew a comparison to one of Italian football's greatest players: "Who does he remind me of? Balerdi is a strong defender, very strong. He is certainly a modern defender, physically strong and quick. I cannot invoke a certain name — a central defender like that was Baresi. But without going there, the way he interprets the role with aggression and speed in recoveries as well as participation in the game... Baresi was number one absolutely, no one touches that, but in terms of characteristics we are there." Gasperini's assessment suggests Balerdi has already won over both his manager and the Roma supporters.

Roma made it four consecutive Serie A victories with a 2–0 win at Torino, goals from Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli securing the result. The defence was the standout feature, with Leonardo Balerdi and Gianluca Mancini earning widespread praise from the Italian press for their dominance and ball recovery that directly led to both goals. Mile Svilar was also crucial, making a decisive save from Simeone. Nahuel Molina impressed in the second half, while Marten de Roon delivered a strong cameo off the bench. By contrast, Santiago Castro, Rodrigo Mora and Manu Koné had less impact, and Matías Soulé failed to find his rhythm, though the team's overall control remained evident. Roma remain unbeaten and on maximum points in the season's opening run. Gian Piero Gasperini's side have built early momentum that sets up a significant test ahead. The ratings across Italy's major sports press show remarkable consistency on standout performers. Svilar was rated between 6.5 and 8, with Il Romanista, Corriere dello Sport and Corriere della Sera all giving 7 or higher. Balerdi ranged from 7 to 8—Il Romanista and Corriere dello Sport both awarded 7.5 or higher. Mancini scored between 6.5 and 8 across outlets, while Malen and Pisilli both drew frequent praise, rated between 7 and 8 in most assessments. De Roon's substitute appearance earned 6.5 to 7, and Molina was rated 6.5 to 7. By contrast, Soulé drew the lowest marks, rated between 5.5 and 6 across all outlets, and Castro similarly struggled to register, rated 5.5 to 6. Gasperini himself received an 8 from Corriere dello Sport and a 7 from Tuttosport and Romanews.eu. The giallorossi now prepare for a high-profile fixture against Inter, a test that the sources indicate will reveal much about Gasperini's squad's genuine ambitions.

Roma extended their unbeaten run to nine matches in Serie A with a commanding 2–0 away victory at Torino, goals from Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli securing the club's fourth consecutive win at the start of the 2026–27 season. The nine-game streak combines four wins from this campaign's opening phase with the final stretch of last season—a run Roma have not achieved since 2014–15. The result keeps Roma level on points with Inter, who visit the Olimpico on Saturday for a fixture scheduled before the international break. Despite managing an injury emergency and enforced rotation following Champions League action, manager Gian Piero Gasperini's side played with notable control and personality. Leonardo Balerdi made his first Serie A start in place of an injured Evan N'Dicka, while Nahuel Molina also started. Malen opened the scoring in the 40th minute, latching onto a loose ball after Gianluca Mancini's high press and a Paulo Dybala assist, for his sixth league goal of the campaign. In the second half, Roma managed the game with maturity, their defence marshalled by a commanding Balerdi performance, while Mile Svilar made a decisive save on Simeone. Gasperini introduced Marten de Roon, Manu Koné, Santiago Castro and Rodrigo Mora from the bench, injecting fresh energy and tactical clarity. Pisilli sealed the win in injury time with a right-footed finish, converting after Mancini's generous play with a loose ball, in a display that reinforced Roma's current form ahead of Saturday's meeting with the defending champions.

Niccolò Pisilli scored on his first start of the season as Roma defeated Torino to extend their unbeaten Serie A run to four consecutive victories while remaining top of the table with a perfect record. Donyell Malen also netted his sixth goal of the campaign as Gasperini's side controlled the match, with Pisilli adding a second-half goal—his second of the season—to seal the win. The academy product, who had attracted transfer interest because of his potential to generate profit for the club, responded decisively when Gasperini handed him the midfield responsibility alongside Bryan Cristante. Pisilli's performance underlined a wider theme in Roma's dominance: the emergence of fresh tactical solutions as the season unfolds. The victory also showcased left-footed defender Nahuel Molina's attacking contributions and the midfield influence of Marten de Roon, while Leonardo Balerdi reinforced his status as a defensive leader. The club resisted offers for Pisilli during the transfer window, and his impact on the pitch has already vindicated that decision. On his first real opportunity at centre stage this season, Pisilli demonstrated the positioning and intelligence expected of him. He arrived in the right place at the right time—where a midfielder ought to arrive a moment later—offering precisely the additional quality that others, including Gasperini, routinely ask of Manu Koné. Pisilli delivered without being prompted, completing a convincing display that extended Roma's perfect start to the campaign.