Balerdi: armband means nothing, all that matters is Roma wins

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.

Donyell Malen spoke to journalists after Roma's victory in the fourth Serie A matchday at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, emphasising his concentration on scoring rather than his growing status among supporters. When asked if he was aware of what he was becoming for Roma fans, Malen said: "I don't think about that. I want to score many goals, I'm focused on the objectives." Malen's form has drawn comparisons to club legend Francesco Totti. On the comparison, he said: "It's beautiful, but I know how great Totti is for Roma. I'm having a lot of fun." He also joked about the "Dybalen" nickname linking him with Paulo Dybala, remarking: "It's nice, but what matters is scoring. I'm sorry for Paulo that he won't get the assist." Malen also praised Niccolò Pisilli's goal-scoring celebration despite cramping, saying: "I've never seen a celebration like that—but get him a chair because he can't stand up."

Niccolò Pisilli spoke to Dazn after Roma's away victory against Torino, reflecting on a goalscoring performance hampered by physical strain. Asked about celebrating despite cramping, Pisilli explained: "I wanted to attempt a celebration after the goal, but I was hit by a really bad cramp in my calf. I couldn't stand up." Pisilli also praised the impact of Donyell Malen, who has made a significant impression since arriving at the club. "He's very strong, he's had an incredible impact since he arrived. We hope he continues like this, scoring all these goals, because he always gives us a huge hand," Pisilli said when asked whether the squad can stop Malen in training.

Roma made it four consecutive Serie A victories without conceding a goal as Donyell Malen's first-half strike and a late Niccolò Pisilli finish secured a 2–0 win at Torino on 14 September 2026. Mile Svilar recorded his third clean sheet in four matches, with Pisilli adding the second goal in deep stoppage time. The result kept Roma on a perfect record of 12 points from four matches with an aggregate score of 12–1. The run marks only the fifth time in the club's history that Roma have started a Serie A campaign with four straight wins, matching 1952–53, 1960–61, 2013–14 and 2014–15. The 1960–61 season stands out as the only previous era before Gasperini in which Roma scored more than ten goals across those four fixtures, recording 14. Roma have now extended their consecutive league wins to nine overall, spanning five matches from the end of last season and the four so far this term. Only twice in club history have Roma recorded longer winning streaks: eleven wins from December 2005 to February 2006, and eleven from May to October 2013. Malen has scored six goals in his first four Serie A matches this season, making him the third player in Roma's history to reach that figure in the opening four games alongside Pedro Manfredini (seven in 1960–61) and Francesco Totti (six in 2001–02). The Dutch forward has also been involved in at least one goal in each of his last five away league matches, registering seven goals and one assist across that run. Gasperini again demonstrated bold selection by withdrawing Malen despite the scoreline remaining in the balance, reinforcing his confidence in the attacking unit. Gasperini deployed Dybala and Matías Soulé in support of Malen, a partnership that originated eight months earlier at Turin and has become a core feature. In midfield, Pisilli partnered Bryan Cristante, producing what the article describes as a dominant display capped by his clinical finish despite cramping. Leonardo Balerdi earned particular praise for a commanding defensive performance, with Gasperini drawing comparison to the great Franco Baresi. Roma host Inter in the next Serie A round, bringing an early test of their title credentials.

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 claimed a fourth consecutive victory with a 2–0 away win at Torino, goals from Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli propelling Gasperini's side to the top of Serie A on a perfect 12-point record. Malen, who had an effort ruled out for offside in the 23rd minute, finally broke through in the first-half closing stages after Gianluca Mancini recovered a loose ball high up the pitch and Paulo Dybala sent him clear; after Torino goalkeeper Perri made a first save, Malen converted the rebound from ground level. The Dutch forward has now scored six goals in four matches and leads the league's scoring chart. With Evan N'Dicka sidelined by gastroenteritis, Gasperini handed Leonardo Balerdi a first start alongside Mancini and Mario Hermoso. The makeshift defence held firm throughout, particularly in the second half when Balerdi pulled off a decisive clearance on Cristiano Bragança in the 76th minute as Torino pressed for an equaliser. Giovani Simeone had the home side's best chance after the interval, but Mile Svilar's positioning denied him. Gasperini introduced Rodrigo Mora, Santiago Castro, Marten de Roon and Manu Koné as Roma controlled the closing stages. Pisilli sealed the win in stoppage time to add a second clean sheet in four games and maintain Gasperini's 100 per cent record since his appointment.