Balerdi impresses Roma with crucial defending as Malen and Dybala applaud from the bench

Niccolò Pisilli spoke to reporters after Roma's match against Torino on matchday four, which took place at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. The midfielder scored but was hampered by cramping during the fixture. When asked about scoring while struggling with cramp, Pisilli said: "I got a cramp. I couldn't stay on my feet." He was also full of praise for teammate Donyell Malen's performance, telling journalists: "He's very strong. Hopefully he continues to score like this."

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 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.

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.

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.

Roma overcame Torino 2-0 in a commanding performance that showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Mile Svilar was alert in goal, making a crucial save from Simeone's close-range attempt in the second half after dealing with an early delivery from Fitz-Jim. The match pivoted on Roma's control throughout the first half, when Torino offered little threat. Gianluca Mancini was tasked with erasing defensive lapses from recent matches against Atalanta and Fenerbahce, and he answered by forcing the ball loose in a challenge that led directly to Roma's opening goal. Leonardo Balerdi took command of the central defence, twice making critical interventions to thwart Simeone—once within five minutes when he blocked an insertion at the far post, and again late on when he recovered to cut out a dangerous cross from Braganca. Balerdi's display marked him as a potential protagonist for the season ahead. Mario Hermoso followed Gasperini's instructions to press high, becoming both a ball-winner and a creative outlet further up the pitch, though his execution in the final third was inconsistent. Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli formed a hard-working midfield partnership, with Cristante battling Mandragora in the centre while Pisilli compensated for lacking Manu Koné's physical tools by pressing aggressively into space and harassing every ball carrier. In the 64th minute, Marten de Roon replaced Cristante and restored midfield tranquility with defensive work and high pressure reminiscent of his Atalanta days. Koné came on for Dybala at the same juncture, contributing some personality to the middle of the park. Paulo Dybala was in commanding form, immediately testing Comuzzo with two sharp strikes before setting Donyell Malen up for the opening goal—described as the seventh piece of their attacking partnership's artistry. Malen, on his debut for Roma, arrived with incredible momentum and nearly broke the deadlock inside ten minutes with a header that went marginally over before finding a deflection off Coco moments later. At his third chance, combining astuteness with fortune, he converted to extend Roma's unbeaten start. Nahuel Molina, in his first outing as a starter, began uncertainly, arriving late to second balls and struggling to deliver the width Gasperini demands, though he combined dangerously with Dybala and Malen late on and nearly produced an improbable assist. Santiago Castro replaced Malen in the 57th minute to provide depth and hold possession. Pisilli took a clear prize late in the match—a goal born of relentless pressing and the lactate buildup of continuous harrying across the pitch.

Niccolò Pisilli spoke to reporters after Roma's match against Torino on matchday four, which took place at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. The midfielder scored but was hampered by cramping during the fixture. When asked about scoring while struggling with cramp, Pisilli said: "I got a cramp. I couldn't stay on my feet." He was also full of praise for teammate Donyell Malen's performance, telling journalists: "He's very strong. Hopefully he continues to score like this."

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.