Balerdi set to start for Roma against Torino

Gian Piero Gasperini fielded questions from journalists ahead of Roma's fourth-round Serie A fixture against Torino at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. The head coach confirmed two key absences from the squad: Wesley suffered a heavy knock in the previous match and had not yet recovered, while Evan N'Dicka contracted flu overnight and did not travel to the stadium. Gasperini expressed strong confidence in Santiago Castro's development. "Castro is performing very well in all situations where he is involved," the coach said. "His condition is good compared to the beginning of the season. We all expect a lot from him, but we are very convinced because he is a player who deserves it and has great qualities." On the availability of attacking options across the squad, Gasperini noted that Roma have fewer attacking players than many other clubs in the league, and that the team recovered Lorenzo Pellegrini only two days before the match. "We hope to always be at full strength," he said, "because in modern football there is a place for everyone at different moments." Asked about Donyell Malen's display in his debut at the same venue, Gasperini reflected: "I had found a great player with important numbers." The comments underscored Roma's injury challenges and their hopes for Castro to develop into a key contributor as the season progresses.

Roma travel to Torino for the fourth-round postponed fixture on 14 September, looking to extend their perfect start and consolidate their league position after three consecutive wins. The Giallorossi are coming off a 1–1 draw in Istanbul, which marked their first dropped points of the season. Roma's objective is to claim six points and maintain top place. Paulo Dybala is available for selection, while Evan N'Dicka is unavailable for the match. The fixture will be broadcast on Sky and DAZN.

AS Roma have officially confirmed the departure of Anass Salah-Eddine to Panathinaikos on a temporary basis. The Dutch winger leaves on a loan deal with a right of redemption, ending a stint at the club in which he made limited impact. Salah-Eddine arrived in the winter transfer window of 2025 and accumulated only 3 appearances in giallorosso colours. The move brings to a close, at least temporarily, his time with Roma after he struggled to secure regular playing time at Trigoria. Roma's official statement read: "AS Roma confirms having reached an agreement with Panathinaikos for the departure of Anass Salah-Eddine. The operation concludes with the formula of a loan with a right of redemption. The Dutch winger, who arrived in the winter market of 2025, collected 3 appearances in giallorosso."

Roma's team coach arrived at Stadio Grande Torino on 14 September with just over an hour remaining before the 18:30 kickoff against Torino. The squad and entire staff were on hand for the match. Gasperini's side faced a significant injury blow ahead of the fixture, with N'Dicka ruled out by intestinal flu. Leonardo Balerdi was drafted in to start, with Nahuel Molina deployed on the left side of defence. Niccolò Pisilli and Emanuele Lulli were confirmed in the starting lineup for the match.

Daniele Ghilardi is expected to start on the bench for Roma's upcoming match, but Roberto Mancini is monitoring the defender closely and will want to see him in action soon. The former Verona player is eager to make an impression, with an opportunity potentially arriving if Mancini rests after Istanbul. Ghilardi's path to the pitch is currently blocked by Leonardo Balerdi, who has made a strong start with Fenerbahce. The Roma contingent in Italy's squad has extra motivation tonight, knowing the national team commissioner will be watching from the stands. For players like Niccolò Pisilli and Emanuele Lulli, it is a chance to showcase their form, confirm their development and catch Mancini's eye. The Italian side fielding a Roma core creates additional incentive for the club's representatives on international duty to impress.

Roma face Torino on this afternoon with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini describing the fixture schedule as running at an "infernal pace". The match comes just days after Roma's away trip to Istanbul and precedes a major clash against Inter, forcing the club to manage a fixture every four days. Roma have started the season with three Serie A wins, ten goals scored and only one conceded, plus a draw in Europe against Fenerbahce, but the tight schedule now becomes the defining challenge of maintaining their league position. Paulo Dybala remains the unchanging focal point of Gasperini's tactics, with the policy clear: the Argentine plays whenever fit and rests only when he reports fatigue. Donyell Malen is confirmed alongside him, with Rodrigo Mora a strong candidate to complete the attacking trio from the start against Torino. A series of squad rotation changes are anticipated across the pitch. Wesley has recovered from a knee injury sustained in Istanbul and is available. Leonardo Balerdi, the Argentine defender, is now ready to feature regularly in defensive rotations and may start. In midfield, Marten de Roon is improving but likely to begin on the bench, while Manu Koné will attempt to be fit to play—if unavailable, Niccolò Pisilli is prepared to deputise. Lorenzo Pellegrini has returned to the squad after a previous absence.