Balerdi starts as Roma visit Torino in Serie A; Wesley and Koné ruled out

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 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 extended their unbeaten run to four matches with a 2-0 victory at Turin on 14 September, maintaining their perfect record at the top of Serie A. Donyell Malen opened the scoring in the 40th minute, and Niccolò Pisilli sealed the result in the 90+4th minute. The win takes Roma to 12 points and sole leadership, the only side still on maximum points as Inter await their chance to move level. Malen now sits joint-leading scorer in the league with six goals in four games. Gasperini's side showed resilience despite defensive injuries. Evan N'Dicka was ruled out by gastroenteritis, forcing Leonardo Balerdi into his Roma debut at centre-back alongside Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso. Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina occupied the full-back positions, the latter deputising for the injured Wesley. Bryan Cristante and Pisilli anchored midfield, with Manu Koné initially on the bench, while the attacking line paired Matías Soulé, Malen and Paulo Dybala. Turin's coach Abate made two changes at half-time but Roma dominated the second half's early stages. Malen and Molina combined for a near-miss when the Argentine collected a cross and fired a volley that nearly found the far corner, which Molina felt could have changed the match. Gasperini brought on Rodrigo Mora and Santiago Castro for Soulé and Malen after the hour, then made further adjustments, introducing Marten de Roon and Koné in place of Cristante and Dybala. Turin mounted late pressure—Bragança found space on the counter but was caught by an outstanding recovery tackle from Balerdi, who was among Roma's best performers—and Svilar made a crucial low save from Simeone's attempt after a defensive error. Molina also drew a corner with a powerful drive. Balerdi was named among the match's standout performers, and the defence held firm through four minutes of added time as Maresca brought proceedings to a close. Roma remain undefeated and alone at the summit with maximum points from four matches.

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 extended their unbeaten run to four matches with a 2-0 victory at Turin on 14 September, maintaining their perfect record at the top of Serie A. Donyell Malen opened the scoring in the 40th minute, and Niccolò Pisilli sealed the result in the 90+4th minute. The win takes Roma to 12 points and sole leadership, the only side still on maximum points as Inter await their chance to move level. Malen now sits joint-leading scorer in the league with six goals in four games. Gasperini's side showed resilience despite defensive injuries. Evan N'Dicka was ruled out by gastroenteritis, forcing Leonardo Balerdi into his Roma debut at centre-back alongside Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso. Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina occupied the full-back positions, the latter deputising for the injured Wesley. Bryan Cristante and Pisilli anchored midfield, with Manu Koné initially on the bench, while the attacking line paired Matías Soulé, Malen and Paulo Dybala. Turin's coach Abate made two changes at half-time but Roma dominated the second half's early stages. Malen and Molina combined for a near-miss when the Argentine collected a cross and fired a volley that nearly found the far corner, which Molina felt could have changed the match. Gasperini brought on Rodrigo Mora and Santiago Castro for Soulé and Malen after the hour, then made further adjustments, introducing Marten de Roon and Koné in place of Cristante and Dybala. Turin mounted late pressure—Bragança found space on the counter but was caught by an outstanding recovery tackle from Balerdi, who was among Roma's best performers—and Svilar made a crucial low save from Simeone's attempt after a defensive error. Molina also drew a corner with a powerful drive. Balerdi was named among the match's standout performers, and the defence held firm through four minutes of added time as Maresca brought proceedings to a close. Roma remain undefeated and alone at the summit with maximum points from four matches.

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.

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media before Roma's match against Torino, discussing the squad's readiness and tactical setup. Wesley was rested after picking up a heavy knock in the Fenerbahçe fixture and failing to recover well, while Evan N'Dicka suffered a flu attack overnight and did not travel to the stadium. Gasperini expressed confidence in Santiago Castro's development, saying he has arrived in good condition and merits playing time: "He is doing very well in every opportunity. We expect much from him and we are convinced of his qualities." On Roma's attacking depth, Gasperini noted that the squad contains multiple forward options and that he is satisfied with the group available. Lorenzo Pellegrini recently returned to training, and Gasperini was optimistic about having the full roster at his disposal: "It is normal that the squad is made up of more attackers. We have fewer than others but I am happy with these six players. Pellegrini came back not long ago but we hope to always be complete because in today's football there is room for everyone at different times." Gasperini reflected on Donyell Malen's initial impression, recalling the belief at the moment of his arrival: "I thought I had signed a good player... but then the numbers have been extraordinary beyond all expectations. We were convinced from the start that we had brought in an important player."