Castro: Gasperini gives me confidence; Malen is among Serie A's best

Leonardo Balerdi was among the standout performers in Roma's victory at Torino. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini praised the Argentine defender in his post-match press conference, drawing a comparison to Franco Baresi for certain qualities of his play. Roma supporters on social media have responded enthusiastically, flooding Balerdi's posts with comments including "Protect me everywhere" and "Our wall", alongside images of Paolo Maldini wearing the Milan captain's armband — a comparison that may be tongue-in-cheek, or perhaps not. The former Marseille player is establishing himself as a commanding force in Roma's defence, and Gasperini will find it increasingly difficult to leave him out of the team after another flawless performance. Balerdi's strong showing has cemented his growing importance to the backline and the confidence Roma's fanbase is placing in the 24-year-old's contribution to the side.

Roma drew 0–0 with Torino in a match report that handed out ratings to both sides' players. Gianluca Mancini earned praise for his leadership display, while Torino's Vlasic worked hard throughout but failed to produce decisive moments or clear chances. The match reports and player assessments offer insight into individual performances across both teams.

Roma extended their perfect league record with a 2-0 away victory at Torino, goals from Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli securing three points. The win keeps Gasperini's side at the top of Serie A with a 100% record from their opening fixtures.

Roma secured a fourth-league-day victory at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on 14 September, defeating Torino 2-0 with goals from Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli in injury time. The away side controlled the match throughout, with Mile Svilar making crucial saves and the defence operating as a cohesive unit in the absence of injured defender Evan N'Dicka. Leonardo Balerdi emerged as the standout performer, producing a display of considerable authority and winning almost every contested duel. His ball recovery prevented what could have been a difficult passage late in the contest. Gianluca Mancini returned to form after recent underwhelming displays, his pressing intensity yielding the ball recovery that led to Roma's opening goal. The structure was solid: Bryan Cristante played with experience in midfield, leaving the creative burden to Paulo Dybala, who dribbled, created and provided service as expected before tiring in the second half. Malen's goal came after a run of two matches without scoring, with his movement in the opposition box consistently threatening. Pisilli's late finish sealed the outcome and relieved pressure in the closing stages. Substitutions proved effective: Marten de Roon entered at the hour mark and demonstrated his value by recovering several important possessions, while Santiago Castro came on to add attacking energy—though only partially succeeding as Roma's overall intensity dipped. Nahuel Molina, deployed on the left in the absence of Wesley, convinced despite some wayward crosses, offering dangerous crossing opportunities. Matías Soulé lacked precision in key moments, whilst Mario Hermoso and Emanuele Lulli showed solidity at the back. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini earned a 7.5 rating for orchestrating a deserved victory through control of possession and match tempo, demonstrating confidence in rotating the squad with successful results.

Gian Piero Gasperini praised Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen as elite talents who enhance each other after Roma's 4-2 victory over Torino in the Serie A fourth round at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on 14 September. The partnership, formed eight months earlier, has become a focal point of Roma's attacking play this season. Gasperini said: "The satisfaction is there from everyone. It is beautiful for the fans and those who love football to see two champions who manage to create practically every game goal-scoring situations, very dangerous opportunities. Beyond being individually strong they complement each other enormously, they have crucial links that they manage to convert into goals." He defended rotating Malen during the match, citing the demands of playing three fixtures in eight days and the need to develop younger squad members. "If we can save 20–30 minutes for the attackers they can play more matches in a week," he explained. "Then we have the necessity, we have players who must grow and become important, following the example of champions like Malen and Dybala. They must not only take the technical example, but also the temperament, the desire to be decisive and protagonists." On Roma's defensive solidity in the Torino match, Gasperini said: "We played an excellent game, then there is also the opponent who can change cards on the table with fresh and dangerous people. We had to live in temperament, perhaps being a little less beautiful but always concrete and strong also in defensive phase. In the final we also doubled, but this is a fundamental aspect." Regarding Leonardo Balerdi, the defender drew comparisons to a modern profile: "A defender, very strong. He is certainly a modern defender, strong physically and fast. I cannot bring up certain names—a central defender like that was Baresi. But without going to disturb him, for how he interprets the role with aggression and speed in recoveries plus participation in play... Baresi was number 1 absolute, nobody goes to touch him, but as characteristics we are there." Gasperini also provided updates on squad availability: Wesley sustained a heavy knock in the previous match and had not fully recovered, while Evan N'Dicka suffered an influenza attack overnight and did not travel to the stadium. On Santiago Castro's development, Gasperini said: "He is doing very well in all situations in which he is involved. Compared to the start he is in good condition. We all expect a lot from him but we are very convinced because he is a guy who deserves it and who has great qualities." Roma now prepare to face Inter.

Santiago Castro spoke to reporters after Roma's Serie A fixture against Torino on matchday four, expressing satisfaction with his progress at the club. The forward praised his teammates and said he is learning from Donyell Malen, describing him as the best striker in Serie A. Castro highlighted the quality of Roma's group, noting that not only the Argentine players but the entire squad is strong, and that he is grateful for the manager's trust. When asked about title prospects, Castro emphasised Roma's ambition. He said: "When you're in a squad like this you have to fight for everything, win every match, even friendlies. The staff and the coach make you feel it." He stressed that Roma approach every fixture with the intention to win, adding that at only matchday four there are still many matches ahead and the team hopes to perform well and continue their current trajectory. Castro deflected a question about getting a tattoo of the Colosseum and the Olimpico, saying it is too early to think about such things and that the team has plenty of football left to play. He acknowledged the confidence the squad has been given as a source of great motivation.

Roma extended their perfect league record with a 2-0 away victory at Torino, goals from Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli securing three points. The win keeps Gasperini's side at the top of Serie A with a 100% record from their opening fixtures.

Roma will return to training at Trigoria on the morning of 15 September following their victory over Torino, where Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli scored the decisive goals. The session comes in preparation for a pivotal Serie A fixture against Inter on Saturday evening, with kickoff at 18:00. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will assess the fitness of several squad members ahead of the match, which will also set the tone for Roma's season-long ambitions. Evan N'Dicka is being monitored after an influenza complaint, while Wesley and Manu Koné are not yet at full fitness. The Inter match represents a key appointment in the campaign that will help define Roma's domestic championship aspirations.

Roma extended their perfect start to the season with a 2–0 away victory at Torino in the fourth round of Serie A, with goals from Malen and Pisilli. The win maintained their unbeaten record of four consecutive victories. Ahead of their next fixture against Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 19 September at 18:00, the squad will return to training on 15 September morning at Trigoria.