Castro targets Lazio as Roma confirm Greek defender Koulierakis deal

Roma completed the signing of Marten de Roon from Atalanta late in the summer transfer window in a deal that closed quickly, driven by the midfielder's existing relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini from their time together in Bergamo. De Roon's departure from Atalanta came after disappointment with how his spell at the club ended. Upon returning from the World Cup, the Dutchman expected a warm reception as club captain but instead found that new sporting director Cristiano Guintoli was reshaping the squad. He received no explanation of his role and Guintoli attempted to move him to Bologna in a cash-plus-swap arrangement involving Jonathan Rowe, shocking De Roon into requesting his contract be terminated. Gasperini then contacted him, and the Roma manager subsequently spoke to Atalanta president Luca Percassi about a transfer. The club proved willing to complete a deal, though De Roon asked for time to bid farewell properly to Bergamo, where his wife and daughters still live. He was not granted that opportunity. Gasperini wanted him available for Roma's match against Lecce, and De Roon complied despite his preference for a more respectful departure from Atalanta.

Gianluca Petrachi, Torino's sporting director, confirmed that Gasperini has expressed interest in Cacciamani ahead of Torino's match against Roma on 14 September. Speaking to DAZN before kickoff, Petrachi revealed that Roma made a significant offer for the midfielder, but Torino rejected it. "Yes, he is a player Roma like. I believe Gasperini has his eye on him," Petrachi said. "We had the idea of not selling him unless there were very important requests. An important one arrived but did not make us waver. We are happy to have him with us. I hope that today too he can give his contribution, even from the bench." Petrachi also reflected on his time at Roma, where he served as sporting director before joining Torino. He described the period as significant despite challenges. "Roma has been an intense year for me. I left good relationships there," he said. "There were particular circumstances, but I had an important year and Roma gave me a lot also emotionally. Even when I left, I felt the trust. Football lives on these situations and they must be faced." On Torino's transfer window, Petrachi expressed satisfaction with the squad's integration. "Players have arrived for the idea the coach has in mind, and many of them have settled well. At the moment we are happy," he noted. He also provided an update on midfielder Simeone's fitness: "He is training with the squad. We are here to understand if he can make it. He had a back problem, it is not a muscle issue. We are seeing how he manages his first movements."

Torino sporting director Petrachi addressed Roma's reported interest in midfielder Cacciamani ahead of the Serie A matchday 4 fixture between the clubs on 14 September. Petrachi confirmed that Gasperini has identified Cacciamani as a target and that an important offer from Roma arrived, but said Torino rejected it: "He is a player that Roma like, Gasperini has set his sights on him. We did not want to sell him unless a very important offer arrived, which it did but did not make us waver. Today he starts on the bench, but the coach makes his choices based on the match." Petrachi also addressed his own history with Roma, where he served as sporting director. He described his time at the club as intense and said he left good relationships despite unnamed difficulties. "Roma gave me a lot, also from an emotional point of view, even when I left," he said. He acknowledged the nature of football and its demands: "Football is lived through these situations and they must be faced. Today I am at Torino, so forza Toro." On Torino's transfer window, Petrachi said two functional signings had arrived to match the coach's vision, though integration remained incomplete for some players. He also addressed the absence of Simeone, saying the player was dealing with a back spasm rather than a simple muscle strain, and that Torino were assessing his availability for the match.

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 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.

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.

Gian Piero Gasperini hailed Leonardo Balerdi as 'a strong, very strong defender' after Roma's 2-0 victory over Torino, drawing a comparison to the legendary Franco Baresi while acknowledging he could not place Balerdi in that company. In his post-match press conference, Gasperini described Balerdi as 'a modern defender, physically strong and quick', praising his recovery capabilities and overall interpretation of the role. Gasperini emphasised the importance of rotating his squad and bringing on fresh attacking talent. With Roma playing their third match in eight days, he explained his decision to substitute Donyell Malen despite the winger's fine form alongside Paulo Dybala. "We must grow the squad as much as possible," Gasperini said. "If attackers play 90 minutes all the time they are not in condition to play. If you manage to spare them 20–30 minutes, they can then handle more matches in the week. There is also the need to develop players who must follow in the footsteps of champions like Dybala and Malen. They must take the example not only technically but also in temperament, in the will to do things, to be protagonists. If we can do this, the squad becomes stronger." Gasperini credited both Roma's quality play in the first half and their resilience in the second. "We had a very good first half even if in terms of quality in the final 16–20 metres we could have done better," he said. "Then there is the opponent who can change the cards on the table. We had to live also on temperament, perhaps being less beautiful but always concrete. In the end we also doubled the score at the end. This is a fundamental aspect." Looking ahead to Inter, Gasperini said: "Inter is the reference team for our league, considered the strongest. Although Como is close. For us it is an occasion to measure ourselves. Last year we took a heavy defeat from them but from there was born the true Roma. Not only in results but also in mentality. In the away match it was a more fought game where perhaps we deserved something more."

Roma lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation for their Serie A match at Torino on 14 September 2026, with Niccolò Pisilli and Emanuele Lulli in the starting eleven. Matías Soulé was preferred to Rodrigo Mora in the forward line, while Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen completed the attacking unit. Gianluca Mancini, Mario Hermoso and Leonardo Balerdi formed the back three, with Bryan Cristante and Pisilli operating in midfield alongside Nahuel Molina and the left-side defender. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini named Mile Svilar in goal. The bench included several squad options: De Marzi, Gollini, Koulierakis, Ghilardi, Wesley, Devyne Rensch, Marten de Roon, Manu Koné, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Santiago Castro and Mora. Torino, managed by Abate, deployed a 3-5-1-1 formation led by Simeone in attack, with Vlasic supporting. The match was refereed by Maresca, with Tegoni and Fontani as assistants, Sozza as fourth official, and Aureliano on VAR duties with Ghersini as assistant VAR.

Roma's radio stations have dissected Gasperini's tactics ahead of tonight's match against Torino, with particular focus on Paulo Dybala's continued presence in the starting XI and the coach's squad rotation policy. Nando Orsi argued that Roma will remain unbeaten as long as they maintain their physical condition, saying the team has adopted Gasperini's system entirely: "The way Gasp plays is this: as long as Roma is in condition they will be unbeatable, Roma has become gasperinised, it plays exactly like Atalanta. But there are moments when you have to catch your breath and there you have to be careful." Francesca Ferrazza suggested Torino are preparing defensive traps from the 1980s to stop Roma's attacking approach. Gasperini's decision to keep Dybala on the pitch for consecutive matches rather than rotate him drew extensive discussion. David Rossi noted that the coach is transmitting psychological conviction to the Argentine forward, saying Gasperini wants him to understand: "You play, you're fine, you must play. And I'll show you: I remove everyone except you." Gianluca Piacentini acknowledged concerns that hierarchy decisions could create unrest within the squad, with some players beginning to feel sidelined, yet noted that Gasperini has used almost all his squad members: "With the exception of Gollini, they have all played. With the exception of Cristante, everyone has played, including De Roon and Koulierakis." Roberto Pruzzo observed that Dybala appears in optimal condition and was specifically prepared to reach the winter break in top form. Fabio Petruzzi added that Dybala's unconditional confidence from Gasperini has improved his self-belief: "When a player goes into a challenge, if he goes in weakly he gets hurt. I saw Dybala changed, especially in his running." Mario Corsi criticised Roma's lack of a left winger, noting that Rodrigo Mora is excellent but performs a different type of role, while criticising the club's previous failures to sign other targets. Daniele Lo Monaco reported that Roma had offered €35 million plus bonuses and a resale percentage for an unspecified winger before the player joined Milan for €50 million plus bonuses instead. Tonight's fixture will test whether Roma can maintain their form against Torino's expected defensive intensity after their midweek European match.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's visit to Torino, rejecting suggestions of a squad hierarchy. "Please stop talking about hierarchies, it's not fair to the players who are giving their all," he said. "It makes no sense for these players—they're all making an important contribution. Ghilardi is growing, there's Koulierakis." Emanuele Lulli will be available for selection after recovering from a virus intestinale (intestinal virus) that struck him in recent days; the 2007-born defender from Palestrina is expected to start. On Paulo Dybala's availability, Gasperini was blunt: "If he's well, he plays." The forward has been in excellent form and started in all four league matches so far this season. Lorenzo Pellegrini returns to the squad after his absence, a significant boost for Roma's midfield ahead of the trip to Turin.