Gasperini urges end to hierarchy talk ahead of Torino clash; Malen's form 'beyond expectations'

Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed Paulo Dybala will start tomorrow's match in Turin, dismissing any doubt about the forward's availability. Speaking at his press conference, the coach stated simply: "If he is well, he plays." Dybala has been in outstanding form across the opening four Serie A matches, starting all of them and accumulating 343 minutes on the pitch—an average of 85 per game. Those figures demand a return to his time at Palermo (318 minutes in 2014) and Juventus (345 minutes in 2015) to find comparable workload numbers. Gasperini elaborated on his selection philosophy, saying: "One rests when tired. If he is well do you want to put him to sleep? You cannot know when someone will get injured, but if he is well, he plays. If someone needs to rest, it is right that he rests. We will decide match by match. The important thing is to try to make the most of each player's favourable moment." The message is unambiguous: Dybala is the strongest player in the league and Gasperini will not be parted from him lightly. The Juventus academy graduate is chasing his first goal of the season after his last strike came in Turin in January; he has since endured a lengthy injury lay-off but has been prolific in providing assists. Dybala has registered four assists across the opening three league matches. No player has recorded more than four assists in a club's opening four Serie A games since data became available in 2004–05. He joins Antonio Cassano (2009–10), Ignazio Abate (2014–15), Lorenzo Insigne (2017–18) and Lorenzo Pellegrini (2019–20) in that exclusive company.

Torino head coach Ignazio Abate has praised Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical innovations ahead of tomorrow's 18:30 kickoff against Roma, while confirming two injury concerns for his own squad. Adams is unavailable with an adductor problem, and Simeone is doubtful with a back issue. Abate used his pre-match press conference to frame the fixture as a significant test of Torino's progress this season. He noted that Roma, buoyed by their victory at Florence, present a formidable challenge. "They are a strong team living a brilliant moment with great individual players, and we are ready," he said. Torino's recent integration of new players is progressing well, he added, with the group two weeks into their work together and improving in tactical understanding and physical condition. Coco has recovered from injury and is available. On his opposite number, Abate said: "He has revolutionised modern football with his man-to-man approach. It is very vertical, he invades the box with many players, he has revolutionised modern football—his career speaks for itself." Abate rejected the notion of the match as an examination of his team's maturity. "For us it is not a test of maturity, it is a step, a journey started a few months ago. We also have our weapons and we must try to deploy them on the pitch."

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini addressed Paulo Dybala's availability and playing time, stating that the forward will always play when fit. Gasperini said: "The important thing is to try to make the most of each player's favourable moment. All matches are tough." He also noted that injuries cannot be foreseen, addressing questions around squad rotation and selection decisions. Gasperini's comments came as Roma prepare for fixtures ahead, with Dybala's fitness status a point of focus for the campaign. The coach dismissed any suggestion of artificial hierarchies in the squad, emphasizing a performance-based approach to team selection.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference at Trigoria on 13 September ahead of Torino–Roma on Monday 14 September at 18:30, addressing squad fitness after the Champions League fixture in Istanbul. The coach confirmed Lorenzo Pellegrini's return to the squad and left open the possibility of Manu Koné featuring after a knee problem. On Paulo Dybala, Gasperini was unambiguous: "If he is well he always plays. There is no doubt about it. A player rests when he is tired. You cannot predict injury; we do not have a crystal ball. Tomorrow we have to play a great match to win at Torino, because it will be a difficult game and we need a squad at full strength." Pellegrini, he announced, would be included in the squad. "Perhaps for the first time, fingers crossed, we have everyone," Gasperini said. "We will see how Lulli is; he seems better today." Koné would test his fitness on 13 September: "He tries today; he could be there too." Wesley took a heavy blow to the knee late in the Istanbul match but Gasperini expressed confidence: "These are very strong athletes physically who recover in two days, let alone four." Molina, who arrived around 30 August, was described as "growing. Like De Roon and the latest arrivals, he needs to recover. On the value of the players there is no doubt." On Donyell Malen's form, Gasperini said: "The numbers are extraordinary. He has had excellent continuity. Taking Malen, I knew he was an important player for us, but we have certainly gone beyond expectations." He praised Rodrigo Mora as a player of "great talent" who "must complete himself both physically and tactically," adding: "I do not think there is a boy in the world who can be more of a protagonist than him at this moment." On Leonardo Balerdi's arrival strengthening the defence, Gasperini deflected comparisons of hierarchy: "Stop with the hierarchy talk; it is not fair to the players giving their maximum. Ghilardi has grown, Koulierakis is an important alternative, and at Marseille Balerdi did something remarkable. In Champions teams there are more first-choice players."

Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference on 13 September ahead of Roma's fixture against Torino, addressing squad rotation, injury concerns and the demands of competing in European football alongside a packed domestic schedule. Gasperini rejected questions about defensive hierarchies, insisting the concept was counterproductive to team morale. "Please stop talking about hierarchies," he said. "It makes no sense and has no effect on the squad. Everyone is giving an important contribution. Ghilardi has improved, Koulierakis is an important alternative. We knew about Balerdi — he did something remarkable at Marseille, he's not a youngster. When you're in the Champions League there are multiple starters, otherwise it always becomes something controversial." He praised Daniele Ghilardi's development and highlighted the quality of defenders including Leonardo Balerdi, who arrived from Marseille. The coach also defended Marten de Roon following a banner displayed at Atalanta's Bergamo stadium, saying: "He's been a player who raised the name of Bergamo for many years. It's our good fortune to have him here. As soon as he finds his condition he'll be a player of great quality." On Paulo Dybala's availability, Gasperini was categorical: "If he's well he always plays. There's no doubt. A player rests when he's tired. You can't predict an injury, we don't have a crystal ball — if he's well he plays." Regarding Manu Koné, the coach confirmed: "Koné tests today, he could be there." Gasperini also announced the return of Lorenzo Pellegrini: "Tomorrow we recover Pellegrini too, he'll travel with us. Perhaps for the first time we really have everyone." He noted that Emanuele Lulli had a slight fever but was improving. On young forward Rodrigo Mora, Gasperini said: "I see a young player with enormous talent. He needs to complete himself physically and tactically, he arrived not long ago but what he's shown from the start or coming on mid-match is that of a youngster of great level. I don't believe there's a young player in the world capable of being the protagonist more than him right now." Wesley suffered a heavy blow to the knee on Thursday that affected him, though Gasperini expects him to recover. Nahuel Molina arrived on 30 August and has been at the club for 15 days, having missed pre-season preparation, but is improving. Gasperini stressed the challenge of managing fixture congestion with European competition, noting that Roma must now navigate an even more demanding schedule. He emphasised that all 20 outfield players plus goalkeepers were capable of contributing to the club's opportunity in the Champions League, where squad depth would be critical.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 13 September ahead of Roma's fourth league fixture against Torino on 14 September at the Stadio Olimpico-Grande Torino, kickoff 18:30. The head coach addressed squad rotation, player form and Roma's readiness for a fixture he described as difficult as any other. Gasperini praised Donyell Malen's contribution since his arrival, saying: "The numbers are extraordinary and special. This player has made them with continuity and they are significant, they are great numbers also for how they were made, for the characteristics. Taking Malen I knew he would be important but we went beyond that." On Rodrigo Mora, he noted the young forward's level despite his age: "He has talent but it is not considered that he is young. He must complete himself from a physical and tactical point of view but what he has shown in the first matches, either from the start or coming in during the game, is that he is a young player of level. I do not believe there are young players more protagonists than he is at this moment." Gasperini rejected talk of a defensive pecking order, stating: "Please stop with the hierarchy discussion, it is not right towards the players who are giving their maximum. It does not make sense for these players, they are all giving an important contribution." He acknowledged Daniele Ghilardi's progress, Konstantinos Koulierakis' form and Leonardo Balerdi's arrival as a player of substance. On Paulo Dybala's workload, he said: "If he is well he plays always. You cannot predict injuries, we do not have a crystal ball. If one is well he plays, if he needs to rest then it is right that he has a week or two to rest." Gasperini confirmed Lorenzo Pellegrini would be available after his absence, adding: "We are in a position to be complete." Emanuele Lulli had a fever the previous day but was improving. Manu Koné was expected to train that day, with his status to be assessed. On the defensive lapses—Roma having conceded twice early in the second half in recent matches—Gasperini said: "We are trying to avoid taking these goals. It has happened twice but they were two well-played matches. We will be more careful, the important thing is not to take goals." Wesley took a knock to the knee in his last match but was expected to recover within two days. Molina arrived around 30 August and had been at the club for 15 days, having missed pre-season but was growing into the group.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has publicly defended midfielder Marten de Roon, emphasizing the player's value to the club. Gasperini said: "De Roon was for many years a player who brought honour to the name of Atalanta and the city of Bergamo." The coach's comments underline de Roon's standing within the Roma squad, rejecting any suggestion that the midfielder might be sidelined. Gasperini framed the signing as a coup for the club, stating: "He could not have ended up on the shelf. It is a fortune to have him at Roma." De Roon, who joined Roma this summer, represents an experienced midfield addition as the club pursues their Champions League campaign this season.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference at Trigoria on 13 September ahead of Torino–Roma on Monday 14 September at 18:30, addressing squad fitness after the Champions League fixture in Istanbul. The coach confirmed Lorenzo Pellegrini's return to the squad and left open the possibility of Manu Koné featuring after a knee problem. On Paulo Dybala, Gasperini was unambiguous: "If he is well he always plays. There is no doubt about it. A player rests when he is tired. You cannot predict injury; we do not have a crystal ball. Tomorrow we have to play a great match to win at Torino, because it will be a difficult game and we need a squad at full strength." Pellegrini, he announced, would be included in the squad. "Perhaps for the first time, fingers crossed, we have everyone," Gasperini said. "We will see how Lulli is; he seems better today." Koné would test his fitness on 13 September: "He tries today; he could be there too." Wesley took a heavy blow to the knee late in the Istanbul match but Gasperini expressed confidence: "These are very strong athletes physically who recover in two days, let alone four." Molina, who arrived around 30 August, was described as "growing. Like De Roon and the latest arrivals, he needs to recover. On the value of the players there is no doubt." On Donyell Malen's form, Gasperini said: "The numbers are extraordinary. He has had excellent continuity. Taking Malen, I knew he was an important player for us, but we have certainly gone beyond expectations." He praised Rodrigo Mora as a player of "great talent" who "must complete himself both physically and tactically," adding: "I do not think there is a boy in the world who can be more of a protagonist than him at this moment." On Leonardo Balerdi's arrival strengthening the defence, Gasperini deflected comparisons of hierarchy: "Stop with the hierarchy talk; it is not fair to the players giving their maximum. Ghilardi has grown, Koulierakis is an important alternative, and at Marseille Balerdi did something remarkable. In Champions teams there are more first-choice players."

Marten de Roon faced a hostile reception from Atalanta's ultras during yesterday's match against Cagliari, who displayed a banner criticizing his move to Roma in the final days of the transfer window. The ultras were unhappy with both his departure and his celebration at the end of Saturday's match at the Olimpico. Gasperini moved to defend his midfielder, saying: "De Roon was for many years a player who brought honour to Atalanta and the city of Bergamo. He did something extraordinary, and now it's a privilege to have him here. As soon as he finds his best condition he will be an important player. Leaving Atalanta was not his choice, he did not fit into their plans. What was he supposed to become? An old shoe locked away in a cupboard?" De Roon remains one of Gasperini's trusted lieutenants at Roma. He will miss tomorrow's match against Torino while continuing to build fitness, but Gasperini expects him to become a key midfielder once his condition improves.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference at Trigoria on 13 September ahead of Torino–Roma on Monday 14 September at 18:30, addressing squad fitness after the Champions League fixture in Istanbul. The coach confirmed Lorenzo Pellegrini's return to the squad and left open the possibility of Manu Koné featuring after a knee problem. On Paulo Dybala, Gasperini was unambiguous: "If he is well he always plays. There is no doubt about it. A player rests when he is tired. You cannot predict injury; we do not have a crystal ball. Tomorrow we have to play a great match to win at Torino, because it will be a difficult game and we need a squad at full strength." Pellegrini, he announced, would be included in the squad. "Perhaps for the first time, fingers crossed, we have everyone," Gasperini said. "We will see how Lulli is; he seems better today." Koné would test his fitness on 13 September: "He tries today; he could be there too." Wesley took a heavy blow to the knee late in the Istanbul match but Gasperini expressed confidence: "These are very strong athletes physically who recover in two days, let alone four." Molina, who arrived around 30 August, was described as "growing. Like De Roon and the latest arrivals, he needs to recover. On the value of the players there is no doubt." On Donyell Malen's form, Gasperini said: "The numbers are extraordinary. He has had excellent continuity. Taking Malen, I knew he was an important player for us, but we have certainly gone beyond expectations." He praised Rodrigo Mora as a player of "great talent" who "must complete himself both physically and tactically," adding: "I do not think there is a boy in the world who can be more of a protagonist than him at this moment." On Leonardo Balerdi's arrival strengthening the defence, Gasperini deflected comparisons of hierarchy: "Stop with the hierarchy talk; it is not fair to the players giving their maximum. Ghilardi has grown, Koulierakis is an important alternative, and at Marseille Balerdi did something remarkable. In Champions teams there are more first-choice players."

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 13 September ahead of Roma's fourth league fixture against Torino on 14 September at the Stadio Olimpico-Grande Torino, kickoff 18:30. The head coach addressed squad rotation, player form and Roma's readiness for a fixture he described as difficult as any other. Gasperini praised Donyell Malen's contribution since his arrival, saying: "The numbers are extraordinary and special. This player has made them with continuity and they are significant, they are great numbers also for how they were made, for the characteristics. Taking Malen I knew he would be important but we went beyond that." On Rodrigo Mora, he noted the young forward's level despite his age: "He has talent but it is not considered that he is young. He must complete himself from a physical and tactical point of view but what he has shown in the first matches, either from the start or coming in during the game, is that he is a young player of level. I do not believe there are young players more protagonists than he is at this moment." Gasperini rejected talk of a defensive pecking order, stating: "Please stop with the hierarchy discussion, it is not right towards the players who are giving their maximum. It does not make sense for these players, they are all giving an important contribution." He acknowledged Daniele Ghilardi's progress, Konstantinos Koulierakis' form and Leonardo Balerdi's arrival as a player of substance. On Paulo Dybala's workload, he said: "If he is well he plays always. You cannot predict injuries, we do not have a crystal ball. If one is well he plays, if he needs to rest then it is right that he has a week or two to rest." Gasperini confirmed Lorenzo Pellegrini would be available after his absence, adding: "We are in a position to be complete." Emanuele Lulli had a fever the previous day but was improving. Manu Koné was expected to train that day, with his status to be assessed. On the defensive lapses—Roma having conceded twice early in the second half in recent matches—Gasperini said: "We are trying to avoid taking these goals. It has happened twice but they were two well-played matches. We will be more careful, the important thing is not to take goals." Wesley took a knock to the knee in his last match but was expected to recover within two days. Molina arrived around 30 August and had been at the club for 15 days, having missed pre-season but was growing into the group.

Paulo Dybala will face Torino on Sunday in a fixture where he has been particularly prolific for Roma. The Argentine has scored 11 goals and provided 4 assists in 25 matches against the Piedmontese side, with Roma winning 15 of those encounters. Dybala's record against Torino matches his tally against Genoa (over 20 appearances) and Lazio (26 matches, one more assist), though he has been even more devastating against Udinese, with 14 goals and 9 assists in 23 games. However, Gian Piero Gasperini may opt to rest Dybala, potentially keeping him on the bench for the trip to the Stadio Olimpico–Grande Torino. The Roma coach could hand starts to Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora as the attacking supports behind Donyell Malen, giving the Joya a break after four consecutive matches played almost entirely. Dybala featured the full 90 minutes against both Atalanta and Fenerbahçe, and was substituted in the 79th minute against Fiorentina and the 84th minute at Lecce.