De Roon: Gasperini's most loyal voice

Lionel Messi has invited Paulo Dybala to a farewell match as Messi retires from international football with Argentina. Messi's message to Dybala reportedly recalled their shared World Cup victory and asked if Dybala would attend the goodbye fixture. Dybala, Roma's number 21, wants to go but cannot commit until head coach Gian Piero Gasperini approves his participation. The same applies to Nahuel Molina, another Roma player targeted for the occasion. Dybala has been linked with a return to Argentina and Boca Juniors this summer, reuniting with his former teammate Leandro Paredes. However, the prospect of missing a meeting with Messi appears to have shifted his thinking. The expectation is that Gasperini will ultimately grant permission for both players to take part, though with a caveat: no excessive strain on their fitness or availability. When Serie A resumes, Roma travel to Como to face Nico Paz, an Argentine left-footer who has been mentioned as a potential successor to Dybala in Serie A.

Lionel Messi has invited Paulo Dybala to participate in a match marking his farewell to the Argentina national team. According to La Repubblica, Dybala is keen to attend given the symbolic weight of the occasion, his bond with Messi, and their shared World Cup triumph. However, the move requires approval from Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Gasperini has granted the squad four days' rest starting tomorrow, but that does not automatically permit an intercontinental trip. The same situation applies to Nahuel Molina, though Dybala's case carries greater significance. The forward has enjoyed an unusually intense start to the season at Roma, playing with a consistency the club has rarely seen from him, and crucially maintaining freedom from the physical problems that have often hampered his performances. The summer preparation, training work, and management by Gasperini's staff have made Dybala practically always available, rendering him one of the coach's most-used players in this early stretch of the campaign. Given that form, Roma will approach any decision with caution. La Repubblica reports, however, that the sense is Gasperini may ultimately grant permission, with a precise recommendation: avoid any overexertion and carefully manage energy and physical condition. For Dybala, it would be an emotionally significant occasion—a final match alongside Messi in Argentina colours, honouring their World Cup success together, before returning to Roma and rejoining the giallorossi's push.

Former Roma striker Abel Balbo has backed the club's ambitions this season, singling out Donyell Malen as a key player capable of driving a Scudetto challenge. Speaking to Il Messaggero, Balbo praised Roma as "beautiful to watch, entertaining and getting results," adding that they are "the only team that can compete for the title" alongside Inter, whom he still rates as "superior because they have a more complete squad." Balbo, who scored 87 goals across five consecutive seasons of double figures for Roma, drew particular praise for Malen's attacking prowess. "He is a simple and effective player, and the most difficult thing in football is to play with simplicity—he does it better than anyone," Balbo explained. "He is fast, moves well, attacks space, sees goal easily. He is very strong. He scores goals the way the great strikers do." Balbo noted Malen's ability to find the net in multiple ways, citing his recently scored goal against Torino as an example of a striker's pragmatism: "A forward doesn't care how he puts the ball in the net—what matters is to score and achieve the objective." Balbo also assessed whether Malen could surpass the 36-goal record held by Higuain and Immobile, saying: "It is difficult to maintain this goal average, but if others have managed it, why can't he? I hope he does, because if he succeeds it means Roma would either be on the verge of winning the title or actually win it." He praised Paulo Dybala as "a champion who always improves," noting that "this season he is doing extraordinary work; with him on the pitch the team runs better. He is magic and fantasy." Balbo also highlighted Roma's Argentine contingent as a strength, saying the players "have the character and quality that allow them to have a winning mentality they pass on to the group."

Roma are using the international break to work away from the spotlight, with experienced midfielders Marten de Roon and Lorenzo Pellegrini among the senior figures remaining at Trigoria to strengthen their position in the pecking order ahead of the squad's return to action. The Giallorossi want to maintain their strong form when fixtures resume, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini central to Roma's resurgence both on and off the pitch. The club has returned to Champions League football for the first time in seven years, and the financial picture has improved alongside sporting progress. Gasperini has been instrumental in this turnaround, replicating the sustained success he achieved during his nine-year spell at Atalanta. Roma's squad is now valued approximately €150 million higher than it was a year ago, reflecting both the quality of recruitment and the effectiveness of the coaching environment. The improvement comes despite the competitive demands of the current season. The break gives Roma's players the chance to work in concentrated fashion on the training ground without the pressure of immediate fixtures, positioning the club well for the demanding schedule ahead.

Gian Piero Gasperini is using the international break strategically at Trigoria, with 12 Roma players away on international duty. Rather than pause, the club's training ground remains the headquarters for squad members to press claims for selection, and two experienced midfielders are positioned to make an impact on their return: Marten de Roon and Lorenzo Pellegrini. De Roon arrived on 30 August in the final hours of the transfer window with a reputation as "Gasperini's soldier". The 35-year-old Dutch midfielder made his debut the day after in Lecce, appeared briefly against Fenerbahce, and demonstrated his worth against Torino with 4 interceptions in the final 26 minutes as Roma pushed for a second goal. His qualities of interception, intensity and tactical reading vindicated Gasperini's decision to bring him to the capital. De Roon was ready to enter against Inter but had to wait when Balerdi's cramps forced Koulierakis into his debut instead. This break now offers ideal opportunity to build fitness after spending the summer on the fringes at Atalanta. With a demanding October and November schedule of nine matches in 27 days ahead, De Roon will deserve regular midfield time, alternating with Cristante alongside either Koné or Pisilli. Pellegrini, Roma's number 7, offers versatility as attacking midfielder and box-to-box option given Gasperini's midfielders' constant attacking runs. After signing a contract renewal last summer, his target is to fully recover from the injury that has sidelined him in recent months. Working at Trigoria without international travel fatigue will restore sharpness to his legs ahead of the fixture congestion. Pellegrini's experience and leadership, combined with the attachment to the Roma shirt he has never hidden, will give Gasperini another weapon to rotate the attacking midfield and deeper positions alike.

Roma top Serie A after five matches with 13 points, drawing 2–2 against Inter at the Olimpico last Saturday, yet rank only fifth in squad value among Italian clubs according to Transfermarkt's latest assessment on 15 September. The gap between league position and market valuation reflects the squad's youth and short contract lengths, though Roma have shown significant growth: their squad value stands at approximately €498 million, up 27.9 per cent from €390 million on 15 September 2025. Manu Koné and Donyell Malen have emerged as standout performers this season. The French midfielder, who remained at Roma despite summer transfer speculation, has seen his market value rise by €10 million to €60 million, placing him fifth among Serie A players. Malen, the Dutch forward with six Serie A goals already, gained the same €10 million increase to reach €55 million and sits seventh. Both have impressed under Gasperini, who has won over supporters and observers alike. Ahead of Roma in the overall squad value rankings are Inter (over €738 million), Juventus (nearly €613 million), Como (€568 million) and Milan (approximately €503 million). Koné and Malen rank fifth and seventh in individual player values across the league; Lautaro Martínez leads at €85 million, followed by Nico Paz (€80 million) and Yildiz (€75 million), with Bastoni fourth at €65 million. Other Roma players have seen their valuations shift. Emanuele Lulli, a young squad member, has risen dramatically from €500,000 during his Primavera spell to €8 million. Defensively, Konstantinos Koulierakis, who made his debut last Saturday, dropped from €25 million to €20 million, while goalkeeper Vasquez fell by €700,000 to €800,000. The disparities in squad value reflect contract duration and player age—factors that significantly influence market assessments. De Roon and Dybala, for instance, each have only one year remaining on their current deals, a constraint that depresses their recorded valuations despite their on-field contributions.

Gian Piero Gasperini is using the international break strategically at Trigoria, with 12 Roma players away on international duty. Rather than pause, the club's training ground remains the headquarters for squad members to press claims for selection, and two experienced midfielders are positioned to make an impact on their return: Marten de Roon and Lorenzo Pellegrini. De Roon arrived on 30 August in the final hours of the transfer window with a reputation as "Gasperini's soldier". The 35-year-old Dutch midfielder made his debut the day after in Lecce, appeared briefly against Fenerbahce, and demonstrated his worth against Torino with 4 interceptions in the final 26 minutes as Roma pushed for a second goal. His qualities of interception, intensity and tactical reading vindicated Gasperini's decision to bring him to the capital. De Roon was ready to enter against Inter but had to wait when Balerdi's cramps forced Koulierakis into his debut instead. This break now offers ideal opportunity to build fitness after spending the summer on the fringes at Atalanta. With a demanding October and November schedule of nine matches in 27 days ahead, De Roon will deserve regular midfield time, alternating with Cristante alongside either Koné or Pisilli. Pellegrini, Roma's number 7, offers versatility as attacking midfielder and box-to-box option given Gasperini's midfielders' constant attacking runs. After signing a contract renewal last summer, his target is to fully recover from the injury that has sidelined him in recent months. Working at Trigoria without international travel fatigue will restore sharpness to his legs ahead of the fixture congestion. Pellegrini's experience and leadership, combined with the attachment to the Roma shirt he has never hidden, will give Gasperini another weapon to rotate the attacking midfield and deeper positions alike.

Roma's opening five matches of the 2026-27 season have dominated discussion on Italian radio, with pundits divided between optimism about the squad's quality and caution about expectations. Nando Orsi declared that Roma were constructed to win the Scudetto, saying: "This year it was built to win the Scudetto, but nobody says it out of fear and superstition, yet in their hearts they know it can stand up to Inter. Roma is strong, it just needs to manage its forces a bit during the match: you can't start at full throttle and then fade." Orsi added: "Roma was built to win the Scudetto, and whoever says otherwise says it out of superstition." He highlighted the depth available, noting that Castro can replace Malen, De Roon can come in for Cristante, and Ndícka can take Balerdi's place, and argued that Saturday's match proved Roma and Inter are the strongest teams, with Juventus, Milan and Napoli appearing less ready. However, Piero Torri urged restraint, warning that media pressure was being applied strategically: "The media operation for a Scudetto-winning Roma has already begun; they want to load Roma with responsibility. I'm watching all this with some diffidence." He acknowledged Balerdi as "certainly an extra trump card for Roma" but resisted linking his arrival to title ambitions. Roberto Pruzzo offered a measured assessment of the defence, describing Balerdi as "an old-school centre-back from the 70s, very practical, very reactive, and he doesn't take risks" — an "excellent impact" and "a value added to a defensive squad that is numerically sound." Pruzzo cautioned that Scudetto distances remain tight and that the picture will become clearer after 8–10 matches and some direct clashes. Fabio Petruzzi gave Roma maximum marks, saying: "I see perfection in this squad. If Malen hadn't taken Martinez in the face, you would have won the match; unfortunately that episode changed the game. Roma has done so much, the maximum — doing more seems difficult." Francesca Ferrazza noted that Dybala had not played consecutive minutes like this since 2016, exactly ten years ago, and explained her willingness to accept fewer goals in exchange for his constant presence: "His presence is too important; I'd rather give up a few more goals than see him off the field." Daniele Lo Monaco discussed Gasperini's training approach, noting that some teams had granted eight days of rest while Gasperini wanted everyone working, and commented on Juventus fans turning away during the minute's silence for Mazzola: "If you want to make a protest, that technically was a civil protest. I don't think it was against Mazzola, but against a hypocritical sense of certain celebrations." Gianluca Piacentini praised consistency in refereeing standards across the five matchdays, and Lorenzo Pes suggested Balerdi's defensive positioning — at 40 metres from goal — reflected his Marseille habits and that a season-long rotation between him and Ndícka was likely. The radio consensus acknowledged Roma's competitive strength while debating how far expectations should be allowed to climb.

Niccolò Pisilli set a new Roma distance record this season by covering 12.53 kilometres in the match against Torino, eclipsing the usual benchmark set by Bryan Cristante. The feat took on added significance as it coincided with Pisilli's 22nd birthday. He capped the display with a goal in stoppage time, scored while already cramping. Pisilli is currently on duty with Italy's Under-21 squad, where he has become a key figure. The Italy coaching staff explained to him that his presence with the Under-21 is particularly important at this stage owing to the squad's European qualifying commitments, while making clear that the door to the senior national team remains open. Since establishing himself in Gasperini's Roma side, Pisilli has continued his development in the azzurri colours, with four goals and one assist in his last four Under-21 matches. The midfielder has impressed with his running, positioning and growing impact in front of goal. His combination of mobility and an ability to influence the outcome—traits that define modern midfield play—have positioned him as one of the elite young prospects in Italian football. At just 22 years old, his next step could be a direct move to the senior national team.

Lionel Messi has invited Paulo Dybala to a farewell match as Messi retires from international football with Argentina. Messi's message to Dybala reportedly recalled their shared World Cup victory and asked if Dybala would attend the goodbye fixture. Dybala, Roma's number 21, wants to go but cannot commit until head coach Gian Piero Gasperini approves his participation. The same applies to Nahuel Molina, another Roma player targeted for the occasion. Dybala has been linked with a return to Argentina and Boca Juniors this summer, reuniting with his former teammate Leandro Paredes. However, the prospect of missing a meeting with Messi appears to have shifted his thinking. The expectation is that Gasperini will ultimately grant permission for both players to take part, though with a caveat: no excessive strain on their fitness or availability. When Serie A resumes, Roma travel to Como to face Nico Paz, an Argentine left-footer who has been mentioned as a potential successor to Dybala in Serie A.

Lionel Messi has invited Paulo Dybala to participate in a match marking his farewell to the Argentina national team. According to La Repubblica, Dybala is keen to attend given the symbolic weight of the occasion, his bond with Messi, and their shared World Cup triumph. However, the move requires approval from Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Gasperini has granted the squad four days' rest starting tomorrow, but that does not automatically permit an intercontinental trip. The same situation applies to Nahuel Molina, though Dybala's case carries greater significance. The forward has enjoyed an unusually intense start to the season at Roma, playing with a consistency the club has rarely seen from him, and crucially maintaining freedom from the physical problems that have often hampered his performances. The summer preparation, training work, and management by Gasperini's staff have made Dybala practically always available, rendering him one of the coach's most-used players in this early stretch of the campaign. Given that form, Roma will approach any decision with caution. La Repubblica reports, however, that the sense is Gasperini may ultimately grant permission, with a precise recommendation: avoid any overexertion and carefully manage energy and physical condition. For Dybala, it would be an emotionally significant occasion—a final match alongside Messi in Argentina colours, honouring their World Cup success together, before returning to Roma and rejoining the giallorossi's push.

Former Roma striker Abel Balbo has backed the club's ambitions this season, singling out Donyell Malen as a key player capable of driving a Scudetto challenge. Speaking to Il Messaggero, Balbo praised Roma as "beautiful to watch, entertaining and getting results," adding that they are "the only team that can compete for the title" alongside Inter, whom he still rates as "superior because they have a more complete squad." Balbo, who scored 87 goals across five consecutive seasons of double figures for Roma, drew particular praise for Malen's attacking prowess. "He is a simple and effective player, and the most difficult thing in football is to play with simplicity—he does it better than anyone," Balbo explained. "He is fast, moves well, attacks space, sees goal easily. He is very strong. He scores goals the way the great strikers do." Balbo noted Malen's ability to find the net in multiple ways, citing his recently scored goal against Torino as an example of a striker's pragmatism: "A forward doesn't care how he puts the ball in the net—what matters is to score and achieve the objective." Balbo also assessed whether Malen could surpass the 36-goal record held by Higuain and Immobile, saying: "It is difficult to maintain this goal average, but if others have managed it, why can't he? I hope he does, because if he succeeds it means Roma would either be on the verge of winning the title or actually win it." He praised Paulo Dybala as "a champion who always improves," noting that "this season he is doing extraordinary work; with him on the pitch the team runs better. He is magic and fantasy." Balbo also highlighted Roma's Argentine contingent as a strength, saying the players "have the character and quality that allow them to have a winning mentality they pass on to the group."