Di Biagio praises Cristante's form and Gasperini's impact at Roma

Roma's opening Champions League match in Istanbul provided a revealing examination of individual readiness at the competition's highest level, exposing both natural fit and shortcomings that Serie A sometimes masks. Manu Koné emerged as the clearest success story. Until a knee injury forced his substitution at the 52nd minute, he appeared to raise his game as the match intensified, showing pressure, physical duels, ball protection and the ability to break the first press. Donyell Malen proved similarly suited to matches where chances are limited and the capacity to attack space becomes decisive. Mile Svilar's performance raised only the question of how far he can progress in the competition. Paulo Dybala demonstrated that while understanding how to play at this level has never been his problem, availability remains the constraint. When his physical condition allows, the Champions League remains his natural habitat: he takes possession facing forward, makes precise decisions, and creates space where others see none. Gianluca Mancini's European credentials are not in doubt, but Istanbul confirmed he appears less sharp and reactive than his usual standard. His replacement by Leonardo Balerdi sharpened the contrast; the Argentine entered immediately into the match's intensity, bringing aggression and intensity. Nahuel Molina passed a significant test, showing he can handle the demands placed on full-backs across both phases. Wesley posed a tactical question: at left-back with his weaker foot, Fenerbahçe systematically closed his inside corridor, forcing him onto the byline with his left foot and making him more predictable. Rodrigo Mora, frequently called upon by Gian Piero Gasperini, revealed that the Champions League is also a physical examination. Pressed, challenged and confined to tight spaces, he could not impose himself as he knows he can. Matías Soulé discovered that talent must be paired with better decision-making as margins shrink. Dybala, Koné, Malen and Svilar appear ready for this dimension; Balerdi entered with force and Molina withstood the impact. Mancini must rediscover his sharpness, Wesley needs a tactical solution, and Mora requires the physical tools to express his talent at this level.

Roma drew 1–1 away at Fenerbahce on matchday one of the Champions League, returning from Turkey with a point and a demonstration of the temperament required to compete at the highest level. Though the draw may not shift the hierarchy of the competition—where other sides are favourites to reach the final—Roma played their own game without fear, accepted moments of difficulty, and pressed for a winner until the end. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini managed the intensity of a demanding fixture by rotating his squad, an exercise in natural game management rather than an embrace of a draw, as some have suggested. The article disputes claims that Roma showed "a lack of bottle" by defending the result after Donyell Malen was substituted. The evidence lies in Roma's tactical behaviour: rather than lowering their block and protecting their area after the change, they maintained an aggressive approach, pushing their centre of gravity forward and hunting the ball higher up the pitch. This sustained attacking intent, even without their principal attacking outlet, contradicts the notion that Gasperini sought a stalemate. Roma may lack the individual quality of the competition's main challengers, but they can narrow that gap through organisation, intensity and the capacity to compete in matches where dominating all ninety minutes is impossible. A point in Turkey against Fenerbahce was far from a given, particularly at the tournament's start and in such an environment, and the true value of this result will only become clear at the end of Roma's campaign. The core objective must be to build the league table in matches where Roma start as favourites: upcoming fixtures against Sporting, Lille, Slovan Bratislava and AEK Atene are described as "fundamental appointments" where Roma must do their duty and accumulate the points necessary to secure at least a place in the play-offs. Points earned in tougher away trips or against theoretically superior opponents could further improve the scope of Roma's European campaign. Ambition for a direct finish in the top eight is legitimate and should be pursued as long as the table permits, but it would be equally mistaken to treat every Champions League evening as a definitive test of Roma's competitiveness. Istanbul has left a first positive indication, the road is still very long, and a draw on matchday one does not warrant flights of fancy—but Roma did what was required and did it by trying to win until the last.

Roma have conceded goals at the start of the second half in both matches this season, continuing a pattern that plagued them throughout 2025–26. Ederson scored in the 47th minute and Brown in the 48th in the recent match against Fenerbahce, following earlier goals conceded early in the second half against Atalanta. This mirrors a persistent problem from last season, when Mancini and his teammates conceded six goals in Serie A between the 46th and 60th minute, one in the Coppa Italia and three in the UEFA Europa League—ten in total. Gasperini acknowledged the issue after the match, describing it as the wrong approach that the squad must work to correct, particularly to protect the quality of play Roma produce during the rest of matches. The vulnerability is not new: during José Mourinho and Daniele De Rossi's final season, Roma conceded eleven goals at the start of the second half.

Roma drew 1–1 at Fenerbahce in their opening Champions League fixture, a result that reflects only partial satisfaction with Gasperini's approach to the match. The head coach would have preferred a victory but accepted the draw, and while his team selection and in-game adjustments did not convince him entirely, he would likely repeat his starting lineup given the tactical characteristics of the opposition. Fenerbahce manager Kartal surprised observers by setting up more cautiously than usual. The central point of debate centres on Devyne Rensch's promotion to the starting eleven. Gasperini preferred the Dutch defender over the two alternative left-backs available: Nahuel Molina, held back because he is not yet at peak physical condition following the World Cup and his preparation in Spain and will be fully fit after the international break, and Emanuele Lulli, overlooked primarily due to his age—the Champions League is a heavy burden for the youngest defender. The tactical weighting of youth was evident from the substitution patterns: Rodrigo Mora, a contemporary of Lulli's, entered late, while Marten de Roon replaced Donyell Malen in the closing stages rather than Santiago Castro, allowing Bryan Cristante to move into a trequartista role behind Paulo Dybala and Mora. This conservative reshuffling was designed to secure at least the draw.

Roma travel to the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on Monday 14 September at 18:30 for their fourth Serie A match of the season against Ignazio Abate's Torino, coming off the back of a 1–1 draw against Fenerbahce in the Champions League. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is weighing rotation options after the European fixture. Mile Svilar will start in goal. In defence, Leonardo Balerdi is favoured over Daniele Ghilardi following strong performances from the bench, with Emanuele Lulli set to earn a new start at right-back in place of Devyne Rensch. Manu Koné's fitness is being assessed after he left the Fenerbahce match with a knee issue; Niccolò Pisilli stands ready if the midfielder cannot play. Rodrigo Mora may return to the attacking midfield, replacing Matías Soulé alongside Paulo Dybala, while Donyell Malen is the favoured choice in attack over Santiago Castro. Roma arrive in strong form domestically. In their most recent league outing, they came from behind to beat Atalanta at the Olimpico, with goals from Mario Hermoso and Soulé. Torino beat Fiorentina 2–1 away in their last fixture, scoring through Mandragora and Che Adams, and will deploy a 3–4–2–1 formation with Perri in goal and Simeone as their lone striker. Roma's head-to-head record stands at 82 victories, 48 draws and 59 defeats from 189 meetings. The teams last met in the 2025–26 season, when Roma won 2–0 at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino through goals by Malen and Dybala. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN via app and website, and on Sky Sport with streaming available on NOW for Sky subscribers. Official team sheets will be confirmed approximately one hour before kickoff.

Roma travel to Torino on Monday at 18:30 aiming to maintain their position at the top of Serie A after their Champions League fixture. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini plans several squad changes, with injury concerns and fatigue prompting rotation. Manu Koné exited yesterday with knee discomfort and faces a serious risk of missing the Piemonte match; Niccolò Pisilli is expected to replace him. Gianluca Mancini appeared off the pace and will likely be substituted, with Leonardo Balerdi (favoured) or Daniele Ghilardi replacing him. Balerdi made a positive impact when introduced yesterday and is now pushing for a starting berth. On the right flank, Devyne Rensch will make way, probably for Emanuele Lulli or Nahuel Molina. Paulo Dybala could start from the bench, while an attacking rotation between Donyell Malen and Santiago Castro is anticipated, though Malen is expected to begin the match. Lorenzo Pellegrini may receive his first call-up, though he would occupy a substitute place at best.

Francesco Totti has given his assessment of Roma's opening to the 2026–27 season, speaking on the sidelines of the World Padel Legends Tour. Reflecting on Roma's draw in their opening Champions League fixture against Fenerbahçe, Totti said: "It's a point, hopefully it can help with the final table. Better a point than zero as they say. Let's see, it's the first Champions League match and everything is still to play for." He did not expect Roma to start the season as they have, stating: "No, I think almost nobody expected it. We started with the right foot, with the accelerator pressed and I hope it can continue like that. The league is still long, the Champions League is a separate competition, the summaries will be drawn in February–March." Totti praised the partnership between Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, calling it "one of the strongest in the championship". He said: "Yes, we're talking about players who until now understand each other with their eyes closed. I hope they can continue like this." He also confirmed recent contact with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, saying: "Yes, I heard from him." When asked if they had booked dinner, Totti replied: "Maybe a lunch…" On the wider title picture, Totti offered his view: "Well, let's say that from how they've started, yes, they are a step ahead. Inter is the team to beat and it's difficult to do that, but with this Roma everything is possible." He emphasized that Roma's main need is consistency: "Continuity — to win the Scudetto you need that. Roma expanded their squad from last year, they made the choice of taking the right players to have a great season." Addressing young midfielder Rodrigo Mora, a 2007-born prospect who recently joined the club, Totti said: "We're talking about a 2007, he changed city, culture, way of working. You have to stand by him and wait for him. Of course, if the figures are what they say, he must make a difference right away." Totti also reflected on his own legacy and future involvement with the club. On his status for Roma's continued campaign, he said: "Maybe in the league as well, maybe. Centenary? I don't know, but in the league and Champions sure." He declined to confirm progress on Roma's centenary plans, stating: "No (laughs). After what I said? There never have been."

Francesco Totti has assessed Roma's start to the 2026-27 season, speaking at the EA7 World Legends Padel Tour on 11 September — a date he reflected on for its historical weight. Totti called the draw against Fenerbahçe in the Champions League opening fixture "one point, better 1 than 0", while praising the squad's strong domestic form. "I didn't expect such a powerful start to the season in Serie A, and I don't think anyone else did either," he said. "We started with the right foot and the accelerator flat. I hope it can continue like this. The season is still long and the Champions League is a different competition. In February or March we will take stock." Asked to compare the current squad with Roma's Scudetto-winning team of 2001, Totti cautioned against the comparison. "It is reductive to make parallels. These are two very different squads, different times and different players. We were a great team, this is a good team," he explained. When pressed on what the side lacks, Totti identified a critical gap: "Continuity. To win the Scudetto you must have continuity. The squad has been expanded from last year and choices have been made jointly between the manager and the sporting director." On the relative strength of rivals, Totti assessed: "Given how they have started, yes, I see Napoli, Milan and Juventus a step above. I think Inter is the team to beat and it will be difficult. With this Roma everything can happen." He confirmed recent contact with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, joking that a celebratory meal might follow. Regarding Paulo Dybala, Totti observed: "Paulo is making a great start, and especially in the last matches last season he played at a very high level. This is the Paulo we all know. If he gives this continuity and desire to play for Roma, that is a lot of things." On young midfielder Rodrigo Mora, Totti was measured: "We are talking about a 2007 [birth year], he has changed city and culture. He is young, we must wait for him. If the figures are as they say, he is a player who must make a difference immediately."

Francesco Totti has assessed Inter as championship contenders while backing Roma to challenge them this season. Speaking today, Totti suggested that despite Inter's strength, Roma possess the quality to compete for honours. Totti also addressed the club's 2027 centenary celebrations, offering insight into discussions about his involvement in those commemorations. The former Roma legend, who spent his entire playing career at the club and retired in 2017, remains in discussions about returning for the milestone year. The comments come as Roma prepare for their campaign under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who was appointed in 2025.

Roma's opening Champions League match in Istanbul provided a revealing examination of individual readiness at the competition's highest level, exposing both natural fit and shortcomings that Serie A sometimes masks. Manu Koné emerged as the clearest success story. Until a knee injury forced his substitution at the 52nd minute, he appeared to raise his game as the match intensified, showing pressure, physical duels, ball protection and the ability to break the first press. Donyell Malen proved similarly suited to matches where chances are limited and the capacity to attack space becomes decisive. Mile Svilar's performance raised only the question of how far he can progress in the competition. Paulo Dybala demonstrated that while understanding how to play at this level has never been his problem, availability remains the constraint. When his physical condition allows, the Champions League remains his natural habitat: he takes possession facing forward, makes precise decisions, and creates space where others see none. Gianluca Mancini's European credentials are not in doubt, but Istanbul confirmed he appears less sharp and reactive than his usual standard. His replacement by Leonardo Balerdi sharpened the contrast; the Argentine entered immediately into the match's intensity, bringing aggression and intensity. Nahuel Molina passed a significant test, showing he can handle the demands placed on full-backs across both phases. Wesley posed a tactical question: at left-back with his weaker foot, Fenerbahçe systematically closed his inside corridor, forcing him onto the byline with his left foot and making him more predictable. Rodrigo Mora, frequently called upon by Gian Piero Gasperini, revealed that the Champions League is also a physical examination. Pressed, challenged and confined to tight spaces, he could not impose himself as he knows he can. Matías Soulé discovered that talent must be paired with better decision-making as margins shrink. Dybala, Koné, Malen and Svilar appear ready for this dimension; Balerdi entered with force and Molina withstood the impact. Mancini must rediscover his sharpness, Wesley needs a tactical solution, and Mora requires the physical tools to express his talent at this level.

Roma drew 1–1 at Fenerbahce in their opening Champions League fixture, a result that reflects only partial satisfaction with Gasperini's approach to the match. The head coach would have preferred a victory but accepted the draw, and while his team selection and in-game adjustments did not convince him entirely, he would likely repeat his starting lineup given the tactical characteristics of the opposition. Fenerbahce manager Kartal surprised observers by setting up more cautiously than usual. The central point of debate centres on Devyne Rensch's promotion to the starting eleven. Gasperini preferred the Dutch defender over the two alternative left-backs available: Nahuel Molina, held back because he is not yet at peak physical condition following the World Cup and his preparation in Spain and will be fully fit after the international break, and Emanuele Lulli, overlooked primarily due to his age—the Champions League is a heavy burden for the youngest defender. The tactical weighting of youth was evident from the substitution patterns: Rodrigo Mora, a contemporary of Lulli's, entered late, while Marten de Roon replaced Donyell Malen in the closing stages rather than Santiago Castro, allowing Bryan Cristante to move into a trequartista role behind Paulo Dybala and Mora. This conservative reshuffling was designed to secure at least the draw.

Roma travel to Torino on Monday at 18:30 aiming to maintain their position at the top of Serie A after their Champions League fixture. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini plans several squad changes, with injury concerns and fatigue prompting rotation. Manu Koné exited yesterday with knee discomfort and faces a serious risk of missing the Piemonte match; Niccolò Pisilli is expected to replace him. Gianluca Mancini appeared off the pace and will likely be substituted, with Leonardo Balerdi (favoured) or Daniele Ghilardi replacing him. Balerdi made a positive impact when introduced yesterday and is now pushing for a starting berth. On the right flank, Devyne Rensch will make way, probably for Emanuele Lulli or Nahuel Molina. Paulo Dybala could start from the bench, while an attacking rotation between Donyell Malen and Santiago Castro is anticipated, though Malen is expected to begin the match. Lorenzo Pellegrini may receive his first call-up, though he would occupy a substitute place at best.