Gasperini considers second pre-season retreat in September during international break

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.

Lionel Messi will mark his official retirement from international football on 6 October in a friendly against Benin at the Monumental stadium. He has invited all his teammates from Argentina's successful recent cycle, including Nahuel Molina and Paulo Dybala. Roma faces a fixture-scheduling dilemma. According to Corriere dello Sport, the travel costs and timing of the match — which falls shortly before Roma's Serie A return against Como — make Dybala's participation a financial and logistical burden. The club will make a final decision in the coming days.

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.

Roma have made a strong start to the 2026-27 season with 13 points from five matches, matching Inter and Lazio at the top of Serie A but ahead on goal difference. A second-half goal by Lautaro in a direct clash with Inter prevented a perfect record, but the squad's overall level remains high. The arrival of summer players has been central to the club's early form. Nahuel Molina is still building fitness but establishing himself in the team, while Rodrigo Mora has made an immediate impact with a goal already on his account. Leonardo Balerdi has already won over the supporters and claimed a starting berth, and Konstantinos Koulierakis, Marten de Roon and Santiago Castro are all expected to become important resources as the fixture list intensifies through October and November, though some have yet to feature heavily. The squad recruitment was balanced by significant outgoings managed by director Tony D'Amico, which allowed Roma to fund their incomings. With the first international break now reached, a review of Roma's players still on loan across Europe becomes timely. Neil El Aynaoui and other loan-out players carry combined recall obligations of €95 million, making their performances and development over the coming months a matter of considerable financial consequence for the club.

Lionel Messi will mark his official retirement from international football on 6 October in a friendly against Benin at the Monumental stadium. He has invited all his teammates from Argentina's successful recent cycle, including Nahuel Molina and Paulo Dybala. Roma faces a fixture-scheduling dilemma. According to Corriere dello Sport, the travel costs and timing of the match — which falls shortly before Roma's Serie A return against Como — make Dybala's participation a financial and logistical burden. The club will make a final decision in the coming days.

Paulo Dybala has been invited by Lionel Messi to attend the Argentina captain's final match with the national team on 6 October, an invitation that also extends to Roma defender Nahuel Molina. Roma are evaluating whether to release Dybala for the fixture, and according to Corriere dello Sport, the club's preference is to keep him at Trigoria during the international break. The decision hinges on the fixture schedule. Roma's squad, under Gian Piero Gasperini, will return to action just five days after Messi's farewell—on the road against Como in Serie A. The two intercontinental journeys required within days would burden Dybala with travel recovery, jet lag, and preparation for the league match. Roma would rather have Dybala at their training base working under Gasperini's supervision and fully ready for the campaign's resumption. Molina faces the same situation and the same club stance. No final decision has been made, but Roma's current position is to retain Dybala in the capital during the break.

Roma have made a strong start to the 2026-27 season with 13 points from five matches, matching Inter and Lazio at the top of Serie A but ahead on goal difference. A second-half goal by Lautaro in a direct clash with Inter prevented a perfect record, but the squad's overall level remains high. The arrival of summer players has been central to the club's early form. Nahuel Molina is still building fitness but establishing himself in the team, while Rodrigo Mora has made an immediate impact with a goal already on his account. Leonardo Balerdi has already won over the supporters and claimed a starting berth, and Konstantinos Koulierakis, Marten de Roon and Santiago Castro are all expected to become important resources as the fixture list intensifies through October and November, though some have yet to feature heavily. The squad recruitment was balanced by significant outgoings managed by director Tony D'Amico, which allowed Roma to fund their incomings. With the first international break now reached, a review of Roma's players still on loan across Europe becomes timely. Neil El Aynaoui and other loan-out players carry combined recall obligations of €95 million, making their performances and development over the coming months a matter of considerable financial consequence for the club.

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 radio pundits have delivered their verdicts on the club's title credentials and recent form, with particular focus on goalkeeper Mile Svilar's importance, Leonardo Balerdi's unexpected impact, and concerns over player availability. Nando Orsi told Radio Radio Mattino that Roma were constructed this season to compete for the Serie A title, though he noted few say so openly for superstitious reasons. "The Inter have calculative deficiencies that need to be fixed," he said. "Roma is strong and capable; it just needs to manage its forces. Those who say otherwise do so out of superstition. Roma has a strong squad—Saturday's match confirmed they are among the strongest. Juventus, Milan and Napoli don't seem like teams that can compete: they are too inconsistent. Roma and Inter instead are more ready at a technical and squad level." Orsi added that despite Inter's perceived weakness, Roma remain genuine contenders. Lorenzo Pes highlighted Svilar as a decisive factor for Roma's defence. "Compared to several competitors, including Inter and Como, Roma can boast an element that gives security to the defence and to those watching," he said. "A goalkeeper who brings points is additional help. If Roma's squad can increase goals, it will become interesting, because so far most goals have come from Malen, Soulé and Pisilli." On the squad's recuperation, Simone Valdarchi noted that Lorenzo Pellegrini, despite fully recovering from injury, must still regain match rhythm through work at Trigoria in the coming weeks. Roberto Pruzzo called Leonardo Balerdi a positive surprise: "He is reactive, very practical and does not take unnecessary risks. On the defensive phase he is numerically sound and is added value." Mario Mattioli described Balerdi as an experienced player who made 200 appearances in the French league and is demonstrating his worth in Italy. Both Valdarchi and Piero Torri flagged concerns over the potential absence of Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina for Argentina's farewell tribute to Lionel Messi, with fixtures against Como imminent. Torri stated: "The fact that Roma doesn't view the possible departure of Dybala and Molina for Argentina's party favourably seems right to me. Facing two long trips hours before Como–Roma cannot be well regarded."

Lorenzo Pellegrini is closing in on a competitive return after a lengthy absence. The midfielder, who has not featured in any match for Roma this season, last played in April against Pisa. Gasperini's coaching staff has designed targeted tests during the international break to rebuild his match fitness and rhythm as Pellegrini gradually increases his training workload. Pellegrini's comeback will give Gasperini an added resource in the attacking midfield area, a department so far built around Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora. The 29-year-old is determined to repay the manager's faith and prove himself on the pitch. Beyond the immediate Roma picture, Pellegrini harbours a second objective: returning to the Italian national team and reclaiming his place under Roberto Mancini after two years away. According to Corriere della Sera, Pellegrini has been sidelined for roughly six months and remains the only outfield player in Roma's squad yet to debut in the 2026–27 campaign. His push for match sharpness and a return to previous form represents a significant boost to Gasperini's squad depth as the season progresses.