Gasperini: dreams must never be stifled; Roma are built on spirit, not FFP loopholes

Gian Piero Gasperini hailed Roma's mental strength after a comeback victory, telling Sky Sport that losing such a match would have been difficult to process. The manager praised his players' composure when trailing, noting that they refused to panic and maintained tactical discipline throughout. "The most important aspect was the comeback itself," Gasperini said. "We didn't throw anything away, we kept the field open and played with lucidity. Even if we had lost, it would have been difficult to talk about it." Gasperini highlighted the impact of his five substitutions, particularly the defensive changes. "The substitutions were very important," he explained. "When you keep attacking like that you spend a lot of energy and risk the match taking a different turn. The changes at the back were important too – Balerdi and Ghilardi came in and we had continuity of action even though they started dangerously." He also credited goalkeeper Carnesecchi as "extraordinary" but acknowledged his side lacked clinical finishing. "We had many slow shots and were rewarded in the end," Gasperini said. On his squad depth, Gasperini noted qualitative improvements despite numerical gaps. "In terms of numbers we're missing two or three players," he said. "Qualitatively, yes – tonight's substitutes proved it. On the bench I still had De Roon, Koulierakis and Rensch, and Pellegrini is out. The important thing is to avoid injuries because numerically we don't have a Champions League squad. Qualitatively we can make changes without drops in performance." Dybala completed 98 minutes and was not injured, though Gasperini noted fatigue from the heat and the physical demands of mounting a comeback. The manager said rotation will become necessary once fixtures intensify after the international break, with potential Sunday-Wednesday-Saturday schedules ahead.

Roma came from behind to beat Atalanta 2–1 in Serie A's third round on 5 September, a fixture laden with meaning for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who managed Atalanta for many years before taking the Roma job in 2025. Gasperini was full of praise for his squad's character after the comeback, particularly their composure and willingness to continue building play rather than rush their attacks in the second half. In his post-match press conference, Gasperini highlighted the impact of his five substitutions and the quality of fresh legs brought off the bench. He acknowledged that Roma still lack numerical depth in the squad — "We're missing 2–3 players numerically" — but expressed confidence in the quality of those available. He stressed that staying injury-free is critical given Roma's Champions League participation: "The worst thing that can happen to us is injuries. We don't have a squad numerically built for the Champions League. Qualitatively we can make changes without drops in standard." Dybala was replaced late on due to fatigue rather than injury, Gasperini confirmed, a problem compounded by the heat and the physical toll of chasing the game. Gasperini praised Carnesecchi's saves as "extraordinary" and singled out the defensive substitutions of Balerdi and Ghilardi for restoring stability. He was candid about Roma's wastefulness in front of goal despite 39 shots: "We were lacking sharpness in our finishing. Perhaps it was the heat; these players aren't machines and can't play every match with such precision." Castro and Soulé, brought on fresh in the second half, made immediate impact. "Castro took a post and a crossbar," Gasperini noted. On the decision to remove Malen, he said: "It was to give freshness to the attack with Soulé and Castro. In the first half we attacked for a long time but lacked freshness." He also removed Mancini and N'Dicka from defence, explaining that the opposition's fresh legs posed a threat and the heat created conditions where defending became harder. Gasperini spoke warmly of his reunion with Atalanta's players and coaching staff, calling the bond "something that will always be special." Looking ahead, he outlined a congested fixture schedule: "We'll play Thursday and then Monday, and after the break we'll face Sunday–Wednesday–Saturday with high-level matches." He said rotations would be necessary but that decisions on managing Dybala's workload in the Champions League era would come in due course.

Maurizio Sarri acknowledged Roma's superiority after Atalanta's loss, telling Sky Sport that the opposition were the stronger, sharper team and will fight for the title until the end. Sarri analysed a difficult first half in which his side suffered territorially but managed to create few clear moments for Roma to exploit. "There was a need for a lot of suffering," he said. "We faced a squad stronger and more in form at this moment. And I think it will fight for the title until the end. We knew it would be a difficult match. There were moments of suffering in the first half but we were careful, we did very well also in the first half-hour of the second half. In the end instead we were too deep, perhaps struggling physically. We paid for it, but we come out with the awareness of having put in difficulty until the end a squad that at this moment is impressive." Sarri told DAZN that Roma could have scored a second goal during a strong spell in the second half but ultimately lacked the physical capacity to sustain high defending in the final quarter. "We suffered the first half territorially but not in terms of chances; Roma's chances were not many," he explained. "We did a good half-hour in the second half, we could have doubled. In the last quarter of an hour we weren't able to defend high and keep the technical players away from our area. We could have made it 2–0 but Roma is in an extraordinary moment and getting her to the 90th minute is already a high-level performance." On Matías Soulé's management, Sarri conceded the approach could have been handled differently but stressed that Atalanta's tactical setup left them exposed to counter-attacking threats. He defended his final substitution decisions, noting that his last two changes were forced by players unable to complete the match physically. Regarding Gaetano's expulsion late in the contest, Sarri disputed the referee's decision: "Gaetano says he said nothing to the referee and those around him said the same thing. I think the referee completely confused the situation. A clear refereeing error." Sarri acknowledged the gap between the teams while identifying progress in his squad's second-half display. "We are defending ourselves too deep compared to what my teams usually do," he said. "It's a process; in the 30 minutes of the second half I saw very interesting things. At the moment Roma is the squad most in condition in Serie A, it will be in the title fight until the end."

Roma's remarkable late comeback against Atalanta has impressed pundit Lele Adani, who analysed the performance on La Domenica Sportiva. Mario Hermoso equalised in the 89th minute before Roma scored again within three minutes, with Adani highlighting the intensity of the attack: Matías Soulé, Paulo Dybala and Santiago Castro all shot during that spell, firing once every 40 seconds in September heat at the Stadio Olimpico with the thermometer at 35 degrees. Adani drew parallels to Gasperini's Atalanta sides, describing Roma's display as an act of faith rather than conventional football. He was struck by Roma's persistence in creating chances even when the match appeared lost and the crowd's overwhelming support. The club completed 39 shots across the entire fixture, which Adani called epic football shaped by the team's determination to attack in the final minutes.

Roma claimed a dramatic late victory against Atalanta on Saturday, with goals from Mario Hermoso and Matías Soulé securing the win in the final moments despite playing in 35-degree heat at the third matchday of the season. Lele Adani praised head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's influence on the performance during La domenica sportiva, drawing comparisons to the Atalanta teams Gasperini previously managed. Adani highlighted Roma's attacking intensity in the decisive phase. "The Roma drew level in the 89th minute with Hermoso, then scored three minutes later," Adani said. "In those minutes they shot four times, so once every 40 seconds. They shot from Soulé, Dybala, Castro, and then Matías scored. Atalanta's Gasperini used to do this because his matches are acts of faith—it wasn't a football match but a piece of history, and then the Olimpico drowns you out. Roma had 39 shots; it was an epic match."

Roma's 2–1 comeback win over Atalanta on Saturday drew widespread praise from Rome's radio commentators, who highlighted the performance as evidence of a well-rounded squad capable of competing for the Serie A title. Gianluca Piacentini (Rete Sport) called it an act of justice, saying: "I don't recall a first half so fine in recent years. Roma dominated completely, Atalanta scored on their first shot on goal, and justice was done." Fabio Petruzzi credited the introduction of Leonardo Balerdi as the turning point, noting his pace filled a gap the defence had lacked. David Rossi singled out Santiago Castro's second-half impact after Donyell Malen's poor display, with Gian Piero Gasperini removing Malen because he "was going to smash into opponents rather than pass." Mario Corsi highlighted Matías Soulé's growth, recording two goals and an assist in the last two matches, and observed: "Roma is overwhelming, one cannot deny it. It's a Roma that promises very well indeed." Daniele Lo Monaco (Radio Radio) pointed to Roma's dominance through statistics: in the Atalanta match, Roma produced roughly twice as many shots on goal as the combined total from the previous two fixtures against Fiorentina and Lecce. He noted Maurizio Sarri's post-match assessment—"Roma is an impressive squad"—as particularly significant, and said: "The value Roma has reached is truly very high, and this pleases and reassures me. Inter remains superior, and Como has the same chances of winning the Serie A title as Inter and Roma." Paolo Cosenza emphasised the depth available, claiming Gasperini has assembled a squad of 16 regular starters, with statistics showing over 35 shots on goal despite facing "not the woodcutters but a proper side like Atalanta." Piero Torri added that if Roma avoids injuries, the squad of 21 players can sustain the challenge through January, citing positive performances from Leonardo Balerdi, Santiago Castro, Nahuel Molina and Daniele Ghilardi. Roberto Pruzzo expressed reservations about Rodrigo Mora, saying: "I have doubts about Mora; he played one half, touched 10 balls, was decent on some but if he doesn't grow in level I need another player. In January we have to try to do something." Nando Orsi called Roma "a complete squad," where goals come from multiple sources: "When Malen doesn't score, others do. So it means it's a total squad, where everyone can score, then there are the more important players who resolve it." Ilario Di Giovambattista emphasised the stadium's role, stating: "It was the victory of the public. When Hermoso makes it 1–1, Roma continues because it is literally carried along by a wonderful public. Roma's fans are incredible, this must be said." He noted Paulo Dybala recorded four assists in three matches. Lorenzo Pes flagged Champions League action ahead, saying: "Thursday there is the Champions debut, and I think Dybala will want to be on the pitch." Roma faces the opening fixture of the UEFA Champions League on Thursday (9 September). The radio panel broadly agreed that sustained belief and injury avoidance are prerequisites for maintaining the early-season momentum, though Pruzzo signalled January could bring squad reinforcement depending on Mora's progress.

Daniele Ghilardi has emerged as one of the season's surprises at Roma. After months of adaptation last season following his arrival from Verona, the defender earned Gasperini's trust, yet began the campaign without a league start across the opening eighteen matches. His turning point came at Lecce, where he suddenly stepped into the side and performed flawlessly. Last week at the same venue he was named in the starting eleven again, producing four tackles won from five attempts, eight ground duels won and aerial supremacy. On Saturday against Atalanta, Ghilardi replaced Gianluca Mancini and contributed significantly to Roma's comeback. Gasperini chose to release Jan Ziółkowski over the summer in favour of keeping the 2003-born defender, continuing a pattern of player development that has become a hallmark of his management at Roma. Crucially, Italy national team coach Roberto Mancini attended the Olimpico fixture and took note of the performance. While Ghilardi remains too early for September's international break, Mancini is expected to consider him for future call-ups.

Roma commentators have praised the team's attacking display and tactical discipline following a win over Atalanta, with radio panelists highlighting Matías Soulé's performance and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's growing imprint on the squad. Mirabella told Radio Romanista that Soulé was the standout performer, noting his immediate impact despite uncertainty over his future. "Today Matías Soulé felt at home," he said. Frequelli credited Mario Hermoso as the best player on the pitch, citing both his contribution to Roma's equaliser and his resilience after contributing to Atalanta's goal. Bighi echoed the praise for Soulé's growth and drew attention to Gasperini's tactical approach: "The manager is working very well. The squad has won not just through passion but through the work Gasperini is doing." Carina told Radio Radio that Roma has finally become "Gasperiniana"—reflecting the same style viewers saw in Gasperini's Atalanta teams. He noted an unusual tactical choice in the match, saying Gasperini won the game by removing two defenders: "If he hadn't taken off N'Dicka and Mancini, Roma would have suffered the second goal, because both struggle against Kristovic and go into difficulty. With Ghilardi and Balerdi, Roma regains the centre." He identified Rodrigo Mora as a player capable of beating defenders one-on-one but requiring development, while flagging the underlying financial burden: "The problem Roma carries with it is the cost: 50 million." Orsi credited Roma's fitness and tactical organisation, noting they have scored 10 goals across their first three matches this season. "Roma merits more than the 9 points in the league table," he said. Pruzzo expressed reservations about Mora, stating: "In a half he doesn't touch ten passes, though on a couple of occasions he did well. If he doesn't improve in level, I have the impression that something else is needed." Di Giovambattista highlighted Paulo Dybala's contribution of four assists in three games and praised the crowd's role in Roma's comeback. Pes told TeleradioStereo that Gasperini's next step must be restoring Dybala's goal-scoring form, adding: "Roma have conviction and hunger. Winning in Istanbul allows you to start a good path. It's a tough stadium to face, but Roma feel they can win the match."

Gasperini's tactical gamble paid off as Roma came from behind to beat Atalanta, with five substitutions made by the 21st minute of the second half transforming a match the club was losing 1–0 after Ederson's goal. With Ndicka and Mancini struggling against Atalanta's counter-attacks, Gasperini brought on Molina, Soulé, Castro, Ghilardi and Balerdi in rapid succession. The changes proved decisive: Ghilardi and Balerdi immediately steadied the defence and neutralised Atalanta's transitions, while Castro came close with efforts that hit the post and crossbar. Soulé delivered the most telling contribution, providing an assist and scoring a goal in the 93rd minute—an impact matching what he produced in Roma's match at Lecce. Gasperini had stated before the match: "Titolari and riserve ormai non contano più, si gioca in sedici"—effectively that first-team status and substitutes no longer matter, the game is played by sixteen—and the field immediately vindicated him. The depth demonstrated reflects substantial improvement from the previous season. In a match such as Parma last May, the bench contained only Venturino and Vaz; Gasperini now has access to a squad rich with genuine alternatives capable of reshaping a match. The quality of those replacements gives him the tactical weapons to win even when games turn against Roma mid-contest.

Roma return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years on Thursday 10 September, travelling to Istanbul to face Fenerbahce in the League Phase's first matchday with a 18:45 kickoff. The match will be broadcast on Sky Sport and available to subscribers via Sky Go. Gasperini's side arrive in buoyant form after a 2–1 comeback win against Atalanta in Serie A, where Hermoso and Soulé scored in the closing stages, and have won their opening three league matches. Roma are expected to line up in a 3–4–2–1 formation with Svilar in goal, a back three of Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso, Wesley and Molina as full-backs, Cristante and Koné in midfield, and Dybala and Soulé supporting lone striker Malen. Molina and N'Dicka remain in contention with alternatives, and the squad picture will become clearer in training over the coming days. Lorenzo Pellegrini is almost certain to remain absent. Fenerbahce will be without Guendouzi, the former Lazio midfielder, who is serving a four-match suspension (two of which are conditional) following a fight during their qualifier against Lyon. The Turkish side reached the League Phase unbeaten through the preliminaries, eliminating Górnik Zabrze, Sturm Graz and Lyon, though they suffered a recent domestic setback when losing the derby to Besiktas after wins over Konyaspor and Samsunspor. In European competition they remain unbeaten across seven matches. Their probable lineup shows Ederson in goal, Semedo, Škriniar, Aké and Brown across the defence, Kanté and Yüksek in midfield, and Asensio, Aktürkoğlu and Nene behind striker Lukaku. This will be the first official meeting between the two clubs. Fenerbahce have won their last three home matches against Serie A sides without conceding, the most recent a 2–0 victory over Lazio in the 2012–13 Europa League quarter-finals. Official team lineups will be announced approximately one hour before kickoff, around 17:45 Italian time.

Roma secured a 2–1 home victory over Atalanta on 5 September 2026, their first win at the Olimpico against the Bergamo side since 5 March 2022. After falling behind through Ederson's goal in the second half, Roma fought back without capitulating as they had in previous seasons. Mario Hermoso equalised with a header from a corner on the left wing, meeting the ball with a delicate chip. Matías Soulé then settled the match at the 93rd minute, cutting inside with his right foot before crossing with his left to find the far post and beat Carnesecchi. The performance at Trigoria on the morning after the match drew praise, with staff noting the return to form of Soulé. Gasperini's side demonstrated growing resilience as the season progresses, refusing to surrender despite going behind. The comeback underlined a shift in mentality compared to the previous campaign. Hermoso's involvement from set-piece defence and Soulé's match-winning intervention were highlights of Roma's recovery, with the latter's impact immediately evident upon his introduction. Press ratings reflected the quality on display. Hermoso earned marks ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 across outlets, with one publication rating him 7.5 for his performance. Soulé, brought on in the 54th minute, received ratings between 7.5 and 8.5. Paulo Dybala was marked between 6 and 8, while Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné drew ratings of 5.5 to 7.5 and 6.5 to 7.5 respectively. Manager Gasperini received ratings between 7 and 8 from the newspapers assessed.

Roma delivered a dramatic comeback at the start of matchday three to beat Atalanta, with Matías Soulé scoring at the 93rd minute to seal the three points. The Argentine forward, who also provided an assist, was the standout performer in what the Italian press dubbed a statement win for the Giallorossi this season. Mario Hermoso proved instrumental in reigniting the match when it appeared lost, while head coach Gian Piero Gasperini earned widespread praise for his tactical management. The victory is being framed as Roma's first authentic championship display of the campaign, with the comeback signalling a bold statement to the league's other top clubs. Soulé's performance drew particular attention from Italy's major sports newspapers, with the 54th-minute substitute recapturing the form that impressed observers last season. Hermoso's contribution, meanwhile, was credited with turning the tide when the match seemed to be slipping away. Across ratings from Corriere dello Sport, Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica, and Il Tempo, Soulé received the highest individual marks, with Corriere dello Sport awarding him 8.5 out of 10 for his performance off the bench. Hermoso's ratings ranged from 6.5 to 7.5, while Gasperini received marks between 7 and 8 across the publications. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné were also highlighted for their midfield contributions, with Cristante earning 7.5 from Corriere dello Sport. Paulo Dybala received marks ranging from 6 to 8. The match formation was recorded as 3-4-1-2, with substitutions bringing on Daniele Ghilardi, Leonardo Balerdi, Nahuel Molina, and Santiago Castro during the course of play.