Gasperini: Dybala plays if fit; Koné and Pellegrini in recovery talks ahead of Torino

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 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.

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 provided an injury update during his pre-match press conference ahead of Roma's fixture against Torino, confirming progress on several fronts while flagging concerns over others. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Emanuele Lulli are the most encouraging cases, with both expected to return imminently, though Manu Koné faced a decisive fitness test on 13 September to determine his availability. Wesley suffered a knock to the knee during Roma's last match that affected his performance in the closing stages and remains under observation. Gasperini addressed each player's status directly. On Wesley, he said: "Wesley took a knock on the knee the other evening that hampered him a bit in the final stages." Pellegrini will be available for selection tomorrow, the coach confirmed, while Lulli's recent fever has cleared. The key unknown centres on Koné, the midfielder who picked up a knee complaint and underwent a session on 13 September to establish his fitness level and provide clearer guidance on his condition. The injury news arrives as Roma prepare for their next league match, with the fitness of these squad members likely to shape Gasperini's team selection. Pellegrini's imminent return bolsters Roma's midfield options, and Lulli's recovery from fever means the defensive depth improves. Koné's test result will be pivotal to how many options Gasperini can deploy in the centre of the park for the fixture ahead.

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.

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 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 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 provided an injury update during his pre-match press conference ahead of Roma's fixture against Torino, confirming progress on several fronts while flagging concerns over others. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Emanuele Lulli are the most encouraging cases, with both expected to return imminently, though Manu Koné faced a decisive fitness test on 13 September to determine his availability. Wesley suffered a knock to the knee during Roma's last match that affected his performance in the closing stages and remains under observation. Gasperini addressed each player's status directly. On Wesley, he said: "Wesley took a knock on the knee the other evening that hampered him a bit in the final stages." Pellegrini will be available for selection tomorrow, the coach confirmed, while Lulli's recent fever has cleared. The key unknown centres on Koné, the midfielder who picked up a knee complaint and underwent a session on 13 September to establish his fitness level and provide clearer guidance on his condition. The injury news arrives as Roma prepare for their next league match, with the fitness of these squad members likely to shape Gasperini's team selection. Pellegrini's imminent return bolsters Roma's midfield options, and Lulli's recovery from fever means the defensive depth improves. Koné's test result will be pivotal to how many options Gasperini can deploy in the centre of the park for the fixture ahead.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 13 September as Roma prepare to face Torino at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on Monday 14 September at 18:30 for Serie A matchday four, just days after drawing with Fenerbahce in the Champions League. The coach dismissed repeated questions about player hierarchies, saying: "I beg you to stop with this talk of hierarchies, it's not good towards the players who are giving their all, it makes no sense and has no effect on the squad. Everyone gives an important contribution." He also defended recent signings Leonardo Balerdi and Marten de Roon, emphasizing that strong squads in European competition operate with multiple starter-quality players rather than a fixed pecking order. Gasperini paid special tribute to Donyell Malen's early form, describing his Serie A record as extraordinary. "These are extraordinary numbers, out of the ordinary," he said. "This player did something special, above all with consistency. These are extraordinary even for the characteristics and quality of the goals. When we signed Malen I knew he would be an important player, but here we have gone beyond that." The coach also spoke positively of young midfielder Rodrigo Mora, calling him "a boy of great talent, very young, and that is not considered. He needs to complete himself, especially on the physical side, and then the tactical. He arrived recently, but what he has shown is that of a young player of great level." Gasperini addressed the physical demands facing Roma after consecutive heavy fixtures, saying his approach is simple: "When I see a player is well he continues, when I see him fatigued I substitute him. Players live in cycles, you must try to take the best from each one, but they are all reliable and there are no dismissals if once one plays and another time another does." On Paulo Dybala's potential involvement, he said: "If he is well he plays always. There is no doubt. A player rests when he is tired. You cannot predict an injury, we don't have a crystal ball; if he is well he plays." He confirmed that Lorenzo Pellegrini, recently recovered, will travel to Turin, and noted that Emanuele Lulli, who was suffering from flu, appeared better on the day of the conference. He also indicated Manu Koné's availability would be assessed on the day itself. Gasperini highlighted the depth of his attacking options. "There is him [Castro], there is Malen, there is Dybala, Mora, Soulé…tell me who is playing badly…Tomorrow we also recover Pellegrini and I'm taking him to Turin: perhaps for the first time we have everyone," he said. On Konstantinos Koulierakis and defensive options, he added: "Who doesn't want to see? N'Dicka? Hermoso? I assure you that tomorrow 16 will play as well. Unfortunately another 4 will not play, but perhaps they will the following match." Nahuel Molina, signed on 31 August, has been at the club for 14 days; Gasperini confirmed Wesley recovered from a knock sustained in recent action.