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Gasperini hails Dybala and Malen as complementary champions after Torino victory
·14 September 2026·2h ago

Gasperini hails Dybala and Malen as complementary champions after Torino victory

Source: GialloRossi.net

Gian Piero Gasperini praised Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen as elite talents who enhance each other after Roma's 4-2 victory over Torino in the Serie A fourth round at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on 14 September. The partnership, formed eight months earlier, has become a focal point of Roma's attacking play this season.

Gasperini said: "The satisfaction is there from everyone. It is beautiful for the fans and those who love football to see two champions who manage to create practically every game goal-scoring situations, very dangerous opportunities. Beyond being individually strong they complement each other enormously, they have crucial links that they manage to convert into goals." He defended rotating Malen during the match, citing the demands of playing three fixtures in eight days and the need to develop younger squad members. "If we can save 20–30 minutes for the attackers they can play more matches in a week," he explained. "Then we have the necessity, we have players who must grow and become important, following the example of champions like Malen and Dybala. They must not only take the technical example, but also the temperament, the desire to be decisive and protagonists."

On Roma's defensive solidity in the Torino match, Gasperini said: "We played an excellent game, then there is also the opponent who can change cards on the table with fresh and dangerous people. We had to live in temperament, perhaps being a little less beautiful but always concrete and strong also in defensive phase. In the final we also doubled, but this is a fundamental aspect." Regarding Leonardo Balerdi, the defender drew comparisons to a modern profile: "A defender, very strong. He is certainly a modern defender, strong physically and fast. I cannot bring up certain names—a central defender like that was Baresi. But without going to disturb him, for how he interprets the role with aggression and speed in recoveries plus participation in play... Baresi was number 1 absolute, nobody goes to touch him, but as characteristics we are there."

Gasperini also provided updates on squad availability: Wesley sustained a heavy knock in the previous match and had not fully recovered, while Evan N'Dicka suffered an influenza attack overnight and did not travel to the stadium. On Santiago Castro's development, Gasperini said: "He is doing very well in all situations in which he is involved. Compared to the start he is in good condition. We all expect a lot from him but we are very convinced because he is a guy who deserves it and who has great qualities." Roma now prepare to face Inter.

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Story Coverage2 sources on this story

Roma secured a 4-2 victory over Torino on 14 September, a performance that highlighted the attacking partnership between Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini praised both players as elite talents who complement each other exceptionally. "It is beautiful for the fans and those who love football to see two champions who manage to create practically every game goal-scoring situations," Gasperini said. "Beyond being individually strong they complement each other enormously, they have crucial links that they manage to convert into goals." The partnership, which formed eight months earlier when Malen joined the club, has become central to Roma's attacking play this season.

Gasperini defended his decision to rotate Malen during the match, citing the demands of playing three fixtures in eight days and the importance of developing younger squad members. "If we can save 20–30 minutes for the attackers they can play more matches in a week," he explained. He also highlighted defensive stability in the victory, noting that while Roma played "an excellent game," they had to show defensive resilience when Torino introduced fresh attacking options. The coach offered comparisons when assessing defender Leonardo Balerdi's modern profile, suggesting characteristics reminiscent of Franco Baresi in his aggression and speed in recoveries.

On squad availability, Wesley sustained a heavy knock in the previous match and had not fully recovered, while Evan N'Dicka was unavailable after suffering influenza overnight. Roma News notes that Malen has made 24 consecutive starts with 20 goals and 4 assists, while Dybala is working toward his next goal following his recent return from knee surgery.

AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.

Testo Originale / Source Text

Gian Piero Gasperini interviene ai microfoni dei giornalisti in occasione di Torino-Roma, gara valida per la quarta giornata di Serie A. Queste le dichiarazioni del tecnico giallorosso nel prepartita e poi al termine della sfida dello Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. La Dybalen è nata proprio qui 8…

Read the full article in Italian at GialloRossi.net.

Read original on GialloRossi.net

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