Gasperini hunts goals as Roma fall 20 short of his Atalanta standard

Gian Piero Gasperini deployed three different formations during Roma's match against Fiorentina, avoiding the 3-4-2-1 system that defined last season but never abandoning the aggressive one-on-one pressing and intensity that characterise his approach. The tactical adjustments were made to nullify Fiorentina's threats rather than to compensate for transfer market gaps or absences. Gasperini's willingness to shift shape underscores a deeper principle: Roma's behaviour remains unchanged regardless of formation. The side consistently attacks, with N'Dicka operating as a target on the attacking third and Mancini and Hermoso—later replaced by Koulierakis—covering the flanks. Fiorentina manager Grosso began in a 4-3-2-1 before moving to 4-2-4 when Roma went two goals clear. With Kean deployed alongside Pellegrino, Gasperini matched the adjustment with an identical system. The lineup featured Svilar in goal, Lulli, Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso across the back, Cristante and Koné in midfield, and Soulé, Dybala, Malen and Wesley in attack. Soulé had replaced Mora at 2-0. When Grosso shifted to 4-3-3 late on, Gasperini responded by introducing El Aynaoui and Pisilli for Koné and Dybala, switching to a 3-5-1-1. This brought Mancini, N'Dicka and Koulierakis across the back, a five-man midfield of Lulli, Pisilli, Cristante, El Aynaoui and Wesley, with Soulé supporting Castro in attack. Roma scored a fourth goal. Gasperini's track record with such adjustments is long and proven, but the club now needs a right-footed winger capable of providing thrust on the break and winning one-on-one duels. The manager will learn soon whether Chelsea is willing to negotiate for Gittens, and after Lyon play Fenerbahce tomorrow evening, whether an agreement with Fofana can be finalised.

Effective playing time in Serie A has jumped sharply in the opening round of the 2026–27 season, rising to an average of 58 minutes per match compared with 52 minutes 30 seconds in the equivalent fixture last season — an increase of nearly five and a half minutes, or more than 10 per cent. The highest recorded was Atalanta–Sassuolo with 64 minutes 50 seconds, followed by Genoa–Napoli (62:43), Udinese–Como (61:13) and Inter–Monza (60:27). At the other end, Bologna–Lazio recorded 49:11 and Frosinone–Juventus 49:12. Roma's match against Fiorentina saw 57 minutes 24 seconds of effective play — slightly below the opening-round average but nearly five minutes more than last season's baseline. In the immediate term, Gasperini's Roma stand to benefit. The coach's system relies on sustained intensity, pressure and aggression in individual duels; more time in play means more opportunity to suffocate opposition build-up, win the ball high and impose continuous one-on-one contests. Teams trying to break the rhythm or artificially slow play will find it harder to do so. Over a full 38-match league campaign, an extra five and a half minutes per fixture equates to roughly 207 additional minutes of active play — equivalent to three and a half matches by current effective-time averages. The risk emerges over the medium and long term. Gasperini's approach already demands above-average physical expenditure: long pressing, aggressive marking, back-tracking and constant challenges across wide pitch areas. For a squad competing in both Champions League and Coppa Italia as well, the accumulated load threatens increased injury risk and fatigue-related lapses in concentration. Squad depth becomes the deciding factor: a Roma able to rotate four or five players without losing intensity could turn the new rules into a structural advantage. A thin roster risks paying the price in the second half of the season.

Roma's commanding 4–0 victory over Fiorentina on 24 August has dominated discussion across Rome's radio stations, with broadcasters and former players praising the team's performance and title credentials. David Rossi of Rete Sport called it "a monologue, a performance at a level perhaps too high for expectations", while noting that August friendlies are a different proposition from matches that matter. The standout performer was Paulo Dybala, who impressed sufficiently that Gianluca Piacentini declared himself tempted to head to the Circus Maximus: "If Dybala has 35 matches in his legs at that level, it's an easy title. I would sign for him to play 25 full matches like yesterday." Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo offered the most striking assessment, claiming the players themselves are convinced of their prospects. "Having the fortune to speak with some footballers, they assure the squad's identity—if they're saying among themselves that they'll make it this year, they're exhausted. These footballers have gained a consciousness, you see it even from how they play in defence. When Dybala talks about doing better than last year, you think he means finishing second 20 points behind first? They're talking about the title. There's Inter, but if Roma continues with this ferocity this year it's entertaining. If Roma competes with Inter, then everything starts again from scratch. This time I couldn't bear to have another title stolen from me by Inter." Lorenzo Pes assessed the Serie A landscape: "Aside from Inter, which is more distant, only Napoli perhaps is stronger than Roma. Roma and Napoli are very close; Roma has the advantage of Gasperini's second year and the fact they've sold none of the big names. Milan and Juve are two unknowns; I think they're slightly behind Como." Discussion also centred on summer recruitment and academy prospects. Piero Torri stated: "If Roma sign Fofana, they buy another one with great quality—take my word. With Fofana–Dybala–Malen I'm settling at the Circus Maximus. I think it can be done." Checco Oddo Casano flagged the need for a winger, believing one will arrive: "The priority is the attacking winger, and I'm convinced one arrives." Roberto Pruzzo and Nando Orsi both highlighted Jan Ziółkowski's (referred to as Lulli) unexpected emergence in the squad, with Pruzzo saying: "Lulli must be there, watch carefully, train at Trigoria, and pick things up bit by bit to try to be useful to the squad," and Orsi praising his personality: "Lulli has the personality to play as a starter." Francesca Ferrazza noted that Gasperini remains actively engaged in the market: "Gasperini is obsessed, living these final market days with the phone in his hand. There's a series of footballers calling him to come to Roma." Whether Roma can maintain this trajectory depends on closing recruitment before the window closes.

Donyell Malen met his spitting image today and shared photographs of the encounter on social media with the caption: "Twin brother". The post went viral instantly among Roma supporters and across the internet. One commenter joked: "I reckon Koeman put him in the World Cup team..." referencing the Dutch national team coach. Malen has made a striking impression at Roma in recent months. The Dutch forward scored a hat-trick on his debut, held a DJ session in the post-match celebrations, and continues to capture supporters' attention both on and off the pitch.

Donyell Malen encountered Samuel, a Roma-supporting social media personality who has gained online attention for his striking resemblance to the Dutch forward, the day after Malen scored a hat-trick in Roma's 4–0 Serie A season opener against Fiorentina. The two crossed paths in Rome's streets, and Samuel had the chance to meet Malen in person for the first time. The most significant moment came when the two embraced, with the visibly emotional fan meeting his on-field counterpart. The encounter took place just hours after what proved to be a memorable evening for Malen on his competitive debut for the Giallorossi. He netted three goals in Roma's commanding victory in the first match of the league campaign, establishing himself as a key attacking weapon in his new surroundings. Malen's day was therefore particularly intense: first the three goals and opening-day win over Fiorentina, then this brief but striking meeting away from the pitch. The moment, captured and shared across social platforms, naturally drew significant attention online. For a moment at least, distinguishing Malen from his lookalike required a second glance.

Donyell Malen scored a hat-trick on his first competitive outing of the season as Roma demolished Fiorentina 4–0 in their Serie A opener today. Paulo Dybala provided three assists for the Dutch forward in the emphatic display. The feat marked the first hat-trick on Serie A's opening day in a decade. The previous player to achieve the same milestone was Carlos Bacca, who scored three goals for Milan in a 3–2 win over Torino on 21 August 2016.

Donyell Malen scored a hat-trick on his first competitive outing of the season as Roma demolished Fiorentina 4–0 in their Serie A opener today. Paulo Dybala provided three assists for the Dutch forward in the emphatic display. The feat marked the first hat-trick on Serie A's opening day in a decade. The previous player to achieve the same milestone was Carlos Bacca, who scored three goals for Milan in a 3–2 win over Torino on 21 August 2016.

Gian Piero Gasperini deployed three different formations during Roma's match against Fiorentina, avoiding the 3-4-2-1 system that defined last season but never abandoning the aggressive one-on-one pressing and intensity that characterise his approach. The tactical adjustments were made to nullify Fiorentina's threats rather than to compensate for transfer market gaps or absences. Gasperini's willingness to shift shape underscores a deeper principle: Roma's behaviour remains unchanged regardless of formation. The side consistently attacks, with N'Dicka operating as a target on the attacking third and Mancini and Hermoso—later replaced by Koulierakis—covering the flanks. Fiorentina manager Grosso began in a 4-3-2-1 before moving to 4-2-4 when Roma went two goals clear. With Kean deployed alongside Pellegrino, Gasperini matched the adjustment with an identical system. The lineup featured Svilar in goal, Lulli, Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso across the back, Cristante and Koné in midfield, and Soulé, Dybala, Malen and Wesley in attack. Soulé had replaced Mora at 2-0. When Grosso shifted to 4-3-3 late on, Gasperini responded by introducing El Aynaoui and Pisilli for Koné and Dybala, switching to a 3-5-1-1. This brought Mancini, N'Dicka and Koulierakis across the back, a five-man midfield of Lulli, Pisilli, Cristante, El Aynaoui and Wesley, with Soulé supporting Castro in attack. Roma scored a fourth goal. Gasperini's track record with such adjustments is long and proven, but the club now needs a right-footed winger capable of providing thrust on the break and winning one-on-one duels. The manager will learn soon whether Chelsea is willing to negotiate for Gittens, and after Lyon play Fenerbahce tomorrow evening, whether an agreement with Fofana can be finalised.

Roma began their season with a dominant 4–0 victory over Fiorentina, a performance that has caught the attention of betting markets. Donyell Malen scored a hat-trick assisted by Paulo Dybala in a display of high quality orchestrated by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The impressive start has elevated Roma's standing among bookmakers, who now rate them as Inter's primary challenger for the Scudetto. On Sisal, Roma's odds for the title have shortened to 6, while Inter remain heavy favourites at 1.64 on 888sport. Although the gap is substantial, it positions Gasperini's side as the most significant threat to Inter's ambitions this season.

Gian Piero Gasperini praised Roma's mentality and attacking prowess after a 4-0 victory over Fiorentina on 24 August, singling out Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen as world-class talent and calling for further recruitment to strengthen the squad for a demanding fixture schedule. Speaking to DAZN, Gasperini said: "The mentality of this group. These boys have recommenced as it was last season. We carry more knowledge. Their attitude in the match and in training is extraordinary. There are players who have done everything to play at Roma or remain: Dybala, Pellegrini, also Mora with his agent. They feel the beauty of this environment." Gasperini highlighted Dybala's physical condition at 32 years old as crucial to the club's ambitions. "Absolutely yes. He is a boy who at 32 is in the fullness of maturity. He may have less speed, but not much, and less force in the shot. He is among the very first in our league, if not the first." He noted that Dybala suffered misfortune last season with injuries from a penalty kick and a free kick that cost him a meniscus, but has made an "absolute level" preparation and is now more resilient. Gasperini withdrew him during the match because other important players were available, "but he can play even extra time." On the Dybala-Malen partnership, Gasperini declared: "They are of European level, therefore World level. Dybala has always been so, he only had too many injuries. This one is a beast: anything but silk muscles as someone said. He can even play extra time. Malen is extraordinary, but it is not by chance: he feels appreciated and strong, he is a leader on the pitch and can grow further still." Gasperini stressed that Roma's recruitment remains incomplete despite the convincing display. "We are not done. If you look at the calendar after the international break there is something to shudder at. It is absolutely necessary to have some numbers more, not too many, to face the season with the league, Champions League and Coppa Italia. With this risk we know there is the risk of losing players in the same period." He praised recent arrivals Konstantinos Koulierakis, Nahuel Molina, Santiago Castro, and Rodrigo Mora for fitting into the team's structure, noting that the group has a foundation built over the past year and new arrivals are functional. He also commended the new Serie A rule extending effective playing time, saying: "Beautiful, fantastic. I like it very much. The public is advantaged this way: before it saw matches of deadly boredom, with the goalkeeper touching more balls than everyone else. These are excellent rules: no one now stays on the ground more. They were thought out very well, the public wants to see play and not waste time."

Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala spoke to DAZN after Roma's latest fixture, with the pair highlighting their early understanding on the pitch. In seven matches together, Malen has scored six goals and Dybala has provided six assists. When asked about reports that Gasperini said he returned sad from the World Cup, Malen responded: "I'm happy to be back, what's done is done. Now we've started again and I felt the energy of the stadium." Asked about matching his tally of 14 goals in half a season last year, Malen said: "I don't want to give numbers. I have to create goal-scoring chances, then we'll see." Dybala offered effusive praise for his young teammate. "We're facing an extraordinary talent," Dybala told DAZN. "At 19 he's already completed two campaigns, winning as well. Two years ago he scored 10 goals. He's a boy in evolution, also in the personality with which he played tonight. He's had a bit of physical decline too, which is normal. Every time he touches the ball something beautiful happens. He's resilient, he has elite athletic values. He can play on the right and left. He has football, real talent. There's work to do with him too, clearly—it's been a week he's been here. He'll give us great satisfaction." On the group's mentality, Dybala said: "The attitude of these boys is extraordinary. They've started again as they did last season. We carry more knowledge with us. Their attitude in matches and training is extraordinary. There are players who've done everything to play for Roma or stay: Dybala, Pellegrini, also Mora with his agent. They feel the beauty of this environment." Gasperini stressed Dybala's physical condition is key, noting: "At 32 he's in the fullness of maturity. He may have less speed, not much, and less shooting power. He's among the very first in our league, if not the first. Last year he was very unlucky. He had an injury kicking a penalty and one on a free kick. It cost him a meniscus, the penalty. But he's done absolute-level preparation. He's not made of silk, he's increasingly resilient. I took him off because we have other important players but he can play extra time too." Gasperini acknowledged Roma's squad remains incomplete despite the strong performance. "We've put the right players in the right places this year, like Koulierakis and Molina, who has an important past, Castro, Mora. But we haven't completed," he said. "If you look at the calendar after the international break there's reason to shiver. It's absolutely necessary to have some additional numbers, not too many, to face the season with the league, Champions and Coppa Italia. Knowing this risk, we know there's the risk of losing players in the same period."

Gian Piero Gasperini praised Rodrigo Mora as a rising talent and Paulo Dybala as the key to Roma's ambitions following the Giallorossi's first match of the Serie A season against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico on 24 August. The coach told journalists after the game that Mora, 19, represents exceptional quality despite having arrived only a week earlier. "We are dealing with an extraordinary talent," Gasperini said. "At 19 he has already completed two seasons, and two years ago he scored ten goals. Every time he touches the ball something good happens. He is resilient, with athletic values at a high level. He can play on the right and left. There is work to do with him, naturally—he has been here a week—but he will give us great satisfaction." Gasperini placed Dybala, 32, at the centre of Roma's championship ambitions, emphasizing his condition and commitment. "Absolutely yes," the coach said when asked if Dybala is the key to aiming high. "He is a player at 32 in the fullness of his maturity. He may have less speed, not much, and less shooting power. He is among the very first in our league, if not the first. Last year he was very unlucky. He suffered an injury kicking a penalty and another on a free kick—the penalty cost him a meniscus. But he has done absolute top-level preparation. He does not have silk muscles; he is increasingly resilient. I took him off because we have other important players, but he could play extra time." On the squad's overall mentality, Gasperini highlighted the attitude displayed in training and on the pitch. "The mentality of this group," he said when asked what gave him most satisfaction. "These lads have restarted as they did last season. We carry forward more knowledge. Their attitude in matches and training is extraordinary. There are players who have done everything to play at Roma or to stay: Dybala, Pellegrini, also Mora with his agent. They feel the beauty of this environment." Gasperini confirmed that several new arrivals—Konstantinos Koulierakis, Nahuel Molina, Santiago Castro, and Mora—have been integrated functionally into the team. He added that Manu Koné, who featured in the match, arrived fatigued after playing in the World Cup and needs further training to regain full condition, as do El Aynaoui and Molina. Gasperini acknowledged that Roma's transfer business remains incomplete, with the fixture schedule presenting challenges ahead. "We are putting the right players in the right place, but we have not completed," he said. "If you look at the calendar after the international break, it is daunting. It is absolutely necessary to have some extra numbers, not too many, to face the season with the league, Champions League and the Coppa Italia. With that risk we know there is the risk of losing players in the same period." The coach expressed satisfaction with the squad's dimension and quality, noting that familiarity among returning players and the functional integration of newcomers had strengthened Roma's starting position.