Gasperini names squad for Wales training camp with midfield returns

Roma extended their perfect start to the season with a 2–0 away victory at Torino in the fourth round of Serie A, with goals from Malen and Pisilli. The win maintained their unbeaten record of four consecutive victories. Ahead of their next fixture against Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 19 September at 18:00, the squad will return to training on 15 September morning at Trigoria.

Leonardo Balerdi earned praise from head coach Gian Piero Gasperini following Roma's victory over Torino, despite Donyell Malen being named the match MVP. The Argentine defender played all 90 minutes at a high level and made decisive interventions that contributed to the win. Gasperini spoke warmly about Balerdi in his post-match press conference, highlighting his qualities as a modern defender. The coach drew a comparison to one of Italian football's greatest players: "Who does he remind me of? Balerdi is a strong defender, very strong. He is certainly a modern defender, physically strong and quick. I cannot invoke a certain name — a central defender like that was Baresi. But without going there, the way he interprets the role with aggression and speed in recoveries as well as participation in the game... Baresi was number one absolutely, no one touches that, but in terms of characteristics we are there." Gasperini's assessment suggests Balerdi has already won over both his manager and the Roma supporters.

Donyell Malen spoke to journalists after Roma's victory in the fourth Serie A matchday at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, emphasising his concentration on scoring rather than his growing status among supporters. When asked if he was aware of what he was becoming for Roma fans, Malen said: "I don't think about that. I want to score many goals, I'm focused on the objectives." Malen's form has drawn comparisons to club legend Francesco Totti. On the comparison, he said: "It's beautiful, but I know how great Totti is for Roma. I'm having a lot of fun." He also joked about the "Dybalen" nickname linking him with Paulo Dybala, remarking: "It's nice, but what matters is scoring. I'm sorry for Paulo that he won't get the assist." Malen also praised Niccolò Pisilli's goal-scoring celebration despite cramping, saying: "I've never seen a celebration like that—but get him a chair because he can't stand up."

Roma extended their perfect start to the season with a 2–0 away victory at Torino in the fourth round of Serie A, with goals from Malen and Pisilli. The win maintained their unbeaten record of four consecutive victories. Ahead of their next fixture against Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 19 September at 18:00, the squad will return to training on 15 September morning at Trigoria.

Niccolò Pisilli spoke to reporters after Roma's match against Torino on matchday four, which took place at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. The midfielder scored but was hampered by cramping during the fixture. When asked about scoring while struggling with cramp, Pisilli said: "I got a cramp. I couldn't stay on my feet." He was also full of praise for teammate Donyell Malen's performance, telling journalists: "He's very strong. Hopefully he continues to score like this."

Roma secured a fourth-league-day victory at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on 14 September, defeating Torino 2-0 with goals from Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli in injury time. The away side controlled the match throughout, with Mile Svilar making crucial saves and the defence operating as a cohesive unit in the absence of injured defender Evan N'Dicka. Leonardo Balerdi emerged as the standout performer, producing a display of considerable authority and winning almost every contested duel. His ball recovery prevented what could have been a difficult passage late in the contest. Gianluca Mancini returned to form after recent underwhelming displays, his pressing intensity yielding the ball recovery that led to Roma's opening goal. The structure was solid: Bryan Cristante played with experience in midfield, leaving the creative burden to Paulo Dybala, who dribbled, created and provided service as expected before tiring in the second half. Malen's goal came after a run of two matches without scoring, with his movement in the opposition box consistently threatening. Pisilli's late finish sealed the outcome and relieved pressure in the closing stages. Substitutions proved effective: Marten de Roon entered at the hour mark and demonstrated his value by recovering several important possessions, while Santiago Castro came on to add attacking energy—though only partially succeeding as Roma's overall intensity dipped. Nahuel Molina, deployed on the left in the absence of Wesley, convinced despite some wayward crosses, offering dangerous crossing opportunities. Matías Soulé lacked precision in key moments, whilst Mario Hermoso and Emanuele Lulli showed solidity at the back. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini earned a 7.5 rating for orchestrating a deserved victory through control of possession and match tempo, demonstrating confidence in rotating the squad with successful results.

Roma players out on loan delivered mixed results across a busy weekend of football, with Alessandro Romano continuing to impress in Serie A while others made their debuts for their temporary clubs. Romano played all 90 minutes as Cagliari defeated Atalanta 2–1 at Bergamo, and created a chance for Mendy early in the second half that was ruled out for marginal offside. The 20-year-old also fired from distance in the 15th minute, forcing a corner from Carnesecchi. Under coach Pisacane, Romano has become an established starter and is at Cagliari on a loan with an obligation to buy should certain sporting conditions be met. Neil El Aynaoui experienced a contrasting week at RB Leipzig. The Moroccan midfielder played the full match in the Bundesliga club's 4–1 Champions League defeat away at Como on Thursday, then returned to the starting XI in Bundesliga action on Sunday, playing 74 minutes in a 5–0 victory over Hamburg without scoring or assisting. He remains on loan with a right of redemption. Robinio Vaz made his Premier League debut for Hull City, entering at the 82nd minute in place of McBurnie during an away fixture at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea. Hull secured a 2–2 draw, and Vaz, born in 2007, now has his first minutes in English football under his belt. He too is on loan with a right of redemption. Other Roma loanees had quieter weekends. Mattia Mannini made his Benevento debut off the bench, replacing Siatounis in the 74th minute of a 3–1 win against Hellas Verona—his first appearance after being unused at Ascoli. Filippo Reale played 90 minutes at left centre-back in Carrarese's 1–0 home defeat to Catanzaro, the goal coming from Iemmello in the 83rd minute. Radoslaw Zelezny started in goal for Perugia away at Ravenna but saw his side lose 3–0 after being reduced to ten men when Kabashi was sent off late in the first half. He had kept a clean sheet in a win against Pineto the previous week. Luigi Cherubini sat unused on Benevento's bench in their 3–1 success, a reversal of his playing status from Ascoli. Angeliño made a second consecutive unused substitute appearance for Deportivo La Coruña in a 1–1 draw at Getafe. Marash Kumbulla returned to the squad list for Rayo Vallecano but did not play in a 4–1 defeat at Real Madrid's Bernabeu. Jan Ziolkowski remained unavailable with a foot problem that had already kept him out the week prior; Monza lost 3–2 to Lecce without him. Artem Dovbyk was held out of Bologna's trip to Napoli after sustaining a minor groin issue in the 91st minute of a prior victory; Bologna lost 1–0 at the Maradona, with manager Tedesco calling the precaution sensible rather than a serious injury. Anass Salah-Eddine is nearing a loan move to Panathinaikos; Roma has agreed terms and the winger has arrived in Athens for medicals, though an official announcement had not yet been published at the time of writing.

Roma placed two young players in Tuttosport and Transfermarkt's Golden Boy 2026 rankings on Saturday, 12 September. Rodrigo Mora occupies 28th place, while Emanuele Lulli ranks 76th. Former Roma player Robinio Vaz, now at Hull City, also appears in the top 100 at 91st. On the women's side, Roma Femminile secured a place in the Women's Cup semi-final following victory over Fiorentina and Inter's simultaneous win over Lazio. They will face Sassuolo on Sunday at 12:00, the same opponent that beat them in the group stage and will also be their first league adversary of the season. The match will be broadcast on Sky Sport and NOW. In Serie A, Monday brings the first managerial meeting between Ignazio Abate and Gian Piero Gasperini, separated by 29 years and 637 top-flight benches. Gasperini has reached 640 bench appearances, climbing to fifth on the all-time list; his next target is Nils Liedholm at 644. Il Foglio highlighted Roma's impressive start under Gasperini, driven by an increasingly full Stadio Olimpico and a squad in strong form. The publication stressed the significance of the club's decision to reject Manu Koné's departure, a choice that strengthened the bond between coach and supporters. Roma's early season has become a symbol of unexpected momentum and high expectations.

Emanuele Lulli and Rodrigo Mora have been included in the 100-candidate shortlist for the Golden Boy 2026 award, the annual prize for the best footballer under 21 in Europe's top divisions. Lulli is ranked 76th while Mora sits 28th on the list published by Tuttosport. The award ceremony approaches with interest focused on the calibre of contenders. The previous edition was won by two PSG players. Robinho Vaz, who departed Roma during the most recent summer transfer window on loan to Hull City in the Premier League, also features among the nominees. The top 10 showcases elite talent across Europe. Pau Cubarsí, Barcelona's defender and World Cup winner with Spain, leads the rankings. He is followed by Ayyoub Bouaddi (Manchester City), Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain), Yan Diomande (Real Madrid), Victor Froholdt (Porto), Rayan (Bournemouth), Endrick (Real Madrid), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea) and Estevao (Chelsea).

Roma secured a fourth-league-day victory at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on 14 September, defeating Torino 2-0 with goals from Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli in injury time. The away side controlled the match throughout, with Mile Svilar making crucial saves and the defence operating as a cohesive unit in the absence of injured defender Evan N'Dicka. Leonardo Balerdi emerged as the standout performer, producing a display of considerable authority and winning almost every contested duel. His ball recovery prevented what could have been a difficult passage late in the contest. Gianluca Mancini returned to form after recent underwhelming displays, his pressing intensity yielding the ball recovery that led to Roma's opening goal. The structure was solid: Bryan Cristante played with experience in midfield, leaving the creative burden to Paulo Dybala, who dribbled, created and provided service as expected before tiring in the second half. Malen's goal came after a run of two matches without scoring, with his movement in the opposition box consistently threatening. Pisilli's late finish sealed the outcome and relieved pressure in the closing stages. Substitutions proved effective: Marten de Roon entered at the hour mark and demonstrated his value by recovering several important possessions, while Santiago Castro came on to add attacking energy—though only partially succeeding as Roma's overall intensity dipped. Nahuel Molina, deployed on the left in the absence of Wesley, convinced despite some wayward crosses, offering dangerous crossing opportunities. Matías Soulé lacked precision in key moments, whilst Mario Hermoso and Emanuele Lulli showed solidity at the back. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini earned a 7.5 rating for orchestrating a deserved victory through control of possession and match tempo, demonstrating confidence in rotating the squad with successful results.

Roma made it four consecutive Serie A victories without conceding a goal as Donyell Malen's first-half strike and a late Niccolò Pisilli finish secured a 2–0 win at Torino on 14 September 2026. Mile Svilar recorded his third clean sheet in four matches, with Pisilli adding the second goal in deep stoppage time. The result kept Roma on a perfect record of 12 points from four matches with an aggregate score of 12–1. The run marks only the fifth time in the club's history that Roma have started a Serie A campaign with four straight wins, matching 1952–53, 1960–61, 2013–14 and 2014–15. The 1960–61 season stands out as the only previous era before Gasperini in which Roma scored more than ten goals across those four fixtures, recording 14. Roma have now extended their consecutive league wins to nine overall, spanning five matches from the end of last season and the four so far this term. Only twice in club history have Roma recorded longer winning streaks: eleven wins from December 2005 to February 2006, and eleven from May to October 2013. Malen has scored six goals in his first four Serie A matches this season, making him the third player in Roma's history to reach that figure in the opening four games alongside Pedro Manfredini (seven in 1960–61) and Francesco Totti (six in 2001–02). The Dutch forward has also been involved in at least one goal in each of his last five away league matches, registering seven goals and one assist across that run. Gasperini again demonstrated bold selection by withdrawing Malen despite the scoreline remaining in the balance, reinforcing his confidence in the attacking unit. Gasperini deployed Dybala and Matías Soulé in support of Malen, a partnership that originated eight months earlier at Turin and has become a core feature. In midfield, Pisilli partnered Bryan Cristante, producing what the article describes as a dominant display capped by his clinical finish despite cramping. Leonardo Balerdi earned particular praise for a commanding defensive performance, with Gasperini drawing comparison to the great Franco Baresi. Roma host Inter in the next Serie A round, bringing an early test of their title credentials.

Roma secured a fourth consecutive victory at Torino, with Donyell Malen setting the tone and Niccolò Pisilli sealing the win in the closing stages. The giallorossi dominated through sustained intensity and precision finishing, with Paulo Dybala orchestrating play and every outfield player leaving visible effort on the pitch. Malen delivered a commanding performance, earning an 8 rating in the match assessment. He wasted no time making an impact, with Mario Hermoso providing a perfectly weighted pass into the area that Malen shot just high, then deflecting a long-range attempt moments later before eventually finding the target with characteristic hunger. Gasperini's approach was validated as Roma took control early: Gianluca Mancini's aggressive positioning in midfield triggered the opening goal by pressing a Torino error in the middle third, then again forced Pisilli into space to finish the second. Mancini himself earned a 7 rating for his dual role, effectively playing as both centre-back and attacker through his constant forward movement. Leonardo Balerdi made an immediate impression on his debut for Roma, earning 7.5 for a near-flawless display. Within five minutes of his first appearance in giallorosso, Balerdi produced a sliding intervention that set the tone for his evening, making virtually no errors against Torino's Braganca and displaying rock-solid positioning throughout. Emanuele Lulli matched his intensity with a 7, opening the game with such authority that Gasperini immediately corrected him on a tactical point—Lulli reset and soon launched a sweeping move that took Vlasic out of play and nearly forced an own goal. Nahuel Molina earned a 7 for becoming Roma's most dangerous attacker in the second half, nearly producing a spectacular volley just over the crossbar despite early coordination issues with Matías Soulé on the flank. Pisilli ran over 11 kilometres despite visible fatigue, playing through cramp to finish the scoring at the 92nd minute with a final burst of energy. Gasperini managed the contest precisely, making tactical adjustments as Roma moved from energetic pressing in the opening phase to controlled compression by the final stages. He substituted Marten de Roon in at the 63rd minute for Bryan Cristante, with De Roon arriving as an authoritative presence. Gasperini deployed his midfielders deeper in defence towards the end to manage Torino's space and secure what the assessment called "a very precious result." His post-match philosophy on selection was direct: he plays whoever is performing best in training.