Gasperini on Castro's promise, Wesley and N'Dicka's fitness ahead of Torino clash

Gian Piero Gasperini has ruled out resting Paulo Dybala ahead of Roma's away fixture against Torino, insisting that the Argentine forward will play if fit. The head coach rejected the idea of rotating his key players despite the midweek demands of Champions League football, saying: "If he's well you put him to sleep? You can't predict injuries, we don't have a crystal ball. If someone is well they play and Paulo is well. All matches are difficult, playing Torino isn't any easier than playing other teams." Donyell Malen has become central to Roma's attacking output, reaching 19 goals in 21 matches since January and chasing the record of Totti and Manfredini, who scored 6 goals in the first 4 matchdays. Gasperini defended his use of Malen against speculation about rotation with Santiago Castro, explaining: "When I signed Malen I knew he would be important but we're going beyond the numbers with him. Castro in his place? Then he becomes a starter and Malen a sub? Everyone is doing well and then you'll see the minutes increase. Castro has come in every time, and today we're also getting Pellegrini back who will be in the squad." Manu Koné's availability remains uncertain after suffering a blow in Istanbul, with Niccolò Pisilli standing ready to start in midfield. Emanuele Lulli is expected to return at right-back after recovering from flu, while in defence Balerdi or Ghilardi may press Gianluca Mancini's claim. Gasperini firmly addressed suggestions of a squad hierarchy: "I'm asking you to stop talking about hierarchies, it's not right towards the players giving everything. There are no failures on anyone. Otherwise we get into a mechanism of controversy that only damages the team. In Torino too, 16 players will play as starters, not eleven." The coach also defended Marten de Roon following criticism from Atalanta supporters: "Leaving Atalanta wasn't his choice. What was he supposed to become? An old shoe locked in a cupboard?"

Roma travel to face Torino on 14 September with a full squad as Gian Piero Gasperini insists he will not rest Paulo Dybala despite the recent Champions League commitments. The side sit top of Serie A after three matches unbeaten, and Gasperini dismissed suggestions of energy management, saying: "If he is well do you put him to sleep? You cannot predict injuries, we do not have a crystal ball. If someone is well they play and Paulo is well. All matches are hard; playing Torino is not easier than playing other sides." Donyell Malen has emerged as an exceptional performer, scoring 19 goals across 21 appearances since joining the club — a record that has exceeded initial expectations. Malen scored against Torino in January and now has a chance to break into rare air: the target is to surpass Francesco Totti and Manfredini, who each netted 6 goals after the first four matches of a season. Gasperini said of Malen: "I knew when we signed him that he would be important but we have gone beyond with the numbers." He brushed aside questions over Santiago Castro's role, noting: "If he becomes a starter then Malen becomes a reserve? Everyone is performing well; you will see the minutes increase. Castro has come on every time, and today we also recover Pellegrini who will be in the squad." The only doubt surrounds Manu Koné, who left the Istanbul fixture with a problem. Gasperini stated: "We will see how he is and decide," though Niccolò Pisilli is expected to deputise. Changes are anticipated at left-back, with either Leonardo Balerdi or Daniele Ghilardi replacing Gianluca Mancini, and Emanuele Lulli returning to the right side after recovering from intestinal flu. Gasperini sharply rebuked the narrative around starting players and substitutes: "I beg you to stop with the hierarchy talk, it is not fair to the players giving their all. There are no rejections of anyone. Otherwise we enter a mechanism of controversy that does the squad only damage. Even against Torino, 16 players will take the field as starters, not eleven." Gasperini also defended Marten de Roon after Atalanta supporters displayed a banner against him on Saturday, saying: "Leaving Atalanta was not his choice. What was he supposed to become? An old shoe shut in a cupboard?" The probable line-up: Svilar; Ghilardi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Lulli, Cristante, Pisilli, Wesley; Mora; Dybala, Malen.

Gian Piero Gasperini has offered high praise for Rodrigo Mora following the Portuguese midfielder's summer arrival at Roma. Speaking ahead of the fixture against Torino, the head coach highlighted Mora's quality and the speed at which he has settled into the team's system. Mora has already scored once this season and is fitting well into Gasperini's setup, having joined late in the transfer window as Roma sought attacking reinforcements. Gasperini was effusive about Mora's potential and integration. "Mora is also a young man with a lot of talent. He needs to be completed physically and tactically," he said. The coach went on to stress the player's rapid adjustment: "He's only recently arrived but what he's shown from the start or during the match is the performance of a young man of great level." In even stronger terms, Gasperini declared: "I don't think there's a young man in the world who's more capable of being a protagonist than him right now." Mora has impressed as a reliable technician in the number ten role, finding space well and excelling at opening up defences. While not the quickest player, his technical ability has stood out in Roma's strong Serie A start this season. Playing alongside Paulo Dybala is expected to benefit his development further, with Gasperini's tactical system positioned to enhance his game.

Emanuele Lulli will face Alessio Cacciamani on the same flank when Roma visit Torino this evening, a meeting that reflects two contrasting paths taken by Italy's youth systems. Roma pursued Cacciamani throughout the summer as a prospect to support Gasperini, but Torino resisted and manager Ignazio Abate chose to give the teenager playing time instead of selling him. Roma eventually discovered Lulli as an alternative. Lulli's emergence this season cannot be attributed solely to Cacciamani's departure, yet the two stories intertwine meaningfully. The space Roma might have created for a purchased young talent—potentially by moving Wesley to the right—became fertile ground for a player developed at Trigoria. Gasperini first prevented Lulli from joining Avellino on loan in the summer, then granted him the opportunity to prove himself in the Roma first team. Lulli has become one of the pleasant surprises of the season's opening weeks. The narrative extends beyond the match itself. Youth academies produce talent, but talent without opportunity remains only a promise. Cacciamani is emerging because Torino had the courage to retain him and Abate the conviction to play him. Lulli is achieving the same because Gasperini, partly through circumstances created by the transfer market, kept him at the club and gave him his chance to compete. Not every Primavera player will become Serie A material, and every young talent should not be kept out of fear of future regret. Yet before looking elsewhere for what is missing, it is sometimes worth examining what lies within. Tonight Cacciamani and Lulli will face each other. While not a headline-grabbing duel, it could tell one of the match's most important stories: young players can emerge only when someone has the courage to let them play.

Alessio Cacciamani will face Roma and Gian Piero Gasperini on tomorrow evening when Torino visit, just days after signing a contract renewal with the Serie A club. The 19-year-old, who attracted Roma's interest during the summer, has committed to Torino until 30 June 2031 with an improved salary package. Gasperini had identified Cacciamani as a left-sided talent to develop and integrate into the first team, envisioning a role in both Serie A and European competition, potentially alternating with Wesley or Molina. The renewal strengthens Torino's negotiating position economically, though Roma retain the financial means to pursue another attempt for the young forward—possibly in January or more likely in the summer of 2027. Other Italian clubs and English sides are also monitoring his progress. Cacciamani's early season form has been encouraging. He has started all five of Torino's fixtures across Serie A and Coppa Italia, recording one assist in the league. The prospect of facing the club that pursued him intensely offers him motivation to demonstrate his readiness for the highest level. Roma continue to observe from the sidelines, aware that Torino may be forced to sell next summer if a significant offer arrives, particularly if the club decides to redirect spending toward an attacking player in the January window. The article notes that Gasperini and Roma's scout D'Amico are watching his development closely. Torino hope Cacciamani will immediately prove capable of performing at an elite level, thereby justifying their confidence in him and potentially deterring some interest. However, the competitive landscape around him is expanding. Beyond Roma's continued interest, other major Italian clubs and several Premier League sides are tracking the teenager. The club faces a delicate balance: rewarding his potential with renewed terms while managing the likelihood that a well-resourced suitor may tempt him away within two transfer windows.

Roma face Torino in Serie A on 14 September at 18:30, four days after their Champions League return, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini managing squad rotation following the trip to Istanbul. The starting XI appears largely settled, though midfield and the right flank remain open questions. Svilar will start in goal, with the familiar trio of Mancini, Ndicka and Hermoso in defence; Ghilardi is the alternative. Wesley is expected to hold the left-back spot, while the right side is contested between Lulli and Rensch, with Lulli marginally favoured, though Gasperini indicated in his press conference that his condition would need to be assessed before the match. The main shift could come in midfield. Manu Koné picked up a knee problem against Fenerbahçe, opening the door for Nicolò Pisilli to partner Bryan Cristante; Koné has attempted recovery and remains an option. Dybala and Donyell Malen are set pieces in attack, with Matías Soulé the likely choice to complete the forward line, while Rodrigo Mora stands ready either from the start or as an in-match solution. The probable Roma formation is 3-4-2-1: Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Lulli, Cristante, Pisilli, Wesley; Soulé, Dybala; Malen.

Roma travel to Torino for the fourth-round postponed fixture on 14 September, looking to extend their perfect start and consolidate their league position after three consecutive wins. The Giallorossi are coming off a 1–1 draw in Istanbul, which marked their first dropped points of the season. Roma's objective is to claim six points and maintain top place. Paulo Dybala is available for selection, while Evan N'Dicka is unavailable for the match. The fixture will be broadcast on Sky and DAZN.

Roma's team coach arrived at Stadio Grande Torino on 14 September with just over an hour remaining before the 18:30 kickoff against Torino. The squad and entire staff were on hand for the match. Gasperini's side faced a significant injury blow ahead of the fixture, with N'Dicka ruled out by intestinal flu. Leonardo Balerdi was drafted in to start, with Nahuel Molina deployed on the left side of defence. Niccolò Pisilli and Emanuele Lulli were confirmed in the starting lineup for the match.

Roma travel to Turin on 14 September with their full squad available and Lorenzo Pellegrini in the matchday group for the first time this season after a lengthy absence. The squad selection remains fluid ahead of the fixture: the defence is expected to feature Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, but uncertainty persists across the flanks, midfield and attack. Emanuele Lulli, Devyne Rensch and Nahuel Molina are competing for a starting place on the right, while Niccolò Pisilli and Manu Koné are in contention alongside Bryan Cristante in the middle. Up front, Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are head-to-head for selection, though Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are guaranteed starting positions. Roma carry an open run of eight consecutive Serie A victories into the match—five secured in the closing stages of last season and three in the opening rounds of the current campaign. Gian Piero Gasperini's side will pursue a ninth straight win to reclaim the league lead. The head coach faces a contrasting duel with opposing manager Ignazio Abate: Gasperini has 640 Serie A matches on his bench, placing him fifth in the all-time standings and closing in on Nils Liedholm's tally of 644. Abate, by contrast, is appearing in only his fourth Serie A match in charge. Roma Primavera, meanwhile, play at home today: at 15:00 they face Como at the Agostino Di Bartolomei ground in Trigoria, with coverage on Sportitalia. The youth side aim to remain unbeaten in the fourth matchday following a comeback victory in the Youth League against Fenerbahce. A starting confirmation is expected for Paratici with Morucci in attack, while Cama is highlighted among young players to watch closely.

Roma's radio stations aired widespread backing for the team ahead of today's Serie A match against Torino, with key opinion-formers emphasising fitness levels and Gasperini's tactical clarity. Simone Valdarchi noted that "Gasperini has made clear once again that Dybala is the strongest and plays whenever he is fit. Torino–Roma is rightly more important than the clash with Inter." Emanuele Lulli, who suffered gastroenteritis, was in good condition yesterday and was tested on the right flank, making him the favourite ahead of Molina. Piero Torri backed Roma's chances: "With the absences of Adams and Simeone, Torino's attacking potential is reduced considerably. If Roma is the team we saw against Atalanta, I believe they have strong chances of winning today. I expect Dybala on the pitch. It's important to secure victory to arrive at full points in the big match against Inter." Riccardo Trevisani called Torino–Roma "an extremely complicated match" and ruled out major formation changes. He said: "Roma would have deserved to win 4–0 even against Atalanta. Wesley is in doubt; Molina can do well on the left for his ability to cut inside and shoot. If Gasperini sees a player is fit, he struggles to change him. The point he makes about Dybala is perfect. I don't think Gasperini will risk Koné; it's time for Pisilli." Mario Mattioli stated: "I believe the physical impact of the Champions match is relative; four days of rest are more than sufficient for perfectly trained athletes. The physical impact won't matter except perhaps in the opening minutes. I hope Castro gets used soon—it would be a shame to lose his rhythm. But I don't believe in tiredness; Roma has the numbers to impose itself, the players have entered Gasperini's system and the squad inspires confidence." Roberto Pruzzo added that Dybala is in optimal condition and that "playing on Thursday and then in the league is complicated; there's a need for Castro and Mora to be able to change the cards."

Roma face Torino today with the chance to build momentum ahead of their Champions League fixture against Inter, according to analysis from several Italian radio commentators. Simone Valdarchi told Radio Manà Manà that Torino can create difficulties for Roma, and warned that the team must maintain focus rather than rebuild after the recent draw against Fenerbahçe. He stressed that today's match carries significant weight: "Roma-Inter will take on a different importance if you arrive at full points after four matches. The Torino match is a fundamental challenge if you want to enter the Champions League." Calendar distractions aside, Valdarchi believes players must concentrate solely on the Torino fixture. Gabriele Conflitti echoed the view that today represents an awkward assignment. "Dybala must not be treated as a display piece—he should play," Conflitti said on Radio Manà Manà. "Today is a tricky match. Torino have put us in difficulty many times down there. Abate coaches them well, especially physically." Piero Torri added: "I hope Castro scores, but the important thing is that you win against Torino today. Because if you take the victory home you go against Inter at full points: that's important." The commentators underlined that a win in Turin would leave Roma positioned ideally for the Inter encounter.

Roma travel to Turin today at 18:30 with a chance to extend their perfect start and claim a fourth consecutive Serie A win, holding top spot before the upcoming clash with Inter. Gasperini has made clear there will be no rotation or pre-planned rest periods, insisting that players who are fit will play. "One rests when they are tired. If someone is well, what do I do, put him to sleep?" the coach said, speaking chiefly about Paulo Dybala. The Argentine has started all four matches this season, completing the last two in full, and continues to serve as Roma's key playmaker with four assists already recorded in the opening three matches — though he remains without a league goal since a trip to Torino in January of last year. Dybala is expected to play from the start again, likely operating behind Donyell Malen. The Dutch forward made his Roma debut at the same Turin stadium and scored immediately, beginning a run that has established him as one of the squad's most effective attacking outlets. Gasperini's philosophy resists strict hierarchies; he has stated he has 20 players available and sees no problem fielding one or another depending on need. Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are competing for space in midfield, with Santiago Castro available as an important option from the bench. The coach intends to use all five substitutions to manage energy without sacrificing quality in the starting eleven. The midfield has strengthened: Manu Koné has recovered from a knee issue sustained in Istanbul and is fit for selection, though he is managing ongoing inflammation that requires careful management. A contest with Niccolò Pisilli remains open, but Koné's return is a significant boost for the side's physicality and ability to break lines. More importantly, Lorenzo Pellegrini has returned to the squad for the first time this season after over five months out. He is not yet ready for full involvement and will be reintegrated gradually, but his availability is a milestone: Gasperini now has access to virtually his entire group. The coach has underlined his refusal to split the squad into fixed categories of starters and reserves, emphasizing that Champions League football demands everyone feels part of the project and ready to contribute when called upon. Roma arrive on a strong run: including the end of last season, they have won eight consecutive Serie A matches. Gasperini, however, resists letting that feed into complacency, keeping his focus on maintaining aggression, intensity and mental hunger. The objective remains the same: take the three points from Turin, keep hold of the table's summit, and face Inter fresh and on form.