Gasperini on Malen's impact and Pellegrini's return ahead of Torino

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.

Gian Piero Gasperini praised Roma's performance following their away win against Torino, highlighting the partnership between Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen as a defining strength. Speaking to DAZN after the match, the head coach emphasised the quality and complementarity of the two forwards: "The satisfaction is there from everyone, and it is beautiful for fans and those who love football to see two champions who can materialise practically every match with goalscoring situations and dangerous opportunities. Beyond being strong individually, they complete each other greatly, they have crucial combinations that they manage to turn into goals." Gasperini explained his decision to substitute Malen during the match as part of a broader strategy to develop the squad. "We absolutely must grow the squad as much as possible," he said. "This was our third match in eight days, and especially the strikers, if they always play 90 minutes, cannot repeat themselves in every game. If we can spare them 20–30 minutes, they can play more matches in a week. We also have the necessity to have players grow who must become important in the wake of champions like Malen and Dybala. They must not only take the technical example but also one of temperament and desire to perform, desire to be decisive and protagonists. If we manage this, the squad becomes stronger." On the nature of the victory, Gasperini noted it differed from Roma's three previous league wins through its tactical demands. "It is undoubted," he said. "Torino also made important changes tonight that raised the level of the game. We played an excellent first half, although in quality in the final 16–20 metres we could have done a bit better. We played a very good match, and then there is also the opponent who can change cards on the table with fresh and dangerous people. We had to live through temperament, perhaps being a bit less beautiful but always concrete and strong in defence. In the end we also doubled, but this is fundamental." Gasperini compared defender Leonardo Balerdi to Franco Baresi, calling him "a strong defender, very strong. Certainly a modern defender, strong physically and fast. Without name-dropping someone, a central defender like that was Baresi. But without going to invoke him, for how he interprets the role with aggression and speed in recoveries plus participation in the game... Baresi was number 1 in absolute terms, nobody touches him, but as characteristics we are there." Looking ahead, Gasperini acknowledged Roma's upcoming fixture against Inter, recalling last season's encounters. "We have a few days," he said. "Last year there was a difference. On the return we took a bad thrashing but from there the true Roma was born. There was an escalation, not only of results but also of attitudes, behaviours and mentality. In the first match it was more contested, we conceded a goal early but perhaps we deserved something more. Inter is the team of reference in our league for everyone, it is a strong team and rightly indicated by all as the strongest. Although in my opinion Como are very close to them. It is also an opportunity for us to measure ourselves and do better than our recent matches."

Niccolò Pisilli spoke after Roma's match against Torino in Serie A's fourth round, reflecting on the team's approach during the contest. Pisilli acknowledged that Torino are a good side and that Roma needed time to find their rhythm early on. Once they did, the team began winning more possession in advanced areas and creating more chances. "We must continue like this, pressing and putting them in difficulty," Pisilli said of Roma's tactical approach going forward.

Roma extended their unbeaten run to four matches with a 2-0 victory at Turin on 14 September, maintaining their perfect record at the top of Serie A. Donyell Malen opened the scoring in the 40th minute, and Niccolò Pisilli sealed the result in the 90+4th minute. The win takes Roma to 12 points and sole leadership, the only side still on maximum points as Inter await their chance to move level. Malen now sits joint-leading scorer in the league with six goals in four games. Gasperini's side showed resilience despite defensive injuries. Evan N'Dicka was ruled out by gastroenteritis, forcing Leonardo Balerdi into his Roma debut at centre-back alongside Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso. Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina occupied the full-back positions, the latter deputising for the injured Wesley. Bryan Cristante and Pisilli anchored midfield, with Manu Koné initially on the bench, while the attacking line paired Matías Soulé, Malen and Paulo Dybala. Turin's coach Abate made two changes at half-time but Roma dominated the second half's early stages. Malen and Molina combined for a near-miss when the Argentine collected a cross and fired a volley that nearly found the far corner, which Molina felt could have changed the match. Gasperini brought on Rodrigo Mora and Santiago Castro for Soulé and Malen after the hour, then made further adjustments, introducing Marten de Roon and Koné in place of Cristante and Dybala. Turin mounted late pressure—Bragança found space on the counter but was caught by an outstanding recovery tackle from Balerdi, who was among Roma's best performers—and Svilar made a crucial low save from Simeone's attempt after a defensive error. Molina also drew a corner with a powerful drive. Balerdi was named among the match's standout performers, and the defence held firm through four minutes of added time as Maresca brought proceedings to a close. Roma remain undefeated and alone at the summit with maximum points from four matches.

Gian Piero Gasperini fielded questions from journalists ahead of Roma's fourth-round Serie A fixture against Torino at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. The head coach confirmed two key absences from the squad: Wesley suffered a heavy knock in the previous match and had not yet recovered, while Evan N'Dicka contracted flu overnight and did not travel to the stadium. Gasperini expressed strong confidence in Santiago Castro's development. "Castro is performing very well in all situations where he is involved," the coach said. "His condition is good compared to the beginning of the season. We all expect a lot from him, but we are very convinced because he is a player who deserves it and has great qualities." On the availability of attacking options across the squad, Gasperini noted that Roma have fewer attacking players than many other clubs in the league, and that the team recovered Lorenzo Pellegrini only two days before the match. "We hope to always be at full strength," he said, "because in modern football there is a place for everyone at different moments." Asked about Donyell Malen's display in his debut at the same venue, Gasperini reflected: "I had found a great player with important numbers." The comments underscored Roma's injury challenges and their hopes for Castro to develop into a key contributor as the season progresses.

Roma travel to the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino at 18:30 to face Torino under manager Ignazio Abate, fresh from drawing 0–0 against Fenerbahce in the Champions League. Gasperini made one enforced change to his starting XI after Evan N'Dicka was ruled out with gastroenteritis; Leonardo Balerdi replaces him in the back three. Wesley and Manu Koné were doubts but will start from the bench, with Nahuel Molina and Niccolò Pisilli taking their places in the lineup. Paulo Dybala, Donyell Malen and Matías Soulé lead the attack. Roma line up 3–4–2–1: Mile Svilar; Gianluca Mancini, Balerdi, Mario Hermoso; Emanuele Lulli, Bryan Cristante, Pisilli, Molina; Dybala, Soulé; Malen. Torino play 3–5–1–1: Perri; Cömert, Coco, Comuzzo; Fortini, Fitz-Jim, Mandragora, Gineitis, Cacciamani; Vlasic; Simeone.

Roma claimed a fourth consecutive victory with a 2–0 away win at Torino, goals from Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli propelling Gasperini's side to the top of Serie A on a perfect 12-point record. Malen, who had an effort ruled out for offside in the 23rd minute, finally broke through in the first-half closing stages after Gianluca Mancini recovered a loose ball high up the pitch and Paulo Dybala sent him clear; after Torino goalkeeper Perri made a first save, Malen converted the rebound from ground level. The Dutch forward has now scored six goals in four matches and leads the league's scoring chart. With Evan N'Dicka sidelined by gastroenteritis, Gasperini handed Leonardo Balerdi a first start alongside Mancini and Mario Hermoso. The makeshift defence held firm throughout, particularly in the second half when Balerdi pulled off a decisive clearance on Cristiano Bragança in the 76th minute as Torino pressed for an equaliser. Giovani Simeone had the home side's best chance after the interval, but Mile Svilar's positioning denied him. Gasperini introduced Rodrigo Mora, Santiago Castro, Marten de Roon and Manu Koné as Roma controlled the closing stages. Pisilli sealed the win in stoppage time to add a second clean sheet in four games and maintain Gasperini's 100 per cent record since his appointment.

Roma extended their unbeaten run to four matches with a 2-0 victory at Turin on 14 September, maintaining their perfect record at the top of Serie A. Donyell Malen opened the scoring in the 40th minute, and Niccolò Pisilli sealed the result in the 90+4th minute. The win takes Roma to 12 points and sole leadership, the only side still on maximum points as Inter await their chance to move level. Malen now sits joint-leading scorer in the league with six goals in four games. Gasperini's side showed resilience despite defensive injuries. Evan N'Dicka was ruled out by gastroenteritis, forcing Leonardo Balerdi into his Roma debut at centre-back alongside Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso. Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina occupied the full-back positions, the latter deputising for the injured Wesley. Bryan Cristante and Pisilli anchored midfield, with Manu Koné initially on the bench, while the attacking line paired Matías Soulé, Malen and Paulo Dybala. Turin's coach Abate made two changes at half-time but Roma dominated the second half's early stages. Malen and Molina combined for a near-miss when the Argentine collected a cross and fired a volley that nearly found the far corner, which Molina felt could have changed the match. Gasperini brought on Rodrigo Mora and Santiago Castro for Soulé and Malen after the hour, then made further adjustments, introducing Marten de Roon and Koné in place of Cristante and Dybala. Turin mounted late pressure—Bragança found space on the counter but was caught by an outstanding recovery tackle from Balerdi, who was among Roma's best performers—and Svilar made a crucial low save from Simeone's attempt after a defensive error. Molina also drew a corner with a powerful drive. Balerdi was named among the match's standout performers, and the defence held firm through four minutes of added time as Maresca brought proceedings to a close. Roma remain undefeated and alone at the summit with maximum points from four matches.

Gian Piero Gasperini fielded questions from journalists ahead of Roma's fourth-round Serie A fixture against Torino at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. The head coach confirmed two key absences from the squad: Wesley suffered a heavy knock in the previous match and had not yet recovered, while Evan N'Dicka contracted flu overnight and did not travel to the stadium. Gasperini expressed strong confidence in Santiago Castro's development. "Castro is performing very well in all situations where he is involved," the coach said. "His condition is good compared to the beginning of the season. We all expect a lot from him, but we are very convinced because he is a player who deserves it and has great qualities." On the availability of attacking options across the squad, Gasperini noted that Roma have fewer attacking players than many other clubs in the league, and that the team recovered Lorenzo Pellegrini only two days before the match. "We hope to always be at full strength," he said, "because in modern football there is a place for everyone at different moments." Asked about Donyell Malen's display in his debut at the same venue, Gasperini reflected: "I had found a great player with important numbers." The comments underscored Roma's injury challenges and their hopes for Castro to develop into a key contributor as the season progresses.

Roma claimed a fourth consecutive victory with a 2–0 away win at Torino, goals from Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli propelling Gasperini's side to the top of Serie A on a perfect 12-point record. Malen, who had an effort ruled out for offside in the 23rd minute, finally broke through in the first-half closing stages after Gianluca Mancini recovered a loose ball high up the pitch and Paulo Dybala sent him clear; after Torino goalkeeper Perri made a first save, Malen converted the rebound from ground level. The Dutch forward has now scored six goals in four matches and leads the league's scoring chart. With Evan N'Dicka sidelined by gastroenteritis, Gasperini handed Leonardo Balerdi a first start alongside Mancini and Mario Hermoso. The makeshift defence held firm throughout, particularly in the second half when Balerdi pulled off a decisive clearance on Cristiano Bragança in the 76th minute as Torino pressed for an equaliser. Giovani Simeone had the home side's best chance after the interval, but Mile Svilar's positioning denied him. Gasperini introduced Rodrigo Mora, Santiago Castro, Marten de Roon and Manu Koné as Roma controlled the closing stages. Pisilli sealed the win in stoppage time to add a second clean sheet in four games and maintain Gasperini's 100 per cent record since his appointment.

Roma overcame Torino 2-0 in a commanding performance that showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Mile Svilar was alert in goal, making a crucial save from Simeone's close-range attempt in the second half after dealing with an early delivery from Fitz-Jim. The match pivoted on Roma's control throughout the first half, when Torino offered little threat. Gianluca Mancini was tasked with erasing defensive lapses from recent matches against Atalanta and Fenerbahce, and he answered by forcing the ball loose in a challenge that led directly to Roma's opening goal. Leonardo Balerdi took command of the central defence, twice making critical interventions to thwart Simeone—once within five minutes when he blocked an insertion at the far post, and again late on when he recovered to cut out a dangerous cross from Braganca. Balerdi's display marked him as a potential protagonist for the season ahead. Mario Hermoso followed Gasperini's instructions to press high, becoming both a ball-winner and a creative outlet further up the pitch, though his execution in the final third was inconsistent. Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli formed a hard-working midfield partnership, with Cristante battling Mandragora in the centre while Pisilli compensated for lacking Manu Koné's physical tools by pressing aggressively into space and harassing every ball carrier. In the 64th minute, Marten de Roon replaced Cristante and restored midfield tranquility with defensive work and high pressure reminiscent of his Atalanta days. Koné came on for Dybala at the same juncture, contributing some personality to the middle of the park. Paulo Dybala was in commanding form, immediately testing Comuzzo with two sharp strikes before setting Donyell Malen up for the opening goal—described as the seventh piece of their attacking partnership's artistry. Malen, on his debut for Roma, arrived with incredible momentum and nearly broke the deadlock inside ten minutes with a header that went marginally over before finding a deflection off Coco moments later. At his third chance, combining astuteness with fortune, he converted to extend Roma's unbeaten start. Nahuel Molina, in his first outing as a starter, began uncertainly, arriving late to second balls and struggling to deliver the width Gasperini demands, though he combined dangerously with Dybala and Malen late on and nearly produced an improbable assist. Santiago Castro replaced Malen in the 57th minute to provide depth and hold possession. Pisilli took a clear prize late in the match—a goal born of relentless pressing and the lactate buildup of continuous harrying across the pitch.

Roma extended their unbeaten run to four matches with a 2-0 victory at Turin on 14 September, maintaining their perfect record at the top of Serie A. Donyell Malen opened the scoring in the 40th minute, and Niccolò Pisilli sealed the result in the 90+4th minute. The win takes Roma to 12 points and sole leadership, the only side still on maximum points as Inter await their chance to move level. Malen now sits joint-leading scorer in the league with six goals in four games. Gasperini's side showed resilience despite defensive injuries. Evan N'Dicka was ruled out by gastroenteritis, forcing Leonardo Balerdi into his Roma debut at centre-back alongside Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso. Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina occupied the full-back positions, the latter deputising for the injured Wesley. Bryan Cristante and Pisilli anchored midfield, with Manu Koné initially on the bench, while the attacking line paired Matías Soulé, Malen and Paulo Dybala. Turin's coach Abate made two changes at half-time but Roma dominated the second half's early stages. Malen and Molina combined for a near-miss when the Argentine collected a cross and fired a volley that nearly found the far corner, which Molina felt could have changed the match. Gasperini brought on Rodrigo Mora and Santiago Castro for Soulé and Malen after the hour, then made further adjustments, introducing Marten de Roon and Koné in place of Cristante and Dybala. Turin mounted late pressure—Bragança found space on the counter but was caught by an outstanding recovery tackle from Balerdi, who was among Roma's best performers—and Svilar made a crucial low save from Simeone's attempt after a defensive error. Molina also drew a corner with a powerful drive. Balerdi was named among the match's standout performers, and the defence held firm through four minutes of added time as Maresca brought proceedings to a close. Roma remain undefeated and alone at the summit with maximum points from four matches.