Gasperini rules out quick fixes, insists Roma must work to improve squad

Roma drew 1–1 at Fenerbahce in their Champions League opener and return to Serie A action on Monday. Gian Piero Gasperini's side travel to face Torino, managed by Ignazio Abate, who recently won a comeback victory over Fiorentina. The head coach will hold his pre-match press conference at Trigoria on Sunday at 13:30. A win at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino would leave Roma unbeaten after four matches, maintaining a perfect record. That success would put them in a stronger position before a big clash with Inter five days later.

Roma will hold a press conference on Sunday at 13:30, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini facing the media ahead of Monday's Serie A match at Torino. The fixture comes after a draw against Fenerbahce in Turkey and represents the third game in a compressed week for the Giallorossi, who are looking to extend their winning run in the league. Gasperini will use the conference to assess the squad's condition and offer an update on Manu Koné, who is managing a knee issue that requires day-to-day evaluation. The midfielder's availability will be a key consideration as Roma prepare for the visit to the Granata.

Mile Svilar reflected on Roma's Champions League draw against Fenerbahce, telling Sky Sport that while the result was acceptable, the team's performance suggested they should have won. The goalkeeper highlighted a one-on-one chance he dealt with by reading the play early and saving with his feet. "Both sides could have scored," Svilar said. "These are Champions League matches. We were better in the way we played. The draw is not bad, but with our performance, as we've shown in the league, I believe we can take more points." The comments underlined Roma's frustration at not converting their dominance into a victory and their confidence in the football being produced under the current system.

Roma are preparing for their match against Torino on 14 September with several changes across midfield, defence and attack as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini manages the squad's physical demands. Manu Koné will miss the opening in favour of Niccolò Pisilli, who is set to make his first league start of the 2026-27 season after the French midfielder completed a separate training session on 12 September as a precautionary measure. Lorenzo Pellegrini is available again after his absence and will be included in the squad. The defensive line will see Leonardo Balerdi come into contention to replace Gianluca Mancini, who has appeared below his best in recent outings, with Ghilardi also in the frame. Emanuele Lulli is expected to return to the starting XI on the right flank. In attack, Gasperini plans a managed rotation between Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé to control the demands on his forward resources as Roma push forward in their league campaign.

Niccolò Pisilli and Emanuele Lulli embody Roma's academy excellence — both young, Roman-born romanisti developed through the club's youth system. Pisilli, born in 2004, has amassed 81 appearances in a Roma shirt and will make his 82nd against Torino tomorrow, starting in midfield alongside Bryan Cristante for the first time this season. Lulli, 19 and born in 2007, was rested during Roma's Champions League fixture at Fenerbahce to protect him, and will face Torino with Cacciamani — another Roma summer target of identical age — opposing him. The pair represent the calibre of talent being developed within the club. Marten de Roon, among the recent arrivals, is gradually being integrated into the squad rotation, while Nahuel Molina — not yet at full condition — is expected to feature more regularly in the starting eleven after the international break. The Stadio Olimpico will host the clash against Atalanta, where national team coach Mancini was present to observe Roma's players. On the transfer front, Salah-Eddine has left Roma to join Panathinaikos on loan with a purchase option set at 7 million euros plus 1 million in add-ons, completing the final operation of the summer window.

Roma face Torino on 14 September with midfielder Manu Koné likely to miss the match or at least the starting lineup. The French midfielder trained separately on 12 September and is in line for rest, clearing the way for Niccolò Pisilli to make his first start. Lorenzo Pellegrini is also available and could return to the squad. In defence, Leonardo Balerdi has the edge over Daniele Ghilardi to replace Gianluca Mancini, who has been below par. Emanuele Lulli is expected to return at right-back. In attack, Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé will share the workload in a rotation arrangement.