Gasperini updates Roma injury list ahead of Torino: Pellegrini and Lulli nearing return

Emanuele Lulli will be available for Gian Piero Gasperini in Roma's match against Torino on 14 September after recovering from an intestinal virus he suffered in recent days. The 19-year-old, who plays as a defender, is expected to start in the Serie A fixture at Stadio Olimpico-Grande Torino, the club's fourth league match of the season. Lulli had contracted the virus without fever, according to Sky Sport journalist Angelo Mangiante. The Palestrina-born player had featured in Roma's opening three Serie A games before being named on the bench for the Champions League debut at home against Fenerbahce. He will train normally today, though the fitness of Manu Koné and Lorenzo Pellegrini remains under observation.

Emanuele Lulli missed training on 12 September with influenza ahead of Roma's Serie A clash against Torino on 14 September at 18:30 at the Stadio Olimpico-Grande Torino, a fourth-round fixture. The 19-year-old defender hopes to recover in time for the match and undergo a decisive final training session. Gian Piero Gasperini will hold his pre-match press conference at Trigoria at 13:30 on 13 September, with an eye toward rotation given Roma's three fixtures in just over a week—including a Champions League match against Fenerbahce and a home encounter with Inter the following Saturday. Koné and Pellegrini are also focal points of Friday's training assessment. The French midfielder has a knee issue that is not a major concern but will not be risked; he trained separately on 12 September, meaning Niccolò Pisilli is expected to start alongside Bryan Cristante in midfield at Torino. Pellegrini is hoping to earn his first squad call-up of the season. Lulli, a 19-year-old from Palestrina, is keen to face Torino's Cacciamani, who recently renewed his contract with the Turin side, and to perform in front of national team coach Mancini, who is scheduled to attend the match according to reports.

Emanuele Lulli has been cleared to train with Roma's squad on 13 September after a brief health scare resolved. The defender had caused concern in recent hours over an influenza syndrome that threatened his availability for the upcoming fixture, but according to reporter Angelo Mangiante, the situation has stabilised. Lulli is present at Trigoria and will participate in the day's training session with the team. Gasperini can now count on the 2007-born defender for selection, barring any fresh complications. Lulli's status had been uncertain during the morning, with the influenza syndrome risking his involvement in Roma's next match, but the alarm has passed and he is available for the manager's consideration.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 13 September ahead of Roma's trip to Turin on Monday 14 September at 18:30 for Serie A's fourth round, three days after a Champions League draw with Fenerbahce. The manager rejected suggestions that squad rotation creates a hierarchy problem, stating: "I beg you to stop with this hierarchy story, it's not good towards the players who are giving their all, it makes no sense and has no effect on the team. Everyone gives an important contribution." When asked about Donyell Malen's 19 goals in 21 Serie A appearances since joining Roma, Gasperini said: "These are extraordinary numbers, out of the ordinary. This player did something special especially with consistency. They are extraordinary also for the characteristics and qualities of the goals. Taking Malen, I knew he would be an important player, but here we went beyond expectations." He also defended the addition of Marten de Roon, dismissing criticism from Atalanta supporters: "He was for many years someone who took the name of Atalanta and the city of Bergamo high. For us having him here will be a stroke of luck. Unfortunately for him it wasn't his choice: he didn't fit into Atalanta's plans, and what should he do, the old shoe in a cupboard?" On squad depth, Gasperini outlined his selection philosophy: "If a player is well, he plays always. There is no doubt. One rests when he is tired. You cannot predict an injury, we do not have a crystal ball." He emphasised that Lorenzo Pellegrini would return and travel to Turin, and that Manu Koné's fitness was being assessed. On the forward line—where Castro, Malen, Paulo Dybala, Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé are competing—Gasperini said: "There is him, there is Malen, there is Dybala, Mora, Soulé…tell me who is doing badly…Maybe for the first time we have everyone. Lulli had flu yesterday but today he seems better." Wesley had suffered a knock in the Champions League match but would recover within days, while Nahuel Molina, who arrived on 31 August, had had two weeks to settle. Gasperini warned that Turin would be a difficult opponent and Roma must perform at their highest level. "Tomorrow we must give a great performance, because it will be a difficult match, as they all are in different ways. We need a team at its best," he said.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 13 September ahead of Roma's fourth league fixture against Torino on 14 September at the Stadio Olimpico-Grande Torino, kickoff 18:30. The head coach addressed squad rotation, player form and Roma's readiness for a fixture he described as difficult as any other. Gasperini praised Donyell Malen's contribution since his arrival, saying: "The numbers are extraordinary and special. This player has made them with continuity and they are significant, they are great numbers also for how they were made, for the characteristics. Taking Malen I knew he would be important but we went beyond that." On Rodrigo Mora, he noted the young forward's level despite his age: "He has talent but it is not considered that he is young. He must complete himself from a physical and tactical point of view but what he has shown in the first matches, either from the start or coming in during the game, is that he is a young player of level. I do not believe there are young players more protagonists than he is at this moment." Gasperini rejected talk of a defensive pecking order, stating: "Please stop with the hierarchy discussion, it is not right towards the players who are giving their maximum. It does not make sense for these players, they are all giving an important contribution." He acknowledged Daniele Ghilardi's progress, Konstantinos Koulierakis' form and Leonardo Balerdi's arrival as a player of substance. On Paulo Dybala's workload, he said: "If he is well he plays always. You cannot predict injuries, we do not have a crystal ball. If one is well he plays, if he needs to rest then it is right that he has a week or two to rest." Gasperini confirmed Lorenzo Pellegrini would be available after his absence, adding: "We are in a position to be complete." Emanuele Lulli had a fever the previous day but was improving. Manu Koné was expected to train that day, with his status to be assessed. On the defensive lapses—Roma having conceded twice early in the second half in recent matches—Gasperini said: "We are trying to avoid taking these goals. It has happened twice but they were two well-played matches. We will be more careful, the important thing is not to take goals." Wesley took a knock to the knee in his last match but was expected to recover within two days. Molina arrived around 30 August and had been at the club for 15 days, having missed pre-season but was growing into the group.

Emanuele Lulli will be available for Gian Piero Gasperini in Roma's match against Torino on 14 September after recovering from an intestinal virus he suffered in recent days. The 19-year-old, who plays as a defender, is expected to start in the Serie A fixture at Stadio Olimpico-Grande Torino, the club's fourth league match of the season. Lulli had contracted the virus without fever, according to Sky Sport journalist Angelo Mangiante. The Palestrina-born player had featured in Roma's opening three Serie A games before being named on the bench for the Champions League debut at home against Fenerbahce. He will train normally today, though the fitness of Manu Koné and Lorenzo Pellegrini remains under observation.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 13 September ahead of Roma's trip to Turin on Monday 14 September at 18:30 for Serie A's fourth round, three days after a Champions League draw with Fenerbahce. The manager rejected suggestions that squad rotation creates a hierarchy problem, stating: "I beg you to stop with this hierarchy story, it's not good towards the players who are giving their all, it makes no sense and has no effect on the team. Everyone gives an important contribution." When asked about Donyell Malen's 19 goals in 21 Serie A appearances since joining Roma, Gasperini said: "These are extraordinary numbers, out of the ordinary. This player did something special especially with consistency. They are extraordinary also for the characteristics and qualities of the goals. Taking Malen, I knew he would be an important player, but here we went beyond expectations." He also defended the addition of Marten de Roon, dismissing criticism from Atalanta supporters: "He was for many years someone who took the name of Atalanta and the city of Bergamo high. For us having him here will be a stroke of luck. Unfortunately for him it wasn't his choice: he didn't fit into Atalanta's plans, and what should he do, the old shoe in a cupboard?" On squad depth, Gasperini outlined his selection philosophy: "If a player is well, he plays always. There is no doubt. One rests when he is tired. You cannot predict an injury, we do not have a crystal ball." He emphasised that Lorenzo Pellegrini would return and travel to Turin, and that Manu Koné's fitness was being assessed. On the forward line—where Castro, Malen, Paulo Dybala, Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé are competing—Gasperini said: "There is him, there is Malen, there is Dybala, Mora, Soulé…tell me who is doing badly…Maybe for the first time we have everyone. Lulli had flu yesterday but today he seems better." Wesley had suffered a knock in the Champions League match but would recover within days, while Nahuel Molina, who arrived on 31 August, had had two weeks to settle. Gasperini warned that Turin would be a difficult opponent and Roma must perform at their highest level. "Tomorrow we must give a great performance, because it will be a difficult match, as they all are in different ways. We need a team at its best," he said.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 13 September ahead of Roma's fourth league fixture against Torino on 14 September at the Stadio Olimpico-Grande Torino, kickoff 18:30. The head coach addressed squad rotation, player form and Roma's readiness for a fixture he described as difficult as any other. Gasperini praised Donyell Malen's contribution since his arrival, saying: "The numbers are extraordinary and special. This player has made them with continuity and they are significant, they are great numbers also for how they were made, for the characteristics. Taking Malen I knew he would be important but we went beyond that." On Rodrigo Mora, he noted the young forward's level despite his age: "He has talent but it is not considered that he is young. He must complete himself from a physical and tactical point of view but what he has shown in the first matches, either from the start or coming in during the game, is that he is a young player of level. I do not believe there are young players more protagonists than he is at this moment." Gasperini rejected talk of a defensive pecking order, stating: "Please stop with the hierarchy discussion, it is not right towards the players who are giving their maximum. It does not make sense for these players, they are all giving an important contribution." He acknowledged Daniele Ghilardi's progress, Konstantinos Koulierakis' form and Leonardo Balerdi's arrival as a player of substance. On Paulo Dybala's workload, he said: "If he is well he plays always. You cannot predict injuries, we do not have a crystal ball. If one is well he plays, if he needs to rest then it is right that he has a week or two to rest." Gasperini confirmed Lorenzo Pellegrini would be available after his absence, adding: "We are in a position to be complete." Emanuele Lulli had a fever the previous day but was improving. Manu Koné was expected to train that day, with his status to be assessed. On the defensive lapses—Roma having conceded twice early in the second half in recent matches—Gasperini said: "We are trying to avoid taking these goals. It has happened twice but they were two well-played matches. We will be more careful, the important thing is not to take goals." Wesley took a knock to the knee in his last match but was expected to recover within two days. Molina arrived around 30 August and had been at the club for 15 days, having missed pre-season but was growing into the group.

Alessandro Romano has been sold to Cagliari for €5 million plus bonuses potentially rising to €6.5 million, but the move has reignited debate about Roma's pattern of disposing of young talent at underdeveloped stages. Signed from Winterthur in 2022 for approximately €70,000, Romano had been viewed at Trigoria as a prospect with significant potential and was developed into a Serie A-standard midfielder within a few years. From a financial standpoint, the transaction is defensible: the enormous profit relative to the initial outlay is straightforward. The deeper question, however, is whether Roma will later regret the sale. The club is not alone in facing pressure to generate revenue from youth players—academies exist partly to produce economic value, and no organization can retain all its talents indefinitely while waiting to identify which ones will flourish. Roma's position has been complicated by UEFA settlement agreement obligations in recent years, making the academy a significant revenue source; since 2022, youth departures have generated tens of millions. Yet a pattern has emerged. Davide Frattesi developed into an internationally competitive midfielder away from Rome; Riccardo Calafiori represents probably Roma's greatest regret. Romano's career trajectory will determine whether Roma sold him at the right moment or too early. The concern is not that he is currently ready to displace Manu Koné or Bryan Cristante, but that a talent still developing is precisely the type a club should attempt to maintain some form of control over when possible. The issue becomes more acute when considering Emanuele Lulli, who came close to joining Avellino during the summer in a deal that could have included a loan with an option to buy. The principle remains constant: when market conditions force a club to seek resources, young players become one of the easiest paths. Romano was sold in a summer when Roma needed to generate plusvalenzas and protect players deemed central to the first team. Romano will reveal through his career whether Roma timed the sale correctly or sold too soon. The lesson from Frattesi and Calafiori should be clear: while some young talent will inevitably escape, when Trigoria develops a player with something extra, maintaining some link to his future may ultimately be worth far more than immediate profit.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 13 September ahead of Roma's trip to Turin on Monday 14 September at 18:30 for Serie A's fourth round, three days after a Champions League draw with Fenerbahce. The manager rejected suggestions that squad rotation creates a hierarchy problem, stating: "I beg you to stop with this hierarchy story, it's not good towards the players who are giving their all, it makes no sense and has no effect on the team. Everyone gives an important contribution." When asked about Donyell Malen's 19 goals in 21 Serie A appearances since joining Roma, Gasperini said: "These are extraordinary numbers, out of the ordinary. This player did something special especially with consistency. They are extraordinary also for the characteristics and qualities of the goals. Taking Malen, I knew he would be an important player, but here we went beyond expectations." He also defended the addition of Marten de Roon, dismissing criticism from Atalanta supporters: "He was for many years someone who took the name of Atalanta and the city of Bergamo high. For us having him here will be a stroke of luck. Unfortunately for him it wasn't his choice: he didn't fit into Atalanta's plans, and what should he do, the old shoe in a cupboard?" On squad depth, Gasperini outlined his selection philosophy: "If a player is well, he plays always. There is no doubt. One rests when he is tired. You cannot predict an injury, we do not have a crystal ball." He emphasised that Lorenzo Pellegrini would return and travel to Turin, and that Manu Koné's fitness was being assessed. On the forward line—where Castro, Malen, Paulo Dybala, Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé are competing—Gasperini said: "There is him, there is Malen, there is Dybala, Mora, Soulé…tell me who is doing badly…Maybe for the first time we have everyone. Lulli had flu yesterday but today he seems better." Wesley had suffered a knock in the Champions League match but would recover within days, while Nahuel Molina, who arrived on 31 August, had had two weeks to settle. Gasperini warned that Turin would be a difficult opponent and Roma must perform at their highest level. "Tomorrow we must give a great performance, because it will be a difficult match, as they all are in different ways. We need a team at its best," he said.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 13 September ahead of Roma's fourth league fixture against Torino on 14 September at the Stadio Olimpico-Grande Torino, kickoff 18:30. The head coach addressed squad rotation, player form and Roma's readiness for a fixture he described as difficult as any other. Gasperini praised Donyell Malen's contribution since his arrival, saying: "The numbers are extraordinary and special. This player has made them with continuity and they are significant, they are great numbers also for how they were made, for the characteristics. Taking Malen I knew he would be important but we went beyond that." On Rodrigo Mora, he noted the young forward's level despite his age: "He has talent but it is not considered that he is young. He must complete himself from a physical and tactical point of view but what he has shown in the first matches, either from the start or coming in during the game, is that he is a young player of level. I do not believe there are young players more protagonists than he is at this moment." Gasperini rejected talk of a defensive pecking order, stating: "Please stop with the hierarchy discussion, it is not right towards the players who are giving their maximum. It does not make sense for these players, they are all giving an important contribution." He acknowledged Daniele Ghilardi's progress, Konstantinos Koulierakis' form and Leonardo Balerdi's arrival as a player of substance. On Paulo Dybala's workload, he said: "If he is well he plays always. You cannot predict injuries, we do not have a crystal ball. If one is well he plays, if he needs to rest then it is right that he has a week or two to rest." Gasperini confirmed Lorenzo Pellegrini would be available after his absence, adding: "We are in a position to be complete." Emanuele Lulli had a fever the previous day but was improving. Manu Koné was expected to train that day, with his status to be assessed. On the defensive lapses—Roma having conceded twice early in the second half in recent matches—Gasperini said: "We are trying to avoid taking these goals. It has happened twice but they were two well-played matches. We will be more careful, the important thing is not to take goals." Wesley took a knock to the knee in his last match but was expected to recover within two days. Molina arrived around 30 August and had been at the club for 15 days, having missed pre-season but was growing into the group.

Salah-Eddine is leaving Roma to join Greek club Panathinaikos on a loan deal with a right of redemption. The full-back underwent medical tests in Athens and signed his contract today. He had rejected approaches from Olympiacos in August and turned down West Ham's offer in the closing days of the transfer window. Head coach Gasperini confirmed last week that Salah-Eddine had been offered several moves he declined and plays no part in Roma's plans. The decision to part ways came despite Wesley not arriving as a replacement from the transfer market. Gasperini said: "Salah-Eddine has had quite a few opportunities that he refused. As far as Roma is concerned, I have already made my choices and he does not feature in Roma's plans."