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Gasperini weighs rotation options ahead of Torino trip
·13 September 2026·45d ago

Gasperini weighs rotation options ahead of Torino trip

Source: Roma News

Gian Piero Gasperini is considering tactical adjustments for Roma's visit to Torino before the international break, with particular focus on his attacking setup. Paulo Dybala finished Roma's Istanbul fixture visibly exhausted and suffering from cramps after playing five consecutive matches as a starter, averaging 85 minutes per outing. The risk of fielding him from the start at Torino looms large, especially with the forthcoming derby against Inter at the Olimpico in mind.

Matías Soulé is the only forward certain of a starting place, with Rodrigo Mora likely to feature from the opening minute to complete the forward line. A substitution swap between Donyell Malen and Santiago Castro is probable during the match, with Castro having rested during the Champions League game in Istanbul. The Torino fixture arrives at an opportune moment for Roma to restore the attacking potency displayed across their first three Serie A matches.

In the league so far, Roma have scored 10 goals from 71 total shots—an average of 23.6 attempts per match. That output stands in sharp contrast to their Champions League performance in Istanbul, where they managed only one goal from eight shots. Gasperini's use of the five-substitution rule offers tactical flexibility both in the starting XI and during play, allowing the coach to manage load and seize attacking chances as the match develops.

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Story Coverage3 sources on this story

Roma face Torino on 14 September with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen featuring prominently in Gian Piero Gasperini's plans, though outlets differ on whether both will start. All sources agree the coach is weighing rotation options after Roma's Champions League fixture four days earlier and that midfielders Manu Koné and the attacking midfield role will be key selection decisions. Forza Roma reports both Dybala and Malen are set to start, with Niccolò Pisilli or Rodrigo Mora in contention for attacking midfield. Gasperini has defended Dybala's form and rejected suggestions that midfielder Marten de Roon's performances have declined.

However, Retesport and Roma News suggest a different approach. Retesport indicates Dybala is heading toward his first bench appearance of the season after playing five consecutive matches as a starter, averaging 85 minutes, and finishing Roma's Istanbul fixture visibly exhausted with cramps. Mora would replace him, with Soulé and Malen completing the forward line, while Pisilli makes his first Serie A start in midfield with Koné rested. Roma News adds that Matías Soulé is the only forward certain of a starting place, with Castro likely to feature during the match after resting in Europe.

Defensively, Retesport notes Balerdi is in line to start after two consecutive substitute appearances, while Mancini faces concentration difficulties. Molina is expected at right-back. Final clarity on the team will come from today's training session at Trigoria. Roma have scored 10 goals from 71 shots in Serie A this season—averaging 23.6 attempts per match—but managed only one goal from eight shots in Istanbul, highlighting the importance of tactical adjustments.

AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.

Testo Originale / Source Text

“Il concetto di turnover trova tradizionalmente poco spazio nelle prime fasi della stagione sotto la gestione di Gian Piero Gasperini, orientato a dare continuità alla squadra. Tuttavia, in vista della trasferta contro il Torino e prima della sosta per le nazionali, l’allenatore giallorosso valuta…”

Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.

Read original on Roma News →

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