Gasperini's Roma stands alone: Inter test awaits

Rome's radio stations offered their verdict on Roma's latest performance, with broadcasters drawing parallels between the club and Serie A's title contenders. Roberto Pruzzo on Radio Radio noted Roma's quality in the opening half hour, praising Donyell Malen as decisive and dangerous, and Paulo Dybala for demonstrating good fitness. Sandro Sabatini also called it a strong display, highlighting Roma's attacking control when ahead and singling out Leonardo Balerdi as an unexpected standout, though he pointed to Inter's defensive vulnerabilities as a contrast. Lorenzo Pes on Teleradiostereo made the boldest assessment, saying Roma have emerged as a genuine title contender alongside Inter and Como. He underlined Roma's recent defensive record—just one goal conceded in four matches—and identified centre-backs Hermoso and Mancini as a significant asset. Pes also praised Balerdi's composure and speed, and expressed surprise at Marten de Roon's quick adaptation, suggesting the midfielder's presence could complicate Gasperini's team selection in the defensive line. Pes stated: "The Roma team has become a certainty, together with Como and Inter." He noted that Inter's next opponent will be Roma after the international break, followed by Como. Pes also observed that Roma's setup differs markedly from the fixture between the clubs last season, marking a shift in how the team approaches its challenges.

Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli scored as Roma won at Torino to extend their perfect start to the season to four consecutive Serie A victories. Malen's goal opened the scoring — his sixth of the campaign — before Pisilli added a second in injury time to secure the points. The display showed the defensive leadership of Leonardo Balerdi and the tactical impact of Gasperini's substitutions, with Nahuel Molina's performance on the wing and Marten de Roon's immediate influence after coming on praised for order and authority. Pisilli, deployed in the starting midfield alongside Bryan Cristante, was the standout performer. The academy product answered summer transfer speculation that had linked him with a possible exit by delivering a complete display built on work rate, game management and consistency. Gasperini demands exactly this standard and Pisilli continued to deliver it without prompting. Roma maintained their compact shape throughout at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, demonstrating the mature, solid and ambitious structure that has underpinned their four consecutive league wins and unbeaten record this season.

Leonardo Balerdi earned the highest rating from match reviewers after Roma's victory in Turin on 15 September, recording an average of 7.5, ahead of Donyell Malen (7.4) and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini (7.3). Niccolò Pisilli and Paulo Dybala both scored 7, with Pisilli netting Roma's second goal despite cramping, while Matías Soulé (5.9) and substitute Rodrigo Mora (5.4) struggled in comparison. Referee Fabio Maresca received divided marks for his performance: 5 from Gazzetta dello Sport, 6.5 from Corriere dello Sport and 6 from Il Romanista. The key incident centred on a challenge by Comuzzo on a cross from Nahuel Molina, which was adjudged to strike the defender's chest rather than his arm, making the non-award of a penalty correct. Both of Roma's goals were considered correctly allowed. Meanwhile, Inter face uncertainty ahead of their Serie A fixture against Roma on Saturday: midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is in serious doubt after missing the match against Udinese with adductor fatigue. He underwent examinations on 15 September. Manchester City's John Stones also suffered injury during the week, suffering a hamstring problem and requiring reassessment.

Rome's radio stations offered their verdict on Roma's latest performance, with broadcasters drawing parallels between the club and Serie A's title contenders. Roberto Pruzzo on Radio Radio noted Roma's quality in the opening half hour, praising Donyell Malen as decisive and dangerous, and Paulo Dybala for demonstrating good fitness. Sandro Sabatini also called it a strong display, highlighting Roma's attacking control when ahead and singling out Leonardo Balerdi as an unexpected standout, though he pointed to Inter's defensive vulnerabilities as a contrast. Lorenzo Pes on Teleradiostereo made the boldest assessment, saying Roma have emerged as a genuine title contender alongside Inter and Como. He underlined Roma's recent defensive record—just one goal conceded in four matches—and identified centre-backs Hermoso and Mancini as a significant asset. Pes also praised Balerdi's composure and speed, and expressed surprise at Marten de Roon's quick adaptation, suggesting the midfielder's presence could complicate Gasperini's team selection in the defensive line. Pes stated: "The Roma team has become a certainty, together with Como and Inter." He noted that Inter's next opponent will be Roma after the international break, followed by Como. Pes also observed that Roma's setup differs markedly from the fixture between the clubs last season, marking a shift in how the team approaches its challenges.

Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli scored as Roma won at Torino to extend their perfect start to the season to four consecutive Serie A victories. Malen's goal opened the scoring — his sixth of the campaign — before Pisilli added a second in injury time to secure the points. The display showed the defensive leadership of Leonardo Balerdi and the tactical impact of Gasperini's substitutions, with Nahuel Molina's performance on the wing and Marten de Roon's immediate influence after coming on praised for order and authority. Pisilli, deployed in the starting midfield alongside Bryan Cristante, was the standout performer. The academy product answered summer transfer speculation that had linked him with a possible exit by delivering a complete display built on work rate, game management and consistency. Gasperini demands exactly this standard and Pisilli continued to deliver it without prompting. Roma maintained their compact shape throughout at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, demonstrating the mature, solid and ambitious structure that has underpinned their four consecutive league wins and unbeaten record this season.

Niccolò Pisilli has scored twice in 126 minutes of Serie A action, demonstrating a ruthless finishing touch despite not always getting into shooting positions. The young midfielder's conversion rate is striking: while he doesn't generate a high volume of attempts, he is consistently effective when the chance arrives. Pisilli could feature again against Inter, possibly even if Manu Koné recovers from injury. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is considering deploying him alongside Paulo Dybala behind Donyell Malen to reinforce Roma's midfield compactness from the start. The decision will be made on Saturday morning.

Roma's transfer strategy this summer has drawn criticism from sections of the media, particularly the departures and arrivals in defence. Jan Ziółkowski, signed in August 2025 at a low fee following scout Massara's assessment of his potential in Poland, has left to gain playing time elsewhere after Gasperini identified other priorities. Alongside Konstantinos Koulierakis, Leonardo Balerdi arrived late in the window—the former Marseille captain—prompting complaints from observers who questioned why Ziółkowski was sold if money was then spent on a replacement. The logic behind Roma's approach is becoming clearer in the opening weeks of the season. Ziółkowski may return one day ready to compete for a starting place, or he may represent a useful profit for the club's finances. For now, Balerdi is what Roma need. What rankles some commentators is that those now celebrating Balerdi's arrival were among those who dismissed his signing initially, often appearing unfamiliar with his name. Before Turin-Roma, some called for Balerdi to replace Gianluca Mancini, whom they had written off as finished after errors against Atalanta and Fenerbahçe. Mancini, however, produced a monumental display at Turin, exposing the opportunism of those quick to turn on him. The article criticizes media outlets for excitement in watching Roma stumble rather than genuine engagement with the club's direction.

Rome's radio stations offered their verdict on Roma's latest performance, with broadcasters drawing parallels between the club and Serie A's title contenders. Roberto Pruzzo on Radio Radio noted Roma's quality in the opening half hour, praising Donyell Malen as decisive and dangerous, and Paulo Dybala for demonstrating good fitness. Sandro Sabatini also called it a strong display, highlighting Roma's attacking control when ahead and singling out Leonardo Balerdi as an unexpected standout, though he pointed to Inter's defensive vulnerabilities as a contrast. Lorenzo Pes on Teleradiostereo made the boldest assessment, saying Roma have emerged as a genuine title contender alongside Inter and Como. He underlined Roma's recent defensive record—just one goal conceded in four matches—and identified centre-backs Hermoso and Mancini as a significant asset. Pes also praised Balerdi's composure and speed, and expressed surprise at Marten de Roon's quick adaptation, suggesting the midfielder's presence could complicate Gasperini's team selection in the defensive line. Pes stated: "The Roma team has become a certainty, together with Como and Inter." He noted that Inter's next opponent will be Roma after the international break, followed by Como. Pes also observed that Roma's setup differs markedly from the fixture between the clubs last season, marking a shift in how the team approaches its challenges.

Radio commentators have delivered strong verdicts on Roma's performance in their most recent match, with consensus that the team is well-positioned heading into the season. Carina told Radio Radio: "Roma seems to me to have something more even compared to rivals, even Inter, which appears to have some injury problems, especially in defence. Roma instead seems well set up, together with Como. Inter's strikers, nobody has in Italy: Lautaro didn't play yesterday and nobody noticed, but they have problems that Roma and Como don't have." Pruzzo added: "I liked Roma: in the first half an hour it found solutions, exploited the opponents' errors. Malen is too decisive and too dangerous, Dybala showed he is in good condition. It seemed to me a good Roma for what the match demanded." Orsi emphasised the team's trajectory: "Yesterday was a match where Roma deserved to win. It didn't excite me, but that's normal given the energy spent in these days. Roma at the moment is doing well. Svilar made only one save, it seems to me that Torino's attack was soft: it confirmed the squad's good moment. The direct clash against Inter can give the championship answers about the work done so far. Roma plays as Gasperini wants, but it doesn't always find inconsistent squads: now it finds Inter, which when it breaks away in one-on-one is more complicated to face." Sabatini highlighted individual performances: "It was a great match, because as long as Roma went ahead it was always on the attack: Torino was, as they say, put to sleep. A match of good management, with individuals like Malen and with some surprise like Balerdi: I didn't think he was so strong." Pes noted that Roma has conceded only one goal in four matches and praised defensive structure: "Roma attacks with two centre-backs, Hermoso and Mancini, and for me this is also a great added value. Balerdi has a way of playing that impresses: security, speed." Roma will face Inter next, followed by Como after the international break.

Rome's radio stations offered their verdict on Roma's latest performance, with broadcasters drawing parallels between the club and Serie A's title contenders. Roberto Pruzzo on Radio Radio noted Roma's quality in the opening half hour, praising Donyell Malen as decisive and dangerous, and Paulo Dybala for demonstrating good fitness. Sandro Sabatini also called it a strong display, highlighting Roma's attacking control when ahead and singling out Leonardo Balerdi as an unexpected standout, though he pointed to Inter's defensive vulnerabilities as a contrast. Lorenzo Pes on Teleradiostereo made the boldest assessment, saying Roma have emerged as a genuine title contender alongside Inter and Como. He underlined Roma's recent defensive record—just one goal conceded in four matches—and identified centre-backs Hermoso and Mancini as a significant asset. Pes also praised Balerdi's composure and speed, and expressed surprise at Marten de Roon's quick adaptation, suggesting the midfielder's presence could complicate Gasperini's team selection in the defensive line. Pes stated: "The Roma team has become a certainty, together with Como and Inter." He noted that Inter's next opponent will be Roma after the international break, followed by Como. Pes also observed that Roma's setup differs markedly from the fixture between the clubs last season, marking a shift in how the team approaches its challenges.

Niccolò Pisilli has scored twice in 126 minutes of Serie A action, demonstrating a ruthless finishing touch despite not always getting into shooting positions. The young midfielder's conversion rate is striking: while he doesn't generate a high volume of attempts, he is consistently effective when the chance arrives. Pisilli could feature again against Inter, possibly even if Manu Koné recovers from injury. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is considering deploying him alongside Paulo Dybala behind Donyell Malen to reinforce Roma's midfield compactness from the start. The decision will be made on Saturday morning.

Leonardo Balerdi earned the highest rating from match reviewers after Roma's victory in Turin on 15 September, recording an average of 7.5, ahead of Donyell Malen (7.4) and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini (7.3). Niccolò Pisilli and Paulo Dybala both scored 7, with Pisilli netting Roma's second goal despite cramping, while Matías Soulé (5.9) and substitute Rodrigo Mora (5.4) struggled in comparison. Referee Fabio Maresca received divided marks for his performance: 5 from Gazzetta dello Sport, 6.5 from Corriere dello Sport and 6 from Il Romanista. The key incident centred on a challenge by Comuzzo on a cross from Nahuel Molina, which was adjudged to strike the defender's chest rather than his arm, making the non-award of a penalty correct. Both of Roma's goals were considered correctly allowed. Meanwhile, Inter face uncertainty ahead of their Serie A fixture against Roma on Saturday: midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is in serious doubt after missing the match against Udinese with adductor fatigue. He underwent examinations on 15 September. Manchester City's John Stones also suffered injury during the week, suffering a hamstring problem and requiring reassessment.