Koné a doubt for Turin; Totti dismisses 2001 comparisons as Roma prepare for Torino

Leonardo Balerdi has made an immediate impact at Roma following his arrival, impressing in substitute appearances against Atalanta and Fenerbahce. A backstory from Argentina reveals that Boca Juniors, through manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena, had attempted to sign the defender around twenty days ago. The Boca manager contacted Balerdi personally, a conversation facilitated by a shared agent, and proposed a one-year loan deal. Balerdi, however, had already secured his move to Roma and rejected the offer outright. According to reports from Argentine media TyC Sports, his response was unequivocal: "This opportunity I'm not letting slip away."

Roma have reached maximum capacity in season-ticket sales for the 2026-27 campaign, securing their place among Italy's top clubs for supporter engagement. According to Transfermarkt data, the Giallorossi sit at the 40,000-seat ceiling alongside Inter, the two clubs leading the Serie A and Serie B subscription rankings. Roma are among ten Italian sides to have already achieved sold-out status this season; others in Serie A to reach that mark are Napoli, Como, Fiorentina, Venezia and Atalanta. Milan, Genoa and Lecce round out the highest positions, with Lecce continuing to record exceptional numbers for the consistency and loyalty of their supporters.

Manu Koné has been cleared of injury following his substitution in the Fenerbahce match, avoiding the need for medical scans. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had flagged a physical issue during his post-match press conference, but tests showed nothing serious. Koné is unlikely to start against Torino, opening the door for Niccolò Pisilli to feature in midfield. Leonardo Balerdi is in contention for the defence after impressing when introduced yesterday. The Argentine defender rejected a move to Boca Juniors over the summer after Roma's approach convinced him to stay. In attack, Donyell Malen and Santiago Castro will rotate, as Gasperini continues to manage the forward line. Balerdi posted a lengthy farewell to Olympique Marseille on social media this evening.

Mile Svilar has emerged as Roma's one constant as Gasperini navigates fresh squad questions this season. In Roma's Champions League debut yesterday against Fenerbahce, Svilar was decisive in both the first half and the second period when the Roma defence began to struggle, anchoring a side that had started the league campaign impeccably and shown courage in Europe. While goals from Malen and performances from Dybala, Mora and Soulé have drawn attention in attack, Svilar's quality between the posts has been overshadowed—though he maintains an 87.5% save percentage in Serie A. Gasperini's expansive style, particularly in Europe, exposes Roma's defence to counterattacks and one-on-one situations where Svilar's role becomes critical. Qualification to the knockout stages will depend significantly on his performance. Roma's Champions League campaign this season will pit Svilar against the world's best forwards, a challenge he has prepared for since signing a renewal. His dramatic intervention in the penalty shootout against Feyenoord entered Roma folklore, and the Curva Sud has repeatedly called for his contract extension—unsurprising given his commitment to the club. Svilar marked his return to European competition after nine years by posting on social media: "Grateful to be back playing in the Champions League after 9 years, and even more special to do it with this shirt. Forza Magica Roma!!!" He last played in the competition as an 18-year-old with Benfica. Among all the uncertainties Gasperini will face this season, Svilar remains the pillar of this squad.

Francesco Totti has given his assessment of Roma's opening to the 2026–27 season, speaking on the sidelines of the World Padel Legends Tour. Reflecting on Roma's draw in their opening Champions League fixture against Fenerbahçe, Totti said: "It's a point, hopefully it can help with the final table. Better a point than zero as they say. Let's see, it's the first Champions League match and everything is still to play for." He did not expect Roma to start the season as they have, stating: "No, I think almost nobody expected it. We started with the right foot, with the accelerator pressed and I hope it can continue like that. The league is still long, the Champions League is a separate competition, the summaries will be drawn in February–March." Totti praised the partnership between Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, calling it "one of the strongest in the championship". He said: "Yes, we're talking about players who until now understand each other with their eyes closed. I hope they can continue like this." He also confirmed recent contact with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, saying: "Yes, I heard from him." When asked if they had booked dinner, Totti replied: "Maybe a lunch…" On the wider title picture, Totti offered his view: "Well, let's say that from how they've started, yes, they are a step ahead. Inter is the team to beat and it's difficult to do that, but with this Roma everything is possible." He emphasized that Roma's main need is consistency: "Continuity — to win the Scudetto you need that. Roma expanded their squad from last year, they made the choice of taking the right players to have a great season." Addressing young midfielder Rodrigo Mora, a 2007-born prospect who recently joined the club, Totti said: "We're talking about a 2007, he changed city, culture, way of working. You have to stand by him and wait for him. Of course, if the figures are what they say, he must make a difference right away." Totti also reflected on his own legacy and future involvement with the club. On his status for Roma's continued campaign, he said: "Maybe in the league as well, maybe. Centenary? I don't know, but in the league and Champions sure." He declined to confirm progress on Roma's centenary plans, stating: "No (laughs). After what I said? There never have been."

Francesco Totti has backed Roma's attacking duo of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen as among the strongest in Serie A, while confirming he has been in contact with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Speaking at a Padel Tour event, Totti said of the pair: "One of the strongest. Two great players who so far understand each other perfectly and I hope they can continue on this path." Totti praised Roma's start to the season but cautioned that consistency will be key to challenging for the Scudetto. "No, I didn't expect it and neither did anyone," he said when asked if he anticipated such a strong campaign. "We started with the right foot and accelerator fully pressed. I hope it can continue like this. The league is still long and the Champions League is a separate competition. In February or March the assessments will be made." He identified Inter as the team to beat, though he believes much remains possible for Roma: "For how they've started, yes. I think Inter is the team to beat and it will be difficult. With this Roma anything can happen." On his role in Roma's future, Totti stated there have been no approaches from the ownership regarding the club's centenary celebrations. "No, there have never been any," he said. "With the fans though many beautiful things will be made." He did confirm direct contact with Gasperini, saying simply: "Yes, we have spoken." When asked if they had booked dinner, Totti replied: "Dinner might even be breakfast." On what Roma lack to win the title, he identified a single factor: "Consistency. To win the Scudetto you must have consistency. They expanded the squad from last year and made choices together with the boss and sporting director." Totti also commented on young midfielder Rodrigo Mora, a 2007 birth year player who has relocated: "We're talking about a 2007-born player, he has changed city and culture. He's young, we must wait for him. If the figures are what they say, he's a player who must make a difference immediately."

Manu Koné has been cleared of injury following his substitution in the Fenerbahce match, avoiding the need for medical scans. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had flagged a physical issue during his post-match press conference, but tests showed nothing serious. Koné is unlikely to start against Torino, opening the door for Niccolò Pisilli to feature in midfield. Leonardo Balerdi is in contention for the defence after impressing when introduced yesterday. The Argentine defender rejected a move to Boca Juniors over the summer after Roma's approach convinced him to stay. In attack, Donyell Malen and Santiago Castro will rotate, as Gasperini continues to manage the forward line. Balerdi posted a lengthy farewell to Olympique Marseille on social media this evening.

Mile Svilar has emerged as Roma's one constant as Gasperini navigates fresh squad questions this season. In Roma's Champions League debut yesterday against Fenerbahce, Svilar was decisive in both the first half and the second period when the Roma defence began to struggle, anchoring a side that had started the league campaign impeccably and shown courage in Europe. While goals from Malen and performances from Dybala, Mora and Soulé have drawn attention in attack, Svilar's quality between the posts has been overshadowed—though he maintains an 87.5% save percentage in Serie A. Gasperini's expansive style, particularly in Europe, exposes Roma's defence to counterattacks and one-on-one situations where Svilar's role becomes critical. Qualification to the knockout stages will depend significantly on his performance. Roma's Champions League campaign this season will pit Svilar against the world's best forwards, a challenge he has prepared for since signing a renewal. His dramatic intervention in the penalty shootout against Feyenoord entered Roma folklore, and the Curva Sud has repeatedly called for his contract extension—unsurprising given his commitment to the club. Svilar marked his return to European competition after nine years by posting on social media: "Grateful to be back playing in the Champions League after 9 years, and even more special to do it with this shirt. Forza Magica Roma!!!" He last played in the competition as an 18-year-old with Benfica. Among all the uncertainties Gasperini will face this season, Svilar remains the pillar of this squad.

Francesco Totti has given his assessment of Roma's opening to the 2026–27 season, speaking on the sidelines of the World Padel Legends Tour. Reflecting on Roma's draw in their opening Champions League fixture against Fenerbahçe, Totti said: "It's a point, hopefully it can help with the final table. Better a point than zero as they say. Let's see, it's the first Champions League match and everything is still to play for." He did not expect Roma to start the season as they have, stating: "No, I think almost nobody expected it. We started with the right foot, with the accelerator pressed and I hope it can continue like that. The league is still long, the Champions League is a separate competition, the summaries will be drawn in February–March." Totti praised the partnership between Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, calling it "one of the strongest in the championship". He said: "Yes, we're talking about players who until now understand each other with their eyes closed. I hope they can continue like this." He also confirmed recent contact with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, saying: "Yes, I heard from him." When asked if they had booked dinner, Totti replied: "Maybe a lunch…" On the wider title picture, Totti offered his view: "Well, let's say that from how they've started, yes, they are a step ahead. Inter is the team to beat and it's difficult to do that, but with this Roma everything is possible." He emphasized that Roma's main need is consistency: "Continuity — to win the Scudetto you need that. Roma expanded their squad from last year, they made the choice of taking the right players to have a great season." Addressing young midfielder Rodrigo Mora, a 2007-born prospect who recently joined the club, Totti said: "We're talking about a 2007, he changed city, culture, way of working. You have to stand by him and wait for him. Of course, if the figures are what they say, he must make a difference right away." Totti also reflected on his own legacy and future involvement with the club. On his status for Roma's continued campaign, he said: "Maybe in the league as well, maybe. Centenary? I don't know, but in the league and Champions sure." He declined to confirm progress on Roma's centenary plans, stating: "No (laughs). After what I said? There never have been."