Koné in doubt for Torino trip; Pisilli set for first start

Roma are already preparing for the January transfer window, with sporting director Tony D'Amico studying a deal to bring Real Madrid forward Endrick to the club. The summer transfer window has just closed, but Roma believe the squad assembled in recent weeks can still be strengthened, particularly in attack. D'Amico is exploring a loan arrangement that would include a purchase option for Roma and a counter-option for Real Madrid—a complex formula designed to give both clubs a stake in the player's future while allowing Roma to move beyond a straightforward temporary deal. Endrick is facing limited opportunities at Madrid due to competition in the attacking department, and the prospect of regular playing time in Rome could help facilitate the move. For head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, he would represent another quality option for an attack the manager believes can still be improved. The fact that D'Amico is already studying the mechanics and conditions shows Roma's intent to arrive at January fully prepared and complete what was not possible in the final days of summer. Endrick is no longer merely a name circulating in transfer gossip; it is a target Roma intends to pursue with considerable advance preparation.

Niccolò Pisilli is set to make his first Serie A start of the season in Roma's trip to Torino, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini moving to deploy the midfielder alongside Bryan Cristante. The decision comes with Manu Koné sidelined by knee inflammation and training separately; Gasperini has chosen to preserve the French midfielder ahead of the Inter fixture. Pisilli, born in 2004 and a Roma academy product, has made 81 appearances for the club and has already contributed 71 minutes and a goal against Fiorentina this season. Gasperini's faith in the young midfielder reflects a wider commitment: in the summer transfer window, the coach blocked a potential sale to Porto worth approximately €25 million, convinced Pisilli could become an important rotation option. That conviction was reinforced during the Istanbul fixture when Koné was injured and Gasperini again chose Pisilli over Marten de Roon. Emanuele Lulli, born in 2007, offers a parallel story of academy development. The defender has started Roma's first three league matches and impressed against Fiorentina, Lecce, and Atalanta before being rested during the Champions League match against Fenerbahce. His availability for the Torino trip remains uncertain after a bout of influenza forced him to miss the latest training session. Should he recover, he will compete for the right-back spot where Nahuel Molina has not yet reached peak fitness and Devyne Rensch did not convince in Istanbul. Both players embody Roma's strategy of developing talent within the academy system. With a long season ahead across both Serie A and the Champions League, having two Trigoria-raised players capable of earning genuine first-team rotation represents far more than a feel-good story for the club.

Marten de Roon continues to command respect from his former Atalanta teammates despite fan anger at the club, which surfaced during a defeat to Cagliari on 12 September. The midfielder, now a Roma player for the past two weeks, was praised by Lazar Samardzic in the aftermath of that match. Speaking to DAZN after the game, Samardzic said: "Marten is Atalanta for us, he spent ten years here and achieved tremendous results. For us he is a legend, we wish him the best because he is an incredible person who helped so many of the boys who arrived. For us he is number one, he will always be our captain." De Roon's departure to Roma represents a significant moment for Atalanta, where he had become a cornerstone of the squad. The affection shown by current players underscores the influence he wielded during his decade at the club, even as supporters expressed their frustration with recent performances. Atalanta manager Maurizio Sarri also spoke to DAZN following the 2–1 loss to Cagliari at the New Balance Arena. He referenced Roma's 2–1 victory over Atalanta at the Olimpico in the previous round, saying: "I was worried after Bologna, in part after Roma, not certainly after the match with Cagliari. I am very disappointed by the result, but I saw a bit of light at the end of the tunnel."

Niccolò Pisilli is set to make his first Serie A start of the season in Roma's trip to Torino, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini moving to deploy the midfielder alongside Bryan Cristante. The decision comes with Manu Koné sidelined by knee inflammation and training separately; Gasperini has chosen to preserve the French midfielder ahead of the Inter fixture. Pisilli, born in 2004 and a Roma academy product, has made 81 appearances for the club and has already contributed 71 minutes and a goal against Fiorentina this season. Gasperini's faith in the young midfielder reflects a wider commitment: in the summer transfer window, the coach blocked a potential sale to Porto worth approximately €25 million, convinced Pisilli could become an important rotation option. That conviction was reinforced during the Istanbul fixture when Koné was injured and Gasperini again chose Pisilli over Marten de Roon. Emanuele Lulli, born in 2007, offers a parallel story of academy development. The defender has started Roma's first three league matches and impressed against Fiorentina, Lecce, and Atalanta before being rested during the Champions League match against Fenerbahce. His availability for the Torino trip remains uncertain after a bout of influenza forced him to miss the latest training session. Should he recover, he will compete for the right-back spot where Nahuel Molina has not yet reached peak fitness and Devyne Rensch did not convince in Istanbul. Both players embody Roma's strategy of developing talent within the academy system. With a long season ahead across both Serie A and the Champions League, having two Trigoria-raised players capable of earning genuine first-team rotation represents far more than a feel-good story for the club.

Niccolò Pisilli is set to start for Roma against Torino on 13 September, filling the midfield slot alongside Bryan Cristante after Manu Koné suffered a slight knee injury during the Champions League visit to Fenerbahçe. The class of 2004 midfielder will make his first Serie A start of the season after three substitute appearances, stepping in as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini manages the squad across a packed fixture schedule. Gasperini opted to deploy Pisilli over Marten de Roon in Turkey, a signal of the hierarchy in midfield. Koné is likely to be rested to avoid compounding the injury ahead of the Inter fixture. Gasperini trusts Pisilli and values his offensive contribution and application without the ball, according to reports in Il Tempo. The coach is expected to make other changes across the defence and attack but will not drastically overhaul the team despite the rapid fixture congestion. Elsewhere, Leonardo Balerdi is pressing for minutes after two decent cameos in earlier games. Devyne Rensch struggled in Istanbul, leaving the right-back position uncertain, with Nahuel Molina still without a league start this season and Emanuele Lulli dealing with flu that prevented him training on 12 September, though he hopes to travel with the squad. Donyell Malen holds a clear advantage over Santiago Castro in attack. The choice among Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora remains fluid; Gasperini has difficulty leaving any of them out and may ask for an effort from one until the international break.

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.

Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen return to the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on 14 September, the exact ground where their partnership first took flight. The pair made their debut together on 18 January, when Malen joined Roma and Dybala set up two chances in just 26 minutes—the first disallowed for a marginal offside. That immediate understanding came before Dybala underwent knee surgery, which sidelined the Argentine. Over the 238 days since that first meeting, Malen and Dybala have driven Roma to a perfect record at the start of the 2026-27 season. Malen has made 24 consecutive starts, scoring 20 goals and laying on 4 assists. Dybala, back in action after his operation, is chasing his next goal; his last came against Torino itself. He may be used as a substitute in tomorrow's fixture. Gasperini's final team selection will depend on fitness assessments at Trigoria this morning. The training session will determine whether midfielders Manu Koné and Lorenzo Pellegrini are available for selection ahead of the squad's departure to Piedmont.

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.

Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen will return to the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino tomorrow as Roma's goal-scoring twin act, 238 days after their first meeting on 18 January. Malen made his Roma debut that afternoon in a 2–0 win, partnering Dybala from the start. In just 26 minutes, Dybala set up Malen twice; the first finish was disallowed by VAR for a marginal offside. The chemistry was instant, though Dybala's meniscus injury soon disrupted the partnership's early momentum. Since that January fixture, Malen has made 24 consecutive starts, scoring 20 goals and providing 4 assists. Dybala required surgery on his meniscus but has returned as the focal point of Roma's attack this season. The two have lit up Roma's opening fixtures as the team maintains a perfect start to 2026-27, with Dybala providing multiple assists for Malen across the two seasons. Malen's last goal came at Torino in January; he will have the chance to add to his tally in tomorrow's afternoon kick-off, possibly as a substitute. For Manu Koné and Lorenzo Pellegrini, this morning's final training session at Trigoria will prove decisive for their inclusion in Roma's squad for the trip.

Niccolò Pisilli is set to start for Roma against Torino on 13 September, filling the midfield slot alongside Bryan Cristante after Manu Koné suffered a slight knee injury during the Champions League visit to Fenerbahçe. The class of 2004 midfielder will make his first Serie A start of the season after three substitute appearances, stepping in as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini manages the squad across a packed fixture schedule. Gasperini opted to deploy Pisilli over Marten de Roon in Turkey, a signal of the hierarchy in midfield. Koné is likely to be rested to avoid compounding the injury ahead of the Inter fixture. Gasperini trusts Pisilli and values his offensive contribution and application without the ball, according to reports in Il Tempo. The coach is expected to make other changes across the defence and attack but will not drastically overhaul the team despite the rapid fixture congestion. Elsewhere, Leonardo Balerdi is pressing for minutes after two decent cameos in earlier games. Devyne Rensch struggled in Istanbul, leaving the right-back position uncertain, with Nahuel Molina still without a league start this season and Emanuele Lulli dealing with flu that prevented him training on 12 September, though he hopes to travel with the squad. Donyell Malen holds a clear advantage over Santiago Castro in attack. The choice among Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora remains fluid; Gasperini has difficulty leaving any of them out and may ask for an effort from one until the international break.

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.

Roma travel to Torino on 14 September seeking three points to reclaim top spot in Serie A after their Champions League fixture against Fenerbahce in Istanbul. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing several squad changes before the international break, with the midfield set for significant rotation. Manu Koné will rest despite no structural damage to his knee; he underwent differentiated training on 12 September as a precaution ahead of the coming fixtures. Niccolò Pisilli is primed to start alongside Bryan Cristante in the league match, earning Gasperini's complete confidence for his qualities in pressing and defensive work. Rotation is being assessed across other areas without dismantling the team's core shape. In defence, Leonardo Balerdi is pushing the regular three, though the established back line remains favoured. On the right flank, a battle between Devyne Rensch (fatigued after Champions League action) and Nahuel Molina is underway, with Emanuele Lulli returning from recent flu symptoms. Upfront against Torino's three-at-the-back system, Donyell Malen holds a substantial advantage over Santiago Castro for the centre-forward role. Paulo Dybala, who left the field with cramps in Istanbul, is being managed carefully; the coaching staff will decide whether to start him or deploy a rotation with Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora, using the international break to allow the Argentine to fully recover his fitness.