Koulierakis arrives at Roma: first day in the capital

Marten De Roon's arrival at Roma in the final days of the summer transfer window had raised eyebrows among supporters, not least because of the departure of Neil El Aynaoui. The 35-year-old Dutch midfielder faced scepticism over his age and a history of social media provocations directed at Roma following clashes between his former club Atalanta and the Giallorossi. But in his early appearances, De Roon has already justified Gian Piero Gasperini's decision to reunite with him. Gasperini has deployed De Roon more frequently than any other player across his managerial career—361 appearances, compared to Toloi's 289—demonstrating the depth of their working relationship. De Roon left Atalanta after falling out of favour under Sarri, and Gasperini brought him to Roma on what amounted to a free transfer within 48 hours. His arrival initially unsettled Roma's fanbase due to past social media friction, but De Roon apologised immediately and made himself available. Though his competitive minutes remain limited—35 across Serie A and Champions League—his early impact has been positive, with Gasperini appearing to orchestrate play from the dugout with precision. De Roon brings valuable experience to a squad that is shorter than last season but higher in quality. After Paulo Dybala, he holds the second-most Champions League appearances in the group with 44, offering younger players like Niccolò Pisilli the chance to develop under an established presence. His integration has helped stabilise a Roma side operating with Gasperini's direct tactical methods.

Marten De Roon has arrived at Roma to rejoin Gian Piero Gasperini, the coach who has deployed him more frequently than any other manager in his career. The 35-year-old midfielder left Atalanta after Sarri and D'Amico determined he no longer fit their plans, and Roma secured him on what was reportedly a nominal fee within 48 hours. His exit from Bergamo prompted Atalanta ultras to unveil a pointed banner: "You chose to pass through our history but not to belong to it. Goodbye little flag." Gasperini responded swiftly: "Should he have become an old shoe gathering dust in a cupboard? He didn't leave of his own accord." De Roon's arrival initially unsettled Roma's fanbase, given tensions dating back to social media provocations in previous years. He apologised immediately and made himself available. Though his minutes remain limited—35 across Serie A and the Champions League—his impact has been positive. De Roon understands Gasperini's system instinctively; the coach appears to operate him with remote-control precision from the bench. The squad is smaller than last season but superior in quality, and his presence is a luxury. He has brought experience to the group: after Paulo Dybala, he ranks second for Champions League appearances with 44, and younger players such as Niccolò Pisilli can develop optimally alongside him.

Roma made enquiries for Real Madrid forwards Franco Mastantuono and Endrick during the summer transfer window but left empty-handed on both fronts. Mastantuono, an Argentine, has since made history by becoming the youngest foreigner to score a hat-trick in Serie A after joining Fiorentina on loan. Roma wanted a permanent deal for Mastantuono, but Real Madrid insisted on retaining control of the player, ending talks quickly. The Fiorentina loan includes no option or obligation to buy, with the Viola covering roughly half of his €3.5M wages. Brazilian forward Endrick remained at Real Madrid and did not move, though Roma remain keen on him ahead of January. He stayed largely because of José Mourinho's orders following Rodrygo's injury, but he has yet to play any minutes, sitting behind several established stars and Carlos Espì in the pecking order. His frustration is mounting, and his January departure will gain traction if his situation doesn't improve. Roma rate him highly and are prepared to structure a deal similar to the one used for Nico Paz to bring him in. Roma's inability to sell Matías Soulé hampered most of their summer plans, though he is performing well enough that the club cannot complain about the outcome. They would have preferred greater variety in their attacking options. Mastantuono would have offered something different, but long-term loans of that nature are not palatable, and Roma are not short-handed as matters stand.

Roma have conceded just one goal in their opening four league matches, reflecting the defensive solidity Gasperini has built with a central defence of the highest calibre. The additions of Balerdi and Koulierakis have reinforced a department already well-established, creating what Gasperini probably hoped to have available last season but did not. The wealth of options is now reshaping how the side defends. Evan N'Dicka commands the backline with his reading of play; Balerdi has impressed from the bench and in his league debut against Torino, winning over Roma's supporters. Gianluca Mancini has weathered early-season difficulties to deliver a strong performance at Torino. Mario Hermoso, the ever-reliable figure, has anchored the defence through demanding fixtures. Daniele Ghilardi impressed at Lecce, and Koulierakis waits his turn—however the combinations rotate, the defence stands as Roma's most complete department. Behind them, the goalkeeper between the posts no longer makes headlines, his standards now expected rather than celebrated. Roma lead Serie A with a single goal conceded so far. Among Europe's five major leagues, only Arsenal can match that defensive record. This defensive foundation arrives before Roma face Inter, whose forward line of Lautaro Martínez, Thuram, Esposito and Bonny has shown defensive frailty in their early season outings.

Gasperini faces the kind of problem he would have welcomed last season: an abundance of defensive options. Evan N'Dicka excels at difficult tackles, rarely conceding chances. Leonardo Balerdi has impressed from the bench and earned a starting place against Torino. Gianluca Mancini, despite early errors, showed his resilience at Torino. Mario Hermoso has steadied the backline in these opening matches, anchoring Roma through difficult moments. Daniele Ghilardi impressed at Lecce, and Konstantinos Koulierakis provides further depth—however the defence is composed, it remains Roma's most complete department. The numbers validate Gasperini's setup. Roma have conceded just one goal, the best defensive record in Serie A. Among Europe's top five leagues, only Arsenal can match that figure. This defensive solidity represents Roma's strongest calling card ahead of a fixture against Inter, whose defence has shown more than a few problems in their opening matches despite the presence of players including Lautaro, Thuram, Esposito and Bonny. Behind the goals stands a goalkeeper who, like Donyell Malen in attack, has become almost routine in his excellence and generates little headlines. The depth available to the head coach reflects what the article describes as "excellent" defending at Lecce and the overall strength of Roma's backline across their opening fixtures.

Roma's defensive department has emerged as one of the strongest in Europe through the opening weeks of the 2026-27 campaign. After finishing last season as Serie A's second-best defence behind Como, the backline under Gian Piero Gasperini has been further reinforced with the arrivals of Leonardo Balerdi and Konstantinos Koulierakis, joining established defenders Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, Mario Hermoso and Daniele Ghilardi. In this season's opening fixtures, Roma have conceded just one goal—scored by Ederson in the match against Atalanta. Comparing the opening rounds across Europe's five major leagues, Roma's defensive record is matched only by Arsenal, the runners-up in the European championship, who have also conceded a single goal in their first four matches. Freiburg in the Bundesliga has the same record but across three games played, while Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga have both conceded four goals and four clubs in Ligue 1 sit at two goals conceded. At shot-on-target metrics, Roma rank second in Serie A, allowing an average of three shots per match—just behind Como's 2.75—while Arsenal lead across Europe with 2.25 per game, according to Sofascore data. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar has provided crucial protection between the posts, making decisive interventions in moments of defensive vulnerability. This strong defensive performance stands in sharp contrast to Inter, Roma's next league opponent, who have already conceded six goals in their opening matches.