Roma extended their perfect record to four consecutive Serie A victories with a 2–0 win at Torino on September 14, keeping them level on points with Inter at the top of the table. Donyell Malen opened the scoring—his sixth goal in four matches, matching a historic record held by Francesco Totti for goals in a season's opening fixtures—before Niccolò Pisilli sealed the result with a precise finish in stoppage time. Paulo Dybala provided the assist for Malen's opener, continuing his influential season with five assists across the opening four rounds. Roma dominated throughout, maintaining their high-pressing approach in the first half before managing the game from a position of strength in the second, particularly impressive given they were managing fatigue from midweek Champions League action in Istanbul.
The defensive performance proved the standout feature. Leonardo Balerdi, who replaced the unavailable Evan N'Dicka due to gastroenteritis, made an immediate impression on debut, earning praise for near-flawless positioning throughout. Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso provided robust support, with Mancini's aggressive positioning contributing directly to both goals by forcing errors in Torino's midfield. Mile Svilar made a crucial save from Salvatore Simeone. Italian outlets showed consistent praise for the defensive unit, with ratings for Balerdi ranging from 7 to 8, while Mancini received between 6.5 and 8. Malen drew ratings between 7 and 8, with one outlet awarding him an 8. Matías Soulé struggled to find his rhythm, earning the lowest marks at 5.5 to 6 across all outlets.
Roma have now scored 12 goals while conceding just one across their opening four fixtures—figures that suggest genuine title credentials. Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical adjustments, including the introduction of Marten de Roon off the bench, provided fresh energy to maintain control. The squad now faces a defining fixture on Saturday when Inter visit the Stadio Olimpico, a clash carrying significant title implications that will test whether Gasperini's side possesses the depth and mentality to sustain their early momentum.
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