Malen's goal ruled out for offside in Torino clash as Roma return to Serie A

Niccolò Pisilli spoke to reporters after Roma's match against Torino on matchday four, which took place at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. The midfielder scored but was hampered by cramping during the fixture. When asked about scoring while struggling with cramp, Pisilli said: "I got a cramp. I couldn't stay on my feet." He was also full of praise for teammate Donyell Malen's performance, telling journalists: "He's very strong. Hopefully he continues to score like this."

Roma made it four consecutive Serie A victories without conceding a goal as Donyell Malen's first-half strike and a late Niccolò Pisilli finish secured a 2–0 win at Torino on 14 September 2026. Mile Svilar recorded his third clean sheet in four matches, with Pisilli adding the second goal in deep stoppage time. The result kept Roma on a perfect record of 12 points from four matches with an aggregate score of 12–1. The run marks only the fifth time in the club's history that Roma have started a Serie A campaign with four straight wins, matching 1952–53, 1960–61, 2013–14 and 2014–15. The 1960–61 season stands out as the only previous era before Gasperini in which Roma scored more than ten goals across those four fixtures, recording 14. Roma have now extended their consecutive league wins to nine overall, spanning five matches from the end of last season and the four so far this term. Only twice in club history have Roma recorded longer winning streaks: eleven wins from December 2005 to February 2006, and eleven from May to October 2013. Malen has scored six goals in his first four Serie A matches this season, making him the third player in Roma's history to reach that figure in the opening four games alongside Pedro Manfredini (seven in 1960–61) and Francesco Totti (six in 2001–02). The Dutch forward has also been involved in at least one goal in each of his last five away league matches, registering seven goals and one assist across that run. Gasperini again demonstrated bold selection by withdrawing Malen despite the scoreline remaining in the balance, reinforcing his confidence in the attacking unit. Gasperini deployed Dybala and Matías Soulé in support of Malen, a partnership that originated eight months earlier at Turin and has become a core feature. In midfield, Pisilli partnered Bryan Cristante, producing what the article describes as a dominant display capped by his clinical finish despite cramping. Leonardo Balerdi earned particular praise for a commanding defensive performance, with Gasperini drawing comparison to the great Franco Baresi. Roma host Inter in the next Serie A round, bringing an early test of their title credentials.

Leonardo Balerdi earned praise from head coach Gian Piero Gasperini following Roma's victory over Torino, despite Donyell Malen being named the match MVP. The Argentine defender played all 90 minutes at a high level and made decisive interventions that contributed to the win. Gasperini spoke warmly about Balerdi in his post-match press conference, highlighting his qualities as a modern defender. The coach drew a comparison to one of Italian football's greatest players: "Who does he remind me of? Balerdi is a strong defender, very strong. He is certainly a modern defender, physically strong and quick. I cannot invoke a certain name — a central defender like that was Baresi. But without going there, the way he interprets the role with aggression and speed in recoveries as well as participation in the game... Baresi was number one absolutely, no one touches that, but in terms of characteristics we are there." Gasperini's assessment suggests Balerdi has already won over both his manager and the Roma supporters.

Niccolò Pisilli spoke to reporters after Roma's match against Torino on matchday four, which took place at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. The midfielder scored but was hampered by cramping during the fixture. When asked about scoring while struggling with cramp, Pisilli said: "I got a cramp. I couldn't stay on my feet." He was also full of praise for teammate Donyell Malen's performance, telling journalists: "He's very strong. Hopefully he continues to score like this."

Roma made it four consecutive Serie A victories without conceding a goal as Donyell Malen's first-half strike and a late Niccolò Pisilli finish secured a 2–0 win at Torino on 14 September 2026. Mile Svilar recorded his third clean sheet in four matches, with Pisilli adding the second goal in deep stoppage time. The result kept Roma on a perfect record of 12 points from four matches with an aggregate score of 12–1. The run marks only the fifth time in the club's history that Roma have started a Serie A campaign with four straight wins, matching 1952–53, 1960–61, 2013–14 and 2014–15. The 1960–61 season stands out as the only previous era before Gasperini in which Roma scored more than ten goals across those four fixtures, recording 14. Roma have now extended their consecutive league wins to nine overall, spanning five matches from the end of last season and the four so far this term. Only twice in club history have Roma recorded longer winning streaks: eleven wins from December 2005 to February 2006, and eleven from May to October 2013. Malen has scored six goals in his first four Serie A matches this season, making him the third player in Roma's history to reach that figure in the opening four games alongside Pedro Manfredini (seven in 1960–61) and Francesco Totti (six in 2001–02). The Dutch forward has also been involved in at least one goal in each of his last five away league matches, registering seven goals and one assist across that run. Gasperini again demonstrated bold selection by withdrawing Malen despite the scoreline remaining in the balance, reinforcing his confidence in the attacking unit. Gasperini deployed Dybala and Matías Soulé in support of Malen, a partnership that originated eight months earlier at Turin and has become a core feature. In midfield, Pisilli partnered Bryan Cristante, producing what the article describes as a dominant display capped by his clinical finish despite cramping. Leonardo Balerdi earned particular praise for a commanding defensive performance, with Gasperini drawing comparison to the great Franco Baresi. Roma host Inter in the next Serie A round, bringing an early test of their title credentials.

Leonardo Balerdi earned praise from head coach Gian Piero Gasperini following Roma's victory over Torino, despite Donyell Malen being named the match MVP. The Argentine defender played all 90 minutes at a high level and made decisive interventions that contributed to the win. Gasperini spoke warmly about Balerdi in his post-match press conference, highlighting his qualities as a modern defender. The coach drew a comparison to one of Italian football's greatest players: "Who does he remind me of? Balerdi is a strong defender, very strong. He is certainly a modern defender, physically strong and quick. I cannot invoke a certain name — a central defender like that was Baresi. But without going there, the way he interprets the role with aggression and speed in recoveries as well as participation in the game... Baresi was number one absolutely, no one touches that, but in terms of characteristics we are there." Gasperini's assessment suggests Balerdi has already won over both his manager and the Roma supporters.

Roma made it four consecutive Serie A victories without conceding a goal as Donyell Malen's first-half strike and a late Niccolò Pisilli finish secured a 2–0 win at Torino on 14 September 2026. Mile Svilar recorded his third clean sheet in four matches, with Pisilli adding the second goal in deep stoppage time. The result kept Roma on a perfect record of 12 points from four matches with an aggregate score of 12–1. The run marks only the fifth time in the club's history that Roma have started a Serie A campaign with four straight wins, matching 1952–53, 1960–61, 2013–14 and 2014–15. The 1960–61 season stands out as the only previous era before Gasperini in which Roma scored more than ten goals across those four fixtures, recording 14. Roma have now extended their consecutive league wins to nine overall, spanning five matches from the end of last season and the four so far this term. Only twice in club history have Roma recorded longer winning streaks: eleven wins from December 2005 to February 2006, and eleven from May to October 2013. Malen has scored six goals in his first four Serie A matches this season, making him the third player in Roma's history to reach that figure in the opening four games alongside Pedro Manfredini (seven in 1960–61) and Francesco Totti (six in 2001–02). The Dutch forward has also been involved in at least one goal in each of his last five away league matches, registering seven goals and one assist across that run. Gasperini again demonstrated bold selection by withdrawing Malen despite the scoreline remaining in the balance, reinforcing his confidence in the attacking unit. Gasperini deployed Dybala and Matías Soulé in support of Malen, a partnership that originated eight months earlier at Turin and has become a core feature. In midfield, Pisilli partnered Bryan Cristante, producing what the article describes as a dominant display capped by his clinical finish despite cramping. Leonardo Balerdi earned particular praise for a commanding defensive performance, with Gasperini drawing comparison to the great Franco Baresi. Roma host Inter in the next Serie A round, bringing an early test of their title credentials.

Roma extended their winning run to four consecutive matches with a 2-0 victory over Torino, reclaiming top spot in Serie A. Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli scored one goal in each half to secure the win without conceding, sending Roma back above Lazio at the summit. The result came after European exertions, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side demonstrating defensive solidity alongside their attacking threat. Roma will look to maintain momentum when Inter visit the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday evening in a major fixture. The midweek performance offered encouraging signs ahead of that encounter, with the team managing fatigue from continental football while still delivering a commanding display. Individual ratings from the match saw Malen earning a 7 for his decisive contribution, while Paulo Dybala received 6.5 for an influential performance. Gianluca Mancini was awarded 7 for his focused defending.

Donyell Malen spoke to journalists after Roma's victory in the fourth Serie A matchday at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, emphasising his concentration on scoring rather than his growing status among supporters. When asked if he was aware of what he was becoming for Roma fans, Malen said: "I don't think about that. I want to score many goals, I'm focused on the objectives." Malen's form has drawn comparisons to club legend Francesco Totti. On the comparison, he said: "It's beautiful, but I know how great Totti is for Roma. I'm having a lot of fun." He also joked about the "Dybalen" nickname linking him with Paulo Dybala, remarking: "It's nice, but what matters is scoring. I'm sorry for Paulo that he won't get the assist." Malen also praised Niccolò Pisilli's goal-scoring celebration despite cramping, saying: "I've never seen a celebration like that—but get him a chair because he can't stand up."

Roma secured a fourth consecutive victory at Torino, with Donyell Malen setting the tone and Niccolò Pisilli sealing the win in the closing stages. The giallorossi dominated through sustained intensity and precision finishing, with Paulo Dybala orchestrating play and every outfield player leaving visible effort on the pitch. Malen delivered a commanding performance, earning an 8 rating in the match assessment. He wasted no time making an impact, with Mario Hermoso providing a perfectly weighted pass into the area that Malen shot just high, then deflecting a long-range attempt moments later before eventually finding the target with characteristic hunger. Gasperini's approach was validated as Roma took control early: Gianluca Mancini's aggressive positioning in midfield triggered the opening goal by pressing a Torino error in the middle third, then again forced Pisilli into space to finish the second. Mancini himself earned a 7 rating for his dual role, effectively playing as both centre-back and attacker through his constant forward movement. Leonardo Balerdi made an immediate impression on his debut for Roma, earning 7.5 for a near-flawless display. Within five minutes of his first appearance in giallorosso, Balerdi produced a sliding intervention that set the tone for his evening, making virtually no errors against Torino's Braganca and displaying rock-solid positioning throughout. Emanuele Lulli matched his intensity with a 7, opening the game with such authority that Gasperini immediately corrected him on a tactical point—Lulli reset and soon launched a sweeping move that took Vlasic out of play and nearly forced an own goal. Nahuel Molina earned a 7 for becoming Roma's most dangerous attacker in the second half, nearly producing a spectacular volley just over the crossbar despite early coordination issues with Matías Soulé on the flank. Pisilli ran over 11 kilometres despite visible fatigue, playing through cramp to finish the scoring at the 92nd minute with a final burst of energy. Gasperini managed the contest precisely, making tactical adjustments as Roma moved from energetic pressing in the opening phase to controlled compression by the final stages. He substituted Marten de Roon in at the 63rd minute for Bryan Cristante, with De Roon arriving as an authoritative presence. Gasperini deployed his midfielders deeper in defence towards the end to manage Torino's space and secure what the assessment called "a very precious result." His post-match philosophy on selection was direct: he plays whoever is performing best in training.

Roma overcame Torino 2-0 in a commanding performance that showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Mile Svilar was alert in goal, making a crucial save from Simeone's close-range attempt in the second half after dealing with an early delivery from Fitz-Jim. The match pivoted on Roma's control throughout the first half, when Torino offered little threat. Gianluca Mancini was tasked with erasing defensive lapses from recent matches against Atalanta and Fenerbahce, and he answered by forcing the ball loose in a challenge that led directly to Roma's opening goal. Leonardo Balerdi took command of the central defence, twice making critical interventions to thwart Simeone—once within five minutes when he blocked an insertion at the far post, and again late on when he recovered to cut out a dangerous cross from Braganca. Balerdi's display marked him as a potential protagonist for the season ahead. Mario Hermoso followed Gasperini's instructions to press high, becoming both a ball-winner and a creative outlet further up the pitch, though his execution in the final third was inconsistent. Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli formed a hard-working midfield partnership, with Cristante battling Mandragora in the centre while Pisilli compensated for lacking Manu Koné's physical tools by pressing aggressively into space and harassing every ball carrier. In the 64th minute, Marten de Roon replaced Cristante and restored midfield tranquility with defensive work and high pressure reminiscent of his Atalanta days. Koné came on for Dybala at the same juncture, contributing some personality to the middle of the park. Paulo Dybala was in commanding form, immediately testing Comuzzo with two sharp strikes before setting Donyell Malen up for the opening goal—described as the seventh piece of their attacking partnership's artistry. Malen, on his debut for Roma, arrived with incredible momentum and nearly broke the deadlock inside ten minutes with a header that went marginally over before finding a deflection off Coco moments later. At his third chance, combining astuteness with fortune, he converted to extend Roma's unbeaten start. Nahuel Molina, in his first outing as a starter, began uncertainly, arriving late to second balls and struggling to deliver the width Gasperini demands, though he combined dangerously with Dybala and Malen late on and nearly produced an improbable assist. Santiago Castro replaced Malen in the 57th minute to provide depth and hold possession. Pisilli took a clear prize late in the match—a goal born of relentless pressing and the lactate buildup of continuous harrying across the pitch.

Roma extended their unbeaten run to four matches with a 2-0 victory at Turin on 14 September, maintaining their perfect record at the top of Serie A. Donyell Malen opened the scoring in the 40th minute, and Niccolò Pisilli sealed the result in the 90+4th minute. The win takes Roma to 12 points and sole leadership, the only side still on maximum points as Inter await their chance to move level. Malen now sits joint-leading scorer in the league with six goals in four games. Gasperini's side showed resilience despite defensive injuries. Evan N'Dicka was ruled out by gastroenteritis, forcing Leonardo Balerdi into his Roma debut at centre-back alongside Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso. Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina occupied the full-back positions, the latter deputising for the injured Wesley. Bryan Cristante and Pisilli anchored midfield, with Manu Koné initially on the bench, while the attacking line paired Matías Soulé, Malen and Paulo Dybala. Turin's coach Abate made two changes at half-time but Roma dominated the second half's early stages. Malen and Molina combined for a near-miss when the Argentine collected a cross and fired a volley that nearly found the far corner, which Molina felt could have changed the match. Gasperini brought on Rodrigo Mora and Santiago Castro for Soulé and Malen after the hour, then made further adjustments, introducing Marten de Roon and Koné in place of Cristante and Dybala. Turin mounted late pressure—Bragança found space on the counter but was caught by an outstanding recovery tackle from Balerdi, who was among Roma's best performers—and Svilar made a crucial low save from Simeone's attempt after a defensive error. Molina also drew a corner with a powerful drive. Balerdi was named among the match's standout performers, and the defence held firm through four minutes of added time as Maresca brought proceedings to a close. Roma remain undefeated and alone at the summit with maximum points from four matches.