Pellegrini contract renewal: Friedkin initially offered one-year deal

Roma's transfer strategy this summer has drawn criticism from sections of the media, particularly the departures and arrivals in defence. Jan Ziółkowski, signed in August 2025 at a low fee following scout Massara's assessment of his potential in Poland, has left to gain playing time elsewhere after Gasperini identified other priorities. Alongside Konstantinos Koulierakis, Leonardo Balerdi arrived late in the window—the former Marseille captain—prompting complaints from observers who questioned why Ziółkowski was sold if money was then spent on a replacement. The logic behind Roma's approach is becoming clearer in the opening weeks of the season. Ziółkowski may return one day ready to compete for a starting place, or he may represent a useful profit for the club's finances. For now, Balerdi is what Roma need. What rankles some commentators is that those now celebrating Balerdi's arrival were among those who dismissed his signing initially, often appearing unfamiliar with his name. Before Turin-Roma, some called for Balerdi to replace Gianluca Mancini, whom they had written off as finished after errors against Atalanta and Fenerbahçe. Mancini, however, produced a monumental display at Turin, exposing the opportunism of those quick to turn on him. The article criticizes media outlets for excitement in watching Roma stumble rather than genuine engagement with the club's direction.

Roma have strengthened their squad depth considerably this summer, moving beyond a reliance on a fixed starting eleven. Leonardo Balerdi has replaced Jan Ziółkowski as a key defender, Nahuel Molina has taken over from Zeki Çelik, and Marten de Roon has arrived to displace concerns about midfield depth. The arrivals of Emanuele Lulli and Konstantinos Koulierakis add further options across the back line. Gasperini, who last season was forced to deploy makeshift solutions—using Baldanzi as a centre-forward and reluctantly fielding Kostas Tsimikas and Zaragoza—now has genuine alternatives. In the match against Torino, Roma demonstrated they possess not eleven starters but at least sixteen capable players. Balerdi showed himself to be a commanding defender and leader in brief outings against Atalanta and Fenerbahce, confirming his qualities across all dimensions of play. De Roon's entrance in yesterday's fixture at Torino displayed the right attitude and the unconditional backing of Gasperini, who brought him to the club; his experience and assurance offset any reservations some may hold. Molina's addition means Roma can rotate their full-back options without sacrifice. Marten Lulli's emergence has made the remaining transfer market gap feel less troubling. Santiago Castro has yet to score but showed his capabilities against Atalanta and a goal will come; Gasperini is pleased with his on-field conduct. The club still awaits a final piece—possibly Rodrigo Mora—but the summer business by director D'Amico and Gasperini has been purposeful, securing functional players with the correct character rather than marquee names.

Roma completed the signing of Marten de Roon from Atalanta late in the summer transfer window in a deal that closed quickly, driven by the midfielder's existing relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini from their time together in Bergamo. De Roon's departure from Atalanta came after disappointment with how his spell at the club ended. Upon returning from the World Cup, the Dutchman expected a warm reception as club captain but instead found that new sporting director Cristiano Guintoli was reshaping the squad. He received no explanation of his role and Guintoli attempted to move him to Bologna in a cash-plus-swap arrangement involving Jonathan Rowe, shocking De Roon into requesting his contract be terminated. Gasperini then contacted him, and the Roma manager subsequently spoke to Atalanta president Luca Percassi about a transfer. The club proved willing to complete a deal, though De Roon asked for time to bid farewell properly to Bergamo, where his wife and daughters still live. He was not granted that opportunity. Gasperini wanted him available for Roma's match against Lecce, and De Roon complied despite his preference for a more respectful departure from Atalanta.

Evan N'Dicka and Wesley will be available for Roma's match against Inter at the Olimpico on Saturday, despite recent minor fitness concerns. N'Dicka, who had an intestinal virus and some light fatigue, is expected to reclaim his place in defence, though Leonardo Balerdi's performance in Turin means the decision carries some conditionality. Wesley will operate regularly on the left, while the right-back position will see competition between Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli. Manu Koné will return to the starting lineup after his absence. Lorenzo Pellegrini remains on the bench as part of his gradual reintegration following the international break. Roma approach their most difficult fixture of the season with a fully available squad.

Gian Piero Gasperini fielded questions from journalists ahead of Roma's fourth-round Serie A fixture against Torino at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. The head coach confirmed two key absences from the squad: Wesley suffered a heavy knock in the previous match and had not yet recovered, while Evan N'Dicka contracted flu overnight and did not travel to the stadium. Gasperini expressed strong confidence in Santiago Castro's development. "Castro is performing very well in all situations where he is involved," the coach said. "His condition is good compared to the beginning of the season. We all expect a lot from him, but we are very convinced because he is a player who deserves it and has great qualities." On the availability of attacking options across the squad, Gasperini noted that Roma have fewer attacking players than many other clubs in the league, and that the team recovered Lorenzo Pellegrini only two days before the match. "We hope to always be at full strength," he said, "because in modern football there is a place for everyone at different moments." Asked about Donyell Malen's display in his debut at the same venue, Gasperini reflected: "I had found a great player with important numbers." The comments underscored Roma's injury challenges and their hopes for Castro to develop into a key contributor as the season progresses.

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media before Roma's match against Torino, discussing the squad's readiness and tactical setup. Wesley was rested after picking up a heavy knock in the Fenerbahçe fixture and failing to recover well, while Evan N'Dicka suffered a flu attack overnight and did not travel to the stadium. Gasperini expressed confidence in Santiago Castro's development, saying he has arrived in good condition and merits playing time: "He is doing very well in every opportunity. We expect much from him and we are convinced of his qualities." On Roma's attacking depth, Gasperini noted that the squad contains multiple forward options and that he is satisfied with the group available. Lorenzo Pellegrini recently returned to training, and Gasperini was optimistic about having the full roster at his disposal: "It is normal that the squad is made up of more attackers. We have fewer than others but I am happy with these six players. Pellegrini came back not long ago but we hope to always be complete because in today's football there is room for everyone at different times." Gasperini reflected on Donyell Malen's initial impression, recalling the belief at the moment of his arrival: "I thought I had signed a good player... but then the numbers have been extraordinary beyond all expectations. We were convinced from the start that we had brought in an important player."