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Pisilli and Balerdi in contention to start against Torino as Roma manage fixture congestion
·14 September 2026·45d ago

Pisilli and Balerdi in contention to start against Torino as Roma manage fixture congestion

Source: Roma News

Roma face Torino on this afternoon with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini describing the fixture schedule as running at an "infernal pace". The match comes just days after Roma's away trip to Istanbul and precedes a major clash against Inter, forcing the club to manage a fixture every four days. Roma have started the season with three Serie A wins, ten goals scored and only one conceded, plus a draw in Europe against Fenerbahce, but the tight schedule now becomes the defining challenge of maintaining their league position.

Paulo Dybala remains the unchanging focal point of Gasperini's tactics, with the policy clear: the Argentine plays whenever fit and rests only when he reports fatigue. Donyell Malen is confirmed alongside him, with Rodrigo Mora a strong candidate to complete the attacking trio from the start against Torino. A series of squad rotation changes are anticipated across the pitch. Wesley has recovered from a knee injury sustained in Istanbul and is available. Leonardo Balerdi, the Argentine defender, is now ready to feature regularly in defensive rotations and may start. In midfield, Marten de Roon is improving but likely to begin on the bench, while Manu Koné will attempt to be fit to play—if unavailable, Niccolò Pisilli is prepared to deputise. Lorenzo Pellegrini has returned to the squad after a previous absence.

● AI Generated Summary

This summary was generated by an AI model. Always read the source for complete and accurate information.

Story Coverage3 sources on this story

Roma travel to Turin on Monday 14 September at 18:30 to face Torino in a Serie A fourth-round fixture, with the match refereed by Fabio Maresca. The Giallorossi arrive in strong form, having won their opening three league matches against Fiorentina, Lecce and Atalanta while also drawing 1–1 against Fenerbahçe in the Champions League. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has described the fixture schedule as running at an "infernal pace," with Roma managing a match every four days as they balance Serie A and European commitments ahead of a major clash against Inter.

Gasperini has confirmed several key personnel available for selection. Manu Koné, Emanuele Lulli and Lorenzo Pellegrini have all recovered from injury concerns and are in contention. Multiple outlets confirm that Niccolò Pisilli and Leonardo Balerdi will feature in the starting eleven, with Pisilli likely operating in midfield alongside Bryan Cristante should Koné be managed carefully. Balerdi is making his first start after appearing from the bench in recent matches. Paulo Dybala remains non-negotiable in attack whenever fit, partnered by Donyell Malen, with Rodrigo Mora expected to complete the attacking unit. Bookmakers rate Roma as clear favourites, with a Roma victory priced between 1.55 and 1.60, while a 0–1 scoreline is identified as the most likely exact outcome.

Torino, managed by Ignazio Abate, face severe attacking difficulties. Giovanni Simeone's back problem leaves him doubtful until the morning of the match, while Kyogo Furuhashi Adams is unavailable with an adductor injury. Abate has indicated the possibility of fielding no conventional centre-forward, with options including Duvan Zapata, Kulenovic or an advanced Vlasic. The match will be broadcast exclusively on DAZN.

AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.

Testo Originale / Source Text

“Gian Piero Gasperini riassume con l’espressione “ritmo infernale” la nuova normalità del calendario giallorosso. Con la trasferta di Istanbul ormai alle spalle, la squadra si ritrova subito in campo nel pomeriggio contro il Torino, guardando già all’orizzonte al big match contro l’Inter. Affrontare…”

Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.

Read original on Roma News →

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