Roma in Battle with Nottingham for Read; Soulé Exit Imminent

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.

Roma have conceded just one goal in Serie A this season, matching Arsenal's record among Europe's top five leagues and establishing themselves as the continent's tightest defence. The solitary goal came from Atalanta's Ederson in one of the few attempts the visitors managed. Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, Mario Hermoso, Daniele Ghilardi and Konstantinos Koulierakis form the core of a defensive unit reinforced by Leonardo Balerdi's recent arrival. Last season Roma's defence was the best in Europe for much of the campaign before finishing second in Serie A behind Como. Germany's Freiburg has also conceded one goal but from three matches, while Real Madrid and Barcelona share Spain's best record with four. France has four teams on two goals conceded. Roma rank first across Italy for shots faced, with goalkeeper Mile Svilar proving decisive when danger arrives—a stark contrast to Inter, who have already conceded six goals this season.

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.

Rome's radio stations offered their verdict on Roma's latest performance, with broadcasters drawing parallels between the club and Serie A's title contenders. Roberto Pruzzo on Radio Radio noted Roma's quality in the opening half hour, praising Donyell Malen as decisive and dangerous, and Paulo Dybala for demonstrating good fitness. Sandro Sabatini also called it a strong display, highlighting Roma's attacking control when ahead and singling out Leonardo Balerdi as an unexpected standout, though he pointed to Inter's defensive vulnerabilities as a contrast. Lorenzo Pes on Teleradiostereo made the boldest assessment, saying Roma have emerged as a genuine title contender alongside Inter and Como. He underlined Roma's recent defensive record—just one goal conceded in four matches—and identified centre-backs Hermoso and Mancini as a significant asset. Pes also praised Balerdi's composure and speed, and expressed surprise at Marten de Roon's quick adaptation, suggesting the midfielder's presence could complicate Gasperini's team selection in the defensive line. Pes stated: "The Roma team has become a certainty, together with Como and Inter." He noted that Inter's next opponent will be Roma after the international break, followed by Como. Pes also observed that Roma's setup differs markedly from the fixture between the clubs last season, marking a shift in how the team approaches its challenges.

Niccolò Pisilli has scored twice in 126 minutes of Serie A action, demonstrating a ruthless finishing touch despite not always getting into shooting positions. The young midfielder's conversion rate is striking: while he doesn't generate a high volume of attempts, he is consistently effective when the chance arrives. Pisilli could feature again against Inter, possibly even if Manu Koné recovers from injury. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is considering deploying him alongside Paulo Dybala behind Donyell Malen to reinforce Roma's midfield compactness from the start. The decision will be made on Saturday morning.

Leonardo Balerdi earned the highest rating from match reviewers after Roma's victory in Turin on 15 September, recording an average of 7.5, ahead of Donyell Malen (7.4) and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini (7.3). Niccolò Pisilli and Paulo Dybala both scored 7, with Pisilli netting Roma's second goal despite cramping, while Matías Soulé (5.9) and substitute Rodrigo Mora (5.4) struggled in comparison. Referee Fabio Maresca received divided marks for his performance: 5 from Gazzetta dello Sport, 6.5 from Corriere dello Sport and 6 from Il Romanista. The key incident centred on a challenge by Comuzzo on a cross from Nahuel Molina, which was adjudged to strike the defender's chest rather than his arm, making the non-award of a penalty correct. Both of Roma's goals were considered correctly allowed. Meanwhile, Inter face uncertainty ahead of their Serie A fixture against Roma on Saturday: midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is in serious doubt after missing the match against Udinese with adductor fatigue. He underwent examinations on 15 September. Manchester City's John Stones also suffered injury during the week, suffering a hamstring problem and requiring reassessment.