Roma lose 4-1 to Cardiff; Gasperini stresses need to strengthen squad; Koulierakis arrives in Rome

Roma made enquiries for Real Madrid forwards Franco Mastantuono and Endrick during the summer transfer window but left empty-handed on both fronts. Mastantuono, an Argentine, has since made history by becoming the youngest foreigner to score a hat-trick in Serie A after joining Fiorentina on loan. Roma wanted a permanent deal for Mastantuono, but Real Madrid insisted on retaining control of the player, ending talks quickly. The Fiorentina loan includes no option or obligation to buy, with the Viola covering roughly half of his €3.5M wages. Brazilian forward Endrick remained at Real Madrid and did not move, though Roma remain keen on him ahead of January. He stayed largely because of José Mourinho's orders following Rodrygo's injury, but he has yet to play any minutes, sitting behind several established stars and Carlos Espì in the pecking order. His frustration is mounting, and his January departure will gain traction if his situation doesn't improve. Roma rate him highly and are prepared to structure a deal similar to the one used for Nico Paz to bring him in. Roma's inability to sell Matías Soulé hampered most of their summer plans, though he is performing well enough that the club cannot complain about the outcome. They would have preferred greater variety in their attacking options. Mastantuono would have offered something different, but long-term loans of that nature are not palatable, and Roma are not short-handed as matters stand.

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.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has named three Roma players in his squad for the international window at the end of September and start of October: Leonardo Balerdi, Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro. Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina were omitted and will remain available to Gian Piero Gasperini during the break. Bareldi's recall comes after strong performances in Roma's defence since his arrival. The central defender has settled quickly into the giallorossi backline and his form has caught Scaloni's attention. Soulé and Castro return to the Argentina squad after being left out of the coach's recent selections, giving both players a chance to press their claims for the national team. Argentina will play Bolivia on 30 September, Burkina Faso on 3 October and Benin on 6 October. Lionel Messi is also included in the squad. The Argentina forward previously expressed his intention to leave international football and will use these three friendlies as his final opportunity to play for the Selección before his retirement from the national team. Roma will therefore release three players to Argentina while Dybala and Molina stay behind.

Argentina head coach Scaloni has selected three Roma players for the national team's forthcoming friendlies: Leonardo Balerdi, Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro. The trio will feature in matches against Bolivia on 30 September, Burkina Faso on 3 October and Benin on 6 October. Balerdi has impressed in Roma's defence, while Soulé and Castro return to the squad after falling out of the technical staff's rotation. Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina have been omitted from the selection. Lionel Messi has also been included in the squad. The Argentine legend, who previously announced his retirement from international football, will bid farewell to supporters in the final match against Benin at the Monumental before departing the Selección.

Roma won 2–0 away at Torino with goals from Malen and Pisilli to remain level on points with Inter at the Serie A summit, both teams on four victories from their opening four matches. The squad returned to training at Trigoria this morning ahead of Saturday's meeting at the Stadio Olimpico against Inter, who sit joint-top with a perfect record. Lorenzo Pellegrini is available after recovering from injury and is in contention to make his seasonal debut. Inter's preparations have been hampered by injury setbacks. Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu will miss Saturday's fixture after suffering a muscular strain of the right adductor, with Inter confirming: "Hakan Calhanoglu underwent instrumental examinations this morning which revealed a muscle strain of the right adductor. His condition will be assessed in the coming days." Defender John Stones, who departed yesterday during his competitive debut with injury, is also a doubt; his status will be monitored day by day until the match. John Galantic made his first appearance at a Lega Serie A assembly as Roma's new chief executive, sitting in on discussions regarding international broadcasting rights. The gathering featured presentations from league chief executive Luigi De Siervo and JP Morgan adviser on investment fund interest and proposals. Galantic told reporters on the sidelines: "It was a first meeting, all good." No clear consensus has emerged among clubs, who have yet to examine the specific financial proposals in detail. Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo praised the team's performance against Torino on Radio Radio: "I liked Roma: in the first half-hour it found solutions, exploited opponents' errors. Malen is too decisive and too dangerous, Dybala showed he is in good condition." Analyst Stefano Carina added: "Roma seems to me to have something more even compared to rivals, even Inter, who seem to have some injury problems, especially in defence. Roma instead seems well set, alongside Como. Inter don't have their attackers anywhere else in Italy: Lautaro didn't play yesterday and nobody noticed, but they have problems that Roma and Como don't have."

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has named three AS Roma players in his squad for friendlies against Bolivia on 30 September, Burkina Faso on 3 October and Benin on 6 October. The trio are defender Leonardo Balerdi, and forwards Santiago Castro and Matías Soulé. Balerdi has already earned 11 caps for Argentina, while Castro and Soulé are both awaiting their debuts for the national team and will be hoping to feature for the first time. The friendlies hold particular significance as they will include Lionel Messi's final match for Argentina. The legendary forward will play his farewell game against Benin at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, providing a fitting conclusion to his international career.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has named three Roma players in his squad for the international window at the end of September and start of October: Leonardo Balerdi, Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro. Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina were omitted and will remain available to Gian Piero Gasperini during the break. Bareldi's recall comes after strong performances in Roma's defence since his arrival. The central defender has settled quickly into the giallorossi backline and his form has caught Scaloni's attention. Soulé and Castro return to the Argentina squad after being left out of the coach's recent selections, giving both players a chance to press their claims for the national team. Argentina will play Bolivia on 30 September, Burkina Faso on 3 October and Benin on 6 October. Lionel Messi is also included in the squad. The Argentina forward previously expressed his intention to leave international football and will use these three friendlies as his final opportunity to play for the Selección before his retirement from the national team. Roma will therefore release three players to Argentina while Dybala and Molina stay behind.

Argentina head coach Scaloni has selected three Roma players for the national team's forthcoming friendlies: Leonardo Balerdi, Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro. The trio will feature in matches against Bolivia on 30 September, Burkina Faso on 3 October and Benin on 6 October. Balerdi has impressed in Roma's defence, while Soulé and Castro return to the squad after falling out of the technical staff's rotation. Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina have been omitted from the selection. Lionel Messi has also been included in the squad. The Argentine legend, who previously announced his retirement from international football, will bid farewell to supporters in the final match against Benin at the Monumental before departing the Selección.

Roma won 2–0 away at Torino with goals from Malen and Pisilli to remain level on points with Inter at the Serie A summit, both teams on four victories from their opening four matches. The squad returned to training at Trigoria this morning ahead of Saturday's meeting at the Stadio Olimpico against Inter, who sit joint-top with a perfect record. Lorenzo Pellegrini is available after recovering from injury and is in contention to make his seasonal debut. Inter's preparations have been hampered by injury setbacks. Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu will miss Saturday's fixture after suffering a muscular strain of the right adductor, with Inter confirming: "Hakan Calhanoglu underwent instrumental examinations this morning which revealed a muscle strain of the right adductor. His condition will be assessed in the coming days." Defender John Stones, who departed yesterday during his competitive debut with injury, is also a doubt; his status will be monitored day by day until the match. John Galantic made his first appearance at a Lega Serie A assembly as Roma's new chief executive, sitting in on discussions regarding international broadcasting rights. The gathering featured presentations from league chief executive Luigi De Siervo and JP Morgan adviser on investment fund interest and proposals. Galantic told reporters on the sidelines: "It was a first meeting, all good." No clear consensus has emerged among clubs, who have yet to examine the specific financial proposals in detail. Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo praised the team's performance against Torino on Radio Radio: "I liked Roma: in the first half-hour it found solutions, exploited opponents' errors. Malen is too decisive and too dangerous, Dybala showed he is in good condition." Analyst Stefano Carina added: "Roma seems to me to have something more even compared to rivals, even Inter, who seem to have some injury problems, especially in defence. Roma instead seems well set, alongside Como. Inter don't have their attackers anywhere else in Italy: Lautaro didn't play yesterday and nobody noticed, but they have problems that Roma and Como don't have."

Paulo Dybala delivered another performance of high quality against Torino, laying on the assist for Donyell Malen's opening goal, but it was an off-field gesture that captured hearts. As Dybala left the pitch, he noticed a young Roma fan holding a sign asking for his shirt. Without hesitation, he approached the stands and handed over his jersey to a steward, who passed it to the child. The boy was overcome with emotion, breaking down in tears of joy at receiving the gift. The video of the moment spread rapidly across social media, shared by Roma's official accounts and the Serie A social media pages, garnering thousands of comments praising Dybala's kindness.

Donyell Malen is establishing himself as one of Roma's top players this season, operating at the highest level alongside Paulo Dybala. His goal against Torino demonstrated an exceptional hunger to score and underscored his impact on the squad. The Dutch forward's form reflects Roma's quality in attack during the early stages of the 2026-27 campaign. His emergence as a leading performer marks a significant development for the club's attacking options.