← All stories
Roma's attack must rediscover lost rhythm after Istanbul setback
·13 September 2026·45d ago

Roma's attack must rediscover lost rhythm after Istanbul setback

Source: Forza Roma

Roma's striking force showed signs of fatigue in their Champions League visit to Istanbul, and head coach Gasperini is likely to rotate his attack for tomorrow's Serie A fixture at Turin. Paulo Dybala finished the Istanbul match exhausted and cramping despite praise from his manager, while Santiago Castro remained unused as a substitute. With five substitutions now available, tactical changes can happen mid-match as well as from the start.

Gasperini has previously resisted wholesale rotation, explaining: "We must go forward match by match. This is the first week we have three matches; certainly after the international break rotations will be fundamental." The fixture list offers no relief: Inter visit the Olimpico on Saturday in a match that could provide a key turning point in the season. Dybala's workload is a concern—he is on course for his fifth consecutive start, averaging 85 minutes per game. Rodrigo Mora is expected to feature. A swap between Donyell Malen and Castro during the match appears plausible, leaving Matías Soulé as the only attacker certain of a starting place after months of transfer speculation.

Roma's attacking output has dropped sharply. In their opening three league matches they scored ten goals from 71 shots (23.6 per game), but in Istanbul they managed only one goal from eight attempts, with just three on target. Torino's visit comes at the right moment for Roma to restore their scoring rhythm.

● AI Generated Summary

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

Testo Originale / Source Text

“II turnover è un termine che fatica ad un entrare nel suo vocabolario. Soprattutto in avvio di stagione, quando le squadre hanno bisogno di continuità. Così anche prima di Istanbul a chi chiedeva di possibili rotazioni di massa, Gasperini spiegava: «Bisogna andare avanti partita dopo partita.…”

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

Read original on Forza Roma →

More Squad News

Dybala's return slips again as Gasperini points to the January transfer market
InjurySquad News● AI
1h ago

Dybala's return slips again as Gasperini points to the January transfer market

Paulo Dybala's comeback has been pushed back again, and the article suggests the long-term answer to his repeated absences lies in the transfer market. The Argentine was not called up for Roma's most recent match and, according to Gian Piero Gasperini's words, will probably also miss the trip to Udine next Saturday. His return could slip as far as 7 November, against Sassuolo, the last league match before the international break. The delay is especially awkward because Roma face a demanding Champions League trip to Manchester United on 3 November, and the chances of Dybala being available for that match now look significantly reduced. The article notes that a return that seemed imminent has become a concrete risk of missing three more matches, a considerable difference for a Roma side already fighting on several fronts and already dealing with heavy absences. After the 4-2 win over Cagliari, Gasperini was candid about the situation. He said: "Paulo always takes a little more time to recover from injuries", admitting that the optimism of recent days had not been confirmed on the pitch. He pointed to Sassuolo as a possible return date, without offering certainty. The injury was initially described as a strain to the calf's twin muscle, before a small muscle tear was detected. The article stresses that a small tear does not necessarily mean a quick recovery, particularly when the aim is to avoid a relapse in a high-intensity match, and that the medical staff's caution is understandable. The article argues that when Dybala is fit he remains hard to replace, praising his ability to read the game, find passes invisible to others, create assists and give quality to the attacking play. It recalls the early weeks of the season, when he was playing at a very high level and had become one of the team's technical reference points. He has not yet scored his first goal of the season, but his contribution to creating chances and handling the ball in the final thirty metres has been decisive. Without him, Roma lose something that cannot be replaced simply by changing a player. Soulé has talent and creativity but different characteristics, and Rodrigo Mora is growing and decided a match against Cagliari with his own moves, yet he is still very young and cannot be asked to shoulder the responsibility of a technical leader every time. The article's conclusion is that the Dybala question is now a matter of squad building rather than only a medical one. Roma should not give up on the Joya but should build a team that can afford to wait for him. Dybala's contract runs until June 2027, and the club must decide in the coming months whether to continue together, a judgement that will weigh his performance, the economic cost and his real availability over the season. Gasperini has already stressed the need to widen the options available, especially in attack, and the coming January could offer an important chance to act. The article says the aim is not a Dybala clone but another player of real standing who can offer solutions between the lines, create numerical superiority and increase the team's danger.

GialloRossi.netRead original →
Pruzzo on Castro, Mora and Roma's market after the Cagliari win
OpinionSquad News● AI
1h ago

Pruzzo on Castro, Mora and Roma's market after the Cagliari win

Roma legend Roberto Pruzzo has questioned Santiago Castro's recent form and voiced doubts about the club's transfer business, in comments on Radio Radio Mattino (104.5). Fellow pundit Nando Orsi also praised Roma's display against Cagliari. Pruzzo said Gasperini would have taken off Mora had he had another substitute available, but he was pleased that two academy players had solved the team's problems. He said: "If Gasp had another substitute, Mora would have been taken off. But I'm happy that two lads from the youth team have solved the problems. I'm a fan of Castro, but Mina put him in his pocket yesterday. He needs to make a mental switch; Molina struggles in Italian football. I have big doubts about the Roma market." Orsi insisted Roma had not struggled against Cagliari and felt the team could never have lost the match. He said: "Roma did not struggle against Cagliari. The feeling I had is that Roma could never lose the match. Gollini saved the team, I'm happy for him. Anyway, the giallorossi were far too superior to Cagliari."

Dybala's return delayed as Roma target Sassuolo fixture
InjurySquad News● AI
2h ago

Dybala's return delayed as Roma target Sassuolo fixture

Paulo Dybala's return from a calf injury has been put back, and Gian Piero Gasperini is now aiming to have him available for the Sassuolo match on 7 November, the Giallorossi's last fixture before the international break. Il Messaggero reports that Roma came back from behind in their latest match with goals from Balerdi, Mora and Malen, while Ghilardi, in a surprise contribution, set up the perfect assist for the Portuguese forward. The result extends Roma's unbeaten run, which Gasperini described as following the same approach Napoli had taken. Dybala's condition is the main concern for the coach. He seemed close to a call-up on Monday, but he was not among the squad named for the game and will also miss the matches against Udinese and Manchester United. Gasperini is also worried about the fitness of Koné, and the club hopes to have Svilar back for the Champions League match due next week. Gasperini said: "I was confident after training on Sunday. Paulo takes some time to recover from injuries. We thought it would take less, but that has not been the case. For him and Koné we are aiming for Sassuolo, but I don't know if it will be possible." Dybala will undergo a decisive scan in Belgium tomorrow, after which he will return to Rome.

More on Paulo Dybala

Player profile →
Dybala's return slips again as Gasperini points to the January transfer market
InjurySquad News● AI
1h ago

Dybala's return slips again as Gasperini points to the January transfer market

Paulo Dybala's comeback has been pushed back again, and the article suggests the long-term answer to his repeated absences lies in the transfer market. The Argentine was not called up for Roma's most recent match and, according to Gian Piero Gasperini's words, will probably also miss the trip to Udine next Saturday. His return could slip as far as 7 November, against Sassuolo, the last league match before the international break. The delay is especially awkward because Roma face a demanding Champions League trip to Manchester United on 3 November, and the chances of Dybala being available for that match now look significantly reduced. The article notes that a return that seemed imminent has become a concrete risk of missing three more matches, a considerable difference for a Roma side already fighting on several fronts and already dealing with heavy absences. After the 4-2 win over Cagliari, Gasperini was candid about the situation. He said: "Paulo always takes a little more time to recover from injuries", admitting that the optimism of recent days had not been confirmed on the pitch. He pointed to Sassuolo as a possible return date, without offering certainty. The injury was initially described as a strain to the calf's twin muscle, before a small muscle tear was detected. The article stresses that a small tear does not necessarily mean a quick recovery, particularly when the aim is to avoid a relapse in a high-intensity match, and that the medical staff's caution is understandable. The article argues that when Dybala is fit he remains hard to replace, praising his ability to read the game, find passes invisible to others, create assists and give quality to the attacking play. It recalls the early weeks of the season, when he was playing at a very high level and had become one of the team's technical reference points. He has not yet scored his first goal of the season, but his contribution to creating chances and handling the ball in the final thirty metres has been decisive. Without him, Roma lose something that cannot be replaced simply by changing a player. Soulé has talent and creativity but different characteristics, and Rodrigo Mora is growing and decided a match against Cagliari with his own moves, yet he is still very young and cannot be asked to shoulder the responsibility of a technical leader every time. The article's conclusion is that the Dybala question is now a matter of squad building rather than only a medical one. Roma should not give up on the Joya but should build a team that can afford to wait for him. Dybala's contract runs until June 2027, and the club must decide in the coming months whether to continue together, a judgement that will weigh his performance, the economic cost and his real availability over the season. Gasperini has already stressed the need to widen the options available, especially in attack, and the coming January could offer an important chance to act. The article says the aim is not a Dybala clone but another player of real standing who can offer solutions between the lines, create numerical superiority and increase the team's danger.

GialloRossi.netRead original →
Dybala's return delayed as Roma target Sassuolo fixture
InjurySquad News● AI
2h ago

Dybala's return delayed as Roma target Sassuolo fixture

Paulo Dybala's return from a calf injury has been put back, and Gian Piero Gasperini is now aiming to have him available for the Sassuolo match on 7 November, the Giallorossi's last fixture before the international break. Il Messaggero reports that Roma came back from behind in their latest match with goals from Balerdi, Mora and Malen, while Ghilardi, in a surprise contribution, set up the perfect assist for the Portuguese forward. The result extends Roma's unbeaten run, which Gasperini described as following the same approach Napoli had taken. Dybala's condition is the main concern for the coach. He seemed close to a call-up on Monday, but he was not among the squad named for the game and will also miss the matches against Udinese and Manchester United. Gasperini is also worried about the fitness of Koné, and the club hopes to have Svilar back for the Champions League match due next week. Gasperini said: "I was confident after training on Sunday. Paulo takes some time to recover from injuries. We thought it would take less, but that has not been the case. For him and Koné we are aiming for Sassuolo, but I don't know if it will be possible." Dybala will undergo a decisive scan in Belgium tomorrow, after which he will return to Rome.

Soulé Growing Into Roma's Leader as Reserves Beat Cagliari 4-2
Match ReportSquad News● AI
2h ago

Soulé Growing Into Roma's Leader as Reserves Beat Cagliari 4-2

Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari 4-2 without a host of first-team regulars, with Lulli, Pisilli, Mora and Malen on the scoresheet. The performance was far from polished and Roma did not control the match, but the result showed the side's determination to find a win. Gollini made key saves, Lulli provided a goal and an assist, and Ghilardi, through a burst of pace, delivered a decisive cross in the style of Cafu. Mora scored and also set Malen through on goal. Roma were missing several key players, with Svilar, Hermoso, Koné, Dybala and Pellegrini absent, and Wesley and Malen initially out. The win follows the reaction the side showed at Napoli, and it reinforced the belief that this group keeps fighting until the final whistle even when it is short of options. Argentine Matías Soulé was again outstanding. La Gazzetta dello Sport described his growing influence as another reason for optimism, saying his "dybalizzazione" was complete, and he was the team's technical leader on Tuesday, among the best players even without scoring or assisting. The result leaves Gasperini with encouraging signs as the squad rotates through injuries and rest. Soulé's displays suggest he is now one of the central figures in the team, not merely a promising attacker. Roma's ability to win without their senior names adds depth to their challenge across the season.

More on Santiago Castro

Player profile →
Pruzzo doubts Molina and Castro, Orsi praises Gollini after Cagliari win
Match ReportOpinion● AI
just now

Pruzzo doubts Molina and Castro, Orsi praises Gollini after Cagliari win

Former Roma striker Pruzzo has said Gasperini would have substituted Mora had he had another change available, but he was pleased that two academy players solved the team's problems. Speaking to Radio Radio Mattino, Pruzzo said: "If Gasperini had another change, Mora would have been taken off. But I am happy that two boys from the youth system have solved the problems." He added: "I am an admirer of Castro, but Mina put him in his pocket yesterday. He has to make a mental switch, Molina is struggling in Italian football. I have big doubts about the Giallorossi market." Roma's win over Cagliari drew comment from pundit Orsi, who also spoke to Radio Radio Mattino. He said: "Roma did not struggle against Cagliari. The feeling I had is that Roma could never lose the match. Gollini saved the team, I am happy for him. Anyway, the Giallorossi were far superior to Cagliari." Pruzzo's comments centre on the performance of Nahuel Molina and Santiago Castro, whom he believes have yet to adapt, while Orsi's view was that the result never looked in doubt. Both pundits credited the Roma goalkeeper for his display, with Orsi saying the keeper had saved the side. Pruzzo's remarks on the transfer market underline his scepticism about the club's recent dealings.

Pruzzo on Castro, Mora and Roma's market after the Cagliari win
OpinionSquad News● AI
1h ago

Pruzzo on Castro, Mora and Roma's market after the Cagliari win

Roma legend Roberto Pruzzo has questioned Santiago Castro's recent form and voiced doubts about the club's transfer business, in comments on Radio Radio Mattino (104.5). Fellow pundit Nando Orsi also praised Roma's display against Cagliari. Pruzzo said Gasperini would have taken off Mora had he had another substitute available, but he was pleased that two academy players had solved the team's problems. He said: "If Gasp had another substitute, Mora would have been taken off. But I'm happy that two lads from the youth team have solved the problems. I'm a fan of Castro, but Mina put him in his pocket yesterday. He needs to make a mental switch; Molina struggles in Italian football. I have big doubts about the Roma market." Orsi insisted Roma had not struggled against Cagliari and felt the team could never have lost the match. He said: "Roma did not struggle against Cagliari. The feeling I had is that Roma could never lose the match. Gollini saved the team, I'm happy for him. Anyway, the giallorossi were far too superior to Cagliari."

Roma beat Cagliari 4-2 as Lulli shines and Malen and Mora get on the scoresheet
Match ReportSerie A● AI
1h ago

Roma beat Cagliari 4-2 as Lulli shines and Malen and Mora get on the scoresheet

Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari 4-2 at the Stadio Olimpico, with goals from Lulli, Pisilli, Mora and Malen. Italian newspapers have handed out their player ratings for a side that was patched up for the match, and the Giallorossi showed plenty of youthful boldness along the way. Emanuele Lulli was the standout performer, rated 7.5 by most of the papers, while Gollini earned 7 across the board for his goalkeeping. Pisilli and Mora both found the net, and Mora came off the bench to earn strong marks in midfield. Malen also scored after replacing Castro and was rated 6.5 to 7 by the papers. Soulé was another bright spark, rated 6.5 to 7 in the attack. Gian Piero Gasperini was rated between 6 and 7 for his side's performance. Mancini was the disappointment in defence, with ratings ranging from 4.5 to 6, and Ghilardi came on to earn a 7 from some of the newspapers. Wesley replaced Molina at half-time, with his marks ranging from 5.5 to 6. Rensch was given a 5 or 6 after coming on for Lulli. Castro had a quiet afternoon and was rated between 5 and 6 before being replaced by Malen. The ratings reflect a match in which Roma's depleted squad showed resilience and attacking spirit, with the goals coming from both established players and those who came off the bench.

More on Rodrigo Mora

Player profile →
Pruzzo doubts Molina and Castro, Orsi praises Gollini after Cagliari win
Match ReportOpinion● AI
just now

Pruzzo doubts Molina and Castro, Orsi praises Gollini after Cagliari win

Former Roma striker Pruzzo has said Gasperini would have substituted Mora had he had another change available, but he was pleased that two academy players solved the team's problems. Speaking to Radio Radio Mattino, Pruzzo said: "If Gasperini had another change, Mora would have been taken off. But I am happy that two boys from the youth system have solved the problems." He added: "I am an admirer of Castro, but Mina put him in his pocket yesterday. He has to make a mental switch, Molina is struggling in Italian football. I have big doubts about the Giallorossi market." Roma's win over Cagliari drew comment from pundit Orsi, who also spoke to Radio Radio Mattino. He said: "Roma did not struggle against Cagliari. The feeling I had is that Roma could never lose the match. Gollini saved the team, I am happy for him. Anyway, the Giallorossi were far superior to Cagliari." Pruzzo's comments centre on the performance of Nahuel Molina and Santiago Castro, whom he believes have yet to adapt, while Orsi's view was that the result never looked in doubt. Both pundits credited the Roma goalkeeper for his display, with Orsi saying the keeper had saved the side. Pruzzo's remarks on the transfer market underline his scepticism about the club's recent dealings.

Dybala's return slips again as Gasperini points to the January transfer market
InjurySquad News● AI
1h ago

Dybala's return slips again as Gasperini points to the January transfer market

Paulo Dybala's comeback has been pushed back again, and the article suggests the long-term answer to his repeated absences lies in the transfer market. The Argentine was not called up for Roma's most recent match and, according to Gian Piero Gasperini's words, will probably also miss the trip to Udine next Saturday. His return could slip as far as 7 November, against Sassuolo, the last league match before the international break. The delay is especially awkward because Roma face a demanding Champions League trip to Manchester United on 3 November, and the chances of Dybala being available for that match now look significantly reduced. The article notes that a return that seemed imminent has become a concrete risk of missing three more matches, a considerable difference for a Roma side already fighting on several fronts and already dealing with heavy absences. After the 4-2 win over Cagliari, Gasperini was candid about the situation. He said: "Paulo always takes a little more time to recover from injuries", admitting that the optimism of recent days had not been confirmed on the pitch. He pointed to Sassuolo as a possible return date, without offering certainty. The injury was initially described as a strain to the calf's twin muscle, before a small muscle tear was detected. The article stresses that a small tear does not necessarily mean a quick recovery, particularly when the aim is to avoid a relapse in a high-intensity match, and that the medical staff's caution is understandable. The article argues that when Dybala is fit he remains hard to replace, praising his ability to read the game, find passes invisible to others, create assists and give quality to the attacking play. It recalls the early weeks of the season, when he was playing at a very high level and had become one of the team's technical reference points. He has not yet scored his first goal of the season, but his contribution to creating chances and handling the ball in the final thirty metres has been decisive. Without him, Roma lose something that cannot be replaced simply by changing a player. Soulé has talent and creativity but different characteristics, and Rodrigo Mora is growing and decided a match against Cagliari with his own moves, yet he is still very young and cannot be asked to shoulder the responsibility of a technical leader every time. The article's conclusion is that the Dybala question is now a matter of squad building rather than only a medical one. Roma should not give up on the Joya but should build a team that can afford to wait for him. Dybala's contract runs until June 2027, and the club must decide in the coming months whether to continue together, a judgement that will weigh his performance, the economic cost and his real availability over the season. Gasperini has already stressed the need to widen the options available, especially in attack, and the coming January could offer an important chance to act. The article says the aim is not a Dybala clone but another player of real standing who can offer solutions between the lines, create numerical superiority and increase the team's danger.

GialloRossi.netRead original →
Pruzzo on Castro, Mora and Roma's market after the Cagliari win
OpinionSquad News● AI
1h ago

Pruzzo on Castro, Mora and Roma's market after the Cagliari win

Roma legend Roberto Pruzzo has questioned Santiago Castro's recent form and voiced doubts about the club's transfer business, in comments on Radio Radio Mattino (104.5). Fellow pundit Nando Orsi also praised Roma's display against Cagliari. Pruzzo said Gasperini would have taken off Mora had he had another substitute available, but he was pleased that two academy players had solved the team's problems. He said: "If Gasp had another substitute, Mora would have been taken off. But I'm happy that two lads from the youth team have solved the problems. I'm a fan of Castro, but Mina put him in his pocket yesterday. He needs to make a mental switch; Molina struggles in Italian football. I have big doubts about the Roma market." Orsi insisted Roma had not struggled against Cagliari and felt the team could never have lost the match. He said: "Roma did not struggle against Cagliari. The feeling I had is that Roma could never lose the match. Gollini saved the team, I'm happy for him. Anyway, the giallorossi were far too superior to Cagliari."

Feedback