Roma's attack must rediscover lost rhythm after Istanbul setback

Roma are already preparing for the January transfer window, with sporting director Tony D'Amico studying a deal to bring Real Madrid forward Endrick to the club. The summer transfer window has just closed, but Roma believe the squad assembled in recent weeks can still be strengthened, particularly in attack. D'Amico is exploring a loan arrangement that would include a purchase option for Roma and a counter-option for Real Madrid—a complex formula designed to give both clubs a stake in the player's future while allowing Roma to move beyond a straightforward temporary deal. Endrick is facing limited opportunities at Madrid due to competition in the attacking department, and the prospect of regular playing time in Rome could help facilitate the move. For head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, he would represent another quality option for an attack the manager believes can still be improved. The fact that D'Amico is already studying the mechanics and conditions shows Roma's intent to arrive at January fully prepared and complete what was not possible in the final days of summer. Endrick is no longer merely a name circulating in transfer gossip; it is a target Roma intends to pursue with considerable advance preparation.

Niccolò Pisilli is set to make his first Serie A start of the season in Roma's trip to Torino, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini moving to deploy the midfielder alongside Bryan Cristante. The decision comes with Manu Koné sidelined by knee inflammation and training separately; Gasperini has chosen to preserve the French midfielder ahead of the Inter fixture. Pisilli, born in 2004 and a Roma academy product, has made 81 appearances for the club and has already contributed 71 minutes and a goal against Fiorentina this season. Gasperini's faith in the young midfielder reflects a wider commitment: in the summer transfer window, the coach blocked a potential sale to Porto worth approximately €25 million, convinced Pisilli could become an important rotation option. That conviction was reinforced during the Istanbul fixture when Koné was injured and Gasperini again chose Pisilli over Marten de Roon. Emanuele Lulli, born in 2007, offers a parallel story of academy development. The defender has started Roma's first three league matches and impressed against Fiorentina, Lecce, and Atalanta before being rested during the Champions League match against Fenerbahce. His availability for the Torino trip remains uncertain after a bout of influenza forced him to miss the latest training session. Should he recover, he will compete for the right-back spot where Nahuel Molina has not yet reached peak fitness and Devyne Rensch did not convince in Istanbul. Both players embody Roma's strategy of developing talent within the academy system. With a long season ahead across both Serie A and the Champions League, having two Trigoria-raised players capable of earning genuine first-team rotation represents far more than a feel-good story for the club.

Marten de Roon continues to command respect from his former Atalanta teammates despite fan anger at the club, which surfaced during a defeat to Cagliari on 12 September. The midfielder, now a Roma player for the past two weeks, was praised by Lazar Samardzic in the aftermath of that match. Speaking to DAZN after the game, Samardzic said: "Marten is Atalanta for us, he spent ten years here and achieved tremendous results. For us he is a legend, we wish him the best because he is an incredible person who helped so many of the boys who arrived. For us he is number one, he will always be our captain." De Roon's departure to Roma represents a significant moment for Atalanta, where he had become a cornerstone of the squad. The affection shown by current players underscores the influence he wielded during his decade at the club, even as supporters expressed their frustration with recent performances. Atalanta manager Maurizio Sarri also spoke to DAZN following the 2–1 loss to Cagliari at the New Balance Arena. He referenced Roma's 2–1 victory over Atalanta at the Olimpico in the previous round, saying: "I was worried after Bologna, in part after Roma, not certainly after the match with Cagliari. I am very disappointed by the result, but I saw a bit of light at the end of the tunnel."

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is considering resting Paulo Dybala for the first time this season ahead of tomorrow's away match against Torino, which kicks off at 18:30 and is managed by Ignazio Abate. After starting four consecutive matches, the Argentine forward may spend at least part of the fixture on the bench as Roma's technical staff weigh his physical workload and the need to preserve his fitness. Rodrigo Mora is poised to replace him alongside Matías Soulé should Dybala not start. Gasperini would personally prefer to use Dybala in every game, but concerns about the player's injury history and the requirement to manage his muscles are pushing the coaching staff toward caution. Despite a complete pre-season that allowed him to build fitness, Dybala's management demands prudence. The situation echoes the build-up to Roma's match against Atalanta, when reports surfaced of minor physical discomfort; he played the full opening on that occasion and proved decisive, providing the assist for Soulé's goal in Roma's 2-1 success. The final decision rests with a direct conversation between Gasperini and the player. The coming hours at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino will settle any remaining doubts, with Mora ready to step up the striker hierarchy if required.

Donyell Malen faces Torino on familiar ground on 15 September, the same stadium where his Roma career truly began in January when he scored within days of arriving in the capital. The Dutch forward has already netted five goals in Roma's first three league matches and can enter rare historical territory if he scores again: he would become only the third player in Roma's history to score more than five goals after the opening four Serie A fixtures, following Pedro Manfredini (seven in 1960–61) and Francesco Totti (six in 2001–02). Gasperini is expected to start Malen again, knowing the striker thrives when served in depth and attacking space behind the defensive line. The possible absence of Paulo Dybala from the opening lineup could shift Roma's approach, with Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé tasked with finding Malen in the final third. Behind him, Santiago Castro is pressing for opportunity after remaining on the bench throughout Roma's Champions League match against Fenerbahce. The Argentine, nicknamed "Torito", impressed against Atalanta with two shots that struck the woodwork but could not deliver his first Roma goal. Torino presents a chance for both attackers to make their mark in different ways. Malen seeks his first goal in two matches, while Castro chases his maiden Roma strike. Gasperini now has the luxury of rotating two centre-forwards with contrasting qualities, offering tactical flexibility as the season unfolds.

Gian Piero Gasperini is considering tactical adjustments for Roma's visit to Torino before the international break, with particular focus on his attacking setup. Paulo Dybala finished Roma's Istanbul fixture visibly exhausted and suffering from cramps after playing five consecutive matches as a starter, averaging 85 minutes per outing. The risk of fielding him from the start at Torino looms large, especially with the forthcoming derby against Inter at the Olimpico in mind. Matías Soulé is the only forward certain of a starting place, with Rodrigo Mora likely to feature from the opening minute to complete the forward line. A substitution swap between Donyell Malen and Santiago Castro is probable during the match, with Castro having rested during the Champions League game in Istanbul. The Torino fixture arrives at an opportune moment for Roma to restore the attacking potency displayed across their first three Serie A matches. In the league so far, Roma have scored 10 goals from 71 total shots—an average of 23.6 attempts per match. That output stands in sharp contrast to their Champions League performance in Istanbul, where they managed only one goal from eight shots. Gasperini's use of the five-substitution rule offers tactical flexibility both in the starting XI and during play, allowing the coach to manage load and seize attacking chances as the match develops.

Donyell Malen faces Torino on familiar ground on 15 September, the same stadium where his Roma career truly began in January when he scored within days of arriving in the capital. The Dutch forward has already netted five goals in Roma's first three league matches and can enter rare historical territory if he scores again: he would become only the third player in Roma's history to score more than five goals after the opening four Serie A fixtures, following Pedro Manfredini (seven in 1960–61) and Francesco Totti (six in 2001–02). Gasperini is expected to start Malen again, knowing the striker thrives when served in depth and attacking space behind the defensive line. The possible absence of Paulo Dybala from the opening lineup could shift Roma's approach, with Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé tasked with finding Malen in the final third. Behind him, Santiago Castro is pressing for opportunity after remaining on the bench throughout Roma's Champions League match against Fenerbahce. The Argentine, nicknamed "Torito", impressed against Atalanta with two shots that struck the woodwork but could not deliver his first Roma goal. Torino presents a chance for both attackers to make their mark in different ways. Malen seeks his first goal in two matches, while Castro chases his maiden Roma strike. Gasperini now has the luxury of rotating two centre-forwards with contrasting qualities, offering tactical flexibility as the season unfolds.

Gian Piero Gasperini is considering tactical adjustments for Roma's visit to Torino before the international break, with particular focus on his attacking setup. Paulo Dybala finished Roma's Istanbul fixture visibly exhausted and suffering from cramps after playing five consecutive matches as a starter, averaging 85 minutes per outing. The risk of fielding him from the start at Torino looms large, especially with the forthcoming derby against Inter at the Olimpico in mind. Matías Soulé is the only forward certain of a starting place, with Rodrigo Mora likely to feature from the opening minute to complete the forward line. A substitution swap between Donyell Malen and Santiago Castro is probable during the match, with Castro having rested during the Champions League game in Istanbul. The Torino fixture arrives at an opportune moment for Roma to restore the attacking potency displayed across their first three Serie A matches. In the league so far, Roma have scored 10 goals from 71 total shots—an average of 23.6 attempts per match. That output stands in sharp contrast to their Champions League performance in Istanbul, where they managed only one goal from eight shots. Gasperini's use of the five-substitution rule offers tactical flexibility both in the starting XI and during play, allowing the coach to manage load and seize attacking chances as the match develops.

Niccolò Pisilli is set to start for Roma against Torino on 13 September, filling the midfield slot alongside Bryan Cristante after Manu Koné suffered a slight knee injury during the Champions League visit to Fenerbahçe. The class of 2004 midfielder will make his first Serie A start of the season after three substitute appearances, stepping in as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini manages the squad across a packed fixture schedule. Gasperini opted to deploy Pisilli over Marten de Roon in Turkey, a signal of the hierarchy in midfield. Koné is likely to be rested to avoid compounding the injury ahead of the Inter fixture. Gasperini trusts Pisilli and values his offensive contribution and application without the ball, according to reports in Il Tempo. The coach is expected to make other changes across the defence and attack but will not drastically overhaul the team despite the rapid fixture congestion. Elsewhere, Leonardo Balerdi is pressing for minutes after two decent cameos in earlier games. Devyne Rensch struggled in Istanbul, leaving the right-back position uncertain, with Nahuel Molina still without a league start this season and Emanuele Lulli dealing with flu that prevented him training on 12 September, though he hopes to travel with the squad. Donyell Malen holds a clear advantage over Santiago Castro in attack. The choice among Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora remains fluid; Gasperini has difficulty leaving any of them out and may ask for an effort from one until the international break.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is considering resting Paulo Dybala for the first time this season ahead of tomorrow's away match against Torino, which kicks off at 18:30 and is managed by Ignazio Abate. After starting four consecutive matches, the Argentine forward may spend at least part of the fixture on the bench as Roma's technical staff weigh his physical workload and the need to preserve his fitness. Rodrigo Mora is poised to replace him alongside Matías Soulé should Dybala not start. Gasperini would personally prefer to use Dybala in every game, but concerns about the player's injury history and the requirement to manage his muscles are pushing the coaching staff toward caution. Despite a complete pre-season that allowed him to build fitness, Dybala's management demands prudence. The situation echoes the build-up to Roma's match against Atalanta, when reports surfaced of minor physical discomfort; he played the full opening on that occasion and proved decisive, providing the assist for Soulé's goal in Roma's 2-1 success. The final decision rests with a direct conversation between Gasperini and the player. The coming hours at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino will settle any remaining doubts, with Mora ready to step up the striker hierarchy if required.

Donyell Malen faces Torino on familiar ground on 15 September, the same stadium where his Roma career truly began in January when he scored within days of arriving in the capital. The Dutch forward has already netted five goals in Roma's first three league matches and can enter rare historical territory if he scores again: he would become only the third player in Roma's history to score more than five goals after the opening four Serie A fixtures, following Pedro Manfredini (seven in 1960–61) and Francesco Totti (six in 2001–02). Gasperini is expected to start Malen again, knowing the striker thrives when served in depth and attacking space behind the defensive line. The possible absence of Paulo Dybala from the opening lineup could shift Roma's approach, with Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé tasked with finding Malen in the final third. Behind him, Santiago Castro is pressing for opportunity after remaining on the bench throughout Roma's Champions League match against Fenerbahce. The Argentine, nicknamed "Torito", impressed against Atalanta with two shots that struck the woodwork but could not deliver his first Roma goal. Torino presents a chance for both attackers to make their mark in different ways. Malen seeks his first goal in two matches, while Castro chases his maiden Roma strike. Gasperini now has the luxury of rotating two centre-forwards with contrasting qualities, offering tactical flexibility as the season unfolds.

Gian Piero Gasperini is considering tactical adjustments for Roma's visit to Torino before the international break, with particular focus on his attacking setup. Paulo Dybala finished Roma's Istanbul fixture visibly exhausted and suffering from cramps after playing five consecutive matches as a starter, averaging 85 minutes per outing. The risk of fielding him from the start at Torino looms large, especially with the forthcoming derby against Inter at the Olimpico in mind. Matías Soulé is the only forward certain of a starting place, with Rodrigo Mora likely to feature from the opening minute to complete the forward line. A substitution swap between Donyell Malen and Santiago Castro is probable during the match, with Castro having rested during the Champions League game in Istanbul. The Torino fixture arrives at an opportune moment for Roma to restore the attacking potency displayed across their first three Serie A matches. In the league so far, Roma have scored 10 goals from 71 total shots—an average of 23.6 attempts per match. That output stands in sharp contrast to their Champions League performance in Istanbul, where they managed only one goal from eight shots. Gasperini's use of the five-substitution rule offers tactical flexibility both in the starting XI and during play, allowing the coach to manage load and seize attacking chances as the match develops.