Roma's two faces in Istanbul: from Cristante's breakthrough to defensive lapses

Roma returned from their Champions League visit to Fenerbahce with a draw and an encouraging first-half display, though the second half brought frustration. Bryan Cristante opened the scoring, and the team showed positive signs as they began their campaign with a playoff objective in mind. The standout moment came when Leonardo Balerdi entered the pitch in the 74th minute as a substitute for Gianluca Mancini, immediately catching supporters' attention with a composed defensive performance that sparked a wave of praise across social media. Fans seized on Balerdi's brief appearance to call for him to start matches regularly, with many suggesting he should displace either Mancini or Evan N'Dicka in the defensive lineup. The Argentine defender's composure against opposition attackers—notably withstanding challenges from physically demanding forwards—left Roma supporters convinced of his quality after limited exposure. His performance prompted widespread social media reaction comparing him favourably to the club's established defenders and arguing he warrants an immediate promotion to the starting eleven. Fan comments flooded platforms with phrases including: "He must be the starter, a WALL!", "I believe Balerdi is steel reinforced with titanium, how strong he is... Lukaku bounced off his legs, 2 metres by 100 kilos", "Balerdi must always play", and "Why is Balerdi on the bench? A phenomenon." Others added: "Why did Marseille fans thank us for taking Balerdi?! How that excites me." More pointed criticism followed: "Mancini every so often gets distracted, Balerdi I see as much superior", "For me Balerdi is stronger than two out of three defensive players, he comes on and the opposition attack is nullified", and "It's not conceivable that Balerdi is Mancini's backup now."

Roma's opening Champions League match in Istanbul provided a revealing examination of individual readiness at the competition's highest level, exposing both natural fit and shortcomings that Serie A sometimes masks. Manu Koné emerged as the clearest success story. Until a knee injury forced his substitution at the 52nd minute, he appeared to raise his game as the match intensified, showing pressure, physical duels, ball protection and the ability to break the first press. Donyell Malen proved similarly suited to matches where chances are limited and the capacity to attack space becomes decisive. Mile Svilar's performance raised only the question of how far he can progress in the competition. Paulo Dybala demonstrated that while understanding how to play at this level has never been his problem, availability remains the constraint. When his physical condition allows, the Champions League remains his natural habitat: he takes possession facing forward, makes precise decisions, and creates space where others see none. Gianluca Mancini's European credentials are not in doubt, but Istanbul confirmed he appears less sharp and reactive than his usual standard. His replacement by Leonardo Balerdi sharpened the contrast; the Argentine entered immediately into the match's intensity, bringing aggression and intensity. Nahuel Molina passed a significant test, showing he can handle the demands placed on full-backs across both phases. Wesley posed a tactical question: at left-back with his weaker foot, Fenerbahçe systematically closed his inside corridor, forcing him onto the byline with his left foot and making him more predictable. Rodrigo Mora, frequently called upon by Gian Piero Gasperini, revealed that the Champions League is also a physical examination. Pressed, challenged and confined to tight spaces, he could not impose himself as he knows he can. Matías Soulé discovered that talent must be paired with better decision-making as margins shrink. Dybala, Koné, Malen and Svilar appear ready for this dimension; Balerdi entered with force and Molina withstood the impact. Mancini must rediscover his sharpness, Wesley needs a tactical solution, and Mora requires the physical tools to express his talent at this level.

Bryan Cristante scored as Roma returned to the Champions League after a seven-year absence, taking the captain's armband following Daniele De Rossi's last European goal in the competition. Cristante's strike marks a symbolic passing of the torch at the Giallorossi, with the midfielder now surpassing Lorenzo Pellegrini in the captaincy hierarchy. Roma's European comeback under Gian Piero Gasperini comes after a lengthy absence from the continent's elite competition. The victory underscores Gasperini's early impact on the squad as the club looks to establish itself as a fixture in the Champions League.

Gigi Di Biagio, a former Roma midfielder now coaching Saudi Arabia's Under-21 side, has backed Roma's direction under Gasperini following their draw with Fenerbahçe. Speaking to Retesport, Di Biagio said: "The draw with Fenerbahçe is fine, you could have won or lost it, it doesn't change anything about the path Roma must take: the glass is half full, I don't see many negative aspects in yesterday's match." Di Biagio highlighted Roma's summer recruitment and the emerging talent in the squad. He praised Emanuele Lulli as "an exceptional lad, serious and very skilled" and noted that alongside young players like Rodrigo Mora, Roma have added the experience of Nahuel Molina and Marten de Roon. "Roma has done very good business in the market," he said. He also drew a parallel between Gasperini and the late Zdeněk Zeman, noting both share "the desire to win the match at all costs, even at the risk of losing it."

Roma returned from their Champions League visit to Fenerbahce with a draw and an encouraging first-half display, though the second half brought frustration. Bryan Cristante opened the scoring, and the team showed positive signs as they began their campaign with a playoff objective in mind. The standout moment came when Leonardo Balerdi entered the pitch in the 74th minute as a substitute for Gianluca Mancini, immediately catching supporters' attention with a composed defensive performance that sparked a wave of praise across social media. Fans seized on Balerdi's brief appearance to call for him to start matches regularly, with many suggesting he should displace either Mancini or Evan N'Dicka in the defensive lineup. The Argentine defender's composure against opposition attackers—notably withstanding challenges from physically demanding forwards—left Roma supporters convinced of his quality after limited exposure. His performance prompted widespread social media reaction comparing him favourably to the club's established defenders and arguing he warrants an immediate promotion to the starting eleven. Fan comments flooded platforms with phrases including: "He must be the starter, a WALL!", "I believe Balerdi is steel reinforced with titanium, how strong he is... Lukaku bounced off his legs, 2 metres by 100 kilos", "Balerdi must always play", and "Why is Balerdi on the bench? A phenomenon." Others added: "Why did Marseille fans thank us for taking Balerdi?! How that excites me." More pointed criticism followed: "Mancini every so often gets distracted, Balerdi I see as much superior", "For me Balerdi is stronger than two out of three defensive players, he comes on and the opposition attack is nullified", and "It's not conceivable that Balerdi is Mancini's backup now."

Bryan Cristante scored as Roma returned to the Champions League after a seven-year absence, taking the captain's armband following Daniele De Rossi's last European goal in the competition. Cristante's strike marks a symbolic passing of the torch at the Giallorossi, with the midfielder now surpassing Lorenzo Pellegrini in the captaincy hierarchy. Roma's European comeback under Gian Piero Gasperini comes after a lengthy absence from the continent's elite competition. The victory underscores Gasperini's early impact on the squad as the club looks to establish itself as a fixture in the Champions League.

Roma returned from their Champions League visit to Fenerbahce with a draw and an encouraging first-half display, though the second half brought frustration. Bryan Cristante opened the scoring, and the team showed positive signs as they began their campaign with a playoff objective in mind. The standout moment came when Leonardo Balerdi entered the pitch in the 74th minute as a substitute for Gianluca Mancini, immediately catching supporters' attention with a composed defensive performance that sparked a wave of praise across social media. Fans seized on Balerdi's brief appearance to call for him to start matches regularly, with many suggesting he should displace either Mancini or Evan N'Dicka in the defensive lineup. The Argentine defender's composure against opposition attackers—notably withstanding challenges from physically demanding forwards—left Roma supporters convinced of his quality after limited exposure. His performance prompted widespread social media reaction comparing him favourably to the club's established defenders and arguing he warrants an immediate promotion to the starting eleven. Fan comments flooded platforms with phrases including: "He must be the starter, a WALL!", "I believe Balerdi is steel reinforced with titanium, how strong he is... Lukaku bounced off his legs, 2 metres by 100 kilos", "Balerdi must always play", and "Why is Balerdi on the bench? A phenomenon." Others added: "Why did Marseille fans thank us for taking Balerdi?! How that excites me." More pointed criticism followed: "Mancini every so often gets distracted, Balerdi I see as much superior", "For me Balerdi is stronger than two out of three defensive players, he comes on and the opposition attack is nullified", and "It's not conceivable that Balerdi is Mancini's backup now."

Roma's opening Champions League match in Istanbul provided a revealing examination of individual readiness at the competition's highest level, exposing both natural fit and shortcomings that Serie A sometimes masks. Manu Koné emerged as the clearest success story. Until a knee injury forced his substitution at the 52nd minute, he appeared to raise his game as the match intensified, showing pressure, physical duels, ball protection and the ability to break the first press. Donyell Malen proved similarly suited to matches where chances are limited and the capacity to attack space becomes decisive. Mile Svilar's performance raised only the question of how far he can progress in the competition. Paulo Dybala demonstrated that while understanding how to play at this level has never been his problem, availability remains the constraint. When his physical condition allows, the Champions League remains his natural habitat: he takes possession facing forward, makes precise decisions, and creates space where others see none. Gianluca Mancini's European credentials are not in doubt, but Istanbul confirmed he appears less sharp and reactive than his usual standard. His replacement by Leonardo Balerdi sharpened the contrast; the Argentine entered immediately into the match's intensity, bringing aggression and intensity. Nahuel Molina passed a significant test, showing he can handle the demands placed on full-backs across both phases. Wesley posed a tactical question: at left-back with his weaker foot, Fenerbahçe systematically closed his inside corridor, forcing him onto the byline with his left foot and making him more predictable. Rodrigo Mora, frequently called upon by Gian Piero Gasperini, revealed that the Champions League is also a physical examination. Pressed, challenged and confined to tight spaces, he could not impose himself as he knows he can. Matías Soulé discovered that talent must be paired with better decision-making as margins shrink. Dybala, Koné, Malen and Svilar appear ready for this dimension; Balerdi entered with force and Molina withstood the impact. Mancini must rediscover his sharpness, Wesley needs a tactical solution, and Mora requires the physical tools to express his talent at this level.

Leonardo Balerdi has made a strong impression in limited appearances for Roma, playing 43 minutes across matches against Atalanta and Fenerbahce. The Argentine defender is now poised to start against Torino, potentially giving Gianluca Mancini a rest after the latter appeared below par in recent fixtures. Balerdi's statistics are striking: he completed all 31 of his pass attempts for a perfect 100% accuracy rate, enabling clean distribution from the back. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini praised him after the Atalanta match, and supporters on social media have already called for him to be handed the starting role. Breaking into Roma's back line is no simple task. Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso formed the second-best defence in Serie A last season, making competition for places intense. Balerdi was born on 26 January 1999 in Villa Mercedes, a town just over 30 kilometres from Córdoba, and holds Italian citizenship alongside his Argentine passport. He has arrived in Rome alongside his partner, model Giulia Ciancio, who was born in Milan but grew up between Venice and Sicily. Ciancio's striking appearance—particularly her eyes, which blend shades of blue and emerald green and have become her signature feature in various advertising campaigns—has already drawn attention from her social media followers. Following Balerdi's debut against Atalanta, she posted on Instagram: "Seeing you happy, you have no idea the joy it gives me. With you anywhere in the world, I am proud of you."

Roma's opening Champions League match in Istanbul provided a revealing examination of individual readiness at the competition's highest level, exposing both natural fit and shortcomings that Serie A sometimes masks. Manu Koné emerged as the clearest success story. Until a knee injury forced his substitution at the 52nd minute, he appeared to raise his game as the match intensified, showing pressure, physical duels, ball protection and the ability to break the first press. Donyell Malen proved similarly suited to matches where chances are limited and the capacity to attack space becomes decisive. Mile Svilar's performance raised only the question of how far he can progress in the competition. Paulo Dybala demonstrated that while understanding how to play at this level has never been his problem, availability remains the constraint. When his physical condition allows, the Champions League remains his natural habitat: he takes possession facing forward, makes precise decisions, and creates space where others see none. Gianluca Mancini's European credentials are not in doubt, but Istanbul confirmed he appears less sharp and reactive than his usual standard. His replacement by Leonardo Balerdi sharpened the contrast; the Argentine entered immediately into the match's intensity, bringing aggression and intensity. Nahuel Molina passed a significant test, showing he can handle the demands placed on full-backs across both phases. Wesley posed a tactical question: at left-back with his weaker foot, Fenerbahçe systematically closed his inside corridor, forcing him onto the byline with his left foot and making him more predictable. Rodrigo Mora, frequently called upon by Gian Piero Gasperini, revealed that the Champions League is also a physical examination. Pressed, challenged and confined to tight spaces, he could not impose himself as he knows he can. Matías Soulé discovered that talent must be paired with better decision-making as margins shrink. Dybala, Koné, Malen and Svilar appear ready for this dimension; Balerdi entered with force and Molina withstood the impact. Mancini must rediscover his sharpness, Wesley needs a tactical solution, and Mora requires the physical tools to express his talent at this level.

Roma travel to the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on Monday 14 September at 18:30 for their fourth Serie A match of the season against Ignazio Abate's Torino, coming off the back of a 1–1 draw against Fenerbahce in the Champions League. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is weighing rotation options after the European fixture. Mile Svilar will start in goal. In defence, Leonardo Balerdi is favoured over Daniele Ghilardi following strong performances from the bench, with Emanuele Lulli set to earn a new start at right-back in place of Devyne Rensch. Manu Koné's fitness is being assessed after he left the Fenerbahce match with a knee issue; Niccolò Pisilli stands ready if the midfielder cannot play. Rodrigo Mora may return to the attacking midfield, replacing Matías Soulé alongside Paulo Dybala, while Donyell Malen is the favoured choice in attack over Santiago Castro. Roma arrive in strong form domestically. In their most recent league outing, they came from behind to beat Atalanta at the Olimpico, with goals from Mario Hermoso and Soulé. Torino beat Fiorentina 2–1 away in their last fixture, scoring through Mandragora and Che Adams, and will deploy a 3–4–2–1 formation with Perri in goal and Simeone as their lone striker. Roma's head-to-head record stands at 82 victories, 48 draws and 59 defeats from 189 meetings. The teams last met in the 2025–26 season, when Roma won 2–0 at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino through goals by Malen and Dybala. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN via app and website, and on Sky Sport with streaming available on NOW for Sky subscribers. Official team sheets will be confirmed approximately one hour before kickoff.

Roma drew 1–1 away at Fenerbahce in their Champions League opener on 10 September, prompting a broad range of reactions from Rome radio stations. Bryan Cristante scored for Roma with a long-range effort in the first half, but the team conceded an equaliser in the second period and failed to hold on despite goalkeeper Mile Svilar making a crucial save and a shot hitting the crossbar. The result leaves Roma with one point from their first league-phase match, with upcoming fixtures at home and away still to come in the group stage. Radio commentators largely viewed the draw as acceptable given the circumstances, though opinion split on whether Roma should have won. Several analysts pointed to a visible physical decline in the second half, with concerns raised over the fitness of Gianluca Mancini and Wesley. Manu Koné suffered a knee issue during the match, raising concern among pundits about his availability for Roma's next fixture away at Turin. Donyell Malen drew criticism for a second successive underwhelming performance, while Paulo Dybala was thought to have played too many minutes late in the match. Mario Corsi said: "The Fenerbahce stadium doesn't seem as infernal as made out—why, because they shout loudly? Fenerbahce is a small team, but it's still Champions League. The 1–1 away is fine, let's take it. Roma showed physical strength, but I'm a bit disappointed because Fenerbahce seemed like a small team and I think you could have won." Alessio Nardo countered the disappointment: "Being upset about the draw means being very far from reality. Thinking Roma could finish in the top eight in Champions would be a complete miracle. There are many teams stronger than Roma: Atlético Madrid, Inter, Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund." Lorenzo Pes observed: "There's a clear physical decline. Mancini made some poorly timed moves, Wesley looked tired physically too. I think we'll see changes at Turin—the second-half physical dip seems obvious." Roberto Pruzzo gave the match a grade of six out of ten: "A sufficient performance where you played a good spell. In the second half you dropped and Fenerbahce came in more easily, and the draw at the end is an acceptable result." He noted that Santiago Castro would have been an option for substitution but the coach did not bring him on, and that Rodrigo Mora barely featured. Nando Orsi called it "a point earned and deserved," adding that Roma's next challenge would be to capitalise on home fixtures in the competition.