Svilar commits to Roma as Castro deal awaits confirmation; Dovbyk departs for Bologna

Leonardo Balerdi has made an immediate impact at Roma following his arrival, impressing in substitute appearances against Atalanta and Fenerbahce. A backstory from Argentina reveals that Boca Juniors, through manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena, had attempted to sign the defender around twenty days ago. The Boca manager contacted Balerdi personally, a conversation facilitated by a shared agent, and proposed a one-year loan deal. Balerdi, however, had already secured his move to Roma and rejected the offer outright. According to reports from Argentine media TyC Sports, his response was unequivocal: "This opportunity I'm not letting slip away."

Leonardo Balerdi has posted an emotional farewell to Olympique Marseille, the club he has just left to join Roma this summer. The defender, who served as Marseille captain and made 200 appearances for the French side, shared a video message addressed to the club's supporters and staff. He has already featured in Roma's opening two matches, coming off the bench and delivering strong performances. Bareldi joined Roma as the club's final summer signing and quickly integrated into Gian Piero Gasperini's squad. His departure from Marseille marks the end of a significant chapter; he arrived at the club as a 21-year-old with limited professional experience and progressed to captain the institution before this move. In his message, Balerdi said: "This message is directed at all Marseille people. This day had to arrive. I left some days pass because it wasn't easy for me. I write this with a kind of lump in my chest, a feeling hard to express. I leave my home, a special place, a place that will have a place in my heart for my whole life. A place that opened its doors to me and saw me grow over the years. From that 21-year-old boy who had only a few professional matches under his belt to the day I had the fortune and pride to become captain of this great institution and wear its shirt 200 times—a shirt so special to me. "Marseille is a unique city. Sometimes it makes you fly to touch the sky, and sometimes it makes you feel exactly the opposite. Not everything has always been perfect, but that too is part of what makes this place so special and makes you feel alive. I have only words of gratitude for the supporters. You are a unique crowd, who never stop cheering, who push to never lower your guard. You who are there for the club every day, sometimes putting your own lives aside for this great squad and who make the Vélodrome one of the most mythical stadiums in the world. "I want to thank all the people I shared this adventure with from day one: management, staff, teammates and employees. Many work in the shadows, but they are incredible professionals and above all extraordinary people. Thank you for helping me grow, to progress and for being there in the good moments and the bad ones. I leave with a peaceful spirit, with the certainty of having given everything, every drop of sweat, physically and mentally, for this club that I love so much."

Leonardo Balerdi has posted a farewell message to Olympique de Marseille nearly two weeks after his arrival at Roma. In an emotional social media statement, the defender thanked the club, its supporters and staff for his time in France, where he made 200 appearances and served as captain. "This day had to come," Balerdi wrote. "I leave my home, a special place that will hold a special place in my heart for the rest of my life. A place that welcomed me and saw me grow over the years. From that twenty-one-year-old with only a few professional matches to my name, to the day I had the honour and pride of becoming captain of this great club and wearing its shirt, so special to me, 200 times. Marseille is a unique city. Sometimes it makes you feel like you're flying, other times it makes you feel the exact opposite. It hasn't always been perfect, but that's also part of what makes this place so special and makes you feel alive." Bareldi expressed particular gratitude to the Vélodrome crowd, calling them "a unique public that never stops encouraging us, spurring us to never give up. You are always present for the club, sometimes putting your lives aside for this great society, and you make the Vélodrome one of the most legendary stadiums in the world." He also thanked the Marseille hierarchy, coaching staff, teammates and employees behind the scenes, describing them as "incredible professionals and, above all, extraordinary people." He concluded: "I leave with a clear conscience, certain that I gave everything, to the last drop of sweat, physically and mentally, for this club that I love so much. I gave my best, just as you do every weekend and as every Marseille person does in their daily life. Marseille and Olympique de Marseille, thank you, thank you and thank you again. I will be the first to celebrate with you."

Mile Svilar has emerged as Roma's one constant as Gasperini navigates fresh squad questions this season. In Roma's Champions League debut yesterday against Fenerbahce, Svilar was decisive in both the first half and the second period when the Roma defence began to struggle, anchoring a side that had started the league campaign impeccably and shown courage in Europe. While goals from Malen and performances from Dybala, Mora and Soulé have drawn attention in attack, Svilar's quality between the posts has been overshadowed—though he maintains an 87.5% save percentage in Serie A. Gasperini's expansive style, particularly in Europe, exposes Roma's defence to counterattacks and one-on-one situations where Svilar's role becomes critical. Qualification to the knockout stages will depend significantly on his performance. Roma's Champions League campaign this season will pit Svilar against the world's best forwards, a challenge he has prepared for since signing a renewal. His dramatic intervention in the penalty shootout against Feyenoord entered Roma folklore, and the Curva Sud has repeatedly called for his contract extension—unsurprising given his commitment to the club. Svilar marked his return to European competition after nine years by posting on social media: "Grateful to be back playing in the Champions League after 9 years, and even more special to do it with this shirt. Forza Magica Roma!!!" He last played in the competition as an 18-year-old with Benfica. Among all the uncertainties Gasperini will face this season, Svilar remains the pillar of this squad.

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.

Manu Koné has been cleared of injury following his substitution in the Fenerbahce match, avoiding the need for medical scans. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had flagged a physical issue during his post-match press conference, but tests showed nothing serious. Koné is unlikely to start against Torino, opening the door for Niccolò Pisilli to feature in midfield. Leonardo Balerdi is in contention for the defence after impressing when introduced yesterday. The Argentine defender rejected a move to Boca Juniors over the summer after Roma's approach convinced him to stay. In attack, Donyell Malen and Santiago Castro will rotate, as Gasperini continues to manage the forward line. Balerdi posted a lengthy farewell to Olympique Marseille on social media this evening.

Roma drew 1–1 at Fenerbahce in their opening Champions League fixture, a result that reflects only partial satisfaction with Gasperini's approach to the match. The head coach would have preferred a victory but accepted the draw, and while his team selection and in-game adjustments did not convince him entirely, he would likely repeat his starting lineup given the tactical characteristics of the opposition. Fenerbahce manager Kartal surprised observers by setting up more cautiously than usual. The central point of debate centres on Devyne Rensch's promotion to the starting eleven. Gasperini preferred the Dutch defender over the two alternative left-backs available: Nahuel Molina, held back because he is not yet at peak physical condition following the World Cup and his preparation in Spain and will be fully fit after the international break, and Emanuele Lulli, overlooked primarily due to his age—the Champions League is a heavy burden for the youngest defender. The tactical weighting of youth was evident from the substitution patterns: Rodrigo Mora, a contemporary of Lulli's, entered late, while Marten de Roon replaced Donyell Malen in the closing stages rather than Santiago Castro, allowing Bryan Cristante to move into a trequartista role behind Paulo Dybala and Mora. This conservative reshuffling was designed to secure at least the draw.

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's loanees across Italy and Europe made an impact on the weekend. Artem Dovbyk was the standout performer, coming off the bench in the 66th minute for Bologna against Sassuolo and scoring the equaliser in the 91st minute to secure a 2–2 draw and the Rossoblu's first point of the season. The Ukrainian striker's decisive finish came in an Emilia derby on loan with a right of redemption clause. Elsewhere, young goalkeeper Radoslaw Zelezny put in a strong performance for Perugia in their 2–1 victory over Pineto, playing all 90 minutes as the side's first-choice keeper. The 2006-born Zelezny was blameless for the goal conceded and made several crucial saves, including a high-quality intervention in the first half and a decisive stop in the second. He is on loan at the Umbrian club with an option and counter-option attached. Midfield prospect Alessandro Romano again started for Cagliari in Serie A, remaining on the pitch for the full 90 minutes as the Sardinians won 1–0 away at Lecce thanks to a Daniel Maldini goal in the 29th minute. Romano's loan includes an obligation to buy if certain sporting conditions are met. Neil El Aynaoui made an immediate first-team debut for RB Leipzig, starting in the away fixture against Werder Brema and playing until the 75th minute. However, Leipzig suffered a 3–1 defeat. The Moroccan midfielder's move is on loan with a right of redemption. Filippo Reale, a 2006-born defender, played the full 90 minutes for Carrarese on the flank in their 1–0 home loss to Empoli, conceding in the 74th minute; he is on loan with an option and counter-option in Roma's favour. Luigi Cherubini started in attack for Benevento in the first half at Ascoli before being substituted at the interval; Benevento were reduced to ten men in the 41st minute by Prisco's red card and lost 1–0 to a Brunori penalty in the closing stages. Cherubini's loan includes a right of option and obligation to buy. Mattia Mannini received his first call-up after joining Benevento on loan but remained unused from the bench in the same Ascoli defeat. Angeliño was an unused substitute as Deportivo La Coruña won 3–2 away at Villarreal in La Liga. Robinio Vaz was included in a Premier League squad for the first time after a late-market transfer to Hull City but did not feature in a 0–0 draw with Aston Villa. Jan Ziółkowski was unavailable for Monza's away trip to Parma—which ended 1–1—due to a plantar fascia problem requiring monitoring. Marash Kumbulla likewise missed Rayo Vallecano's 3–2 victory over Racing Santander as he continues to deal with a knee issue.

Roma's supporters delivered a vital performance in the final half-hour against Atalanta, providing what the article describes as a 'cardiac massage to the hope' of a team that deserved better. Gian Piero Gasperini's side produced an assured display under constant, relentless pressure, with Manu Koné orchestrating the midfield and Bryan Cristante directing operations. The team's quality merited victory even before the goals arrived. Matías Soulé scored a deserved goal that crowned a summer of redemption for a player who had battled through earlier difficulties. Gasperini's endorsement of the winger's progress underlined his return to form. Santiago Castro made an immediate impact, showing hunger and clarity in his play, though finishing proved elusive. Artem Dovbyk scored Bologna's goal, salvaging their display after a complex sequence of play. Donyell Malen's performance was erratic; the article suggests he had uneven moments throughout the match. The week's verdicts also included criticism of Luca Percassi's conduct as 'undignified and deplorable, regardless of context', and sharp judgement of the decision to sack Grosso, with the editorial noting that ending a manager's tenure and forcing another coach to restart from zero serves only to worsen matters. Juventus's match against Milan drew unflattering comparison to a sleeping aid, relieved only briefly by Cissè and Gatti.

Roma return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years when they travel to Istanbul to face Fenerbahce on Thursday evening. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will deploy a squad combining several players making their maiden appearance in the competition's main draw alongside seasoned European campaigners. Gianluca Mancini and Manu Koné will make their Champions League debuts, as will younger squad members including Pisilli, Lulli, Mora and Ghilardi. Gasperini can call on considerable experience to balance the newcomers. Paulo Dybala and Marten de Roon have accumulated nearly one hundred appearances between them at the highest level. Nahuel Molina and Mario Hermoso both bring over sixty European appearances from their time at Atlético Madrid, while Donyell Malen, Leonardo Balerdi and Artem Dovbyk add further continental pedigree. Dybala will lead the attack and is targeting a European goal; his last came in the Europa League final in Budapest against Seville. Roma will be supported by approximately 2,300 fans in the away section at the Turkish stadium. The domestic competition faces a ticketing restriction for the upcoming Serie A fixture against Torino: the CASMS has banned ticket sales to residents of Rome province due to potential clashes with Parma supporters travelling to Como, permitting purchases only to AS Roma Card holders from other Italian regions.