Wesley back in contention as Roma prepare for Bologna trip

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."

Roma have reached maximum capacity in season-ticket sales for the 2026-27 campaign, securing their place among Italy's top clubs for supporter engagement. According to Transfermarkt data, the Giallorossi sit at the 40,000-seat ceiling alongside Inter, the two clubs leading the Serie A and Serie B subscription rankings. Roma are among ten Italian sides to have already achieved sold-out status this season; others in Serie A to reach that mark are Napoli, Como, Fiorentina, Venezia and Atalanta. Milan, Genoa and Lecce round out the highest positions, with Lecce continuing to record exceptional numbers for the consistency and loyalty of their supporters.

Roma travel to Turin on Monday at 18:30 for a Serie A fixture at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino following a 1–1 Champions League draw. Manu Koné's availability is in doubt after the midfielder reported knee discomfort in the match against Fenerbahce and will be monitored day by day. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will address the press on Sunday ahead of the match. At the World Legends Padel Tour, Francesco Totti and Luca Toni offered contrasting assessments of Roma's season. Totti praised the squad's early momentum and the partnership between Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, describing it as one of the strongest available. He stressed that direct comparisons to Roma's 2001 championship-winning team are reductive, and that winning requires consistency and a deep squad. He confirmed his presence at the stadium and joked about a dinner with Gasperini. Toni praised the team's defensive stability, Dybala's form, and the impact of the new centre-forward, whom he judged well-suited to Gasperini's style of play. He cautioned that the real test will come with fixtures every three days and against Inter, whom he named the strongest squad for depth. Toni nevertheless called Roma credible contenders for the Scudetto, citing enthusiasm, balance, and continuity as their strengths. Of Malen, he said: "He is a striker I really like." Meanwhile, the Roma ultras organisations UTR and AIRC have renewed their protest against a ban on away travel for Roma supporters based in Rome and the surrounding province, describing the measure as unjust and automatically applied without connection to genuine public order concerns. Roma and the organised supporter groups have both expressed opposition to the travel ban for the Turin match, with the supporters' statement criticising the policy as discriminatory and noting it has drawn criticism from UEFA. The club has stated its disagreement with the restriction.

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 has praised Wesley following Roma's match against Fenerbahce in Istanbul, highlighting the left-back's contribution during his debut season in Serie A. Speaking to TNT Sports Brazil after the fixture, the Roma captain said: "Strong player, you could see it already in his first season in Italy, which is never easy. He did very well and is continuing to do well. He's a very good lad, I wish him and his national team all the best." Wesley has proven one of Roma's standout acquisitions, initially signed to operate on the right flank but establishing himself as a regular starter on the left wing throughout the season. His campaign has produced notable returns both defensively and in attacking contribution. The left-back's performances have made a significant impact as the club competes in Serie A's opening phase.

Wesley's performances for Roma have attracted attention from outside Italy. Scouts from Arsenal and Atlético Madrid were reportedly in Istanbul on 10 September to observe the Brazilian defender closely during Fenerbahçe's match against Roma. Both Premier League and La Liga clubs are now monitoring Wesley's development with interest, and could attempt to sign him in the January transfer window. Roma, however, have no intention of letting him leave easily. The club's valuation is substantial: any potential sale would require an offer of at least €55–60 million.