AS Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has moved to cool early title talk as his side prepares for a Monday night Serie A trip to Torino. The Giallorossi, sitting second in the table with a perfect nine points from three games, aim to take six points from their next two matches before the international break.
The Form Guide
Roma arrive from a 1-1 draw away to Fenerbahçe in the Champions League, a result that concluded their European campaign. Domestically, their form is strong, with a 4-0 win over Fiorentina, a 4-0 victory at Lecce, and a last-gasp 2-1 win against Atalanta courtesy of late goals from Hermoso and Soulé. This gives them a league-best goal difference of +9, having scored 10 and conceded just one. They trail leaders Lazio by a single point. Up next after Torino is a heavyweight clash at home against third-placed Inter on September 19.
Gasperini's Selection
In attack, Donyell Malen is under scrutiny after scoring five goals in the first three league matches but failing to find the net in the last two outings against Atalanta and Fenerbahçe. Castro could be in line to start in his place. There is positive news in midfield, however, as Lorenzo Pellegrini, who renewed his contract in the summer, has been included in the squad for Torino and is set to make his first appearance of the season. The long-term absentee remains Anass Salah-Eddine.
The Manager's View
Early season wins have inevitably sparked discussions among supporters about a potential Scudetto challenge. Gasperini, however, swiftly dismissed the notion. "Enough with this talk," the manager stated. "It is not fair towards players who are giving their all." He asked for patience, suggesting any serious title talk should wait until at least March, with the focus now on taking each game as it comes. Opposite number Ignazio Abate acknowledged Roma's quality. "Roma are a Scudetto-level team with very high ambitions," said the Torino coach, "but we can hurt them with our own weapons: it will be a good test, we are ready after a positive week."
Torino's Condition
The Granata will have to cope with some injury concerns. Adams has been stopped by an adductor problem, while Simeone is a doubt with a back issue. There is a positive signal for Zapata, who completed a full week of training and showed encouraging responses from his knee. Roma, meanwhile, look at a standings page that sees them firmly in second place, backed by a recent run of three wins and two draws in their last five matches across all competitions. For more detailed squad statistics, visit our stats page. The match kicks off at 18:30 on Monday at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, with live television coverage scheduled.
