New Defensive Duo Debuts in Turin After Late Injury Setbacks
AS Roma travel to the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino to face Torino in Serie A, looking to preserve their flawless start to the domestic campaign following a dramatic comeback win over Atalanta. However, the physical toll of a mid-week 1-1 UEFA Champions League draw against Fenerbahce in Istanbul has constrained Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical options. The Giallorossi manager must manage forced defensive changes while maintaining forward momentum in Turin.
Defensive Reshuffle Forces Balerdi and Molina Into Starting Roles
A punishing trip to Turkey left Roma’s backline depleted ahead of the kickoff. Wesley suffered a knock during the Fenerbahce match and failed to recover in time, while Evan Ndicka was ruled out after developing flu symptoms overnight. Midfielder Manu Koné also limped off in Istanbul and was restricted to a bench role.
AS Roma
clubThese disruptions grant summer additions Leonardo Balerdi and Nahuel Molina their first competitive starts in the Serie A backline. In attack, Gasperini retains consistency, deploying Paulo Dybala and Matias Soulé alongside Donyell Malen, while Lorenzo Pellegrini has returned to full squad training.
| Position | AS Roma Player | Status / Selection Note |
|---|---|---|
| Defender | Leonardo Balerdi | First start (Replaces Evan Ndicka) |
| Defender | Nahuel Molina | First start (Replaces Wesley) |
| Midfielder | Manu Koné | Named to bench (Knock vs Fenerbahce) |
| Forward | Donyell Malen | Confirmed starter (19 goals in 22 Serie A games) |
Malen Returns to Debut Grounds as Central Focal Point
The fixture at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino carries added significance for Donyell Malen, who made his debut for the club at this exact venue in January 2026. Since marking that debut with a goal, the Dutch international has registered 19 goals in 22 Serie A appearances, establishing himself as the primary finishing outlet in Gasperini’s setup.
Donyell Malen
playerTorino’s defensive shape will face an immediate test against Malen’s vertical runs and the creative distribution of Dybala and Soulé in the final third. With Balerdi and Molina adjusting to live competitive minutes, Roma’s press must remain compact to prevent transition opportunities through central channels.
Gasperini addressed the selection necessity and squad availability via DAZN Italia ahead of the match:
“Wesley had a nasty knock in the last game and hasn’t recovered. Ndicka had flu symptoms last night, so he didn’t even come to the stadium.”
Scoreline Prediction
Despite forced alterations in the back line, Roma’s existing attacking efficiency provides a decisive edge against Torino. Expect a tightly contested encounter where transition moments determine the outcome, yielding a 2-1 victory for the visiting Giallorossi.