Gian Piero Gasperini is reportedly considering Roma’s first significant rotation of the season for Monday evening’s Serie A match against Torino.
The fixture will be Roma’s third game in seven days following the dramatic victory over Atalanta and Thursday’s 1-1 Champions League draw with Fenerbahçe.
According to Tuttosport and Il Tempo, Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen could both begin on the bench, while Santiago Castro, Leonardo Balerdi and Daniele Ghilardi are among the players competing for starting places.
Dybala expected to start on the bench
Dybala has started each of Roma’s competitive matches this season and completed the full game in Istanbul.
The Argentine appeared tired during the closing stages against Fenerbahçe, and Il Tempo reports that Gasperini is leaning toward giving him a rest against Torino. A final decision has not yet been made, but Dybala is currently expected to begin the match among the substitutes.
Roma face reigning champions Inter at the Stadio Olimpico in their following league game, giving Gasperini another reason to manage the forward’s workload carefully.
Matias Soulé and Rodrigo Mora would be the leading options to operate behind the central striker if Dybala is rested.
Castro could replace Malen
Malen could also receive a rest after leading Roma’s attack throughout the opening weeks of the season.
According to Tuttosport, Castro is being considered for his first Serie A start in a Roma shirt. The Argentine joined the club from Bologna during the summer and is still searching for his first Giallorossi goal.
Gasperini has already confirmed that Castro and Malen can eventually play together, but Monday’s match could instead give the Dutchman an opportunity to recover after another demanding European appearance.
Koné unlikely to start against Torino
Manu Koné is also unlikely to be included in Roma’s starting lineup after leaving the Fenerbahçe match with knee discomfort.
Reports differ slightly regarding his availability. Tuttosport suggests the Frenchman is not expected to feature, while Il Tempo reports that his condition is not causing significant concern but that he would probably be rested regardless.
Roma are continuing to assess Koné’s knee discomfort on a day-to-day basis, with no additional medical examinations currently scheduled.
Niccolò Pisilli replaced him in Istanbul and could now start alongside Bryan Cristante. Marten De Roon represents another experienced option in midfield.
Balerdi and Ghilardi pushing to start
Changes are also possible in Roma’s three-man defence.
Mancini appears the most likely player to receive a rest, with Balerdi competing to replace him. The Argentine made another appearance from the bench against Fenerbahçe and is now pushing for his first Roma start.
Ghilardi is also under consideration after impressing against Lecce. Hermoso could retain his place on the left side of the defensive line, although Gasperini must decide whether to rotate one or two members of the unit.
On the flanks, Wesley could be rested after starting in Istanbul. Rensch and Molina can both play on the left, while the Argentine is still waiting to make his first start for Roma.
Gasperini prepares Roma’s first mini-rotation
Gasperini is not expected to completely transform his lineup, but the demanding schedule makes several targeted changes increasingly likely.
Torino are managing fitness concerns of their own, with Casadei, Coco and Zapata all doubts ahead of Monday’s match.
Roma will hold their final training sessions before Gasperini determines whether Dybala, Malen, Mancini and Wesley require a full night of rest or can contribute from the bench.
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