Roma have reached the first international break at the summit of Serie A, unbeaten on 13 points and carrying the weight of a start that has altered the early shape of the championship. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side held Inter in a draw that unsettled not only the Nerazzurri but the clubs gathering behind them, offering a first indication that the Giallorossi may have the substance to remain in the Scudetto conversation.
Roma’s opening chapter under Gasperini
- Roma began the campaign without a defeat and arrived at the international break first in the table with 13 points.
- The meeting with Inter ended level, but Roma’s performance served notice to the rest of the chasing group.
- The early run has been driven by contributions across the forward line and midfield, rather than by one player alone.
Gasperini has found an immediate response from several of the players entrusted with major roles. The most striking numbers belong to Donyell Malen, whose five league appearances have brought six goals. The Dutch forward leads the Serie A scoring chart and has posted a fantasy-football average of 10.6, the highest figure among Roma players with at least three rated appearances.
Malen’s pace of scoring has naturally raised the prospect of a season in which he could approach 30 goals. It is still early, but his output has supplied Roma with a dependable edge in front of goal during a period when every point has carried unusual importance.
Support from Soulé, Dybala and Koné
Matías Soulé has been among the principal revelations of the opening weeks. Gasperini has repeatedly selected the Argentine from the start, and Soulé has returned that faith with two goals and one assist across five rated matches. One of those goals decided the match against Atalanta. His fantasy average stands at 8.0.
The same 8.0 average is shared by Paulo Dybala and Manu Koné, though their influence has taken different forms. Dybala has put together five rated appearances and delivered four assists, three of them in the opening-day fixture against Fiorentina. After periods in which continuity was difficult to find, the Argentine has started this season with regular involvement and decisive final-ball quality.
Koné, meanwhile, marked the recent draw with Inter by scoring twice. His brace gave further force to Roma’s performance against one of their leading rivals and underlined the value of his work in Gasperini’s midfield.
Pisilli adds another midfield option
Niccolò Pisilli has also made a strong start. The midfielder has the confidence of the former Atalanta coach and has scored twice in four rated appearances, producing a fantasy average of 7.7.
For Roma, the significance of the opening month lies in the collective picture. Malen has supplied the goals, Soulé has seized his opportunities, Dybala has created, and Koné and Pisilli have added goals from midfield. The table will change many times before spring, but the first chapter of Gasperini’s reign has placed Roma where every contender wants to be: ahead of the field, with their rivals taking notice.
