Gasperini’s unbeaten Roma are daring to dream of a first Scudetto since 2001, but champions Inter and city rivals Lazio stand in their way.

A quarter of a century after their last Scudetto, Roma are daring to dream again. Unbeaten through their opening 11 Serie A matches, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have combined attacking style with growing belief, scoring 31 goals and moving within two points of the top of Serie A.

With Donyell Malen spearheading their charge, the capital club are giving supporters reason to believe this could become something special. Yet turning early promise into a championship demands real consistency. Reigning champions Inter remain formidable opponents, while leaders Lazio add another compelling story to the exciting season. Can Roma sustain their momentum and finally bring the title back to their part of Rome?

Roma last conquered Serie A in 2000/01, when Fabio Capello guided a team packed with quality to the club’s third Scudetto. Francesco Totti supplied the inspiration, while Gabriel Batistuta scored 20 league goals and Vincenzo Montella contributed another 13. Behind them, Cafu, Walter Samuel and Emerson provided the foundations for success. The Giallorossi finished with 75 points from 34 matches, two ahead of Juventus. Roma secured the title on 17 June 2001 with a 3–1 victory over Parma at the Stadio Olimpico. Totti, Montella and Batistuta all scored, ending an 18-year wait and sparking unforgettable title celebrations across the Italian capital.

Fast forward 25 years, Roma are still searching for that special moment, with the former Atalanta head coach seen as the man who could bring it back to the capital. Since arriving in June 2025, Gian Piero Gasperini has given Roma a clearer identity and renewed ambition. His first season ended with five consecutive league victories, securing third place and Champions League qualification. Aggressive pressing and quicker attacking transitions have become the norm in the Italian capital, while Donyell Malen has flourished as his central striker.

The former Aston Villa forward, Malen, has spearheaded Roma’s title challenge with eight goals and two assists in ten Serie A appearances this season. The Dutch forward has carried last season’s scoring form into the current campaign, providing Gasperini with a reliable attacking threat. His latest assist helped Roma beat Sassuolo on Saturday.

Roma’s unbeaten start has given substance to their title ambitions, with eight wins and three draws bringing 27 points from their opening 11 matches. Gasperini’s side enter the international break third, just two points behind leaders and fierce rivals, Lazio and one adrift of reigning champions Inter. They have scored 31 goals and conceded only ten.

Mario Hermoso has offered Roma more than defensive experience, contributing to their build-up play and scoring twice in Serie A. His forward run and emphatic finish opened the scoring against Sassuolo. Comfortable progressing the ball, the Spaniard gives Gasperini another attacking outlet, showing how Roma’s threat extends beyond their forward line.

Recent victories include 4–2 over Cagliari, 5–2 over Udinese, and 3–0 over Sassuolo in successive league outings. They have also avoided defeat against major rivals, drawing 2–2 with Inter and 3–3 away at Napoli. However, those results remind them that their defence could still improve. With five home wins and three away victories already secured, Roma have established consistency. Maintaining that balance between attacking freedom and defensive discipline will be crucial as the title race gathers pace.

Rodrigo Mora has emerged as one of Roma’s exciting performers, scoring in three consecutive Serie A matches. The Portuguese teenager has seized his opportunity during Paulo Dybala’s absence, linking impressively with Soulé and Malen. His emphatic finish against Sassuolo underlined the confidence and attacking quality he brings to Gasperini’s side.

Lazio have set the early pace, with nine wins and two draws from 11 matches, leaving them unbeaten on 29 points. Their six-match winning streak ended with a 1–1 draw at Napoli at the weekend, but they still enter the international break top. Inter sit just one point behind, having responded to their derby defeat against AC Milan with a 2–0 win over Como. Francesco Pio Esposito and Marcus Thuram scored in the victory, underlining the champions’ resilience. With nine wins, one draw and one defeat, Inter remain firmly positioned to defend the Scudetto.

Matías Soulé has become an influential creative presence in Roma’s attack, combining effectively with Donyell Malen and Rodrigo Mora. His movement and interplay have helped Gasperini’s side maintain their attacking momentum. The manager praised his performance against Sassuolo, highlighting his growing importance as Roma pursue their first title since 2001.

Roma have shown enough to suggest their title challenge can last, but dethroning Inter will demand consistency beyond an impressive start. Their unbeaten record, attacking variety, and Gasperini’s clear tactical identity provide a strong foundation. However, draws against Inter and Napoli highlight the need to turn competitive performances against major rivals into wins. The Champions League defeat away at Old Trafford after being ahead hurt, but finding the right balance between Champions League commitments and domestic ambitions will also test their depth, particularly if injuries affect key players.

Inter’s title-winning experience remains a huge advantage, while Lazio’s outstanding start makes this more than a duel. Roma do not need to remain unbeaten, but they must respond convincingly after the international break. If they sustain their scoring threat, tighten their defence, and keep key players available, a first Scudetto since 2001 becomes increasingly achievable.

Roma resume their campaign away at Parma on 21 November before travelling to Paris Saint-Germain for a demanding Champions League encounter on 25 November. Monza follow on 29 November, with Bologna next in Serie A.

December then brings Sporting CP in Europe before a potentially significant derby against leaders Lazio on 13 December. The Derby della Capitale could provide sufficient for Gaspierini’s side; a win against their local rival, who, as of writing, sit top, would be a massive coup in their pursuit of a fourth Scudetto.