Boniek: Roma's foundation is solid, but 3–4 top-level signings needed

Antonio Nusa could become only the fourth Norwegian player to wear Roma's yellow and red since the club's founding in 1927. The Scandinavian connection has produced three memorable figures across two decades. John Alieu Carew arrived in summer 2003 on loan with a purchase option from Valencia, almost 23 years ago when Nusa was not yet born. The imposing centre-forward scored on his Serie A debut against Brescia and in his UEFA Cup bow versus Vardar, finishing with 8 goals in 29 appearances before departing after a single season. His Roma stint became legendary for unforgettable celebrations—pouring a bucket of water under the Curva Sud after scoring against Reggina, and cradling a Roma ballboy following his Lecce goal. John Arne Riise, born in Ålesund some 533 kilometres from Carew's hometown of Lørenskog, proved far more enduring. The left-back, called "Roscio" by Roma supporters, left Liverpool after seven years to become the club's strongest Norwegian export and most beloved. Playing 131 times, Riise scored 11 goals with his powerful left foot and remains Norway's all-time caps leader. His header in January 2010 clinched a famous 3–1 victory at Juventus, ending a nine-year drought there, while a strike against Siena followed immediately after. Those goals fuelled Ranieri's dramatic title push toward Inter, though the Scudetto slipped away in the season's final matches. Riise departed in July 2011 but remains emotionally tied to the club. Ola Solbakken, signed in January 2023 at no fee after a hat-trick performance for Bodø, became the third Norwegian. He debuted against Fiorentina that month and scored his sole goal in February during a 3–2 win at Verona—his first game as a starter—before fading from the picture. Nusa now carries the mantle following spells in Belgium and Germany.

Thomas Tuchel faced a wave of criticism from English media and supporters after England's elimination from the World Cup semi-final to Argentina. Lionel Messi's side advanced to the final on the back of two assists from the Argentine forward, but focus in Britain quickly turned to Tuchel's tactical decisions. The German coach was accused of adopting an overly cautious approach after James Maddison's goal, prioritising defensive solidity over attacking ambition—a strategy that ultimately proved ineffective. Roma supporters and other Serie A fans seized on the moment to invoke memories of José Mourinho's masterclass in defensive pragmatism. Three years ago, Mourinho's Roma won 1–0 away at Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League semi-final first leg, a display widely praised for its discipline and organisation. One Roma fan commented: "Tell Tuchel he is not Mourinho. That night in Leverkusen will go down in history." Inter fans similarly referenced their own tactical triumph, with one supporter writing: "Nobody does it better than Mou. Tuchel was terrible." English fans vented their frustration across social media, with many calling for the manager's removal. The overwhelming sentiment suggested Tuchel's negative approach had not resonated with the fanbase at a crucial juncture in the tournament.

Ardon Jashari's first season at AC Milan proved disappointing after arriving from Club Brugge in summer 2025 following a competitive transfer battle with Borussia Dortmund. The Swiss midfielder suffered a fibula fracture immediately after Milan's opening-match home defeat against Cremonese, sidelining him for weeks. Even after recovery, he did not return to Serie A action until 28 December, by which time the midfield of Youssouf Fofana, Samuele Ricci, Adrien Rabiot, and Luka Modric had gelled under Massimiliano Allegri, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek adding further competition. Jashari played the full 90 minutes in just two matches during his debut Serie A season. Despite limited match practice, Jashari earned a call-up to Switzerland's 2026 World Cup squad in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, though he could not displace Granit Xhaka as the team's midfield strategist. His prospects brighten under new Milan coach Rúben Amorim, who favours a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation requiring only two central midfielders. With Milan currently holding nine players in that position, Jashari will face tough competition during pre-season. Roma and Atalanta have reportedly already made inquiries about the 23-year-old, signalling alternative options should he struggle to impress at Milan.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has set a 48–72 hour deadline for Roma to complete the signing of Summerville from West Ham, according to journalist Eleonora Trotta. The player has shown openness to the move, and fresh talks with both Summerville and the English club are expected to resolve the details. The ultimatum comes after Roma's summer business has stalled; the club missed out on Greenwood and has yet to deliver a significant new arrival to the squad. Gasperini expects an immediate sprint in the transfer market following the disappointment of losing Zeki Çelik to Juventus. Summerville has emerged as the priority target to bolster Roma's attack. The coach has grown impatient after weeks of slow progress and wants concrete action from the board. Without fresh signings, Roma's preparation for the new season remains incomplete. Other names under consideration include Moreira for the left flank and Tresoldi as a backup option to Donyell Malen. The club must act swiftly to meet Gasperini's deadline and give the manager the reinforcements he has demanded.

Roma are preparing to submit a formal offer to West Ham for Crysencio Summerville after the Dutch winger indicated willingness to join the club. Fresh talks between Roma's hierarchy and Summerville's representatives are expected today, with the aim of settling final contract details. Gasperini has identified Summerville as his top target since January and has requested an acceleration on the transfer, with a deal expected to close within 48–72 hours. Roma are ready to offer Summerville a contract worth approximately 4 million euros per season, while proposing around 45 million euros for his transfer fee. West Ham's financial demands have shifted since Summerville's World Cup performance against Japan raised his profile. The player's representatives, who also represent Malen, had initially sought 5.5–6 million euros annually but have since reduced their asking price following the tournament. Roma previously identified a 40 million euro fee and 4 million euro annual salary as their conditions for the deal. An expected response from Summerville's camp was anticipated by 20 July, with a definitive answer needed to determine whether Roma would press ahead with the transfer.

Roma's sporting director D'Amico is pursuing two players as he looks to build a left-side chain fit for Champions League football. Xavi Simons remains the primary target for attack following initial approaches in January and June, with Roma tabling an offer of €4 million plus bonuses — a figure the club will not exceed. The Dutch forward's asking price of €6 million has been rejected by the Giallorossi, who are unwilling to breach their wage ceiling. However, Premier League interest complicates matters: Manchester United previously tracked him before being blocked by Rashford's return from loan, while Aston Villa has recently requested information. Gasperini has an additional ally in Donyell Malen, a fellow Dutchman attempting to persuade Summerville, though their friendship alone may not be enough. Diego Moreira forms the second prong of Roma's summer offensive. D'Amico is leveraging his relationship with the Belgian's agent Mendes to accelerate negotiations. Unlike the Summerville situation, personal terms have already been agreed: Moreira has accepted Roma's offer of €2.5 million per season, a significant increase from his current €900,000 annual salary. The progress on the Moreira front contrasts with the stalled Summerville talks, which have proceeded in modest steps since Ryan Friedkin's arrival failed to produce the accelerated negotiations some observers had anticipated.

Emma's 2013 song "L'amore non mi basta" has resurged in popularity across Instagram and TikTok in recent weeks, driven largely by videos featuring Paulo Dybala and his years at Juventus. The track has climbed back up the charts thanks to the social media phenomenon, blending football culture with music in the way that is now commonplace on platforms where footballers serve as subjects for creative edits. Dybala, Roma's number 21, has become the focal point of the trend. Speaking from the stage at Tim Summer Hits in Piazza del Popolo, Emma acknowledged the striker's role in the song's renewed success. She said: "I am honoured. I thank Dybala and all the footballers, I am most honoured." The trend has extended beyond Italy, becoming an anthem in Spain at Atlético Madrid as well, demonstrating the cross-border appeal of the viral moment.

Gian Piero Gasperini will address the media on Thursday at 14:00 at Roma's Fulvio Bernardini training ground, marking his first public comments since the club entered its second week of 2026–27 preparation. The press conference comes as Roma finalises several squad matters. Paulo Dybala's contract renewal has been officially confirmed, while Zeki Çelik departed to join Juventus. The announcement of Gasperini's media engagement provides clarity for supporters amid the ongoing transfer activity and squad reshaping under the new head coach. Gasperini, who took charge in 2025, has been overseeing Roma's opening training sessions at the club's training facility. The Thursday conference will be held in the centre's press room.

Matías Soulé's future at Roma is unresolved as the winger trains at Trigoria ahead of Sunday's first friendly, with no concrete offers yet on the table. Sunderland, Fulham, and Bournemouth have all made enquiries, while Borussia Dortmund has conducted only exploratory discussions, but none have matched Roma's €40 million asking price, which clubs regard as excessive. Soulé declared on his return to the capital: "I don't know if I'll stay." His agent returned from England without a concrete proposal. Roma's financial need to sell has not persuaded any club to meet the valuation. Only Saudi Arabian teams could satisfy the Friedkin Group's demands, but Soulé has reaffirmed to his entourage that he has no desire to play in Saudi Arabia—a position he has maintained since late June. The club is actively searching for a winger, with Summerville a target, though he plays on the opposite flank. On the right wing, Dybala and Matías Soulé are Roma's current options, meaning any new arrival would further limit Soulé's playing time.