Capello credits Malen for Roma's third-place finish under Gasperini

Paulo Dybala has become Roma's entire foundation rather than merely the final flourish of an ambitious squad, as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's decisive intervention this summer kept the Argentine at the club despite transfer interest from MLS and Boca Juniors. At 32, approaching 33 in November, Dybala will again be the focal point when Roma debut against Fiorentina on Monday evening at the Olimpico in front of 67,000 supporters. The concentration of attacking responsibility on Dybala presents both an asset and a vulnerability. Having a player of his calibre is undoubtedly an extraordinary resource, but the squad risks becoming entirely dependent on his performances—raising the fundamental question of what happens when the Argentine needs rest or must manage the usual physical complaints. Finding a reliable alternative to lead the attack during his absences remains an open issue for Roma's technical project. Matías Soulé attempted to provide that depth last season before pubalgia problems halted his progression. This season, attention has turned to Rodrigo Mora, a Portuguese talent with crystalline ability, but expecting a recently arrived player to immediately shoulder the responsibility of driving the team represents excessive optimism at present.

Paulo Dybala continues to be the focal point of Roma's identity despite being almost 33 years old and approaching his November birthday. The Argentine remains the club's technical compass at a time when players, coaches and executives have come and gone. Gasperini's role in keeping Dybala at Roma was pivotal; without the coach's intervention, the winger would likely have moved to MLS or Boca Juniors. Even as time passes since his headline arrival in 2022, Dybala is expected to draw the loudest roar from the 67,000 fans during Monday's lineup announcements before the Fiorentina match. The article raises a deeper question about Roma's tactical reliance on the Argentine. While his presence guarantees excitement, the concern is whether he has become the sole player capable of single-handedly changing a match. The underlying tension is simple: with Dybala, there is joy; without him, what happens? Matías Soulé attempted to fill that role last season before a groin injury sidelined him. Bryan Zaragoza, described as a player with crystalline talent, may attempt to assume this responsibility, though banking on him to establish himself in that role confidently represents optimism. The broader question facing Gasperini is whether Roma can function decisively in Dybala's absence or remain overly dependent on one player's brilliance.

Fabio Capello has identified Donyell Malen as the driving force behind Roma's third-place finish last season, saying Gasperini will need to work quickly to prepare the squad for their Serie A restart. Roma host Fiorentina at the Olimpico in two days, while Inter begin the campaign today against Monza. Capello told La Gazzetta dello Sport that Roma's pre-season friendlies have not gone smoothly, but the test matches show where improvements are needed. Fiorentina, who have invested heavily in the transfer market this summer and changed their manager, will arrive in strong form after a difficult previous season and will want to avoid another year of struggle. Roma are back in the Champions League for the first time in seven years. Capello acknowledged Gasperini's work but stressed the importance of Malen, saying: "Gasperini communique has done, and I think will continue to do, a fine job but if he arrived third he must thank Malen. Very valid and dangerous. It is no accident that it was from him that Roma's market activity restarted." The winger's performances appear to have reset expectations for the club's summer recruitment.

Matías Soulé enters Roma's Serie A season opener against Fiorentina on Monday evening at the Olimpico facing competition for his place in Gian Piero Gasperini's starting XI. Rodrigo Mora has impressed in early training at Trigoria and is challenging the Argentine for the attacking midfielder slot behind the Dybala–Malen pairing, though Gasperini may adjust the formation to deploy a dual trequartista system depending on Dybala's positioning. Soulé has worked to earn a key role in Roma's setup and his physical condition has improved markedly since the mid-July training camp, where he carried excess weight. He still needs to fine-tune his movement within the coach's tactical framework, but his performance in training has been encouraging. The 2003-born former Froisinone player is hungry to establish himself at Roma, driven by enthusiasm for the fresh start and the presence of fellow Argentine teammates. Transfer speculation has circulated in the final days of the summer window, with AC Milan reportedly considering an approach. However, no concrete offer has arrived at Trigoria and a departure would be difficult to arrange at this stage. Soulé himself has shown no desire to leave, instead drawing energy from the project ahead.

Matías Soulé is fighting for a starting place in Roma's opening Serie A match against Fiorentina on 24 August, with competition from Rodrigo Mora for the attacking midfield role behind Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Mora has impressed the coaching staff in early training and is challenging Soulé for the position, which does not perfectly suit the Argentine's playing style but which he must learn to interpret effectively. Soulé has regained fitness during pre-season after arriving at Trigoria carrying extra weight in mid-July, and his enthusiasm has been boosted by the arrival of two other Argentine players. However, transfer speculation has continued to shadow the final weeks of the summer window. Milan have been linked with a move, though no concrete offers have materialised and a departure appears unlikely at this stage. Soulé does not wish to leave the club and remains motivated to carve out his role in Gasperini's squad.

Gian Piero Gasperini has resolved most selection questions ahead of Roma's Serie A opener against Fiorentina on Monday evening at the Olimpico, with the main decision point centring on the attacking midfield role behind Donyell Malen. Rodrigo Mora, described as a new acquisition, has made an immediate positive impression in early training at Trigoria. The Portuguese player arrives with an advantage in match fitness after Porto's season had started over a week earlier, and currently leads Matías Soulé for the chance to support Paulo Dybala from the start, though Soulé's market situation remains fluid. Better news comes from the flanks. Wesley has fully recovered from the ankle problem sustained before the Borussia Dortmund friendly and completed a full training session, clearing him to occupy the left wing regularly alongside Niccolò Pisilli. On the opposite flank, Nahuel Molina is poised for his Roma debut, eager to play after serving a seven-match ban with the Argentine national team.