Capello questions Gasperini's role in Malen signing, credits luck rather than tactics

Gian Piero Gasperini has become the driving force behind Roma's transfer strategy and squad planning, with director D'Amico and ownership The Friedkin Group now following his tactical blueprint. At 68, Gasperini has adopted a markedly different public approach than his previous style—eschewing confrontation for behind-the-scenes pressure in operational meetings at Trigoria. Where José Mourinho relied on provocative gestures, Gasperini works directly and methodically to impose his vision. The clearest example is Gasperini's influence over contract renewals. Though The Friedkin Group initially resisted extending Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Gasperini's growing credibility—bolstered by Roma's Champions League qualification—allowed him to secure one-year renewals for both players. He achieved this through relentless advocacy in closed-door talks, pushing his case whenever the opportunity arose. The renewals came only after sustained pressure, with ownership finally conceding limited terms rather than outright refusals. Gasperini's next test, and the true measure of his market influence, centres on recruiting a left-sided winger capable of playing with his right foot. The success or failure of this signing will define how far his authority now extends at Roma.

Paulo Dybala continues to be the cornerstone of Roma's squad as the club enters the final stretch of the transfer window. Four years into his tenure at the Giallorossi, Dybala remains the highest technical level player in the squad. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is forced to rely on him heavily with 17 days until the season begins. However, the club recognises the risk of depending solely on Dybala to alter matches single-handedly and has identified the need for at least one more attacking arrival to complete the squad as planned. The primary target is Antonio Nusa, the Norwegian winger, though Arsenal are reportedly entering the race following their unsuccessful pursuit of Vinícius Júnior. That pursuit now appears unlikely to succeed. Roma's alternative is Malick Fofana, a 21-year-old Belgian from Lyon. Fofana has struggled with injury, playing only 15 minutes in his most recent outing against Sparta Prague three days ago following a serious ankle injury and subsequent surgery. His last full appearance came on 26 October of last year. Roma attempted to negotiate a loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy, but the offer was rejected.

Gian Piero Gasperini has established himself as the central figure at AS Roma, wielding influence comparable to José Mourinho but achieved through private persuasion rather than public provocation. At 68, he maintains his core methods while adopting a more measured media approach, operating behind closed doors to advance his vision. A year ago he favoured public confrontation; now he works quietly in internal meetings at Trigoria to win his battles. The Friedkin Group ownership initially resisted contract renewals for Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, but Gasperini applied consistent pressure during operational meetings and leveraged his growing credibility with the owners—built on Roma's Champions League qualification—to secure extended deals. Though Ryan and Dan Friedkin held firm and agreed to one-year renewals for both players, Gasperini ultimately prevailed. His enhanced standing within the club reflects a shift in the power dynamic. The next test of his authority centres on Roma's pursuit of a left-sided attacking player with a right foot, an area Gasperini has identified as critical. How the market moves on this position will define the summer's overall assessment of Roma's transfer strategy and the strength of Gasperini's influence over recruitment decisions.

Roma will face Brighton in a pre-season friendly at the American Express Stadium on 8 August 2026 at 16:00 Italian time. The match comes after Roma's training camp in Wales and friendlies against Cardiff and Newport County. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to field a 3-4-2-1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal, a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso, midfielders Devyne Rensch, Neil El Aynaoui, Bryan Cristante, and Wesley, with Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé in attacking roles behind striker Donyell Malen. Tickets for the fixture are available through Brighton's official website. The friendly will be broadcast live on DAZN, with live text coverage available on ilromanista.eu and radio commentary from Radio Romanista providing real-time updates from the stadium.

Ticket sales have opened for Roma's Serie A season opener against Fiorentina on Monday 24 August at 20:45 at the Olimpico. The match marks the first competitive fixture of Gian Piero Gasperini's tenure, with the squad preparing after a pre-season camp in Wales and friendly matches. Gasperini's side is awaiting three additional signings to complete the squad. Donyell Malen is set to lead the attack in front of the home crowd for what the club views as an important early test of the season. Tickets are available via the club's official website according to phases and terms communicated by Roma, with pricing and availability varying by sector and sales window. The fixture represents a significant moment for the Giallorossi as they begin their 2026–27 campaign. The Olimpico is expected to provide crucial support from the opening whistle.

Santiago Castro, Roma's summer signing from Bologna for approximately 35 million euros, has declared his ambition to help the club compete for the Serie A title. Speaking from Roma's pre-season training camp in Cardiff, the Argentine forward said: "Certo, ho visto il valore di questo gruppo e possiamo giocarcela con tutti. Perché abbiamo giocatori forti in tutti i reparti e Gasperini è uno dei migliori allenatori d'Italia. Siamo al livello per competere per lo scudetto e per la Coppa Italia. E vogliamo fare bene in Champions. Se sei alla Roma devi ambire a vincere tutto." He added that other Italian clubs had approached him before his move, but that Roma was his only choice. Castro joins a squad already featuring Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé, with whom he shares close ties. He said of Soulé: "Con Soulé ci conosciamo da undici anni, giocavamo insieme nel Velez e adesso è incredibile ritrovarsi qui insieme, da uomini e non più da bambini che rincorrevano un pallone sognando l'Europa." The 2004-born forward will compete with Donyell Malen for attacking minutes. On that rivalry, Castro stated: "Assolutamente no, io e Donny saremo in competizione per giocare tanto, ma soprattutto per il bene della squadra. Questa sana rivalità mi farà crescere tanto. Malen è un attaccante fortissimo, ci alterneremo, potremo anche giocare insieme."