Cobolli reaches Roland Garros last 16 with Mancini-style celebration; backs Calafiori in Champions League final

Roma's fixture schedule has taken shape following UEFA's announcement of the eight Champions League dates, with October emerging as an exceptionally demanding month that will test Gian Piero Gasperini's squad across two competitions. The congestion begins immediately. After a Serie A match against Atalanta at the Olimpico on Saturday 5 September, Roma make their Champions League debut on Thursday 10 September at Istanbul against Fenerbahce, followed by a trip to Torino on 13 September at 12.30. The real intensity arrives after the international break: nine matches in less than a month. Roma visit Como, then host Real Madrid on 14 October—a reunion with José Mourinho at the Olimpico. Three days later comes another notable occasion: Genoa, managed by Daniele De Rossi, also visit Rome on the weekend of 16–17 October. Roma then face Slovan Bratislava at home on 20 October for a third consecutive Olimpico fixture, immediately followed by a major encounter at the San Paolo against Napoli. Gasperini's side host Cagliari in the first midweek league fixture on 27 October, then travel to face Udinese on 30–31 October. The stretch concludes with Manchester United away on 3 November and Roma-Sassuolo at home, after which players can finally recover during the second international break. Roma's squad includes double-digit numbers of international players, complicating rotation. November fixtures include Parma away on 21 November, then a heavyweight clash at PSG on 25 November, with Monza at home closing that week. December will be equally demanding, featuring Bologna away, Sporting at home, and the first derby against Lazio. Champions League resumes in January with the final two league-phase matches: Atalanta away on 16 January and AEK Athens away on 19 January, sandwiched around a home game against Udinese. The eighth and final league-phase match against Lille comes on 27 January at home, followed by an away trip to Monza. The date for Roma's Coppa Italia round of 16 tie against either Cagliari or Verona remains to be determined from among 2 December, 16 December, and 13 January.

Roma have completed the signing of defender Balerdi on a loan deal with a right of purchase set at €15 million, which can become an obligation under certain conditions. The italo-Argentine arrived at Ciampino airport at 17:45 on 29 August, with the final details of his agreement settled that morning. Medical examinations are scheduled for the evening. The deal strengthens Roma's defence, which the club describes as potentially the strongest in 7–8 years. Balerdi joins a squad that has undergone significant defensive reinforcement during the current transfer window.

Roma's Champions League League Phase fixture list is now set. The Giallorossi begin away to Fenerbahçe in Turkey before hosting Real Madrid in their second match. Matchday three brings a reunion with Slovan Bratislava, a throwback to their 2011 encounter. The schedule presents two testing away fixtures in succession: Roma travel to face Manchester, followed by a trip to Paris Saint-Germain. The full run of eight League Phase matches will determine Roma's path through the competition as they bid to progress from one of Europe's most demanding groups.

Roma and Marseille have reached agreement on Leonardo Balerdi, with the Argentine defender landing in the Italian capital on 29 August. The deal was concluded within hours, with Balerdi touching down at 17:30 local time to a welcome from supporters eager for early selfies. He will undergo medical tests and sign his contract. The transfer is structured as a loan worth €1 million with a right of riscatto that becomes an obligation of approximately €15 million subject to conditions tied to appearances and European qualification. Balerdi replaces Jan Ziółkowski, who is departing to Monza. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had requested an experienced defender rather than a young prospect to develop. The signing completes Roma's defensive options alongside Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, Mario Hermoso, Daniele Ghilardi and Konstantinos Koulierakis. Roma aim to have him available for Monday's match against Lecce.

Roma will learn the full league-phase schedule for the UEFA Champions League on 29 August, with the phase running from 8–10 September through 27 January. Real Madrid, Sporting, Lille and Slovan Bratislava will visit the Olimpico, while Roma travel to face PSG, Manchester United, Fenerbahçe and AEK Athens. The club has already sold 40,000 cup subscriptions, with the Curva Sud and Distinti Sud sections sold out. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini appears set to keep the starting eleven largely intact following Roma's convincing opening display against Fiorentina, fielding it again away at Lecce on Via del Mare. Rodrigo Mora is on course to start alongside Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen in attack, with a battle between Giorgio De Marzi and Nahuel Molina for the right-back position. Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, Mario Hermoso, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are expected to retain their places. Defence headaches persist: Devyne Rensch will miss the Lecce trip due to a left-flexor problem and continues treatment, while Lorenzo Pellegrini continues his recovery work on an individual programme.

Roma travel to Lecce on Monday 31 August at 18:30 for the second round of Serie A 2026–27, aiming to build on a commanding 4–0 opening-day victory over Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has injury concerns ahead of the fixture at the Stadio Via del Mare: Devyne Rensch is sidelined with a strain to the left thigh flexor, and Lorenzo Pellegrini remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a right thigh rectus femoris injury. Gasperini is expected to field a settled defensive shape with Mile Svilar in goal and a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. Nahuel Molina's availability is being assessed; if he cannot play, Giorgio De Marzi will step in after an impressive display against Fiorentina. Wesley continues at left wing-back. Bryan Cristante is assured of his midfield place alongside Manu Koné. In the attacking third, the main selection question concerns Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé; Mora started against Fiorentina and impressed, forcing a good save from De Gea, while Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are primed to lead the line. Malen was the star of Roma's opening fixture, scoring three goals and supplying three assists against Fiorentina, while Dybala also contributed three assists. Niccolò Pisilli rounded off the rout with Roma's fourth goal. The visitors hold a commanding historical record: across 42 meetings with Lecce, Roma have won 29, drawn 11 and lost only twice. The clubs last met in the 2025–26 season, when Roma won 1–0 at home through Robinio Vaz. Lecce arrive after an away victory over Venezia (2–0, goals from Gorter and Tiago Gabriel) and will play in a 4–3–3 formation under manager Eusebio Di Francesco. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN, Sky Sport and NOW. Official team sheets will be released approximately one hour before kickoff.