Collovati blasts noon kickoff for Serie A title clash, claims fixture scheduling distorts competition

Alberto Aquilani will take charge of Sassuolo for his first Serie A managerial job after a successful spell with Catanzaro. The former Roma midfielder expressed his excitement at the appointment, telling Sky Sport: "A nice emotion to begin this journey in Serie A, it stimulates me greatly. We are working well, and when the start of the season approaches the emotions will grow even more." Aquilani will face his former club Roma when the sides meet, adding extra significance to the fixture. He and Daniele De Rossi came through the Roma ranks together, and the prospect of squaring off as opposing managers carries special weight. Aquilani said: "Serie A is full of encounters for me. I have been around and met many coaches. With Daniele we grew up together, it will be strange to face each other from the touchline. And Roma will obviously be another special day."

Roma have completed zero signings a month before their Serie A opener against Fiorentina, leaving Gian Piero Gasperini pressing urgently for reinforcements to complete an attacking unit beset by uncertainties. Paulo Dybala remains a key resource but is hampered by physical fitness concerns, while Matías Soulé is viewed as a potential departure due to tactical doubts from the coach and a desire to refresh the wing positions, pending concrete offers. Donyell Malen is currently the only established attacking option with clear status at the club. The club is pursuing multiple targets across the frontline. A centre-forward is being sought for Champions League football, with Tresoldi as the primary option alongside Bologna's Castro; Artem Dovbyk's future and young Robinio Vaz's status—split between staying and a possible loan—remain fluid. On the flanks, Antonio Nusa of Leipzig has been identified as the preferred choice for the attacking midfield role but faces obstacles from high valuations and strong Premier League interest. Alternatives Godts and Paixão remain under consideration but are viewed as less convincing options. Summerville has fallen away from contention. Tony D'Amico has reopened contact for Nusa, while the transfer window remains wide open with less than a month to deadline.

Serie A's heavyweight sides are moving slowly in the transfer window, with Roma among a cautious cohort of title contenders. Roma have officially confirmed only the renewal of Paulo Dybala, while remaining active on multiple fronts without rushing into deals that don't meet the economic demands of selling clubs. Negotiations for attacking wingers have stalled—notably over Mason Greenwood—while others, particularly for Summerville, have proven complicated. Across the league, only AC Milan have struck decisively. The Rossoneri signed Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain for approximately €74 million and Mario Gila from Lazio for €30 million—the only two signings of top quality made by any title contender so far. Inter have added just one new face beyond planned returnees: goalkeeper Ivan Provedel from Lazio for around €3 million. Juventus brought in Zeki Çelik on a free transfer while Roma were arranging his renewal, and invested €16.4 million for striker Ekhator from Genoa, though neither move signals the squad overhaul promised weeks ago. Napoli, under new coach Allegri, have focused on securing confirmations of Hojlund, Savic, and Santos without adding fresh recruits. Roma's approach reflects a broader caution: aside from Milan, none of the major rivals have launched a transfer campaign capable of fundamentally reshaping their squad.