Cristante and Pellegrini: united in difficult moments

Torino have opened talks with Evan Ferguson regarding a potential move to Serie A, according to reports. The Giallorossi forward, currently on loan at Roma, is being targeted by the Turin club as they seek attacking reinforcement ahead of the 2026–27 season. Torino's injury worries — particularly with Zapata dealing with a knee problem, Adams in the squad, and Njie potentially departing — have prompted the club to explore fresh options in the final third. Ferguson scored five goals during his time in a Roma shirt but endured a complicated campaign hampered by injuries, which necessitated surgical intervention. The 22-year-old arrived at the Stadio Olimpico on loan from Brighton with a €40 million option to buy last summer. His injury struggles and limited opportunities have now caught the attention of Torino, who believe a fresh start in Turin could benefit both player and club. Initial contact between Torino and Ferguson's representatives has been made to assess the feasibility and terms of a potential transfer.

Roma have revived their interest in Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe as they continue to strengthen their squad for the 2026–27 season, but the English talent has firmly closed the door on a move. Following the closure of the Molina operation, Roma identified Rowe as a potential left-sided winger to meet Gasperini's requirements. However, the path to a deal appears blocked: Bologna have already rejected an offer of approximately €30 million from Everton and regard Rowe as non-transferable. Roma have engaged with Rowe's representatives, though the chances of securing him remain low. Rowe himself has made his position clear in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, stating: "I am a Bologna player. This is a great club, with clear ideas and a new project that I am focused on one hundred per cent on. I feel part of this world, I do not think of anything else and nothing else interests me." The transfer approach comes after the pista Nusa cooled owing to cost considerations. Roma's pursuit of alternatives underscores Gasperini's continued search for a right-footed left winger to complete his attacking arsenal. Rowe also offered a warm message for Santiago Castro, who recently arrived at Roma from Bologna: "I am happy for him. I wish him to grow even more at Roma because he is an excellent player and a friend. It will be very strange to face him, we hope he does well… except against us."

Roma have not abandoned their pursuit of Endrick, the Brazilian forward who has been on the club's radar for several days. However, the negotiations remain complex, as the player continues to express his desire to stay at Real Madrid. According to Matteo Moretto, Roma have reaffirmed to Endrick's representatives that their interest is concrete and that they would be ready to make a move with Real Madrid should the player reconsider the possibility of a loan. Gasperini views Endrick as one of his primary targets to strengthen the attack, citing his versatility. The 2006-born forward faces competition from several clubs, including Premier League sides. For now, the situation remains at an impasse, with Endrick having shown no signs of opening the door to another loan move. Roma are keeping a watching brief and standing ready to act should any change in circumstances emerge. The club has made their intentions clear to Endrick's camp, but a breakthrough could come in the coming weeks. Roma will continue to monitor developments while pursuing other options to reinforce their forward line.

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.

Roma captain Bryan Cristante spoke to Sky Sport from the club's pre-season camp in Wales, ahead of a friendly at Brighton tomorrow that concludes the week's matches overseas. Cristante expressed pride at Roma's return to the Champions League after a prolonged absence. "We've been wanting to play in the Champions, we'd been close a few times, we're proud to play it," he said. "It's important to have the society's presence, which gives an extra gear even in the market; we talk about it daily." Cristante highlighted his desire to face Real Madrid in Europe and revealed that Lorenzo Pellegrini, expected to rejoin the squad soon, remains a key part of the project. "I'd like to play at the Bernabéu in the Champions, it would be nice to play in the new stadium and see Mourinho again," he added. The midfielder also confirmed he and Paulo Dybala had resolved a disagreement that arose during Roma's pre-season match in Cardiff. "We cleared it up straight away, it was a small disagreement that happened on the pitch and ended there," Cristante explained. On domestic ambitions, Cristante acknowledged the Serie A title as Roma's dream objective but cautioned about the campaign's difficulty. "The Scudetto is the dream but it's still early, the league is difficult and very competitive. We want to have a good Champions, we hope to be in the fight in January to try to play for the championship." Cristante also reflected positively on his experiences under Italy manager Mancini, saying the goal is to "be reborn and return to where we belong."

Bryan Cristante, Roma's captain and midfielder, spoke to Sky Sport from the club's pre-season training camp in Wales ahead of a friendly against Brighton. The 2026-27 season is approaching, and Cristante outlined his ambitions: "We have a strong desire to play in the Champions League, we've been waiting for it for a long time and came close several times. We're proud to be playing it. The presence of the society is important—it gives extra momentum in the market too, and we discuss things daily." Cristante acknowledged that Roma have been chasing European qualification for some time and stressed the significance of finally securing Champions League football. Regarding Lorenzo Pellegrini's expected return, he said: "We've been in touch with him in recent days, we can't wait to have him back with us." On potential Champions League matchups, Cristante added: "In the Champions League I'd like to play at the Bernabéu, it would be nice to play in the new stadium and see Mourinho again." On domestic ambitions, Cristante said: "The Scudetto is the dream but it's still early. The league is difficult and highly competitive. We want to do well in the Champions League and hope to be in contention in January to fight for the title." He also confirmed that a minor on-field disagreement with Paulo Dybala in a Cardiff-Roma match was quickly resolved. Looking ahead to his international role under Mancini, Cristante stated: "With Mancini the memories are only beautiful ones. We hope to do well to make everyone happy. The goal is to be reborn and return to where we belong."

Lorenzo Pellegrini has completed his medical examination at the Roma Campus on 8 August and signed a contract renewal with the club following a 38-day negotiation period. The midfielder accepted a significant salary reduction, moving from 6 million euros to a base of 2.5 million euros plus performance bonuses under an annual agreement. Pellegrini's decision to remain came despite interest from Juventus and Besiktas, driven by his attachment to Roma and a desire to be part of the club's centenary year, with discussions over a more substantial extension deferred to June. Gasperini pushed forcefully to retain Pellegrini, viewing him as essential both for leadership and on-pitch contribution. The renewal provides a crucial administrative advantage for Roma's UEFA squad registration, given Pellegrini's academy status at the club since 2005. The midfielder had undergone a medical check in Finland in early June following physical concerns that required dedicated rehabilitation work over the summer break.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is set to renew his Roma contract today, with medical checks and signing scheduled for 8 August. The club also expects to confirm the arrival of Nahuel Molina. However, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini remains focused on securing an attacking left winger, the marquee piece of the transfer window. The pursuit of Antonio Nusa has grown complicated, prompting director D'Amico to explore alternatives including Fofana of Lyon and Gittens of Chelsea. Roma is simultaneously working to strengthen the left-back position as a deputy to Wesley. Gasperini wants a young prospect with potential, and D'Amico is negotiating with Torino for Alessio Cacciamani, though the Serie A club is demanding €20 million. Fiorentina's Nicolò Fortini is being evaluated as a backup option. The window remains active as Roma attempts to complete its recruitment objectives before the season progresses.

Gian Piero Gasperini held a four-hour meeting with new CEO Galantic and Tony D'Amico at Roma's Welsh training camp, forcing the coach to cancel a scheduled Sky television appearance. The summit focused on urgent transfer priorities with the league season opening against Fiorentina only weeks away. Gasperini reiterated two critical shortages: a right-footed winger — with the Nusa target remaining financially prohibitive — and reinforcement on the left flank, where Wesley is currently the only available senior starter following the departures of Angeliño and Tsimikas, and with Salah-Eddine also set to leave. The club confirmed Lorenzo Pellegrini is undergoing medical tests to formalise an annual contract renewal through 2027 at a reduced salary, while Marash Kumbulla has completed a loan move to Rayo Vallecano with a buy option. Goalkeepers Zelezny and Vasquez remain among the squad members whose positions are still to be clarified. Ticket sales for Roma's first home fixture at the Olimpico have opened to long queues, building on strong momentum from 40,000 season-ticket subscriptions, with a quick sell-out anticipated.

Roma completed their pre-season camp in England on 8 August with a final friendly against Brighton, kicking off at 16:00 Italian time. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini used the match to test his tactical setup and resolve remaining selection questions for the attacking line, with competition between Malen, Castro, Dybala and Soulé, while also assessing midfield options including Cristante and El Aynaoui. Lorenzo Pellegrini underwent medical examinations at Campus Biomedico on the morning of 8 August to formalise a one-year contract extension worth 2.5 million euros plus bonuses. The renewal represents significant stability for Roma's midfield and precedes his return to full training with the squad from the following week. Pellegrini, an academy product and long-serving captain, has been central to the club's plans under Gasperini's leadership as preparations continue for the 2026–27 season.

Roma conclude their pre-season tour of Britain at the Amex Stadium today at 16:00 (15:00 local time) against Brighton, managed by Hürzeler. Gian Piero Gasperini intends to use the fixture as a full dress rehearsal for the season ahead, planning to field his strongest XI with considerable minutes. The squad departed their Vale Resort base in Wales yesterday morning after a final training session, flying from Cardiff airport at approximately 17:40 to Gatwick before travelling by coach to Brighton's south coast venue. Roma and Brighton last met in the Europa League in March 2024 when Daniele De Rossi managed Roma. The giallorossi won the first leg 4–0 at the Olimpico, then lost the return fixture 1–0 at the Amex—a result that proved inconsequential to the tie. Gasperini has indicated he will rotate little from the previous friendlies, expecting his players to build momentum ahead of the season. In attack, an alternating pairing of Castro and Malen is anticipated, continuing to develop confidence in the Argentine striker and give the Dutch forward opportunities after recent illness forced him into individual training. Hermoso is expected to return to the defence. Bryan Cristante spoke to Sky Sport before departing Wales: "The Champions League? There's huge desire because we'd come close a few times over recent seasons, but we've finally managed to return after a really strong campaign. We can't wait to start. The clash with Dybala? That wasn't a dispute between me and him—it concerned other things. A second and it was done. Pellegrini? He updates us, we can't wait to see him back here and we're waiting for him." Roma's next pre-season fixture is against Borussia Dortmund on 15 August.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has signed a contract extension with Roma through 30 June 2027, ending speculation from Premier League clubs and Juventus. An official announcement is expected in the coming hours. The move secures the club's number 7 and caps weeks of negotiation. Mile Svilar reinforced his commitment to the club in a radio interview, saying: "I am happy here, my family is happy here. I want to stay at Roma." He outlined the squad's objectives: progressing in the Champions League, starting strongly in Serie A, and maintaining competitive intensity. Bryan Cristante, speaking from the pre-season camp, expressed enthusiasm for Gian Piero Gasperini's work and confirmed the group is eager to reunite with Pellegrini. Cristante also dismissed reports of lingering tension with Paulo Dybala: "Everything was cleared up immediately, with no lasting issues." Ticket sales for Roma's home opener against Fiorentina on Monday 24 August at 20:45 began today, generating immediate demand with over 3,000 supporters queuing online. The 40,000 season-ticket allocation was exhausted long ago. Separately, Marash Kumbulla's departure to Rayo Vallecano on a loan with a right of redemption was confirmed, ending his Roma tenure after 68 appearances, 4 goals, and the 2022 Conference League triumph.