Cristante on Gasperini: demanding but entertaining football

Roman radio stations analysed Gasperini's post-match demeanour and Roma's transfer window on 24 August, with the coach reportedly venting frustration after a pre-match press conference. David Rossi of Rete Sport said Gasperini "attempted to maintain composure during the conference, so much so that once it finished he let off steam—we have audio of what he said after the conference, but we won't play it because we're decent people—but hearing the post-conference outburst tells you he is not serene." Gasperini has been actively involved in the market alongside D'Amico, reiterating his desire for a left-footed winger and left-sided striker, though the station noted that if those signings do not arrive, it is not a failure to pursue them but a failure to secure them. The broader consensus across the stations was mixed. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport identified Fofana as "the best option that remains," better than other targets, suggesting Lyon's potential Champions League qualification could enable a deal structured as a loan with a conditional obligation to buy. Daniele Lo Monaco of Radio Romanista offered strong backing of the existing squad, stating: "With him you would not win the Champions League, but you would not have won it either with Summerville; in fact, I think you have more chances with Mora than with the Dutchman. If you signed Gittens, you would have Gittens, Mora, Dybala, Soulé, Castro and Malen… Last year you had Venturino, Zaragoza, Baldanzi, Dovbyk, Ferguson… and we finished third. This is why I tell you we must be very satisfied with what is happening, very satisfied. And all of this without selling players. But guys, what more do we want? For me, if the market completes in this manner, it will be the best since the days of Batistuta." Analysts debated the likely formation and deployment of recent arrivals. Lorenzo Pes suggested Roma could play with a trequartista behind two strikers, noting uncertainty over whether Soulé or Rodrigo Mora would occupy that role. Mario Mattioli expressed scepticism about Mora's involvement, predicting he would not start and questioning whether he could break through substantially. Roberto Pruzzo backed Santiago Castro as a strong addition who would receive more minutes than expected, while Checco Oddo Casano voiced concern that Roma was not equipped to compete for the Champions League, predicting a third- to sixth-place finish in Serie A. Alessio Nardo highlighted Dybala's history of injury problems at Roma, noting that last season his meniscus injury was mismanaged; he added that should Dybala complete the season without significant injury, "it would be a sort of miracle of Gasperini and his staff." The match against Fiorentina was set for the evening of 24 August. Pes cautioned that Fiorentina would be difficult to assess as an opponent, having conducted an ambitious transfer window under new management. The window closes on 31 August, with Gasperini's requirements for additional signings still unmet.

Fiorentina manager Raffaele Grosso has declared his squad ready to face Roma at the Olimpico, saying the team is physically and mentally prepared for a high-level fixture. Speaking ahead of the match, Grosso confirmed that all his players are available after recovering from various injuries, and that he will have squad depth to rotate. Grosso acknowledged Roma's quality and the difficulty of the challenge away from home. "The opponents are strong, they had a tremendous season and have a very clear manager," he said. "Many characteristics make this fixture difficult, but difficult things, if you dive into them and try to stay inside them, can become even more beautiful. There are many pitfalls in this match, but we have the characteristics to try to play a great match." On the defensive setup, he noted flexibility: "Yes, I have no reservations but I prefer to put them in the positions they prefer. We have four central defenders with different experiences and characteristics. The skill is to make the players who take the field express themselves." Grosso highlighted the responsibility of maintaining Fiorentina's momentum and the support of the club's supporters. "One of our objectives is to ride this beautiful enthusiasm that is being created," he said. "We are aware of it. It is a beautiful responsibility; we want to keep it that way, knowing it won't always be easy. People support us and make many sacrifices to follow us. We take that into account, always." He stressed the importance of consistency: "The skill is giving continuity to doing things well; if you lower your level the other side will raise it and do well." On starting the season away from home, Grosso noted that many players know the Olimpico while others will discover it in time, but the group is prepared for the test ahead.

Fiorentina head coach Fabio Grosso has cleared his squad fit and ready for tomorrow evening's Serie A opener against Roma at the Olimpico. At his pre-match press conference on 23 August, Grosso reported that all injury concerns have been resolved. "We are all well, fortunately we have recovered the players who were carrying knocks," he said. "Physically and mentally we are ready for Roma. We have excellent weapons at our disposal. Kean is well and will be with us tomorrow." Grosso acknowledged the significance of the fixture for Fiorentina's supporters but stressed his focus remains on the immediate challenge. "We know how much this match means in Florence—it is one of our objectives to ride the enthusiasm we feel in the city," he explained. "Roma has a clear identity. It will be a difficult match, but difficult things can give you satisfaction when you throw yourself into them and stay in them." On the broader squad picture, Grosso indicated the club is still seeking attacking reinforcements, saying "We are looking for someone up front with different characteristics." Grosso defended his selection options across the defensive line, noting he has no preference for left or right-footed centre-backs. "Pongracic has played many times on the left," he said. "We have four defenders with different paths and characteristics. The skill here is finding the best combination—there is always a need for everyone in the squad." On his attacking options, Grosso outlined his forward contingent: "We have only four attacking players for the three attacking positions we have. I want to take all the time available. Pellegrino and Kean are doing very well, as are Gudmundsson and Mastantuono, who is growing a lot." The match kicks off tomorrow, 24 August, as Fiorentina aim to make a winning start under Grosso.

Roma begin their 2026–27 campaign against a revamped Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico on matchday one. Gian Piero Gasperini's side will field a largely unchanged defensive line: Svilar in goal behind Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso. Koné and Cristante anchor the midfield, with Wesley deployed on one flank and Lulli—who replaces the off-colour Molina—on the other. Matías Soulé starts ahead of Rodrigo Mora in the attacking midfield slot, with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen forming the front pair against Fiorentina manager Grosso's defence. Although Gasperini can call on new arrivals, the composition of the starting XI reveals few changes from last season's blueprint. Wesley lines up in the three-back system that Gasperini has favoured, while the midfield remains built around Cristante's experience. Lulli's selection offers the element of surprise on the flank. Roma XI: Svilar; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Wesley, Cristante, Koné, Lulli; Soulé; Dybala, Malen. Fiorentina XI: De Gea; Joao Mario, Dragusin, Ranieri; Valdepenas; Ndour, Fagioli, Oulai; Atta, Kean, Gudmundsson.

Roma take on Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico at 20:45 in the opening fixture of the Serie A season. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has named a 22-man squad for the match, with all new signings included in the selection. The squad omits Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch. In goal, Gasperini has selected Mile Svilar, Giorgio De Marzi, and Pierluigi Gollini. The defence includes Konstantinos Koulierakis, Evan N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Jan Ziółkowski, Wesley, Lulli, and Daniele Ghilardi. Midfield options are Bryan Cristante, Neil El Aynaoui, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli, and Rodrigo Mora. Attacking players named are Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé, Paulo Dybala, and Robinio Vaz.

Roma have announced their squad for tonight's match against Fiorentina. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has called up 23 players across all positions. Defenders named are Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi. The midfield contingent comprises Cristante, El Aynaoui, Koné, Pisilli and Mora, while the forward line includes Castro, Malen, Soulé, Dybala and Vaz.