Cristante on Gasperini: Playing under him is demanding but entertaining

Roma's 2026–27 season gets under way this evening with a Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico at 20:45. Former Roma and Juventus executive Zbigniew Boniek has outlined his expectations for the campaign in an interview with Corriere della Sera. Boniek said: "My hope is that Roma have an important season, even though they are not among the scudetto favourites. The Champions League is back—a serious commitment that requires high concentration for many months and a broad squad." On the summer transfer activity, he suggested Gasperini may still want more additions but credited the club's work: "Castro, for example, I like as a centre-forward and he will be an excellent alternative to Malen." On the rapport between Gasperini and Roma's support, Boniek offered strong backing: "I like Gasperini very much—he always manages to get the maximum from his squad, he is straightforward. Roma's fans want to see their team play well and win: Gasperini guarantees you all of that. Perhaps he is disliked, yes, but by opponents."

Roma radio pundits assessed the club's summer transfer window on 24 August 2026, with mixed verdicts on recruitment and squad readiness. Francesco Balzani (Tele Radio Stereo) rated the market as "respectable but a missed opportunity", noting Roma are stronger than last season yet have not closed the gap to Inter. He identified Greenwood and Summerville as the signings that got away, arguing that early-window business could have positioned Roma to challenge Inter. Balzani awarded the window a 6.5 out of 10, saying it would rise to 7 if Roma signed a left winger. He also noted that Roma had wanted to sell Soulé, and that Koné would have left for an offer exceeding 50 million euros. Roberto Pruzzo (Radio Radio Mattino) observed that the squad is largely the same as last season, with Soulé able to start despite unspectacular performances—"but tell me who has played well"—and hoped Dybala maintains his current condition and that Malen has recovered his form from the previous year. Mario Mattioli (Radio Radio Mattino) expressed confidence in the squad but doubted Mora's immediate impact. "I don't see many doubts at Roma. In my view Mora doesn't play—maybe he'll get a few minutes at the end, because Gasperini isn't inclined to those choices. When Mora starts playing he'll prove what's expected of him, but I have some doubt he can do it straightaway in a meaningful way for Roma. Who plays plays; we know already how the team can play. The question mark is the new players. Molina will play, but for the rest it'll be last season's Roma. Maybe with a tempo that speeds things up. I see Soulé very well in Dybala's traditional spot, on the right." Nando Orsi (Radio Radio Mattino) discussed midfield and forward combinations, noting Cristante played as a trequartista at Bergamo but reverted to his defensive midfield role at Roma. He expressed concern over Malen's role, saying Gasperini must manage the dynamic carefully: "I think they'll play little together. Castro as an accompanying forward could work. Soulé at Frosinone played behind the striker, he can do the Pasalic role. Castro can, but I don't think he's convinced."

Zbigniew Boniek, a symbolic figure of 1980s football and current UEFA Vice President, has expressed optimism about Roma's prospects for the coming season. Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Boniek said: "My hope is that Roma has an important season, even if they are not among the favourites for the Scudetto. The Champions League returns, a serious commitment that requires high concentration for many months and a wide squad." Asked whether more could have been expected from the transfer market, Boniek acknowledged that while Gasperini may still want additional pieces, the club has made significant moves. He highlighted Santiago Castro as a centre-forward he likes and praised him as an excellent alternative to Donyell Malen. On Malen's ability to replicate his form, Boniek said: "He has the perfect characteristics for Serie A. He is not like many strikers today who play with their back to goal fighting with defenders—Malen always looks at the goalkeeper. He is destined to do well again." Boniek expressed approval of Gasperini's rapport with Roma supporters, stating: "I like Gasperini very much. He always manages to get the maximum from his squad—he is straightforward. Roma fans want to see their team play well and win: Gasperini guarantees you all of that. Perhaps he is disliked, yes, but by opponents." The Hall of Fame member, who is also a member of Italian football's Hall of Fame, suggested the coach's success record and directness align with what the fanbase demands.

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.