D'Amico's Plan: Mora First, Then a Left-Back from Udogie or Cacciamani

Roma are accelerating their pursuit of a backup left-back after the arrival of Molina, with director D'Amico monitoring three profiles: Luis Henrique of Inter, Cacciamani of Torino, and Udogie of Tottenham. Each presents distinct obstacles and different characteristics for the same purpose. Coach Gasperini is preparing to welcome Rodrigo Mora after more than a year, but the squad needs reinforcement on the flank to rotate Wesley, the sole established option alongside Rensch in that position. Udogie stands out as the most primed prospect among the three. The former Udinese defender combines imposing physical structure with ball-carrying ability capable of breaking down defences. His Premier League experience—curtailed by muscle injuries affecting his thigh and knee—has allowed him to develop as an additional wing-back operating inside the pitch, a characteristic that could prove fundamental to Gasperini's tactical system. The 23-year-old, who progressed through Hellas Verona's academy, recorded 28 appearances last season with Spurs. However, Tottenham may only entertain a loan move with an obligation to buy, whereas Roma are seeking a purchase option instead. Among the three, Cacciamani represents the more defensive profile, though his experience in English football has cultivated offensive traits and explosive pace. Gasperini has stressed that fullbacks in his setup must defend the flanks while contributing to build-up play and offering attacking thrust.

Roma will open their 2026-27 season at the Olimpico against Fiorentina on Monday, 24 August at 20:45, with director D'Amico still working to finalise the squad ahead of the summer transfer window's closure on Tuesday, 1 September at 20:00. Rodrigo Mora, a left-sided winger described as a long-term target for Gasperini, is close to joining from Porto, and the club expects at least one further reinforcement before the deadline. However, Gasperini is likely to start the campaign with roughly 10 or 11 players from last season's squad. Molina is expected to earn a starting berth against Fiorentina, but the other recent arrivals face obstacles to immediate prominence. Koulierakis is unlikely to displace Mario Hermoso in the defensive hierarchy, and Castro faces a similar challenge against Donyell Malen despite the winger's low-profile preseason. Mora, expected in Italy in the coming days, will need time to integrate into Gasperini's system; Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé are likely to retain their attacking partnership. Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the opener through injury, while Niccolò Pisilli hopes to return in the squad and Wesley is managing a minor ankle sprain sustained in Saturday's friendly against Borussia Dortmund.

Roma radio commentators dissected the Giallorossi's opening performance on 15 August, offering mixed assessments of the squad's readiness and frustration over the transfer window's output. Pruzzo told Radio Radio Mattino that Roma played well for 15 minutes but were exposed on set pieces, noting that "Dybala is in good form, but won't be able to play this type of match all the time. Soulé hasn't managed to show his qualities yet, and struggles alongside Dybala. El Aynaoui operates at too measured a pace—we'd need a player with different running ability, and I'd think about it from a market perspective. For now Malen is a distant relation of the player we know, but he and Castro are strong. I'm worried Molina gave his best at Atlético Madrid." Mattioli struck a harsher tone, saying "Roma hasn't displeased me, but some players need to improve physically. Roma 'talks, talks', but then at the final moment does nothing. If we look at the desired targets and who has arrived, the balance is zero. The investments have been made, but the names being discussed for two months haven't arrived. Roma must play in the Champions League." Orsi raised tactical concerns about left-sided incompatibility between Soulé and Dybala, and questioned why Roma, pursuing an attacking wide player since 1 July, had not yet secured one. He also flagged concerns over a potential late-window departure of a key player.