Delvecchio backs Roma for big season after Champions League return

Roma legend Marco Delvecchio has expressed optimism about the club's prospects, citing the return to the Champions League after seven years away and the coinciding centenary as reasons for confidence. In an interview with Idealista in collaboration with Roma, Delvecchio reflected on his playing days and the current state of the Giallorossi. He recalled living in the Casalpalocco neighbourhood alongside numerous Roma teammates including Totti, Batistuta, Montella, Zebina, and Cassano, describing it as convenient for reaching the training ground at Trigoria. On Roma's Champions League return, Delvecchio stated: "A squad like Roma cannot be absent from the Champions League. We have returned to the place we deserve to be, and I hope Roma can perform well in the Champions League next season, but especially in the league. After so many years where I did not see great prospects, I feel very confident: I think it can truly be the right year, and it would be spectacular given that it coincides with the centenary. But let's touch wood." He also confirmed he would invest in property around Roma's new stadium project, believing the development would enhance the surrounding area with green spaces, shopping centres, sports facilities, schools, and universities. Delvecchio further discussed Roma's 2001 Serie A title—won 25 years ago—highlighting key moments including a dramatic comeback from 2–0 down against Juventus in Turin and a near-loss to Napoli in the penultimate match before ultimately clinching the trophy on the final day.

Roman radio stations have weighed in on Roma's transfer strategy, with consensus suggesting the club will need to offload a key player before the window closes. Lorenzo Pes said: "I think it will be difficult for Roma to close the market without an important departure. The focus is now on incoming transfers, but offers need to arrive to move players out: so far nothing has come in for either Koné or Soulé." Roma has already spent 35 million euros on Castro and 15 million on Greek defender Koulierakis, who is still awaiting official confirmation and bureaucratic clearance. Pes expects Castro to feature immediately, with manager Gian Piero Gasperini likely to deploy two strikers against four-defender systems. Piero Torri revealed Roma had offered 50 million euros for Summerville but noted the scale of recent spending means a significant sale is essential to fund further additions without exceeding budget. He suggested a potential Milan interest in Soulé could lead to a swap deal involving Saelemaekers. Roberto Pruzzo estimated only a 10 per cent chance Nusa joins Roma, saying negotiations have dragged on and the player has market options elsewhere. Mario Mattioli stated Roma has no intention of spending more than 50 million euros on any single player, while Stefano Agresti praised the club's investment in young talent as a strategy that could create future key players.

Roma radio commentators have outlined the club's remaining transfer priorities, with consensus that an important player departure is necessary before the window closes. Pes stated: "It seems difficult for Roma to close the market without an important sale. The focus now is on arrivals, but offers need to come in to move players out: so far nothing has arrived for either Koné or Soulé." Roma have already spent 35 million euros on Castro and 15 million on new Greek defender Koulierakis, who will join the squad after administrative procedures are completed. Torri reported that Milan could be interested in Soulé, with a potential swap involving Saelemaekers; Roma have reportedly sought a profile matching Saelemaekers' type. Earlier, Roma had reached an offer of 50 million euros for Summerville, though that figure would push total outlay toward 100 million when combined with recent signings. Pruzzo suggested there is only a 10 per cent chance of Nusa joining Roma, as negotiations have dragged on and the player has market options elsewhere. Castro is expected to feature immediately, with Gasperini likely to deploy two forwards against four-back defences.