Dybala in race against time to avoid unwanted Serie A milestone

Gian Piero Gasperini is building tactical flexibility into Roma's attack by deploying multiple forward options this summer. The transfer window has brought in players who give the squad genuine alternatives in attacking positions, allowing the coach to rotate his approach and personnel depending on match circumstances and opposition. The expanded attacking depth represents a shift in Roma's squad construction under Gasperini's direction. Rather than relying on a single focal point in the forward line, the club now has the depth to vary its attacking shape and personnel, offering the coach more tactical control and reducing fatigue across a full campaign. This approach reflects Gasperini's preference for tactical adaptability and squad rotation, principles he has applied throughout his managerial career. Roma's transfer strategy this summer has been built around creating multiple paths to attack, giving the coach options to switch formations, playing styles, and personnel to suit different opponents and match situations.

Roma legend Giuseppe Giannini has praised the club's acquisition of Rodrigo Mora, describing him as one of Europe's most talented and promising young players. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Giannini said Mora possesses "undisputed quality" and burned through Porto's youth ranks as a "predestined" talent. "At Roma, it is never easy—there is great warmth and great pressure—but the club and the coach will know how to integrate him properly while maintaining serenity around him," Giannini explained. The former Roma midfielder believes Mora and Paulo Dybala can form "a pair of trequartists of the highest level," with the Portuguese winger benefiting from Dybala's guidance. Giannini suggested multiple tactical options for head coach Giampiero Gasperini: an initial 3-4-1-2 with Mora rotating in for Dybala, or a more attacking 4-2-3-1 featuring Dybala, Mora, and Castro in support of Malen. He also highlighted Roma's youth strategy positively, noting the squad now contains 12 players under 25, and praised recent signings Castro and Molina for their qualities. When asked which top player he would sell if forced to, Giannini named Manu Koné, citing him as "the only one who has market at certain levels."

Giuseppe Giannini, a Roma legend, has praised Rodrigo Mora as the creative talent the club needs, comparing him to Kakà and seeing in him the playmaker Roma have long sought. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Giannini highlighted Mora's technical quality and pace, noting that "he has indisputable quality and, as far as I know, at Porto's youth academy he burned through the stages as a destined talent." He acknowledged the weight of the number 10 shirt in attacking midfield, but expressed confidence: "It is an important shirt, but Mora will also have the luck of playing with Dybala who could give him the 'blessing'." Giannini praised Roma's investment in youth and Gasperini's approach to squad depth. He observed: "I see a lot of beauty in this Roma, fantasy and quality especially in attack, and the fact that the club is investing heavily in the young players is a very important fact." The legend noted that Roma is building two squads—one for the league and one for European competition, as Gasperini requested. When asked which player Roma might sell by the end of August, Giannini suggested Manu Koné, saying: "I would say Koné, also because he seems to me the only one who has a market at those levels."

Radio pundits debated Roma's transfer strategy on 20 August, with analyst Sabatini arguing the season depends on how many goals Malen scores and how many matches Dybala can play. "It is difficult to think that they can play more than 20 matches as regular starters," Sabatini said on Radio Radio. Commentator Carina added that Roma has spent heavily but must make outgoings to balance the books, noting that Soulé's agent has guaranteed offers will arrive at Trigoria in the coming days. Carina also highlighted Roma's failure to sign a left-footed right winger despite it being a stated priority: "We are on 20 August and Roma has bought everything except that player." Marcacci suggested Fofana would have been a more useful acquisition than Mora for Roma's midfield needs, while Pes called for Roma to strengthen the attack with additional physicality and athleticism. Torri reported that an agreement exists between Lyon and Fofana, with conditions in place to close the deal. He also underlined Roma's two-year absence of a right-footed left winger despite spending over 10 million euros in that market. Speculation mounted around Koné's future, with Pes noting Manchester City interest but estimating Roma would demand 60 million euros for the midfielder.

Rodrigo Mora impressed in his first training session and now has four days to convince Gasperini he deserves the starting role in Roma's match against Fiorentina on Monday. The Portuguese forward will compete with Matías Soulé for the trequartista position in a 3-4-1-2 formation that Roma trialled on 19 August. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are set to start as the two strikers, with Mora eyeing an opportunity to stake his claim in the role that suits him best. Soulé's availability for the match remains uncertain as AC Milan continues to press for his signature, alongside English club Sunderland. The competition for places elsewhere in the team appears settled: Molina is ready to make his debut, Wesley will start at left-back, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné will operate in midfield, and the defensive line in front of Mile Svilar will comprise Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso. Gasperini's early feedback on Mora has been positive, giving the forward genuine scope to earn a starting berth.

Roma are in the final stages of their summer transfer business ahead of Monday's Serie A opener against Fiorentina, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini overseeing moves for defensive and attacking reinforcements. The club's attacking setup will centre on Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, supported by Rodrigo Mora, who recently arrived at the club. Gasperini has requested a more physical midfielder, with Malick Fofana of Lyon emerging as the top target. An agreement in principle worth approximately €35 million plus bonuses has been reached, though Lyon wish to retain Fofana until 26 August for their Champions League preliminary round against Fenerbahce. The final decision now rests with the Friedkin Group. Parallel to the Fofana pursuit, Roma are exploring left-back options, with Alessio Cacciamani of Torino identified as the hottest lead. Torino's recent closure of defender Fortini in the same position may prompt owner Cairo to soften his initial demands. Alternative targets Udogie and Luis Henrique are considered more complicated, with formulae and costs regarded as prohibitively high. Roma's incoming activity is contingent on outgoings: the club must resolve the situations of Salah-Eddine, Ziolkowski, and Robinio Vaz, while Matías Soulé, valued at approximately €40 million and attracting Milan's interest, remains under monitoring. Gasperini has Niccolò Pisilli available for selection and is assessing Wesley's fitness ahead of Monday's match. The likely starting XI is expected to mirror last season's shape, with Molina on the flank and the Dybala–Soulé pairing behind Malen, while Mora is poised for a substitute appearance.