Dybala, Malen and squad showcase new Roma home kit for 2026–27 season

Jadon Sancho has re-entered Roma's thinking more than a year after the club's pursuit of him ended with his move to Aston Villa last summer. The English winger is now a free agent and represents a potential opportunity for the Giallorossi. Roma's management are considering offering him a performance-based contract, with wages tied to appearances, to provide the right-footed winger Gian Piero Gasperini has requested to complete the attacking department. No negotiations are currently underway, but Sancho remains a concrete option to monitor over the coming weeks. Separately, Roma face travel restrictions for Monday's fixture at Torino, scheduled for 18:30 on 14 September. A ticket sales ban has been imposed for residents of Rome's province, preventing them from attending the match at the Olimpico Grande Torino. Residents elsewhere in Lazio may purchase tickets only in the away section and exclusively with an AS Roma membership card. Roma's Champions League opener against Fenerbahçe is set for Thursday at 18:45 at the Şükrü Saracoğlu in Istanbul. Fenerbahçe have returned to training following a loss to Besiktas and will be without Mateo Guendouzi, suspended by UEFA for the match after incidents in a preliminary tie against Lyon. Marco Asensio is under assessment after two weeks out with injury and has not featured in training. Fenerbahçe's coach hopes to recover Akturkoglu and to have Romelu Lukaku at full fitness, while Oosterwolde remains unavailable following surgery. Analyst Piero Torri stated: "Roma are currently unbeaten alongside Inter, and these are certainly positive responses. From now until December it will be entirely a question of injuries: if Roma are not hit by injuries, their squad is sufficient. All the same, Pisilli and Rensch remained on the bench on Saturday, and Pellegrini will return." Commentator Carina added: "Roma are finally 'Gasperini-style': they are the same Roma we saw in Gasperini's Atalanta. Three matches and three games in the Gasperini style: they never stop. It is a squad that takes your breath away. And for the first time a coach wins the match by removing two defenders: had he not taken off N'Dicka and Mancini, Roma would have suffered a second goal, because both fail to understand each other against Kristovic and run into difficulty."

Roma trained on 7 September as preparations intensified for their Champions League fixture against Fenerbahce on Thursday in Istanbul. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini held a late-afternoon session at Trigoria with no intention of reducing intensity ahead of the difficult away match. The squad worked through drills, small-sided games and competitive exercises, with Gasperini preparing to field his strongest eleven. Lorenzo Pellegrini featured in training and is targeting a recall to the matchday squad. The session underlined Roma's unity and focus on their return to European football's premier competition after an absence. CEO Galantic observed the training from the sideline. The club published a brief video on social media with the caption "Champions League week" and "Towards Istanbul", marking the significance of the occasion.

Roma supporters living in Rome province will be barred from purchasing tickets for the away section when Roma travel to Torino for a Serie A match on Monday 14 September at 18:30. Ticket sales will be exclusively available to fans residing outside Rome province who hold an AS Roma Card. The restriction will prevent a significant portion of Roma's fanbase from attending the match in person to follow Gian Piero Gasperini's side. Ticket sales begin on 8 September at 10:00. The ban reflects a standard visitor segregation policy implemented for the fixture, limiting access for the club's local support base during an away league campaign.

Alessandro Florenzi has spoken about Roma's return to the Champions League after seven years, expressing optimism about the club's prospects under Gian Piero Gasperini. Speaking to Sky Sport, Florenzi said of the European return: "Certainly I expect many emotions, the ones I experienced on the pitch and which I hope to relive as a fan. It has been missing for too long. Manager Gasperini has done great work, I expect many good things." Florenzi believes the primary objective is to secure another Champions League qualification while maintaining Roma's prominence in Serie A following last season's form. However, he stopped short of directly discussing the Scudetto, saying: "There is a long way between saying that and saying other words that are forbidden in Rome. We will see in spring when the accounts are drawn up where Roma will be both in the Champions League and in the league." On the summer transfer market, Florenzi singled out Paulo Dybala as a key signing. "The way Roma started, I would say Dybala. When he is fit he becomes a player of another category. I hope he can really do well this year and continue as he has started. When he ignites, Roma ignites," Florenzi said. Regarding Europe's favourites, he picked PSG among the main contenders but predicted Barcelona would win the Champions League, calling three consecutive titles "truly extraordinary."

Roma's radio stations have given their verdicts on Saturday's victory over Atalanta, with commentators split between praising the performance and assessing the squad's depth ahead of the Champions League debut on Thursday. Piero Torri of Radio Manà Manà said: "For now Roma are on full points alongside Inter, and these are certainly positive responses. From now until December it will all be a question of injuries: if Roma are not hit by injuries, their squad is sufficient. In any case, Pisilli and Rensch remained on the bench on Saturday, then Pellegrini will return. Without excessive problems, then, the squad is sufficient; in January you can possibly fine-tune something at a quantitative level. In any case, you have 21 players, and good ones too: if you put them on the pitch you don't have a collapse in quality." Torri added that when a team functions well, a player rated 6 can look like an 8. Francesco Balzani highlighted Balerdi's impact as a substitute, calling it "decisive" and praising the victory as "a win in the Mourinho style with Gasperini's football." Antonio Felici stressed that the win over Atalanta showed Roma can succeed even when facing difficulty in the 90 minutes, representing "the victory of self-awareness." Simone Valdarchi echoed the praise for Gasperini's tactical substitutions, saying Balerdi in particular "changed the inertia of the match" and allowed Roma to escape the difficulties created by Krstović and return to dominating play. Nando Orsi noted Roma have scored 10 goals so far and represent "a complete team where everyone can score," calling them underperformers on 9 points in the league table. Lorenzo Pes said Gasperini's next step is convincing Dybala he can score again, noting the striker will want to feature in Thursday's Champions League debut.

Roma's remarkable late comeback against Atalanta has impressed pundit Lele Adani, who analysed the performance on La Domenica Sportiva. Mario Hermoso equalised in the 89th minute before Roma scored again within three minutes, with Adani highlighting the intensity of the attack: Matías Soulé, Paulo Dybala and Santiago Castro all shot during that spell, firing once every 40 seconds in September heat at the Stadio Olimpico with the thermometer at 35 degrees. Adani drew parallels to Gasperini's Atalanta sides, describing Roma's display as an act of faith rather than conventional football. He was struck by Roma's persistence in creating chances even when the match appeared lost and the crowd's overwhelming support. The club completed 39 shots across the entire fixture, which Adani called epic football shaped by the team's determination to attack in the final minutes.

Santiago Castro entered Roma's match against Atalanta at the 62nd minute as an unlikely substitute, replacing the league's in-form forward Donyell Malen, yet the move proved to be the turning point in a game the hosts trailed. In his brief appearance, Castro struck the post and crossbar while providing two key passes, underscoring the quality of Roma's bench and prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to praise his aggression. The Argentine's introduction illustrated the gulf between Roma's attacking depth now and the crisis that plagued them throughout the previous season. Last season Gasperini struggled with inadequate backup at centre-forward. Artem Dovbyk managed only 386 minutes in the league, while Evan Ferguson accumulated 776; injuries to both forced the coach into makeshift solutions, sometimes fielding a lone striker. Malen's January arrival from Dortmund transformed the dynamic, yet even then Gasperini was stretched thin managing the Dutchman's workload in a frenetic system that demands fresh energy. Castro's arrival this summer completes the picture. The forward combines goal-scoring instinct, the ability to run channels, ball retention and defensive work rate—qualities already evident in his early outings in red and gold. Gasperini's post-match verdict captured the shift: "The changes were good and that's what we were looking for—to complete this squad with substitutes who could give important help across matches. In finishing and in the forward area we were good, but we lacked intensity. We were sometimes too neat, aside from Castro's post and crossbar." Against Atalanta, Castro fired four shots—two on target and two off the woodwork—laying down a marker as a genuine alternative to Malen. Soulé scored, Molina offered fresh options on the flank and Balerdi commanded the defence like a squad veteran. Gasperini acknowledged the possibility of using both attackers together: "Castro and Malen together? It's an idea for the future. They can coexist, definitely. They can play together. We'll see; we're doing evaluations now. We'll have many matches so there will be chances for everyone and also to vary these systems." The contrast with previous seasons is stark. Roma's manager can now turn to a bench and find genuine competition for the starting eleven rather than, as José Mourinho once lamented, mere children. The scale of available rotation across the squad—particularly in attack and defence—represents a luxury rarely seen at Trigoria in recent years.

Donyell Malen has become the focal point of Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma, transforming the club's attack after arriving in January and dragging them to Champions League qualification. Gasperini repositioned the Dutch forward to operate between the back three and the fullback line, unlocking a decisive edge that had been missing when Roma pursued an attacker capable of running in behind during the previous summer transfer window. Since his debut against Torino, Malen has contributed 14 goals and 2 assists in Serie A, plus one Europa League goal against Bologna—15 goals in 22 matches as Roma scored 40 total (36 in the league, 4 in Europe). He accounts for 40 per cent of the club's seasonal tally. Seven of his 15 goals proved decisive, most crucially a penalty against Parma at the 100th minute. Without Malen, Roma would have accumulated 12 fewer points. Before his arrival, Roma struggled badly. In their opening 27 matches under Gasperini, they netted only 36 goals—23 in Serie A, 11 in Europa League, 2 in Coppa Italia—averaging 1.33 per game. The first summer window had brought no genuinely incisive attacking reinforcement. Malen's January arrival transformed that dynamic nearly immediately. From his debut onwards, Roma's goal-per-match average nearly doubled to 2.11. This season, Malen has added 5 goals in 3 matches, accounting for 50 per cent of Roma's 10 goals so far. He has now scored 19 times in 21 appearances for the club. The article notes that after last season's performance, some observers worried he would not sustain such output; the early 2026-27 figures have silenced those doubts.

Roma's 2–1 comeback win over Atalanta on Saturday drew widespread praise from Rome's radio commentators, who highlighted the performance as evidence of a well-rounded squad capable of competing for the Serie A title. Gianluca Piacentini (Rete Sport) called it an act of justice, saying: "I don't recall a first half so fine in recent years. Roma dominated completely, Atalanta scored on their first shot on goal, and justice was done." Fabio Petruzzi credited the introduction of Leonardo Balerdi as the turning point, noting his pace filled a gap the defence had lacked. David Rossi singled out Santiago Castro's second-half impact after Donyell Malen's poor display, with Gian Piero Gasperini removing Malen because he "was going to smash into opponents rather than pass." Mario Corsi highlighted Matías Soulé's growth, recording two goals and an assist in the last two matches, and observed: "Roma is overwhelming, one cannot deny it. It's a Roma that promises very well indeed." Daniele Lo Monaco (Radio Radio) pointed to Roma's dominance through statistics: in the Atalanta match, Roma produced roughly twice as many shots on goal as the combined total from the previous two fixtures against Fiorentina and Lecce. He noted Maurizio Sarri's post-match assessment—"Roma is an impressive squad"—as particularly significant, and said: "The value Roma has reached is truly very high, and this pleases and reassures me. Inter remains superior, and Como has the same chances of winning the Serie A title as Inter and Roma." Paolo Cosenza emphasised the depth available, claiming Gasperini has assembled a squad of 16 regular starters, with statistics showing over 35 shots on goal despite facing "not the woodcutters but a proper side like Atalanta." Piero Torri added that if Roma avoids injuries, the squad of 21 players can sustain the challenge through January, citing positive performances from Leonardo Balerdi, Santiago Castro, Nahuel Molina and Daniele Ghilardi. Roberto Pruzzo expressed reservations about Rodrigo Mora, saying: "I have doubts about Mora; he played one half, touched 10 balls, was decent on some but if he doesn't grow in level I need another player. In January we have to try to do something." Nando Orsi called Roma "a complete squad," where goals come from multiple sources: "When Malen doesn't score, others do. So it means it's a total squad, where everyone can score, then there are the more important players who resolve it." Ilario Di Giovambattista emphasised the stadium's role, stating: "It was the victory of the public. When Hermoso makes it 1–1, Roma continues because it is literally carried along by a wonderful public. Roma's fans are incredible, this must be said." He noted Paulo Dybala recorded four assists in three matches. Lorenzo Pes flagged Champions League action ahead, saying: "Thursday there is the Champions debut, and I think Dybala will want to be on the pitch." Roma faces the opening fixture of the UEFA Champions League on Thursday (9 September). The radio panel broadly agreed that sustained belief and injury avoidance are prerequisites for maintaining the early-season momentum, though Pruzzo signalled January could bring squad reinforcement depending on Mora's progress.

Jadon Sancho has re-entered Roma's thinking more than a year after the club's pursuit of him ended with his move to Aston Villa last summer. The English winger is now a free agent and represents a potential opportunity for the Giallorossi. Roma's management are considering offering him a performance-based contract, with wages tied to appearances, to provide the right-footed winger Gian Piero Gasperini has requested to complete the attacking department. No negotiations are currently underway, but Sancho remains a concrete option to monitor over the coming weeks. Separately, Roma face travel restrictions for Monday's fixture at Torino, scheduled for 18:30 on 14 September. A ticket sales ban has been imposed for residents of Rome's province, preventing them from attending the match at the Olimpico Grande Torino. Residents elsewhere in Lazio may purchase tickets only in the away section and exclusively with an AS Roma membership card. Roma's Champions League opener against Fenerbahçe is set for Thursday at 18:45 at the Şükrü Saracoğlu in Istanbul. Fenerbahçe have returned to training following a loss to Besiktas and will be without Mateo Guendouzi, suspended by UEFA for the match after incidents in a preliminary tie against Lyon. Marco Asensio is under assessment after two weeks out with injury and has not featured in training. Fenerbahçe's coach hopes to recover Akturkoglu and to have Romelu Lukaku at full fitness, while Oosterwolde remains unavailable following surgery. Analyst Piero Torri stated: "Roma are currently unbeaten alongside Inter, and these are certainly positive responses. From now until December it will be entirely a question of injuries: if Roma are not hit by injuries, their squad is sufficient. All the same, Pisilli and Rensch remained on the bench on Saturday, and Pellegrini will return." Commentator Carina added: "Roma are finally 'Gasperini-style': they are the same Roma we saw in Gasperini's Atalanta. Three matches and three games in the Gasperini style: they never stop. It is a squad that takes your breath away. And for the first time a coach wins the match by removing two defenders: had he not taken off N'Dicka and Mancini, Roma would have suffered a second goal, because both fail to understand each other against Kristovic and run into difficulty."

Under Gasperini's management, Roma have abandoned their defensive-first identity and emerged as one of Serie A's most creative and dangerous attacking forces. In Saturday's fixture, the club fielded two less experienced defenders in place of established players Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini—yet Roma shifted up a gear from that point on. After a season defined by the defensive solidity inherited from José Mourinho and Claudio Ranieri, the first three matches of this campaign have revealed what it means to play Gasperini football: field domination, mental strength, and a relentless goal-scoring machine. Roma have climbed to the top of Serie A's offensive statistics alongside Inter and Como—the two clubs displaying the best football this season. Beyond goals and assists, Gasperini's side matches Inter in possession percentage (63.9%, compared to Inter's 66%), but this is far from sterile possession: Roma have shot on target 26 times, the most in the league (Como second with 21), and created 17 big chances—the highest total alongside Inter, who have 13. The transformation is staggering. Two seasons ago, Roma ranked fifth in Serie A for big chances and barely ninth for shots on target. In the first three matches, Roma have also ranked among the best for successful dribbles with 29—an extraordinary figure after finishing 19th of 20 teams last season. Gasperini arrived on 6 June 2025 with a clear project: a gradual revolution built around young players and buttressed by experienced personnel. Despite market limitations that prevented him from signing the attacking player he wanted—notably Mason Greenwood—Roma have become a team of modern ideas, character, and tactical openness, playing without fear against any opponent. The gap from the squad Ranieri left behind is measured in years, not months. Ahead lie significant tests: Fenerbahçe in Istanbul, then Torino before fixtures against Inter, Como, and Real Madrid. The final three, in particular, have long been circled in red.

Daniele Ghilardi has emerged as one of the season's surprises at Roma. After months of adaptation last season following his arrival from Verona, the defender earned Gasperini's trust, yet began the campaign without a league start across the opening eighteen matches. His turning point came at Lecce, where he suddenly stepped into the side and performed flawlessly. Last week at the same venue he was named in the starting eleven again, producing four tackles won from five attempts, eight ground duels won and aerial supremacy. On Saturday against Atalanta, Ghilardi replaced Gianluca Mancini and contributed significantly to Roma's comeback. Gasperini chose to release Jan Ziółkowski over the summer in favour of keeping the 2003-born defender, continuing a pattern of player development that has become a hallmark of his management at Roma. Crucially, Italy national team coach Roberto Mancini attended the Olimpico fixture and took note of the performance. While Ghilardi remains too early for September's international break, Mancini is expected to consider him for future call-ups.