Dybala's Generosity: Argentine Chooses Roma Continuity Over Alternatives

Roma are working on multiple transfer moves as both incomings and outgoings remain active. Jan Ziółkowski, the Polish defender, continues to attract interest from several Serie A clubs, and the Giallorossi have already identified a replacement should he depart. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Roma have identified Felipe Rodrigues da Silva, known as Morato, as the ideal substitute for Ziółkowski. The 2001-born centre-back currently plays for Nottingham Forest. The operation could be structured as a loan. Roma are keen to secure a defender's arrival before clearing the way for Ziółkowski's exit, particularly as Monza, under Ivan Juric, are pushing hard to sign the Polish defender on loan.

Roma are considering Felipe Rodrigues da Silva, the Brazilian central defender known as Morato from Nottingham Forest, as a potential reinforcement should Jan Ziółkowski depart the club. The move is contingent on Ziółkowski's future; the Polish youngster is increasingly close to a loan move to Monza, which is working to secure him. Roma want to identify a replacement before giving final approval to Ziółkowski's departure. Morato would also arrive on loan. The prospect of Morato is directly tied to Ziółkowski's exit, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's squad in mind. Roma are managing both situations in parallel: securing an outgoing loan while ensuring defensive cover. Morato represents a profile already accustomed to playing at a high level, with characteristics suited to a three-man defence setup. Motaro, born in 2001, is a left-footed defender standing approximately 1.92 metres tall who currently plays in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest. He has spent several seasons in Europe following an extended spell at Benfica. His natural position is centre-back, though he can also be deployed on the left side of the defence and, if needed, on the left wing. A new avenue to monitor in the coming hours as Roma work simultaneously on Ziółkowski's possible exit.

Roma are pursuing Nottingham Forest centre-back Morato as a potential replacement for Jan Ziółkowski, who is being eyed by Serie A sides Parma and Monza. According to Sky Sport, the Brazilian defender can arrive on loan with a right of purchase. Ziółkowski, born in 2001, has been a target for both clubs; Monza have proposed a loan deal while Parma could move for a permanent transfer. The defensive reshuffle comes as Roma continue to work on both incomings and outgoings ahead of potential further developments in the Jayden Oosterwolde situation. Morato has played in the Premier League since 2024 and spent five seasons at Benfica before joining Nottingham Forest. Roma are also pursuing attacking reinforcements, with targets reportedly including Gittens and Fofana to complete their offensive options.

Andrea Stramaccioni, analysing Roma's 24 August fixture against Fiorentina for DAZN, praised the team's physical condition and intensity, highlighting their high press and defensive organisation. Speaking to Teleradiostereo, he drew particular attention to Paulo Dybala's form. "I played against Gasperini at Palermo when he had Dybala, and what I saw on Monday reminds me exactly of that Paulo in terms of athletic condition," Stramaccioni said. The former coach emphasised the importance of Roma's core group of Italian players and their leadership. "The block of Italians is important. From outside it's hard to understand how important it is to have a tested group that guides the dressing room and would throw themselves in the fire for the coach," he stated. He noted Bryan Cristante's defensive positioning and highlighted Manu Koné as operating "in world form," questioning why France manager Deschamps did not field him in the semi-final. Stramaccioni also praised Santiago Castro, noting Gasperini "almost had to hold Castro back" given the Argentine's eagerness, and spoke of a strong Argentine contingent within the squad driving exceptional desire. Stramaccioni identified a left winger as the missing piece for Roma to harbour serious title ambitions under Gasperini. "Gasperini played Champions League and knows you need two squads. He always says value comes from those in front, it's not rocket science. He won at Atalanta with three strikers; he wants two per role now. Right now one is missing—someone more capable of starting from the left. Today both Dybala and Soulé migrate out but prefer to start from the right. Mora I like very much, but another is needed on the centre-left." Regarding squad development, Stramaccioni noted Lulli's backstory: "His is a nice story. He comes from Palestrina, was enrolled at Roma's Acquacetosa football school and had to quit because of distance from home. Now he's returned and is reaping the rewards." Looking at the transfer window closing days, Stramaccioni said Inter are defined as complete, while Juventus still seek both a striker and midfielder. "Roma I don't think will take a starting player, but they need to complete the squad," he concluded.

Radio Roma pundits offered their assessments of Roma's transfer priorities and recent performances. Paolo Assogna reported that Roma is pursuing Franck Kessié, whom Gasperini knows and views as a midfield upgrade, while El Aynaoui could generate crucial funds through a sale representing a gain for the club. Gasperini is pressing the ownership for a left-footed right winger. Piero Torri argued that raising standards is a duty Roma can fulfil by completing the squad. He expects activity this final week, particularly on the wing. "Raising the bar is a duty, and Roma can do it by completing the squad," Torri said. "In this final week something will happen, especially on the attacking wing. There is an intention to do it, but not so much to sign: we are looking for someone who can give you quality and more offensive solutions, because Gasp always thinks about scoring goals. Fofana? If I go by what Roma says, he cannot be bought at those figures because of agreements with UEFA. But at other conditions it can be done. Him, Gittens, or the famous Mr X." He also addressed transfer constraints tied to UEFA regulations affecting any Fofana deal. Roberto Pruzzo praised Gasperini's comments on Dybala, noting the coach said he could even play extra time. On Rodrigo Mora's brief appearance—touching the ball twice in the first half before being substituted early in the second—Pruzzo noted that preserving Dybala remains the priority. Nando Orsi argued that Roma's prospects hinge on Dybala's fitness; if he plays 15 matches like Monday's display, Roma has chances, otherwise not. Orsi rated Dybala's performance against Fiorentina as his best since arriving at Roma and called the squad generally solid, though he cautioned that Napoli has formidable midfield depth.

Roma's radio commentators have dissected the club's transfer position and recent on-field performance in a wide-ranging discussion centred on left-back Jayden Oosterwolde's medical status, midfielder Franck Kessié's availability and an ongoing push to strengthen the forward line. Oosterwolde suffered an injury on 5 August initially thought minor, but subsequent assessments suggest a tendon issue that could sideline him for five to eight weeks, pointing towards a late September or mid-October return. David Rossi of Rete Sport said: "On Oosterwolde there are further medical examinations; the Fenerbahce had sent documents to Roma to say 'look, everything is fine' and that could have raised more concerns at Trigoria. I think Lulli's performance the other night has caused Roma some doubts." The injury timeline and medical uncertainty have reportedly prompted Roma to seek clarity on his availability before finalising any deal. The debate on Kessié centred on whether his reported availability at no cost represents value. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo argued: "This was El Aynaoui's moment—he played in the cup and was praised as one of his country's best midfielders, and it seems he asked Roma for a starting position. That means he'd have to sit out either Cristante or Koné, and I think Gasperini will never leave those two out right now. For that reason Roma told him to find another solution without any hard feelings. Kessié at no cost I'd agree with, but I don't think he'll settle for one and a half million. For me El Aynaoui is better—he's younger, a different prospect." Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo added: "Kessié is very close to Juventus; you'd have to prize him away from them, but I don't know if that's possible. Kessié is 29 and I checked his injury history—he's never had any particular problems. It surprises me; it probably comes from the player's unhappiness, because Gasperini had said the midfield package was what it was. It surprises me that now this midfield problem emerges, given that Roma already has other things to solve and needs to complete its market." Radio voices also highlighted the possibility of late-window movement on the wing, with alternatives such as Nusa (now out of budget following RB Leipzig's salary restructuring after the Diomande sale), Fofana, and unconfirmed targets discussed. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said Roma has "the intention" to add an attacking winger in the final days of the window, while Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio highlighted Paulo Dybala's fitness as "the thing I liked most," noting Gasperini's suggestion the forward could handle extra time.

Donyell Malen's strong start has caught the attention of European top clubs. According to Spanish newspaper AS, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and Manchester City are among the sides monitoring the Roma forward. Malen's value has risen significantly following Roma's €25 million buyout, now estimated at around €45 million. Roma are actively working on multiple fronts to complete their squad. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are targeting Jamie Bynoe-Gittens from Chelsea as their final attacking reinforcement, with new talks expected in the coming hours. Chelsea have already rejected Roma's initial proposal of a loan with a right to buy for a combined fee of around €45 million, preferring either a permanent sale or stronger purchase guarantees. Roma continue to press the issue. The club are also pursuing Lyon forward Malick Fofana, who has already chosen Roma and agreed personal terms. Lyon are demanding €35 million as a fixed fee plus €5 million in bonuses — a figure Roma have paused to assess as they evaluate sustainability after the Rodrigo Mora investment. An elimination for Lyon in Champions League qualifying against Fenerbahce could help facilitate the sale. In defence, Jan Ziółkowski is drawing interest from multiple clubs. Parma have opened talks and tabled a bid of between €7 and €8 million for the defender, with negotiations described as well underway, though the offer has not yet fully satisfied Roma. Monza remain in the frame, preferring a loan deal. Jayden Oosterwolde's future with Fenerbahce is being revisited; Roma want a straight loan after fresh assessments and are reopening discussions with the Turkish club. A Brazilian centre-back named Morato, 25, from Nottingham Forest and formerly of Benfica, is being evaluated as a possible replacement if Ziółkowski departs. Neil El Aynaoui remains available. The 25-year-old midfielder is not considered untouchable and could leave in the final week of the window if Roma receive an adequate offer, potentially freeing funds for further additions.

Devyne Rensch's muscular injury is not as serious as initially feared. An MRI on his left flexor revealed no major damage, with recovery expected to take 7–10 days; he is likely to miss the away trip to Lecce as a precaution after sustaining the problem during the match against Fiorentina. Donyell Malen's strong early-season form has reignited the race for the Serie A top scorer award. The Dutch forward has scored 17 goals in 19 matches for Roma, averaging 0.89 goals per game—a tally matching Lautaro Martínez's winning total in last season's title race, although Martínez reached it across 30 appearances. Malen is now positioned as Martínez's primary rival for the honour this term. Head coach Gasperini continues to manage expectations after Roma's 4–0 victory over Fiorentina. When asked about the title race, he responded dismissively: "You are a broken record." Gasperini's strategy is to capitalize on the fixture schedule and build momentum against Lecce and Atalanta, targeting 7–9 points before entering a more demanding phase of the season. Paulo Dybala has completed his entire pre-match preparation without injury or physical issues—a notable change from previous campaigns. Gasperini has praised his athletic condition but acknowledges that with Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia all running, he must carefully manage Dybala's minutes and recovery to maintain peak performance. Meanwhile, Unione Tifosi Romanisti and Associazione Italiana Roma Club have strongly protested the travel ban imposed on Roma supporters for the Lecce fixture. The fan groups argue it is "yet another unjust, discriminatory measure against Roma supporters" and point out that the Questore of Rome reported no incidents at the Olimpico during last season, calling for restoration of the "right to free movement of all citizens."

Andrea Stramaccioni has praised Roma's performance against Fiorentina, saying the club can position itself as a serious challenger to Inter and Napoli if they add one final piece to complete the left side of attack for Gasperini. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Stramaccioni said: "If they add one last piece to make Gasperini happy and complete the left side of the attack, in my view they can position themselves as immediate rivals to Inter and Napoli." Watching Roma live on 24 August, Stramaccioni was struck by their intensity and consistency. "It is rare to see a team play at these rhythms for 90 minutes," he said. Dybala's performance particularly impressed him: the Argentine created three assists from three ball-carrying accelerations and made a defensive recovery in the 75th minute on the halfway line. "In these conditions in our Serie A it becomes very difficult to stop them. And the chemistry with Malen is natural football chemistry." Stramaccioni also highlighted Koné's world-class level, praised Rodrigo Mora's previously missing characteristics, and noted the strength of Roma's Italian spine—Mancini, Cristante, and Pellegrini—all of whom renewed their contracts at Gasperini's insistence. Asked whether the title picture had shifted before matchday one, Stramaccioni acknowledged it is early with transfers and squads still being completed, but said: "Inter and Roma have made a very strong start: they have clear and defined ideas of play."