Falcao backs Roma to win Serie A title under Gasperini

Former Roma player Antonio Carlos Zago appeared on Radio Romanista's Romanista Show to assess the club's transfer activity and squad prospects for the 2026–27 season. Zago, currently managing The Strongest in Bolivia, identified Castro and Molina as the two principal signings of the summer, praising Castro for his recent form at Bologna and noting that his arrival gives Roma two important attacking options alongside Donyell Malen. On the Portuguese winger Endrick, Zago urged caution despite acknowledging his potential. "You cannot say he is already a champion—he must prove he is strong in a team like Roma in a competitive league like Italy's, where there are many more strong teams than in Portugal," Zago said. "Now things change and he must prove he is strong all the same." Zago reserved stronger criticism for Evan N'Dicka's defending, particularly last season. "Last year N'Dicka made too many mistakes and damaged Roma's defensive unit in matches where you cannot afford to slip up," he said. "N'Dicka I like, but this year he must make fewer mistakes. Roma must still count on him because he is good, but especially in the most important matches he must be more concentrated." Zago also reflected on his own Roma days, recalling an unforgettable moment involving himself, another player, and Gabriel Batistuta that unlocked a decisive victory in a title-chasing season.

José Mourinho has spoken fondly of AS Roma once again, reaffirming his emotional connection to the club despite his return to Real Madrid after thirteen years away. The former Roma manager, who spent two and a half years in the capital, reflected on his time apart from the Bernabéu and his affection for clubs where he has worked. When asked directly about his feelings for Roma, Mourinho did not shy away. "If you ask me if I feel something for Roma, Inter, Chelsea… yes, I feel something," he said. "I always want them to do well." He distinguished his attachment to Roma and other previous clubs from his bond with Benfica, describing the Portuguese club as having "something more" than the others. Mourinho also addressed his thirteen-year absence from Madrid, clarifying that he does not dwell on the past or feel nostalgia. He departed Portugal twenty years ago and has only returned for a few months in the year prior. He insisted that Real Madrid's subsequent titles belonged to Carlo Ancelotti, Zinedine Zidane, the players, and the organisation rather than himself, despite receiving calls from the club's president after each trophy.

Radio commentators from Rome's airwaves have offered mixed assessments of Roma's opening campaign, with debate centring on the squad's depth and the club's transfer strategy heading into the new season. Padovan argued that Roma can mount a serious title challenge, stating: "Roma will be judged over the medium to long term. I believe Roma can perform very well this year, that they can play for the title. Perhaps immediately behind Inter, or third. There aren't other teams very, very strong, very well reinforced. For this reason I believe Inter is the favourite." Camelio noted Roma entered the window needing to sell, and flagged concerns about public transfer negotiations: Mora's deal to Porto was held up when Porto supporters intervened, whereas Milan handled Moreira's signing without fanfare. Ferrajolo praised the squad's cohesion after an intense previous season but warned that departures of key players like Koné would create gaps harder to fill than losing Soulé. Marcacci identified a specific need: "Probably, for characteristics and Gasperini's requirements, Roma is missing precisely someone like Fofana." Camelio suggested if Soulé departed, Roma would move for Fofana at 35 million euros, having already blocked him. Orsi cautioned that Roma had only made signings without meaningful sales so far—"either someone made an error in valuations or a fine will arrive and they'll pay it."

Roma begin their 2026–27 Serie A campaign at the Olimpico on Monday night against Fiorentina, fresh from securing Champions League football via third place last season. Bookmakers have installed the Giallorossi as clear favourites: a Roma win is priced at 1.60 on Snai, a draw at 4.00, and a Fiorentina victory at 5.75. Four of the last five meetings between the clubs have produced at least three goals combined, as have all of Roma's pre-season friendlies, making Over (1.86) slightly favoured over Under (1.91). Gasperini is expected to deploy two forwards with Paulo Dybala in support, though new signing Rodrigo Mora is anticipated to start on the bench. Santiago Castro, Roma's new number 9, leads the goalscorer markets at 2.40, narrowly ahead of Dybala and Donyell Malen, both at 2.50. Among the wider options, Nahuel Molina is quoted at 12.00 and Wesley at 9.00. Bryan Cristante and Gianluca Mancini are priced at 7.50 and 12.00 respectively. The exact scoreline deemed most likely is 1–0 to Roma at 7.00, followed by 2–0 and 1–1 at 7.50 each.

Roma begin their Serie A campaign on Monday at 20:45 at the Stadio Olimpico against Fiorentina under Gian Piero Gasperini. The clash represents an early test as the giallorossi kick off their season. Wesley has returned to full squad training after several days of partial work with teammates, boosting Gasperini's options for the fixture. Niccolò Pisilli, also sidelined recently, has made a full recovery and continues to train with the group. Both players are now available for selection as Roma prepare for their opening match.

Roma will host Fiorentina on Monday 24 August at 20:45 at Stadio Olimpico, and Wesley has recovered from an ankle problem to be available for selection. The Brazilian will occupy the left flank for the match. Niccolò Pisilli has also trained with the group and is likely to start from the bench. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini continues preparations at Trigoria ahead of the fixture. Lorenzo Pellegrini's fitness is still being assessed; the midfielder is targeting a return to the squad for Roma's next match against Atalanta on 5 September at the Olimpico.