Fiorentina duo Atta and Mandragora doubtful for Roma opener

Wesley has returned to full training and will occupy the left flank in Monday's season opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico, with an ankle problem now resolved. The Brazilian, who missed a friendly against Borussia Dortmund, scored against the Viola at the same venue last season and is ready to feature. Molina will make his debut on the opposite flank. In midfield, Gasperini will deploy the Cristante–Koné pairing, while the main uncertainty centres on the attacking midfield role behind Dybala and Malen, where Mora and Soulé are competing. The defence will be anchored by Svilar in goal, with Mancini, N'Dicka, and Hermoso forming the back three. Pisilli is also available, though Pellegrini will need more time to recover. Roma are primed for their 2026–27 campaign.

Roma will open their 2026-27 Serie A campaign against Fiorentina on Monday at 20:45 in the late fixture of matchday one at the Olimpico. The fixture is far from a new one: the two clubs have met in Serie A's opening match on 11 previous occasions, a record that stretches back to the 1934-35 season. Roma lost 4-1 away at Firenze in that first meeting, but won 4-0 at home three years later. The Giallorossi took a narrow home win in 1942-43, while Fiorentina levelled the score with a Tuscan victory in 1947-48. Two meetings between the late 1960s and early 1970s both went to Fiorentina, 2-1 at Rome in 1968-69 and 1-0 in 1970-71. After a 20-year gap, Roma won 4-0 at the Olimpico in 1990-91, and then 3-0 at home in 2004-05. The most recent openers between the sides came in 2014-15 and 2021-22, both won by Roma at the Olimpico. The first saw goals from Nainggolan and Gervinho in a 2-0 victory, while under Mourinho in 2021-22 Roma won 3-1, with Veretout scoring twice after early goals from Mkhitaryan and Milenkovic. The upcoming match will give Gasperini's squad their first competitive outing of the season.

Radio Radio analysts have weighed in on Roma's transfer strategy and championship prospects ahead of the 2026–27 season. Marcacci stated that Roma lacks a player with Fofana's profile to suit Gasperini's system, though he acknowledged the club's desire to retain Manu Koné because finding a replacement now would be counterproductive. He added that Cacciamani and Udogie would be tactically valuable additions. Mattioli observed that while good players have arrived, Roma still needs something more, particularly in midfield. Padovan was more bullish, arguing that Roma should be judged over the medium to long term and that the team can compete for the title this season, potentially finishing second behind Inter or in third place. He noted that few other squads are heavily strengthened, making Inter the clear favourites. Orsi raised concerns about Roma's transfer activity, pointing out that the club has only bought without selling and warning that either evaluations have been miscalculated or financial penalties could follow. He stressed the importance of giving Gasperini a competitive squad, but cautioned that the market cannot be completed in three days.