Florenzi backs Gasperini to replicate Bergamo success at Roma as Malen hits 15 goals in five months

Gianluca Falsini, who coached Emanuele Lulli at Roma's Under-16 and Primavera levels, gave an exclusive interview to Retesport praising the young forward's character and potential. Falsini described Lulli as "incredible, a Roma fan with Giallorosso blood running through his veins. He is resilient, has the capacity to listen, everyone would want him as a son: he is extraordinary." The former academy coach noted that Lulli's greatest asset is his intensity, combined with a good first touch and ball control, though he still needs to improve his finishing, crossing, shooting and short passing. "He has 19 years, have patience and he applies himself to the work. Certainly he will improve, Gasperini's style of play suits him perfectly: he has to run a lot without the ball, I am happy for him and his family," Falsini said. Falsini emphasised that Lulli's path to the first team was unconventional. Unlike earlier academy products such as Coletta, Di Nunzio and Nardin, who had a certain technical baseline, Lulli lacked that foundation initially. "When I started, he had great physical capacity, strength and power and had problems to the point that he suffered rebalancing his body, but he did it working with dedication every day," Falsini explained. The coach was emotional watching Roma's 4–0 win over Fiorentina, in which Lulli played at the Stadio Olimpico under immense pressure. He remains confident in the player's trajectory: "In silence every year he has improved, so he is a boy who will make it." Falsini also touched on the broader Serie A landscape. He called Roma's result against Fiorentina frightening but cautioned that Inter are "clearly much stronger," while Napoli should fight for a top-three finish. He expressed hope that Como would replicate last season's campaign and predicted Juventus would perform better than they did in 2025–26. "It will be a gripping Serie A; the line will be drawn when the market closes, but the indications are these: it is normal that one match does not prove anything," he said.

Roma's pursuit of a left-sided attacking midfielder dominates transfer discussion across Rome radio as the summer window approaches its final days. Commentators on Tele Radio Stereo, Rete Sport and Radio Radio debate whether Gasperini will land his primary target—a wide forward he has been seeking for 15 months—or be forced into a late compromise. Lorenzo Pes stated: "Between Gittens and Fofana, the first is preferred especially by the coach. As long as there is time to do it, Roma will try to construct the operation with Chelsea. The English club has not yet given openings, but Roma will continue to push. If it becomes clear there will be no margin, then we will go to Fofana. The agreement there you had already found. But Gittens has the financial and technical favour, and for this remains the favourite. The two clubs have good relations." Pes added that Gittens would arrive on loan if a deal is struck in the final hours of the market. Alessio Nardo expressed frustration at the extended delay. "Surreal this situation. Gasperini has been asking for this attacking winger profile for 15 months. The important thing is not to find ourselves taking the Zaragoza of the moment on the last day of the market. You must take someone strong, an added starter and not the last leftover that happens to you. You are still in serious delay—we are at the end of a very long transfer campaign and you are still missing that player there. It has become a novel. It would be grotesque to end up with the short end of the stick, and even more demoralizing to take the Zaragoza of the moment at the last." Gianluca Piacentini noted that Roma correctly declined to sign Oosterwolde and that Gasperini likely prefers a player with different physical characteristics than Mora, making Fofana an option—though Gittens's loan structure makes him likely to arrive only in the final window hours if at all. Francesca Ferrazza reported that Roma has neither confirmed nor denied interest in Kessié or Fofana, describing the situation as "very very complicated" and dependent on other pieces falling into place. She also noted that Gasperini's reaction to El Aynaoui's approach in training "does not drive him crazy," raising questions about the winger's future. Piero Torri suggested Kessié's agent approached Roma as leverage to accelerate Juventus's interest, implying Roma is being used in a negotiating game. Roberto Pruzzo expressed scepticism about Kessié's fit for Serie A and backed the idea of selling El Aynaoui if Roma can bring in a player with different strengths. He predicted a 2–0 Lecce result, while Nando Orsi suggested De Roon as an unconventional alternative despite his 35 years and predicted a draw. Checco Oddo Casano warned Roma could be left empty-handed if decisions do not come before Friday and the weekend fixture congestion dilutes focus. The club remains without a fifth defender and a left-sided midfielder as the window enters its final stretch.

Roma radio stations aired conflicting assessments of the club's transfer priorities and Champions League prospects on 28 August. Lorenzo Pes of Tele Radio Stereo reported that coach Gasperini favours Jesurun Gittens over Sofyan Fofana for a midfield signing. According to Pes, Roma will continue pushing to construct a deal with Chelsea for Gittens while the English club has yet to open discussions. "If it becomes clear there will be no margin, then we'll turn to Fofana. The agreement was there with him. But Gittens has the financial and technical favour, and for that reason remains the favourite. The two clubs have good relations," Pes said. Meanwhile, fellow analyst Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport suggested Roma's pursuit of Franck Kessié may be part of a broader market dynamic involving Juventus. Torri commented that the club faces further difficulty in securing a midfield winger option. Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio Mattino described Roma's Champions League path as "hard", calling the draw "mediately squads of good level" and expressing doubt about whether Kessié could still deliver significantly in Serie A. Tony Damascelli of the same station called the European campaign "a fascinating journey", singling out the fixture against Real Madrid as "always beautiful, because they are the most winning team in the world." The radio commentary reflects broader debate within Roma's fanbase about the depth and direction of the squad ahead of the league-phase campaign beginning 8 September.

Roma prepare for Monday's trip to Lecce with three days to go, with Gian Piero Gasperini having almost the full squad available. Devyne Rensch and Lorenzo Pellegrini are out; Rensch did not train today and will attempt to recover for the Atalanta fixture on 5 September at 20:45. Robinio Vaz also missed training as a precaution, with his move to Hull City on an incoming loan (€2 million with a €30 million purchase option) increasingly likely. Nahuel Molina has recovered fully and will compete with Lulli for the right-wing spot, while Wesley is ready on the opposite flank. The midfield sees a duel between Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé for a trequartista role, with Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala paired up front. Roma seek their second consecutive victory.

Roma travel to Lecce on Monday 31 August at 18:30 for the second round of Serie A 2026–27, aiming to build on a commanding 4–0 opening-day victory over Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has injury concerns ahead of the fixture at the Stadio Via del Mare: Devyne Rensch is sidelined with a strain to the left thigh flexor, and Lorenzo Pellegrini remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a right thigh rectus femoris injury. Gasperini is expected to field a settled defensive shape with Mile Svilar in goal and a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. Nahuel Molina's availability is being assessed; if he cannot play, Giorgio De Marzi will step in after an impressive display against Fiorentina. Wesley continues at left wing-back. Bryan Cristante is assured of his midfield place alongside Manu Koné. In the attacking third, the main selection question concerns Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé; Mora started against Fiorentina and impressed, forcing a good save from De Gea, while Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are primed to lead the line. Malen was the star of Roma's opening fixture, scoring three goals and supplying three assists against Fiorentina, while Dybala also contributed three assists. Niccolò Pisilli rounded off the rout with Roma's fourth goal. The visitors hold a commanding historical record: across 42 meetings with Lecce, Roma have won 29, drawn 11 and lost only twice. The clubs last met in the 2025–26 season, when Roma won 1–0 at home through Robinio Vaz. Lecce arrive after an away victory over Venezia (2–0, goals from Gorter and Tiago Gabriel) and will play in a 4–3–3 formation under manager Eusebio Di Francesco. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN, Sky Sport and NOW. Official team sheets will be released approximately one hour before kickoff.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will address the media on Sunday at 13:30, the day before the club's second Serie A fixture of the season away at Lecce on Monday at 18:30. The appointment comes after Roma's convincing opening victory against Fiorentina. Gasperini faces few selection dilemmas ahead of the Lecce match. Devyne Rensch remains unavailable, but Nahuel Molina has recovered and will compete with Lulli for a place in the squad. On the attacking midfield line, Rodrigo Mora is favoured over Matías Soulé to operate behind forwards Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala.