Friedkin meets Gasperini; Dybala pushes for contract renewal; Roma women win Scudetto

Gian Piero Gasperini will address the media on Saturday at 13:30 in the press room at the Centro Sportivo Fulvio Bernardini as Roma continue preparations for the new season. The club has also announced ticket sales for the Distinti Nord-Ovest section for the Fiorentina match and for a September fixture against Atalanta. Gasperini, appointed in 2025, remains the focal point of Roma's setup as they prepare for their campaign. Paulo Dybala has signalled his readiness ahead of the Fiorentina encounter, underlining the squad's competitive mood as the season approaches.

Roma's Serie A match at Lecce on Monday 31 August faces uncertainty over the stadium's safety certification. The Via del Mare is currently undergoing major renovation work ahead of the Mediterranean Games, scheduled for 22 August. The Provincial Vigilance Commission of the Lecce Prefectural Office granted approval following a six-hour inspection on the evening of 19 August for the Mediterranean Games events, but authorities must conduct a separate safety and usability verification to clear the stadium for the league fixture. The inspection is critical for Roma fans, as it will determine whether the away section can open as planned. Gasperini's side will begin their 2026–27 campaign against Fiorentina at the Olimpico on Monday 24 August, seven days before the Lecce trip. Local institutions have expressed optimism, though a final decision is expected in the coming days.

Roma's brand value has grown 4% to €215 million, according to the latest Brand Finance Football 50 study, placing the club 24th in global rankings and 5th in Serie A. The growth underscores Roma's expanding international appeal and economic strength as a football institution. In the Italian rankings, Inter leads with €585 million after overtaking Juventus, followed by Milan, Juventus (down 17%), Napoli, and Roma. The capital's derby rivals Lazio have seen their brand value fall 8% to €75 million, creating what the study describes as a vast gap between the two Rome clubs in terms of brand strength and market influence. The Brand Finance Football 50 measures brand value by assessing each club's ability to influence supporters' choices and generate economic impact. Roma's 4% year-on-year increase reflects the club's capacity to strengthen its commercial presence and global recognition despite competitive pressures in Serie A.

Gian Piero Gasperini will address the media on Saturday at 13:30 in the press room at the Centro Sportivo Fulvio Bernardini as Roma continue preparations for the new season. The club has also announced ticket sales for the Distinti Nord-Ovest section for the Fiorentina match and for a September fixture against Atalanta. Gasperini, appointed in 2025, remains the focal point of Roma's setup as they prepare for their campaign. Paulo Dybala has signalled his readiness ahead of the Fiorentina encounter, underlining the squad's competitive mood as the season approaches.

Paulo Dybala has shared photographs from Roma's final home match of last season on social media as the club prepares for the opening fixture against Fiorentina. The Argentine forward posted images from a May encounter and wrote: "The last match at home, with great desire to start the same way." Roma won that fixture 2–0, and Dybala's post reflects the squad's anticipation ahead of their return to the Olimpico for the new campaign. With the 2025–26 season now closed, Roma are looking to build momentum under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The opening match against Fiorentina marks the beginning of the 2026–27 season, and the players have been expressing their excitement through social media as they prepare for competitive action. Dybala's message underlines the squad's determination to replicate the strong finish of the previous campaign and carry that confidence into the new term.

Paulo Dybala has stoked Roma's anticipation for the 2026–27 season with a message on Instagram ahead of the home fixture against Fiorentina on Monday 24 August at 20:45. The Argentine forward posted images from the 2–0 derby win on 17 May, writing: "The last home match, with desire to begin the same way." That victory saw Dybala play a starring role before Roma sealed Champions League qualification days later at Verona. The Olimpico is expected to be at full capacity as the giallorossi prepare for their season opener. Dybala enters his fifth season at the club in sharp condition following a high-level pre-season. Wearing number 21, he will be central to Roma's ambitions under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as the campaign begins. The forward's public enthusiasm reflects the mood in the dressing room, where desire to replicate last season's closing surge is running high.