Gasperini addresses Roma's squad depth ahead of Fiorentina opener

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed Roma's transfer strategy and squad preparation two days before the Fiorentina fixture, emphasising that while the squad is more competitive, UEFA financial controls have forced creative market decisions. Gasperini confirmed the club can still add two players numerically to the 23-strong squad sheet, but only if conditions can be met within budget limits. "The profile is only that of the UEFA regulations, there are no other possibilities," Gasperini said. "There are situations that UEFA imposes and from which even our ownership, much as they would like, cannot escape. If we had done Summerville we could not have done anything else. There are technical parameters that cannot be explained—you must have trust in the society that they are complex enough and force a club under UEFA control like Roma, unique in Italy right now, to comply." Gasperini revealed that reaching the Champions League last season had not resolved Roma's financial strictures as initially expected. "I thought that after six months or with arrival in the Champions the situation would be resolved, it is not so and this forces this type of market," he said. Roma remains the only Italian club subject to UEFA Financial Fair Play monitoring following accumulated deficits from previous years and has already received two deferrals; no further extension is available. Despite these constraints, Gasperini backed the recruitment approach, particularly the arrivals of Rodrigo Mora from Porto—described as "a very important investment, especially in perspective"—and the swap dealing that saw Zeki Çelik depart for Molina, and Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk exit for Castro. He also praised the contract reductions undertaken by Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, as well as renewals by Bryan Cristante and others. On the left-wing position, Gasperini stated he will only pursue a signing if it adds genuine value: "Numerically the discussion is what I said before—two players can be added. But only if they can be reached under the conditions we can have. If the market offers this it will be so, otherwise we stay as we are." Regarding Dybala, Gasperini expressed confidence the 32-year-old will achieve more appearances this season. "I am sure of this because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He had a preparation that perhaps for a long time he could not complete, without injuries. Last year in my view he was very unlucky. I remember two injuries, kicking the penalty in Milan and the free kick against Turin. Two borderline cases—in one it cost him a meniscus and he was out three and a half months. Muscularly he seems much more toned. Perhaps he no longer has the speed and power of shot from when he was young, but he has improved other qualities. At 32 years old today you are in the prime of technical and physical maturity. I think he will have a great season." Gasperini will take stock of any remaining recruitment possibilities before facing Fiorentina, a heavily renovated side. He acknowledged uncertainty in his starting formation for the opening match, citing the integration of recently arrived players Mora and Molina alongside squad members returning from World Cup duty with different fitness levels. On the season's ambitions, Gasperini declined to discuss the Scudetto prospect, saying: "We must look at our own path, we are trying to do the best possible for our possibilities. I am convinced we will do well. To speak of a final result I do not know, it will also depend on the opponents."

Gian Piero Gasperini held a press conference on 22 August ahead of Roma's opening Serie A match against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico in two days' time. The head coach confirmed that four new players have joined the club this summer: Molina, who won the World Cup and reached the final two months ago and can replace Ferguson; Castro, who reportedly travelled by train to join earlier; Koulierakis, a defender with characteristics the squad lacked; and Mora, a young forward. Gasperini said he remained very satisfied with the new arrivals, noting that "they all strongly wanted Roma, with Castro even leaving by train to arrive sooner." He confirmed that several players have departed—El Shaarawy, Venturino, Zaragoza, Angeliño and Tsimikas among them—and stated the club will reduce the squad while making it more competitive. The wage bill has been lowered by necessity, which Gasperini described as positive work by the club. Roma currently have 23 players registered, with two squad slots still available under UEFA rules, and Gasperini expressed hope of completing further business in the remaining ten days of the window. On Mora specifically, Gasperini said: "Mora is a very young lad who has already reached important numbers. Two years ago at Porto he reached ten goals. For the club it is a very important investment, especially in prospect—he has all the characteristics to emerge and do well." The coach acknowledged that investing in youth can be a necessary path, describing it as a positive element for the club's future.

Gian Piero Gasperini held a press conference at Trigoria on 22 August, two days before Roma's Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico, addressing the club's summer recruitment and the direction of the campaign ahead. Gasperini confirmed that Roma have completed several signings this summer while managing strict financial constraints. Alexis Molina has arrived as a replacement for Zeki Çelik; Mateo Castro came in following the departures of Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson; Koulierakis joined as a defensive reinforcement; and Rodrigo Mora has been signed as an investment for the future. El Shaarawy, Bryan Zaragoza, Angeliño and Kostas Tsimikas have all departed. Gasperini noted that new arrivals targeted young players willing to reduce their wages to join Roma. He highlighted the salary reductions accepted by Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante as evidence of the players' commitment. The club remains constrained by UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations—Roma are the only Italian club currently under UEFA monitoring—which has forced a shift from the original transfer strategy. Gasperini acknowledged that early plans to sign players like Summerville proved unsustainable within those parameters. On Mora, Gasperini said: "Rodrigo is a very young player but has already reached important levels. It is a very significant investment by the club, especially for the future. He is a player with all the characteristics to emerge and perform well." Regarding the left flank, where Roma pursued a specific profile, Gasperini stated: "Only if he can be added value, otherwise I won't load myself with players just for the sake of it. Whoever arrives is strongly wanted and wants to play for Roma." He confirmed that two squad slots remain available for up to four players, leaving the door open for further arrivals before the window closes in ten days. On Paulo Dybala's injury record, Gasperini expressed optimism: "I'm certain of it, because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He completed a preparation without injuries—something he hadn't managed for some time. Physically he looks much more toned." Last season Dybala suffered two significant injuries, including a meniscus problem that sidelined him for three and a half months. Gasperini will assess the squad's competitiveness against Fiorentina's challenge on the pitch. He stated that last season's 73 points and third-place finish will not carry over into 2026-27: "You restart from zero every year. The 73 points from last year must be replayed." With ten days of the transfer window remaining, Roma will look to complete their squad while operating under continued FFP restrictions.

Wesley has returned to full training and will start at left-back in Monday's Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico (20:45), after recovering from an ankle injury that disrupted his summer preparation. Gian Piero Gasperini has settled on a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso in defence, Wesley and Molina on the wings, and Dybala and Malen leading the attack. The main tactical question concerns the number 10 position: Gasperini is tempted to deploy Rodrigo Mora's pure talent from the start, but faces a dilemma. Launching Mora could risk losing defensive balance and midfield cover; instead, Gasperini appears inclined toward a more cautious approach, pairing either Pisilli or El Aynaoui alongside Koné in midfield, with Cristante advanced to the number 10 role to provide substance, runs, and physical presence. Lorenzo Pellegrini remains unavailable as he continues his rehabilitation after knee surgery, while young Bah has successfully undergone right-knee surgery.

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.

AS Roma has built a squad of striking youth following years of investing heavily in players under 25, creating a roster balanced between promising talent and senior experience. Paulo Dybala, who will turn 33 next November, is the oldest player on the books, followed by Bryan Cristante, Mario Hermoso and Pierluigi Gollini all aged 31, and Gianluca Mancini and Lorenzo Pellegrini both 30. The remainder of the squad skews considerably younger, with 19-year-old Rodrigo Mora emerging as the club's most junior player, matched in age by Robinio Vaz though slightly older by a few months. Jan Ziółkowski is 21, while Castro and Niccolò Pisilli will turn 22 this year. The youth project, initiated under Daniele De Rossi, has been maintained throughout Gian Piero Gasperini's tenure across two transfer windows. Players born in 2003—Daniele Ghilardi, Devyne Rensch, Matías Soulé, Wesley and Koulierakis—form a strong cohort, with Manu Koné and Neil El Aynaoui the only two 25-year-olds in the squad. The young foundation is complemented by experienced operators: Mile Svilar, Donyell Malen and Evan N'Dicka are 27, while Molina is 28. This structure combines future potential with a stable base of proven professionalism.

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed Roma's transfer strategy and squad preparation two days before the Fiorentina fixture, emphasising that while the squad is more competitive, UEFA financial controls have forced creative market decisions. Gasperini confirmed the club can still add two players numerically to the 23-strong squad sheet, but only if conditions can be met within budget limits. "The profile is only that of the UEFA regulations, there are no other possibilities," Gasperini said. "There are situations that UEFA imposes and from which even our ownership, much as they would like, cannot escape. If we had done Summerville we could not have done anything else. There are technical parameters that cannot be explained—you must have trust in the society that they are complex enough and force a club under UEFA control like Roma, unique in Italy right now, to comply." Gasperini revealed that reaching the Champions League last season had not resolved Roma's financial strictures as initially expected. "I thought that after six months or with arrival in the Champions the situation would be resolved, it is not so and this forces this type of market," he said. Roma remains the only Italian club subject to UEFA Financial Fair Play monitoring following accumulated deficits from previous years and has already received two deferrals; no further extension is available. Despite these constraints, Gasperini backed the recruitment approach, particularly the arrivals of Rodrigo Mora from Porto—described as "a very important investment, especially in perspective"—and the swap dealing that saw Zeki Çelik depart for Molina, and Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk exit for Castro. He also praised the contract reductions undertaken by Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, as well as renewals by Bryan Cristante and others. On the left-wing position, Gasperini stated he will only pursue a signing if it adds genuine value: "Numerically the discussion is what I said before—two players can be added. But only if they can be reached under the conditions we can have. If the market offers this it will be so, otherwise we stay as we are." Regarding Dybala, Gasperini expressed confidence the 32-year-old will achieve more appearances this season. "I am sure of this because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He had a preparation that perhaps for a long time he could not complete, without injuries. Last year in my view he was very unlucky. I remember two injuries, kicking the penalty in Milan and the free kick against Turin. Two borderline cases—in one it cost him a meniscus and he was out three and a half months. Muscularly he seems much more toned. Perhaps he no longer has the speed and power of shot from when he was young, but he has improved other qualities. At 32 years old today you are in the prime of technical and physical maturity. I think he will have a great season." Gasperini will take stock of any remaining recruitment possibilities before facing Fiorentina, a heavily renovated side. He acknowledged uncertainty in his starting formation for the opening match, citing the integration of recently arrived players Mora and Molina alongside squad members returning from World Cup duty with different fitness levels. On the season's ambitions, Gasperini declined to discuss the Scudetto prospect, saying: "We must look at our own path, we are trying to do the best possible for our possibilities. I am convinced we will do well. To speak of a final result I do not know, it will also depend on the opponents."

Gian Piero Gasperini held a press conference at Trigoria on 22 August, two days before Roma's Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico, addressing the club's summer recruitment and the direction of the campaign ahead. Gasperini confirmed that Roma have completed several signings this summer while managing strict financial constraints. Alexis Molina has arrived as a replacement for Zeki Çelik; Mateo Castro came in following the departures of Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson; Koulierakis joined as a defensive reinforcement; and Rodrigo Mora has been signed as an investment for the future. El Shaarawy, Bryan Zaragoza, Angeliño and Kostas Tsimikas have all departed. Gasperini noted that new arrivals targeted young players willing to reduce their wages to join Roma. He highlighted the salary reductions accepted by Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante as evidence of the players' commitment. The club remains constrained by UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations—Roma are the only Italian club currently under UEFA monitoring—which has forced a shift from the original transfer strategy. Gasperini acknowledged that early plans to sign players like Summerville proved unsustainable within those parameters. On Mora, Gasperini said: "Rodrigo is a very young player but has already reached important levels. It is a very significant investment by the club, especially for the future. He is a player with all the characteristics to emerge and perform well." Regarding the left flank, where Roma pursued a specific profile, Gasperini stated: "Only if he can be added value, otherwise I won't load myself with players just for the sake of it. Whoever arrives is strongly wanted and wants to play for Roma." He confirmed that two squad slots remain available for up to four players, leaving the door open for further arrivals before the window closes in ten days. On Paulo Dybala's injury record, Gasperini expressed optimism: "I'm certain of it, because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He completed a preparation without injuries—something he hadn't managed for some time. Physically he looks much more toned." Last season Dybala suffered two significant injuries, including a meniscus problem that sidelined him for three and a half months. Gasperini will assess the squad's competitiveness against Fiorentina's challenge on the pitch. He stated that last season's 73 points and third-place finish will not carry over into 2026-27: "You restart from zero every year. The 73 points from last year must be replayed." With ten days of the transfer window remaining, Roma will look to complete their squad while operating under continued FFP restrictions.

Roma has welcomed numerous players through the summer transfer window over the past six seasons, each making their competitive debut in the opening fixture of the Serie A season. The club's acquisition strategy has brought in attacking talent including Artem Dovbyk and Matías Soulé, alongside established figures like Paulo Dybala, who have all been tasked with delivering immediate impact from their first matches in giallorossi colours. The article traces the pattern of how Roma's recruitment has introduced fresh faces to the squad ahead of each campaign's opening weekend, examining the debuts and early performances of these summer arrivals as they integrate into Gasperini's setup.

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed Roma's transfer strategy and squad preparation two days before the Fiorentina fixture, emphasising that while the squad is more competitive, UEFA financial controls have forced creative market decisions. Gasperini confirmed the club can still add two players numerically to the 23-strong squad sheet, but only if conditions can be met within budget limits. "The profile is only that of the UEFA regulations, there are no other possibilities," Gasperini said. "There are situations that UEFA imposes and from which even our ownership, much as they would like, cannot escape. If we had done Summerville we could not have done anything else. There are technical parameters that cannot be explained—you must have trust in the society that they are complex enough and force a club under UEFA control like Roma, unique in Italy right now, to comply." Gasperini revealed that reaching the Champions League last season had not resolved Roma's financial strictures as initially expected. "I thought that after six months or with arrival in the Champions the situation would be resolved, it is not so and this forces this type of market," he said. Roma remains the only Italian club subject to UEFA Financial Fair Play monitoring following accumulated deficits from previous years and has already received two deferrals; no further extension is available. Despite these constraints, Gasperini backed the recruitment approach, particularly the arrivals of Rodrigo Mora from Porto—described as "a very important investment, especially in perspective"—and the swap dealing that saw Zeki Çelik depart for Molina, and Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk exit for Castro. He also praised the contract reductions undertaken by Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, as well as renewals by Bryan Cristante and others. On the left-wing position, Gasperini stated he will only pursue a signing if it adds genuine value: "Numerically the discussion is what I said before—two players can be added. But only if they can be reached under the conditions we can have. If the market offers this it will be so, otherwise we stay as we are." Regarding Dybala, Gasperini expressed confidence the 32-year-old will achieve more appearances this season. "I am sure of this because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He had a preparation that perhaps for a long time he could not complete, without injuries. Last year in my view he was very unlucky. I remember two injuries, kicking the penalty in Milan and the free kick against Turin. Two borderline cases—in one it cost him a meniscus and he was out three and a half months. Muscularly he seems much more toned. Perhaps he no longer has the speed and power of shot from when he was young, but he has improved other qualities. At 32 years old today you are in the prime of technical and physical maturity. I think he will have a great season." Gasperini will take stock of any remaining recruitment possibilities before facing Fiorentina, a heavily renovated side. He acknowledged uncertainty in his starting formation for the opening match, citing the integration of recently arrived players Mora and Molina alongside squad members returning from World Cup duty with different fitness levels. On the season's ambitions, Gasperini declined to discuss the Scudetto prospect, saying: "We must look at our own path, we are trying to do the best possible for our possibilities. I am convinced we will do well. To speak of a final result I do not know, it will also depend on the opponents."

Gian Piero Gasperini held a press conference on 22 August ahead of Roma's opening Serie A match against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico in two days' time. The head coach confirmed that four new players have joined the club this summer: Molina, who won the World Cup and reached the final two months ago and can replace Ferguson; Castro, who reportedly travelled by train to join earlier; Koulierakis, a defender with characteristics the squad lacked; and Mora, a young forward. Gasperini said he remained very satisfied with the new arrivals, noting that "they all strongly wanted Roma, with Castro even leaving by train to arrive sooner." He confirmed that several players have departed—El Shaarawy, Venturino, Zaragoza, Angeliño and Tsimikas among them—and stated the club will reduce the squad while making it more competitive. The wage bill has been lowered by necessity, which Gasperini described as positive work by the club. Roma currently have 23 players registered, with two squad slots still available under UEFA rules, and Gasperini expressed hope of completing further business in the remaining ten days of the window. On Mora specifically, Gasperini said: "Mora is a very young lad who has already reached important numbers. Two years ago at Porto he reached ten goals. For the club it is a very important investment, especially in prospect—he has all the characteristics to emerge and do well." The coach acknowledged that investing in youth can be a necessary path, describing it as a positive element for the club's future.

Gian Piero Gasperini held a press conference at Trigoria on 22 August, two days before Roma's Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico, addressing the club's summer recruitment and the direction of the campaign ahead. Gasperini confirmed that Roma have completed several signings this summer while managing strict financial constraints. Alexis Molina has arrived as a replacement for Zeki Çelik; Mateo Castro came in following the departures of Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson; Koulierakis joined as a defensive reinforcement; and Rodrigo Mora has been signed as an investment for the future. El Shaarawy, Bryan Zaragoza, Angeliño and Kostas Tsimikas have all departed. Gasperini noted that new arrivals targeted young players willing to reduce their wages to join Roma. He highlighted the salary reductions accepted by Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante as evidence of the players' commitment. The club remains constrained by UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations—Roma are the only Italian club currently under UEFA monitoring—which has forced a shift from the original transfer strategy. Gasperini acknowledged that early plans to sign players like Summerville proved unsustainable within those parameters. On Mora, Gasperini said: "Rodrigo is a very young player but has already reached important levels. It is a very significant investment by the club, especially for the future. He is a player with all the characteristics to emerge and perform well." Regarding the left flank, where Roma pursued a specific profile, Gasperini stated: "Only if he can be added value, otherwise I won't load myself with players just for the sake of it. Whoever arrives is strongly wanted and wants to play for Roma." He confirmed that two squad slots remain available for up to four players, leaving the door open for further arrivals before the window closes in ten days. On Paulo Dybala's injury record, Gasperini expressed optimism: "I'm certain of it, because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He completed a preparation without injuries—something he hadn't managed for some time. Physically he looks much more toned." Last season Dybala suffered two significant injuries, including a meniscus problem that sidelined him for three and a half months. Gasperini will assess the squad's competitiveness against Fiorentina's challenge on the pitch. He stated that last season's 73 points and third-place finish will not carry over into 2026-27: "You restart from zero every year. The 73 points from last year must be replayed." With ten days of the transfer window remaining, Roma will look to complete their squad while operating under continued FFP restrictions.