Gasperini charts Roma's path: fourth place target and new sporting director wanted; no player untouchable

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.

Roma's transfer activity is entering its most intense phase with 11 days remaining in the summer window. The club is prioritising the signing of a left-back and left winger, with the attacking department potentially reinforced only by a loan deal, possibly with a purchase option. The American ownership's strategy is taking shape through over €100 million invested to strengthen Gasperini's squad while lowering both wage bill and average age. The green line of investment—acquisitions targeting both immediate impact and long-term development—is evident across the squad. Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini have agreed wage cuts on their renewals. Among the notable signings are two strikers and a Greek defender, contributing to an squad now containing 11 players under 25: Ziolkowski (21), Koulierakis (22), Ghilardi (23), Rensch (23), Pisilli (21), Koné and El Aynaoui (25), Mora and Vaz (19), Castro (21) and Soulé (22). These are players ready to perform now and into the future under a manager like Gasperini, who has consistently developed and promoted emerging talent. Potential arrivals of Fofana and Luis Henrique—or even just one of them—would further increase the number of young players in the squad. The possibility of selling academy product Ziolkowski and Matías Soulé remains under consideration as part of the squad restructuring.

Crysencio Summerville has made a difficult start to life at Al Hilal after rejecting Roma's interest in favour of a move to Saudi Arabia. The Dutch forward was at fault for errors in consecutive matches, first squandering a chance from close range on his debut, then missing a penalty kick on the following evening. Al Hilal secured three points despite Summerville's misses under the management of Simone Inzaghi's staff. Roma supporters have taken to social media to mock the winger's early struggles, viewing the incidents as vindication of his decision to spurn the club's advances. The rejections appear to have been accepted by the Giallorossi fanbase, with the player's departure no longer a source of frustration among supporters. Damiano David, the frontman of Måneskin and a prominent Roma supporter, joined other fans in posting a comment: "How much it pains us" — a tongue-in-cheek jab at Summerville's misfortune. David had previously expressed enthusiasm for Roma's incoming business, celebrating the arrival of Rodrigo Mora to the capital with the comment: "I'm moved to tears." The contrast between the two reactions underscores how quickly Roma's focus has shifted away from Summerville's departure to the new signings bolstering the squad.

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.

Rodrigo Mora impressed in his first training session and now has four days to convince Gasperini he deserves the starting role in Roma's match against Fiorentina on Monday. The Portuguese forward will compete with Matías Soulé for the trequartista position in a 3-4-1-2 formation that Roma trialled on 19 August. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are set to start as the two strikers, with Mora eyeing an opportunity to stake his claim in the role that suits him best. Soulé's availability for the match remains uncertain as AC Milan continues to press for his signature, alongside English club Sunderland. The competition for places elsewhere in the team appears settled: Molina is ready to make his debut, Wesley will start at left-back, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné will operate in midfield, and the defensive line in front of Mile Svilar will comprise Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso. Gasperini's early feedback on Mora has been positive, giving the forward genuine scope to earn a starting berth.