Gasperini chases second derby win as Roma prepare for Lazio return

Gian Piero Gasperini is building tactical flexibility into Roma's attack by deploying multiple forward options this summer. The transfer window has brought in players who give the squad genuine alternatives in attacking positions, allowing the coach to rotate his approach and personnel depending on match circumstances and opposition. The expanded attacking depth represents a shift in Roma's squad construction under Gasperini's direction. Rather than relying on a single focal point in the forward line, the club now has the depth to vary its attacking shape and personnel, offering the coach more tactical control and reducing fatigue across a full campaign. This approach reflects Gasperini's preference for tactical adaptability and squad rotation, principles he has applied throughout his managerial career. Roma's transfer strategy this summer has been built around creating multiple paths to attack, giving the coach options to switch formations, playing styles, and personnel to suit different opponents and match situations.

Roma legend Giuseppe Giannini has praised the club's acquisition of Rodrigo Mora, describing him as one of Europe's most talented and promising young players. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Giannini said Mora possesses "undisputed quality" and burned through Porto's youth ranks as a "predestined" talent. "At Roma, it is never easy—there is great warmth and great pressure—but the club and the coach will know how to integrate him properly while maintaining serenity around him," Giannini explained. The former Roma midfielder believes Mora and Paulo Dybala can form "a pair of trequartists of the highest level," with the Portuguese winger benefiting from Dybala's guidance. Giannini suggested multiple tactical options for head coach Giampiero Gasperini: an initial 3-4-1-2 with Mora rotating in for Dybala, or a more attacking 4-2-3-1 featuring Dybala, Mora, and Castro in support of Malen. He also highlighted Roma's youth strategy positively, noting the squad now contains 12 players under 25, and praised recent signings Castro and Molina for their qualities. When asked which top player he would sell if forced to, Giannini named Manu Koné, citing him as "the only one who has market at certain levels."

Giuseppe Giannini, a Roma legend, has praised Rodrigo Mora as the creative talent the club needs, comparing him to Kakà and seeing in him the playmaker Roma have long sought. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Giannini highlighted Mora's technical quality and pace, noting that "he has indisputable quality and, as far as I know, at Porto's youth academy he burned through the stages as a destined talent." He acknowledged the weight of the number 10 shirt in attacking midfield, but expressed confidence: "It is an important shirt, but Mora will also have the luck of playing with Dybala who could give him the 'blessing'." Giannini praised Roma's investment in youth and Gasperini's approach to squad depth. He observed: "I see a lot of beauty in this Roma, fantasy and quality especially in attack, and the fact that the club is investing heavily in the young players is a very important fact." The legend noted that Roma is building two squads—one for the league and one for European competition, as Gasperini requested. When asked which player Roma might sell by the end of August, Giannini suggested Manu Koné, saying: "I would say Koné, also because he seems to me the only one who has a market at those levels."

Lorenzo Pellegrini will not be available until the end of August at the earliest, as he continues to recover from a right thigh muscle injury. The Roma midfielder will miss fixtures against Fiorentina on Monday 24 August and Lecce on Monday 31 August. From 1 September, Pellegrini will begin training with the squad, with a week needed to regain match fitness. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had indicated the extent of the layoff following Pellegrini's contract renewal on 8 August, stating: "It will take at least a month. At least. We'll talk about it in September." A call-up for the home match against Atalanta on Saturday 5 September is possible, but the key fixture targeted for Pellegrini's return is the away trip to Torino on Sunday 13 September. The number 7 suffered a recurrence of his muscular injury to the rectus femoris of his right thigh, prolonging his absence from team training and competitive action.

Roma want to complete their squad with two more signings before the transfer window closes, but face financial and numerical constraints imposed by UEFA agreements and profit rules. Head coach Gasperini continues to push for a profile like Malick Fofana to add unpredictability to the attack, but the situation is complex. With the arrival of Rodrigo Mora, the attacking midfield is already well covered: Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Robinio Vaz are all in the squad. Any move for Fofana depends on a significant sale that generates a profit to stay within settlement agreement parameters—which allow a maximum loss of €60 million over three years. Matías Soulé is the likeliest candidate to raise a fee close to €40 million. Director Tony D'Amico is also evaluating Luis Henrique from Inter as an alternative. The Brazilian can play on the wing or as an additional forward and would be an ideal utility player. Inter have indicated availability for a loan with a buyout clause set at €27–28 million, though the Nerazzurri are demanding very simple conditions to trigger the obligation—such as the first point won or survival—which complicates the deal. Lyon's timeline further clouds matters: the French club wants to wait for the outcome of Champions League qualifying before giving final approval for Fofana.

Niccolò Pisilli and Wesley have returned to training with Roma ahead of Monday evening's Serie A fixture against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico, which is set for a sell-out. Pisilli has recovered from a muscular problem to the thigh that sidelined him in recent weeks, while Wesley completed partial work with the squad after a minor ankle sprain. Gian Piero Gasperini appears set to deploy the Cristante–Koné pairing in midfield despite Pisilli's availability. Wesley, the Brazilian winger, is targeting a starting berth against Fiorentina. Manchester United completed a deal for Brighton's Carlos Baleba on the same day, removing any uncertainty over Manu Koné's future at Roma. In defence, Mario Hermoso holds an advantage over Koulierakis for a place, while Molina will make his debut on the right. Lorenzo Pellegrini is unavailable for the match.