Gasperini confident Roma can succeed despite incomplete squad; Oosterwolde move advances

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed in a press conference that the club still has two vacant squad slots to fill with ten days remaining in the transfer window. "Whoever arrives is strongly desired and wants strongly to come and play for Roma," Gasperini said. He acknowledged the shift in transfer strategy imposed by Financial Fair Play constraints. "We started with very high-profile names, that is no secret. But we had to confront the need to keep the wage bill under certain limits. So you cannot go and pick established players." Roma face Fiorentina in their Serie A campaign opener in less than 48 hours. On Paulo Dybala's fitness, Gasperini expressed optimism: "He will have a great season. The hope is that no anomalies happen like last year." The club continues to pursue reinforcements before the August deadline, with the recruitment focus now shifted toward more cost-effective targets that fit within stricter financial parameters.

Porto manager Francesco Farioli has publicly backed Rodrigo Mora's €50 million transfer to Roma, describing it as the club's largest net income and one of the five most significant sales in Porto's history. Speaking ahead of Porto's match against Arouca, Farioli rejected claims that he had sidelined the 19-year-old Portuguese midfielder, countering accusations made by Mora's lawyer that the player had become his third choice. "I believe sincerely that it was a positive season," Farioli said of Mora's final campaign in Portugal. "He leaves the club as a champion. He leaves Porto with two other titles on the honours list and with an honest and correct relationship between me and him. Everything that has been said about me trying to push him out of the club is absolutely false. I believe I tried to help him according to my way of understanding and seeing football. I think today Rodrigo is a more complete player. He has the same talent he had 14 months ago, but today he is a squad player. I am absolutely certain that what he has learned this year will be very, very useful for his career, for his next chapter at Roma and wherever he goes to play." Farioli revealed that Mora did not feature in Porto's final match because the transfer was near completion, and that he had asked the midfielder to address the squad before that game. "His speech was exclusively about his love for FC Porto. Once again, he demonstrated that he is a very young player, but already equipped with leadership and the ability to take on certain responsibilities. His speech was fantastic: it helped us go out onto the pitch and win another match," Farioli explained. On the suggestion he had deprioritised Mora, Farioli produced detailed statistics: Mora played 1,946 minutes overall, compared to Gabri Veiga's 2,699; in the league, 1,177 for Mora versus 1,622 for Veiga. Both played similarly in Europe League—433 minutes for Mora and 442 for Veiga. Mora started 21 matches and came off the bench 23 times, while Veiga started 31 and was substituted 17 times. "When you have two players of the same level, you have to manage them," Farioli concluded.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed confidence in Paulo Dybala ahead of the 2026–27 season, praising the Argentine forward's condition after a full pre-season without injury. Gasperini said: "I see him very strong and at the peak of his maturity." The coach also noted that Dybala's form last season showed the same determination he displays now, adding: "He did not suffer any injuries, but you always keep your fingers crossed." Dybala joined Roma on a free transfer from Juventus in July 2022 and remains central to Gasperini's plans. The coach expressed optimism about Dybala's prospects in the campaign ahead, stating: "He will have a great season." Gasperini's remarks came as Roma navigate their squad development, with the club having been forced to adjust transfer targets during the summer window.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed in a press conference that the club still has two vacant squad slots to fill with ten days remaining in the transfer window. "Whoever arrives is strongly desired and wants strongly to come and play for Roma," Gasperini said. He acknowledged the shift in transfer strategy imposed by Financial Fair Play constraints. "We started with very high-profile names, that is no secret. But we had to confront the need to keep the wage bill under certain limits. So you cannot go and pick established players." Roma face Fiorentina in their Serie A campaign opener in less than 48 hours. On Paulo Dybala's fitness, Gasperini expressed optimism: "He will have a great season. The hope is that no anomalies happen like last year." The club continues to pursue reinforcements before the August deadline, with the recruitment focus now shifted toward more cost-effective targets that fit within stricter financial parameters.

Roma's recruitment this summer has been solid without delivering the transformational signing head coach Gasperini believed would unlock scudetto ambitions. The club secured a Champions League return and approaches its centenary in a position of genuine hope, yet the window carries an air of incompleteness. Gasperini had nursed real title dreams and was convinced that one or two top-tier additions could lift Roma out of the dreamlike state that has gripped the club since 2001. Players such as Greenwood, Summerville, Nusa and Fofana were mooted—names that offered greater guarantees than the squad possessed—but none arrived. Roma instead finds itself in a crowded midfield battle alongside Como, Milan, Juventus and Atalanta, unable to close the gap with Inter and Milan. The squad is measurably stronger than last year's. The article cites positional switches: Castro replaces Dovbyk, Molina comes in for Çelik, and Mora arrives for Bailey. Gasperini acknowledged both D'Amico's serious work in the transfer market and the communication difficulties with the Friedkin ownership. Crucially, Roma held firm by not selling any major players, but equally failed to move on the fringe figures who might have opened the door to genuine transformation. The absence of a headline signing—the kind of arrival that might force police to station units at Rome's airports—leaves the club without that superhero figure to lean on during difficult moments. Gasperini knows the squad is not title-contenders material, perhaps not even Champions League material despite finishing third last season. The coach had hoped the previous miracle result might unlock previously blocked spending channels, constrained by UEFA regulations that have clouded Roma's waters for years. That reckoning will arrive in the coming months. Much depends on Paulo Dybala's form, on the promises Mora delivers and on Donyell Malen's consistency. Ten days remain before the season begins. Until then, the sense of wanting but being unable to act lingers unresolved.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed confidence in Paulo Dybala ahead of the 2026–27 season, praising the Argentine forward's condition after a full pre-season without injury. Gasperini said: "I see him very strong and at the peak of his maturity." The coach also noted that Dybala's form last season showed the same determination he displays now, adding: "He did not suffer any injuries, but you always keep your fingers crossed." Dybala joined Roma on a free transfer from Juventus in July 2022 and remains central to Gasperini's plans. The coach expressed optimism about Dybala's prospects in the campaign ahead, stating: "He will have a great season." Gasperini's remarks came as Roma navigate their squad development, with the club having been forced to adjust transfer targets during the summer window.

Radio commentators have weighed Roma's compliance with UEFA financial rules after the club failed to make a significant sale this summer. Pugliese told Radio Radio Pomeriggio that previous management under Massara and Ranieri had repeatedly stated a major exit was necessary to avoid breaching UEFA thresholds and exclusion from European competition. That sale has not materialised, he noted, but Roma now faces the prospect of a substantial fine and squad-size restrictions. "Not having made any major sales, they will have to cut somewhere else," Pugliese said, suggesting the club is calculating these financial penalties at their training ground. Marcacci addressed the potential cost of departures, telling Radio Radio Pomeriggio that selling both El Aynaoui and Ziółkowski would be financially beneficial but technically damaging. "If Roma manage to move El Aynaoui and Ziółkowski in the exit market, it would be an excellent thing from a financial point of view but a great loss from a technical standpoint, especially regarding the Moroccan player," Marcacci said. "His departure would not be painless at all."

Roma radio analysts weighed in on the club's transfer strategy on 22 August, with Piero Torri reporting that fresh contact between Roma and Fenerbahçe over left-back Oosterwolde is expected during the morning. Torri said: "I believe there are excellent chances of seeing Oosterwolde in giallorosso. The player appeals to Gasperini and Fenerbahçe has been particularly accommodating in providing—to Roma—all the medical documentation necessary for greater clarity on the conditions of the former Parma player. Further contact between the parties will come this morning." Ugo Trani outlined the wider squad picture, noting that Oosterwolde can operate as a left-back or even in a back three, as backup to Wesley. Trani flagged the forward position as Roma's priority. He said striker Gittens was pursued three months ago and now does not want to stay in London; Chelsea could open talks on a loan, though the English club has not yet discussed loan terms and currently considers him unsellable. Trani suggested Roma will attempt to close Gittens on loan, after which "with some money left over, you could do Cacciamani." He proposed selling Aynaoui to Saudi Arabia and pursuing Napoli's Anguissa, describing him as a player "like him" who would elevate the team. Trani also expressed doubt over the midfield pairing of Soulé and Mora for Monday's fixture.

Roma have been rebuffed in their attempt to sign Chelsea winger Gittens on loan, but director Gianluca D'Amico is preparing a final push to complete the squad ahead of the new season. Gittens remains the priority target for attack, though Roma are willing only to negotiate a loan deal. The club is also keeping Lyon midfielder Fofana on its list of options. Gasperini has identified two remaining needs: an attacker and a wide player. Chelsea rejected Roma's approach in recent hours, though the possibility of renewed contact exists in the coming week after the opening league fixtures. Meanwhile, the Oosterwolde deal with Fenerbahçe has reached its final stages. According to reports, the operation will be structured as a loan with a right of redemption that can become an obligation under certain conditions, with a package valued at €17–18 million. Fumata bianca is expected within hours. Elsewhere in the window, Roma attempted to sign Christopher Nkunku from Leipzig but have stepped away; the player prefers a return to Germany. Roma also made an approach for Tottenham's Jonathan David, but were given a firm rejection—De Zerbi considers him non-transferable. Manu Koné is set to remain at the club, with Manchester City now focusing on alternative targets. Meanwhile, El Aynaoui can depart if an offer exceeding €35 million arrives, with multiple Arab clubs interested. Roma have set that price floor for the winger.

Radio commentators have weighed Roma's compliance with UEFA financial rules after the club failed to make a significant sale this summer. Pugliese told Radio Radio Pomeriggio that previous management under Massara and Ranieri had repeatedly stated a major exit was necessary to avoid breaching UEFA thresholds and exclusion from European competition. That sale has not materialised, he noted, but Roma now faces the prospect of a substantial fine and squad-size restrictions. "Not having made any major sales, they will have to cut somewhere else," Pugliese said, suggesting the club is calculating these financial penalties at their training ground. Marcacci addressed the potential cost of departures, telling Radio Radio Pomeriggio that selling both El Aynaoui and Ziółkowski would be financially beneficial but technically damaging. "If Roma manage to move El Aynaoui and Ziółkowski in the exit market, it would be an excellent thing from a financial point of view but a great loss from a technical standpoint, especially regarding the Moroccan player," Marcacci said. "His departure would not be painless at all."

Roma are considering selling Neil El Aynaoui and Jan Ziółkowski to Saudi Arabian clubs to generate funds for further signings before the transfer window closes. The club has set El Aynaoui's asking price at €35 million, targeting a net surplus of at least €15 million after the midfielder's €25 million acquisition last summer on a contract to 2030. Roma are seeking €20 million for defender Ziółkowski, whose departure has also attracted concrete offers from Saudi Arabia, particularly from Neom. Combined sales would bring in over €50 million—the figure needed to finance a final attacking reinforcement in the coming days. UEFA Financial Fair Play rules have forced Roma into a cautious approach. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has pressed the ownership and CEO John Galantic to accelerate incomings, but the response has been firm: no departures, no new arrivals. The proceeds from El Aynaoui and Ziółkowski would enable Roma to target Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, valued at €35 million by Chelsea, though sporting director D'Amico is monitoring multiple attacking profiles. This financial squeeze reflects the club's need to balance squad ambitions against regulatory constraints as the window enters its final phase.

Roma's recruitment drive continues with three months to go before the start of the new campaign, as Gian Piero Gasperini's squad still requires reinforcement despite the imminent league opener against Fiorentina. The club's hierarchy is working to deliver two additional arrivals before the close of the transfer window: a midfielder and a winger. The arrival of Rodrigo Mora — deployed as a backup to Paulo Dybala on the left — falls short of addressing Gasperini's need for a dynamic wide player capable of breaking matches open with pace and technical ability. These acquisitions are contingent on outgoings; should players like Matías Soulé or Jan Ziółkowski depart, the number of incoming deals could rise to three. Among the targets on sporting director D'Amico's radar is Chelsea's Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, an Elite Project client who has dropped out of the Blues' plans. If Chelsea confirm their willingness to negotiate a loan deal, the operation could accelerate significantly. Roma are also evaluating at least three attacking options while maintaining interest in Youssouf Fofana as a midfield candidate.