Gasperini finds the key to Vaz's role in Roma's attack

Roma have stepped up efforts to sign Porto attacking midfielder Rodrigo Mora with an improved offer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The club is determined to strengthen the attack following difficulties that emerged during the British tour, with Mora identified as the priority target for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The 2007-born playmaker and winger is known as Porto's youngest ever debutant. Negotiations have centred on the structure of the deal. Porto president André Villas-Boas is demanding better terms on the obligation-to-buy clause before approving the transfer. Earlier proposals from Roma included a loan fee of 7–8 million euros with a purchase option of 42–43 million euros, which could convert to an obligation based on specific performance targets for Roma and the player. The Friedkin Group has been in close contact with agent Jorge Mendes to unlock the deal. AC Milan have also been linked with Mora, potentially as part of a separate package involving Gimenez. Mora has agreed personal terms with Roma on a contract through 2031 and is keen on the move, seeing it as an opportunity for regular football and a better tactical fit. However, there have been no direct contacts between the clubs in recent days. Porto manager Francesco Farioli stated on 14 August that Mora remains a Porto player and will be used when appropriate, dismissing market speculation as normal during the transfer window.

Roma have improved their offer for Rodrigo Mora and are pushing to complete the transfer soon. According to Fabrizio Romano, recent contact between the clubs has been positive, and confidence is growing that head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will secure the forward. After two days of stalled negotiations, the Giallorossi have returned to the table with an enhanced proposal, and both parties are working to finalize the deal in the coming days. Mora's family and representatives have applied pressure to Porto, accelerating progress towards an agreement. The Portuguese forward remained on the bench for 90 minutes in Porto's domestic league match against Rio Ave yesterday, signalling his availability and potential imminent departure. Roma see the forward as a key reinforcement for their attacking options this summer.

Nahuel Molina made a strong impression in his first appearance for Roma, featuring for over half an hour in a 2–2 friendly against Borussia Dortmund. The Argentine full-back, who joined from Atlético Madrid for 13 million euros plus 4 million in add-ons, demonstrated his attacking thrust, intensity, ball control, and defensive aggression. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini identified him as the right player to elevate Roma's play on the flanks and bring additional international experience ahead of the club's return to the Champions League. Molina's solid performance at Dortmund surprised some Atlético supporters, many of whom had welcomed his departure after inconsistent form in recent seasons. The display prompted reactions on social media, with some observers drawing comparisons to legendary full-back Cafu and questioning why Molina had not performed at this level for Atlético. One fan wrote: "He left Atlético and became Cafu." Another asked: "Now he plays well?" A third joked: "It's clear that Madrid's water did him no good." The comments reflected a mix of irony and mild regret among the Spanish club's fanbase.

Roma played their final pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on 15 August, with kickoff at 17:30. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini left Molina on the bench and deployed Lulli at left-back in Wesley's absence. Donyell Malen led the attack in a 3-4-2-1 formation that also featured Mile Svilar in goal, a back line of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso, midfielders Devyne Rensch, Neil El Aynaoui, Bryan Cristante and Lulli, with Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé in support. The match offered Gasperini a chance to assess the squad's development ahead of the new season. Dortmund lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under coach Kovac, with Gregor Kobel in goal and Serhou Guirassy leading their attack. Roma had several players available on the bench, including De Marzi, Pierluigi Gollini, Koulierakis, Castro, Manu Koné, Molina, Jan Ziółkowski, Mannini, Reale, Robinio Vaz, Morucci and Daniele Ghilardi.

Roma are monitoring Malick Fofana, the Lyon winger, with Galatasaray now showing interest and initial contact between clubs reported. The French club's asking price has fallen to potentially below €40 million in recent weeks, though Fofana's injury record last season remains a concern. Gasperini's side face Borussia Dortmund on 15 August at 17:30 at Signal Iduna Park in their final pre-season friendly. Wesley has been ruled out after suffering a slight ankle sprain while on international duty in Wales, and will miss the match as a precaution. The squad list for the fixture includes defenders Rensch, Koulierakis, Ndicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Mannini, Reale, Lulli and Ghilardi; midfielders Cristante, El Aynaoui and Koné; and forwards Castro, Malen, Soulé, Dybala, Vaz and Morucci. The news comes after Roma's defeat to Brighton in the previous friendly.

Roma face Borussia Dortmund on Saturday 15 August at 17:30 at Signal Iduna Park in Germany for their final pre-season friendly. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for the clash following the defeat to Brighton. Midfielder Manu Koné returns to the group after his earlier absence. The match marks Roma's last outing before the Serie A campaign begins. Gasperini has included a mix of established players and younger squad members, with defenders Devyne Rensch, Evan N'Dicka, Gianluca Mancini and Jan Ziółkowski, midfielder Bryan Cristante, and attackers Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen all in contention. The pre-season preparations will culminate with this fixture at the German club's Signal Iduna Park. Defenders: Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziółkowski, Mannini, Reale, Lulli, Ghilardi. Midfielders: Cristante, El Aynaoui, Koné. Forwards: Castro, Malen, Soulé, Dybala, Vaz, Morucci.