Gasperini hails extraordinary mentality after 4-0 Fiorentina win; Dybala-Malen duo world-class, squad must be completed

Gian Piero Gasperini praised Roma's performance in their opening Serie A fixture against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico, singling out Rodrigo Mora and Paulo Dybala as central to the club's ambitions. On Mora, the 19-year-old who has already completed two league seasons and scored ten goals two years ago, Gasperini said: "We are faced with an extraordinary talent. Even with a slight physical dip, which is normal, every time he touches the ball something beautiful happens. He is resilient, has athletic values of a high level. He can play on the right and left. He has football, real talent. There is work to do with him too, of course—he has been here for a week. He will give us great satisfaction." The coach credited the group's mentality as the match's most pleasing aspect, emphasizing that players including Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini had made clear efforts to join or remain at Roma. On Dybala's role, Gasperini was emphatic: "Absolutely yes, he is the key to aiming high." At 32 years old, Dybala is "in the fullness of maturity," according to Gasperini, who noted that while the Argentine may have lost some speed and shooting power, "he is among the very best in our league, if not the best." Last season proved cruel: Dybala suffered meniscus damage from a penalty kick and a separate injury from a free kick, but his pre-season preparation has been exceptional. "He doesn't have silk muscles; he is ever more resilient," Gasperini said. "I substituted him because we have other important players, but he can play even extra time." Gasperini outlined his wider perspective on the squad's readiness. "The dimension of ourselves I am very happy with; this is an extraordinary group that finds motivation and quality too. The base is that—quality has come in, and now we start further ahead because we know each other better. The new arrivals are functional, which is very important," he explained. On deploying Mora immediately, Gasperini noted Roma's advantage from having accumulated a full season of matches, allowing them to play in multiple formations. Regarding Manu Koné's performance, Gasperini acknowledged pushing the midfielder: "He made it to the end of the World Cup, and there is a disparity in condition between those who played the World Cup and those who didn't. Tonight he went beyond and was in lactic acid at the end—he needs to train and regain fitness." Donyell Malen also drew praise, with Gasperini describing him as "extraordinary" and noting that the winger has found the right environment at Roma where he feels strong and appreciated. On his squad's Champions League calibre, Gasperini stressed that finding the right setting matters: "Probably he has found the right environment," he said of Malen. The manager expressed satisfaction with the squad's collective progress and the functionality of new arrivals as Roma look to build on their opening-day result.

Bryan Cristante entered Roma's top 10 all-time appearance makers after the club's 4-0 victory over Fiorentina on the opening weekend of the 2026-27 season. Speaking in the post-match interview, Cristante highlighted the impact of the attacking pair on display: "Dybala is in Italy for years now, and when he's fit he makes the difference in every match. Malen since he arrived in January has scored from the first game and has given us so much right away. Hopefully they continue like this as much as possible." The midfielder praised Roma's preparation over the summer and the consistency of Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical foundation. "We're doing well, we had a good pre-season and we've put in our work. As long as it leads to performances like this, that's fine. We arrive more ready than last year—the core group is the same. We're more prepared for the coach's workload, his ideas and his style of play. We have an extra gear." Cristante expressed pride at reaching the milestone: "It's an incredible club and an incredible city. I'm honoured to have entered the top 10. Hopefully I can make more appearances and continue winning and putting on performances like this." On the opening match itself, Cristante described the performance as near-perfect: "It went better than we could have hoped. It was hard to do better than this. A massive match—we needed to start strong, and the opening games are always important." He outlined Roma's ambition for the campaign: "The objective is to do what we did last year, if not better. We're starting from a more solid base, the same playing principles, the same coach, and we're starting with an extra gear compared to last year. The league is long but it's important to start like this." On summer arrival Donyell Malen's clinical finishing, Cristante said: "He's a killer in the box, a finisher, an extra weapon that becomes essential. Hopefully we have him at this level always."

Paulo Dybala spoke after Roma's opening Serie A fixture against Fiorentina on 24 August 2026, emphasising his commitment to the club and ruling out any doubts over his future. "Obviously there was never any doubt about my willingness to stay," Dybala said. "I had a real desire to play because I hadn't touched a ball all summer. I wanted to start again here with our people. Today the stadium was incredible from the start. I gave my all to be here today and play again with my teammates under the boss's orders." Roma finished third last season, and Dybala indicated the team's ambition to climb higher this term. When asked about improving on that league position, he replied: "Of course, there are two places above us, so we will work to do better." He also set a goal-scoring target for the campaign, saying: "I hope for more than last season, to take us up high." During his post-match comments, Dybala also discussed Donyell Malen's hat-trick in the fixture. When asked about handing over the match ball to his teammate, he explained: "That's right—today he scored three goals, so it's fair that he takes everything home." Dybala also spoke warmly of fellow player Mastantuono, whom he encountered during a summer break in Argentina. "He's a very good lad, very young and can do well—it depends on him," Dybala said. "He has touch, flair and a shot. I wish him the best in Serie A and hope it's a season that helps him grow."

Donyell Malen scored a hat-trick as Roma demolished Fiorentina 4–0, with the Dutch winger later captured in a video posted by his wife Delisha performing as a DJ to celebrate the result. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini praised the performance across the squad. In his post-match comments, Gasperini said: "Mora is extraordinary. Dybala is a beast. We need a few more reinforcements." Paulo Dybala also spoke after the match, stating: "We can finish higher than third place. I never had doubts about the contract renewal." Malen added: "Playing with Dybala is extraordinary. I don't want to say how many goals I'll score." The emphatic victory showcased Roma's attacking threat, with Dybala operating at his sharpest alongside Malen's match-winning display.

Roma opened their 2026-27 season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Fiorentina, with Donyell Malen scoring a hat-trick and Paulo Dybala providing three assists. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini saw encouraging debuts from Rodrigo Mora, Konstantinos Koulierakis and Santiago Castro. With a trip to Lecce at the Via del Mare scheduled for Monday 31 August at 18:30, Gasperini has given the squad a day's rest. Training will resume on Wednesday afternoon at Trigoria, ahead of the next fixture.

Bryan Cristante was interviewed after Roma's opening match of the 2026–27 season against Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on 24 August. The midfielder said the team had put in a strong performance from the start and credited the squad's preparation during pre-season for their readiness. "We're in good shape, we had a good pre-season with all our efforts. If we carry on with performances like this it's very good. We're more ready because the squad is the same one. We're more prepared for the workload and the manager's demands, so we started with an extra gear," Cristante said. Cristante highlighted the impact of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, saying they "make the difference when they're in good form." He noted that Dybala has been making a difference in Italian football for years, while Malen scored immediately in January. Cristante also praised a player referred to as "Lulli", describing it as "a great performance" and saying he "can give us a hand." On the team's defensive solidity, Cristante reflected: "We've always done great training sessions, but in pre-season the workload takes its toll. However, the staff always get us ready when matches that count begin." The midfielder also reflected on his personal milestone, saying he was entering Roma's top ten for players with the most appearances for the club. "It's an incredible club and city. I'm honoured to enter the top ten. I hope to make as many appearances as possible and continue to win with performances like this," he said. On the team's ambitions, Cristante added: "Yes, we want to do better. We're starting from a more consolidated base: we're the same group. We're starting with an extra gear, but the season is long. Starting well is important, we want to improve on last year's result."

Donyell Malen scored a hat-trick as Roma demolished Fiorentina 4–0, with the Dutch winger later captured in a video posted by his wife Delisha performing as a DJ to celebrate the result. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini praised the performance across the squad. In his post-match comments, Gasperini said: "Mora is extraordinary. Dybala is a beast. We need a few more reinforcements." Paulo Dybala also spoke after the match, stating: "We can finish higher than third place. I never had doubts about the contract renewal." Malen added: "Playing with Dybala is extraordinary. I don't want to say how many goals I'll score." The emphatic victory showcased Roma's attacking threat, with Dybala operating at his sharpest alongside Malen's match-winning display.

Roma opened their 2026-27 season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Fiorentina, with Donyell Malen scoring a hat-trick and Paulo Dybala providing three assists. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini saw encouraging debuts from Rodrigo Mora, Konstantinos Koulierakis and Santiago Castro. With a trip to Lecce at the Via del Mare scheduled for Monday 31 August at 18:30, Gasperini has given the squad a day's rest. Training will resume on Wednesday afternoon at Trigoria, ahead of the next fixture.

Bryan Cristante was interviewed after Roma's opening match of the 2026–27 season against Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on 24 August. The midfielder said the team had put in a strong performance from the start and credited the squad's preparation during pre-season for their readiness. "We're in good shape, we had a good pre-season with all our efforts. If we carry on with performances like this it's very good. We're more ready because the squad is the same one. We're more prepared for the workload and the manager's demands, so we started with an extra gear," Cristante said. Cristante highlighted the impact of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, saying they "make the difference when they're in good form." He noted that Dybala has been making a difference in Italian football for years, while Malen scored immediately in January. Cristante also praised a player referred to as "Lulli", describing it as "a great performance" and saying he "can give us a hand." On the team's defensive solidity, Cristante reflected: "We've always done great training sessions, but in pre-season the workload takes its toll. However, the staff always get us ready when matches that count begin." The midfielder also reflected on his personal milestone, saying he was entering Roma's top ten for players with the most appearances for the club. "It's an incredible club and city. I'm honoured to enter the top ten. I hope to make as many appearances as possible and continue to win with performances like this," he said. On the team's ambitions, Cristante added: "Yes, we want to do better. We're starting from a more consolidated base: we're the same group. We're starting with an extra gear, but the season is long. Starting well is important, we want to improve on last year's result."

Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala spoke to DAZN after Roma's latest fixture, with the pair highlighting their early understanding on the pitch. In seven matches together, Malen has scored six goals and Dybala has provided six assists. When asked about reports that Gasperini said he returned sad from the World Cup, Malen responded: "I'm happy to be back, what's done is done. Now we've started again and I felt the energy of the stadium." Asked about matching his tally of 14 goals in half a season last year, Malen said: "I don't want to give numbers. I have to create goal-scoring chances, then we'll see." Dybala offered effusive praise for his young teammate. "We're facing an extraordinary talent," Dybala told DAZN. "At 19 he's already completed two campaigns, winning as well. Two years ago he scored 10 goals. He's a boy in evolution, also in the personality with which he played tonight. He's had a bit of physical decline too, which is normal. Every time he touches the ball something beautiful happens. He's resilient, he has elite athletic values. He can play on the right and left. He has football, real talent. There's work to do with him too, clearly—it's been a week he's been here. He'll give us great satisfaction." On the group's mentality, Dybala said: "The attitude of these boys is extraordinary. They've started again as they did last season. We carry more knowledge with us. Their attitude in matches and training is extraordinary. There are players who've done everything to play for Roma or stay: Dybala, Pellegrini, also Mora with his agent. They feel the beauty of this environment." Gasperini stressed Dybala's physical condition is key, noting: "At 32 he's in the fullness of maturity. He may have less speed, not much, and less shooting power. He's among the very first in our league, if not the first. Last year he was very unlucky. He had an injury kicking a penalty and one on a free kick. It cost him a meniscus, the penalty. But he's done absolute-level preparation. He's not made of silk, he's increasingly resilient. I took him off because we have other important players but he can play extra time too." Gasperini acknowledged Roma's squad remains incomplete despite the strong performance. "We've put the right players in the right places this year, like Koulierakis and Molina, who has an important past, Castro, Mora. But we haven't completed," he said. "If you look at the calendar after the international break there's reason to shiver. It's absolutely necessary to have some additional numbers, not too many, to face the season with the league, Champions and Coppa Italia. Knowing this risk, we know there's the risk of losing players in the same period."

Gian Piero Gasperini praised Roma's performance in their opening Serie A fixture against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico, singling out Rodrigo Mora and Paulo Dybala as central to the club's ambitions. On Mora, the 19-year-old who has already completed two league seasons and scored ten goals two years ago, Gasperini said: "We are faced with an extraordinary talent. Even with a slight physical dip, which is normal, every time he touches the ball something beautiful happens. He is resilient, has athletic values of a high level. He can play on the right and left. He has football, real talent. There is work to do with him too, of course—he has been here for a week. He will give us great satisfaction." The coach credited the group's mentality as the match's most pleasing aspect, emphasizing that players including Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini had made clear efforts to join or remain at Roma. On Dybala's role, Gasperini was emphatic: "Absolutely yes, he is the key to aiming high." At 32 years old, Dybala is "in the fullness of maturity," according to Gasperini, who noted that while the Argentine may have lost some speed and shooting power, "he is among the very best in our league, if not the best." Last season proved cruel: Dybala suffered meniscus damage from a penalty kick and a separate injury from a free kick, but his pre-season preparation has been exceptional. "He doesn't have silk muscles; he is ever more resilient," Gasperini said. "I substituted him because we have other important players, but he can play even extra time." Gasperini outlined his wider perspective on the squad's readiness. "The dimension of ourselves I am very happy with; this is an extraordinary group that finds motivation and quality too. The base is that—quality has come in, and now we start further ahead because we know each other better. The new arrivals are functional, which is very important," he explained. On deploying Mora immediately, Gasperini noted Roma's advantage from having accumulated a full season of matches, allowing them to play in multiple formations. Regarding Manu Koné's performance, Gasperini acknowledged pushing the midfielder: "He made it to the end of the World Cup, and there is a disparity in condition between those who played the World Cup and those who didn't. Tonight he went beyond and was in lactic acid at the end—he needs to train and regain fitness." Donyell Malen also drew praise, with Gasperini describing him as "extraordinary" and noting that the winger has found the right environment at Roma where he feels strong and appreciated. On his squad's Champions League calibre, Gasperini stressed that finding the right setting matters: "Probably he has found the right environment," he said of Malen. The manager expressed satisfaction with the squad's collective progress and the functionality of new arrivals as Roma look to build on their opening-day result.

Roma take on Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico at 20:45 in the opening fixture of the Serie A season. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has named a 22-man squad for the match, with all new signings included in the selection. The squad omits Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch. In goal, Gasperini has selected Mile Svilar, Giorgio De Marzi, and Pierluigi Gollini. The defence includes Konstantinos Koulierakis, Evan N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Jan Ziółkowski, Wesley, Lulli, and Daniele Ghilardi. Midfield options are Bryan Cristante, Neil El Aynaoui, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli, and Rodrigo Mora. Attacking players named are Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé, Paulo Dybala, and Robinio Vaz.