← All stories
Gasperini on UEFA constraints and Roma's transfer strategy: 'We've adapted well'

Gasperini on UEFA constraints and Roma's transfer strategy: 'We've adapted well'

Source: Roma News

Gian Piero Gasperini defended Roma's transfer approach at his pre-match press conference on 22 August, two days before the Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico. The coach confirmed that UEFA financial regulations have forced a strategic shift in the market, compounding constraints that stem from years of previous spending. "The profile is only that of UEFA; there are no other possibilities," Gasperini said. "There are situations that UEFA imposes and from which our ownership, even wanting to, cannot escape. I thought that after six months or with arrival in the Champions League the situation would be resolved, but it is not so."

Gasperini emphasised that Roma remain the only Italian club currently under UEFA supervision. "Roma has already had two deferrals and probably cannot have any more," he noted. "Now the reckoning has arrived, but we will do well anyway." Despite those constraints, he expressed satisfaction with arrivals in the window. Álex Molina replaced Zeki Çelik after winning the World Cup two months earlier; Christos Koulierakis joined as a defensive profile the squad lacked; and Rodrigo Mora arrived as a young long-term investment. Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson departed, replaced by Mateo Castro. El Shaarawy, Bryan Zaragoza, Angeliño and Kostas Tsimikas also left. Gasperini stated: "All the players who arrived have strongly wanted to come to Roma. They have also reduced their salaries—and under this aspect I believe very positive work has been done. There are still ten days of the market left and we hope to complete everything."

On the left wing position that Roma had pursued, Gasperini offered flexibility: "Only if he can be added value, otherwise I am not going to load myself with players just for the sake of it." Numerically, two squad slots remain available from a full complement of 23. He praised Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante for accepting significant wage cuts. On Dybala's fitness prospects, Gasperini said: "I am certain, because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He completed a pre-season perhaps for the first time without injuries." Dybala suffered two serious injuries last season—one requiring meniscus surgery that sidelined him for three and a half months.

Gasperini stated that further squad exits may follow only if they represent tactical switches rather than pure departures. "If there are other exits it is only for changes, to switch," he said. "In this moment there is nothing certain." The window closes in ten days. Roma finished last season on 73 points and third place in Serie A, but Gasperini stressed the slate resets: "Every year you start from zero. What was done was very positive and satisfactory for all, but when the season starts everyone begins at 0 points and the 73 points from last year must be played again."

● AI Generated Summary

This summary was generated by an AI model. Always read the source for complete and accurate information.

Story Coverage2 sources on this story

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed Roma's summer transfer strategy at a pre-match press conference on 22 August, two days before the Serie A opener against Fiorentina. The coach confirmed that UEFA financial fair play regulations have forced a significant strategic shift, with Roma remaining the only Italian club currently under UEFA supervision. "The profile is only that of UEFA; there are no other possibilities," Gasperini said, acknowledging that ownership cannot escape these constraints even with Champions League qualification. He noted that Roma has already received two deferrals and cannot expect further leniency, but expressed confidence the club will still perform well despite the restrictions.

The window has yielded several signings: Alexis Molina arrived as a replacement for Zeki Çelik, Christos Koulierakis joined as a defensive reinforcement, and Rodrigo Mora was signed as a young long-term investment. Departures included Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson, El Shaarawy, Bryan Zaragoza, Angeliño and Kostas Tsimikas, with Mateo Castro arriving to bolster midfield depth. Gasperini emphasized that all new arrivals actively wanted to join Roma and accepted salary reductions, praising Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante for their wage cuts. On Dybala's fitness, Gasperini expressed optimism: "I'm certain, because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He completed a preparation perhaps for the first time without injuries." Two squad slots remain available with ten days of the transfer window remaining.

AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.

Testo Originale / Source Text

Ritorna il campionato e ritorna a parlare anche Gian Piero Gasperini. A due giorni dalla sfida dell’Olimpico contro la Fiorentina il tecnico della Roma risponde alla domande dei giornalisti in conferenza stampa da Trigoria. Segui con Romanews la diretta testuale delle sue dichiarazioni: A parte…

Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.

Read original on Roma News

More Press Conference

Gasperini backs Dybala to shine: 'I see him very strong and at the peak of his maturity'
Press ConferenceSquad News AI
1h ago

Gasperini backs Dybala to shine: 'I see him very strong and at the peak of his maturity'

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.

Dybala aims to make Roma his own as Gasperini backs him for a big season
Press ConferenceSquad News AI
2h ago

Dybala aims to make Roma his own as Gasperini backs him for a big season

Paulo Dybala has impressed throughout the summer pre-season, completing his most injury-free preparation since arriving at Roma. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini offered strong backing for the Argentine ahead of the season-opener against Fiorentina in two days, though he acknowledged a degree of caution given Dybala's injury history. "I see him not only determined as he was last year, but also particularly strong," Gasperini said in his pre-match press conference. "He has done a preparation that perhaps he has not been able to complete for some time, without injuries. Obviously you always cross your fingers." Gasperini reflected on last season's misfortune, recalling two serious setbacks that derailed Dybala's campaign. "Last year he was very unlucky," the coach noted. "I remember two injuries—kicking a penalty in Milan and a free kick against Torino. Two extreme cases; in one he tore a meniscus and was out for three and a half months. Muscularly he seems much more toned." The 32-year-old may have lost some of the pace and shot power of his younger years, but Gasperini believes he has developed other qualities. "He is still relatively young; at 32 you are in the prime of your technical and physical maturity. I think he will have a great season, hoping that anomalies like last year do not happen." Matías Soulé, the other Argentine on Roma's attacking midfield, also drew Gasperini's praise after a difficult spell. The former Frosinone player arrived in pre-season overweight and still recovering from pubic bone problems but has made a strong recovery. "Last year he had a great first half of the season, then suffered pubalgia," Gasperini said. "In the retreat he was quite stationary, trying to treat this problem. He arrived quite overweight and not completely recovered. However, during preparation he was excellent, exceptional. Now he is in excellent condition and produced good pre-season performances, recovering perfectly physically and athletically. On this front I believe he is absolutely recovered to the level of the first part of last season."

Gasperini on market difficulties: initial vision changed by wage cap constraints
Press ConferenceTransfer News AI
2h ago

Gasperini on market difficulties: initial vision changed by wage cap constraints

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has explained the challenges Roma faced in the summer transfer window, citing constraints imposed by the wage bill ceiling. Gasperini said: "We started with very high-profile targets, but we came up against the need for a wage cap ceiling. But we have good variety." The coach acknowledged that Roma's initial ambitions for the market had to be adjusted, though he expressed satisfaction with the squad's composition despite the financial restrictions. The wage structure imposed limits on Roma's ability to pursue their original transfer targets this summer. Gasperini stressed the importance of adapting strategy while maintaining squad depth across multiple positions, suggesting that the final roster, though different from the pre-window plan, offered sufficient options for the 2026–27 campaign.

More on Zeki Çelik

Player profile →
Gasperini on market constraints, Dybala's form and need for two more signings
Press ConferenceSquad News AI
4h ago

Gasperini on market constraints, Dybala's form and need for two more signings

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed Roma's transfer strategy and squad preparation two days before the Fiorentina fixture, emphasising that while the squad is more competitive, UEFA financial controls have forced creative market decisions. Gasperini confirmed the club can still add two players numerically to the 23-strong squad sheet, but only if conditions can be met within budget limits. "The profile is only that of the UEFA regulations, there are no other possibilities," Gasperini said. "There are situations that UEFA imposes and from which even our ownership, much as they would like, cannot escape. If we had done Summerville we could not have done anything else. There are technical parameters that cannot be explained—you must have trust in the society that they are complex enough and force a club under UEFA control like Roma, unique in Italy right now, to comply." Gasperini revealed that reaching the Champions League last season had not resolved Roma's financial strictures as initially expected. "I thought that after six months or with arrival in the Champions the situation would be resolved, it is not so and this forces this type of market," he said. Roma remains the only Italian club subject to UEFA Financial Fair Play monitoring following accumulated deficits from previous years and has already received two deferrals; no further extension is available. Despite these constraints, Gasperini backed the recruitment approach, particularly the arrivals of Rodrigo Mora from Porto—described as "a very important investment, especially in perspective"—and the swap dealing that saw Zeki Çelik depart for Molina, and Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk exit for Castro. He also praised the contract reductions undertaken by Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, as well as renewals by Bryan Cristante and others. On the left-wing position, Gasperini stated he will only pursue a signing if it adds genuine value: "Numerically the discussion is what I said before—two players can be added. But only if they can be reached under the conditions we can have. If the market offers this it will be so, otherwise we stay as we are." Regarding Dybala, Gasperini expressed confidence the 32-year-old will achieve more appearances this season. "I am sure of this because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He had a preparation that perhaps for a long time he could not complete, without injuries. Last year in my view he was very unlucky. I remember two injuries, kicking the penalty in Milan and the free kick against Turin. Two borderline cases—in one it cost him a meniscus and he was out three and a half months. Muscularly he seems much more toned. Perhaps he no longer has the speed and power of shot from when he was young, but he has improved other qualities. At 32 years old today you are in the prime of technical and physical maturity. I think he will have a great season." Gasperini will take stock of any remaining recruitment possibilities before facing Fiorentina, a heavily renovated side. He acknowledged uncertainty in his starting formation for the opening match, citing the integration of recently arrived players Mora and Molina alongside squad members returning from World Cup duty with different fitness levels. On the season's ambitions, Gasperini declined to discuss the Scudetto prospect, saying: "We must look at our own path, we are trying to do the best possible for our possibilities. I am convinced we will do well. To speak of a final result I do not know, it will also depend on the opponents."

Gasperini on Roma's transfer strategy and squad depth ahead of Fiorentina
Press ConferenceSquad News AI
4h ago

Gasperini on Roma's transfer strategy and squad depth ahead of Fiorentina

Gian Piero Gasperini held a press conference at Trigoria on 22 August, two days before Roma's Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico, addressing the club's summer recruitment and the direction of the campaign ahead. Gasperini confirmed that Roma have completed several signings this summer while managing strict financial constraints. Alexis Molina has arrived as a replacement for Zeki Çelik; Mateo Castro came in following the departures of Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson; Koulierakis joined as a defensive reinforcement; and Rodrigo Mora has been signed as an investment for the future. El Shaarawy, Bryan Zaragoza, Angeliño and Kostas Tsimikas have all departed. Gasperini noted that new arrivals targeted young players willing to reduce their wages to join Roma. He highlighted the salary reductions accepted by Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante as evidence of the players' commitment. The club remains constrained by UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations—Roma are the only Italian club currently under UEFA monitoring—which has forced a shift from the original transfer strategy. Gasperini acknowledged that early plans to sign players like Summerville proved unsustainable within those parameters. On Mora, Gasperini said: "Rodrigo is a very young player but has already reached important levels. It is a very significant investment by the club, especially for the future. He is a player with all the characteristics to emerge and perform well." Regarding the left flank, where Roma pursued a specific profile, Gasperini stated: "Only if he can be added value, otherwise I won't load myself with players just for the sake of it. Whoever arrives is strongly wanted and wants to play for Roma." He confirmed that two squad slots remain available for up to four players, leaving the door open for further arrivals before the window closes in ten days. On Paulo Dybala's injury record, Gasperini expressed optimism: "I'm certain of it, because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He completed a preparation without injuries—something he hadn't managed for some time. Physically he looks much more toned." Last season Dybala suffered two significant injuries, including a meniscus problem that sidelined him for three and a half months. Gasperini will assess the squad's competitiveness against Fiorentina's challenge on the pitch. He stated that last season's 73 points and third-place finish will not carry over into 2026-27: "You restart from zero every year. The 73 points from last year must be replayed." With ten days of the transfer window remaining, Roma will look to complete their squad while operating under continued FFP restrictions.

Gasperini addresses Roma's squad depth ahead of Fiorentina opener
Press ConferenceSquad News AI
5h ago

Gasperini addresses Roma's squad depth ahead of Fiorentina opener

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on Thursday, two days before Roma's Serie A season opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico on Monday. The head coach confirmed the squad remains numerically incomplete, with two places still available in the 23-player match-day roster. Roma have signed four players in the window: Molina, a World Cup winner who featured in the World Cup final less than two months ago and has replaced Çelik; Castro, who Gasperini described as arriving by train in his eagerness to join; Koulierakis, filling a defensive gap behind Hermoso; and Mora. Dovbyk and Ferguson have departed, balanced by Castro's arrival. El Shaarawy, Venturino and Zaragoza have also left, while Angeliño and Tsimikas have gone. Gasperini said: "The squad is incomplete numerically because we have the chance to present 23 players in the lineup. At least what UEFA allows us, especially for the Champions League. We still have two free slots available. Four players have arrived, including Molina who is an important player and played in the World Cup final less than two months ago and is World Champion. He is already a mature and solid player, who came to replace Çelik. Dovbyk and Ferguson left and Castro arrived, a player of value. Then Koulierakis arrived, a player we were missing in defence behind Hermoso, and Mora. Recently, compared to May, El Shaarawy, Venturino and Zaragoza left... one arrived and I hope another arrives. Then Angeliño and Tsimikas left, I hope to replace them. We will reduce the squad, trying to make it more competitive. I am very satisfied with the players who have arrived. Players arrived who strongly wanted to come to Roma, Castro left by train to get here sooner. And so did all the others. Wages have been reduced, out of necessity, and in this respect very positive work was done. There are still ten days, we hope to complete everything." Gasperini explained the constraints imposed by UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules, noting that Roma is currently the only Italian club operating under UEFA supervision. He acknowledged that the club's earlier expectation of resolving financial issues upon reaching the Champions League proved incorrect. "I thought that after six months or with arrival in the Champions League the situation was resolved, it is not so," he said. The squad reduction aims to increase competitiveness while managing wage bills. Gasperini praised the attitude of established players, saying: "I am very satisfied also with the attitude that Dybala and Pellegrini had in reducing their contracts. The same Cristante and those who renewed." On young forward Rodrigo Mora, Gasperini stated: "Mora is very young, but has already reached important values. Two years ago at Porto he scored 10 goals. It is an important investment by the society, especially in perspective. He has all the characteristics to emerge and do well." Regarding Paulo Dybala's fitness, Gasperini said: "I am sure yes, because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He did a preparation that perhaps for a long time he could not complete, without injuries. Clearly you always cross your fingers. Last year in my opinion he was very unlucky. I remember two injuries, kicking the penalty in Milan and the free kick against Turin. Two limiting cases, in one it cost him a meniscus and he was out three and a half months. Muscularly he seems much more toned." On the left wing position, Gasperini said: "Only if it can be added value, otherwise I do not burden myself with players just to have them. Whoever arrives is strongly wanted and wants strongly to play in Roma. Numerically the discourse is the one made before, two players can be added. But only if you can reach them with the conditions you can have. If the market offers this it will be so, otherwise we stay as we are." Ten days remain in the transfer window, with Gasperini hoping to complete the squad overhaul. He stressed that any further departures would be swaps rather than outright sales, with no imminent exits confirmed.

More on Artem Dovbyk

Player profile →
Gasperini on market constraints, Dybala's form and need for two more signings
Press ConferenceSquad News AI
4h ago

Gasperini on market constraints, Dybala's form and need for two more signings

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed Roma's transfer strategy and squad preparation two days before the Fiorentina fixture, emphasising that while the squad is more competitive, UEFA financial controls have forced creative market decisions. Gasperini confirmed the club can still add two players numerically to the 23-strong squad sheet, but only if conditions can be met within budget limits. "The profile is only that of the UEFA regulations, there are no other possibilities," Gasperini said. "There are situations that UEFA imposes and from which even our ownership, much as they would like, cannot escape. If we had done Summerville we could not have done anything else. There are technical parameters that cannot be explained—you must have trust in the society that they are complex enough and force a club under UEFA control like Roma, unique in Italy right now, to comply." Gasperini revealed that reaching the Champions League last season had not resolved Roma's financial strictures as initially expected. "I thought that after six months or with arrival in the Champions the situation would be resolved, it is not so and this forces this type of market," he said. Roma remains the only Italian club subject to UEFA Financial Fair Play monitoring following accumulated deficits from previous years and has already received two deferrals; no further extension is available. Despite these constraints, Gasperini backed the recruitment approach, particularly the arrivals of Rodrigo Mora from Porto—described as "a very important investment, especially in perspective"—and the swap dealing that saw Zeki Çelik depart for Molina, and Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk exit for Castro. He also praised the contract reductions undertaken by Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, as well as renewals by Bryan Cristante and others. On the left-wing position, Gasperini stated he will only pursue a signing if it adds genuine value: "Numerically the discussion is what I said before—two players can be added. But only if they can be reached under the conditions we can have. If the market offers this it will be so, otherwise we stay as we are." Regarding Dybala, Gasperini expressed confidence the 32-year-old will achieve more appearances this season. "I am sure of this because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He had a preparation that perhaps for a long time he could not complete, without injuries. Last year in my view he was very unlucky. I remember two injuries, kicking the penalty in Milan and the free kick against Turin. Two borderline cases—in one it cost him a meniscus and he was out three and a half months. Muscularly he seems much more toned. Perhaps he no longer has the speed and power of shot from when he was young, but he has improved other qualities. At 32 years old today you are in the prime of technical and physical maturity. I think he will have a great season." Gasperini will take stock of any remaining recruitment possibilities before facing Fiorentina, a heavily renovated side. He acknowledged uncertainty in his starting formation for the opening match, citing the integration of recently arrived players Mora and Molina alongside squad members returning from World Cup duty with different fitness levels. On the season's ambitions, Gasperini declined to discuss the Scudetto prospect, saying: "We must look at our own path, we are trying to do the best possible for our possibilities. I am convinced we will do well. To speak of a final result I do not know, it will also depend on the opponents."

Gasperini on Roma's transfer strategy and squad depth ahead of Fiorentina
Press ConferenceSquad News AI
4h ago

Gasperini on Roma's transfer strategy and squad depth ahead of Fiorentina

Gian Piero Gasperini held a press conference at Trigoria on 22 August, two days before Roma's Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico, addressing the club's summer recruitment and the direction of the campaign ahead. Gasperini confirmed that Roma have completed several signings this summer while managing strict financial constraints. Alexis Molina has arrived as a replacement for Zeki Çelik; Mateo Castro came in following the departures of Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson; Koulierakis joined as a defensive reinforcement; and Rodrigo Mora has been signed as an investment for the future. El Shaarawy, Bryan Zaragoza, Angeliño and Kostas Tsimikas have all departed. Gasperini noted that new arrivals targeted young players willing to reduce their wages to join Roma. He highlighted the salary reductions accepted by Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante as evidence of the players' commitment. The club remains constrained by UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations—Roma are the only Italian club currently under UEFA monitoring—which has forced a shift from the original transfer strategy. Gasperini acknowledged that early plans to sign players like Summerville proved unsustainable within those parameters. On Mora, Gasperini said: "Rodrigo is a very young player but has already reached important levels. It is a very significant investment by the club, especially for the future. He is a player with all the characteristics to emerge and perform well." Regarding the left flank, where Roma pursued a specific profile, Gasperini stated: "Only if he can be added value, otherwise I won't load myself with players just for the sake of it. Whoever arrives is strongly wanted and wants to play for Roma." He confirmed that two squad slots remain available for up to four players, leaving the door open for further arrivals before the window closes in ten days. On Paulo Dybala's injury record, Gasperini expressed optimism: "I'm certain of it, because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He completed a preparation without injuries—something he hadn't managed for some time. Physically he looks much more toned." Last season Dybala suffered two significant injuries, including a meniscus problem that sidelined him for three and a half months. Gasperini will assess the squad's competitiveness against Fiorentina's challenge on the pitch. He stated that last season's 73 points and third-place finish will not carry over into 2026-27: "You restart from zero every year. The 73 points from last year must be replayed." With ten days of the transfer window remaining, Roma will look to complete their squad while operating under continued FFP restrictions.

Gasperini addresses Roma's squad depth ahead of Fiorentina opener
Press ConferenceSquad News AI
5h ago

Gasperini addresses Roma's squad depth ahead of Fiorentina opener

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on Thursday, two days before Roma's Serie A season opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico on Monday. The head coach confirmed the squad remains numerically incomplete, with two places still available in the 23-player match-day roster. Roma have signed four players in the window: Molina, a World Cup winner who featured in the World Cup final less than two months ago and has replaced Çelik; Castro, who Gasperini described as arriving by train in his eagerness to join; Koulierakis, filling a defensive gap behind Hermoso; and Mora. Dovbyk and Ferguson have departed, balanced by Castro's arrival. El Shaarawy, Venturino and Zaragoza have also left, while Angeliño and Tsimikas have gone. Gasperini said: "The squad is incomplete numerically because we have the chance to present 23 players in the lineup. At least what UEFA allows us, especially for the Champions League. We still have two free slots available. Four players have arrived, including Molina who is an important player and played in the World Cup final less than two months ago and is World Champion. He is already a mature and solid player, who came to replace Çelik. Dovbyk and Ferguson left and Castro arrived, a player of value. Then Koulierakis arrived, a player we were missing in defence behind Hermoso, and Mora. Recently, compared to May, El Shaarawy, Venturino and Zaragoza left... one arrived and I hope another arrives. Then Angeliño and Tsimikas left, I hope to replace them. We will reduce the squad, trying to make it more competitive. I am very satisfied with the players who have arrived. Players arrived who strongly wanted to come to Roma, Castro left by train to get here sooner. And so did all the others. Wages have been reduced, out of necessity, and in this respect very positive work was done. There are still ten days, we hope to complete everything." Gasperini explained the constraints imposed by UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules, noting that Roma is currently the only Italian club operating under UEFA supervision. He acknowledged that the club's earlier expectation of resolving financial issues upon reaching the Champions League proved incorrect. "I thought that after six months or with arrival in the Champions League the situation was resolved, it is not so," he said. The squad reduction aims to increase competitiveness while managing wage bills. Gasperini praised the attitude of established players, saying: "I am very satisfied also with the attitude that Dybala and Pellegrini had in reducing their contracts. The same Cristante and those who renewed." On young forward Rodrigo Mora, Gasperini stated: "Mora is very young, but has already reached important values. Two years ago at Porto he scored 10 goals. It is an important investment by the society, especially in perspective. He has all the characteristics to emerge and do well." Regarding Paulo Dybala's fitness, Gasperini said: "I am sure yes, because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He did a preparation that perhaps for a long time he could not complete, without injuries. Clearly you always cross your fingers. Last year in my opinion he was very unlucky. I remember two injuries, kicking the penalty in Milan and the free kick against Turin. Two limiting cases, in one it cost him a meniscus and he was out three and a half months. Muscularly he seems much more toned." On the left wing position, Gasperini said: "Only if it can be added value, otherwise I do not burden myself with players just to have them. Whoever arrives is strongly wanted and wants strongly to play in Roma. Numerically the discourse is the one made before, two players can be added. But only if you can reach them with the conditions you can have. If the market offers this it will be so, otherwise we stay as we are." Ten days remain in the transfer window, with Gasperini hoping to complete the squad overhaul. He stressed that any further departures would be swaps rather than outright sales, with no imminent exits confirmed.

More on Evan Ferguson

Player profile →
Gasperini on market constraints, Dybala's form and need for two more signings
Press ConferenceSquad News AI
4h ago

Gasperini on market constraints, Dybala's form and need for two more signings

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed Roma's transfer strategy and squad preparation two days before the Fiorentina fixture, emphasising that while the squad is more competitive, UEFA financial controls have forced creative market decisions. Gasperini confirmed the club can still add two players numerically to the 23-strong squad sheet, but only if conditions can be met within budget limits. "The profile is only that of the UEFA regulations, there are no other possibilities," Gasperini said. "There are situations that UEFA imposes and from which even our ownership, much as they would like, cannot escape. If we had done Summerville we could not have done anything else. There are technical parameters that cannot be explained—you must have trust in the society that they are complex enough and force a club under UEFA control like Roma, unique in Italy right now, to comply." Gasperini revealed that reaching the Champions League last season had not resolved Roma's financial strictures as initially expected. "I thought that after six months or with arrival in the Champions the situation would be resolved, it is not so and this forces this type of market," he said. Roma remains the only Italian club subject to UEFA Financial Fair Play monitoring following accumulated deficits from previous years and has already received two deferrals; no further extension is available. Despite these constraints, Gasperini backed the recruitment approach, particularly the arrivals of Rodrigo Mora from Porto—described as "a very important investment, especially in perspective"—and the swap dealing that saw Zeki Çelik depart for Molina, and Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk exit for Castro. He also praised the contract reductions undertaken by Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, as well as renewals by Bryan Cristante and others. On the left-wing position, Gasperini stated he will only pursue a signing if it adds genuine value: "Numerically the discussion is what I said before—two players can be added. But only if they can be reached under the conditions we can have. If the market offers this it will be so, otherwise we stay as we are." Regarding Dybala, Gasperini expressed confidence the 32-year-old will achieve more appearances this season. "I am sure of this because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He had a preparation that perhaps for a long time he could not complete, without injuries. Last year in my view he was very unlucky. I remember two injuries, kicking the penalty in Milan and the free kick against Turin. Two borderline cases—in one it cost him a meniscus and he was out three and a half months. Muscularly he seems much more toned. Perhaps he no longer has the speed and power of shot from when he was young, but he has improved other qualities. At 32 years old today you are in the prime of technical and physical maturity. I think he will have a great season." Gasperini will take stock of any remaining recruitment possibilities before facing Fiorentina, a heavily renovated side. He acknowledged uncertainty in his starting formation for the opening match, citing the integration of recently arrived players Mora and Molina alongside squad members returning from World Cup duty with different fitness levels. On the season's ambitions, Gasperini declined to discuss the Scudetto prospect, saying: "We must look at our own path, we are trying to do the best possible for our possibilities. I am convinced we will do well. To speak of a final result I do not know, it will also depend on the opponents."

Gasperini: Squad still incomplete, but interesting players have arrived
Press ConferenceTransfer News AI
4h ago

Gasperini: Squad still incomplete, but interesting players have arrived

Gian Piero Gasperini held a press conference on 22 August ahead of Roma's opening Serie A match against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico in two days' time. The head coach confirmed that four new players have joined the club this summer: Molina, who won the World Cup and reached the final two months ago and can replace Ferguson; Castro, who reportedly travelled by train to join earlier; Koulierakis, a defender with characteristics the squad lacked; and Mora, a young forward. Gasperini said he remained very satisfied with the new arrivals, noting that "they all strongly wanted Roma, with Castro even leaving by train to arrive sooner." He confirmed that several players have departed—El Shaarawy, Venturino, Zaragoza, Angeliño and Tsimikas among them—and stated the club will reduce the squad while making it more competitive. The wage bill has been lowered by necessity, which Gasperini described as positive work by the club. Roma currently have 23 players registered, with two squad slots still available under UEFA rules, and Gasperini expressed hope of completing further business in the remaining ten days of the window. On Mora specifically, Gasperini said: "Mora is a very young lad who has already reached important numbers. Two years ago at Porto he reached ten goals. For the club it is a very important investment, especially in prospect—he has all the characteristics to emerge and do well." The coach acknowledged that investing in youth can be a necessary path, describing it as a positive element for the club's future.

Il RomanistaRead original →
Gasperini on Roma's transfer strategy and squad depth ahead of Fiorentina
Press ConferenceSquad News AI
4h ago

Gasperini on Roma's transfer strategy and squad depth ahead of Fiorentina

Gian Piero Gasperini held a press conference at Trigoria on 22 August, two days before Roma's Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico, addressing the club's summer recruitment and the direction of the campaign ahead. Gasperini confirmed that Roma have completed several signings this summer while managing strict financial constraints. Alexis Molina has arrived as a replacement for Zeki Çelik; Mateo Castro came in following the departures of Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson; Koulierakis joined as a defensive reinforcement; and Rodrigo Mora has been signed as an investment for the future. El Shaarawy, Bryan Zaragoza, Angeliño and Kostas Tsimikas have all departed. Gasperini noted that new arrivals targeted young players willing to reduce their wages to join Roma. He highlighted the salary reductions accepted by Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante as evidence of the players' commitment. The club remains constrained by UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations—Roma are the only Italian club currently under UEFA monitoring—which has forced a shift from the original transfer strategy. Gasperini acknowledged that early plans to sign players like Summerville proved unsustainable within those parameters. On Mora, Gasperini said: "Rodrigo is a very young player but has already reached important levels. It is a very significant investment by the club, especially for the future. He is a player with all the characteristics to emerge and perform well." Regarding the left flank, where Roma pursued a specific profile, Gasperini stated: "Only if he can be added value, otherwise I won't load myself with players just for the sake of it. Whoever arrives is strongly wanted and wants to play for Roma." He confirmed that two squad slots remain available for up to four players, leaving the door open for further arrivals before the window closes in ten days. On Paulo Dybala's injury record, Gasperini expressed optimism: "I'm certain of it, because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He completed a preparation without injuries—something he hadn't managed for some time. Physically he looks much more toned." Last season Dybala suffered two significant injuries, including a meniscus problem that sidelined him for three and a half months. Gasperini will assess the squad's competitiveness against Fiorentina's challenge on the pitch. He stated that last season's 73 points and third-place finish will not carry over into 2026-27: "You restart from zero every year. The 73 points from last year must be replayed." With ten days of the transfer window remaining, Roma will look to complete their squad while operating under continued FFP restrictions.

Feedback