Gasperini plots Fiorentina plan with Mora, Dybala and Malen leading the charge

Robinio Vaz has moved from being a candidate for departure to a central part of Gian Piero Gasperini's plans after impressing during Roma's pre-season preparation. At the start of the summer retreat, the young French forward's future remained uncertain, with a temporary move away mooted to give him regular playing time. As the weeks progressed, however, Vaz's quality and growth potential persuaded Gasperini to work with him directly, developing his characteristics and integrating him into the first team's offensive rotation. Roma has acted decisively to keep him. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the club has rejected multiple loan approaches from Serie A sides. The decision reflects Gasperini's commitment to developing Vaz at Trigoria rather than sending him elsewhere for experience. The coach wants to work with him daily and assess how far he can push his development. Vaz can operate as a centre-forward or on the wing, offering flexibility in an attacking department Gasperini favours keeping well-stocked. The shift in direction marks a small but meaningful promotion earned entirely through his pre-season performances, an opportunity Vaz aims to build on after spending his first six months in Serie A in an apprenticeship role.

Radio commentators offered contrasting takes on Roma's attacking options as Gian Piero Gasperini begins his tenure. Fabrizio Aspri told Radio Radio that Gasperini has embraced the theme of squad belonging, and although the manager has not yet secured a left winger, Aspri remains confident Roma possesses an important technical framework. The dominant question of the season, he said, will be whether Malen gets constrained or allowed to flourish. Aspri stated: "Gasperini wants wingers who drive at the box, and the only possible name can be Leão. I would always want Leão in the squad even at 30%, which Roma still has in reserve, though he divides the training ground. Mora doesn't have that physicality and with Malen's movements would be perfect. Mora can become a starter. I think Roma can field a podium-challenging side again." Federico Vespa expressed stronger optimism about the attacking line. Speaking to Radio Radio, Vespa said: "I expect 20 goals from Malen, I give him maximum confidence. I always take Leão, even at 30%." The comments reflect ongoing efforts to move some players out of Trigoria, though that process has proved difficult so far.

Roma are close to signing Jayden Oosterwolde from Fenerbahce on a loan deal worth approximately €3 million, with a right of purchase that can become an obligation under certain conditions, for a total package around €17–18 million. The Dutch left-back's agreement with the player is already finalised. Head coach Gasperini views him as Wesley's backup but notes he can also play centrally. Oosterwolde is currently sidelined by a muscle problem and is expected to be available around mid-September. With the transfer window entering its final days, Roma continue to scout attacking reinforcements despite the ownership's decision to scale back investment. The club has stepped up pursuit of several wing options while managing departures that could fund these acquisitions. Defence remains an area under review, with potential outgoings creating space for new additions. Among the targets on Roma's radar is Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, the 22-year-old Chelsea winger. The club has proposed roughly €3 million for a temporary transfer plus a purchase option worth around €40 million, but Chelsea have so far resisted a loan move and favour a permanent sale instead. Roma are expected to continue pushing for this deal in the final days of the window. Malick Fofana, the 21-year-old Lyon winger, remains a possibility but the operation is currently blocked. Lyon must first play their Champions League playoff return against Fenerbahce, and Roma have reduced their investment targets following ownership guidance. Should another winger not arrive and Lyon accept more sustainable economic terms in the coming days, the club could attempt to reopen negotiations. Jean-Mattéo Bahoya, a 21-year-old winger at Eintracht Frankfurt, is also among alternatives considered by sporting director D'Amico should primary targets fail to materialise. Pedro Henrique, a 20-year-old Brazilian winger at Zenit, has also been proposed to Roma in recent hours, though no concrete move has been signalled from the club. Yasin Ayari, a 22-year-old Swedish midfielder from Brighton, has attracted contact from Roma, but Borussia Dortmund's serious interest and Brighton's high valuation of approximately €45 million have complicated progress; Roma are considering a loan with a purchase option, a formula that currently conflicts with the asking price. On departures, Jan Ziółkowski could leave Rome. The 21-year-old Polish defender has attracted attention from several Saudi clubs, particularly Neom, from whom Roma await a concrete offer. Roma's valuation stands between €16 and €20 million, with 10 per cent of future resale revenue going to Legia Warsaw. A sale could fund the final investment in an attacking player. Daniele Ghilardi, aged 23, is also being monitored, with Bologna showing interest. Should either defender depart, Roma would return to the market for a replacement, preferably on loan.

Gasperini will settle his choice of attacking midfielder for Sunday's match against Fiorentina by tonight or tomorrow morning. Matías Soulé has been tested for a second consecutive day in training, but Rodrigo Mora and Bryan Cristante remain in contention. Should Cristante advance into that role, either Neil El Aynaoui or Niccolò Pisilli would partner Manu Koné in midfield. Roma's campaign starts from third place and a 65,000-capacity Olimpico crowd, but the foundation is Gasperini's core players. The coach continues to regard Paulo Dybala, Gianluca Mancini and Cristante as essential to the team. Dybala finished pre-season with 7 goals and strong physical condition, while Mancini and Cristante remain the anchors for solidity, charisma and balance. Former Roma player Dario Bonetti reflected on the club's great regrets in an interview. On a disallowed goal by Turone, he said: "The disallowed goal to Turone cost us the scudetto in a glaring way." He also recalled Roma-Lecce: "That was an unexplainable, cursed match: it still bothers me to talk about it now." On the European Cup final against Liverpool, Bonetti added: "We were penalised, their goal came from an obvious foul on me."

Roma face Fiorentina in their Serie A opener on 24 August with Nahuel Molina poised to make his debut at right-back, ahead of Devyne Rensch, while Wesley is fully fit at left-back after recovering from an ankle problem. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's main uncertainty centres on the attacking midfield slot alongside Paulo Dybala and behind centre-forward Donyell Malen. Matías Soulé currently leads the competition for the position after impressing the coaching staff with his dedication since the start of pre-season, losing excess weight and setting aside transfer speculation. Rodrigo Mora provides competition and is eager to make his debut. Gasperini retains a tactical option to consider deploying Bryan Cristante as a number 10. The 1995-born midfielder has been used repeatedly in that role during the previous season in Roma's 3-4-1-2 formation, delivering balance and positive results. Should Gasperini select Cristante, the midfield would comprise Manu Koné alongside either Neil El Aynaoui or Niccolò Pisilli. The final decision will come only after the pre-match training session on 24 August, with Gasperini assessing the fitness of El Aynaoui, who remains behind schedule following the World Cup, and Pisilli, who has only recently rejoined the squad.

Matías Soulé has reclaimed his place in Roma's starting XI for Sunday's match against Fiorentina after an impressive pre-season, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed. The Argentine winger had faced a difficult summer marked by transfer speculation and fitness concerns that drew criticism from Gasperini during the early days of training. Now in top form following an exceptional preparation, Soulé will partner Paulo Dybala in an all-Argentine attacking three, with Donyell Malen completing the trident on the right. Soulé has edged out Rodrigo Mora for the starting berth, the same trio that finished last season in Roma's Champions League match against Hellas Verona. Elsewhere, Gasperini has confirmed the debut of Molina on the right wing, with fellow Argentine Castro expected to come off the bench given that Malen has not yet reached full fitness. Wesley returns to full availability at left-back after recovery, while Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are set to start midfield duties together. In defence, Mario Hermoso is favoured over Koulierakis. Gasperini has also promoted academy player Emanuele Lulli to the first-team squad following an impressive showing during the summer retreat. The coach said of Lulli: "He has demonstrated that he possesses the right characteristics to be part of Roma's squad. He will follow his development path."

Radio commentators offered contrasting takes on Roma's attacking options as Gian Piero Gasperini begins his tenure. Fabrizio Aspri told Radio Radio that Gasperini has embraced the theme of squad belonging, and although the manager has not yet secured a left winger, Aspri remains confident Roma possesses an important technical framework. The dominant question of the season, he said, will be whether Malen gets constrained or allowed to flourish. Aspri stated: "Gasperini wants wingers who drive at the box, and the only possible name can be Leão. I would always want Leão in the squad even at 30%, which Roma still has in reserve, though he divides the training ground. Mora doesn't have that physicality and with Malen's movements would be perfect. Mora can become a starter. I think Roma can field a podium-challenging side again." Federico Vespa expressed stronger optimism about the attacking line. Speaking to Radio Radio, Vespa said: "I expect 20 goals from Malen, I give him maximum confidence. I always take Leão, even at 30%." The comments reflect ongoing efforts to move some players out of Trigoria, though that process has proved difficult so far.

Roma and Fiorentina meet in what is arguably the most compelling opening fixture of the 2026–27 season. The two clubs arrive from markedly different 2025–26 campaigns: Roma finished strongly to become protagonists, while Fiorentina struggled throughout. Both have signalled growth ambitions in the transfer market. Gasperini requested reinforcements and secured some of them, while Fiorentina's roster has been bolstered by what is described as a fantastic summer window. The match will pit established strengths against new arrivals—Malen and Kean chief among the recognised talents on show—as both sides prepare to compete.

Roma face Fiorentina in their Serie A opener on 24 August with Nahuel Molina poised to make his debut at right-back, ahead of Devyne Rensch, while Wesley is fully fit at left-back after recovering from an ankle problem. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's main uncertainty centres on the attacking midfield slot alongside Paulo Dybala and behind centre-forward Donyell Malen. Matías Soulé currently leads the competition for the position after impressing the coaching staff with his dedication since the start of pre-season, losing excess weight and setting aside transfer speculation. Rodrigo Mora provides competition and is eager to make his debut. Gasperini retains a tactical option to consider deploying Bryan Cristante as a number 10. The 1995-born midfielder has been used repeatedly in that role during the previous season in Roma's 3-4-1-2 formation, delivering balance and positive results. Should Gasperini select Cristante, the midfield would comprise Manu Koné alongside either Neil El Aynaoui or Niccolò Pisilli. The final decision will come only after the pre-match training session on 24 August, with Gasperini assessing the fitness of El Aynaoui, who remains behind schedule following the World Cup, and Pisilli, who has only recently rejoined the squad.

Roma are close to signing Jayden Oosterwolde from Fenerbahce on a loan deal worth approximately €3 million, with a right of purchase that can become an obligation under certain conditions, for a total package around €17–18 million. The Dutch left-back's agreement with the player is already finalised. Head coach Gasperini views him as Wesley's backup but notes he can also play centrally. Oosterwolde is currently sidelined by a muscle problem and is expected to be available around mid-September. With the transfer window entering its final days, Roma continue to scout attacking reinforcements despite the ownership's decision to scale back investment. The club has stepped up pursuit of several wing options while managing departures that could fund these acquisitions. Defence remains an area under review, with potential outgoings creating space for new additions. Among the targets on Roma's radar is Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, the 22-year-old Chelsea winger. The club has proposed roughly €3 million for a temporary transfer plus a purchase option worth around €40 million, but Chelsea have so far resisted a loan move and favour a permanent sale instead. Roma are expected to continue pushing for this deal in the final days of the window. Malick Fofana, the 21-year-old Lyon winger, remains a possibility but the operation is currently blocked. Lyon must first play their Champions League playoff return against Fenerbahce, and Roma have reduced their investment targets following ownership guidance. Should another winger not arrive and Lyon accept more sustainable economic terms in the coming days, the club could attempt to reopen negotiations. Jean-Mattéo Bahoya, a 21-year-old winger at Eintracht Frankfurt, is also among alternatives considered by sporting director D'Amico should primary targets fail to materialise. Pedro Henrique, a 20-year-old Brazilian winger at Zenit, has also been proposed to Roma in recent hours, though no concrete move has been signalled from the club. Yasin Ayari, a 22-year-old Swedish midfielder from Brighton, has attracted contact from Roma, but Borussia Dortmund's serious interest and Brighton's high valuation of approximately €45 million have complicated progress; Roma are considering a loan with a purchase option, a formula that currently conflicts with the asking price. On departures, Jan Ziółkowski could leave Rome. The 21-year-old Polish defender has attracted attention from several Saudi clubs, particularly Neom, from whom Roma await a concrete offer. Roma's valuation stands between €16 and €20 million, with 10 per cent of future resale revenue going to Legia Warsaw. A sale could fund the final investment in an attacking player. Daniele Ghilardi, aged 23, is also being monitored, with Bologna showing interest. Should either defender depart, Roma would return to the market for a replacement, preferably on loan.

Roma continue to pursue Malick Fofana as their preferred left-sided attacking option following the confirmation of Rodrigo Mora's arrival from Porto, but are proceeding without artificial time pressure. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has requested another attacking midfielder-cum-winger, with Mora expected to operate as a pure number ten behind the strikers rather than the wide role Gasperini envisions. Contact with Fofana and his club remains constant and both player and side have shown openness, though Lyon's involvement in a Champions League preliminary fixture is constraining negotiation timing. The French club faced Fenerbahce yesterday, with Fofana playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 draw in Turkey, and do not wish to discuss transfers before their return leg on Wednesday. Alternatives under consideration include Endrick of Real Madrid, though José Mourinho is reluctant to release him and Real Madrid's attacking depth has not yet prompted a sale. Endrick remains attracted to Roma as a destination and could become viable late in the window if he lacks early-season playing time—provided Matías Soulé departs Trigoria. Roma are also addressing their left-back depth chart, seeking a backup to Wesley. Alessio Cacciamani of Torino remains an option, but Torino's executives continue to demand more than Roma's valuation allows. Destiny Udogie of Tottenham has desirable attributes but his asking price is high enough that Roma may abandon that pursuit and seek a more defensively oriented left-back of similar profile to strengthen that flank. The club is not pursuing Luis Henrique, despite multiple sponsors suggesting him, as he does not command enthusiasm at Trigoria. Additionally, Roma announced yesterday the departure of Luigi Cherubini on loan, with the winger joining Benevento on a temporary deal.

Rodrigo Mora completed his formalities and trained with Roma's first team at Trigoria on 22 August, joining head coach Gasperini's squad ahead of the league's start in five days. The transfer activity continues as the club seeks to complete its squad puzzle with two specific targets: a left-back deputy to Wesley and a left-winger with a right foot—a role distinct from the one Mora has taken on. Gasperini stated clearly that with Roma facing more than 50 matches at a high level, the club will need a pair of players for every position. Numerically the squad is short, and the coach believes depth will prove essential. Alessio Cacciamani remains a strong candidate for the left-back role. Turin sources regularly cite high figures and attempt to lock down the young player, who impressed with Juve Stabia. Roma does not want to overspend and hopes that as days pass, Cairo and Petrachi will soften their stance; the player would reportedly arrive at Trigoria immediately. Regarding the attacking winger position, negotiations with Fofana and Lyon are well advanced, independent of Lyon's Champions League progress. Fonseca would prefer to keep the Lyon player through next Wednesday's Champions League preliminary against Fenerbahce, which will be decisive. Recent meetings have addressed the timeline for the remaining transfer operations. Discussions have also covered potential departures; the remaining names under consideration are Soulé and Ziółkowski.