Gasperini's final-day record shows no room for compromise at Verona

Antonio Nusa could become only the fourth Norwegian player to wear Roma's yellow and red since the club's founding in 1927. The Scandinavian connection has produced three memorable figures across two decades. John Alieu Carew arrived in summer 2003 on loan with a purchase option from Valencia, almost 23 years ago when Nusa was not yet born. The imposing centre-forward scored on his Serie A debut against Brescia and in his UEFA Cup bow versus Vardar, finishing with 8 goals in 29 appearances before departing after a single season. His Roma stint became legendary for unforgettable celebrations—pouring a bucket of water under the Curva Sud after scoring against Reggina, and cradling a Roma ballboy following his Lecce goal. John Arne Riise, born in Ålesund some 533 kilometres from Carew's hometown of Lørenskog, proved far more enduring. The left-back, called "Roscio" by Roma supporters, left Liverpool after seven years to become the club's strongest Norwegian export and most beloved. Playing 131 times, Riise scored 11 goals with his powerful left foot and remains Norway's all-time caps leader. His header in January 2010 clinched a famous 3–1 victory at Juventus, ending a nine-year drought there, while a strike against Siena followed immediately after. Those goals fuelled Ranieri's dramatic title push toward Inter, though the Scudetto slipped away in the season's final matches. Riise departed in July 2011 but remains emotionally tied to the club. Ola Solbakken, signed in January 2023 at no fee after a hat-trick performance for Bodø, became the third Norwegian. He debuted against Fiorentina that month and scored his sole goal in February during a 3–2 win at Verona—his first game as a starter—before fading from the picture. Nusa now carries the mantle following spells in Belgium and Germany.

Thomas Tuchel faced a wave of criticism from English media and supporters after England's elimination from the World Cup semi-final to Argentina. Lionel Messi's side advanced to the final on the back of two assists from the Argentine forward, but focus in Britain quickly turned to Tuchel's tactical decisions. The German coach was accused of adopting an overly cautious approach after James Maddison's goal, prioritising defensive solidity over attacking ambition—a strategy that ultimately proved ineffective. Roma supporters and other Serie A fans seized on the moment to invoke memories of José Mourinho's masterclass in defensive pragmatism. Three years ago, Mourinho's Roma won 1–0 away at Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League semi-final first leg, a display widely praised for its discipline and organisation. One Roma fan commented: "Tell Tuchel he is not Mourinho. That night in Leverkusen will go down in history." Inter fans similarly referenced their own tactical triumph, with one supporter writing: "Nobody does it better than Mou. Tuchel was terrible." English fans vented their frustration across social media, with many calling for the manager's removal. The overwhelming sentiment suggested Tuchel's negative approach had not resonated with the fanbase at a crucial juncture in the tournament.

Ardon Jashari's first season at AC Milan proved disappointing after arriving from Club Brugge in summer 2025 following a competitive transfer battle with Borussia Dortmund. The Swiss midfielder suffered a fibula fracture immediately after Milan's opening-match home defeat against Cremonese, sidelining him for weeks. Even after recovery, he did not return to Serie A action until 28 December, by which time the midfield of Youssouf Fofana, Samuele Ricci, Adrien Rabiot, and Luka Modric had gelled under Massimiliano Allegri, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek adding further competition. Jashari played the full 90 minutes in just two matches during his debut Serie A season. Despite limited match practice, Jashari earned a call-up to Switzerland's 2026 World Cup squad in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, though he could not displace Granit Xhaka as the team's midfield strategist. His prospects brighten under new Milan coach Rúben Amorim, who favours a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation requiring only two central midfielders. With Milan currently holding nine players in that position, Jashari will face tough competition during pre-season. Roma and Atalanta have reportedly already made inquiries about the 23-year-old, signalling alternative options should he struggle to impress at Milan.

Roma played their opening pre-season friendly at Trigoria under Gasperini, welcoming back Paulo Dybala and Wesley following recent absences. Dybala was formally a free agent until days ago, while Wesley returned from injury that caused him to miss the World Cup. Robinio Vaz remained unavailable through injury, and Zeki Çelik travelled to Turin, leaving Gasperini with a limited squad for the session. The main concern came when Mario Hermoso, the Spanish defender, left the pitch with ice applied to his right leg just below the knee late in the friendly. The issue appeared to stem from a knock, though Roma will monitor his condition closely over the coming hours. With few outfield players fit and available, Gasperini will be hoping the injury proves minor.

Roma have reached an agreement in principle with Diego Moreira's representatives over personal terms, with the Belgian winger offered a contract worth €2 million per season plus bonuses. The 21-year-old left-winger, who plays for Strasbourg, fits Gasperini's blueprint for a modern full-back capable of operating across both flanks. However, the French club is demanding over €40 million for his transfer, while Roma are unwilling to exceed €30 million. The clubs are in talks to bridge the €10 million gap through structured bonus clauses. The pursuit of Moreira underscores Roma's urgent need to reinforce their external positions following Zeki Çelik's departure to Juventus. With Wesley, Rensch, and Angeliño currently the only available wide options at Trigoria, Gasperini is short of depth on both flanks. Moreira, born in 2004, is a left-footed player equally capable on the right and has made 76 appearances for Strasbourg, contributing 16 assists. He also holds four senior caps for Belgium, including an appearance in last year's World Cup knockout stage against Senegal. Parallel to the Moreira negotiation, Roma have renewed their interest in Fiorentina right-back Dodo, the Brazilian defender previously monitored before the club moved away from the prospect. Fiorentina value the former Shakhtar player at approximately €15 million, which Roma consider their absolute ceiling for the deal. While no formal written offer has yet been tabled, Roma's technical staff view Dodo as an attractive option should the economics align in coming days.

Roma's first friendly of the season takes place tomorrow at 9 a.m. at the Fulvio Bernardini training centre, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side facing the Primavera team coached by Mattia Scala. The fixture serves as an early-season workout for the capital club, who have yet to complete any summer signings. Gasperini will have the chance to assess his squad's condition and test potential attacking combinations. Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé are expected to feature behind centre-forward Artem Dovbyk in a 3-4-2-1 formation. The squad selected reflects the current roster without any new arrivals to integrate. Roma's line-up: Svilar; Ghilardi, Mancini, Hermoso; Wesley, Cristante, Pisilli, Angeliño; Dybala, Soulé; Dovbyk. Live text coverage will be available on romanews.eu.