Gasperini seeks defensive reinforcement for Roma

Alessandro Romano scored on his Serie A debut for Cagliari against Parma this summer, immediately attracting attention from Italy's national team coach Roberto Mancini, who watched him from the stands at the Tardini. The midfielder, born in Winterthur, Switzerland, to an Italian family, holds dual citizenship and has previously represented Swiss youth sides but has not yet played for the Swiss senior team. Mancini has already begun efforts to persuade Romano to choose Italy over Switzerland. Romano's journey began when Bruno Conti spotted him in 2022 and brought him to Roma's Trigoria academy. The midfielder progressed through the Giallorossi system with strong form at Under-18 level, recording six goals and eight assists in 30 appearances, and worked closely with former manager Daniele De Rossi during his development with the first team. After making his professional debut in the closing stages of Lecce–Roma last season under Gian Piero Gasperini, Romano was loaned to Spezia in January 2025, then sent on a temporary deal to Cagliari this summer under manager Pisacane, with a purchase option that will automatically convert to an obligation. Romano described De Rossi as an "exceptional" coach and cited the chance to observe midfielder Leandro Paredes as formative. Speaking about his international future, he said: "It is not a priority." The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is pushing to secure his talents. His opening goal for Cagliari and immediate first-team selection have already sparked regret among Roma supporters on social media, who lament yet another academy graduate being allowed to depart too soon.

Roma has made a formal proposal to Benfica for Colombian midfielder Richard Rios as the club steps up its efforts to land the 24-year-old in the final days of the transfer window. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has maintained his interest in Rios throughout the summer, and sporting director Tony D'Amico has now actively reengaged with the player's representatives to explore the scope for an agreement on contract terms. The proposal comes as Roma attempts to persuade Benfica to let the midfielder leave Portugal, though the club has shown little appetite for negotiations and is demanding more than €30 million. Benfica signed Rios from Palmeiras last summer for approximately €27 million, a deal that concluded a lengthy pursuit in which Roma also attempted to enter the race for his services. The midfielder's name has now returned to the agenda precisely as the transfer market approaches its closure, with D'Amico taking concrete first steps to establish whether there remains genuine scope to bring Rios back into Roma's plans. Rios, a Colombian international, has been on Roma's radar for some time but the Benfica president's stance suggests a deal will prove difficult. Roma's interest centres on the player's physical attributes and technical qualities, which continue to appeal to Gasperini's footballing vision. The €30 million asking price represents a significant valuation for a player Benfica acquired only a year ago, placing the onus on Roma to either improve their financial offer or negotiate alternative terms with the Portuguese side.

Roma have tabled an official offer to Benfica for Colombian midfielder Richard Rios in recent days, sporting director D'Amico reportedly initiating contact with the player's representatives to reach agreement on contract terms. Head coach Gasperini has kept Rios at the centre of the club's midfield reinforcement plans throughout the transfer window. Benfica are demanding more than €30 million to release Rios, the fee they paid Palmeiras last summer after previous Roma attempts and protracted negotiations handled by Ricky Massara had failed to secure his signature.

Roma begin their 2026–27 campaign against a revamped Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico on matchday one. Gian Piero Gasperini's side will field a largely unchanged defensive line: Svilar in goal behind Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso. Koné and Cristante anchor the midfield, with Wesley deployed on one flank and Lulli—who replaces the off-colour Molina—on the other. Matías Soulé starts ahead of Rodrigo Mora in the attacking midfield slot, with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen forming the front pair against Fiorentina manager Grosso's defence. Although Gasperini can call on new arrivals, the composition of the starting XI reveals few changes from last season's blueprint. Wesley lines up in the three-back system that Gasperini has favoured, while the midfield remains built around Cristante's experience. Lulli's selection offers the element of surprise on the flank. Roma XI: Svilar; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Wesley, Cristante, Koné, Lulli; Soulé; Dybala, Malen. Fiorentina XI: De Gea; Joao Mario, Dragusin, Ranieri; Valdepenas; Ndour, Fagioli, Oulai; Atta, Kean, Gudmundsson.

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.

Roma have announced their squad for tonight's match against Fiorentina. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has called up 23 players across all positions. Defenders named are Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi. The midfield contingent comprises Cristante, El Aynaoui, Koné, Pisilli and Mora, while the forward line includes Castro, Malen, Soulé, Dybala and Vaz.

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.

Roma face Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico this evening at 21:00 in their Serie A season opener. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has recalled Wesley and Pisilli after both missed the friendly against Borussia Dortmund on 15 August. Rensch is unavailable due to a muscle strain, and Pellegrini is also absent from the squad. Rodrigo Mora receives his first call-up for the club, competing with Matías Soulé for the attacking midfielder role. The squad list spans defenders Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziółkowski, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi; midfielders Cristante, El Aynaoui, Koné, Pisilli and Mora; and attackers Castro, Malen, Soulé, Dybala and Vaz.

Jayden Oosterwolde is expected to arrive in Rome in the coming hours to serve as Wesley's deputy. The versatile Fenerbahce defender can operate as a centre-back in a three-man defence or as a left-back in a four-man setup, a flexibility that has prompted Roma to move Jan Ziółkowski toward the exit door. The Polish centre-back is among the primary candidates to leave the club in the final eight days of the transfer window. An offer from Saudi Arabia is anticipated, with Neom reportedly the most active team in pursuing him. Roma are seeking €20 million for the 21-year-old, who will also need to evaluate the destination.

Roma begin their 2026–27 campaign against a revamped Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico on matchday one. Gian Piero Gasperini's side will field a largely unchanged defensive line: Svilar in goal behind Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso. Koné and Cristante anchor the midfield, with Wesley deployed on one flank and Lulli—who replaces the off-colour Molina—on the other. Matías Soulé starts ahead of Rodrigo Mora in the attacking midfield slot, with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen forming the front pair against Fiorentina manager Grosso's defence. Although Gasperini can call on new arrivals, the composition of the starting XI reveals few changes from last season's blueprint. Wesley lines up in the three-back system that Gasperini has favoured, while the midfield remains built around Cristante's experience. Lulli's selection offers the element of surprise on the flank. Roma XI: Svilar; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Wesley, Cristante, Koné, Lulli; Soulé; Dybala, Malen. Fiorentina XI: De Gea; Joao Mario, Dragusin, Ranieri; Valdepenas; Ndour, Fagioli, Oulai; Atta, Kean, Gudmundsson.

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.

Roma have announced their squad for tonight's match against Fiorentina. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has called up 23 players across all positions. Defenders named are Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi. The midfield contingent comprises Cristante, El Aynaoui, Koné, Pisilli and Mora, while the forward line includes Castro, Malen, Soulé, Dybala and Vaz.