Gasperini sets conditions for Roma stay, distances himself from Ranieri; stadium work suspended

A solar eclipse visible on 12 August painted the sky in shades of yellow, orange and red, prompting Roma fans to draw parallels with the club's giallorossi colours. The phenomenon sparked widespread engagement across social media, with supporters posting photos and videos that played on the striking visual similarity to Roma's badge and kit. Many fans joked that the eclipse itself had become an "eclipse giallorossa" — a play on the club's iconic yellow-and-red identity. The natural event rapidly gained traction among Roma's fanbase, with thousands of users sharing content across platforms dedicated to following the club. The shared moment of enthusiasm transformed what might have been a fleeting astronomical occurrence into a small gathering point for the supporter community, with references to AS Roma woven throughout the social media conversation. The eclipse provided a light-hearted focal point for discussion among giallorossi supporters at a time when club news traditionally slows during the pre-season period.

Roma have completed the signing of Molina from Atlético Madrid. The Argentine defender has already given his first interview as a Roma player as the club continues its summer transfer activity. Roma's transfer window has entered a critical phase as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini prepares his squad for the 2026–27 season, with a return to the Champions League the stated objective. The Friedkin Group are working to assemble a competitive roster to support the Italian coach's ambitions for the campaign ahead. Molina's arrival adds depth to Roma's defensive options as the club balances its squad requirements heading into the new season.

Paulo Dybala marked the fifteenth anniversary of his professional debut with a social media post celebrating his first match for Instituto de Córdoba. The Roma forward shared a video that showed him wearing the number nine shirt and giving an interview after the game as a teenager. He described the occasion as "an unforgettable day". Dybala scored seventeen goals in thirty-eight matches for the Argentine club before his move to Italy in 2012, when he joined Palermo. He has since become a mainstay of the Serie A, including his spell at Roma, where his contract runs until 2027. The post underlines his connection to Italian football across his career at both Juventus and Roma.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is building a Roma side defined by youth, technical fluency, and aggressive attacking play, with quality and skill prioritized over physical presence. The structure centres on Rodrigo Mora, a slight-framed playmaker and dribbler who will compete with Lorenzo Pellegrini for a starting role, while Donyell Malen leads the forward line alongside technically gifted players including Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé. Offensive thrust will also flow from attacking full-backs such as Wesley, supported by various transfer targets including potential arrivals at centre-back and in midfield. With the team so heavily weighted towards attack, the stability of Roma's shape depends almost entirely on Manu Koné, who will screen the defence and reclaim possession alongside Bryan Cristante. The French midfielder's long-term future remains uncertain, however, and any departure would leave a void difficult to fill in the short term. Gasperini's vision prioritizes technical excellence across the attacking third, with contributions from wider areas through offensively minded defenders and young, technical players who can operate in varied roles across the pitch.

Roma are close to securing Rodrigo Mora, a 2007-born winger who stands under 1.70m tall and favours dribbling over physical play, as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini shapes a younger, lighter and more attacking squad than last season. Mora will compete with Lorenzo Pellegrini for the number 10 role. The club are still hunting one or two additional wingers or attacking midfielders and one or two fullbacks to complete the XI. Gasperini's vision prioritises technical ability over physical presence, targeting players built for a high-octane attacking system. Mora's profile — incisive on the ball but less accustomed to the physical demands of Italian football and prone to struggle when forced to chase opponents — fits the template. Donyell Malen is expected to carry the goal-scoring load among the wider players initially, with alternatives in Castro and Robinio Vaz, who offers greater physical stature. Matías Soulé, should he remain, offers a middle ground. Fullbacks too are selected for their attacking prowess: Wesley on one flank, with options including Molina, Cacciamani, Luis Henrique or Udogie on the other. Manu Koné emerges as the vital equilibrium force in midfield, tasked with providing defensive cover and structure to an otherwise offence-heavy setup. However, he remains a persistent departure risk, a potential weakness in an otherwise cohesive recruitment strategy.

Roma have opened cup subscriptions for the 2026–27 season, covering five matches: four Champions League group-phase home fixtures and a Coppa Italia round-of-16 tie. Prices start at €31 per match. Serie A season-ticket holders receive priority access from 12:00 on 12 August to 13:00 on 19 August, with the option to select a different seat. General sale runs from 15:00 on 19 August until 18:00 on 26 August or until sold out. Two packages are offered—Classic and Plus, the latter allowing resale rights for all matches; seat transfers are not available. Portuguese talent Rodrigo Mora is nearing a move to Roma, with a contract ready until 2031 and personal terms already agreed. Negotiations with Porto continue over structure rather than principle; Roma propose €25 million upfront plus 50 per cent of future resale proceeds, with an option to pay a further €25 million in 2027 to eliminate the resale clause. Porto prefer the buyout figure to stand at €25 million from the outset. Gabriel Martinelli remains under pursuit; Roma have opened talks with Roc Nation Sports, his representatives. Arsenal would consider selling for approximately €50 million, though his €11 million-per-season gross salary remains a sticking point as Roma seek to negotiate downward. In squad news, Manu Koné has returned from post-World Cup leave with no serious interest beyond a tentative Chelsea inquiry. Nahuel Molina landed at Rome Fiumicino airport yesterday and will sign a four-year contract today, becoming immediately available to Gian Piero Gasperini. Lorenzo Pellegrini, the captain, continues recovery from a right thigh muscle relapse and will rejoin group training after 15 August.

AS Roma has confirmed a partnership agreement with Orodei, who will serve as a Gold Partner and Back Training Kit Partner. The deal was formalised at a meeting between Roma's Chief Revenue Officer Michael Gandler and Orodei President Antonio Maesano, with both parties emphasising shared strategic values and an ambitious vision for the future. The partnership was celebrated with a symbolic photo featuring Wesley, the Brazilian midfielder, wearing the official training kit personalised with the Orodei logo on the back. The collaboration reflects the club's continued expansion of commercial partnerships as it approaches the 2026–27 season. Following the signing, Orodei's delegation visited AS Roma's Historical Archive, exploring the club's memory, documents, and objects tied to the club's tradition and identity.

Roma have formally confirmed a partnership with Orodei following a signing ceremony held at Trigoria. The company becomes a Gold Partner and Back Training Kit Partner of the club. Michael Gandler, Roma's Chief Revenue Officer, and Antonio Maesano, President of Orodei, signed the agreement, which stems from shared strategic values and a desire to develop a joint project with a forward-looking vision. Wesley was chosen as the face of the partnership and posed for the traditional ceremonial photograph wearing Roma's training kit with the Orodei logo applied to the back. The collaboration marks a deepening of Orodei's connection with the capital club. The day concluded with Orodei's delegation visiting Roma's Historical Archive, where they were able to explore significant moments in the club's history through documents, memorabilia, and objects that tell the story of Roma's tradition and giallorossi identity.

AS Roma has announced Orodei as a new Gold Partner and Back Training Kit Partner following a signing ceremony held at Trigoria. The collaboration was formalised by Roma's Chief Revenue Officer Michael Gandler and Orodei President Antonio Maesano, marking a partnership founded on shared strategic values and a shared vision for the future. Brazilian midfielder Wesley attended the ceremony and posed for a symbolic photograph wearing the official training kit personalised with the Orodei logo on the back. The partnership underlines Roma's continued expansion of commercial relationships. The ceremony included a visit by the Orodei delegation to Roma's Historical Archive, where they explored the club's documents, memorabilia, and heritage that define Roma's identity and tradition.

Roma and Porto are locked in a standoff over the transfer of midfielder Mora. The clubs have agreed on the deal structure but remain at odds over the terms. Roma has proposed an initial loan of €7–8 million with a right of purchase set at €42–43 million, which would become an obligation to buy if certain conditions are met. Roma wants to include a clause based on 60 per cent of appearances and qualification to the next Champions League, while Porto is seeking stronger guarantees and more favourable conditions. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is waiting for the 2007-born trequartista, whom the club hopes to mould in the image of Paulo Dybala. Mora endured an inconsistent season at Porto, with transfer rumours linking him to Saudi Arabia and the tactical system under his previous coach not fully utilising his strengths. Under that manager, Mora was often pushed back into midfield to start play, a role that significantly limited his effectiveness in the attacking third.

Paulo Dybala marked the fifteenth anniversary of his professional debut with a social media post celebrating his first match for Instituto de Córdoba. The Roma forward shared a video that showed him wearing the number nine shirt and giving an interview after the game as a teenager. He described the occasion as "an unforgettable day". Dybala scored seventeen goals in thirty-eight matches for the Argentine club before his move to Italy in 2012, when he joined Palermo. He has since become a mainstay of the Serie A, including his spell at Roma, where his contract runs until 2027. The post underlines his connection to Italian football across his career at both Juventus and Roma.

Nahuel Molina has completed his transfer to Roma and was formally presented to the club on 12 August 2026. The World Cup-winning full-back spoke to the media following his arrival, explaining his decision to join. "I chose Roma because I think it's a great team, with very warm supporters. It's a strong squad that is performing well," Molina said. "The reception has been beautiful, and I want to repay all of this. I will always give my maximum, which is what I have always done in my career. To leave everything on the pitch for the team and do my best." Molina will wear number 20 at the Giallorossi, a fresh choice for his career. The Argentine defender said he felt welcomed immediately upon arrival, having spoken with teammates including Paulo Dybala and another player. He confirmed his flexibility in defensive shape, having played in both a back three and higher up the pitch: "I have played in both positions, I feel comfortable both higher or lower. It also changes during the match, depending on the manager's choice and also on the opponents." Molina expressed enthusiasm about playing in Serie A again and competing in the Champions League with Roma. On settling in the city with his family, he reflected: "I have spoken a lot with my wife, we really liked the city. For my little girl there is no better place to grow up." He also praised the supporter culture, saying he expected the Stadio Olimpico to be special, and thanked the fans for their reception.