Gasperini to start Dybala and Malen as Roma open 2026–27 season against Fiorentina at sold-out Olimpico

Zbigniew Boniek has backed Roma's transfer strategy and championship ambitions in an interview with Corriere della Sera. The former Roma striker urged the club to start the season strongly, saying: "It will be fundamental to start well. In Italy if you make mistakes in a few matches they immediately start criticizing you. On the contrary, starting with the right foot the enthusiasm of Roma fans could push you to dream. Simply fighting for the top would already be considered an important achievement. My hope is that Roma has an important season, even if they are not among the favourites for the Scudetto." Roma return to the Champions League after seven years, an undertaking Boniek considers demanding. He acknowledged that while Gian Piero Gasperini may still want additional players, the club has already moved decisively in the market. Santiago Castro impressed Boniek as a centre forward: "Castro, for example, I like as a striker and he will be an excellent alternative to Malen." Boniek expressed confidence in Donyell Malen's ability to replicate his form. "He has the perfect characteristics for Serie A," Boniek said. "He's not like many strikers today, who play with their back to goal and fight defenders—Malen always looks at the goalkeeper. He is destined to do well again." Boniek also praised Gasperini's fit with the Roma support, describing the coach as someone who consistently extracts maximum performance from his squad. "I like Gasperini very much, he always manages to get the best out of his team, he is outspoken," Boniek reflected. "Roma fans want to see their team play well and win: Gasperini guarantees you all of that. Perhaps he is disliked, yes, but by opponents."

Roma will face Fiorentina in the opening match of the 2026–27 Serie A season on 24 August at 20:45, with the Olimpico sold out for the campaign's debut. Head coach Gasperini has settled most selection questions but left unresolved a contest between Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora for a place on the attacking midfield line, both having been tested in recent tactical sessions. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen will lead the attack. The squad arrives with the goal of confirming the previous season's strong showing, which returned Roma to the Champions League after seven years away. The defensive line appears set, with Mile Svilar in goal behind a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. The midfield four will likely be Nahuel Molina, Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné and Wesley across the width. Rome's major newspapers offered varying formations in their predicted lineups ahead of the fixture. Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Tempo, Messaggero, Repubblica and Romanista all suggested a 3–4–2–1 or 3–4–1–2 structure, though they differed on whether Soulé or Mora would occupy the second attacking midfield slot. Romanews.eu predicted a 3–4–2–1 with Soulé in that role and Dybala flanking him, while other outlets split between the two options, reflecting the uncertainty Gasperini has yet to resolve.

Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma begin their Serie A campaign this evening at the Olimpico against a heavily refreshed Fiorentina. The squad setup is largely settled: Svilar in goal, a proven defensive three of Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso, with Molina making his official Roma debut on one flank and Wesley on the other. The only genuine uncertainty sits in the attacking midfield position, where Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora vie for the spot behind Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Gasperini's formation hints at an attacking intent despite the tactical flexibility expected of the former Atalanta boss. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are locked in as the midfield pairing, with Molina's inclusion marking his competitive entry into the side. The Olimpico is set to display Roma colours in full, underlining the fresh start under new management in what shapes as a defining early test against Fiorentina's overhauled squad. Multiple outlets have converged on the likely XI. La Gazzetta dello Sport predicts a 3-4-1-2 shape with Soulé in the playmaking role and Dybala and Malen as the strike pair. Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport both favour a 3-4-2-1 formation, positioning Soulé and Dybala together on the second line with Malen as the sole striker. Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo align with Gazzetta's 3-4-1-2 structure, again backing Soulé to start ahead of Mora in the attacking unit.

Roma will face Fiorentina in the opening match of the 2026–27 Serie A season on 24 August at 20:45, with the Olimpico sold out for the campaign's debut. Head coach Gasperini has settled most selection questions but left unresolved a contest between Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora for a place on the attacking midfield line, both having been tested in recent tactical sessions. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen will lead the attack. The squad arrives with the goal of confirming the previous season's strong showing, which returned Roma to the Champions League after seven years away. The defensive line appears set, with Mile Svilar in goal behind a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. The midfield four will likely be Nahuel Molina, Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné and Wesley across the width. Rome's major newspapers offered varying formations in their predicted lineups ahead of the fixture. Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Tempo, Messaggero, Repubblica and Romanista all suggested a 3–4–2–1 or 3–4–1–2 structure, though they differed on whether Soulé or Mora would occupy the second attacking midfield slot. Romanews.eu predicted a 3–4–2–1 with Soulé in that role and Dybala flanking him, while other outlets split between the two options, reflecting the uncertainty Gasperini has yet to resolve.

Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma begin their Serie A campaign this evening at the Olimpico against a heavily refreshed Fiorentina. The squad setup is largely settled: Svilar in goal, a proven defensive three of Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso, with Molina making his official Roma debut on one flank and Wesley on the other. The only genuine uncertainty sits in the attacking midfield position, where Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora vie for the spot behind Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Gasperini's formation hints at an attacking intent despite the tactical flexibility expected of the former Atalanta boss. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are locked in as the midfield pairing, with Molina's inclusion marking his competitive entry into the side. The Olimpico is set to display Roma colours in full, underlining the fresh start under new management in what shapes as a defining early test against Fiorentina's overhauled squad. Multiple outlets have converged on the likely XI. La Gazzetta dello Sport predicts a 3-4-1-2 shape with Soulé in the playmaking role and Dybala and Malen as the strike pair. Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport both favour a 3-4-2-1 formation, positioning Soulé and Dybala together on the second line with Malen as the sole striker. Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo align with Gazzetta's 3-4-1-2 structure, again backing Soulé to start ahead of Mora in the attacking unit.

Roma begin their 2026–27 season at the Stadio Olimpico against a heavily rebuilt Fiorentina on matchday one. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini faces one key decision on the attacking third: either Matías Soulé or Rodrigo Mora will operate behind the Paulo Dybala–Donyell Malen partnership. The defensive block and midfield pairing are confirmed; Nahuel Molina will start on the right wing in his competitive debut, with Wesley on the left. Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo all predict a 3–4–1–2 formation with Soulé in the number 10 role, ahead of Dybala and Malen. Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport instead project a 3–4–2–1, with Soulé and Dybala paired on the attacking line and Malen as the central forward. The back four remains unchanged: Mile Svilar in goal, Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné make up the midfield base.

Roma will face Fiorentina in the opening match of the 2026–27 Serie A season on 24 August at 20:45, with the Olimpico sold out for the campaign's debut. Head coach Gasperini has settled most selection questions but left unresolved a contest between Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora for a place on the attacking midfield line, both having been tested in recent tactical sessions. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen will lead the attack. The squad arrives with the goal of confirming the previous season's strong showing, which returned Roma to the Champions League after seven years away. The defensive line appears set, with Mile Svilar in goal behind a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. The midfield four will likely be Nahuel Molina, Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné and Wesley across the width. Rome's major newspapers offered varying formations in their predicted lineups ahead of the fixture. Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Tempo, Messaggero, Repubblica and Romanista all suggested a 3–4–2–1 or 3–4–1–2 structure, though they differed on whether Soulé or Mora would occupy the second attacking midfield slot. Romanews.eu predicted a 3–4–2–1 with Soulé in that role and Dybala flanking him, while other outlets split between the two options, reflecting the uncertainty Gasperini has yet to resolve.

Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma begin their Serie A campaign this evening at the Olimpico against a heavily refreshed Fiorentina. The squad setup is largely settled: Svilar in goal, a proven defensive three of Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso, with Molina making his official Roma debut on one flank and Wesley on the other. The only genuine uncertainty sits in the attacking midfield position, where Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora vie for the spot behind Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Gasperini's formation hints at an attacking intent despite the tactical flexibility expected of the former Atalanta boss. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are locked in as the midfield pairing, with Molina's inclusion marking his competitive entry into the side. The Olimpico is set to display Roma colours in full, underlining the fresh start under new management in what shapes as a defining early test against Fiorentina's overhauled squad. Multiple outlets have converged on the likely XI. La Gazzetta dello Sport predicts a 3-4-1-2 shape with Soulé in the playmaking role and Dybala and Malen as the strike pair. Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport both favour a 3-4-2-1 formation, positioning Soulé and Dybala together on the second line with Malen as the sole striker. Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo align with Gazzetta's 3-4-1-2 structure, again backing Soulé to start ahead of Mora in the attacking unit.

Roma begin their 2026–27 season at the Stadio Olimpico against a heavily rebuilt Fiorentina on matchday one. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini faces one key decision on the attacking third: either Matías Soulé or Rodrigo Mora will operate behind the Paulo Dybala–Donyell Malen partnership. The defensive block and midfield pairing are confirmed; Nahuel Molina will start on the right wing in his competitive debut, with Wesley on the left. Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo all predict a 3–4–1–2 formation with Soulé in the number 10 role, ahead of Dybala and Malen. Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport instead project a 3–4–2–1, with Soulé and Dybala paired on the attacking line and Malen as the central forward. The back four remains unchanged: Mile Svilar in goal, Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné make up the midfield base.

Roma will face Fiorentina in the opening match of the 2026–27 Serie A season on 24 August at 20:45, with the Olimpico sold out for the campaign's debut. Head coach Gasperini has settled most selection questions but left unresolved a contest between Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora for a place on the attacking midfield line, both having been tested in recent tactical sessions. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen will lead the attack. The squad arrives with the goal of confirming the previous season's strong showing, which returned Roma to the Champions League after seven years away. The defensive line appears set, with Mile Svilar in goal behind a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. The midfield four will likely be Nahuel Molina, Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné and Wesley across the width. Rome's major newspapers offered varying formations in their predicted lineups ahead of the fixture. Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Tempo, Messaggero, Repubblica and Romanista all suggested a 3–4–2–1 or 3–4–1–2 structure, though they differed on whether Soulé or Mora would occupy the second attacking midfield slot. Romanews.eu predicted a 3–4–2–1 with Soulé in that role and Dybala flanking him, while other outlets split between the two options, reflecting the uncertainty Gasperini has yet to resolve.

Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma begin their Serie A campaign this evening at the Olimpico against a heavily refreshed Fiorentina. The squad setup is largely settled: Svilar in goal, a proven defensive three of Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso, with Molina making his official Roma debut on one flank and Wesley on the other. The only genuine uncertainty sits in the attacking midfield position, where Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora vie for the spot behind Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Gasperini's formation hints at an attacking intent despite the tactical flexibility expected of the former Atalanta boss. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are locked in as the midfield pairing, with Molina's inclusion marking his competitive entry into the side. The Olimpico is set to display Roma colours in full, underlining the fresh start under new management in what shapes as a defining early test against Fiorentina's overhauled squad. Multiple outlets have converged on the likely XI. La Gazzetta dello Sport predicts a 3-4-1-2 shape with Soulé in the playmaking role and Dybala and Malen as the strike pair. Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport both favour a 3-4-2-1 formation, positioning Soulé and Dybala together on the second line with Malen as the sole striker. Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo align with Gazzetta's 3-4-1-2 structure, again backing Soulé to start ahead of Mora in the attacking unit.

Roma begin their 2026–27 season at the Stadio Olimpico against a heavily rebuilt Fiorentina on matchday one. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini faces one key decision on the attacking third: either Matías Soulé or Rodrigo Mora will operate behind the Paulo Dybala–Donyell Malen partnership. The defensive block and midfield pairing are confirmed; Nahuel Molina will start on the right wing in his competitive debut, with Wesley on the left. Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo all predict a 3–4–1–2 formation with Soulé in the number 10 role, ahead of Dybala and Malen. Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport instead project a 3–4–2–1, with Soulé and Dybala paired on the attacking line and Malen as the central forward. The back four remains unchanged: Mile Svilar in goal, Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné make up the midfield base.