Gasperini's Roma sit top three and eye January transfer window

Mario Hermoso has become one of the most surprising symbols of Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical revolution at Roma, having turned from a pure defender into a complete player who combines marking solidity with a striker's instinct. He is now an established starter, has earned the coach's full trust, and the club has moved to work on a renewal that would tie him to the giallorossi for the long term. According to Il Corriere dello Sport, his development is one of the masterpieces of Gasperini's work. Before a decisive meeting in July 2025, Hermoso's future looked uncertain. Since then his approach to the role has changed completely: aggressive and alert when defending, he becomes an extra attacker as soon as he crosses the halfway line. The numbers back this up. He has scored seven goals under Gasperini, three of them so far this season, including the strike that unlocked the match against Sassuolo. That output places him among the best goalscoring defenders in Europe, directly behind names such as van Dijk and Querfeld, and far surpasses what he produced in his years at Atletico Madrid. His impact is considerable, in some ways comparable to what Kolasinac had at Gasperini's Atalanta, but enhanced by superior technical quality and a more pronounced goal sense. In his thirteen starts he has, alongside his tackles and interceptions, made 120 entries into the opposition box and produced close to a thousand touches, a level of involvement no other Roma player matches. Gasperini described him as "cold as a number nine". Il Corriere dello Sport reports that such a high level of performance made it inevitable to address his contract. Now that the deadline tied to the Champions League clause has passed, Roma and the player are reportedly very close to an agreement running until 2029, with an option for 2030. Hermoso would also have accepted a reduction in his salary, following the example of senior players such as Mancini, Cristante, Dybala and Pellegrini. The gesture is a strong signal of both parties' desire to continue together.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is pushing for reinforcements in the January transfer window, with a meeting between the club and the coach expected in the coming days to set the strategy. The November international break arrives at the right moment for Roma, who are enjoying an exciting start to the season, sitting third in Serie A and unbeaten in the league. Gasperini has now been in charge for 521 days, and the club and its management know that making the final leap in quality will require making the most of the January market. According to Il Tempo, Roma have not lost in Serie A for 18 matches, boast the league's best attack with 31 goals, and have the second-best defence. Gasperini sees the fruits of his work and the growth of a group that functions perfectly. He is aware, however, that there are still details to improve, such as finishing and handling decisive moments, if Roma are to close the gap on Lazio and Inter. That is why the winter window, which opens early on 28 December, is a key step. The top priority is clear: Roma need a fast winger capable of providing depth and unpredictability. Gasperini considers that profile fundamental, partly because players such as Dybala and Pellegrini do not offer constant physical guarantees. In other areas, Roma feel covered. The attack is working thanks to Soulé and Mora, and on the flanks the emergence of Lulli has reduced the urgency to act. Defence and midfield also offer good certainties.

Roma are reportedly preparing to strengthen their attack in January, with sporting director Tony D'Amico working on two signings to support Donyell Malen in the title race. Gian Piero Gasperini is not satisfied with second place, and after eleven league matchdays Roma have the numbers and performances to think bigger than a place in the Champions League. According to Francesco Balzani writing in Leggo, Roma have scored 31 goals, conceded only 10 and collected 27 points. What stands out is the variety of Roma's attacking options. The team no longer relies solely on Malen's goals: defenders Mario Hermoso and Leonardo Balerdi have scored, as have midfielders Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli, while Matías Soulé and the increasingly impressive Rodrigo Mora have contributed from the attacking midfield roles. This has come despite an emergency in recent weeks that deprived Gasperini of key players. Meanwhile, the progress of the young players is providing new resources. Lulli, Ghilardi and above all Mora are showing they can be much more than simple alternatives, a depth that was lacking until a few weeks ago. The bigger upgrade could come in the January transfer window. D'Amico has already confirmed his intention to give Gasperini the quick, space-attacking wide forward the team has lacked since last summer. The idea, according to Leggo, is to repeat the Malen model: a loan with an option to buy for a quality player who is finding little space at his current club. Endrick of Real Madrid and Jamie Gittens of Chelsea are under observation. The two profiles are very different but share a search for greater continuity. The operations remain complex and no agreements have been finalised. A midfield move is also not ruled out, and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg of Marseille, already assessed in the summer, has been linked with Roma again. Roma go into the international break third on 27 points, two behind capolista Lazio and one behind Inter. When action resumes, the fixtures are against Parma and Monza, before a derby that could take on even greater significance. Gasperini continues to preach caution but does not hide his ambition.