Grosso backs Fiorentina to challenge Roma at Olimpico

Fiorentina head coach Fabio Grosso has cleared his squad fit and ready for tomorrow evening's Serie A opener against Roma at the Olimpico. At his pre-match press conference on 23 August, Grosso reported that all injury concerns have been resolved. "We are all well, fortunately we have recovered the players who were carrying knocks," he said. "Physically and mentally we are ready for Roma. We have excellent weapons at our disposal. Kean is well and will be with us tomorrow." Grosso acknowledged the significance of the fixture for Fiorentina's supporters but stressed his focus remains on the immediate challenge. "We know how much this match means in Florence—it is one of our objectives to ride the enthusiasm we feel in the city," he explained. "Roma has a clear identity. It will be a difficult match, but difficult things can give you satisfaction when you throw yourself into them and stay in them." On the broader squad picture, Grosso indicated the club is still seeking attacking reinforcements, saying "We are looking for someone up front with different characteristics." Grosso defended his selection options across the defensive line, noting he has no preference for left or right-footed centre-backs. "Pongracic has played many times on the left," he said. "We have four defenders with different paths and characteristics. The skill here is finding the best combination—there is always a need for everyone in the squad." On his attacking options, Grosso outlined his forward contingent: "We have only four attacking players for the three attacking positions we have. I want to take all the time available. Pellegrino and Kean are doing very well, as are Gudmundsson and Mastantuono, who is growing a lot." The match kicks off tomorrow, 24 August, as Fiorentina aim to make a winning start under Grosso.

Fiorentina manager Fabio Grosso addressed reporters on 23 August ahead of Roma-Fiorentina, the opening fixture of the 2026-27 Serie A season, in what will be his official debut on the Fiorentina bench. Grosso confirmed that all squad members are available and physically ready for the challenge, with forward Kean fit both physically and mentally. He acknowledged Roma's strength under Gasperini but expressed confidence in Fiorentina's ability to compete: "We know the opponent's qualities and what awaits us. We prepare ourselves to counter and put our qualities on the pitch. The opponents are good, they had a great season and a very clear coach. Many characteristics make the fixture difficult, but difficult things if you throw yourself into them can become even more beautiful." Grosso also addressed the transfer market, stating that Fiorentina are on track with the club's plans. "We go hand in hand with the club. In the days before matches we focus on the priority aspect and the players we have. In these days we have talked little about the market, but we remain where we were. The squad needs filling in some points," he said. He outlined his defensive approach, noting that he prefers to position his defenders in their favoured roles rather than focus solely on containing specific opponents. "We have four centre-backs with different experience and characteristics. The skill is making the players who take the pitch express themselves well." Grosso reflected on his appointment as an emotional moment rooted in his deep passion for the work, while emphasizing the scale of the challenge ahead. He described Fiorentina's project as one requiring time and collective effort to rebuild competitive status. "We are aware of being many new things, we must blend together to walk together with a precise identity and a real squad," he said.

Roma are close to finalizing the arrival of Jayden Oosterwolde and pursuing Jamie Gittens as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini targets two new signings before the window closes. Gasperini confirmed in his press conference: "We can add two players, but only if they are suitable profiles and if we can reach them on the conditions we can afford." The Oosterwolde transfer is in its final stages after the clubs began preparing documentation on the evening of 22 August. Roma will pay €1 million for a loan with a fee, then €15 million if Oosterwolde records 20 appearances of at least 45 minutes, at which point the initial right to buy becomes an obligation. The 1.89 cm-tall Dutch defender is currently sidelined with a muscular injury; his recovery is estimated for early October. If all goes smoothly, he should be available for Gasperini after the first international break of the season. Originally a wing-back, Oosterwolde's physicality and positioning sense have often seen him deployed as a centre-back—either as a third defender or a fixed outside defender—offering Gasperini valuable tactical flexibility. The Gittens pursuit requires further negotiation with Chelsea. The Blues publicly rejected Roma's opening offer on 22 August, though the article suggests this is part of standard transfer posturing aimed at moving Roma away from their initial loan proposal. Chelsea will make their Premier League debut on Monday evening in the London derby against Fulham, making negotiations unlikely to progress over the coming 48 hours while attention turns to the pitch. Roma plan to offer €5 million for a loan with a fee and aim to secure a sell-on right—not an obligation—set above €50 million, reflecting the significant investment Chelsea made in Gittens a year ago.