Italy U19 squad named for Croatia match: Nardin starts, Arena on bench

Roma have altered their transfer strategy following the Rodrigo Mora operation, pivoting their attention towards a left-back after initially pursuing other targets. The club are pressing Luis Henrique, the Brazilian left-back, though an agreement has not yet been reached. Hector Fort of Barcelona is also under consideration, but the defender has prioritised a move to Borussia Dortmund. The pursuit of Yacine Fofana has grown more distant; Roma deem Lyon's asking price of €35 million plus bonuses excessive, despite having reached an agreement with the 2005-born winger. Cacciamani is similarly off the radar. In outgoings, Jan Ziółkowski is poised to leave the club, potentially to Saudi Arabia. Should the defender depart, Roma would seek a centre-back on loan, with Fenerbahçe's Oosterwolde re-emerging as a target. Meanwhile, Manchester City's reported interest in Manu Koné has been confirmed; the midfielder is among the names in contention for their midfield.

Roma have paused negotiations with Lyon over midfielder Fofana following the arrival of Rodrigo Mora, according to Fabrizio Romano. The gap between the clubs remains small, but Roma are prioritizing the signing of a left winger before reviving that deal. Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss Roma's opening Serie A fixture against Fiorentina on Monday evening at the Olimpico. The number 7 is recovering from a right rectus femoris injury and requires further time before returning to Gasperini's squad. He will also sit out the subsequent match at Lecce on Monday 31 August, with a return to group training planned for early September. Pellegrini is targeting involvement in the match against Atalanta on Saturday 5 September at the Olimpico. Positive news emerged from training today as Niccolò Pisilli worked fully with the squad following a minor issue. Wesley trained partially with the group and is targeting full fitness to start against Fiorentina. Head coach Gasperini will hold his first pre-match press conference of the season on Saturday at 13:30.

Paulo Dybala has shared photographs from Roma's final home match of last season on social media as the club prepares for the opening fixture against Fiorentina. The Argentine forward posted images from a May encounter and wrote: "The last match at home, with great desire to start the same way." Roma won that fixture 2–0, and Dybala's post reflects the squad's anticipation ahead of their return to the Olimpico for the new campaign. With the 2025–26 season now closed, Roma are looking to build momentum under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The opening match against Fiorentina marks the beginning of the 2026–27 season, and the players have been expressing their excitement through social media as they prepare for competitive action. Dybala's message underlines the squad's determination to replicate the strong finish of the previous campaign and carry that confidence into the new term.