Koné focuses on World Cup, defers discussion of future beyond tournament

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will address the media on Saturday 23 August at 13:30 from the Fulvio Bernardini press room to preview Monday's Serie A opener against Fiorentina. The match kicks off at 20:45 on 26 August in the first fixture of the 2026–27 season. Gasperini is expected to discuss several topics including the potential involvement of Rodrigo Mora, the club's ongoing transfer activity in the final days of the window, and Roma's campaign launch. Starting the season well is crucial, though August presents challenges with numerous clubs navigating squad changes as the transfer market remains open.

Gianluca Mancini spoke to Sky Sport from Trigoria, emphasizing his deep commitment to Roma and reflecting on the club's recent arrivals. The defender stressed his emotional bond with the club, saying: "Al cuore non si comanda. Io ho un rapporto speciale, la Roma me la sento dentro di me, dal primo giorno che sono arrivato e poi negli anni è aumentato." He outlined his desire to remain under the current management and continue contributing as the new season approaches. Mancini praised the intensity of pre-season preparation and the squad's readiness for the campaign ahead. On Rodrigo Mora, who completed his first training session on the day of the interview, Mancini noted that the Portuguese defender impressed him when Roma faced Porto two years ago. He credited manager José Mourinho's assessment of Mora's qualities, saying new arrivals strengthen the group which functions as a family. Regarding the league title race, Mancini acknowledged Inter's status as favourites but stressed Roma's ambition to compete: "il nostro obiettivo è pensare partita dopo partita, ragionare da squadra, passare dai momenti belli e cavalcare l'onda." Mancini also reflected on his experience with the Italian national team, acknowledging lingering disappointment over missing the World Cup while emphasizing the need to focus forward under new leadership.

Gianluca Mancini spoke at Trigoria about his decision to stay at Roma after Inter's approach this summer, his commitment to the club, and the arrival of new midfielder Rodrigo Mora. "At heart you cannot command," Mancini said. "I have a special relationship with Roma—I have felt it inside me since the first day I arrived, and it has grown with the years. I wanted to stay strongly with the coach and my teammates, to continue being a protagonist in this new year that is coming and do things in the best possible way, because we deserve it as players, the city, the fans, the club. When you are part of a family it is difficult to leave." Mancini highlighted Roma's Champions League qualification last season as a major milestone and backed the squad to compete this term. On Gasperini's demanding pre-season regime, he stressed that tough preparation is part of football and the coaching staff put players in the right condition to face the season. He acknowledged Inter as favourites for the title but said Roma's objective is "to think match after match, to reason as a squad, to ride the wave in good moments and not collapse in difficult ones, but always improve ourselves." On Mora's arrival, Mancini noted the new signing trained with the squad that day and said experienced players help newcomers settle on and off the pitch. He referenced a Porto match two years ago in which Mora impressed, adding that José Mourinho's endorsement of the player carries weight. Mancini also touched on his national team hopes, saying the disappointment of Italy's World Cup absence remains but the focus must turn to objectives ahead.