Koné returns to the starting lineup, but his future remains uncertain

Paulo Dybala has consolidated his status as Roma's cornerstone player despite an injury-depleted forward line under Gian Piero Gasperini. The club initially weighed the possibility of parting with the Argentine at the end of his contract, mindful of his €8 million net annual salary in the 2025–26 season and the 21 matches he missed due to physical problems. However, a contract extension through 2027, confirmed on 13 July, resolved all doubts. Dybala accepted a 70% salary reduction to remain in giallorosso colours, demonstrating his deep attachment to the club. With Stephan El Shaarawy departing on a free transfer, Lorenzo Venturino and Bryan Zaragoza returning to their parent clubs, and Lorenzo Pellegrini sidelined by injury, Dybala and Matías Soulé carry almost the entire responsibility for the attacking midfield role. His experience proves invaluable ahead of Roma's European campaign: Dybala's 53 Champions League appearances make him the squad's most seasoned European player, ahead of Nahuel Molina (37 appearances), Donyell Malen and Mario Hermoso (31 each). Against Borussia Dortmund in a friendly on 15 August at 17:30, Dybala is set once again to lead the team on the pitch, confirming his status as both a technical and commercial pillar of the club.

Roma continue to work on bringing Rodrigo Mora to the club but are preparing contingency options as negotiations progress. Fofana has emerged as an alternative target, with Roma planning to propose a loan with an obligation to buy under certain conditions, similar to their Mora offer. Head coach Gasperini continues to push for Mora's arrival and the player's family support a move to Roma, viewing the club as ideal for his development. Contacts have continued in recent days, though formulas, clauses and details still need to be finalised to determine if the deal is genuinely feasible. Progress on Luis Henrique has stalled. While Roma and Inter maintain good relations and a broad understanding, there is no economic agreement in place and the operation is not close to completion. Henrique's camp appreciates Roma's technical project but contractual terms remain a stumbling block, and Roma currently have other market priorities elsewhere. Gabriel Martinelli's wages make a Roma move impossible at present. Antonio Nusa, targeted by Roma, faces no pressure to leave Leipzig following Diomandé's departure, leaving the Norwegian forward's path to Roma frozen for now.

Roma face Borussia Dortmund today at 17:30 in their final pre-season fixture with a squad stretched by injuries and departures. Wesley suffered a right ankle distortion yesterday, the same injury that troubled him during the Wales retreat, joining Niccolò Pisilli (soleus muscle strain) and Lorenzo Pellegrini (expected back only by mid-September) on the absentee list. Gasperini has just 23 players available, including only 3 goalkeepers and 16 outfield players — 8 of them defenders. Manu Koné and Nahuel Molina, who only joined the group on Tuesday, are still building fitness. With 15 days until the summer window closes, Roma's squad position has become critical. Eight players have departed — Dovbyk, Ferguson, Angeliño, Tsimikas, Celik, Zaragoza, Venturino and El Shaarawy — while only three have arrived: Molina, Castro and Koulierakis. When asked about his team's competitive strength compared to last season, Gasperini responded pointedly: "According to you?", highlighting shortages on the wings, in attack and in midfield, where just three players are fit today. The defence has conceded 11 goals across pre-season matches against Cannes, Brighton, Cardiff and Newport without a clean sheet, making today's encounter a crucial test before the Serie A campaign begins against Fiorentina.