Kumbulla eyes Gasperini role after spells at Espanyol and Mallorca

Roma's radio commentators have dissected the club's transfer position and recent on-field performance in a wide-ranging discussion centred on left-back Jayden Oosterwolde's medical status, midfielder Franck Kessié's availability and an ongoing push to strengthen the forward line. Oosterwolde suffered an injury on 5 August initially thought minor, but subsequent assessments suggest a tendon issue that could sideline him for five to eight weeks, pointing towards a late September or mid-October return. David Rossi of Rete Sport said: "On Oosterwolde there are further medical examinations; the Fenerbahce had sent documents to Roma to say 'look, everything is fine' and that could have raised more concerns at Trigoria. I think Lulli's performance the other night has caused Roma some doubts." The injury timeline and medical uncertainty have reportedly prompted Roma to seek clarity on his availability before finalising any deal. The debate on Kessié centred on whether his reported availability at no cost represents value. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo argued: "This was El Aynaoui's moment—he played in the cup and was praised as one of his country's best midfielders, and it seems he asked Roma for a starting position. That means he'd have to sit out either Cristante or Koné, and I think Gasperini will never leave those two out right now. For that reason Roma told him to find another solution without any hard feelings. Kessié at no cost I'd agree with, but I don't think he'll settle for one and a half million. For me El Aynaoui is better—he's younger, a different prospect." Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo added: "Kessié is very close to Juventus; you'd have to prize him away from them, but I don't know if that's possible. Kessié is 29 and I checked his injury history—he's never had any particular problems. It surprises me; it probably comes from the player's unhappiness, because Gasperini had said the midfield package was what it was. It surprises me that now this midfield problem emerges, given that Roma already has other things to solve and needs to complete its market." Radio voices also highlighted the possibility of late-window movement on the wing, with alternatives such as Nusa (now out of budget following RB Leipzig's salary restructuring after the Diomande sale), Fofana, and unconfirmed targets discussed. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said Roma has "the intention" to add an attacking winger in the final days of the window, while Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio highlighted Paulo Dybala's fitness as "the thing I liked most," noting Gasperini's suggestion the forward could handle extra time.

Roma have inserted themselves forcefully into the race for Franck Kessié. On the evening of 25 August, the club met with the Ivorian midfielder's agent at a hotel in Rome and presented their offer during talks. The move represents a concrete step that could shift Juventus's strategy; the Bianconeri had appeared to be leading the pursuit but may now be forced to accelerate their efforts to avoid being overtaken. However, Juventus first need to free up salary space, and the sale of Miretti alone may not be sufficient to do so. Juventus's proposal stands at two years plus an option for a third season worth approximately €4 million plus bonuses. Roma are now fully engaged in the competition and have made a tangible move by engaging directly with Kessié's representatives. The coming hours are expected to be decisive for the midfielder's future as Roma and Juventus prepare to battle for his signature.

Roma is exploring a change to the structure of the Jayden Oosterwolde transfer from Fenerbahce, according to Il Messaggero, having requested additional medical examinations to assess the Dutch defender's physical condition. The club is particularly concerned about a muscular injury sustained by Oosterwolde in early August, with previous reports suggesting a possible return around the end of September. Roma want precise clarity on his actual recovery timeline because if the absence extends longer than anticipated, it could become problematic for a squad in need of immediately available alternatives on the flanks. The original agreement with Fenerbahce was structured as a loan with a right of purchase that would become an obligation if certain conditions were met. However, given the uncertainty surrounding Oosterwolde's fitness, Roma now prefer to convert the deal into an outright loan, avoiding any commitment to a permanent acquisition at this stage. This represents a substantial shift because Fenerbahce would need to accept a formula entirely different from the one on which an initial agreement had been reached. Decisive further medical checks were scheduled for today to determine when Oosterwolde can return to availability for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Roma will only proceed with a definitive decision on the transfer once those results are known.

Serie A's opening matchday of the 2026–27 season has delivered early evidence that new rule changes designed to limit time-wasting are working. According to data from Repubblica, effective playing time rose significantly from 54 minutes 20 seconds in the first matchday of last season to 59 minutes 14 seconds in the just-completed round—an increase of nearly five minutes per match. The shift has drawn approval from Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, though a more permissive interpretation of contact by referees has already sparked controversy. The new regulations include the five-second rule for throw-ins and goal kicks. When a referee judges a player is excessively delaying a throw-in, an official countdown begins; if the ball is not returned to play within five seconds, possession passes to opponents. The same principle applies to goal kicks, where further delay can result in a corner kick awarded to the opposing side. Gasperini, who criticised frequent stoppages and time-wasting tactics during last season, has welcomed the change. After Roma's 4–0 victory over Fiorentina, he said: "That's great, finally we're playing more. It's fantastic." The interpretation of contact has become a point of tension. In Roma's match against Fiorentina, the visitors protested over a challenge involving Mario Hermoso and Franco Mastantuono that preceded Roma's opening goal; the referee ruled it legal. The first matchday thus reveals two sides of the same shift: more ball in play and fewer interruptions, alongside a threshold for referee intervention that will need consistent application across the campaign. The nearly five-minute gain represents an initial signal; coming fixtures will test whether the new model can sustain a more fluid Serie A without multiplying controversy.

Gian Piero Gasperini deployed three different formations during Roma's match against Fiorentina, avoiding the 3-4-2-1 system that defined last season but never abandoning the aggressive one-on-one pressing and intensity that characterise his approach. The tactical adjustments were made to nullify Fiorentina's threats rather than to compensate for transfer market gaps or absences. Gasperini's willingness to shift shape underscores a deeper principle: Roma's behaviour remains unchanged regardless of formation. The side consistently attacks, with N'Dicka operating as a target on the attacking third and Mancini and Hermoso—later replaced by Koulierakis—covering the flanks. Fiorentina manager Grosso began in a 4-3-2-1 before moving to 4-2-4 when Roma went two goals clear. With Kean deployed alongside Pellegrino, Gasperini matched the adjustment with an identical system. The lineup featured Svilar in goal, Lulli, Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso across the back, Cristante and Koné in midfield, and Soulé, Dybala, Malen and Wesley in attack. Soulé had replaced Mora at 2-0. When Grosso shifted to 4-3-3 late on, Gasperini responded by introducing El Aynaoui and Pisilli for Koné and Dybala, switching to a 3-5-1-1. This brought Mancini, N'Dicka and Koulierakis across the back, a five-man midfield of Lulli, Pisilli, Cristante, El Aynaoui and Wesley, with Soulé supporting Castro in attack. Roma scored a fourth goal. Gasperini's track record with such adjustments is long and proven, but the club now needs a right-footed winger capable of providing thrust on the break and winning one-on-one duels. The manager will learn soon whether Chelsea is willing to negotiate for Gittens, and after Lyon play Fenerbahce tomorrow evening, whether an agreement with Fofana can be finalised.

Roma's opening Serie A victory drew a full Stadio Olimpico and inspired the week's match ratings. Donyell Malen emerged as the standout performer, his finishing so prolific that the rater suggested he deserved to take the entire goal frame home with the ball. Rodrigo Mora's competitive debut under Gasperini from the start caught observers off guard; rather than showing nerves, he impressed with his footwork, particularly his right foot. Bryan Cristante delivered a measured, geometric display in midfield, structuring Roma's passing lanes with steady control. Mario Hermoso held his defensive line and regularly blocked Fiorentina's Mastantuono on the wing, occasionally venturing forward in search of space. Fiorentina, managed by Grosso, fielded what the rater described as a laboratory of new signings still seeking cohesion. The visiting side capitulated to Roma from the opening phases without establishing any meaningful attacking principle, despite assembling a squad with considerable investment. Naples, overseen by Allegri, struggled at Genoa; the rater noted that beyond the result itself, the team faced real difficulty and courted dangerous moments that could have proved costly had Roma's attack been more clinical, suggesting the visiting midfield lacked fluidity. Two moments drew specific criticism. De Bruyne's incident at Genoa—described as an elbow strike between the shoulder blades of Vásquez—was framed by the rater as technically a shoulder charge, raising questions about the officiating standard. Separately, pundit Fabio Capello faced scrutiny for suggesting that Gasperini owes everything to Malen for finishing third in the previous campaign, with observers questioning whether Capello applied the same logic to his own trophy wins with Batistuta and Montella. Alexandro Vescini, a DAZN journalist, drew harsh online criticism after stumbling over his words while not realizing he remained on air. The rater noted that many of those attacking him struggled with basic grammar themselves, highlighting a broader problem with online discourse.