Lulli aims to impress Gasperini with defensive nous and attacking drive

Roma continue their recruitment efforts ahead of the Serie A season, which kicks off in less than a week. The club remains in the market for a left-sided winger and at least two strikers. Mora, the Porto target, remains under negotiation with no significant developments in recent hours, though the pursuit remains active. Luis Henrique has also attracted Roma's interest, with a valuation of €30 million, and seemed close to completion days ago—but that is no longer the case. Market expert Alfredo Pedullà clarified the situation on his YouTube channel, stating: "Luis Henrique is not a priority. D'Amico, at the moment, has other necessities. There have been evaluations, but the intention is to invest the money in other roles." The message is unambiguous: Roma intends to deploy resources elsewhere. For the left flank, Udogie—the Tottenham defender—is the profile most favoured by the club. While negotiations remain to be constructed, the direction appears set.

Paulo Dybala produced a masterclass performance in Roma's latest summer friendly against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Stadium, playing 86 minutes and delivering a complete attacking display. He opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a precise finish from a tight angle, then set up Bryan Cristante's header in the ninth. The display capped a remarkable pre-season for the Argentine, who has excelled throughout the summer schedule in ways he never has before at the club. Across Roma's full pre-season campaign, Dybala has accumulated three goals in matches against Primavera and Trastevere at Trigoria, a brace and an assist in the 3–3 friendly against Cannes, a goal and assist across fixtures in Wales (goals against Cardiff, assist against Newport), and a goal in Germany. He was goalless only at Brighton. Statistically and physically, Dybala appears to have arrived for the 2026–27 season in elite condition—a stark contrast to his previous summers in a Roma shirt. In 2022, after his initial arrival, he featured in only two pre-season matches (against Tottenham, with an assist, and Shakhtar Donetsk) owing to fitness concerns. In 2023 he played four of five friendlies, scoring three goals. The summer of 2024 saw him in four of five tests with one goal, while last summer he skipped all English fixtures due to post-surgical recovery and returned only in the final pre-season match against Neom.

Roma are maintaining pressure to sign Rodrigo Mora from Porto, with general manager D'Amico also exploring alternative targets. The club is simultaneously pressing Tottenham for left-back Destiny Udogie, though a deal with the English club remains difficult. Matteo Moretto reported that Roma and Jorge Mendes are in continued contact over Mora; talks from yesterday will continue today as Roma awaits final approval from Porto president Villas-Boas. Mora, a 2007-born midfielder, remained on Porto's bench for the full 90 minutes in their win against Rio Ave. His agent had recently expressed frustration about the player's situation, prompting Porto manager Francesco Farioli to respond firmly: "Così non aiuta nessuno, la priorità è il Porto" (This helps no one; Porto is the priority). Alfredo Pedullà reported that Roma's interest in Udogie should be monitored closely as of today, with the operation from Tottenham assessed as difficult but possible. Barcelona may be stepping back from Christopher Nkunku, the Milan forward also linked with Roma, because the club considers his salary too high.

Roma take on Borussia Dortmund in a pre-season friendly at 17:30 today, but the clash is overshadowed by an injury crisis that has left Gian Piero Gasperini with just 23 players available — only 16 outfield players and three goalkeepers. Wesley suffered a right ankle sprain yesterday, joining Niccolò Pisilli (soleus injury) and Lorenzo Pellegrini (returning to group training in mid-September) on the sidelines. The Brazilian's injury mirrors problems sustained during the Welsh training camp. With 15 days remaining in the summer transfer window, Roma's squad position has deteriorated markedly. Eight players have departed — Dovbyk, Ferguson, Angeliño, Tsimikas, Celik, Zaragoza, Venturino and El Shaarawy — while only three signings have arrived: Molina, Castro and Koulierakis. Gasperini highlighted the shortage with a pointed response on competitiveness versus last season: "According to you?", underlining particular weaknesses on the flanks, in attack and midfield, where only three players are currently available. The Dortmund match will provide minutes for Molina while also testing Roma's defensive resilience; the rearguard conceded 11 goals across four pre-season matches against Cannes, Brighton, Cardiff and Newport without a clean sheet.

Roma remain without a left-back as negotiations with Porto over Rodrigo Mora have reached an impasse. The stalemate has persisted for 48 hours, with Roma unwilling to improve its offer or adjust the conditions for a compulsory purchase clause—set at 60 per cent appearances and Champions League qualification—while Porto refuses to budge. To break the deadlock, director D'Amico has reopened contact with Lyon over Malick Fofana. The initial €40 million valuation may be reduced, and Roma intends to propose a loan with an obligation to buy contingent on specific conditions, the same structure being pursued for Mora. The club has received assurances regarding Fofana's physical condition after a serious ankle injury sustained last year. While the left-back search dominates the agenda, Roma are also pursuing a backup option to Wesley at right-back. Torino continues to block a move for Cacciamani, prompting Roma to shift focus to Kostas Tsimikas. The former Udinese player is keen to return to Serie A, though Tottenham have not yet granted permission for a loan. Fresh talks with Spurs are expected in the coming days.

Roma must quicken their transfer activity with less than two weeks until the Serie A season begins. Head coach Gasperini has signalled urgency to the club following a heavy defeat to Brighton, stating: "Numerically it seems there is still a need for something, but you know how it is." Koné returned to training today and Molina arrived in the capital yesterday, providing important reinforcements, but the coach insists the squad-building remains incomplete. Gasperini has emphasised the need for depth across positions, particularly given Champions League participation: "Having at least two players per role is essential for those competing in cups. Those who don't do it pay heavily." Gasperini's original shopping list comprised a defender, a winger and two forwards. Koulierakis has arrived for defence, Castro for attack, and Molina on the wing—filling three of four targets. The priority now is a second striker. Roma have identified Rodrigo Mora from Porto, with negotiations progressing well; the club hopes to complete that deal in the coming hours. The second gap is at left-back: while Molina covered Çelik's departure on the right, Gasperini needs cover for Wesley on the opposite flank, particularly after losing both Angeliño and Tsimikas from the previous season. Roma are focusing on Alessio Cacciamani and Destiny Udogie, contrasting profiles suited to strengthen the left-back options. The work ahead is significant, and time is running short.

Roma take on Borussia Dortmund in a pre-season friendly at 17:30 today, but the clash is overshadowed by an injury crisis that has left Gian Piero Gasperini with just 23 players available — only 16 outfield players and three goalkeepers. Wesley suffered a right ankle sprain yesterday, joining Niccolò Pisilli (soleus injury) and Lorenzo Pellegrini (returning to group training in mid-September) on the sidelines. The Brazilian's injury mirrors problems sustained during the Welsh training camp. With 15 days remaining in the summer transfer window, Roma's squad position has deteriorated markedly. Eight players have departed — Dovbyk, Ferguson, Angeliño, Tsimikas, Celik, Zaragoza, Venturino and El Shaarawy — while only three signings have arrived: Molina, Castro and Koulierakis. Gasperini highlighted the shortage with a pointed response on competitiveness versus last season: "According to you?", underlining particular weaknesses on the flanks, in attack and midfield, where only three players are currently available. The Dortmund match will provide minutes for Molina while also testing Roma's defensive resilience; the rearguard conceded 11 goals across four pre-season matches against Cannes, Brighton, Cardiff and Newport without a clean sheet.

Roma must quicken their transfer activity with less than two weeks until the Serie A season begins. Head coach Gasperini has signalled urgency to the club following a heavy defeat to Brighton, stating: "Numerically it seems there is still a need for something, but you know how it is." Koné returned to training today and Molina arrived in the capital yesterday, providing important reinforcements, but the coach insists the squad-building remains incomplete. Gasperini has emphasised the need for depth across positions, particularly given Champions League participation: "Having at least two players per role is essential for those competing in cups. Those who don't do it pay heavily." Gasperini's original shopping list comprised a defender, a winger and two forwards. Koulierakis has arrived for defence, Castro for attack, and Molina on the wing—filling three of four targets. The priority now is a second striker. Roma have identified Rodrigo Mora from Porto, with negotiations progressing well; the club hopes to complete that deal in the coming hours. The second gap is at left-back: while Molina covered Çelik's departure on the right, Gasperini needs cover for Wesley on the opposite flank, particularly after losing both Angeliño and Tsimikas from the previous season. Roma are focusing on Alessio Cacciamani and Destiny Udogie, contrasting profiles suited to strengthen the left-back options. The work ahead is significant, and time is running short.

Roma are pushing hard in the market ahead of their Serie A debut in under two weeks, with director D'Amico working on multiple targets across attack and the flanks. The club has reached a five-year agreement with Rodrigo Mora, a talented Porto prospect born in 2007, and is negotiating with Jorge Mendes on a deal worth €25 million plus 50 per cent of future resale proceeds. The Endrick option has collapsed after Real Madrid secured him; Roma remain active on alternative tracks including Cacciamani from Torino and Luis Henrique from Inter, while Destiny Udogie of Tottenham has emerged as a new option, though Spurs have not yet opened the door to a loan with a purchase option. Training resumed at Trigoria with Nahuel Molina arriving from Atlético Madrid integrated into the squad, and Manu Koné returning after his post-World Cup break. Niccolò Pisilli has rejoined group training. In departures, Angeliño moved to Deportivo La Coruña on a loan deal with a right to buy, vacating the number 3 shirt, which Koulierakis has now claimed. In youth development, Francesco Ballarin, a midfielder born in 2009, has been signed from Venezia to join Roma's youth sector.

Roma played their final pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on 15 August, with kickoff at 17:30. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini left Molina on the bench and deployed Lulli at left-back in Wesley's absence. Donyell Malen led the attack in a 3-4-2-1 formation that also featured Mile Svilar in goal, a back line of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso, midfielders Devyne Rensch, Neil El Aynaoui, Bryan Cristante and Lulli, with Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé in support. The match offered Gasperini a chance to assess the squad's development ahead of the new season. Dortmund lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under coach Kovac, with Gregor Kobel in goal and Serhou Guirassy leading their attack. Roma had several players available on the bench, including De Marzi, Pierluigi Gollini, Koulierakis, Castro, Manu Koné, Molina, Jan Ziółkowski, Mannini, Reale, Robinio Vaz, Morucci and Daniele Ghilardi.

Roma take on Borussia Dortmund in a pre-season friendly at 17:30 today, but the clash is overshadowed by an injury crisis that has left Gian Piero Gasperini with just 23 players available — only 16 outfield players and three goalkeepers. Wesley suffered a right ankle sprain yesterday, joining Niccolò Pisilli (soleus injury) and Lorenzo Pellegrini (returning to group training in mid-September) on the sidelines. The Brazilian's injury mirrors problems sustained during the Welsh training camp. With 15 days remaining in the summer transfer window, Roma's squad position has deteriorated markedly. Eight players have departed — Dovbyk, Ferguson, Angeliño, Tsimikas, Celik, Zaragoza, Venturino and El Shaarawy — while only three signings have arrived: Molina, Castro and Koulierakis. Gasperini highlighted the shortage with a pointed response on competitiveness versus last season: "According to you?", underlining particular weaknesses on the flanks, in attack and midfield, where only three players are currently available. The Dortmund match will provide minutes for Molina while also testing Roma's defensive resilience; the rearguard conceded 11 goals across four pre-season matches against Cannes, Brighton, Cardiff and Newport without a clean sheet.

Roma face Borussia Dortmund at 17:30 on 15 August in what was intended as a crucial warm-up before the Serie A opener against Fiorentina, but injuries and an incomplete squad threaten to make it another uninformative friendly. Niccolò Pisilli remains sidelined recovering from a soleus muscle injury, Lorenzo Pellegrini is not included in the squad and will not return until mid-September, and Wesley was ruled out yesterday with a right ankle sprain—the same injury that troubled him in Wales. Manu Koné and Molina only joined the group on Tuesday, leaving Roma operating well below full capacity. With 15 days remaining in the transfer window, Roma squandered an early-season advantage over rivals such as Juventus, AC Milan, and Napoli, who faced restrictions on spending until making sales. The squad composition remains problematic: Gasperini named 23 players for the Dortmund match, including three goalkeepers, leaving only 16 outfield players from the first team—eight of them defenders. The club has received repeated rejections in pursuit of a striker Gasperini has wanted for the past year and a half, and uncertainty surrounds another ongoing transfer saga involving Mora. As reported by Stefano Carina in Il Messaggero, Roma's strategic approach to the window has shifted unexpectedly, raising questions about how the final weeks will unfold.