Lulli's Breakthrough: Roma's Young Left-Back Shines on Serie A Debut

Devyne Rensch will be sidelined for another week with a left flexor muscle issue and is unlikely to feature in Roma's away match against Lecce. The Dutch defender was absent from the Fiorentina fixture due to the injury, and an MRI scan on 25 August revealed no serious tears but confirmed a recovery period of 7–10 days. Roma are taking a cautious approach to protect the player's fitness, particularly with both Giorgio De Marzi and Nahuel Molina available. Rensch, who joined the club from Ajax in January 2025, has made a solid initial impact since arriving but will need more time before returning to training.

Neil El Aynaoui has not won over Gasperini in his first season at Roma and would be allowed to leave if a suitable offer arrived. Crystal Palace have shown strong interest in the former Lens player, and the English club could table an official bid in the coming days. Roma value El Aynaoui at €30–35 million; Crystal Palace are considering their position with the transfer window closing in just over a week. Before Roma's match against Fiorentina, sporting director Tony D'Amico stated: "It is difficult to imagine a sale a week before the end of the market." Roma are preparing contingency plans. Frank Kessiè, who played under Gasperini at Bergamo a decade ago and is currently a free agent, has emerged as a potential replacement. Juventus, managed by Massara, also hold strong interest in Kessiè—a development that may mask a tactical negotiating move. Richard Rios, a Colombian midfielder who never left Gasperini's thinking, remains a priority option; he could leave Benfica after just one year for around €30 million. Two further targets have been scouted in recent weeks: Yasin Ayari of Brighton, valued at €40 million and also tracked by Borussia Dortmund, and Habib Diarra of Sunderland, who shares representation with Fofana, Luis Henrique and Endrick.

Devyne Rensch's muscular injury is not as serious as initially feared. An MRI on his left flexor revealed no major damage, with recovery expected to take 7–10 days; he is likely to miss the away trip to Lecce as a precaution after sustaining the problem during the match against Fiorentina. Donyell Malen's strong early-season form has reignited the race for the Serie A top scorer award. The Dutch forward has scored 17 goals in 19 matches for Roma, averaging 0.89 goals per game—a tally matching Lautaro Martínez's winning total in last season's title race, although Martínez reached it across 30 appearances. Malen is now positioned as Martínez's primary rival for the honour this term. Head coach Gasperini continues to manage expectations after Roma's 4–0 victory over Fiorentina. When asked about the title race, he responded dismissively: "You are a broken record." Gasperini's strategy is to capitalize on the fixture schedule and build momentum against Lecce and Atalanta, targeting 7–9 points before entering a more demanding phase of the season. Paulo Dybala has completed his entire pre-match preparation without injury or physical issues—a notable change from previous campaigns. Gasperini has praised his athletic condition but acknowledges that with Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia all running, he must carefully manage Dybala's minutes and recovery to maintain peak performance. Meanwhile, Unione Tifosi Romanisti and Associazione Italiana Roma Club have strongly protested the travel ban imposed on Roma supporters for the Lecce fixture. The fan groups argue it is "yet another unjust, discriminatory measure against Roma supporters" and point out that the Questore of Rome reported no incidents at the Olimpico during last season, calling for restoration of the "right to free movement of all citizens."

Devyne Rensch will be sidelined for another week with a left flexor muscle issue and is unlikely to feature in Roma's away match against Lecce. The Dutch defender was absent from the Fiorentina fixture due to the injury, and an MRI scan on 25 August revealed no serious tears but confirmed a recovery period of 7–10 days. Roma are taking a cautious approach to protect the player's fitness, particularly with both Giorgio De Marzi and Nahuel Molina available. Rensch, who joined the club from Ajax in January 2025, has made a solid initial impact since arriving but will need more time before returning to training.

Devyne Rensch's muscular injury is not as serious as initially feared. An MRI on his left flexor revealed no major damage, with recovery expected to take 7–10 days; he is likely to miss the away trip to Lecce as a precaution after sustaining the problem during the match against Fiorentina. Donyell Malen's strong early-season form has reignited the race for the Serie A top scorer award. The Dutch forward has scored 17 goals in 19 matches for Roma, averaging 0.89 goals per game—a tally matching Lautaro Martínez's winning total in last season's title race, although Martínez reached it across 30 appearances. Malen is now positioned as Martínez's primary rival for the honour this term. Head coach Gasperini continues to manage expectations after Roma's 4–0 victory over Fiorentina. When asked about the title race, he responded dismissively: "You are a broken record." Gasperini's strategy is to capitalize on the fixture schedule and build momentum against Lecce and Atalanta, targeting 7–9 points before entering a more demanding phase of the season. Paulo Dybala has completed his entire pre-match preparation without injury or physical issues—a notable change from previous campaigns. Gasperini has praised his athletic condition but acknowledges that with Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia all running, he must carefully manage Dybala's minutes and recovery to maintain peak performance. Meanwhile, Unione Tifosi Romanisti and Associazione Italiana Roma Club have strongly protested the travel ban imposed on Roma supporters for the Lecce fixture. The fan groups argue it is "yet another unjust, discriminatory measure against Roma supporters" and point out that the Questore of Rome reported no incidents at the Olimpico during last season, calling for restoration of the "right to free movement of all citizens."

Emanuele Lulli, 19, made his Serie A debut as a starter for Roma at the Olimpico in front of over 65,000 supporters, marking a storybook entry to senior football. The academy product was handed the opportunity after Devyne Rensch withdrew in the final training session and Nahuel Molina's fitness remained questionable, prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to deploy the young winger. Earlier in July, when Avellino showed interest in Lulli, Gasperini had been unequivocal with director D'Amico, insisting the teenager remain with the first-team squad. Growing up in Palestrina in a working-class household—his father works as a bricklayer—Lulli began playing in a local youth academy at age 6 before being spotted at 14 by legend Bruno Conti, who brought him to Trigoria. Originally deployed as a midfielder, he was repositioned to the wing by coach Gianluca Falsini and has remained there since. He continues to live in Palestrina with his parents and older brother, commuting 80 kilometres daily each way to train at Roma's Trigoria complex. In the dressing room, Lulli has already earned the affection of his teammates: Gianluca Mancini has given him the affectionate nickname "Crazy Horse", while Mancini and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini—who shares the same representation agency as Lulli—have taken him under their wing as he embarks on his professional career.

Devyne Rensch will be sidelined for another week with a left flexor muscle issue and is unlikely to feature in Roma's away match against Lecce. The Dutch defender was absent from the Fiorentina fixture due to the injury, and an MRI scan on 25 August revealed no serious tears but confirmed a recovery period of 7–10 days. Roma are taking a cautious approach to protect the player's fitness, particularly with both Giorgio De Marzi and Nahuel Molina available. Rensch, who joined the club from Ajax in January 2025, has made a solid initial impact since arriving but will need more time before returning to training.

Emanuele Lulli, 19, made his Serie A debut as a starter for Roma at the Olimpico in front of over 65,000 supporters, marking a storybook entry to senior football. The academy product was handed the opportunity after Devyne Rensch withdrew in the final training session and Nahuel Molina's fitness remained questionable, prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to deploy the young winger. Earlier in July, when Avellino showed interest in Lulli, Gasperini had been unequivocal with director D'Amico, insisting the teenager remain with the first-team squad. Growing up in Palestrina in a working-class household—his father works as a bricklayer—Lulli began playing in a local youth academy at age 6 before being spotted at 14 by legend Bruno Conti, who brought him to Trigoria. Originally deployed as a midfielder, he was repositioned to the wing by coach Gianluca Falsini and has remained there since. He continues to live in Palestrina with his parents and older brother, commuting 80 kilometres daily each way to train at Roma's Trigoria complex. In the dressing room, Lulli has already earned the affection of his teammates: Gianluca Mancini has given him the affectionate nickname "Crazy Horse", while Mancini and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini—who shares the same representation agency as Lulli—have taken him under their wing as he embarks on his professional career.

Emanuele Lulli marked his Serie A debut with an assured display as Roma defeated Fiorentina 4-0 on 24 August 2026. The 22-year-old right winger, handed his first league start due to injuries to Rensch and Molina, impressed with his security, intensity and competitive edge throughout the match. Gasperini's decision to deploy the academy product was vindicated by a performance that confirmed the positive signs he had shown during summer friendlies. Lulli, a Roma native and lifelong supporter, seized his opportunity decisively in the opening day of the season. The timing was significant given the absences in Roma's full-back ranks, making this a genuine test of the youngster's readiness for top-flight football. His breakthrough reflects Gasperini's willingness to trust academy talent alongside his established squad. After the match, Lulli posted on social media: "Difficult to find the words to describe a moment like this, I've chased this dream my whole life and yesterday after so many sacrifices it came true, may this be just the beginning. I thank everyone who has always supported me, especially my family. 24/08/2026 Serie A debut. Thank God." Bruno Conti, the Roma legend who followed Lulli's path through the Trigoria academy, responded publicly with encouragement: "Congratulations Emanuele, you deserve all of it for the sacrifices made by your family and yourself. May this be the first of a long series, I love you."

Andrea Stramaccioni has praised Roma's performance against Fiorentina, saying the club can position itself as a serious challenger to Inter and Napoli if they add one final piece to complete the left side of attack for Gasperini. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Stramaccioni said: "If they add one last piece to make Gasperini happy and complete the left side of the attack, in my view they can position themselves as immediate rivals to Inter and Napoli." Watching Roma live on 24 August, Stramaccioni was struck by their intensity and consistency. "It is rare to see a team play at these rhythms for 90 minutes," he said. Dybala's performance particularly impressed him: the Argentine created three assists from three ball-carrying accelerations and made a defensive recovery in the 75th minute on the halfway line. "In these conditions in our Serie A it becomes very difficult to stop them. And the chemistry with Malen is natural football chemistry." Stramaccioni also highlighted Koné's world-class level, praised Rodrigo Mora's previously missing characteristics, and noted the strength of Roma's Italian spine—Mancini, Cristante, and Pellegrini—all of whom renewed their contracts at Gasperini's insistence. Asked whether the title picture had shifted before matchday one, Stramaccioni acknowledged it is early with transfers and squads still being completed, but said: "Inter and Roma have made a very strong start: they have clear and defined ideas of play."

Andrea Stramaccioni believes Roma need only one more signing to establish themselves as genuine challengers to Inter and Napoli this season. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the analyst was impressed by Roma's league debut: "If they add one final piece to make Gasperini happy and complete the left side of the attack, Roma can position themselves as an immediate antagonist to Inter and Napoli." Stramaccioni highlighted the intensity and consistency of Roma's opening performance. "On 24 August it is rare to see a team play at these rhythms for 90 minutes," he said. He singled out Paulo Dybala's creativity and work rate—"three assists following three accelerations with the ball at his feet, and at 75' he made a defensive run to win the ball back on the midfield line"—and praised the natural chemistry between Dybala and Donyell Malen. He also commended Manu Koné as "at world level" and identified Rodrigo Mora as bringing characteristics the squad previously lacked. Stramaccioni emphasised the strength of Roma's midfield and defence, describing the "personality, strength and solidity of the Italian spine" reinforced by Gasperini's priority renewals of Gianluca Mancini, Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini. On the wider title race, he added: "It is early—the market and squads are still to be completed—but Inter and Roma have started very strong: clear and defined ideas of play."

Emanuele Lulli, 19, made his Serie A debut as a starter for Roma at the Olimpico in front of over 65,000 supporters, marking a storybook entry to senior football. The academy product was handed the opportunity after Devyne Rensch withdrew in the final training session and Nahuel Molina's fitness remained questionable, prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to deploy the young winger. Earlier in July, when Avellino showed interest in Lulli, Gasperini had been unequivocal with director D'Amico, insisting the teenager remain with the first-team squad. Growing up in Palestrina in a working-class household—his father works as a bricklayer—Lulli began playing in a local youth academy at age 6 before being spotted at 14 by legend Bruno Conti, who brought him to Trigoria. Originally deployed as a midfielder, he was repositioned to the wing by coach Gianluca Falsini and has remained there since. He continues to live in Palestrina with his parents and older brother, commuting 80 kilometres daily each way to train at Roma's Trigoria complex. In the dressing room, Lulli has already earned the affection of his teammates: Gianluca Mancini has given him the affectionate nickname "Crazy Horse", while Mancini and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini—who shares the same representation agency as Lulli—have taken him under their wing as he embarks on his professional career.