Malen strikes again as Roma dream of Champions League comeback

Roma are preparing to submit a fresh offer for Torino winger Alessio Cacciamani in the coming days, according to reports from transfer specialists Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto. The 19-year-old from Jesi, born in 2007, has attracted the Giallorossi's attention on the left flank. Torino president Cairo may soften his stance if Roma table a higher bid, though the Granata's asking price of €20 million remains on the table. Cacciamani's profile appeals to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini for tactical reasons: the winger has experience playing in a more advanced left-wing role during youth football, giving Roma flexibility should they secure another left-side defender. His ability to operate in multiple positions could prove valuable in attack as well. The move fits into Roma's broader summer recruitment strategy, which also involves activity on the flanks and comes amid pursuit of other targets including Luis Henrique and Rodrigo Mora, with the latter nearing completion.

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.

Gian Piero Gasperini has training back underway at Roma after a two-day rest period, with midfielder Manu Koné returning to the squad and forward Molina joining the group. Both players arrive as World Cup reinforcements after reaching the latter stages of the tournament in South America: Koné featured in the third-place playoff against England, while Molina played in the final that Argentina lost to Spain. Koné, who spent the summer as a transfer target, is now available for selection and will follow a personalised training programme to bring him up to speed with his teammates. Gasperini cannot afford to lose him for the opening Serie A fixture against Fiorentina, barring any unexpected transfer market developments in the coming days.

Rodrigo Mora appears tailor-made for Gasperini's tactics on the basis of his technical qualities and playing style. The 19-year-old Portuguese prospect is a low centre-of-gravity player with explosive one-on-one ability and creativity between the lines, capable of creating numerical advantage and opening dangerous passing lanes in the final third. Last season, despite an overall period that fell short of expectations, Mora produced impressive statistical output. According to WhoScored, among players with over 1,000 minutes, he ranked joint-first in successful dribbles per 90 minutes (1.7, level with William Gomes), first in key passes per 90 (2.7), and fourth in shots attempted per match (2.8). His long-range shooting ability is another strength, a quality Roma have struggled to find in their squad in recent years. This will be Mora's first experience outside Portugal, and a physiological adjustment period is expected before seeing the full extent of his capabilities. Asking for an immediate impact from one of Europe's most interesting young talents in his first time away from home and under one of football's most tactically and athletically demanding coaches risks diminishing the value of an important investment.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is building a Roma side defined by youth, technical fluency, and aggressive attacking play, with quality and skill prioritized over physical presence. The structure centres on Rodrigo Mora, a slight-framed playmaker and dribbler who will compete with Lorenzo Pellegrini for a starting role, while Donyell Malen leads the forward line alongside technically gifted players including Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé. Offensive thrust will also flow from attacking full-backs such as Wesley, supported by various transfer targets including potential arrivals at centre-back and in midfield. With the team so heavily weighted towards attack, the stability of Roma's shape depends almost entirely on Manu Koné, who will screen the defence and reclaim possession alongside Bryan Cristante. The French midfielder's long-term future remains uncertain, however, and any departure would leave a void difficult to fill in the short term. Gasperini's vision prioritizes technical excellence across the attacking third, with contributions from wider areas through offensively minded defenders and young, technical players who can operate in varied roles across the pitch.

Roma are close to securing Rodrigo Mora, a 2007-born winger who stands under 1.70m tall and favours dribbling over physical play, as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini shapes a younger, lighter and more attacking squad than last season. Mora will compete with Lorenzo Pellegrini for the number 10 role. The club are still hunting one or two additional wingers or attacking midfielders and one or two fullbacks to complete the XI. Gasperini's vision prioritises technical ability over physical presence, targeting players built for a high-octane attacking system. Mora's profile — incisive on the ball but less accustomed to the physical demands of Italian football and prone to struggle when forced to chase opponents — fits the template. Donyell Malen is expected to carry the goal-scoring load among the wider players initially, with alternatives in Castro and Robinio Vaz, who offers greater physical stature. Matías Soulé, should he remain, offers a middle ground. Fullbacks too are selected for their attacking prowess: Wesley on one flank, with options including Molina, Cacciamani, Luis Henrique or Udogie on the other. Manu Koné emerges as the vital equilibrium force in midfield, tasked with providing defensive cover and structure to an otherwise offence-heavy setup. However, he remains a persistent departure risk, a potential weakness in an otherwise cohesive recruitment strategy.

Rodrigo Mora appears tailor-made for Gasperini's tactics on the basis of his technical qualities and playing style. The 19-year-old Portuguese prospect is a low centre-of-gravity player with explosive one-on-one ability and creativity between the lines, capable of creating numerical advantage and opening dangerous passing lanes in the final third. Last season, despite an overall period that fell short of expectations, Mora produced impressive statistical output. According to WhoScored, among players with over 1,000 minutes, he ranked joint-first in successful dribbles per 90 minutes (1.7, level with William Gomes), first in key passes per 90 (2.7), and fourth in shots attempted per match (2.8). His long-range shooting ability is another strength, a quality Roma have struggled to find in their squad in recent years. This will be Mora's first experience outside Portugal, and a physiological adjustment period is expected before seeing the full extent of his capabilities. Asking for an immediate impact from one of Europe's most interesting young talents in his first time away from home and under one of football's most tactically and athletically demanding coaches risks diminishing the value of an important investment.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is building a Roma side defined by youth, technical fluency, and aggressive attacking play, with quality and skill prioritized over physical presence. The structure centres on Rodrigo Mora, a slight-framed playmaker and dribbler who will compete with Lorenzo Pellegrini for a starting role, while Donyell Malen leads the forward line alongside technically gifted players including Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé. Offensive thrust will also flow from attacking full-backs such as Wesley, supported by various transfer targets including potential arrivals at centre-back and in midfield. With the team so heavily weighted towards attack, the stability of Roma's shape depends almost entirely on Manu Koné, who will screen the defence and reclaim possession alongside Bryan Cristante. The French midfielder's long-term future remains uncertain, however, and any departure would leave a void difficult to fill in the short term. Gasperini's vision prioritizes technical excellence across the attacking third, with contributions from wider areas through offensively minded defenders and young, technical players who can operate in varied roles across the pitch.

Rodrigo Mora's transfer is nearing completion, but head coach Gasperini has reiterated his need for reinforcements across the squad. In talks yesterday with sporting director Tony D'Amico, Gasperini stressed the requirement for two attackers and a left winger to complete the team. Mora, the 19-year-old Portuguese forward represented by Jorge Mendes, fits the profile Gasperini requested—an attacker with similar characteristics to Paulo Dybala, to be deployed on the left. Roma will pay Porto €25 million, with the Portuguese club retaining 50% of any future sale, a clause that can be cancelled by paying an additional €25 million by 2027. With Mora progressing, Roma's focus shifts to securing a left winger. Tottenham's Udogie remains the strongest candidate, though negotiations centre on the structure of the deal and the potential departure of Spence to Inter. Luis Henrique of Inter has recently emerged as an alternative; Inter values him at €30 million and Roma is studying a loan deal with a right of purchase. Cacciamani of Torino also remains a target, with Torino willing to lower their asking price to €15 million.