Mancini relaxes on bike ahead of Roma pre-season, contract extension within reach

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."

Roma continue their transfer business following the arrival of Oosterwolde, with head coach Gasperini awaiting a new attacking winger before the market closes. The club will make another attempt to sign Chelsea's Gittens on a loan deal with a right of redemption, though the Blues have not yet accepted the proposal. With the final week of the transfer window approaching, Roma remain hopeful of a breakthrough. Parallel to the Gittens pursuit, Roma have held a long-standing agreement with Lyon's Fofana, but progress depends on circumstances beyond their control. Roma's sporting director D'Amico must wait for Lyon's Champions League preliminary round tie scheduled for tomorrow evening. Should Lyon be eliminated, the French side may lower their demands and allow the player to depart. Roma's next obstacle comes in that Champions fixture: a match against Fenerbahçe, managed by Greenwood. The first leg ended 1–1, with Greenwood scoring the English side's goal.

Emanuele Lulli made an impressive Serie A debut on 24 August 2026, earning praise from teammates and club legend Bruno Conti after a standout display in his first start. The young full-back was among Roma's best performers and celebrated the milestone 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, let this be just the beginning. I thank everyone who has always supported me, first and foremost my family. 24/08/2026 Serie A debut. Thank God." Lulli's breakthrough sparked warm responses across the squad. Niccolò Pisilli wrote "You're strong," while Gianluca Mancini nicknamed him "Crazy Horse." Bruno Conti, a Roma legend, offered the most heartfelt message: "Congratulations Emanuele, you deserve it all for the sacrifices made by your family and by you. Let this be the first of a long series, I love you."

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.

Emanuele Lulli made an impressive Serie A debut on 24 August 2026, earning praise from teammates and club legend Bruno Conti after a standout display in his first start. The young full-back was among Roma's best performers and celebrated the milestone 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, let this be just the beginning. I thank everyone who has always supported me, first and foremost my family. 24/08/2026 Serie A debut. Thank God." Lulli's breakthrough sparked warm responses across the squad. Niccolò Pisilli wrote "You're strong," while Gianluca Mancini nicknamed him "Crazy Horse." Bruno Conti, a Roma legend, offered the most heartfelt message: "Congratulations Emanuele, you deserve it all for the sacrifices made by your family and by you. Let this be the first of a long series, I love you."

Roma demolished Fiorentina 4–0 in a commanding display, with Donyell Malen scoring a hat-trick to lead the charge. Paulo Dybala contributed three assists and Manu Koné was withdrawn only through fatigue, underlining Roma's control. Debutant Daniele Ghilardi impressed in an early appearance, while Evan N'Dicka stood firm at the back as the team moved to 3–4–1–2 formation under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. All five major Italian newspapers awarded Roma positive marks across the board. Svilar received ratings between 6 and 6.5 in goal. The defence was solid, with N'Dicka rated 7 to 7.5 by all outlets and Mancini and Hermoso both praised. In midfield, Cristante earned 6.5 to 7, while Wesley was rated 6 to 7 on the flank. Koné's 6.5 to 7.5 reflected his strong showing before substitution. Malen's 8.5 to 9 and Dybala's 8 to 9 dominated the attacking ratings. Corrections made 68 minutes in saw Koulierakis introduced for Hermoso, while Pisilli replaced Koné at 79 minutes. Rodrigo Mora (6.5) and later Matías Soulé (6) featured in attack; Santiago Castro entered for Malen at 68 minutes. Gasperini earned 7.5 to 8 from the press corps. N'Dicka's display of 7 to 7.5, Koné's energy and Ghilardi's first appearance highlighted a Roma side functioning with precision and depth throughout.