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Molina injury concern clouds Roma's Fiorentina opener as Gasperini weighs Lulli debut
·24 August 2026·2h ago

Molina injury concern clouds Roma's Fiorentina opener as Gasperini weighs Lulli debut

Source: Roma News

Roma's injury crisis at full-back deepened on 24 August as Nahuel Molina was hit by muscular fatigue ahead of the season's opening fixture against Fiorentina, threatening to leave Gian Piero Gasperini severely short of options on the flanks.

Devyne Rensch is already sidelined by a left hamstring strain, and Molina's discomfort puts the Argentine winger's availability from the start in serious doubt. The medical staff will monitor Molina's condition over the coming hours to determine whether the former Atlético Madrid player can feature. Should Molina fail to recover, Gasperini faces a defensive crisis on the right flank with few alternatives available.

In that scenario, the coach is prepared to hand young Lulli his Serie A debut from the opening kickoff. Lulli would step straight into a starting role amid the injury emergency, shouldering the responsibility of covering the right side in what would represent his first senior league appearance.

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Story Coverage4 sources on this story

Roma's defensive injury crisis has forced Gian Piero Gasperini's hand ahead of tonight's Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico. Devyne Rensch is sidelined with a left hamstring strain, ruling him out entirely, while Nahuel Molina will make his competitive debut at right-back after muscular fatigue concerns were monitored in the hours before kickoff. Wesley returns at left-back following recovery from an ankle problem, leaving the right flank to the Argentine winger in his first senior league appearance for the club.

The main tactical uncertainty centres on Gasperini's attacking midfield slot in his 3-4-1-2 formation. Three players are competing for the number 10 position behind centre-forward Donyell Malen and alongside Paulo Dybala. Matías Soulé currently leads the race after impressing during pre-season, having shed excess weight and weathered transfer speculation; Gasperini praised his recent form, noting he is "in excellent condition." Rodrigo Mora, who arrived Monday evening, provides competition, while Bryan Cristante offers a tactical alternative if deployed deeper. Should Cristante operate in that role, the central midfield would pair Manu Koné with either Neil El Aynaoui or Niccolò Pisilli, both dealing with fitness concerns following recent tournaments and late returns to training. Gasperini will make his final decision at today's training session. The match has sold out, marking Roma's first full house of the 2026–27 season.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

Piove sul bagnato in casa Roma sul fronte corsie esterne in vista del debutto stagionale contro la Fiorentina. Dopo lo stop di Devyne Rensch, bloccato da un risentimento muscolare al flessore della coscia sinistra, si complicano i piani di Gian Piero Gasperini anche sul fronte opposto della fascia…

Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.

Read original on Roma News

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