Mora makes Olimpico debut: a near-miss, Gasperini's embrace, and a promising start

Konstantinos Koulierakis and Santiago Castro made their official competitive debuts for Roma in the opening Serie A match of the 2026–27 season against Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico. Both players arrived in the current transfer window and saw action after initial appearances in the club's pre-season training camp in Wales. Koulierakis, a Greek defender signed from Wolfsburg, entered the match in place of Mario Hermoso, while Castro came on as a substitute for Donyell Malen, who had scored a hat-trick before being withdrawn to applause from the home crowd. The two new arrivals had already featured in the squad's earlier warm-weather preparations, but this represented their first official competitive action in Roma colours.

Donyell Malen scored three goals as Roma opened the 2026–27 Serie A season against Fiorentina at the Olimpico, with Paulo Dybala providing all three assists in a dominant display of attacking football. Malen's opening goal, set up by Dybala after the Argentine had dribbled past two Fiorentina defenders and entered the box, initially drew him level with Gabriel Batistuta among Roma's all-time top scorers in the opening 20 matches of a season. However, the Dutch forward's second and third strikes—both again from Dybala crosses—saw him overtake the legendary Batistuta in that statistic. Malen's performance underlined his status as Roma's principal attacking threat. He has now scored 17 goals in 19 appearances for the club, figures that position him as the team's leading force. Dybala's three-assist haul completed a perfect attacking partnership, illuminating every offensive action Roma executed. The result also extended Roma's run of scoring in all their last 16 Serie A matches, a streak that reflects the offensive continuity built during head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's tenure.

Wesley spoke to DAZN at half-time of Roma's match against Fiorentina, emphasizing the team's defensive priorities. "We are focused on not conceding a goal," Wesley said. "That was the game plan knowing the opponent too. It was important to start so strong, pressing." Roma entered the second half having established an aggressive tone in the first 45 minutes. Wesley was asked about sustaining that tempo throughout the remainder of the fixture. When asked about an ankle complaint, Wesley reported no ongoing issue. "It's good now," he said. "I took a knock but I'm fine now."

Roma's official 2026–27 season gets underway at the Stadio Olimpico against Fiorentina, managed by Fabio Grosso. Gian Piero Gasperini names Rodrigo Mora in the starting XI, with Wesley confirmed at left-back. The match will be officiated by Matteo Marcenaro (Genova), with assistants Lo Cicero and Rossi. Rosario Abisso oversees VAR duties, with Antonio Giua as AVAR. Fiorentina arrive having undergone significant changes after a difficult previous season. The fixture represents an early test for Gasperini's side as they begin their league campaign.

Roma begin their 2026-27 campaign against Fiorentina at the Olimpico on 24 August, kicking off at 20:45, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini handing competitive debuts to two players born in 2007. Rodrigo Mora, signed this summer from Porto for €25 million, will start as trequartista ahead of Matías Soulé, operating behind Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Emanuele Lulli, a product of Roma's academy, will make his Serie A starting debut at full-back in place of Nahuel Molina, who is not fully fit and will begin on the bench. The pairing marks a historic milestone for the club: it is the first time in Roma's history that two players born in 2007 have started together in an official competitive debut. Mora's arrival from the Portuguese club represents a significant investment in attacking depth, while Lulli's promotion offers the academy prospect his first meaningful opportunity to convince Gasperini of his quality at the top level. Lulli, the academy product, and Mora, the Portuguese talent, will both feature from the outset as Roma aim to begin their league season with a win.

Roma begin the 2026-27 Serie A season at home to Fiorentina, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini naming Rodrigo Mora in the attacking midfield role behind Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Matías Soulé drops to the bench. Lulli makes his competitive debut on the right flank in place of Nahuel Molina, who is not at full fitness; Wesley operates on the left. The defence comprises Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso, with Mile Svilar in goal. Gasperini's 3-4-1-2 formation pairs Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné in midfield. Fiorentina, managed by Grosso, line up in a 4-3-2-1 with David De Gea in goal and Lautaro Pellegrino as their striker. Roma's substitutes bench includes De Marzi, Koulierakis, Ghilardi, Ziółkowski, El Aynaoui, Pisilli, Vaz, Castro, and Soulé.

Konstantinos Koulierakis and Santiago Castro made their official competitive debuts for Roma in the opening Serie A match of the 2026–27 season against Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico. Both players arrived in the current transfer window and saw action after initial appearances in the club's pre-season training camp in Wales. Koulierakis, a Greek defender signed from Wolfsburg, entered the match in place of Mario Hermoso, while Castro came on as a substitute for Donyell Malen, who had scored a hat-trick before being withdrawn to applause from the home crowd. The two new arrivals had already featured in the squad's earlier warm-weather preparations, but this represented their first official competitive action in Roma colours.

Donyell Malen scored three goals as Roma opened the 2026–27 Serie A season against Fiorentina at the Olimpico, with Paulo Dybala providing all three assists in a dominant display of attacking football. Malen's opening goal, set up by Dybala after the Argentine had dribbled past two Fiorentina defenders and entered the box, initially drew him level with Gabriel Batistuta among Roma's all-time top scorers in the opening 20 matches of a season. However, the Dutch forward's second and third strikes—both again from Dybala crosses—saw him overtake the legendary Batistuta in that statistic. Malen's performance underlined his status as Roma's principal attacking threat. He has now scored 17 goals in 19 appearances for the club, figures that position him as the team's leading force. Dybala's three-assist haul completed a perfect attacking partnership, illuminating every offensive action Roma executed. The result also extended Roma's run of scoring in all their last 16 Serie A matches, a streak that reflects the offensive continuity built during head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's tenure.

Fiorentina have lodged a protest over Roma's goal scored by Malen, citing a handball by Mario Hermoso on Mastantuono at the start of the move that led to the strike. The incident occurred during the match between the sides on 24 August 2026.