Mora's First Session: Arrival at Fulvio Bernardini with Wesley

Rodrigo Mora has become the first Roma player to wear shirt number 86, completing a unique statistical milestone in the club's history. The Portuguese arrival chose to retain the number he wore at Porto, filling the only gap in Roma's numerology from 1 to 99 that had never been assigned in the club's nearly hundred-year existence. Since the introduction of personalised squad numbers, no Roma player had previously selected the 86. With Mora's choice, the club has now filled the entire numbering sequence between 1 and 99. The coincidence marks an unusual beginning to his time at the Stadio Olimpico, closing what the club views as a statistical circle unique in football.

Rodrigo Mora has spoken for the first time as a Roma player following his official unveiling. The Portuguese forward expressed gratitude to the club and supporters after arriving at the airport, saying: "I am very happy to be here. I would like to thank Roma and the port. I am truly delighted and hope to have a great season here." Mora cited Paulo Dybala as a childhood inspiration and highlighted his eagerness to play alongside him. "During my childhood I grew up watching Dybala, and now being able to play next to him is something very rewarding for me," he said. He identified his ability to escape defenders in difficult situations as his main strength and expressed enthusiasm about working with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, noting that the manager favours number 10s—the position Mora prefers to play. Roma's passionate support also made a strong impression: "I remember the supporters who stayed with me. It is a very passionate fanbase and very loud. What struck me most about them was the 'noise' of the fans." Mora has worn the number 10 since age 15 at Porto's B team and intends to continue wearing it "for at least a few more years." He acknowledged the difficulty of leaving Porto, where he spent his entire life, but expressed confidence in the move: "When I found out I would transfer here, I was truly happy." He also highlighted the lengthy negotiations: "As everyone knows, it was a difficult negotiation that lasted quite a long time. Honestly, I could not wait to be here."

Mora has officially joined Roma after weeks of negotiations with Porto and completed his first training session on 19 August. The young forward will make his debut at the Olimpico on Monday and has been presented to supporters through an official interview with the club. Mora expressed his gratitude to Roma and Porto, and acknowledged the passionate welcome from fans at the airport. He highlighted his childhood connection to Paulo Dybala, saying: "I grew up with Dybala during my childhood. Now being able to play with him is very gratifying for me. I can't wait to meet him." The forward has already spoken with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and expressed enthusiasm about working with him, noting that Gasperini likes to use number 10s. Mora will wear number 86, which he has worn since Porto's Under-15 academy. When asked about his strengths, Mora said: "My ability to free myself from opponents in complicated situations." He acknowledged his first Champions League campaign and previous experience playing at the Olimpico, where he was impressed by the atmosphere. On the protracted transfer process, he stated: "It was a difficult negotiation that lasted quite a long time. I couldn't wait to get here and had faith, even though it seemed things weren't going well. I must be grateful for the support I received." Closing with a message to the fans, he said: "Thank you for the support. I will always give my best on the pitch. Always Forza Roma!"

Rodrigo Mora reported for his first day at Roma on 19 August, hours after the club confirmed his arrival. The Portuguese midfielder born in 2007 went straight to Trigoria and joined the squad for training under Gian Piero Gasperini. He quickly settled into his new surroundings, visibly smiling in footage released by Roma as he spoke and joked with fellow player Wesley—the shared Portuguese language helping them connect naturally. A standout moment came when Mora greeted staff with a perfect "Buongiorno" in Italian, signalling his eagerness to integrate immediately into his new environment. Mora is unlikely to feature from the start in Roma's next fixture against Fiorentina on Monday, but Gasperini is expected to give him minutes off the bench to build his familiarity with the Stadio Olimpico and demonstrate his abilities. The club and supporters are anticipating what the new arrival will bring to the squad.

Roma trained at Trigoria this morning following a three-day rest granted by Gasperini, with new signing Rodrigo Mora featuring in his first session after receiving official confirmation. The squad is preparing for their Serie A opener against Fiorentina on Monday, 24 August at 20:45 at Stadio Olimpico. Niccolò Pisilli has recovered from injury and returned to full group training, a significant boost for Gasperini's midfield options. Lorenzo Pellegrini continues working separately, with his availability for the Fiorentina match to be assessed day by day. Wesley completed a partial session but is on track to start against Viola, with no fitness concerns reported.

Roma returned to training at Trigoria on 19 August after a three-day break, with Rodrigo Mora joining the squad following his arrival. Niccolò Pisilli has recovered from injury and trained with the group for the first time, boosting Gian Piero Gasperini's options in midfield. Lorenzo Pellegrini, however, continued individual work and will miss the upcoming match against Fiorentina. Wesley completed partial training but faces no injury concerns and is targeting a starting place against the Viola. Gasperini now has a fuller complement of players available as Roma prepare for their next fixture, though Pellegrini's continued absence remains a constraint on team selection.