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Morato: Gasperini's 'ice stone' centre-back arrives from Nottingham Forest
·26 August 2026·45d ago

Morato: Gasperini's 'ice stone' centre-back arrives from Nottingham Forest

Source: Forza Roma

Roma are in negotiations with Nottingham Forest over the signing of centre-back Morato on a loan deal with a right to buy that can become an obligation under certain conditions. The 2001-born Brazilian, 1.92 metres tall, arrived at Benfica at the age of 18 from São Paulo before moving to the Premier League. He is a left-footed central defender capable of playing left-back or full-back across the line when required.

Gasperini is understood to find the profile attractive. Morato possesses the physical attributes, technical quality and versatility the Roma head coach values. He is strong in duels, competent at defending high up the pitch, and unafraid to step out of the line and support play when he recovers possession—a characteristic Gasperini prizes in his defensive schemes. In a three-man defence he can operate as a centre-back or as a flank-based centre-half, able to tighten, widen, follow his man or assist down the flank. The article describes him as a player who can be moulded but who already possesses many of the qualities Roma's tactical system demands.

The nickname 'ice stone'—coined by his father to describe his coolness—reflects his composure. His experience at Benfica taught him to operate across multiple defensive positions. At 1.92 metres he brings height and strength to the backline. He is characterised as a raw prospect capable of becoming a significant addition to Roma's defence under Gasperini's guidance.

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Story Coverage2 sources on this story

Roma are in advanced negotiations with Nottingham Forest to sign centre-back Morato on a loan deal with a right to buy that can become an obligation under certain conditions. The 2001-born Brazilian, standing 1.92 metres tall, is a left-footed defender capable of operating as a centre-back, left-back or across the defensive line as needed. He arrived at Benfica aged 18 from São Paulo before moving to the Premier League in 2024.

Forza Roma reports that Gasperini finds Morato's profile particularly attractive, valuing his physical attributes, technical quality and versatility. The defender is strong in duels, competent at pressing high up the pitch, and willing to step out of position to support play after winning the ball—all characteristics central to Gasperini's defensive system. His nickname "ice stone," coined by his father, reflects his composure and coolness under pressure. At Benfica, Morato developed experience across multiple defensive positions that have prepared him for Roma's tactical demands.

The move comes as Forza Roma indicates that existing centre-back Jan Ziółkowski is being targeted by Serie A sides Parma and Monza, with Parma potentially pursuing a permanent transfer while Monza have proposed a loan. Roma are simultaneously working on attacking reinforcements, though the coverage does not specify concrete targets beyond general interest in strengthening their offensive options.

AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.

Testo Originale / Source Text

“Un Mora a Roma è già arrivato. Ora, forse, se ne sta per aggiungere un altro. Con una differenza: il suo cognome finisce con “-to” e in campo fa il difensore centrale. Morato è il nome nuovo per la difesa. A sorpresa, D'Amico ha piazzato l'affondo: si tratta col Nottingham per un prestito con…”

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

Read original on Forza Roma →

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