Mourinho: 'I always feel something for Roma and want them to do well'

Radio pundits across Rome weighed in on the Giallorossi's transfer window and title prospects. Giancarlo Padovan told Radio Radio Mattino that Roma can perform very well this season and play for the title, likely finishing second behind Inter or in third place, as no other clubs have strengthened significantly. Francesco Balzani (Teleradiostereo) said the Friedkin Group blocked moves for Fofana and Luis Henrique because there have been no sales in around two years and spending €25 million on Manu Koné left little room in the budget. Balzani noted the squad lacks pure wingers and Gasperini may revert to a 3-4-1-2 formation used at Atalanta, with Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matías Soulé sidelined by injuries. Paolo Marcacci said Roma specifically needs a midfielder like Fofana for Gasperini's tactics, though the club wants to keep Manu Koné. Mario Mattioli observed that good players have arrived but something is still missing, particularly in midfield. Nando Orsi cautioned that Roma has only bought without selling and either valuations were wrong or a fine will follow, adding: "The market isn't made in three days. I keep saying Roma is missing a midfielder of great quality." The consensus reflects uncertainty over whether the current squad can compete for honours without further reinforcements before the window closes.

Sergio Oliveira, the former Roma midfielder who spent six months at the club and won the Europa Conference League in Tirana, has endorsed Rodrigo Mora, the 19-year-old Portuguese talent who has arrived at Roma this summer. Speaking to Il Romanista, Oliveira praised Mora's undeniable talent and potential for growth, saying: "His talent is indeniable. He is still very young and has ample room for improvement, but he has already demonstrated those qualities and that character that suggest he has all the credentials to succeed at Roma." Oliveira drew on his own experience to advise the young midfielder on adapting to life at the club. He emphasised the unique nature of Roma as an institution, describing it as more than just a football team. "You need to feel the club, the shirt and everything they represent," he explained. Oliveira highlighted the importance of building a connection with the supporters and learning from experienced teammates, noting that the Stadio Olimpico's atmosphere is unforgettable and can accelerate a young player's development. Oliveira, who made 174 appearances for Porto before joining Roma, also reflected on his own time in the Giallorossi colours. He expressed deep affection for the club and its fanbase, and backed Roma's return to the Champions League, describing it as the level where a club of Roma's stature belongs. He praised head coach Gasperini as "a coach with very clear and demanding ideas" under whom young talented players can grow significantly.

Former footballer Jeda has publicly endorsed Rodrigo Mora's move to Roma, urging the Brazilian to trust head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's methods. Jeda worked under Gasperini at Crotone, where he scored 15 goals in 42 matches, and shared his experience on Instagram and later in a radio interview with Radio Romanista. Jeda emphasised Gasperini's ability to elevate player performance through demanding training and tactical discipline. "If you want to grow, you have to trust him. That's what happened to me," Jeda explained, detailing how Gasperini's methodology transformed his physical condition within a month and helped him play 42 matches without injury in Serie B. He compared Mora's potential trajectory to Alejandro Papu Gomez's evolution at Atalanta, where the Argentine reinvented himself from a winger into a decisive attacking force. "He is young, has very important characteristics and has accumulated appearances with Porto. He is in an important period of growth and with him he can make the leap," Jeda said of Mora. Jeda expressed confidence in Gasperini's longer-term vision for Roma, saying the coach has reached "a level of intelligence that allows him to understand the road to follow." He believes Gasperini's work last season was "only the beginning of a journey that can be very important" and that Roma will compete strongly this season despite needing additional squad depth, particularly due to Champions League demands.