Mourinho names Roma as Inter's only Italian challenger

Radio pundits across Rome's airwaves offered their verdicts on Gasperini's Roma ahead of the new season. The debate centred on Francesco Totti's absence from the club's plans, with Ugo Trani claiming the former captain was let down by both the national team and Roma itself. Trani defended Totti's character and noted that Gasperini alone had given his approval to a return: "Gasperini was also the only one to go to dinner with him and, as he has stressed, is a free man: he does what he wants, without anyone being able to tell him what to do." Francesco Balzani observed that Totti appeared hurt by how things unfolded at Roma, having waited for a call that never came. Looking ahead to the squad's composition, Balzani predicted Paulo Dybala and Manu Koné would start in Turkey, with Rodrigo Mora also featuring behind Dybala and Donyell Malen. Roberto Pruzzo praised the bond between squad and coach: "The team and manager have formed a working group that functions very well, this is a positive signal. This year Gasperini also has quality substitutes; now we'll see what happens with congested fixture schedules." Nando Orsi took the boldest stance on Roma's ambitions this season: "Gasperini knows how to manage multiple competitions. Roma will fight for the Scudetto; it is a squad that can take advantage of stumbles by Inter and Napoli. The Champions League is a fine reality, but the objective must be to win the league."

Francesco Totti has dismissed any friction with AS Roma, stating he intends to spend the club's centenary in 2027 alongside supporters. Speaking at the presentation of Maxima Roma, the former captain said: "The centenary belongs to everyone and I am a Roma fan." His remarks come amid continued speculation about a potential return to the club for the milestone anniversary. Totti's comments represent a clear statement of his relationship with Roma as the club approaches its 100-year mark. The club's ownership, the Friedkin Group, has previously approved a return to the traditional AS Roma crest for the 2026–27 season, signalling a broader reconnection with the club's history. Totti played his entire career at Roma from 1992 to 2017, scoring 307 goals overall, including 250 in Serie A. His number 10 shirt was retired by the club in recognition of his legendary status.

Francesco Totti has placed Roma among the primary candidates for the Serie A title. Speaking to Rai Sport at the presentation of the capital's basketball team, the Roma legend and current advisor to Maxima Roma outlined his confidence in the club's start to the season. Totti said: "Roma and Inter are the candidates for the title, let's not say anything and wait for the rest of the championship. In 10 or 15 games we will see." He also reaffirmed his bond with the club: "I will never set Roma aside, it is my skin. We are there, we started well and I hope we can continue at these levels." On his involvement with Maxima Roma, Totti described it as a project that enthused him rather than a response to being overlooked elsewhere: "It is not a spite move, but a project that excited me. I am happy because for me sport comes before everything."