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Roma face Borussia Dortmund in a pre-season friendly. The fixture carries historical weight: 19 years ago, in the summer of 2007, Roma travelled to Germany and lost 4–0 to Dortmund under Luciano Spalletti. That defeat prompted criticism of Spalletti's preparation methods, which were deemed too physically demanding. Yet that same Roma side went on to challenge for the Serie A title until the final day against Inter. Roma's pre-season campaign so far suggests the current side may be undergoing an equally rigorous build-up. The nature of the friendly schedule has drawn comparisons to Spalletti's era. There is hope among supporters that, like that 2007 team, the Giallorossi can translate a punishing pre-season into success when the competitive campaign begins.

Roma face Borussia Dortmund in a pre-season friendly in Germany. The fixture echoes a historic encounter: 19 years ago, in the summer of 2007, Roma visited Dortmund and suffered a 4–0 defeat under manager Spalletti. That loss drew criticism of the coach's heavy pre-season preparation, yet the Roma side that year went on to challenge for the Serie A title until the final day against Inter. Roma's recent warm-up matches suggest the current pre-season training load is similarly demanding. The comparison raises the possibility that, as in Spalletti's era, the giallorossi could deliver strong form once the competitive season begins. Gian Piero Gasperini's squad will look to use this fixture as an opportunity to build fitness and cohesion ahead of the 2026–27 campaign.

Mario Hermoso left the field early in the second half during Roma's 3–0 friendly defeat to Brighton on 8 August after a collision caused sharp pain in his left ankle, but head coach Gian Piero Gasperini withdrew him purely as a precaution rather than due to any inability to continue play. The Spanish defender is expected to be fit and available for Roma's next test against Borussia Dortmund on 15 August. Roma's heavy loss to Brighton came without the additional concern of a serious injury to their defence. Gasperini's decision to substitute Hermoso reflected a cautious approach to the player's status ahead of the Dortmund fixture, which will serve as further preparation before the competitive season begins.

Roma will face Borussia Dortmund in their final pre-season friendly on 15 August at 17:30 at Signal Iduna Park. Gian Piero Gasperini's side complete their build-up after a British tour with this test match in Germany. Gasperini is expected to field a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Mile Svilar in goal and a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. Neil El Aynaoui and Bryan Cristante anchor the midfield, with Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé supporting Donyell Malen in attack. Borussia Dortmund will deploy an identical shape, managed by Kovac. Tickets are available through the Borussia Dortmund club website. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN, with live text updates available on ilromanista.eu.

Rodrigo Mora appears tailor-made for Gasperini's tactics on the basis of his technical qualities and playing style. The 19-year-old Portuguese prospect is a low centre-of-gravity player with explosive one-on-one ability and creativity between the lines, capable of creating numerical advantage and opening dangerous passing lanes in the final third. Last season, despite an overall period that fell short of expectations, Mora produced impressive statistical output. According to WhoScored, among players with over 1,000 minutes, he ranked joint-first in successful dribbles per 90 minutes (1.7, level with William Gomes), first in key passes per 90 (2.7), and fourth in shots attempted per match (2.8). His long-range shooting ability is another strength, a quality Roma have struggled to find in their squad in recent years. This will be Mora's first experience outside Portugal, and a physiological adjustment period is expected before seeing the full extent of his capabilities. Asking for an immediate impact from one of Europe's most interesting young talents in his first time away from home and under one of football's most tactically and athletically demanding coaches risks diminishing the value of an important investment.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is building a Roma side defined by youth, technical fluency, and aggressive attacking play, with quality and skill prioritized over physical presence. The structure centres on Rodrigo Mora, a slight-framed playmaker and dribbler who will compete with Lorenzo Pellegrini for a starting role, while Donyell Malen leads the forward line alongside technically gifted players including Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé. Offensive thrust will also flow from attacking full-backs such as Wesley, supported by various transfer targets including potential arrivals at centre-back and in midfield. With the team so heavily weighted towards attack, the stability of Roma's shape depends almost entirely on Manu Koné, who will screen the defence and reclaim possession alongside Bryan Cristante. The French midfielder's long-term future remains uncertain, however, and any departure would leave a void difficult to fill in the short term. Gasperini's vision prioritizes technical excellence across the attacking third, with contributions from wider areas through offensively minded defenders and young, technical players who can operate in varied roles across the pitch.