Paredes sparks Roma regret after deciding River Plate–Boca Juniors clash

Roma's pursuit of Luis Henrique remains at a standstill, with the Brazilian midfielder unwilling to move to the Stadio Olimpico and no agreement in place on personal terms. Inter are demanding €30 million for the player, but negotiations with Roma have stalled in recent days with no fresh developments. Director D'Amico continues hunting a wide midfielder to bolster Roma's ranks. Beyond Henrique, other targets on the shortlist include Udogie and Cacciamani to strengthen the opposite flank. However, Roma's priority before pursuing those avenues is to secure a deal for Mora, who would add depth to the attacking department.

Roma have completed the signing of Molina from Atlético Madrid. The Argentine defender has already given his first interview as a Roma player as the club continues its summer transfer activity. Roma's transfer window has entered a critical phase as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini prepares his squad for the 2026–27 season, with a return to the Champions League the stated objective. The Friedkin Group are working to assemble a competitive roster to support the Italian coach's ambitions for the campaign ahead. Molina's arrival adds depth to Roma's defensive options as the club balances its squad requirements heading into the new season.

Roma and Porto are locked in a standoff over the transfer of midfielder Mora. The clubs have agreed on the deal structure but remain at odds over the terms. Roma has proposed an initial loan of €7–8 million with a right of purchase set at €42–43 million, which would become an obligation to buy if certain conditions are met. Roma wants to include a clause based on 60 per cent of appearances and qualification to the next Champions League, while Porto is seeking stronger guarantees and more favourable conditions. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is waiting for the 2007-born trequartista, whom the club hopes to mould in the image of Paulo Dybala. Mora endured an inconsistent season at Porto, with transfer rumours linking him to Saudi Arabia and the tactical system under his previous coach not fully utilising his strengths. Under that manager, Mora was often pushed back into midfield to start play, a role that significantly limited his effectiveness in the attacking third.

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.

Roma ended their pre-season training camp in Wales with a 3–0 defeat to Brighton. Rutter and Ayari, who scored twice, were decisive for the home side. The loss concluded what proved a disappointing retreat before the Giallorossi return to Rome and prepare for their final warm-up fixture against Borussia Dortmund ahead of the 2026–27 season launch. In the second half against Brighton, Castro and Koulierakis were brought on to gain match time. Back at Trigoria, Roma await the return of Pellegrini and Koné, the latter having rejoined the squad after his summer break. Individual performances saw Bryan Cristante earn a rating of 6 for his display, while Mario Hermoso (4) and Wesley (4.5) both endured difficult afternoons in defence.

Roma suffered a second defeat in three pre-season outings, losing 3–0 to Brighton in what Gasperini described as a concerning display two weeks before the season begins. Wesley emerged as the standout performer, while Neil El Aynaoui stepped back from his midweek form, and the defence was repeatedly breached. Gianluca Mancini (5) lost his man on Brighton's third goal and appeared less commanding than usual, while Mario Hermoso (5) was partly culpable for the opening goal and departed with a foot problem. Evan N'Dicka (5.5) offered insufficient security at the back, and Devyne Rensch (4.5) endured a forgettable afternoon at right-back following several indecisions; Koulierakis (6) and Daniele Ghilardi (6) came on at half-time and improved the display, though the match was already decided. Wesley (6) impressed with his physicality and athleticism, particularly a close effort at the 28-minute mark, while Paulo Dybala (5.5) created Roma's most dangerous opportunity despite a subdued showing. Neil El Aynaoui (4.5) was erratic in midfield, losing the ball in an exchange with Rensch that led to Brighton's second goal. Bryan Cristante (5.5), the captain, struggled to control the midfield as his experience might demand. Matías Soulé (5.5) lacked incisiveness despite constant movement. Donyell Malen (5) remained short of match fitness and rarely troubled the goalkeeper. Gasperini rated the performance 5, noting that Roma has conceded eleven goals across the last 360 minutes of pre-season play. Though he acknowledged no points are at stake in August, he expressed disappointment for the 750 Roma supporters in attendance. The transfer market remains underdeveloped, he added, but the squad must perform better ahead of competitive fixtures.