Pellegrini contract renewal talks underway at Roma

AS Roma marked a double celebration on 20 August as the club honoured the birthdays of two figures from vastly different eras: Giuseppe Giannini and Evan N'Dicka. Giannini, the historic captain and one-club legend who spent over 15 years in giallorossi colours, turned 62. N'Dicka, the Ivorian centre-back, celebrated his 27th birthday as he prepares to begin his fourth season at the club. Roma acknowledged both occasions with birthday messages shared across its official social media channels. The contrast between the two reflects different chapters of the club's history. Giannini remains a symbol of Roma's golden era as one of the great one-club captains, while N'Dicka has established himself as a key defensive figure during the modern era. The dual celebration underlined the continuity of commitment to Roma, spanning generations and roles.

Roma will begin their 2026-27 season on Monday evening at the Olimpico against Fiorentina. In Friday's training session at Trigoria, centre-back Niccolò Pisilli and forward Wesley both returned to full availability. Pisilli trained regularly with the squad after a recent knock, while Wesley, who had been working partially with the group, is targeting full fitness to start against Fiorentina. The club continues preparations as it pursues final transfer targets to complete the roster. Gasperini will hold his first pre-match press conference of the new season on Saturday at 13:30, where he is expected to discuss team selection and tactical plans ahead of the Fiorentina fixture.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will address the media on Saturday 23 August at 13:30 from the Fulvio Bernardini press room to preview Monday's Serie A opener against Fiorentina. The match kicks off at 20:45 on 26 August in the first fixture of the 2026–27 season. Gasperini is expected to discuss several topics including the potential involvement of Rodrigo Mora, the club's ongoing transfer activity in the final days of the window, and Roma's campaign launch. Starting the season well is crucial, though August presents challenges with numerous clubs navigating squad changes as the transfer market remains open.

Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss Roma's opening fixture against Fiorentina on Monday evening and the subsequent away match at Lecce on 31 August as he continues his recovery from a right thigh rectus femoris injury. The number 7 requires further time before returning to Gasperini's squad. Pellegrini is expected to resume group training in the first days of September, with the aim of being available for Roma's home fixture against Atalanta on Saturday 5 September at the Olimpico. His absence represents a significant blow to the midfield as Roma prepare for the new season in Serie A.

Lorenzo Pellegrini will not be available until the end of August at the earliest, as he continues to recover from a right thigh muscle injury. The Roma midfielder will miss fixtures against Fiorentina on Monday 24 August and Lecce on Monday 31 August. From 1 September, Pellegrini will begin training with the squad, with a week needed to regain match fitness. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had indicated the extent of the layoff following Pellegrini's contract renewal on 8 August, stating: "It will take at least a month. At least. We'll talk about it in September." A call-up for the home match against Atalanta on Saturday 5 September is possible, but the key fixture targeted for Pellegrini's return is the away trip to Torino on Sunday 13 September. The number 7 suffered a recurrence of his muscular injury to the rectus femoris of his right thigh, prolonging his absence from team training and competitive action.

Roma want to complete their squad with two more signings before the transfer window closes, but face financial and numerical constraints imposed by UEFA agreements and profit rules. Head coach Gasperini continues to push for a profile like Malick Fofana to add unpredictability to the attack, but the situation is complex. With the arrival of Rodrigo Mora, the attacking midfield is already well covered: Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Robinio Vaz are all in the squad. Any move for Fofana depends on a significant sale that generates a profit to stay within settlement agreement parameters—which allow a maximum loss of €60 million over three years. Matías Soulé is the likeliest candidate to raise a fee close to €40 million. Director Tony D'Amico is also evaluating Luis Henrique from Inter as an alternative. The Brazilian can play on the wing or as an additional forward and would be an ideal utility player. Inter have indicated availability for a loan with a buyout clause set at €27–28 million, though the Nerazzurri are demanding very simple conditions to trigger the obligation—such as the first point won or survival—which complicates the deal. Lyon's timeline further clouds matters: the French club wants to wait for the outcome of Champions League qualifying before giving final approval for Fofana.