Pilgrim hails 'good start' after difficult Ternana test in Women's Cup

Roma will begin their Serie A campaign against Fiorentina within 24 hours, looking to build on last season's third-place finish. Nahuel Molina is ready for his debut on the right wing, with Devyne Rensch as backup, while Wesley has fully recovered from a ankle problem and will start on the left. The main tactical uncertainty centres on the attacking midfield slot alongside Paulo Dybala and behind striker Donyell Malen. Matías Soulé currently holds the advantage for that position after impressing the coaching staff during pre-season training, losing weight and setting aside transfer speculation. Rodrigo Mora poses a rival claim and is eager to make his debut. However, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini retains an alternative tactical option: deploying Bryan Cristante as a trequartista. The 1995-born midfielder has been used successfully in that role several times last season within the 3-4-1-2 formation, providing defensive stability and strong results. Should Gasperini opt for Cristante in advance, the midfield pivot would comprise Manu Koné alongside either Neil El Aynaoui or Niccolò Pisilli. The final decision will come only after the training session on the eve of the match, pending assessments of Aynaoui's fitness following the World Cup and the condition of young Italian academy product Pisilli, who has only recently rejoined the group.

Matías Soulé has reclaimed his place in Roma's starting XI for Sunday's match against Fiorentina after an impressive pre-season, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed. The Argentine winger had faced a difficult summer marked by transfer speculation and fitness concerns that drew criticism from Gasperini during the early days of training. Now in top form following an exceptional preparation, Soulé will partner Paulo Dybala in an all-Argentine attacking three, with Donyell Malen completing the trident on the right. Soulé has edged out Rodrigo Mora for the starting berth, the same trio that finished last season in Roma's Champions League match against Hellas Verona. Elsewhere, Gasperini has confirmed the debut of Molina on the right wing, with fellow Argentine Castro expected to come off the bench given that Malen has not yet reached full fitness. Wesley returns to full availability at left-back after recovery, while Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are set to start midfield duties together. In defence, Mario Hermoso is favoured over Koulierakis. Gasperini has also promoted academy player Emanuele Lulli to the first-team squad following an impressive showing during the summer retreat. The coach said of Lulli: "He has demonstrated that he possesses the right characteristics to be part of Roma's squad. He will follow his development path."

Roma prepare for their Serie A opener against Fiorentina on Monday evening at the Olimpico, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini running through final selection details. The squad is virtually at full strength, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the sole absentee as he continues his rehabilitation programme. Gasperini has been resolving key tactical questions in recent training sessions as Roma adopt their familiar 3-4-1-2 formation. The main selection uncertainty centres on midfield and the attacking three. In defence, the back three will comprise Gianluca Mancini on the centre-right, Evan N'Dicka in the middle, and Mario Hermoso on the left. Molina will operate on the right flank and Wesley on the left, both tasked with providing attacking thrust and quick defensive cover. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are locked in as the attacking partnership. Gasperini is considering fielding young Rodrigo Mora in the number 10 role from the start, a move that would sacrifice some defensive balance but offer greater attacking quality. In central midfield, Niccolò Pisilli holds a clear advantage over Neil El Aynaoui in the battle to partner Manu Koné and provide dynamism and forward runs. This positioning could see Bryan Cristante start on the bench despite featuring heavily in pre-season friendlies. Roma will hold a final training session this afternoon at Trigoria before the squad remains overnight at the Fulvio Bernardini sports centre ahead of Monday's debut against Fiorentina.