Pisilli on Growth Under Gasperini: 'I Want to Become the Player He Wants'

Gianluca Mancini spoke to Sky Sport from Trigoria, emphasizing his deep commitment to Roma and reflecting on the club's recent arrivals. The defender stressed his emotional bond with the club, saying: "Al cuore non si comanda. Io ho un rapporto speciale, la Roma me la sento dentro di me, dal primo giorno che sono arrivato e poi negli anni è aumentato." He outlined his desire to remain under the current management and continue contributing as the new season approaches. Mancini praised the intensity of pre-season preparation and the squad's readiness for the campaign ahead. On Rodrigo Mora, who completed his first training session on the day of the interview, Mancini noted that the Portuguese defender impressed him when Roma faced Porto two years ago. He credited manager José Mourinho's assessment of Mora's qualities, saying new arrivals strengthen the group which functions as a family. Regarding the league title race, Mancini acknowledged Inter's status as favourites but stressed Roma's ambition to compete: "il nostro obiettivo è pensare partita dopo partita, ragionare da squadra, passare dai momenti belli e cavalcare l'onda." Mancini also reflected on his experience with the Italian national team, acknowledging lingering disappointment over missing the World Cup while emphasizing the need to focus forward under new leadership.

Gianluca Mancini spoke at Trigoria about his decision to stay at Roma after Inter's approach this summer, his commitment to the club, and the arrival of new midfielder Rodrigo Mora. "At heart you cannot command," Mancini said. "I have a special relationship with Roma—I have felt it inside me since the first day I arrived, and it has grown with the years. I wanted to stay strongly with the coach and my teammates, to continue being a protagonist in this new year that is coming and do things in the best possible way, because we deserve it as players, the city, the fans, the club. When you are part of a family it is difficult to leave." Mancini highlighted Roma's Champions League qualification last season as a major milestone and backed the squad to compete this term. On Gasperini's demanding pre-season regime, he stressed that tough preparation is part of football and the coaching staff put players in the right condition to face the season. He acknowledged Inter as favourites for the title but said Roma's objective is "to think match after match, to reason as a squad, to ride the wave in good moments and not collapse in difficult ones, but always improve ourselves." On Mora's arrival, Mancini noted the new signing trained with the squad that day and said experienced players help newcomers settle on and off the pitch. He referenced a Porto match two years ago in which Mora impressed, adding that José Mourinho's endorsement of the player carries weight. Mancini also touched on his national team hopes, saying the disappointment of Italy's World Cup absence remains but the focus must turn to objectives ahead.

Gianluca Mancini has reaffirmed his commitment to Roma, dismissing interest from Inter and pledging to remain central to the club's ambitions. Since joining in 2019, Mancini has become the team's captain and emotional leader. "The heart cannot be commanded," he told Sky Sport. "I have a special relationship with Roma, I feel it inside me from the first day I arrived and it has only grown over the years. I wanted strongly to stay with the manager, with my teammates, to continue being a protagonist in this new year that is coming and to do things in the best way possible, because we deserve it as players, the city deserves it, the fans deserve it, the club deserves it. When you are part of a family it is difficult to leave." Mancini praised head coach Gasperini's preparation of the squad and outlined Roma's ambitions for the 2026–27 season. The defender explained that "what the manager does with his staff is to put us in the right conditions to face the season in the best way possible. We as a group follow to the letter what he tells us to do." On the title race, he noted that Inter start as favourites but stressed Roma's own credentials: "We are among those who will give everything to fight a tough championship." The focus, he said, is clear: "Not to be satisfied with what was done last season and try to do even better." Mancini also welcomed new arrivals into the squad. Rodrigo Mora joined recently, and Mancini recalled playing against him when Mora was at Porto two years ago, describing the impression he made as "very beautiful." On integrating new players, Mancini noted that senior figures help ease the transition—with Kostas Tsimikas, for instance, discussions quickly turned to tactics, environment, housing, and personal life. The Friedkin Group ownership, he added, shares a clear vision: "Their dream is to see a strong Roma, competitive, at high levels, and they have always shown it."

Roma are in the final stages of their summer transfer business ahead of Monday's Serie A opener against Fiorentina, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini overseeing moves for defensive and attacking reinforcements. The club's attacking setup will centre on Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, supported by Rodrigo Mora, who recently arrived at the club. Gasperini has requested a more physical midfielder, with Malick Fofana of Lyon emerging as the top target. An agreement in principle worth approximately €35 million plus bonuses has been reached, though Lyon wish to retain Fofana until 26 August for their Champions League preliminary round against Fenerbahce. The final decision now rests with the Friedkin Group. Parallel to the Fofana pursuit, Roma are exploring left-back options, with Alessio Cacciamani of Torino identified as the hottest lead. Torino's recent closure of defender Fortini in the same position may prompt owner Cairo to soften his initial demands. Alternative targets Udogie and Luis Henrique are considered more complicated, with formulae and costs regarded as prohibitively high. Roma's incoming activity is contingent on outgoings: the club must resolve the situations of Salah-Eddine, Ziolkowski, and Robinio Vaz, while Matías Soulé, valued at approximately €40 million and attracting Milan's interest, remains under monitoring. Gasperini has Niccolò Pisilli available for selection and is assessing Wesley's fitness ahead of Monday's match. The likely starting XI is expected to mirror last season's shape, with Molina on the flank and the Dybala–Soulé pairing behind Malen, while Mora is poised for a substitute appearance.

Niccolò Pisilli and Wesley have returned to training with Roma ahead of Monday evening's Serie A fixture against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico, which is set for a sell-out. Pisilli has recovered from a muscular problem to the thigh that sidelined him in recent weeks, while Wesley completed partial work with the squad after a minor ankle sprain. Gian Piero Gasperini appears set to deploy the Cristante–Koné pairing in midfield despite Pisilli's availability. Wesley, the Brazilian winger, is targeting a starting berth against Fiorentina. Manchester United completed a deal for Brighton's Carlos Baleba on the same day, removing any uncertainty over Manu Koné's future at Roma. In defence, Mario Hermoso holds an advantage over Koulierakis for a place, while Molina will make his debut on the right. Lorenzo Pellegrini is unavailable for the match.

Roma trained at Trigoria this morning following a three-day rest granted by Gasperini, with new signing Rodrigo Mora featuring in his first session after receiving official confirmation. The squad is preparing for their Serie A opener against Fiorentina on Monday, 24 August at 20:45 at Stadio Olimpico. Niccolò Pisilli has recovered from injury and returned to full group training, a significant boost for Gasperini's midfield options. Lorenzo Pellegrini continues working separately, with his availability for the Fiorentina match to be assessed day by day. Wesley completed a partial session but is on track to start against Viola, with no fitness concerns reported.