Pisilli to start at number 10; Dybala bids for starting role against Fiorentina in contest with Soulé

Muhammed Bah has spoken publicly following a serious knee injury sustained in a friendly against Cardiff. The Roma midfielder suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and has begun his long recovery process. Several days after the injury, the 2006-born player posted a message on Instagram expressing his determination and faith. "Difficulties are part of every journey," Bah wrote. "I place my trust in Almighty God, convinced that every situation, including this one, will be resolved for the best. I will do everything possible to return stronger than before. Thank you all for the affection and support." The midfielder's public statement marks his first response to the setback, showing resolve ahead of what will be an extended rehabilitation. Bah's absence will be a significant concern for Roma as the 2026-27 season unfolds.

Muhammed Bah has addressed his serious injury sustained in a pre-season friendly against Cardiff, speaking publicly through an Instagram post. The midfielder wrote: "Challenges are part of every journey. I place my trust in God so that every situation, including this one, resolves for the best." He added: "I will do everything necessary to return stronger than before. Thank you all for your affection and support." Bah's message came as Roma's squad continues preparation ahead of the 2026–27 season. The injury occurred during the pre-season campaign and represents a significant setback for Gasperini's plans. The midfielder's post was accompanied by photographs from his pre-season work, including images documenting the moment the injury took place.

Roma must quicken their transfer activity with less than two weeks until the Serie A season begins. Head coach Gasperini has signalled urgency to the club following a heavy defeat to Brighton, stating: "Numerically it seems there is still a need for something, but you know how it is." Koné returned to training today and Molina arrived in the capital yesterday, providing important reinforcements, but the coach insists the squad-building remains incomplete. Gasperini has emphasised the need for depth across positions, particularly given Champions League participation: "Having at least two players per role is essential for those competing in cups. Those who don't do it pay heavily." Gasperini's original shopping list comprised a defender, a winger and two forwards. Koulierakis has arrived for defence, Castro for attack, and Molina on the wing—filling three of four targets. The priority now is a second striker. Roma have identified Rodrigo Mora from Porto, with negotiations progressing well; the club hopes to complete that deal in the coming hours. The second gap is at left-back: while Molina covered Çelik's departure on the right, Gasperini needs cover for Wesley on the opposite flank, particularly after losing both Angeliño and Tsimikas from the previous season. Roma are focusing on Alessio Cacciamani and Destiny Udogie, contrasting profiles suited to strengthen the left-back options. The work ahead is significant, and time is running short.

Roma continues to struggle in finding an attacking left winger, prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to evaluate a significant tactical overhaul for the 2026–27 season. High costs and a lack of suitable profiles have left the position unfilled despite sustained efforts, pushing the club to consider a strategic change in formation. The proposal would move away from two attacking midfielders supporting a single striker toward a system with one attacking midfielder behind two forwards. This tactical shift would align with Roma's recent recruitment priorities, including reported interest in players such as Rodrigo Mora and Endrick. With attacking options like Donyell Malen, a forward identified as Castro, and Robinio Vaz already in the squad, alongside creative midfielders of the calibre of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Roma would have the versatility to reshape its attacking setup to suit the strengths of its available players and adapt the system to their characteristics.

AS Roma has constructed this fantasy XI to celebrate the club's 99-year history of attracting world-class talent. The feature categorises legendary signings by era, beginning with postwar arrivals: Alcide Ghiggia, who joined in 1953 after scoring in Brazil's 1950 World Cup final loss, and Juan Schiaffino, the other Maracanazo hero, who helped Roma lift their first European Cup in 1961 alongside fellow Uruguayan Manfredini. The 1980s elevated Roma's prestige dramatically, starting with Falcao and Vierchowod during the second Serie A title, followed by Cerezo, Boniek, Voeller, and Aldair, who pioneered Roma's succession of elite defenders including Samuel and Chivu. Cafu, who won the World Cup twice as a Roma player and once as captain of Brazil, anchored the right flank; his era also featured Candela, Montella, and Gabriel Batistuta. Later recruits—Maicon, Pjanić, Salah, and Edin Dzeko, who reached the top three all-time goalscorer rankings—maintained the club's magnetism for established stars. Paulo Dybala, still actively representing the club, exemplifies the ongoing mutual affection between world-class talent and Roma's brand.

Rodrigo Mora has agreed to join Roma. Director of football Tony D'Amico has tabled a five-year contract worth two million euros per season, including bonuses, for the Porto playmaker. The agreement with agent Jorge Mendes was reached yesterday after rapid negotiations. Porto's formal approval is awaited in the coming hours. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has pressed D'Amico to complete the deal quickly, expecting two new arrivals by 15 August. Gasperini received reassurances at an emergency meeting with ownership at Vale Resort in Hensol, Wales. Roma plan to close the signing of the new forward first, then turn attention to reinforcing other positions: a right winger to deputise for Paulo Dybala, and a left winger to rotate with Wesley.

Roma continues to struggle in finding an attacking left winger, prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to evaluate a significant tactical overhaul for the 2026–27 season. High costs and a lack of suitable profiles have left the position unfilled despite sustained efforts, pushing the club to consider a strategic change in formation. The proposal would move away from two attacking midfielders supporting a single striker toward a system with one attacking midfielder behind two forwards. This tactical shift would align with Roma's recent recruitment priorities, including reported interest in players such as Rodrigo Mora and Endrick. With attacking options like Donyell Malen, a forward identified as Castro, and Robinio Vaz already in the squad, alongside creative midfielders of the calibre of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Roma would have the versatility to reshape its attacking setup to suit the strengths of its available players and adapt the system to their characteristics.

Beppe Bergomi has recommended Davide Frattesi to Roma, suggesting the midfielder could flourish under head coach Gasperini. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bergomi said: "I would see him fitting well. Someone like him, with that style of play, could score several goals." Roma's recruitment team continues to work intensively to complete the squad. The priority is to add another striker and a winger—possibly two—in the coming weeks. No midfield moves are planned unless there are unexpected departures. Mora is close to joining the club. Bergomi also praised Gasperini, describing him as "a certainty" and part of the generation that changed football. He noted: "He is unique in managing players, on the pitch and off it. The only weakness is that his teams have big peaks and then slumps. He'll need to be smart managing the double commitment, but he has Malen's goals on his side."

Rodrigo Mora, a Portuguese talent developed at Porto, is on the verge of joining Roma to strengthen Gian Piero Gasperini's squad. Mora can operate as a playmaker behind the striker and also as a winger, and will provide an understudy option to Paulo Dybala in the attacking midfield role. Alongside Dybala, Mora will support Donyell Malen and the team's striking setup as part of Gasperini's tactical rebuild during August. Mora's arrival forms part of a broader reshaping of Roma's squad. Nahuel Molina landed at Ciampino airport on 10 August and is undergoing medical checks and contract formalities before beginning his work at Trigoria. The return of midfielder Manu Koné, who was previously on loan, will also bolster the depth available to Gasperini. The convergence of these player movements represents Gasperini's effort to refine the team's tactical identity and competitive options across multiple positions.

Roma are pushing hard in the market ahead of their Serie A debut in under two weeks, with director D'Amico working on multiple targets across attack and the flanks. The club has reached a five-year agreement with Rodrigo Mora, a talented Porto prospect born in 2007, and is negotiating with Jorge Mendes on a deal worth €25 million plus 50 per cent of future resale proceeds. The Endrick option has collapsed after Real Madrid secured him; Roma remain active on alternative tracks including Cacciamani from Torino and Luis Henrique from Inter, while Destiny Udogie of Tottenham has emerged as a new option, though Spurs have not yet opened the door to a loan with a purchase option. Training resumed at Trigoria with Nahuel Molina arriving from Atlético Madrid integrated into the squad, and Manu Koné returning after his post-World Cup break. Niccolò Pisilli has rejoined group training. In departures, Angeliño moved to Deportivo La Coruña on a loan deal with a right to buy, vacating the number 3 shirt, which Koulierakis has now claimed. In youth development, Francesco Ballarin, a midfielder born in 2009, has been signed from Venezia to join Roma's youth sector.

Roma have moved decisively in the transfer market, with nineteen-year-old Porto forward Rodrigo Mora close to joining the club and Argentine right-back Nahuel Molina officially arriving in the capital. Molina landed at Ciampino airport after Roma agreed a deal with Atlético Madrid worth 13 million euros plus 4 million in bonuses. He will replace Zeki Çelik on the right flank. The Mora deal is in its final stages, with Roma having worked extensively to fend off competition from Galatasaray. Porto president André Villas-Boas has agreed terms involving 25 million euros upfront—with 50 per cent of any future resale profit returning to Porto—plus a further 25 million euros in 2027. Mora will sign a five-year contract, a profile that immediately impressed head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The move accelerates after the Endrick pursuit collapsed, with the Brazilian now bound for Real Madrid. With midfielder Manu Koné returning to full availability and expected returns of Niccolò Pisilli and Lorenzo Pellegrini on the horizon, Gasperini is building squad depth. Roma are also monitoring possible departures of Matías Soulé and Neil El Aynaoui to maintain financial balance, but the focus is on assembling a competitive, technically strong group ready for Serie A and European football.

Roma continue their pre-season preparation in England on Saturday 8 August, facing Brighton at the American Express Stadium with kickoff at 16:00. Head coach Gasperini will be without Molina, who will join the squad directly at Trigoria, though Malen is available. Pisilli and Bah remain sidelined through injury. The friendly forms part of Roma's summer training schedule following their time in Wales. Gasperini has confirmed his squad composition for the match, with the unavailability of two key players due to injury requiring tactical adjustments. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN, accessible via the app or official website through smartphone, PC, or tablet.