Pruzzo on Roma's wing search: Luis Henrique and Cacciamani won't deliver the quality leap

Roma are pursuing Lyon winger Malick Fofana as a candidate to fill the left-wing slot in attack, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini attracted to the 2005-born player's attributes and potential for development. The club could make a move for Fofana if negotiations with Porto over Rodrigo Mora collapse. Lyon's financial demands have softened in recent weeks, according to reports, with a deal now possible for a fee below €40 million. Fofana remains one of Roma's primary targets for the left-wing position as the transfer window continues. The main uncertainty surrounding any potential agreement centres on the player's physical condition, as he dealt with multiple injuries during the previous season.

Roma have reopened contact with Olympique Lyonnais over winger Malick Fofana as contingency planning continues around their pursuit of Porto's Rodrigo Mora. Sporting director D'Amico has sought fresh information on the Belgian winger, born in 2005, who is valued by Lyon at a minimum of €40 million. Transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà reported on X that Lyon's valuation is decreasing, potentially making a move more feasible if Roma's bid for Mora falls through. The 21-year-old Fofana had been tracked by Roma in recent weeks, though concerns over his fitness have previously complicated the potential deal. By revisiting the player's profile now, Roma are preparing for multiple outcomes as they await a definitive response from Porto regarding Mora. The prospect of a lower price tag from Lyon could help Roma navigate a complex transfer window where securing reinforcements remains a priority.

Luigi Cherubini is on the verge of joining Serie B side Benevento on loan with a right of purchase that becomes an obligation upon the fulfilment of certain squad and individual conditions. The 2004-born winger will first sign a contract renewal with Roma through June 2029, extending his current deal that expires next June. The move has been in the works for a week but had not yet been finalised as of 14 August, held up by the delay in completing Cherubini's contract extension with the club. Cherubini, a former Sampdoria and Carrarese player, represents another piece of business on Roma's transfer agenda. Benevento manager Antonio Floro Flores addressed the situation at a press conference on 13 August ahead of the club's Coppa Italia round of 32 tie against Fiorentina. Flores said: "I know they have promised us Cherubini, the club has said 'if he leaves here he comes to you'. We welcome it, we are waiting for him with open arms." The transfer will add to the workload already on Roma's director of sport D'Amico's desk.

Roma's transfer window is being hampered by the club's ownership, according to commentators on Roman radio. Mario Mattioli of Radio Radio Mattino said: "What is holding Roma back is the decisive and determining input from the club. The feeling, as seen in the Fofana case, is that there is no final determination to close operations. Roma's market operators, once they identify the player that suits the manager, seem unable to go beyond certain limits. It happens everywhere, but at Roma it always happens." Nando Orsi raised concerns about Roma's inability to secure a left-sided winger with a right foot after a year of searching, describing the situation as bizarre. He suggested that were Roma to receive an offer of 45 million euros for Svilar, he would consider selling and bringing in Vicario. Roberto Pruzzo acknowledged that unexpected opportunities may still emerge in the market but offered mixed assessments of potential targets. He rated Molina as a player capable of raising standards but felt Luis Henrique and Cacciamani would not represent a significant quality jump. Pruzzo indicated Luis Henrique on loan with an option could be worthwhile but ruled it out at 30 million euros.

Roma will face Borussia Dortmund in their final pre-season friendly on 15 August at 17:30 at Signal Iduna Park. Gian Piero Gasperini's side complete their build-up after a British tour with this test match in Germany. Gasperini is expected to field a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Mile Svilar in goal and a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. Neil El Aynaoui and Bryan Cristante anchor the midfield, with Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé supporting Donyell Malen in attack. Borussia Dortmund will deploy an identical shape, managed by Kovac. Tickets are available through the Borussia Dortmund club website. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN, with live text updates available on ilromanista.eu.

Roma's defence, which finished as Serie A's second-best last season, has shown alarming fragility during their pre-season tour of Britain. The Giallorossi conceded eight goals across three friendlies—four against Cardiff, one against Newport, and three against Brighton—with the tally rising to 11 when including a 3–3 draw against Cannes. Against Brighton on 8 August, Gasperini made wholesale defensive changes after Roma had shipped three goals in 49 minutes, introducing Ghilardi and new arrival Koulierakis while withdrawing N'Dicka and Hermoso. The ivory-coast central defender had failed to close down Ayari's double, prompting Gasperini to turn to the bench and shout "Let's change." Hermoso, managing an ankle problem, allowed Rutter to nearly extend the lead moments after the 3–0. Earlier defensive lapses against Cardiff exposed deeper issues: Ahsford's opener came after N'Dicka slipped and a rebound off Rensch, while Salech's second followed a costly Svilar error on a dangerous Wesley backpass. El Aynaoui was substituted at half-time after a misplaced pass that set up Ayari's second goal, and Rensch drew criticism for poor decision-making. The unit that had anchored Roma's recent success now appears fragile heading into the season. Gasperini acknowledged the work ahead, saying "the team is struggling to switch back on," highlighting the scale of the challenge to restore defensive solidity before competitive fixtures begin.