Pruzzo: Replacing Koné is difficult; Carina questions his quality

Roma are actively pursuing both Aurélien Fofana and Franck Kessié in the final days of the transfer window, according to multiple commentators on Roman radio on 27 August. Mario Corsi stated: "The situation is this: in these hours people are talking about Fofana and Kessié, Roma is absolutely trying to take them. I'm telling you that Roma is absolutely trying, and something will definitely come out. Then maybe it could be other names, but they'll do something good." Corsi added that if Roma sign both players, there is no reason not to discuss a title challenge, noting: "The only team that has four strong strikers is Inter. I have terrible tension in these last four days because it changes the thinking on the shield." The Fofana deal appears structured as a loan with an obligation to buy triggered by a set number of appearances, rather than an outright €35 million plus bonuses transfer from Lyon. Francesca Ferrazza explained: "Fofana has an important history of injuries, and for this reason they are working on the formula: a loan that then becomes an obligation to buy at a certain number of matches. With players who have this history of injuries you have to be cautious, and for this reason the operation is complicated." She urged swift decisions from the ownership: "Let's hope the Friedkins are quick to give answers to D'Amico and Gasperini to green-light the operations." On Jayden Oosterwolde, Checco Oddo Casano reported: "The situation has been clear since yesterday, but Roma still hasn't decided. The medical staff has expressed their doubts saying: 'Are you really sure you want to take this risk?' I honestly wouldn't take this risk, but then you have to see if you have an alternative ready, because today is 27 August and there is little time." Lorenzo Pes suggested negotiations with Fenerbahçe were ongoing to adjust terms: contacts have resumed "to change the cost of the loan, which will not be expensive but free, and on the number of appearances for the obligation to buy." Separately, speculation around Neil El Aynaoui's future prompted comment. Piero Torri stated: "I'm trying to understand something about El Aynaoui, because the story is building that he could leave Roma. The agent says quite decisively that he stays at Roma. There has been talk of Saudi Arabia and Crystal Palace, but I haven't found evidence." Ilario Di Giovambattista weighed in on Roma's overall strength: "Roma has shown they have a crazy defence—I don't see a better one in Italy. The attack is the best in Serie A along with Inter. Even like this Roma can fight for the title."

Roma are working to sign Lyon winger Fofana as part of head coach Gasperini's push to strengthen the squad ahead of the Champions League campaign. The move hinges on Lyon's urgent need to raise approximately €100 million within the next year due to financial pressure, with Fofana keen to play in the Champions League. A structural arrangement under which Roma would register the Belgian in the following financial year while Lyon book the fee in the current one could help both clubs complete the deal. The transfer also remains connected to Roma's efforts to offload Jan Ziółkowski. Lorenzo Pes reported that definitive offers for the academy product have fallen short of Roma's valuation, which sits close to the fee the club paid Legia Warsaw to acquire him. Nottingham Forest are currently unwilling to loan Mario Hermoso. Gasperini is confident the Friedkin Group will make the effort to back him in the market, with sources suggesting he remains hopeful of securing a left winger to complete the squad. Radio commentators are united on the strategic importance of the move. Piero Torri (Radio Manà Manà) said: "With Fofana, Roma would make a further step forward and would be the perfect completion for the attacking department." Simone Valdarchi added that Fofana has communicated to Lyon his desire to play Champions League football, and that the structure being discussed would suit both clubs. Nando Orsi (Radio Radio Mattino) believes "Roma with Fofana complete the squad, then if another defender were to arrive it would become even stronger," noting that Gasperini aims to win the Serie A title, not simply return to the Champions League.

Radio pundits gathered to assess Roma's transfer activity and title ambitions on the opening day of the Champions League league-phase campaign. The debate centred on whether the squad can challenge for the Serie A title, with most speakers expressing optimism contingent on further additions before the window closes. Sabatini offered the strongest endorsement, saying: "If Roma had Dybala for 38 matches as he played against Fiorentina, the club could compete for the scudetto. What we saw from Dybala—I haven't seen him like that in ten years." Other analysts echoed the view that the squad has the foundation to compete. Di Giovambattista noted that Roma's defence is the best in Italy and, with recent reinforcements, the team can fight for the title. Orsi added that a Fofana signing would complete the squad, and that Gasperini did not engineer these changes merely to compete in the Champions League—"he wants to win the scudetto." Roma's transfer focus remains on midfield. Carina reported at Radio Radio: "There is this negotiation with Ziolkowski going to Monza. El Aynaoui is on the market, but there isn't a queue for him: if an offer arrives, Roma evaluates it, otherwise El Aynaoui stays. In this final part of the market many names will come out, there are clubs with surplus players, but Roma's market is outlined. You have to understand how it will end with Fofana: I am optimistic, because if you have an agreement with the club and the player, you find a formula to close it. Roma must compete for the scudetto: it is behind Inter, but it can play for it." Pes, reporting on Oosterwolde, said Roma has resumed contact with Fenerbahce and the formula is now a free loan with a right of purchase that can become an obligation once the player reaches 20 appearances. Torri noted that Lyon must sell Fofana regardless, facing a requirement to raise €100 million over the next year, and that selling El Aynaoui for €30 million would ease funds for further Fofana negotiations. He added that Roma is structured to compete for the top four and that "with Malen, Dybala and Fofana, that is a lot of quality." The window's final phase will determine whether Fofana and a left-sided player arrive. Lyon's financial crisis and Champions League status remain central to negotiations, with Roma and the French club still seeking agreement on terms.

Roma are actively negotiating with Lyon to bring down their asking price for midfielder Aurélien Fofana, according to radio pundit Aspri speaking on Radio Radio on 26 August. Aspri stated that the next 24–48 hours would be crucial in persuading Lyon to lower their valuation. If the deal can be completed, Fofana would become Roma's primary attacking midfield target following the recent arrival of Rodrigo Mora. Aspri explained that Gasperini has clear preferences in midfield but faces a delicate balancing act. "Gasperini has the hierarchies very clear," Aspri said. "If someone like Kessié were to arrive, the midfield would become very substantial. There's Juventus and competition that, on paper, is impractical for Roma, but the news is true. Gasperini's doubts concern Kessié's physical condition — he has great affection for the player, but the operation is complicated and interesting because it would change the hierarchies." Aspri added: "The question is: what does Roma want to aim for? Someone like Kessié you must have." On the Fofana situation, he said: "Roma is trying to trim things to satisfy the board. They're working on Fofana, trying to lower the figure Lyon is asking for: if it can be done, then Fofana will be the 'Lookman' of this situation." Camelio, also speaking on Radio Radio, suggested that Kessié remains a possibility if Neil El Aynaoui departs the club. Camelio stated: "I don't see El Aynaoui concentrated: if he leaves, Kessié is a possibility." He went on to outline his preferred shape: "I would play with four at the back and three midfielders: Kessié, Cristante and Koné." Camelio also noted that Roma are seeking to alter the terms of the Fofana deal with Lyon, which as currently structured Roma had not approved. Other commentators debated the merits of the squad's composition, with Melli arguing Roma are already strong enough and questioning whether Kessié should be pursued at all given Juventus' rival interest. Vocalelli highlighted the broader congestion in Roma's attacking positions: "There's a bit of overbooking in the attacking midfielders: Mora, Dybala, Soulé, Pellegrini and the arrival of Fofana." He suggested that any move to bring in Fofana might be linked to Soulé's potential departure, which would create space in the squad. The discussion underscored that Roma's transfer strategy remains fluid, with decisions on multiple fronts — including the Fofana fee, El Aynaoui's future, and potential outgoings — still unresolved.

Andrea Stramaccioni, analysing Roma's 24 August fixture against Fiorentina for DAZN, praised the team's physical condition and intensity, highlighting their high press and defensive organisation. Speaking to Teleradiostereo, he drew particular attention to Paulo Dybala's form. "I played against Gasperini at Palermo when he had Dybala, and what I saw on Monday reminds me exactly of that Paulo in terms of athletic condition," Stramaccioni said. The former coach emphasised the importance of Roma's core group of Italian players and their leadership. "The block of Italians is important. From outside it's hard to understand how important it is to have a tested group that guides the dressing room and would throw themselves in the fire for the coach," he stated. He noted Bryan Cristante's defensive positioning and highlighted Manu Koné as operating "in world form," questioning why France manager Deschamps did not field him in the semi-final. Stramaccioni also praised Santiago Castro, noting Gasperini "almost had to hold Castro back" given the Argentine's eagerness, and spoke of a strong Argentine contingent within the squad driving exceptional desire. Stramaccioni identified a left winger as the missing piece for Roma to harbour serious title ambitions under Gasperini. "Gasperini played Champions League and knows you need two squads. He always says value comes from those in front, it's not rocket science. He won at Atalanta with three strikers; he wants two per role now. Right now one is missing—someone more capable of starting from the left. Today both Dybala and Soulé migrate out but prefer to start from the right. Mora I like very much, but another is needed on the centre-left." Regarding squad development, Stramaccioni noted Lulli's backstory: "His is a nice story. He comes from Palestrina, was enrolled at Roma's Acquacetosa football school and had to quit because of distance from home. Now he's returned and is reaping the rewards." Looking at the transfer window closing days, Stramaccioni said Inter are defined as complete, while Juventus still seek both a striker and midfielder. "Roma I don't think will take a starting player, but they need to complete the squad," he concluded.

Roma's radio commentators have dissected the club's transfer position and recent on-field performance in a wide-ranging discussion centred on left-back Jayden Oosterwolde's medical status, midfielder Franck Kessié's availability and an ongoing push to strengthen the forward line. Oosterwolde suffered an injury on 5 August initially thought minor, but subsequent assessments suggest a tendon issue that could sideline him for five to eight weeks, pointing towards a late September or mid-October return. David Rossi of Rete Sport said: "On Oosterwolde there are further medical examinations; the Fenerbahce had sent documents to Roma to say 'look, everything is fine' and that could have raised more concerns at Trigoria. I think Lulli's performance the other night has caused Roma some doubts." The injury timeline and medical uncertainty have reportedly prompted Roma to seek clarity on his availability before finalising any deal. The debate on Kessié centred on whether his reported availability at no cost represents value. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo argued: "This was El Aynaoui's moment—he played in the cup and was praised as one of his country's best midfielders, and it seems he asked Roma for a starting position. That means he'd have to sit out either Cristante or Koné, and I think Gasperini will never leave those two out right now. For that reason Roma told him to find another solution without any hard feelings. Kessié at no cost I'd agree with, but I don't think he'll settle for one and a half million. For me El Aynaoui is better—he's younger, a different prospect." Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo added: "Kessié is very close to Juventus; you'd have to prize him away from them, but I don't know if that's possible. Kessié is 29 and I checked his injury history—he's never had any particular problems. It surprises me; it probably comes from the player's unhappiness, because Gasperini had said the midfield package was what it was. It surprises me that now this midfield problem emerges, given that Roma already has other things to solve and needs to complete its market." Radio voices also highlighted the possibility of late-window movement on the wing, with alternatives such as Nusa (now out of budget following RB Leipzig's salary restructuring after the Diomande sale), Fofana, and unconfirmed targets discussed. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said Roma has "the intention" to add an attacking winger in the final days of the window, while Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio highlighted Paulo Dybala's fitness as "the thing I liked most," noting Gasperini's suggestion the forward could handle extra time.

Roma have learned their eight opponents in the UEFA Champions League League Phase following the draw in Monte Carlo. Gian Piero Gasperini's side will face Real Madrid, PSG, Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Lille, Fenerbahçe, Slovan Bratislava and AEK Athens, with four matches at the Stadio Olimpico and four away. The standout home fixture will be Real Madrid's visit, marking José Mourinho's return to the Olimpico as an opponent after his years managing Roma. Luis Enrique will also feature prominently in the draw — he returns to face Roma, this time from the PSG bench, adding another layer of intrigue to a competition that holds particular resonance for the club. Slovan Bratislava's inclusion stirs memories of Roma's 2011 European elimination under Enrique, a match recalled for the controversial substitution of Francesco Totti. At home, Roma will also host Sporting Lisbon, Lille and Slovan Bratislava. Away, the fixtures include one of recent European football's great classics: Manchester United at Old Trafford, a tie that evokes numerous Champions League clashes between the clubs across the 2000s. The Fenerbahçe trip carries particular significance, bringing Roma face-to-face with Mason Greenwood — described as a major regret from the summer transfer window — alongside Mattéo Guendouzi, who will encounter Paulo Dybala after previous meetings, and Romelu Lukaku. The campaign concludes with a trip to AEK Athens in Greece. Roma's full League Phase schedule: Real Madrid (home), PSG (away), Sporting Lisbon (home), Manchester United (away), Lille (home), Fenerbahçe (away), Slovan Bratislava (home), AEK Athens (away). The draw has assembled a fixture list rich in European history and storylines for Roma's return to the Champions League.

Paulo Dybala has committed to Roma by accepting a dramatic wage cut, restructuring his contract around performance bonuses that could ultimately make him the club's highest-paid player. His base salary fell from 8 million euros net to 2.2 million, but a complex bonus structure rewards every appearance, goal and assist. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledged Dybala's commitment after Roma's victory against Fiorentina, saying: "In this squad there are players who wanted Roma very strongly or wanted to stay at Roma very strongly." Dybala reached 100 Serie A appearances for Roma in that same match. The contract, signed on 12 July, reflects both an act of loyalty and a calculated gamble on his own performance. Dybala will earn 100,000 euros for each starting appearance lasting at least 45 minutes, capped at 20 matches for a maximum of 2 million euros. He has already collected 100,000 euros following the Fiorentina win. Substitute appearances of 20 minutes or more earn him 75,000 euros. From his 21st match onwards, the appearance bonus rises to 150,000 euros per game. Goal contributions drive even larger payments: every five goal involvements trigger a bonus ranging from 100,000 to 1 million euros. Dybala has already begun accumulating these rewards, recording three goal involvements in the opening matchday alone. The structure is straightforward: the more prominent Dybala becomes, the more he earns. If his season stalls and he plays infrequently, he will pocket only the 2.2 million base salary—a scenario neither he, Roma nor Gasperini wish to see unfold. Over the course of his fifth season at the club, the bonus framework could elevate his total compensation to rival or exceed that of any teammate.

Giancarlo Antognoni, Fiorentina legend, has praised Paulo Dybala as the best attacking midfielder in Serie A and the player capable of driving Roma towards the title under Gian Piero Gasperini. Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Antognoni analysed Roma's recent victory and Dybala's role in it, singling out the Argentine's quality on the ball as decisive. "Dybala is one of the strongest in the league, the best in his position," Antognoni said. "If he continues like this, Gasperini will be able to fight for the Scudetto. With the ball he does what he wants: pure spectacle. Fiorentina gave him too much freedom, but if bad luck leaves him in peace, Gasperini has an ace in his hand." Antognoni also highlighted Dybala's impact on Roma's opening goal, noting how he "jumped past half the team before setting up Malen." Antognoni reflected on the rarity of the number 10 role in modern football, observing that Italy has few players of such quality. "Football has become too tactical and physical," he explained. "The number 10 still exists in youth academies, but at club level results come first and fear of losing stifles imagination. So the number 10s have to adapt: Calhanoglu became a regista, Dembélé is a ten disguised as a nine, Yildiz starts wide but moves inside the pitch." He detected signs of revival, citing Nico Paz at Como, Liberali, and Mastantuono as promising talents, and suggested that talented players in midfield positions—like Lautaro at Inter—can make their teams unpredictable. Antognoni also praised Rodrigo Mora, describing him as another talented signing Roma has brought in who "seems already almost ready."

Roma are attempting to rework their agreement with Fenerbahçe over Jayden Oosterwolde after medical checks revealed a far longer recovery timeline than initially disclosed. The Dutch left-back arrived with a biceps femoris injury assessed as a brief layoff, but Roma's own examination and consultation with Finnish specialist professor Lasse Lempainen—who operated on Lorenzo Pellegrini last season—indicated a recovery window of at least one month to six weeks. The club needed to rule out the necessity for surgery; while recent tests provided reassuring news on that front, the prospect of unavailability stretching into October forced Roma to revisit the transfer structure. Roma sporting director Tony D'Amico initially attempted to convert the deal into a straight loan but Fenerbahçe refused. Negotiations are now focused on making the permanent obligation more difficult to trigger. Under the original terms reported by *Gazzetta dello Sport*, the obligation to buy would activate after 20 appearances of at least 45 minutes each; the new talks aim to raise that threshold to between 25 and 30 appearances. Additionally, *Messaggero* reports Roma are working to eliminate any loan fee component. Roma remain cautious at their training ground; if Oosterwolde is genuinely sidelined until October, the club wants to avoid being automatically committed to a permanent purchase without sufficient guarantees on his actual playing time. Optimism continues to filter from the player's camp and both parties have shown willingness to reach a solution, but significant details remain under discussion and subject to Fenerbahçe's approval. A decision was expected on 27 August—either a renegotiated agreement or a definitive end to the operation.

Roma have halted Jayden Oosterwolde's transfer from Fenerbahçe after medical scans revealed a more serious hamstring injury than initially reported by the Turkish club. The centre-back passed his medical examination on 25 August, but Roma's medical staff blocked the move when instrumental tests showed a biceps femoris lesion requiring potentially longer recovery than Fenerbahçe's estimate of two weeks. The Friedkin Group has requested a consultation with professor Lasse Lempainen, who operated on Lorenzo Pellegrini in Finland last season for the same problem, over concerns that Oosterwolde may require surgery. With both clubs now in talks, confidence has grown in recent hours. Roma and Fenerbahçe are restructuring the deal, exploring a free loan with an obligation to buy based on appearances—but with a higher threshold than the previous agreement. The coming hours are expected to prove decisive as negotiations continue.

Roma are actively negotiating with Lyon to bring down their asking price for midfielder Aurélien Fofana, according to radio pundit Aspri speaking on Radio Radio on 26 August. Aspri stated that the next 24–48 hours would be crucial in persuading Lyon to lower their valuation. If the deal can be completed, Fofana would become Roma's primary attacking midfield target following the recent arrival of Rodrigo Mora. Aspri explained that Gasperini has clear preferences in midfield but faces a delicate balancing act. "Gasperini has the hierarchies very clear," Aspri said. "If someone like Kessié were to arrive, the midfield would become very substantial. There's Juventus and competition that, on paper, is impractical for Roma, but the news is true. Gasperini's doubts concern Kessié's physical condition — he has great affection for the player, but the operation is complicated and interesting because it would change the hierarchies." Aspri added: "The question is: what does Roma want to aim for? Someone like Kessié you must have." On the Fofana situation, he said: "Roma is trying to trim things to satisfy the board. They're working on Fofana, trying to lower the figure Lyon is asking for: if it can be done, then Fofana will be the 'Lookman' of this situation." Camelio, also speaking on Radio Radio, suggested that Kessié remains a possibility if Neil El Aynaoui departs the club. Camelio stated: "I don't see El Aynaoui concentrated: if he leaves, Kessié is a possibility." He went on to outline his preferred shape: "I would play with four at the back and three midfielders: Kessié, Cristante and Koné." Camelio also noted that Roma are seeking to alter the terms of the Fofana deal with Lyon, which as currently structured Roma had not approved. Other commentators debated the merits of the squad's composition, with Melli arguing Roma are already strong enough and questioning whether Kessié should be pursued at all given Juventus' rival interest. Vocalelli highlighted the broader congestion in Roma's attacking positions: "There's a bit of overbooking in the attacking midfielders: Mora, Dybala, Soulé, Pellegrini and the arrival of Fofana." He suggested that any move to bring in Fofana might be linked to Soulé's potential departure, which would create space in the squad. The discussion underscored that Roma's transfer strategy remains fluid, with decisions on multiple fronts — including the Fofana fee, El Aynaoui's future, and potential outgoings — still unresolved.