Rabiot praises Koné's qualities in midfield comparison

Gian Piero Gasperini will address the media on Saturday at 13:30 in the press room at the Centro Sportivo Fulvio Bernardini as Roma continue preparations for the new season. The club has also announced ticket sales for the Distinti Nord-Ovest section for the Fiorentina match and for a September fixture against Atalanta. Gasperini, appointed in 2025, remains the focal point of Roma's setup as they prepare for their campaign. Paulo Dybala has signalled his readiness ahead of the Fiorentina encounter, underlining the squad's competitive mood as the season approaches.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will address the media on Saturday 23 August at 13:30 from the Fulvio Bernardini press room to preview Monday's Serie A opener against Fiorentina. The match kicks off at 20:45 on 26 August in the first fixture of the 2026–27 season. Gasperini is expected to discuss several topics including the potential involvement of Rodrigo Mora, the club's ongoing transfer activity in the final days of the window, and Roma's campaign launch. Starting the season well is crucial, though August presents challenges with numerous clubs navigating squad changes as the transfer market remains open.

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.

Radio pundits debated Roma's transfer strategy on 20 August, with analyst Sabatini arguing the season depends on how many goals Malen scores and how many matches Dybala can play. "It is difficult to think that they can play more than 20 matches as regular starters," Sabatini said on Radio Radio. Commentator Carina added that Roma has spent heavily but must make outgoings to balance the books, noting that Soulé's agent has guaranteed offers will arrive at Trigoria in the coming days. Carina also highlighted Roma's failure to sign a left-footed right winger despite it being a stated priority: "We are on 20 August and Roma has bought everything except that player." Marcacci suggested Fofana would have been a more useful acquisition than Mora for Roma's midfield needs, while Pes called for Roma to strengthen the attack with additional physicality and athleticism. Torri reported that an agreement exists between Lyon and Fofana, with conditions in place to close the deal. He also underlined Roma's two-year absence of a right-footed left winger despite spending over 10 million euros in that market. Speculation mounted around Koné's future, with Pes noting Manchester City interest but estimating Roma would demand 60 million euros for the midfielder.

Rodrigo Mora impressed in his first training session and now has four days to convince Gasperini he deserves the starting role in Roma's match against Fiorentina on Monday. The Portuguese forward will compete with Matías Soulé for the trequartista position in a 3-4-1-2 formation that Roma trialled on 19 August. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are set to start as the two strikers, with Mora eyeing an opportunity to stake his claim in the role that suits him best. Soulé's availability for the match remains uncertain as AC Milan continues to press for his signature, alongside English club Sunderland. The competition for places elsewhere in the team appears settled: Molina is ready to make his debut, Wesley will start at left-back, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné will operate in midfield, and the defensive line in front of Mile Svilar will comprise Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso. Gasperini's early feedback on Mora has been positive, giving the forward genuine scope to earn a starting berth.

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.