Radio Roma debate Gasperini's market frustration and squad depth ahead of opening fixture

Roma's hopes of signing Jamie Bynoe-Gittens from Chelsea could cool following fresh interest in Mykhaylo Mudryk. Leeds are preparing a new loan offer for the Ukrainian winger to present to Chelsea imminently, according to Fabrizio Romano. If Mudryk leaves Chelsea on loan, the Blues are unlikely to release Gittens as well, as the English winger currently represents the primary alternative available to Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso. Roma's pursuit of Gittens has already encountered resistance from Chelsea. The club rejected a proposal from Roma director D'Amico offering €3 million for a loan plus €40 million for a permanent deal in recent days. However, Roma are preparing a counter-offer with more acceptable terms for London, potentially including an obligation to buy rather than an optional clause. The Gazzetta dello Sport reports Roma are working on improved conditions to break Chelsea's resistance.

Jayden Oosterwolde is expected to arrive in Rome in the coming hours to serve as Wesley's deputy. The versatile Fenerbahce defender can operate as a centre-back in a three-man defence or as a left-back in a four-man setup, a flexibility that has prompted Roma to move Jan Ziółkowski toward the exit door. The Polish centre-back is among the primary candidates to leave the club in the final eight days of the transfer window. An offer from Saudi Arabia is anticipated, with Neom reportedly the most active team in pursuing him. Roma are seeking €20 million for the 21-year-old, who will also need to evaluate the destination.

Roma are monitoring several attacking targets as the transfer window continues, though progress remains uncertain on multiple fronts. Malick Fofana, the Belgian forward at Lyon, features prominently after his side's 1–1 draw with Fenerbahçe in the Champions League preliminary round first leg. A potential advance to the next round could facilitate a deal between the clubs, possibly structured as a loan with a conditional obligation to buy. Fofana's recent form in Lyon colours—he celebrated in the 2–0 league victory on Saturday—suggests he is comfortable at his current club, complicating negotiations. Mbaye is another player offered to Roma. The attacking midfielder has been sidelined by Luis Enrique at Paris Saint-Germain and is available for departure. A loan move is considered more realistic than other targets, given both his youth and Roma's recent arrival of Rodrigo Mora at the position. Rafael Leao's availability remains speculative despite agent Jorge Mendes's apparent efforts to broker a deal between Milan and Roma; the economic demands and uncertainty over the Brazilian's fitness status present substantial obstacles. Christopher Nkunku is close to joining RB Leipzig, with the French forward's desire to return to Germany—where he excelled before his Premier League move—proving decisive. Roma have not made a concrete bid for Luis Henrique, the Inter Milan winger. Although valued at the club for his versatility, Inter's asking price rules out the possibility of a move, despite some reports suggesting an imminent agreement worth €30 million—more than Inter paid for him one year earlier.

Roma face Fiorentina at the Olimpico at 20:45 tonight in the opening match of the Serie A season, with Gian Piero Gasperini preparing several significant choices for his debut fixture. The surprise selection could be Rodrigo Mora, who arrived only in recent days but is already a candidate for a starting shirt. The Portuguese forward is slightly favoured over Matías Soulé to play behind the partnership of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Gasperini is expected to deploy a 3-4-1-2 formation. Mile Svilar starts in goal with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso forming the back three, though Konstantinos Koulierakis is pushing to displace the Spanish defender following encouraging signs in pre-season. Nahuel Molina and Wesley occupy the wing-backs, with Manu Koné returning to midfield. Bryan Cristante is slightly favoured over Neil El Aynaoui for the remaining midfield spot. Mora's immediate integration represents the most intriguing tactical choice, with Santiago Castro available as an important option from the bench. Fiorentina will respond with a 4-3-2-1 under Fabio Grosso. Their lineup includes goalkeeper De Gea, a back four of Jimenez, Dragusin, Ranieri and Valdepenas, Brescianini, Fagioli and Ndour in midfield, Gudmundsson and Atta in support, and Kean as the central striker.

Paulo Dybala will aim to end a drought in front of goal at the Olimpico when Roma face Fiorentina on 24 August. The Argentine has not scored at home in Serie A since 22 December 2024, when he netted a brace in Roma's 5–0 win over Parma under manager Claudio Ranieri. Since then, Dybala has scored three more goals at the Olimpico, but only in European competition: a double against Porto in the 2024–25 Europa League play-off and a penalty against Viktoria Plzen in the 2025–26 season. He has found the net away from home against Milan, Venezia, Sassuolo and Torino. Gasperini assessed Dybala's physical condition positively two days ago at a pre-match press conference. "I see him not only determined as he was last year, but also particularly strong," the Roma boss said. "He completed a preparation phase that for some time he hasn't been able to finish without injuries. Clearly you always cross your fingers." Dybala is keen to celebrate in front of the home crowd after a summer in which he has maintained top form and made a strong contribution on the pitch. Fiorentina present a particular challenge: in 19 previous Serie A encounters against the Viola, Dybala has recorded only three goals and three assists—his lowest return against any opponent he has faced at least 13 times in the league.

Roman radio stations have fielded a panel of journalists and former players to analyse Roma's setup for the coming season. Roberto Pruzzo argued that the squad remains largely unchanged from last year, with Matías Soulé capable of starting despite uneven form, and Paulo Dybala in good condition. He hopes Donyell Malen has recovered the energy he showed in the previous campaign. Mario Mattioli struck a more cautious note on squad integration. He does not expect Rodrigo Mora to play and make an immediate impact, suggesting that Gasperini is not inclined to deploy untested players mid-match. Mattioli stated: "When Mora begins to play he will show what is expected of him, but I have some doubt he can do it right away in an important way for Roma." He expects Nahuel Molina to feature but sees the rest of the side operating as it did last season, albeit with a faster rhythm of play. Soulé, he added, looks well-suited to Dybala's traditional right-sided role. Nando Orsi observed that Bryan Cristante played as a trequartista at Bergamo but has settled into his defensive midfield role at Roma. He noted the tactical complexity of deploying Santiago Castro, whose withdrawn starting position suits an accompanying forward rather than a static centre-forward, and flagged that Malen is not a traditional number nine. Gasperini must balance their use carefully; Castro can operate as Pasalik-style playmaker but Orsi questioned whether the manager is convinced of that approach. Soulé played in a behind-the-striker position at Frosinone and could replicate that role.

Roma face Fiorentina at the Olimpico at 20:45 tonight in the opening match of the Serie A season, with Gian Piero Gasperini preparing several significant choices for his debut fixture. The surprise selection could be Rodrigo Mora, who arrived only in recent days but is already a candidate for a starting shirt. The Portuguese forward is slightly favoured over Matías Soulé to play behind the partnership of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Gasperini is expected to deploy a 3-4-1-2 formation. Mile Svilar starts in goal with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso forming the back three, though Konstantinos Koulierakis is pushing to displace the Spanish defender following encouraging signs in pre-season. Nahuel Molina and Wesley occupy the wing-backs, with Manu Koné returning to midfield. Bryan Cristante is slightly favoured over Neil El Aynaoui for the remaining midfield spot. Mora's immediate integration represents the most intriguing tactical choice, with Santiago Castro available as an important option from the bench. Fiorentina will respond with a 4-3-2-1 under Fabio Grosso. Their lineup includes goalkeeper De Gea, a back four of Jimenez, Dragusin, Ranieri and Valdepenas, Brescianini, Fagioli and Ndour in midfield, Gudmundsson and Atta in support, and Kean as the central striker.

Roma's 2026–27 season gets under way this evening with a Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico at 20:45. Former Roma and Juventus executive Zbigniew Boniek has outlined his expectations for the campaign in an interview with Corriere della Sera. Boniek said: "My hope is that Roma have an important season, even though they are not among the scudetto favourites. The Champions League is back—a serious commitment that requires high concentration for many months and a broad squad." On the summer transfer activity, he suggested Gasperini may still want more additions but credited the club's work: "Castro, for example, I like as a centre-forward and he will be an excellent alternative to Malen." On the rapport between Gasperini and Roma's support, Boniek offered strong backing: "I like Gasperini very much—he always manages to get the maximum from his squad, he is straightforward. Roma's fans want to see their team play well and win: Gasperini guarantees you all of that. Perhaps he is disliked, yes, but by opponents."

Roman radio stations have fielded a panel of journalists and former players to analyse Roma's setup for the coming season. Roberto Pruzzo argued that the squad remains largely unchanged from last year, with Matías Soulé capable of starting despite uneven form, and Paulo Dybala in good condition. He hopes Donyell Malen has recovered the energy he showed in the previous campaign. Mario Mattioli struck a more cautious note on squad integration. He does not expect Rodrigo Mora to play and make an immediate impact, suggesting that Gasperini is not inclined to deploy untested players mid-match. Mattioli stated: "When Mora begins to play he will show what is expected of him, but I have some doubt he can do it right away in an important way for Roma." He expects Nahuel Molina to feature but sees the rest of the side operating as it did last season, albeit with a faster rhythm of play. Soulé, he added, looks well-suited to Dybala's traditional right-sided role. Nando Orsi observed that Bryan Cristante played as a trequartista at Bergamo but has settled into his defensive midfield role at Roma. He noted the tactical complexity of deploying Santiago Castro, whose withdrawn starting position suits an accompanying forward rather than a static centre-forward, and flagged that Malen is not a traditional number nine. Gasperini must balance their use carefully; Castro can operate as Pasalik-style playmaker but Orsi questioned whether the manager is convinced of that approach. Soulé played in a behind-the-striker position at Frosinone and could replicate that role.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-season press conference on the eve of Roma's Serie A opener against Fiorentina on Monday evening at the Olimpico, addressing the club's transfer strategy, squad depth and the financial constraints imposed by UEFA regulations. He confirmed Roma currently have 23 squad slots available but two remain empty, with four players arriving this summer: Nahuel Molina, described as "an important player, a world champion already mature and solid"; Santiago Castro, following the departures of Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson; Konstantinos Koulierakis, "a player we didn't have in defence with these characteristics"; and Rodrigo Mora, described as "a very young lad but who has already reached important levels. An important acquisition for the club, especially in perspective. He has all the characteristics to emerge." Gasperini also noted departures of Stephan El Shaarawy, Venturino and Zaragoza, and said: "One has arrived, I hope another does. Then Angelino and Tsimikas left and we hope to be able to replace them too." Gasperini acknowledged that Roma have been forced to pursue a different transfer strategy due to UEFA Financial Fair Play restrictions. He explained: "We started with very high profiles and it's no surprise. We had to confront the need to maintain the wage bill within a certain limit and we weren't able to take established players with those characteristics. The society has made investments on other profiles, I think we have good variety." He praised Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante for accepting significant wage reductions. Gasperini stated: "The Fair Play is limiting, perhaps Roma is the only club in Italy that pays for this situation that stems from a past for which we are not responsible. But it is so and we must look ahead trying anyway to improve the squad." On Matías Soulé's fitness, Gasperini reported: "He had pubalgia, was quite immobile before the retreat and arrived quite overweight and not healed 100%. During preparation he got back in shape and now is in excellent condition, played excellent matches and recovered very well both physically and athletically." Regarding Wesley, Evan N'Dicka, Donyell Malen and Manu Koné, who returned late from international commitments, Gasperini said: "Wesley missed the World Cup and is well. N'Dicka recovers very quickly, gave good signals at Dortmund. Malen suffered the World Cup more psychologically; feeling important for this squad will help him find condition. Koné arrived last but recovers very quickly. El Aynaoui is in between. They take little time to recover—a week or two more." On whether the left wing position remains a priority, Gasperini said: "Only if it can be added value, otherwise no, I don't load myself with players just for that. Those who arrive is because they want Roma strongly. We can add only two players if we can take them under certain conditions, if the market offers this well, otherwise we stay like this." He expressed confidence in Dybala's prospects: "I'm sure yes, I see him particularly strong. He's done a preparation he hasn't done for a long time, without injuries. Muscles seem much more toned to me, he no longer has the power and speed of when he was younger but has improved other qualities. He's 32, in his prime, I think he'll have a great season." Roma lost Dovbyk to transfer, Ferguson on loan departure, and have two gaps to fill before defending their third-place finish from last season.

Roma's head coach Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the squad ahead of the Serie A season opener against Fiorentina in two days at the Stadio Olimpico. The club has registered four new arrivals and still has two squad slots available for the 23 permitted by UEFA. Gasperini outlined the summer changes: Molina, the World Cup winner who reached the final two months ago, has come in as a replacement for the departed Evan Ferguson; Dovbyk and Ferguson have left while Castro has arrived; Koulierakis joined to fill a gap in defence; and Mora completed the signings. El Shaarawy, Venturino and Zaragoza have also departed since May. Angeliño and Kostas Tsimikas have left, with Gasperini hoping replacements arrive. The coach stressed that wage costs have been reduced by necessity and said he remains hopeful of further progress in the remaining ten days of the window. "Ridurremo dunque sicuramente la rosa, cercando di renderla però più competitiva," he said, adding that all new signings wanted the club strongly. On the prospect of promoting youth, Gasperini highlighted Mora as particularly significant: "Mora è un ragazzo giovanissimo che ha già raggiunto numeri importanti. Due anni fa al Porto ha raggiunto dieci gol." The coach described the young forward as an important investment for the future with the characteristics to emerge and perform well.

Gian Piero Gasperini held a press conference on 22 August 2026, the day before Roma's Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday evening. The head coach expressed satisfaction with the club's summer business but acknowledged gaps remain. "Numerically we have the possibility to have 23 players in the squad and at this moment we still have 2 empty slots," Gasperini said. "Four players have arrived. Molina is an important player, a mature and solid world champion. Dovbyk and Ferguson departed and Castro has arrived, a boy certainly of value. Then Koulierakis arrived, a player we didn't have in defence with these characteristics. Now Mora has arrived, but El Shaarawy, Venturino and Zaragoza left. One has arrived, I hope for another. Then Angeliño and Tsimikas departed, and I hope we can replace them too." Gasperini noted Roma faced constraints absent from most Italian rivals. "There is FFP that is limiting—perhaps Roma is the only club in Italy that must pay for this situation," he said, adding the restrictions stemmed from the club's history rather than recent decisions. He praised players who reduced their contracts, including Dybala, Pellegrini and Cristante. The coach emphasized the squad's competitive ambition despite the financial framework: "We are used to looking ahead. In relation to our possibilities we are satisfied. We will be even more so in ten days, I hope the ownership will be too." On recent recruitment strategy, Gasperini explained Roma originally pursued higher-profile names but adapted. "We started with very high profiles and that is not new," he said. "We had to confront the need to keep the wage bill within a certain limit and we were not able to take established players with those characteristics. The society made investments in other profiles; I believe we have good variety." He detailed the departures and arrivals: Çelik was swapped for Molina, while Ferguson and Dovbyk exiting made room for Castro. Koulierakis and Mora were also brought in. Gasperini described the transfer approach as "creative but very positive." On Dybala's prospects, Gasperini said: "I am certain of it, because I see him not only determined as he was also last year but also particularly strong. He completed a preparation that perhaps for a long time he was unable to complete, without injuries." The coach noted Dybala was 32 years old and in his peak technical and physical maturity. Gasperini left open the possibility of further signings if market conditions permitted, but stressed only players who represented genuine value would arrive. Roma remain in the Serie A title race after finishing third with 73 points last season.