Radio Rome divided over Koné sale talk as transfer deadline looms

Roma have made a strong bid for Juan Cabal, the Colombian left-back currently owned by Juventus, in the final hours of the transfer window. According to Matteo Moretto, the club has moved decisively for the player, who is open to the transfer. Atalanta had pursued Cabal for some time without reaching a conclusion, but Roma are now attempting to overtake them and bring the defender to the Stadio Olimpico. The move addresses a specific tactical requirement identified by Gian Piero Gasperini. While the coach has several attacking full-backs available who can play across the left flank, most are naturally right-footed. Cabal's arrival would provide a left-footed option and add a different profile to the department. The signing would complete the squad in an area Gasperini identified as still needing reinforcement. The opportunity has emerged suddenly with the market closing imminently, and requires urgent attention. Roma must quickly establish the terms of a deal with Juventus and determine whether sufficient room exists to reach an agreement before the transfer window shuts. The path forward depends on how swiftly the giallorossi can move.

Chelsea made a dramatic late bid on transfer deadline day to sign Manu Koné, offering €60 million in total with bonuses included and proposing to send winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens to Roma on loan as part of the deal. However, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini refused to let the midfielder leave. According to reports, Gasperini raised an insurmountable wall against the move, even threatening to resign if Koné departed, reiterating his firm stance made after Roma's win against Lecce: "Koné will not go anywhere." The coach views the French midfielder as the cornerstone of his midfield and had no intention of losing him hours before the transfer window closed at 20:00. Gasperini's stance proved decisive in blocking what would have been a significant operation from the English club. Koné remains at Roma, with the midfielder staying at Trigoria as the club giallorosso stood firm in its refusal to part with a key squad member in the final hours of the window. Roma's sporting director, however, did not entirely abandon the pursuit of an attacking reinforcement. In the closing stages of the market, the club moved to separate the Bynoe-Gittens component from the Koné negotiation entirely, attempting to find an independent formula that would allow Gasperini to secure the attacking reinforcement he had been seeking.

Roma's decision to halt negotiations for Oosterwolde has been vindicated after the Dutch player underwent surgery today for a biceps femoris tendon injury. The club's medical staff had flagged the severity of the injury during examinations and advised Fenerbahce of the surgical risk, leading Roma to decline to register him. Fenerbahce council member Cihan Kamer confirmed the development: "The deal with Roma fell through because of Oosterwolde's injury. He is being operated on today." The player is expected to return to action in January.

Roma hammered Lecce 4–0 to claim three points in a one-sided fixture, with Donyell Malen producing a standout performance. Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora also found the net. Emanuele Lulli delivered a strong display in defence, while Daniele Ghilardi emerged as an unexpected highlight after being drafted in at short notice due to Evan N'Dicka's absence. Gasperini deployed Roma in a 3–4–1–2 formation. Ghilardi's emergency shift proved effective, earning him marks of 7.5 from Corriere dello Sport, 6.5 from Gazzetta dello Sport, 7 from Messaggero, and 7 from Tempo. Mile Svilar received ratings ranging from 6.5 to 7 across the four newspapers. Gianluca Mancini was rated between 6 and 7, while Mario Hermoso earned 6 to 7.5 depending on the outlet. In midfield, Bryan Cristante was graded 6.5 to 8, with Corriere awarding him the highest mark. Manu Koné received 6.5 to 7.5 before being withdrawn at the 67th minute in favour of Niccolò Pisilli. Wesley was rated 6.5 to 7 and was replaced at the 60th minute by Nahuel Molina. Malen's performance drew praise with an 8 from Gazzetta, Messaggero and Tempo, and 8.5 from Corriere. Soulé was marked 6.5 to 7.5 and was substituted at the 60th minute for Mora, who received 6.5 to 7. Paulo Dybala earned 6.5 to 7.5 before departing at the 84th minute for Marten de Roon. Gasperini received ratings of 7.5 to 8 for his management.

Roma swept aside Lecce 4–0 at the Stadio Via del Mare to record a second successive four-goal victory with no goals conceded. Donyell Malen scored twice in quick succession to break the deadlock, with Matías Soulé adding a third before Rodrigo Mora sealed the win. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini rotated his squad extensively, while the heat at the coastal venue posed no obstacle to Roma's rhythm and precision. The victory extends Roma's flawless start to the season and sends strong signals of intent in Serie A and Europe. Gasperini oversaw a composed, clinical performance from a team operating with high intensity despite the temperature. Daniele Ghilardi stepped in at short notice after Evan N'Dicka's late absence, while Marten de Roon made his Roma debut when introduced late in the match. The manager made several changes as the game progressed, including bringing on Niccolò Pisilli and Nahuel Molina to manage playing time and maintain sharpness across the squad. Malen's display earned an 8.5 rating in the Italian match ratings, with analysts noting his clinical finishing and all-round threat. He scored his opening goal within five minutes and added a fifth after carrying forward his momentum from Roma's previous fixture. Soulé's performance drew praise for his work rate, though the rating noted he could sharpen his finishing inside the box—he scored nonetheless. Dybala took on a creative role rather than dominating the attack, chipping in with defensive cover when needed and generating chances for teammates. Mile Svilar made a decisive save on his rare involvement in the first half, denying Lecce any consolation. Gasperini deployed a measured approach during cooling breaks to keep concentration levels high, managing a rotation policy that allowed most of the squad meaningful action while maintaining Roma's dominance across the 90 minutes.

Roma delivered an authoritative performance at Lecce, winning 4-0 on the opening day to send a powerful statement to their Serie A rivals. Gian Piero Gasperini's side dominated from start to finish, with Donyell Malen scoring twice, Matías Soulé adding a third, and Rodrigo Mora notching his first goal in Italian football. The emphatic victory came despite Evan N'Dicka's last-minute absence and suggested Roma have shed doubts from a mixed pre-season. Malen broke the deadlock within three minutes, capitalizing on Lecce's defensive error with a low, precise finish past goalkeeper Falcone. The early goal transformed the match entirely. Roma assumed control of possession and raised their pressing intensity, suffocating Lecce's build-up play. The second goal arrived at the 23-minute mark when Malen finished a rapid vertical attack down the left, and one minute later Soulé made it 3-0, again with Malen involved in the build-up. By that stage, only one team was on the pitch. Lecce offered little resistance in the first half, though goalkeeper Mile Svilar was called upon to deny Geubbels a consolation goal at the 38th minute by staying tall and closing down the shooting space. In the second half, Roma maintained their intensity and control. Lecce struck the post from a corner kick but never truly threatened again. Gasperini introduced substitute Rodrigo Mora, who scored the fourth goal just minutes after coming on, realizing his first goal in Italian football. Castro also made an impactful entrance, while Marten De Roon earned a late debut, replacing Paulo Dybala as the pace dropped in the closing stages. The performance showcased the hallmarks Gasperini demands: high pressing, immediate ball recovery, vertical passing, and attacking aggression. With the league at its earliest stage, definitive judgments remain premature, but Roma have emerged from the Via del Mare with a clear demonstration of competitive strength.