Rensch set to miss Lecce trip with muscular problem

Devyne Rensch will miss Roma's trip to Lecce on Monday after scans on his left thigh flexor ruled out significant damage. The Dutch defender pulled up on the eve of the season opener against Fiorentina with a muscle problem. An MRI scan conducted on 25 August showed no serious lesion, offering relief to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and the medical staff, who had feared a longer absence. Recovery is estimated at 7–10 days, making Rensch almost certain to sit out the Via del Mare fixture. Roma intends to manage the situation with maximum caution to avoid any risk of relapse. The club has been reassured by the strong early form of young defender Emanuele Lulli and the full return to training of Nahuel Molina.

Devyne Rensch's muscular injury is not as serious as initially feared. An MRI on his left flexor revealed no major damage, with recovery expected to take 7–10 days; he is likely to miss the away trip to Lecce as a precaution after sustaining the problem during the match against Fiorentina. Donyell Malen's strong early-season form has reignited the race for the Serie A top scorer award. The Dutch forward has scored 17 goals in 19 matches for Roma, averaging 0.89 goals per game—a tally matching Lautaro Martínez's winning total in last season's title race, although Martínez reached it across 30 appearances. Malen is now positioned as Martínez's primary rival for the honour this term. Head coach Gasperini continues to manage expectations after Roma's 4–0 victory over Fiorentina. When asked about the title race, he responded dismissively: "You are a broken record." Gasperini's strategy is to capitalize on the fixture schedule and build momentum against Lecce and Atalanta, targeting 7–9 points before entering a more demanding phase of the season. Paulo Dybala has completed his entire pre-match preparation without injury or physical issues—a notable change from previous campaigns. Gasperini has praised his athletic condition but acknowledges that with Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia all running, he must carefully manage Dybala's minutes and recovery to maintain peak performance. Meanwhile, Unione Tifosi Romanisti and Associazione Italiana Roma Club have strongly protested the travel ban imposed on Roma supporters for the Lecce fixture. The fan groups argue it is "yet another unjust, discriminatory measure against Roma supporters" and point out that the Questore of Rome reported no incidents at the Olimpico during last season, calling for restoration of the "right to free movement of all citizens."

Jayden Oosterwolde has arrived in Rome and undergone medical tests, but his registration remains on hold pending further medical assessment. The club is conducting additional consultations on the Dutch defender's physical condition before clearing him to be registered. A decision is expected today following further examination. The concern centres on a recent muscular injury Oosterwolde sustained with Fenerbahçe. While he has already resumed running and Turkish medical staff estimated relatively short recovery times, Roma want certainty on the severity of the biceps femoris problem and the realistic timeframe for full fitness. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, no issues have emerged regarding his competitive fitness; Roma's focus is instead on the clinical picture of the injury and the risk of recurrence. The caution is understandable given the structure of the deal: Oosterwolde would arrive on loan with a purchase clause set to become mandatory upon reaching a certain number of appearances. Before committing significant resources, the club needs precise clarity on when Gasperini can realistically use him and in what condition. The transfer, which until yesterday appeared to be merely awaiting a signature, now remains in doubt. This does not mean the deal has collapsed, but approval is no longer considered automatic. The player's camp maintains cautious optimism about a positive outcome, but the further tests and consultation scheduled for today will determine whether Oosterwolde can officially begin his Roma career.

Devyne Rensch will miss Roma's trip to Lecce on Monday after scans on his left thigh flexor ruled out significant damage. The Dutch defender pulled up on the eve of the season opener against Fiorentina with a muscle problem. An MRI scan conducted on 25 August showed no serious lesion, offering relief to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and the medical staff, who had feared a longer absence. Recovery is estimated at 7–10 days, making Rensch almost certain to sit out the Via del Mare fixture. Roma intends to manage the situation with maximum caution to avoid any risk of relapse. The club has been reassured by the strong early form of young defender Emanuele Lulli and the full return to training of Nahuel Molina.

Devyne Rensch's muscular injury is not as serious as initially feared. An MRI on his left flexor revealed no major damage, with recovery expected to take 7–10 days; he is likely to miss the away trip to Lecce as a precaution after sustaining the problem during the match against Fiorentina. Donyell Malen's strong early-season form has reignited the race for the Serie A top scorer award. The Dutch forward has scored 17 goals in 19 matches for Roma, averaging 0.89 goals per game—a tally matching Lautaro Martínez's winning total in last season's title race, although Martínez reached it across 30 appearances. Malen is now positioned as Martínez's primary rival for the honour this term. Head coach Gasperini continues to manage expectations after Roma's 4–0 victory over Fiorentina. When asked about the title race, he responded dismissively: "You are a broken record." Gasperini's strategy is to capitalize on the fixture schedule and build momentum against Lecce and Atalanta, targeting 7–9 points before entering a more demanding phase of the season. Paulo Dybala has completed his entire pre-match preparation without injury or physical issues—a notable change from previous campaigns. Gasperini has praised his athletic condition but acknowledges that with Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia all running, he must carefully manage Dybala's minutes and recovery to maintain peak performance. Meanwhile, Unione Tifosi Romanisti and Associazione Italiana Roma Club have strongly protested the travel ban imposed on Roma supporters for the Lecce fixture. The fan groups argue it is "yet another unjust, discriminatory measure against Roma supporters" and point out that the Questore of Rome reported no incidents at the Olimpico during last season, calling for restoration of the "right to free movement of all citizens."

Emanuele Lulli, 19, made his Serie A debut as a starter for Roma at the Olimpico in front of over 65,000 supporters, marking a storybook entry to senior football. The academy product was handed the opportunity after Devyne Rensch withdrew in the final training session and Nahuel Molina's fitness remained questionable, prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to deploy the young winger. Earlier in July, when Avellino showed interest in Lulli, Gasperini had been unequivocal with director D'Amico, insisting the teenager remain with the first-team squad. Growing up in Palestrina in a working-class household—his father works as a bricklayer—Lulli began playing in a local youth academy at age 6 before being spotted at 14 by legend Bruno Conti, who brought him to Trigoria. Originally deployed as a midfielder, he was repositioned to the wing by coach Gianluca Falsini and has remained there since. He continues to live in Palestrina with his parents and older brother, commuting 80 kilometres daily each way to train at Roma's Trigoria complex. In the dressing room, Lulli has already earned the affection of his teammates: Gianluca Mancini has given him the affectionate nickname "Crazy Horse", while Mancini and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini—who shares the same representation agency as Lulli—have taken him under their wing as he embarks on his professional career.

Roma have entered the race for Franck Kessié with a concrete move. On the evening of 25 August, the club met the Ivorian midfielder's agent at a hotel in Rome and presented an offer, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. The development threatens to shift the transfer landscape: Juventus, who had held the advantage in negotiations and secured the player's priority, may now be forced to accelerate their efforts to avoid being overtaken. Juventus have intensified contact in recent hours and are considering closing a deal without waiting for further outgoings. Their proposal reportedly runs for two years with an option for a third season. Roma's intervention represents a concrete step with Kessié's representatives and marks them as genuine contenders. The coming hours are expected to be decisive as both clubs battle for the midfielder's signature. The competition between Roma and Juventus will now shape the final stages of Kessié's negotiations, with each side raising the stakes to secure the player's commitment.

Franck Kessié has emerged as a midfield target for Roma, with the Ivorian midfielder reportedly pursued by the club after weeks of waiting for Juventus to complete a deal. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus have been unable to move forward with their agreement to sign the former Milan player pending outgoings, creating space for Roma to enter the picture. The midfielder is a particular favourite of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who worked with Kessié during his time at Atalanta and holds him in high regard. Roma are now in contention to secure the experienced midfielder as D'Amico attempts to beat Juventus's sporting director Massara to his signature.

Roma have entered the race to sign Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié in the closing stages of the transfer window, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. Juventus remain strongly interested and continue to pursue the player, though they need to complete outgoing transfers first to accelerate their move. Gasperini, who managed Kessié during his time at Atalanta, is keen on the midfielder and Roma are looking to make a strong push in what could be a competitive chase. The midfield is expected to remain active in the final days of the market as the clubs manoeuvre for position.

Devyne Rensch will miss Roma's trip to Lecce on Monday after scans on his left thigh flexor ruled out significant damage. The Dutch defender pulled up on the eve of the season opener against Fiorentina with a muscle problem. An MRI scan conducted on 25 August showed no serious lesion, offering relief to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and the medical staff, who had feared a longer absence. Recovery is estimated at 7–10 days, making Rensch almost certain to sit out the Via del Mare fixture. Roma intends to manage the situation with maximum caution to avoid any risk of relapse. The club has been reassured by the strong early form of young defender Emanuele Lulli and the full return to training of Nahuel Molina.

Emanuele Lulli, 19, made his Serie A debut as a starter for Roma at the Olimpico in front of over 65,000 supporters, marking a storybook entry to senior football. The academy product was handed the opportunity after Devyne Rensch withdrew in the final training session and Nahuel Molina's fitness remained questionable, prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to deploy the young winger. Earlier in July, when Avellino showed interest in Lulli, Gasperini had been unequivocal with director D'Amico, insisting the teenager remain with the first-team squad. Growing up in Palestrina in a working-class household—his father works as a bricklayer—Lulli began playing in a local youth academy at age 6 before being spotted at 14 by legend Bruno Conti, who brought him to Trigoria. Originally deployed as a midfielder, he was repositioned to the wing by coach Gianluca Falsini and has remained there since. He continues to live in Palestrina with his parents and older brother, commuting 80 kilometres daily each way to train at Roma's Trigoria complex. In the dressing room, Lulli has already earned the affection of his teammates: Gianluca Mancini has given him the affectionate nickname "Crazy Horse", while Mancini and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini—who shares the same representation agency as Lulli—have taken him under their wing as he embarks on his professional career.

Emanuele Lulli made his Serie A debut as a starter for Roma at 19 years old, stepping in when Devyne Rensch withdrew during the pre-match session and Nahuel Molina was not at his best. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini gave the academy product his opportunity in front of over 65,000 supporters, and the Roma-born defender showed no nerves in the match. Born in Palestrina and raised locally, Lulli joined Roma's academy at 14 after being spotted by Conti at his hometown youth club, which he had entered at age six on his father's initiative. Lulli's career path took shape at Trigoria under coach Falsini, who moved him from midfield to the left flank—a position he has held ever since. In mid-July, Avellino made a loan approach, but Gasperini made his intentions clear to club officials: "We wait." The player remains based in Palestrina with his mother, father, and older brother, making an 80-kilometre round trip to and from Trigoria. Gianluca Mancini and Lorenzo Pellegrini, who share the same agency, have taken him under their wing; Mancini reportedly calls him "Crazy Horse."