Roma 2–1 Fiorentina: Mora impresses, Dragusin struggles in chaotic display

Former Roma and Lecce player Gigi Garzya has warned that Roma must be ready for an opponent who gives nothing away when the sides meet on Monday. Speaking ahead of the match, Garzya praised Lecce's performance in their opening away win at Venezia, saying the team of Di Francesco "remained in the game with the right mentality and lucidity that weighed heavily in the final half-hour". He highlighted Olaf Gorter as a player who impressed with both quality and personality, and noted the arrival of Ilić as evidence of Lecce's focus on adding strength in the transfer market. On Roma's prospects under Gian Piero Gasperini in his second season, Garzya acknowledged the squad has been reinforced, though he described Zeki Çelik's departure as a "heavy" loss—while backing Nahuel Molina to compensate with his quality and competitive drive. He was effusive about midfielder Rodrigo Mora, saying: "Technically he has numbers that make him an important prospect; one characteristic struck me more than others: he is the type of player you do not see frequently in the various leagues, because his thinking arrives first, and consequently he then makes the ball travel in an unpredictable way for opponents. When people say he is a bit light physically, they forget that the most important characteristic is playing the ball always with some instant of anticipation for whoever controls it." On the defence, Garzya explained that Konstantinos Koulierakis represents a deliberate and necessary choice rather than mere cover: "This year, with the Champions League, you need at least six established defenders in the department, calculating also that the game starts from the back, there are so many matches and Gasperini's football is very demanding in every role. The choice was targeted; the Roma coach never approves a signing just to make up numbers." Regarding Roma's ambitions, Garzya urged caution: "It is too early to say and ultimately the transfer market may not be finished yet; let's also see what the others do by the close; certainly you must do everything to maintain Champions League qualification, because Roma must play this competition regularly. Then we'll see if appetite comes with eating."

Lecce trained at their Martignano facility on 28 August as they prepare for Monday's Serie A fixture against Roma. The match is scheduled for 31 August at 18:30 at the Via del Mare. In the session, the squad worked on activation drills and technical-tactical exercises under the watch of manager Di Francesco. Three players completed personalised work in isolation, their involvement in Monday's game uncertain: Berisha, Gallo and Gandelman. A morning training session was planned for 29 August at Martignano.

Bryan Cristante was the standout performer in midfield as Roma opened their season with a dominant 4–0 win over Fiorentina at the Olimpico on Monday, playing a decisive role in stabilising the team's shape while an attacking force of Paulo Dybala, Donyell Malen and Rodrigo Mora created havoc in the final third. Gasperini deployed a 3–4–1–2 formation, and Cristante's 90 minutes of tactical control were awarded an 8.4 rating by Sofascore. He attempted 83 passes with 88 per cent accuracy, including a 91 per cent success rate in the opposing half, while collecting 8 ball recoveries—more than any other player on the pitch. Defensively, he won 6 of 7 aerial duels and 5 of 7 ground duels, made 4 tackles (2 won), 2 interceptions and 4 defensive clearances. Cristante's ability to drop between the centre-backs, clean up loose balls and restart play with composure allows Roma to push their attacking players forward into dangerous areas. He has been a fixture under every head coach since arriving at the club—Di Francesco, Ranieri, José Mourinho, Paulo Fonseca, Daniele De Rossi and Júrić among them—proving his value transcends tactical philosophy or midfield partners. The 29-year-old has now made 365 official appearances for Roma, entering the club's top 10 all-time list and surpassing Masetti. After the victory, Cristante told Sky Sport: "I am honoured, and I hope to make as many appearances as possible and to continue like this." Roma's next fixture is a trip to Lecce.

Roma have completed the signing of Leonardo Balerdi on loan from Marseille. The Argentine defender will join on a loan deal worth €1 million, with a right of rescission that can become an obligation based on certain conditions. The rescission fee is variable between €12 million and €15 million. Balerdi will arrive at Ciampino airport and undergo medical tests before signing his contract. Balerdi is Roma's fifth summer acquisition, following Santiago Castro, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Nahuel Molina, and Rodrigo Mora. The club remains active in the transfer market with other targets still being pursued. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini continues to press for a left-winger, a position the club has lacked for six years. Sky Sport reports Roma are close to meeting Zenit's demands for an unnamed left-sided player, whose transfer fee stands at €40 million and who earns €4 million annually. Negotiations over player agreement are ongoing. In midfield, Roma hold an agreement with Fofana and are pushing for a loan with a right of rescission, though Lyon have not yet accepted this formula. Meanwhile, Sunderland have recently entered the race for a Belgian player as an alternative to Igor Paixao of Marseille, according to FootMercato. Hull City maintain strong interest and have already tabled a €35 million offer to the French club. Gigi Garzya, a former player with strong ties to Roma, stated on the remaining market window: "It is early to say where Roma can reach in their second year under Gasperini's leadership, and the market may not yet be finished. We must see what the other teams do by the closing date. Certainly we must do everything to maintain the Champions League position, because Roma must play regularly in this competition."

Leonardo Balerdi, an Argentine defender, arrived at Rome's Ciampino airport on 29 August 2026 to complete his transfer to AS Roma. He is the club's fifth summer signing, following Santiago Castro, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Nahuel Molina and Rodrigo Mora. Balerdi joins on a loan deal worth €1 million, with a right of redemption that can become an obligation under certain conditions. The redemption fee ranges from €12 million to €15 million. The 24-year-old will undergo the standard medical examination before signing his contract with the giallorossi. The transfer represents Roma's continued investment in their defensive options ahead of the 2026–27 season, during which the club compete in the UEFA Champions League.

Former Roma and Lecce player Gigi Garzya has warned that Roma must be ready for an opponent who gives nothing away when the sides meet on Monday. Speaking ahead of the match, Garzya praised Lecce's performance in their opening away win at Venezia, saying the team of Di Francesco "remained in the game with the right mentality and lucidity that weighed heavily in the final half-hour". He highlighted Olaf Gorter as a player who impressed with both quality and personality, and noted the arrival of Ilić as evidence of Lecce's focus on adding strength in the transfer market. On Roma's prospects under Gian Piero Gasperini in his second season, Garzya acknowledged the squad has been reinforced, though he described Zeki Çelik's departure as a "heavy" loss—while backing Nahuel Molina to compensate with his quality and competitive drive. He was effusive about midfielder Rodrigo Mora, saying: "Technically he has numbers that make him an important prospect; one characteristic struck me more than others: he is the type of player you do not see frequently in the various leagues, because his thinking arrives first, and consequently he then makes the ball travel in an unpredictable way for opponents. When people say he is a bit light physically, they forget that the most important characteristic is playing the ball always with some instant of anticipation for whoever controls it." On the defence, Garzya explained that Konstantinos Koulierakis represents a deliberate and necessary choice rather than mere cover: "This year, with the Champions League, you need at least six established defenders in the department, calculating also that the game starts from the back, there are so many matches and Gasperini's football is very demanding in every role. The choice was targeted; the Roma coach never approves a signing just to make up numbers." Regarding Roma's ambitions, Garzya urged caution: "It is too early to say and ultimately the transfer market may not be finished yet; let's also see what the others do by the close; certainly you must do everything to maintain Champions League qualification, because Roma must play this competition regularly. Then we'll see if appetite comes with eating."