Roma accelerate transfer activity as Gasperini awaits reinforcements

Roma's sporting director D'Amico continues to pursue two positions ahead of the January transfer window after failing to complete moves during the summer window. The club's primary need remains an attacking winger, preferably left-footed, to operate on the left flank and provide depth, power and speed. The secondary target is a midfielder with left-sided capability who can add running, physicality and solidity to the squad. Gasperini's requests have been clear since the summer window closed. For the defensive winger role, D'Amico has identified Oosterwolde as the primary candidate. The Dutch player was sent to Istanbul by D'Amico following medical tests and is currently recovering from femoral tendon surgery, with his return to action targeted for the end of October. D'Amico is prepared to wait for Oosterwolde's recovery and will evaluate him in Fenerbahce's matches over the final two months of the year. The Roma director is unbothered by the timeline because Oosterwolde would become both the most defensive of Roma's wingers and the most structurally robust option. A loan deal can be arranged if he returns to full fitness. Looking further ahead to next season, D'Amico is also monitoring Bakola, a French midfielder born in 2007 at Sassuolo, and Kvernadze, a Georgian attacking winger born in 2003 at Frosinone. This mirrors the approach taken with Santiago Castro, who was under observation last winter before being acquired this summer.

Alessandro Romano, who grew up at Roma's Trigoria academy and made his Serie A debut under Gian Piero Gasperini, has become one of the club's most painful missed opportunities after departing on a permanent sale this summer. The midfielder, now 20, has impressed at Cagliari since his move and is already valued at 15–20 million euros by major Italian outlets—around four times the fee Roma will ultimately receive from the transfer. Roma signed Romano from Swiss club Winterthur in 2022 for 70,000 euros and developed him through their youth ranks. Gasperini gave him two brief Serie A appearances against Lecce and Sassuolo, then loaned him to Spezia for the second half of last season. This summer, however, financial pressures pushed the club to accept Cagliari's offer: a loan with an obligation to buy conditional on specific sporting targets, worth 5 million euros plus bonus payments rising to a maximum of 6.5 million. Crucially, Roma retained no future control over the player's registration. The decision was commercially rational but now reads poorly within months of the sale. At Cagliari, Romano has seized his opportunity immediately. He scored on his Serie A debut as a starter against Parma and has since attracted attention from Italy's national team. He is left-footed, technically clean, capable of playing in front of defence, and shows an unusual composure for his age, seeking vertical passes and reading situations quickly. Comparisons have already emerged; analyst Fabio Pisacane linked him to Kevin Strootman, while Davide Frattesi drew parallels to Nemanja Matic. Romano himself points to Rodri as his model. Unlike many young talents, he shows no rush for fame, only to improve—a quality that appears to be impressing observers most. Inter and Juventus are now monitoring him, alongside scouts from the Premier League. The press has suggested his value could rise sharply if his form continues. Romano says he did not experience Roma's decision as a personal slight and is content at Cagliari. For Roma, however, the transfer has opened a small wound that could grow much larger. Purchased for 70,000 euros, developed at Trigoria, sold for a maximum of 6.5 million, and now valued at up to 20 million—the arithmetic shows profit, but the pitch tells a different story.

Roma have identified Frosinone midfielder Giorgi Kvernadze as a target to strengthen Gasperini's attack, according to reports. The Georgian midfielder appeals to the Roma coach, but Frosinone—managed by Alvini—are holding firm in their valuation, demanding at least €25 million. The pursuit of other attacking options remains active: Endrick, the Brazilian currently out of favour at Real Madrid under Mourinho, continues to be monitored by Roma's sporting director D'Amico, with a potential approach planned for January. Roma's summer transfer window saw other targets slip away. Leweling, pursued by Roma until late in the window, was also on the radar of Inter under Chivu, though Stuttgart resisted both clubs' advances. The window's conclusion left gaps that Gasperini is now tasked with addressing through future recruitment cycles.

Gasperini has built Roma's attack on Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé as a partnership, though the pair have yet to share the pitch together in six league and Champions League matches this season. Soulé, returning from a physically gruelling 2025-26 campaign in which he scored six goals but battled pubalgia throughout, has now struck twice in the opening weeks—including a crucial injury-time winner against Atalanta—and holds the starting berth over Rodrigo Mora. Before this season, his last goal had come against Sassuolo on 10 January 2026; his previous strike was at Lecce on 31 August. He managed only two assists across that entire period, against Pisa and Stuttgart. Soulé's return to fitness represents a turning point for the Argentine winger, who enters his third season at Roma free from physical setbacks. Gasperini expects him to reach double figures in goals—a threshold that only Donyell Malen has crossed for the Giallorossi so far. The coach views this as non-negotiable; operating with a single striker over 10 goals is, by his standards, an anomaly. Soulé now faces a defining moment: to remain a capable performer or to establish himself as a genuine elite operator on the continental stage. Rodrigo Mora, the young Portuguese talent, has impressed in flashes but remains largely untested. Gasperini has publicly praised him, though he and the club acknowledge his tender age and the need for him to deliver goals alongside his promising moments. Mora operates within a longer grace period, but his trajectory depends on producing the numbers his talent suggests. Both forwards' form will shape Roma's January transfer approach. The club retains interest in acquiring another attacker—a priority unfulfilled in summer 2026. Luiz Henrique, Leweling and Gittens remain active targets. Director D'Amico has resumed work on the matter with conviction, though for Gasperini, performance in the here and now takes precedence.

Roma's sporting director D'Amico continues to pursue two positions ahead of the January transfer window after failing to complete moves during the summer window. The club's primary need remains an attacking winger, preferably left-footed, to operate on the left flank and provide depth, power and speed. The secondary target is a midfielder with left-sided capability who can add running, physicality and solidity to the squad. Gasperini's requests have been clear since the summer window closed. For the defensive winger role, D'Amico has identified Oosterwolde as the primary candidate. The Dutch player was sent to Istanbul by D'Amico following medical tests and is currently recovering from femoral tendon surgery, with his return to action targeted for the end of October. D'Amico is prepared to wait for Oosterwolde's recovery and will evaluate him in Fenerbahce's matches over the final two months of the year. The Roma director is unbothered by the timeline because Oosterwolde would become both the most defensive of Roma's wingers and the most structurally robust option. A loan deal can be arranged if he returns to full fitness. Looking further ahead to next season, D'Amico is also monitoring Bakola, a French midfielder born in 2007 at Sassuolo, and Kvernadze, a Georgian attacking winger born in 2003 at Frosinone. This mirrors the approach taken with Santiago Castro, who was under observation last winter before being acquired this summer.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is using the international break to complete his recovery and return to full fitness ahead of Roma's resumption of the Serie A season. The club captain has been named in the squad for recent matches against Torino and Inter but has not yet featured, with his last appearance dating to 10 April against Pisa when he suffered a thigh injury. An attempted comeback for the derby in the closing stages of last season resulted in a setback, leading to surgical intervention in Finland in early June. Gasperini indicated before Roma–Inter that the international break presented an opportunity for Pellegrini to increase his workload further. The midfielder is targeting availability for the away fixture at Como and aims to accumulate minutes in the following sequence of fixtures. Pellegrini renewed his contract in the summer for a single season on a net wage of €2.5 million and must now compete for a place on the attacking midfield line, where Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora represent the principal competition. Last season he started 25 of 37 matches in which he was named in the squad, underlining his significance to the group, and Gasperini had pushed for his retention. After six months without a competitive appearance, the focus now centres on his return to the pitch.

Roma's radio stations have intensified debate over whether Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina should be permitted to travel to Argentina to attend Lionel Messi's farewell celebration, with head coach Gasperini reportedly opposed to the plan and the club siding with him. The pair would return just 72 hours before Roma's Serie A match at Como—described by one commentator as the second-most difficult fixture in the league after Inter–Roma—raising concerns about recovery time and squad focus. Dybala and Molina both played with Messi for Argentina at the last World Cup and feel the personal pull strongly, but the consensus among most analysed voices is that allowing them to make an intercontinental journey so close to a crucial match would damage Roma's preparation. David Rossi on Rete Sport argued that professional players should not have requested permission in the first place: "They should have said, 'Caro Messi, you could have organised this on 1 October, we leave for Como on the 10th.'" He added that the club "always makes two weights and two measures" regarding Dybala specifically, suggesting he receives disproportionate scrutiny. Francesca Ferrazza on Tele Radio Stereo declared: "I wouldn't even send them to Capri on holiday now that everyone is leaving for these four days off, let alone to Argentina four days before Como–Roma." Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport stated: "Molina and Dybala in Argentina would be counterproductive for Roma, returning 72 hours before the Como match. I think Gasperini and the club are absolutely not in agreement with it." Lorenzo Pes on Tele Radio Stereo said a decision would come "next week." The debate also touched on squad renewal: Lulli and Mario Hermoso are out of contract in June, with Lulli's renewal already under way through Pellegrini's agent. Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini are also approaching contract expiration, with much depending on how the season unfolds. The situation remains unresolved, with some voices—including Roberto Pruzzo—suggesting that "common sense will prevail" and that "common sense is staying in Rome," while others like Mario Mattioli believe the players will ultimately travel to what is described as a unique, unrepeatable event in football history.

Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina have been invited to Argentina to participate in Lionel Messi's farewell match for the national team, creating a dilemma for Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of a crucial Serie A fixture. The pair, both World Cup winners with Messi, face a choice heavy with emotional and sporting weight: attend one of the defining moments in their football lives, or remain available for Roma's trip to Como just days after the international break ends. The timing presents a genuine problem for Gasperini. The event falls only a few days before the league resumes, requiring Dybala and Molina to undertake an intercontinental journey, endure long flight times, navigate a significant time difference, and return with minimal recovery time before a match Roma cannot afford to lose. Como have begun the season as one of the most ambitious sides in Serie A and represent a direct rival for the top positions in the table. Gasperini has not yet given the green light for either player's departure; his preference would be to keep both at Trigoria during this three-week domestic break. However, a flat refusal carries its own risk. For Dybala, the personal dimension cuts deeper—he has not been called up to Argentina's official windows recently, and the chance to stand beside Messi on the day of his exit from international football holds obvious significance. For Molina, a World Cup winner and integral member of that group, the emotional pull is equally strong. Gasperini has constructed much of Roma's strong start on group cohesion and mutual trust between coach and players. A firm rejection could leave some friction at a delicate moment. Dybala has been heavily used in this opening segment of the season, and Roma have worked extensively to restore the physical consistency that eluded him in recent years. Exposing him to a transatlantic journey and a time-zone shift so close to Como would be a risk the club's staff prefers to avoid. Molina has only recently found continuity and condition after a more complicated pre-season. A compromise solution might involve granting permission while asking both players to manage their involvement with extreme caution, avoiding any overexertion and planning travel and return in precise detail. No definitive decision has yet been made. Gasperini knows what he wants as coach; Dybala and Molina know that opportunities like this come once in a lifetime. The tension lies not between one match and another, but between the heart of Argentina and Roma's immediate interests. A final answer is expected in the coming days.

Gian Piero Gasperini has granted Roma an additional day off, cancelling training and rescheduling the squad's return to Trigoria for Tuesday afternoon. The head coach will spend the intervening days away from Rome. Lorenzo Pellegrini is back fit and ready to feature in the trip to Como on 11 October after sitting out the last two consecutive matches against Torino and Inter. Wesley, Bryan Cristante and Donyell Malen are all available with no fitness concerns. The main talking point, however, centres on a potential trip to Argentina for Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina. Both players have received official invitations from the Argentine Football Association to attend a tribute ceremony for Lionel Messi's international retirement on 6 October at the Monumental stadium, an event open to all members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad. Gasperini would prefer to avoid the lengthy intercontinental journey for the pair just days before the Como league fixture, particularly given that neither would feature in that match. Dybala and Molina are both keenly motivated to attend an occasion of profound emotional and historical significance to Argentine supporters. Discussions between the club, coaching staff and players are set to continue in the coming days.

Giancarlo Antognoni, head of Italy's U21 delegation, has backed Emanuele Lulli for his first-ever senior youth squad call-up, saying the Roma defender merits the honour because he is playing regularly for his club. Speaking on the Amore Giallorosso programme on T9, Antognoni said: "I believe that Lulli deserves this call-up because he is playing as a starter for Roma and so coach Baldini has rightly taken him into consideration. Emanuele is an important player for Roma and will be for the national team too because his is a position that is somewhat uncovered. Before him we had Palestra and Kayode who were called up to the senior squad and so I believe that Lulli can represent an important surprise for the national team in future, and this is thanks to Roma for playing him. I believe Baldini sees something important in him." Lulli is among Roma's current squad and plays in the defensive ranks. Antognoni noted that Italy's U21 side have performed positively under coach Baldini, winning two recent senior friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece. The delegation head said the upcoming fixtures are pivotal: "We have these last two matches, and if we manage to win both of them we will qualify by right to first place. If something different happens, we will have to review our path a bit." Antognoni also discussed fellow Roma academy player Niccolò Pisilli, who is with the U21 squad. He stressed that being selected for the youth team rather than the senior side is not a demotion. "Pisilli is a guarantee for us," Antognoni said, "and being here instead of with the senior national team is not a step back. Mancini had called him up with the first squad, but since he is an important player for the U21 and we have these two important matches, it was decided to have him play with us." Pisilli celebrated his birthday during the squad's preparation phase. Italy's U21 team face Armenia next, followed by what Antognoni described as a probably decisive match against Poland as they pursue automatic qualification to the European Championship.

Rome's radio stations have weighed in on three key issues facing Roma as the season progresses: the speculation around midfielder Kvernadze, the development of Rodrigo Mora, and the decision to sell Niccolo Romano to Cagliari. Alessio Nardo criticised the timing of any potential move for Kvernadze. "If you were smart, you would have gone to get him in July or mid-August," Nardo said. "Now he's had an extraordinary start to the season, and after three weeks Frosinone will make you pay triple. Now it's foolish to go and get Kvernadze." Piero Torri added context: Frosinone are likely to demand €20–25 million for the player, but the price could rise further if Roma move slowly. Torri also flagged that Roma's position in the league table in December, and UEFA's verdict on the club's situation by mid-November, will determine whether the ownership feels obliged to invest in January. On Mora, Daniele Lo Monaco offered a technical assessment tempered by concerns about readiness. "From a technical standpoint I think Rodrigo Mora is superior to Matías Soulé," Lo Monaco said. "For me, Mora has only Dybala above him, because he does extraordinary things that others can only imagine. But from a physical point of view you have some doubts, because when he goes into a challenge, opponents push him around. And every so often during the match he loses focus, and with Gasperini you cannot afford that. Today he is not quite ready to play with Gasperini, but he will become ready soon, especially if he does not have the pressure on him of having to prove he is worth €50 million, because otherwise it becomes a problem." Fabio Petruzzi framed the Romano sale as a difficult but necessary choice. "Romano is a good player, I do not say otherwise, but I would be cautious," Petruzzi said. "He would not have played at Roma. Roma had to make a choice: either Pisilli or Romano." Stefano Carina highlighted the oddity of Romano's sale: the initial asking price was €9 million, but the player departed for €5 million. "If you were asking nine million then perhaps this lad is worth something," Carina noted. "Cagliari saw further ahead, and now it seems like a big regret."

Radio pundits have dissected Roma's performance in Saturday's match against Inter, with debate centring on the club's attacking midfield options and whether the squad can sustain momentum in the coming weeks. Several commentators highlighted Roma's improvement compared to last season, though assessments of the Inter encounter differed. Vocalelli argued that Inter's squad remains stronger in prospect despite Roma fielding a full side, noting that Inter still need to integrate three summer signings. Pugliese suggested Roma has narrowed the gap from last season but remains below Inter's overall organisation, adding that fixtures against Napoli, Como and Madrid will reveal the squad's true level and how new arrivals suit Gasperini's system. Ferrajolo called the performance a sign of maturity, stating Roma has historically struggled against the top sides: "Nella partita di sabato le due squadre sono apparse alla pari, e devo dire che il risultato è lusinghiero per la Roma, perché ha giocato una partita alla pari con l'Inter." Camelio expressed concern about Roma's left flank depth but backed the defensive strength, adding that a January signing could push Roma's title challenge. Mora emerged as a focal point of debate. Chiara Ciotti noted that Soulé is preferred because of his understanding with Dybala and Malen. Impallomeni said: "Mora ha dei mezzi importanti, ma bisogna avere pazienza. Mi auguro che possa farci vedere cosa sa fare." Davide Fidanza observed: "Mora vive d'istinto, ha giocate importanti, ma estemporanee," contrasting him with Soulé, who he described as "tatticamente più completo" and more effective in team play. Fidanza drew a parallel to Pisilli's development, suggesting Mora requires time to mature and adapt his game.