Roma assemble for pre-season as Gasperini begins Champions League rebuild

Roma have accelerated negotiations to sign Morato from Nottingham Forest as a defensive reinforcement. The deal is structured as a loan with a right of purchase that can become an obligation under certain conditions. Morato's arrival would clear the way for Jan Ziółkowski's departure, with Monza waiting to complete the Polish centre-back's move. The two clubs are working through the formula of the transfer, with Monza pushing to include a right of purchase while Roma considers its position. Jayden Oosterwolde's situation has also entered a decisive phase after comprehensive medical checks. Roma and Fenerbahce continue talks, with the club attempting to modify the structure of the operation to reach an agreement. Optimism is filtering through from the negotiations. In midfield, Kessié remains the standout target, though Roma are exploring other profiles. The transfer window is entering its most active phase.

Zibi Boniek has backed Roma to fight for the Serie A title, saying the club can compete at the highest level after a strong start to the season. Speaking to Retesport, Boniek praised recent arrivals and squad depth while identifying a priority for the transfer market. "We start brilliantly with a beautiful match. Roma can fight for the top because it only has Inter ahead of it, we're on the same level as the other big clubs," Boniek said. He argued that Roma do not lack a left winger but rather need "another strong number 8", adding that any top-quality player arriving will strengthen the team. He singled out recent debutant Lulli for his fearlessness and praised Santiago Castro as "a serious and genuine striker", though he must wait his turn with Donyell Malen in imperious form and Paulo Dybala in "perfect connection" with him. On academy defender Jan Ziółkowski, Boniek confirmed the young Pole is set to leave on loan to develop regularly elsewhere. He also highlighted Niccolò Pisilli as "the most dangerous midfielder in the squad" who sees goal, saying: "If he plays as a starter he'll bring home 8–10 goals, he will have his space in a strong department."

Roma's pursuit of Nottingham Forest defender Morato is progressing on the basis of a loan with a right of purchase that can become an obligation if certain conditions are met. The arrival of the Brazilian centre-back would free space in Roma's squad and clear the way for Jan Ziolkowski's departure to Monza, a move that is now in an advanced stage of negotiation. Monza, managed by Ivan Juric, are treating with Roma for Ziolkowski on a loan basis with the possibility of inserting a right of purchase. The deal would offer the 2005-born defender greater playing time and continuity in his development, while Roma are determined not to sell him permanently for less than his initial €20 million valuation. Parma and other European clubs have also made enquiries about him in recent weeks. A significant issue has emerged elsewhere in the squad: Jayden Oosterwolde has reportedly passed his medical tests with Roma, but the examinations revealed a different situation than the initial assessment provided by Fenerbahce. Recovery times could be considerably longer than the two to three weeks initially communicated by the Turkish club. Roma and the player are working together to find a solution, with no final decision yet taken on the transfer. Radio commentary from Aspri suggested that head coach Gasperini has clear tactical hierarchies in mind. On potential midfielder targets, Aspri said: "Gasperini has the hierarchies well established. If someone like Kessié were to arrive, the midfield would become of great substance. There is Juventus and competition that, on paper, is impractical for Roma, but the news is true. Gasperini's doubts concern Kessié's condition; he has a great love for the player, but the operation is complicated and interesting because it would change the hierarchies." Discussion also centred on Roma's pursuit of Fofana from Lyon, with negotiations aimed at reducing the fee demanded.

Gian Piero Gasperini defended Roma's transfer approach at his pre-match press conference on 22 August, two days before the Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico. The coach confirmed that UEFA financial regulations have forced a strategic shift in the market, compounding constraints that stem from years of previous spending. "The profile is only that of UEFA; there are no other possibilities," Gasperini said. "There are situations that UEFA imposes and from which our ownership, even wanting to, cannot escape. I thought that after six months or with arrival in the Champions League the situation would be resolved, but it is not so." Gasperini emphasised that Roma remain the only Italian club currently under UEFA supervision. "Roma has already had two deferrals and probably cannot have any more," he noted. "Now the reckoning has arrived, but we will do well anyway." Despite those constraints, he expressed satisfaction with arrivals in the window. Álex Molina replaced Zeki Çelik after winning the World Cup two months earlier; Christos Koulierakis joined as a defensive profile the squad lacked; and Rodrigo Mora arrived as a young long-term investment. Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson departed, replaced by Mateo Castro. El Shaarawy, Bryan Zaragoza, Angeliño and Kostas Tsimikas also left. Gasperini stated: "All the players who arrived have strongly wanted to come to Roma. They have also reduced their salaries—and under this aspect I believe very positive work has been done. There are still ten days of the market left and we hope to complete everything." On the left wing position that Roma had pursued, Gasperini offered flexibility: "Only if he can be added value, otherwise I am not going to load myself with players just for the sake of it." Numerically, two squad slots remain available from a full complement of 23. He praised Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante for accepting significant wage cuts. On Dybala's fitness prospects, Gasperini said: "I am certain, because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He completed a pre-season perhaps for the first time without injuries." Dybala suffered two serious injuries last season—one requiring meniscus surgery that sidelined him for three and a half months. Gasperini stated that further squad exits may follow only if they represent tactical switches rather than pure departures. "If there are other exits it is only for changes, to switch," he said. "In this moment there is nothing certain." The window closes in ten days. Roma finished last season on 73 points and third place in Serie A, but Gasperini stressed the slate resets: "Every year you start from zero. What was done was very positive and satisfactory for all, but when the season starts everyone begins at 0 points and the 73 points from last year must be played again."

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.

Gasperini is preparing Roma's opening lineup for Monday's visit of Fiorentina, with the shape of his team already taking clearer form in the final days of the transfer window. The Stadio Olimpico will host Fiorentina, managed by Grosso, who despite their youth and last season's league position will present a stern test. Gasperini has identified Fiorentina's preference for a 4-3-3 setup during summer friendlies and is likely to counter with a 3-4-1-2 formation against their four-man defence, adapting his usual structure. That system would see Rodrigo Mora operating as the trequartista behind the Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen partnership, a position where the Argentine could make an immediate impact and deliver more options than Matías Soulé offers from the left flank. The formation can shift to a 3-4-2-1 during play when Malen presses higher up the pitch. Gasperini will keep some selection decisions until the final stages of Monday's match. Wesley and Molina appear set for the right flank, while Kostas Tsimikas contests the left-back role against Mario Hermoso for a starting place. The central defensive duel between Evan N'Dicka and Fiorentina's Kean will be a critical battleground — N'Dicka has struggled more than usual against Kean's pace and explosive moments from his time at Juventus. Fiorentina's Arthur Atta will be their wildcard variable, looking to disrupt Roma's defensive shape by dropping deep and unsettling the back line. Molina will have dual duties: creating danger down the flank through his runs while containing the constant forward drives of Valdepeñas. The final training session takes place this afternoon at Trigoria, where remaining selection dilemmas—including the Mora-Soulé contest and the Cristante-Neil El Aynaoui decision—will be resolved. Gasperini continues to wait for one more attacking wide player with different characteristics from Mora during the summer window. Monday brings the first competitive test of the season, a tactical chess match between two managers with distinct philosophies and clear identities. Roma will need a strong start in a title race that this year features more Champions League contenders than ever before.

Gian Piero Gasperini defended Roma's transfer approach at his pre-match press conference on 22 August, two days before the Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico. The coach confirmed that UEFA financial regulations have forced a strategic shift in the market, compounding constraints that stem from years of previous spending. "The profile is only that of UEFA; there are no other possibilities," Gasperini said. "There are situations that UEFA imposes and from which our ownership, even wanting to, cannot escape. I thought that after six months or with arrival in the Champions League the situation would be resolved, but it is not so." Gasperini emphasised that Roma remain the only Italian club currently under UEFA supervision. "Roma has already had two deferrals and probably cannot have any more," he noted. "Now the reckoning has arrived, but we will do well anyway." Despite those constraints, he expressed satisfaction with arrivals in the window. Álex Molina replaced Zeki Çelik after winning the World Cup two months earlier; Christos Koulierakis joined as a defensive profile the squad lacked; and Rodrigo Mora arrived as a young long-term investment. Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson departed, replaced by Mateo Castro. El Shaarawy, Bryan Zaragoza, Angeliño and Kostas Tsimikas also left. Gasperini stated: "All the players who arrived have strongly wanted to come to Roma. They have also reduced their salaries—and under this aspect I believe very positive work has been done. There are still ten days of the market left and we hope to complete everything." On the left wing position that Roma had pursued, Gasperini offered flexibility: "Only if he can be added value, otherwise I am not going to load myself with players just for the sake of it." Numerically, two squad slots remain available from a full complement of 23. He praised Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante for accepting significant wage cuts. On Dybala's fitness prospects, Gasperini said: "I am certain, because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He completed a pre-season perhaps for the first time without injuries." Dybala suffered two serious injuries last season—one requiring meniscus surgery that sidelined him for three and a half months. Gasperini stated that further squad exits may follow only if they represent tactical switches rather than pure departures. "If there are other exits it is only for changes, to switch," he said. "In this moment there is nothing certain." The window closes in ten days. Roma finished last season on 73 points and third place in Serie A, but Gasperini stressed the slate resets: "Every year you start from zero. What was done was very positive and satisfactory for all, but when the season starts everyone begins at 0 points and the 73 points from last year must be played again."

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.

Roman radio stations analysed Gasperini's post-match demeanour and Roma's transfer window on 24 August, with the coach reportedly venting frustration after a pre-match press conference. David Rossi of Rete Sport said Gasperini "attempted to maintain composure during the conference, so much so that once it finished he let off steam—we have audio of what he said after the conference, but we won't play it because we're decent people—but hearing the post-conference outburst tells you he is not serene." Gasperini has been actively involved in the market alongside D'Amico, reiterating his desire for a left-footed winger and left-sided striker, though the station noted that if those signings do not arrive, it is not a failure to pursue them but a failure to secure them. The broader consensus across the stations was mixed. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport identified Fofana as "the best option that remains," better than other targets, suggesting Lyon's potential Champions League qualification could enable a deal structured as a loan with a conditional obligation to buy. Daniele Lo Monaco of Radio Romanista offered strong backing of the existing squad, stating: "With him you would not win the Champions League, but you would not have won it either with Summerville; in fact, I think you have more chances with Mora than with the Dutchman. If you signed Gittens, you would have Gittens, Mora, Dybala, Soulé, Castro and Malen… Last year you had Venturino, Zaragoza, Baldanzi, Dovbyk, Ferguson… and we finished third. This is why I tell you we must be very satisfied with what is happening, very satisfied. And all of this without selling players. But guys, what more do we want? For me, if the market completes in this manner, it will be the best since the days of Batistuta." Analysts debated the likely formation and deployment of recent arrivals. Lorenzo Pes suggested Roma could play with a trequartista behind two strikers, noting uncertainty over whether Soulé or Rodrigo Mora would occupy that role. Mario Mattioli expressed scepticism about Mora's involvement, predicting he would not start and questioning whether he could break through substantially. Roberto Pruzzo backed Santiago Castro as a strong addition who would receive more minutes than expected, while Checco Oddo Casano voiced concern that Roma was not equipped to compete for the Champions League, predicting a third- to sixth-place finish in Serie A. Alessio Nardo highlighted Dybala's history of injury problems at Roma, noting that last season his meniscus injury was mismanaged; he added that should Dybala complete the season without significant injury, "it would be a sort of miracle of Gasperini and his staff." The match against Fiorentina was set for the evening of 24 August. Pes cautioned that Fiorentina would be difficult to assess as an opponent, having conducted an ambitious transfer window under new management. The window closes on 31 August, with Gasperini's requirements for additional signings still unmet.

Gian Piero Gasperini defended Roma's transfer approach at his pre-match press conference on 22 August, two days before the Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico. The coach confirmed that UEFA financial regulations have forced a strategic shift in the market, compounding constraints that stem from years of previous spending. "The profile is only that of UEFA; there are no other possibilities," Gasperini said. "There are situations that UEFA imposes and from which our ownership, even wanting to, cannot escape. I thought that after six months or with arrival in the Champions League the situation would be resolved, but it is not so." Gasperini emphasised that Roma remain the only Italian club currently under UEFA supervision. "Roma has already had two deferrals and probably cannot have any more," he noted. "Now the reckoning has arrived, but we will do well anyway." Despite those constraints, he expressed satisfaction with arrivals in the window. Álex Molina replaced Zeki Çelik after winning the World Cup two months earlier; Christos Koulierakis joined as a defensive profile the squad lacked; and Rodrigo Mora arrived as a young long-term investment. Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson departed, replaced by Mateo Castro. El Shaarawy, Bryan Zaragoza, Angeliño and Kostas Tsimikas also left. Gasperini stated: "All the players who arrived have strongly wanted to come to Roma. They have also reduced their salaries—and under this aspect I believe very positive work has been done. There are still ten days of the market left and we hope to complete everything." On the left wing position that Roma had pursued, Gasperini offered flexibility: "Only if he can be added value, otherwise I am not going to load myself with players just for the sake of it." Numerically, two squad slots remain available from a full complement of 23. He praised Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante for accepting significant wage cuts. On Dybala's fitness prospects, Gasperini said: "I am certain, because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He completed a pre-season perhaps for the first time without injuries." Dybala suffered two serious injuries last season—one requiring meniscus surgery that sidelined him for three and a half months. Gasperini stated that further squad exits may follow only if they represent tactical switches rather than pure departures. "If there are other exits it is only for changes, to switch," he said. "In this moment there is nothing certain." The window closes in ten days. Roma finished last season on 73 points and third place in Serie A, but Gasperini stressed the slate resets: "Every year you start from zero. What was done was very positive and satisfactory for all, but when the season starts everyone begins at 0 points and the 73 points from last year must be played again."

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.