Roma Begin 2026-27 Season Against Fiorentina Tonight

Gian Piero Gasperini has won on the opening day of Serie A in each of the past eight seasons, a run unbroken since losing 1–0 at home to Roma on 20 August 2017 when he was Atalanta manager. Last season, Gasperini secured a 1–0 victory against Bologna on the Olimpico courtesy of Wesley, and Roma will host Fiorentina tonight in similar conditions. An opening-day win carries weight both for morale and the longer championship picture, particularly as Roma prepare for a return to Champions League in a season expected to demand sustained effort. Roma hold a positive record in opening-day fixtures against Fiorentina. Their previous two meetings on the season's first weekend came in 2014–15, when they won 2–0 through Nainggolan and Gervinho, and 2021–22, when José Mourinho's side triumphed 3–1, with Veretout scoring twice after goals from Mkhitaryan and Milenkovic. Gasperini seeks to reach nine opening-day victories of his own and extend the pattern that has defined his managerial record.

Roma face Fiorentina at the Olimpico at 20:45 tonight in the opening match of the Serie A season, with Gian Piero Gasperini preparing several significant choices for his debut fixture. The surprise selection could be Rodrigo Mora, who arrived only in recent days but is already a candidate for a starting shirt. The Portuguese forward is slightly favoured over Matías Soulé to play behind the partnership of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Gasperini is expected to deploy a 3-4-1-2 formation. Mile Svilar starts in goal with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso forming the back three, though Konstantinos Koulierakis is pushing to displace the Spanish defender following encouraging signs in pre-season. Nahuel Molina and Wesley occupy the wing-backs, with Manu Koné returning to midfield. Bryan Cristante is slightly favoured over Neil El Aynaoui for the remaining midfield spot. Mora's immediate integration represents the most intriguing tactical choice, with Santiago Castro available as an important option from the bench. Fiorentina will respond with a 4-3-2-1 under Fabio Grosso. Their lineup includes goalkeeper De Gea, a back four of Jimenez, Dragusin, Ranieri and Valdepenas, Brescianini, Fagioli and Ndour in midfield, Gudmundsson and Atta in support, and Kean as the central striker.

Roma will face Fiorentina in the opening match of the 2026–27 Serie A season on 24 August at 20:45, with the Olimpico sold out for the campaign's debut. Head coach Gasperini has settled most selection questions but left unresolved a contest between Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora for a place on the attacking midfield line, both having been tested in recent tactical sessions. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen will lead the attack. The squad arrives with the goal of confirming the previous season's strong showing, which returned Roma to the Champions League after seven years away. The defensive line appears set, with Mile Svilar in goal behind a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. The midfield four will likely be Nahuel Molina, Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné and Wesley across the width. Rome's major newspapers offered varying formations in their predicted lineups ahead of the fixture. Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Tempo, Messaggero, Repubblica and Romanista all suggested a 3–4–2–1 or 3–4–1–2 structure, though they differed on whether Soulé or Mora would occupy the second attacking midfield slot. Romanews.eu predicted a 3–4–2–1 with Soulé in that role and Dybala flanking him, while other outlets split between the two options, reflecting the uncertainty Gasperini has yet to resolve.

Roma face Fiorentina at the Olimpico at 20:45 tonight in the opening match of the Serie A season, with Gian Piero Gasperini preparing several significant choices for his debut fixture. The surprise selection could be Rodrigo Mora, who arrived only in recent days but is already a candidate for a starting shirt. The Portuguese forward is slightly favoured over Matías Soulé to play behind the partnership of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Gasperini is expected to deploy a 3-4-1-2 formation. Mile Svilar starts in goal with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso forming the back three, though Konstantinos Koulierakis is pushing to displace the Spanish defender following encouraging signs in pre-season. Nahuel Molina and Wesley occupy the wing-backs, with Manu Koné returning to midfield. Bryan Cristante is slightly favoured over Neil El Aynaoui for the remaining midfield spot. Mora's immediate integration represents the most intriguing tactical choice, with Santiago Castro available as an important option from the bench. Fiorentina will respond with a 4-3-2-1 under Fabio Grosso. Their lineup includes goalkeeper De Gea, a back four of Jimenez, Dragusin, Ranieri and Valdepenas, Brescianini, Fagioli and Ndour in midfield, Gudmundsson and Atta in support, and Kean as the central striker.

Roma will face Fiorentina in the opening match of the 2026–27 Serie A season on 24 August at 20:45, with the Olimpico sold out for the campaign's debut. Head coach Gasperini has settled most selection questions but left unresolved a contest between Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora for a place on the attacking midfield line, both having been tested in recent tactical sessions. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen will lead the attack. The squad arrives with the goal of confirming the previous season's strong showing, which returned Roma to the Champions League after seven years away. The defensive line appears set, with Mile Svilar in goal behind a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. The midfield four will likely be Nahuel Molina, Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné and Wesley across the width. Rome's major newspapers offered varying formations in their predicted lineups ahead of the fixture. Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Tempo, Messaggero, Repubblica and Romanista all suggested a 3–4–2–1 or 3–4–1–2 structure, though they differed on whether Soulé or Mora would occupy the second attacking midfield slot. Romanews.eu predicted a 3–4–2–1 with Soulé in that role and Dybala flanking him, while other outlets split between the two options, reflecting the uncertainty Gasperini has yet to resolve.

Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma begin their Serie A campaign this evening at the Olimpico against a heavily refreshed Fiorentina. The squad setup is largely settled: Svilar in goal, a proven defensive three of Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso, with Molina making his official Roma debut on one flank and Wesley on the other. The only genuine uncertainty sits in the attacking midfield position, where Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora vie for the spot behind Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Gasperini's formation hints at an attacking intent despite the tactical flexibility expected of the former Atalanta boss. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are locked in as the midfield pairing, with Molina's inclusion marking his competitive entry into the side. The Olimpico is set to display Roma colours in full, underlining the fresh start under new management in what shapes as a defining early test against Fiorentina's overhauled squad. Multiple outlets have converged on the likely XI. La Gazzetta dello Sport predicts a 3-4-1-2 shape with Soulé in the playmaking role and Dybala and Malen as the strike pair. Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport both favour a 3-4-2-1 formation, positioning Soulé and Dybala together on the second line with Malen as the sole striker. Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo align with Gazzetta's 3-4-1-2 structure, again backing Soulé to start ahead of Mora in the attacking unit.

Roma face Fiorentina at the Olimpico at 20:45 tonight in the opening match of the Serie A season, with Gian Piero Gasperini preparing several significant choices for his debut fixture. The surprise selection could be Rodrigo Mora, who arrived only in recent days but is already a candidate for a starting shirt. The Portuguese forward is slightly favoured over Matías Soulé to play behind the partnership of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Gasperini is expected to deploy a 3-4-1-2 formation. Mile Svilar starts in goal with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso forming the back three, though Konstantinos Koulierakis is pushing to displace the Spanish defender following encouraging signs in pre-season. Nahuel Molina and Wesley occupy the wing-backs, with Manu Koné returning to midfield. Bryan Cristante is slightly favoured over Neil El Aynaoui for the remaining midfield spot. Mora's immediate integration represents the most intriguing tactical choice, with Santiago Castro available as an important option from the bench. Fiorentina will respond with a 4-3-2-1 under Fabio Grosso. Their lineup includes goalkeeper De Gea, a back four of Jimenez, Dragusin, Ranieri and Valdepenas, Brescianini, Fagioli and Ndour in midfield, Gudmundsson and Atta in support, and Kean as the central striker.

Roma will face Fiorentina in the opening match of the 2026–27 Serie A season on 24 August at 20:45, with the Olimpico sold out for the campaign's debut. Head coach Gasperini has settled most selection questions but left unresolved a contest between Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora for a place on the attacking midfield line, both having been tested in recent tactical sessions. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen will lead the attack. The squad arrives with the goal of confirming the previous season's strong showing, which returned Roma to the Champions League after seven years away. The defensive line appears set, with Mile Svilar in goal behind a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. The midfield four will likely be Nahuel Molina, Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné and Wesley across the width. Rome's major newspapers offered varying formations in their predicted lineups ahead of the fixture. Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Tempo, Messaggero, Repubblica and Romanista all suggested a 3–4–2–1 or 3–4–1–2 structure, though they differed on whether Soulé or Mora would occupy the second attacking midfield slot. Romanews.eu predicted a 3–4–2–1 with Soulé in that role and Dybala flanking him, while other outlets split between the two options, reflecting the uncertainty Gasperini has yet to resolve.

Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma begin their Serie A campaign this evening at the Olimpico against a heavily refreshed Fiorentina. The squad setup is largely settled: Svilar in goal, a proven defensive three of Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso, with Molina making his official Roma debut on one flank and Wesley on the other. The only genuine uncertainty sits in the attacking midfield position, where Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora vie for the spot behind Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Gasperini's formation hints at an attacking intent despite the tactical flexibility expected of the former Atalanta boss. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are locked in as the midfield pairing, with Molina's inclusion marking his competitive entry into the side. The Olimpico is set to display Roma colours in full, underlining the fresh start under new management in what shapes as a defining early test against Fiorentina's overhauled squad. Multiple outlets have converged on the likely XI. La Gazzetta dello Sport predicts a 3-4-1-2 shape with Soulé in the playmaking role and Dybala and Malen as the strike pair. Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport both favour a 3-4-2-1 formation, positioning Soulé and Dybala together on the second line with Malen as the sole striker. Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo align with Gazzetta's 3-4-1-2 structure, again backing Soulé to start ahead of Mora in the attacking unit.

Roma face Fiorentina at the Olimpico at 20:45 tonight in the opening match of the Serie A season, with Gian Piero Gasperini preparing several significant choices for his debut fixture. The surprise selection could be Rodrigo Mora, who arrived only in recent days but is already a candidate for a starting shirt. The Portuguese forward is slightly favoured over Matías Soulé to play behind the partnership of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Gasperini is expected to deploy a 3-4-1-2 formation. Mile Svilar starts in goal with Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso forming the back three, though Konstantinos Koulierakis is pushing to displace the Spanish defender following encouraging signs in pre-season. Nahuel Molina and Wesley occupy the wing-backs, with Manu Koné returning to midfield. Bryan Cristante is slightly favoured over Neil El Aynaoui for the remaining midfield spot. Mora's immediate integration represents the most intriguing tactical choice, with Santiago Castro available as an important option from the bench. Fiorentina will respond with a 4-3-2-1 under Fabio Grosso. Their lineup includes goalkeeper De Gea, a back four of Jimenez, Dragusin, Ranieri and Valdepenas, Brescianini, Fagioli and Ndour in midfield, Gudmundsson and Atta in support, and Kean as the central striker.

Roman radio stations have fielded a panel of journalists and former players to analyse Roma's setup for the coming season. Roberto Pruzzo argued that the squad remains largely unchanged from last year, with Matías Soulé capable of starting despite uneven form, and Paulo Dybala in good condition. He hopes Donyell Malen has recovered the energy he showed in the previous campaign. Mario Mattioli struck a more cautious note on squad integration. He does not expect Rodrigo Mora to play and make an immediate impact, suggesting that Gasperini is not inclined to deploy untested players mid-match. Mattioli stated: "When Mora begins to play he will show what is expected of him, but I have some doubt he can do it right away in an important way for Roma." He expects Nahuel Molina to feature but sees the rest of the side operating as it did last season, albeit with a faster rhythm of play. Soulé, he added, looks well-suited to Dybala's traditional right-sided role. Nando Orsi observed that Bryan Cristante played as a trequartista at Bergamo but has settled into his defensive midfield role at Roma. He noted the tactical complexity of deploying Santiago Castro, whose withdrawn starting position suits an accompanying forward rather than a static centre-forward, and flagged that Malen is not a traditional number nine. Gasperini must balance their use carefully; Castro can operate as Pasalik-style playmaker but Orsi questioned whether the manager is convinced of that approach. Soulé played in a behind-the-striker position at Frosinone and could replicate that role.

Roma punditry centred on team selection and attacking form ahead of the new season, with Matías Soulé emerging as the favoured choice in the number 10 role over Rodrigo Mora, though debate continues over the precise formation Gasperini will deploy. Carina suggested the coach may operate a 3–4–1–2 shape when facing four-at-the-back defences, with Soulé holding an edge because he has been tested more in pre-season. However, Bryan Cristante could slot into midfield if Gasperini opts for a more compact setup. The formation flexibility allows Gasperini to rotate among his front players, with Paulo Dybala tasked to make the difference in the final third. Orsi noted that Castro operates from deep and requires careful management alongside Malen, who is not a static centre-forward. "Castro as an accompanying figure to the striker could work. Soulé at Frosinone played behind the striker and can perform that Pasalic role," Orsi said, adding that he doubts Castro will take on that responsibility immediately. Pruzzo expressed hope that Malen improves on recent displays, saying: "I hope Malen is better than in his last performances." He backed Soulé as a potential starter and praised Castro as a strong player capable of greater involvement. Mattioli predicted Mora would not feature significantly, suggesting he might appear only late in matches as Gasperini prefers not to make such bold substitutions. Mattioli also noted he has seen Soulé perform well on the right wing when Dybala is absent, and would prefer him deployed on that flank. The pundits agreed Roma would resemble the side from last season, though operating at a higher pace of play.