Roma begin pre-season training as Wesley and Soulé send messages of intent

John Galantic, Roma's new chief executive, spoke publicly for the first time since the Champions League league-phase draw on 27 August, expressing confidence that the club can compete at Europe's highest level. Addressing the media after the draw, Galantic commented on Roma's opponents and gave an update on the final days of the summer transfer window under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Galantic described his first month in the role as intense, encompassing both the transfer market and pre-season preparations. He confirmed that Gasperini—a perfectionist by nature—continues to demand more from the squad despite praising the players who have already arrived. Roma made a strong start to their Serie A campaign and now face a demanding European fixture list. Galantic stressed the club's ambition: "The Roma must always be in the Champions League," he said, and indicated the club remains alert to late opportunities in the market. "Winners are always demanding and that is better," Galantic stated. "We are vigilant in these final days of the transfer market and we will see if there are opportunities. Gasperini has also said he is happy with the players who arrived and that we are stronger than last year." Galantic, a Roma supporter since childhood, expressed his honour at the role and thanked the fans, squad, Gasperini and the entire staff for the club's Champions League qualification. On the challenge ahead, he acknowledged that all opponents are formidable but singled out fixtures against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain as particularly compelling encounters. "Great emotion," he said of his first weeks. "It is a baptism of fire, between the transfer market and pre-season, but it is good to understand the sporting reality well, because that is where value is created."

John Galantic, Roma's new CEO, spoke to Sky Sport following the Champions League league-phase draw on 27 August 2026. "Great emotion, all the teams are difficult to face," he said. "I have been a huge Roma fan since I was small, for me this is more than a job: it is passion. First month has been complicated with the transfer market and pre-season, but it is good to understand the sporting side well because that is where value is created." On head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, Galantic emphasised the club's competitive standing. "Winners are always demanding, that is better. We are vigilant on market opportunities but Gasperini has also said he is happy with the squad he has. We are stronger than last year. I want to thank the fans, the squad and Gasperini—Roma must always be in the Champions League." Galantic's remarks came as Roma were drawn into the Champions League league phase for the 2026-27 season, having finished third in Serie A in 2025-26.

Roma's new CEO John Galantic spoke at the Champions League draw ceremony on 27 August, reflecting on the competition draw and the club's prospects for the 2026-27 season. He described the experience as 'a great emotion' and acknowledged that all teams in the competition are difficult opponents. 'There are passionate challenges though, it will be beautiful for our fans and the squad—we will be ready,' Galantic said. Asked about facing Real Madrid under Mourinho, he expanded his view: 'Yes, but also PSG and the other matches.' Galantic outlined his opening weeks at Roma as 'a baptism of fire' across the transfer market, the league campaign, and the pre-season retreat. He emphasised that sporting excellence drives value creation. 'At the beginning 90 per cent is relative to the sporting side—that's where value is created. The commercial side is important, but that's throwing fuel on the fire. The fire is on the pitch,' he explained. On the final days of the transfer window, Galantic confirmed Roma remains watchful for opportunities but stressed that Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed satisfaction with the arrivals. 'We are vigilant until the end of the market for some opportunity, but Gasperini has said he is happy with the players who have arrived. We are stronger than last year,' Galantic said. Galantic revealed his long-standing attachment to Roma. 'I have been a huge supporter since I was a child. For me it is more than a job—it is passion. I am honoured and very committed,' he said. He credited the upcoming campaign's importance for a strong start on Monday, while also acknowledging Gasperini, the staff, and the supporters. 'In the Champions League, Roma must always be there,' Galantic concluded.

Jayden Oosterwolde arrived in Rome on 25 August but his transfer from Fenerbahçe to Roma hit an unexpected snag when medical staff demanded further tests before signing off on the deal. The Dutch left-back, Gasperini's fifth summer signing, was due to sign his contract today but the green light was delayed pending the outcome of fresh medical assessments this morning. Initial fitness tests came back clear, but Roma's medical team wanted to examine a recent muscular problem that sidelined him in recent weeks. Gasperini plans to deploy Oosterwolde on the left flank as a back-up to Wesley, though his versatility also allows him to play as a centre-back. The player has already resumed running and should be fully available by mid-September. Only after final clearance from the medical consultations would the transfer be formally concluded. The deal is structured as a €1 million loan fee with a €15 million purchase option. The obligation to buy will trigger automatically if Oosterwolde makes 20 appearances of at least 45 minutes each.

Gian Piero Gasperini deployed three different formations during Roma's match against Fiorentina, avoiding the 3-4-2-1 system that defined last season but never abandoning the aggressive one-on-one pressing and intensity that characterise his approach. The tactical adjustments were made to nullify Fiorentina's threats rather than to compensate for transfer market gaps or absences. Gasperini's willingness to shift shape underscores a deeper principle: Roma's behaviour remains unchanged regardless of formation. The side consistently attacks, with N'Dicka operating as a target on the attacking third and Mancini and Hermoso—later replaced by Koulierakis—covering the flanks. Fiorentina manager Grosso began in a 4-3-2-1 before moving to 4-2-4 when Roma went two goals clear. With Kean deployed alongside Pellegrino, Gasperini matched the adjustment with an identical system. The lineup featured Svilar in goal, Lulli, Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso across the back, Cristante and Koné in midfield, and Soulé, Dybala, Malen and Wesley in attack. Soulé had replaced Mora at 2-0. When Grosso shifted to 4-3-3 late on, Gasperini responded by introducing El Aynaoui and Pisilli for Koné and Dybala, switching to a 3-5-1-1. This brought Mancini, N'Dicka and Koulierakis across the back, a five-man midfield of Lulli, Pisilli, Cristante, El Aynaoui and Wesley, with Soulé supporting Castro in attack. Roma scored a fourth goal. Gasperini's track record with such adjustments is long and proven, but the club now needs a right-footed winger capable of providing thrust on the break and winning one-on-one duels. The manager will learn soon whether Chelsea is willing to negotiate for Gittens, and after Lyon play Fenerbahce tomorrow evening, whether an agreement with Fofana can be finalised.

Roma demolished Fiorentina 4–0 in a commanding display, with Donyell Malen scoring a hat-trick to lead the charge. Paulo Dybala contributed three assists and Manu Koné was withdrawn only through fatigue, underlining Roma's control. Debutant Daniele Ghilardi impressed in an early appearance, while Evan N'Dicka stood firm at the back as the team moved to 3–4–1–2 formation under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. All five major Italian newspapers awarded Roma positive marks across the board. Svilar received ratings between 6 and 6.5 in goal. The defence was solid, with N'Dicka rated 7 to 7.5 by all outlets and Mancini and Hermoso both praised. In midfield, Cristante earned 6.5 to 7, while Wesley was rated 6 to 7 on the flank. Koné's 6.5 to 7.5 reflected his strong showing before substitution. Malen's 8.5 to 9 and Dybala's 8 to 9 dominated the attacking ratings. Corrections made 68 minutes in saw Koulierakis introduced for Hermoso, while Pisilli replaced Koné at 79 minutes. Rodrigo Mora (6.5) and later Matías Soulé (6) featured in attack; Santiago Castro entered for Malen at 68 minutes. Gasperini earned 7.5 to 8 from the press corps. N'Dicka's display of 7 to 7.5, Koné's energy and Ghilardi's first appearance highlighted a Roma side functioning with precision and depth throughout.