·21 August 2026·8h ago

Roma can challenge for the title, says Padovan; Marcacci identifies Fofana as the missing piece

Radio commentators from Rome's airwaves have offered mixed assessments of Roma's opening campaign, with debate centring on the squad's depth and the club's transfer strategy heading into the new season.

Padovan argued that Roma can mount a serious title challenge, stating: "Roma will be judged over the medium to long term. I believe Roma can perform very well this year, that they can play for the title. Perhaps immediately behind Inter, or third. There aren't other teams very, very strong, very well reinforced. For this reason I believe Inter is the favourite." Camelio noted Roma entered the window needing to sell, and flagged concerns about public transfer negotiations: Mora's deal to Porto was held up when Porto supporters intervened, whereas Milan handled Moreira's signing without fanfare. Ferrajolo praised the squad's cohesion after an intense previous season but warned that departures of key players like Koné would create gaps harder to fill than losing Soulé.

Marcacci identified a specific need: "Probably, for characteristics and Gasperini's requirements, Roma is missing precisely someone like Fofana." Camelio suggested if Soulé departed, Roma would move for Fofana at 35 million euros, having already blocked him. Orsi cautioned that Roma had only made signings without meaningful sales so far—"either someone made an error in valuations or a fine will arrive and they'll pay it."

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Story Coverage2 sources on this story

Roma's prospects for the 2024-25 season dominate Italian radio debate, with commentators largely optimistic about the club's title chances despite lingering transfer concerns. Giancarlo Padovan believes Roma can challenge seriously this season, likely finishing second behind Inter or in third place, as few other Serie A clubs have significantly strengthened. However, consensus points to midfield as the key weakness. Paolo Marcacci identifies Fofana specifically as the missing tactical piece for Gasperini's requirements, while Francesco Balzani notes the squad lacks pure wingers and suggests the manager may revert to a 3-4-1-2 formation. The outlets differ on transfer strategy: Balzani attributes budget constraints to the €25 million spent on Manu Koné and the lack of sales over two years, with the Friedkin Group blocking moves for both Fofana and Luis Henrique. Camelio reports that if Soulé departed, Roma would pursue Fofana at 35 million euros. Nando Orsi raises a stark warning that Roma has only made purchases without sales, suggesting either valuations are inflated or financial penalties loom. The window closes soon, leaving uncertainty over whether current reinforcements suffice.

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Roma News ↗Roma can challenge for the title, says Padovan; Marcacci identifies Fofana as the missing piece (this page)
Forza Roma ↗Padovan: Roma can fight for the title this season

Testo Originale / Source Text

“La rubrica di Romanews.eu “Senti chi parla… alle radio” è lo spazio quotidiano in cui potete leggere i commenti sul mondo Roma di speaker e opinionisti protagonisti dell’etere romano raccolti dalla nostra Redazione. Vocalelli a Radio Radio Pomeriggio: “La partita contro la Fiorentina è difficile:…”

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