Roma chase wingers as Ziolkowski nears exit; Kessié, Fofana and Gittens all on agenda

Roma have made a sudden push to sign Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié, attempting to capitalize on Juventus's stalled negotiations for the player. According to Sky Sport, Roma accelerated their efforts in recent hours, looking to turn a previous interest into a concrete transfer opportunity. Juventus had intensified contact with Kessié's representatives but has not yet closed a deal; the Bianconeri need to complete further outgoings first, and the sale of Miretti to Besiktas alone would not create sufficient space for the signing. Roma are now attempting to insert themselves into the race. For club director D'Amico, bringing Kessié would add significant international experience to midfield and offer different qualities to those already in the squad. The prospect is made particularly attractive by his previous connection with Gasperini, Roma's current head coach. Gasperini was the manager who launched Kessié at Atalanta during the 2016–17 season, rapidly establishing him as one of Serie A's standout midfielders. After a gap of ten years, their paths could cross again. Juventus remains in contention, but Roma's move could shift the balance of the negotiation in the final days of the transfer window.

Roma have entered the race to sign Franck Kessie, the Ivorian midfielder currently a free agent who has long signalled his preference to join Juventus and return to Serie A. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is pushing for the midfielder, whom he knows from their time together at Atalanta. If the deal closes, Roma could send Neil El Aynaoui out on loan or sell him permanently. Manu Koné, by contrast, is considered a key piece of the squad and will not be moved.

Roma have entered the race to sign Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié in the closing stages of the transfer window, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. Juventus remain strongly interested and continue to pursue the player, though they need to complete outgoing transfers first to accelerate their move. Gasperini, who managed Kessié during his time at Atalanta, is keen on the midfielder and Roma are looking to make a strong push in what could be a competitive chase. The midfield is expected to remain active in the final days of the market as the clubs manoeuvre for position.

Roma have entered the race to sign Franck Kessie, the Ivorian midfielder currently a free agent who has long signalled his preference to join Juventus and return to Serie A. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is pushing for the midfielder, whom he knows from their time together at Atalanta. If the deal closes, Roma could send Neil El Aynaoui out on loan or sell him permanently. Manu Koné, by contrast, is considered a key piece of the squad and will not be moved.

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.

Rome's radio stations offered their verdicts on Roma's latest match, with commentators highlighting strong individual performances but uncertainty over squad composition in the closing days of the transfer window. Francesco Balzani praised Roma's display, calling it "the best Roma of Gasperini" they had seen, and credited the coach with bringing consistency to the project. He noted that Malen, despite his quality, had been playing in the wrong league before his arrival, and emphasised that the absence of discontented players and unhappy coaches was a strength Roma must not waste. "One more effort and Roma can position itself below Inter," Balzani said, singling out Dybala's impact: "Dybala—in a league like this—moves mountains." Piero Torri offered detailed assessment of Roma's recent outing. "Rodrigo Mora's debut convinced me," he said. "The Portuguese player had a good match and came close to scoring." Torri also praised Jan Ziółkowski and Manu Koné, describing the full-back—born in 2007—as "notably surprising." He noted that before the match, technical director D'Amico had ruled out major departures, which Torri welcomed. However, he raised a question mark over the coming days: "One must understand what El Aynaoui's future will be, with only days remaining in the transfer market."

Roma have completed the signing of defender Jaden Oosterwolde from Fenerbahce on loan with a right of purchase, an operation valued at a total of 18 million euros. The Dutch defender will arrive at Ciampino airport before undergoing medical examinations and signing his contract with Roma, following the club's 4–0 win over Fiorentina. Roma's upcoming away trip to Lecce will proceed without travelling supporters. The local prefect has banned ticket sales to residents of the Lazio region and closed the away section, citing long-standing tensions between the two sets of supporters dating back several years. Roma fans will therefore be unable to follow the squad to Salento. Transfer activity continues on other fronts. Roma remain pursuing Malick Fofana, but Lyon's valuation remains the stumbling block. At the eve of Lyon's Champions League play-off return, manager Paulo Fonseca restated the French club's position: "I feel him motivated. We do not want to sell him, we have already rejected offers." Lyon continue to demand 35 million euros. An agreement in principle between Roma and the player has already been reached; the decision now rests with the Friedkin Group on whether to meet Lyon's asking price and complete the deal. Radio pundit Mario Corsi told Tele Radio Stereo: "This Roma I see perhaps less strong than other teams that have won, but I see it much more attached to the public, to the people. Having the luck to speak with some players, they assure me of the squad's identity—if they tell each other that this year they can do it, they are overjoyed." Analyst Torri praised Rodrigo Mora's debut performance, noting the Portuguese forward played well and came close to scoring, and highlighted the form of Koné and the impressive showing of the 2007-born full-back. Club spokesperson D'Amico ruled out major departures before the transfer window closes.

Donyell Malen encountered Samuel, a Roma-supporting social media personality who has gained online attention for his striking resemblance to the Dutch forward, the day after Malen scored a hat-trick in Roma's 4–0 Serie A season opener against Fiorentina. The two crossed paths in Rome's streets, and Samuel had the chance to meet Malen in person for the first time. The most significant moment came when the two embraced, with the visibly emotional fan meeting his on-field counterpart. The encounter took place just hours after what proved to be a memorable evening for Malen on his competitive debut for the Giallorossi. He netted three goals in Roma's commanding victory in the first match of the league campaign, establishing himself as a key attacking weapon in his new surroundings. Malen's day was therefore particularly intense: first the three goals and opening-day win over Fiorentina, then this brief but striking meeting away from the pitch. The moment, captured and shared across social platforms, naturally drew significant attention online. For a moment at least, distinguishing Malen from his lookalike required a second glance.

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.