Roma close to landing Castro as first summer signing

Roma have decided against signing any free agents this summer and will keep their current squad unchanged until the January transfer window, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has determined. Tony D'Amico, speaking at his first press conference in early September, had said the club would evaluate free-agent options, but those assessments are now complete. Gasperini trusts the existing group and does not want to add players simply to fill gaps. Proposals arrived for Jadon Sancho, Wilfried Zaha, and Serge Guerriero, but Roma quickly discarded the first two without serious consideration. Guerriero, the former Bayern Munich left-back, was briefly considered before strong performances by Emanuele Lulli and the return of Devyne Rensch ended that prospect. Two positions remain short in Gasperini's squad, prompting D'Amico to prepare for January business. Lesley Leweling was ruled out after poor conduct in the final days of the summer window, and financial difficulties ruled out Luiz Henrique. Roma's focus has shifted to Endrick, a Brazilian forward who has not yet played a minute for Real Madrid under Mourinho and is eager for playing time. Last season in January he joined Lyon on loan, a formula Roma may repeat this year. Although not a left winger by trade, Gasperini is confident of deploying him across the entire attack front.

Francesco Totti has backed Roma to challenge for the Serie A title under Gian Piero Gasperini, speaking at the presentation of a new basketball project for which he has taken an advisory role. The former captain said: "Roma is among the candidates for the Scudetto together with Inter. I didn't expect this start. In 10, 15 league matches the picture will be clearer. Better not to say anything, we need caution. I'll support alongside my people." Totti's endorsement comes as negotiations over his return to the club's executive structure remain active but stalled. Initial discussions at the start of 2026 have hit an impasse over contract length, remuneration and the precise operational scope of any role. Gasperini has reportedly proposed organising a dinner with Totti without formal agenda. The club's hierarchy is convinced Totti will hold a significant position during the celebrations for the club's centenary, though final approval rests with the Friedkin Group ownership. The legendary number ten played his entire career at Roma and has been in continuous discussions about a return to the club's framework, though concrete terms remain unresolved.

AS Roma and adidas have officially unveiled the new third kit for the 2026-27 season, featuring dark grey as the base colour with traditional yellow and red accents on inserts and trim. The design draws inspiration from Roman Fides, representing loyalty, stability and unshakeable trust, with the collar bearing the inscription 'LOTTA CON IL CUORE'—a tribute to a historic Giallorossi chant. Roma's focus now turns to their Champions League debut on Thursday at 18:45 away at Fenerbahce. The Spanish refereeing team will be led by Jesús Gil Manzano, with Diego Barbero and Guadalupe Porras Ayuso as assistants, César Soto Grado on VAR, Valentín Gómez as AVAR, and Juan Martínez Munuera as fourth official. Gil Manzano has two previous encounters with Roma: a 5-3 penalty shootout victory against Feyenoord in the 2023-24 Europa League after a 1-1 draw, and a 2-1 defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach in the 2019-20 Europa League. Francesco Totti, now an advisor to the newly launched Maxima Roma basketball club in Serie A, spoke to Rai Sport about the Giallorossi. On the title race, he said: "Roma and Inter are the candidates for the title, we're not saying anything and we're waiting for the rest of the season. In 10 or 15 matches we'll see." Reflecting on his connection to the club ahead of the upcoming centenary, Totti stated: "The centenary I'll celebrate with my fans, with my people. What they've always given me I'll give back to them in this beautiful year. Did I expect something different from the club? No, there's no controversy. I'm a Roma supporter and I spent a quarter of a century with them. I think of myself and my fans, as they have always thought of me." Meanwhile, Roma have ruled out moves for two available free agents. Raphael Guerreiro, the Portuguese left-back from Bayern Munich with significant international experience, was proposed by intermediaries but talks did not progress; the club has taken no official steps to pursue the 1993-born player. Similarly, Jadon Sancho will not join Roma. Manager Gasperini and the board have decided against targeting the English winger, who has had complicated recent seasons and remained without a club after failing to renew with Manchester United. Beyond financial obstacles, concerns over his physical and athletic reliability after prolonged absence from group training proved decisive. Roma prefer to wait until January rather than make a short-term signing.

Gian Piero Gasperini has announced his squad for Roma's Champions League return at Fenerbahçe on 10 September at 18:45. Lorenzo Pellegrini is the only absentee from the travelling party to Istanbul but is expected to be available for Roma's Serie A match against Torino on Monday. Otherwise Gasperini has the full group at his disposal, including Devyne Rensch, and can select from: Goalkeepers Mile Svilar, Giorgio De Marzi and Pierluigi Gollini. Defenders Devyne Rensch, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Evan N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli and Daniele Ghilardi. Midfielders Bryan Cristante, Marten de Roon, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli and Rodrigo Mora. Forwards Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for Fenerbahçe–Roma on 10 September at 18:45, marking the Giallorossi's return to the UEFA Champions League. Devyne Rensch is back in contention after a spell out, but Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the Istanbul trip and plays no part in the squad. Gasperini otherwise has his full European list available. The squad named comprises: Goalkeepers Svilar, De Marzi and Gollini; Defenders Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi; Midfielders Cristante, De Roon, Koné, Pisilli and Mora; Forwards Castro, Malen, Soulé and Dybala.

Roma have announced their squad for the Champions League League Phase opener at Fenerbahce on 10 September at 18:45. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has omitted Antonio Arena and Lorenzo Pellegrini from the travelling party, despite Pellegrini being registered on Roma's official UEFA squad list for the competition. Pellegrini's absence is notable given his status as a regular in the club's plans. The midfielder remains on the competition roster but will not feature in Istanbul for Roma's return to Europe's elite competition after the previous season's Europa League campaign. The squad includes: Defenders Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi; Midfielders Cristante, De Roon, Koné, Pisilli and Mora; Forwards Castro, Malen, Soulé and Dybala.