Roma director D'Amico addresses missed attacking targets, Koné interest and free-agent plans

Atalanta sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli confirmed that Marten de Roon requested a move to Roma during the transfer window that has just closed. Speaking at a press conference to present Frank Kessié, Giuntoli said: "When a player asks to leave, you have to listen to him. He asked us to go to Roma and we threw ourselves at Kessié." De Roon joined Roma's squad this summer after spending the previous season with Atalanta. Giuntoli explained Atalanta's approach to the midfielder's departure: "We're sorry, but we have to turn the page and move forward. Kessié is a player with personality who can help us in this new Atalanta." The signing of Kessié was presented as the club's solution to replacing the departing midfielder.

Zeki Çelik's departure this summer has proven beneficial for Roma, with the Turkish defender struggling at his new club while the Giallorossi have found capable alternatives. Çelik, who had agreed a renewal with Roma before changing his mind to join another side, has posted uninspiring numbers in his opening matches. Against Milan yesterday he recorded zero successful crosses, matching the same figure across his previous two outings against Parma and Frosinone. Social media criticism has already mounted, with fans questioning the absence of a 'Çelik cam'—a reference to a video DAZN produced weeks earlier following his first friendly appearance. His exit has cleared the path for Emanuele Lulli, who has become integral to Gasperini's setup. Initially withdrawn from the transfer market, Lulli started in all three of Roma's opening matches and has impressed the coaching staff considerably. Equally significant is the emergence of Nahuel Molina, the Argentine fullback who is continuing to build his fitness following Argentina's run to the World Cup final. Against Atalanta, Molina made a decisive 36-minute appearance, creating multiple dangerous situations and setting up a header from Santiago Castro that struck the crossbar. He recorded 100 per cent of tackles won and 90 per cent pass accuracy. Roma's first Champions League fixture arrives Thursday against Feyenoord, with Molina and Lulli in direct competition for the fullback berth. Molina's experience in high-pressure stadiums should serve him well as Roma prepare for what the article describes as an extremely hostile environment.

Roma are prioritising the January transfer window over free-agent signings to strengthen their squad, with left-back Jayden Oosterwolde and forward Endrick among their targets. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma had agreed a €17 million deal with Oosterwolde but pulled out after medicals revealed his injury was more severe than initially expected. However, if he recovers in the coming months, both parties are expected to resume negotiations. Roma are also pursuing attacking reinforcements alongside Oosterwolde, with Endrick and Luiz Henrique identified as priorities. Per Corriere dello Sport, the Real Madrid forward has reportedly told Wesley and Brazilian teammates that a move to Rome could materialise in January. Roma and AC Milan both attempted to persuade Real Madrid to loan out Endrick, but José Mourinho refused to release him. The situation could change if Endrick fails to secure regular playing time or underperforms, potentially opening the door in coming months. Milan subsequently signed Omari Hutchison after missing out on their own targets. Roma's continued focus on Oosterwolde despite their withdrawal suggests eventual acquisition remains likely. The club has free-agent left-back options available but shows no interest in pursuing them, indicating they are not desperate for defensive reinforcements. With Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala performing well in attacking roles, Roma appear reluctant to add another left-footed forward at this stage.

Roma's 2–1 comeback win over Atalanta on Saturday drew widespread praise from Rome's radio commentators, who highlighted the performance as evidence of a well-rounded squad capable of competing for the Serie A title. Gianluca Piacentini (Rete Sport) called it an act of justice, saying: "I don't recall a first half so fine in recent years. Roma dominated completely, Atalanta scored on their first shot on goal, and justice was done." Fabio Petruzzi credited the introduction of Leonardo Balerdi as the turning point, noting his pace filled a gap the defence had lacked. David Rossi singled out Santiago Castro's second-half impact after Donyell Malen's poor display, with Gian Piero Gasperini removing Malen because he "was going to smash into opponents rather than pass." Mario Corsi highlighted Matías Soulé's growth, recording two goals and an assist in the last two matches, and observed: "Roma is overwhelming, one cannot deny it. It's a Roma that promises very well indeed." Daniele Lo Monaco (Radio Radio) pointed to Roma's dominance through statistics: in the Atalanta match, Roma produced roughly twice as many shots on goal as the combined total from the previous two fixtures against Fiorentina and Lecce. He noted Maurizio Sarri's post-match assessment—"Roma is an impressive squad"—as particularly significant, and said: "The value Roma has reached is truly very high, and this pleases and reassures me. Inter remains superior, and Como has the same chances of winning the Serie A title as Inter and Roma." Paolo Cosenza emphasised the depth available, claiming Gasperini has assembled a squad of 16 regular starters, with statistics showing over 35 shots on goal despite facing "not the woodcutters but a proper side like Atalanta." Piero Torri added that if Roma avoids injuries, the squad of 21 players can sustain the challenge through January, citing positive performances from Leonardo Balerdi, Santiago Castro, Nahuel Molina and Daniele Ghilardi. Roberto Pruzzo expressed reservations about Rodrigo Mora, saying: "I have doubts about Mora; he played one half, touched 10 balls, was decent on some but if he doesn't grow in level I need another player. In January we have to try to do something." Nando Orsi called Roma "a complete squad," where goals come from multiple sources: "When Malen doesn't score, others do. So it means it's a total squad, where everyone can score, then there are the more important players who resolve it." Ilario Di Giovambattista emphasised the stadium's role, stating: "It was the victory of the public. When Hermoso makes it 1–1, Roma continues because it is literally carried along by a wonderful public. Roma's fans are incredible, this must be said." He noted Paulo Dybala recorded four assists in three matches. Lorenzo Pes flagged Champions League action ahead, saying: "Thursday there is the Champions debut, and I think Dybala will want to be on the pitch." Roma faces the opening fixture of the UEFA Champions League on Thursday (9 September). The radio panel broadly agreed that sustained belief and injury avoidance are prerequisites for maintaining the early-season momentum, though Pruzzo signalled January could bring squad reinforcement depending on Mora's progress.

Roma are flying this season, and Gian Piero Gasperini has been central to building a unity across the club that extends from the pitch to the boardroom. The coach has overseen a start to the campaign that may rival even the magical 2000–01 season. After comfortable victories over Fiorentina and Lecce, Roma faced a severe test against Atalanta on Saturday and managed not only to win but to overturn the flow of the match—playing what the commentary describes as "winning in the Mourinho way while playing Gasperini football." The side showed genuine compactness in that contest, particularly during difficult moments when they could have faltered; instead, the entire Roma family—players, management, staff and supporters—rallied together. Gasperini has also brought D'Amico onto the coaching staff to ensure everyone speaks the same language, an approach likened to a well-coordinated naval fleet where no one rows against the current. The appointment of the right people and the absence of internal division have created an environment where squad, leadership and fanbase all pull in the same direction. On the pitch, Roma deployed what appeared to be 13 players rather than 11 against Atalanta, a testament to the collective spirit that has taken root. The article contrasts Roma's current harmony with the pattern of internal factions that has plagued the club in the past, noting that some external commentators have already prepared critiques—whether about Zeki Çelik's non-renewal, spending on Rodrigo Mora or Santiago Castro, or other decisions—but results are rendering those arguments moot. The article frames Roma's trajectory as one where polemica (internal dispute) is being actively rejected in favour of unified purpose, suggesting the club is moving in a markedly different direction from its historical tendency toward division.

Roma have scored ten goals across their opening three matches of the 2026-27 season, a dramatic turnaround from the previous year when the club struggled in front of goal. Last season it took until matchday nine on 29 October to reach the same tally. Five different players have found the net: Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé, Niccolò Pisilli, Mario Hermoso and Rodrigo Mora. The breakthrough is historic. Roma last scored ten goals in their opening 270 minutes in the 1960-61 season — 66 years ago — when they actually netted twelve: three against Bari, six against Udinese and three more against Torino. That squad, managed by Alfredo Foni, finished fifth but won the Coppa delle Fiere. The hope now is to capture a trophy missing since 2022, when Mourinho was in charge.

Gian Piero Gasperini has committed firmly to Roma ahead of the match against Atalanta, saying he is emotionally invested in the club despite transfer speculation. At his pre-match press conference, the head coach rejected suggestions that Roma would pursue free agents to fill gaps at left-back, specifically addressing rumours of interest in Zinchenko and Guerreiro. "I'm in love with this Roma, this is an environment where you enjoy coming to," Gasperini said. "Regardless of results, ours is a very healthy environment." On the transfer market: "I believe it's difficult to draw from the free-agent market. I don't know what the possibilities might be, but I wouldn't count on it much." Gasperini also confirmed that Salah-Eddine has no future at the club after rejecting multiple opportunities. "He's had quite a few chances and turned them down. I've already made my choices and he doesn't fit into our plans," the coach explained. On his personal freedom, he added: "I feel free to socialise with whoever I want." Sarri, managing the visiting Atalanta side, praised Roma during the conference and will be without two players for the match at the Olimpico.

Paulo Dybala has completed a full training session at Trigoria after recovering from a muscle problem sustained earlier in the week, clearing the way for Roma's Champions League campaign to begin. The forward had been managing reduced workloads in recent days but has now overcome the issue and rejoined the squad for the complete session under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Roma's long-awaited return to the Champions League League Phase will begin on Thursday 10 September at 18:45 with a fixture away to Fenerbahce at Stadio Sukru Saracoglu in Istanbul. The club has announced all operational details for supporters planning to travel to Turkey for the match. When asked about squad depth and potential recruitment, Gasperini offered a firm assessment of Roma's options. "Dybala hasn't got anything serious but he needs to feel comfortable playing," Gasperini said on Sky Sport. "As for free agents — it's difficult, I don't know what opportunities there might be, I don't think about it much, I wouldn't rely on it too heavily." Regarding player Salah-Eddine, Gasperini added: "He's had several opportunities that he refused. As far as Roma is concerned, I made some choices; he didn't fit in and doesn't fit into Roma's plans." Former Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini praised Gasperini's work with the squad in comments on Amore Giallorosso. Singling out Donyell Malen as the driving force, Sabatini said: "Every team that wants to win needs a hero, a leader, and Roma has one — Malen is a sensational player who drags the team along and frightens opponents. Roma had Totti, Juventus had Platini, Milan in my day had Rivera, Liedholm's Roma had Falcao." He also credited Gasperini with restoring Malen to his most effective position. "Malen came from a difficult spell, even at Aston Villa he seemed sidelined, playing out wide. Gasperini was very good at giving him back his role, bringing him closer to goal, and today his performance is truly supernatural." Meanwhile, the article also reports that the proposed new stadium at Pietralata has gained momentum in September, with 15 favourable opinions received so far out of 50 entities required to approve the project through the Services Conference process.

Gian Piero Gasperini has closed the door on Anass Salah-Eddine's involvement at Roma, stating the midfielder will not feature in the club's plans. Speaking in a press conference, Gasperini said: "Salah-Eddine has had three or four opportunities that he has refused. As far as Roma is concerned, I have already made my choices. He did not fit and does not fit into Roma's plans." The Moroccan, returning from a loan spell at PSV, is now expected to remain at Trigoria as a separated player at least until January. Roma's search for a backup left-sided midfielder to partner Wesley proved unsuccessful throughout the summer window. The club pursued several targets without completing any deal: Cacciamani remained unavailable from Torino, Udogie stayed at Tottenham with De Zerbi, and a late attempt to revisit Fortini yielded no result. Gasperini appears intent on relying solely on Wesley, though he signalled openness to adapting alternatives including Rensch, Lulli and Molina to the left flank. Roma also explored the free-agent market but Gasperini was cautious, stating: "Free agents? I think it is difficult. I don't know what opportunities might exist, but I don't think so. I wouldn't count on it." Gasperini acknowledged a secondary option, adding: "Soulé has done it, he played in that role under Ranieri, more as an outside player than a striker. I prefer him further forward, but if necessary he can play wide."