Roma eyes settlement agreement delay as Friedkin pursues cost optimisation

Antonio Rüdiger has shared a video on TikTok showcasing the three most significant shirts from his playing career, reflecting his enduring affection for Roma and its supporters. The Real Madrid defender selected jerseys from Kai Havertz and Mesut Özil among his choices, but reserved special significance for a Roma shirt from the 2016–17 season that once belonged to Francesco Totti. Rüdiger said of the Totti shirt: "I would never have imagined being able to play or share a dressing room with him. That is why this shirt is so important to me." The German's gesture underscores the bond he maintains with the Giallorossi fanbase despite his departure. Rüdiger spent time at Roma during his career before moving to Madrid, and the video demonstrates his continued respect for the club's history and its legendary number 10. His public acknowledgement of Totti's significance reflects the deep impression left by the Roma icon, who retired in 2017 after spending his entire career at the Stadio Olimpico.

Brighton will host Roma in the closing match of Gian Piero Gasperini's pre-season schedule on 8 August at 16:00 Italian time. The friendly concludes the club's week of preparation in England before the squad returns to Rome. After the Brighton fixture, Roma will fly back to Fiumicino airport, where players will reunite with their families and enjoy a short rest period. The trip marks the final stage of Gasperini's pre-season programme ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Angeliño is departing Roma, leaving behind a legacy shaped as much by personal adversity as by sporting contribution. The left-back, whose full name is José Ángel Esmorís Tasende, departs with profound gratitude despite the pain of an incomplete career arc at the club. A serious injury, described as both debilitating and uncertain in its recovery timeline, robbed him of the chance to continue offering the technical quality and competitive intensity that had made him a decisive presence on the pitch. The Italian capital's supporters and media extended him uncommon respect during his struggles—treating his situation as deeply human rather than merely professional. Angeliño embodied the kind of professional who commits himself fully, leaving part of his heart in Rome. His spell at the Giallorossi remained unfinished in purely sporting terms, yet was compensated by an atmosphere of dignity and understanding around his inability to return to the level fans had known and admired. The farewell carries a distinctive tone: recognition that had circumstances permitted, Angeliño would have given every drop of effort to Roma's cause until the final moment. From this point forward, he is not an opponent but a Romanista wearing different colours—a status earned not through trophies or statistics, but through the character he displayed when he could no longer contribute on the field.

Ticket sales have opened for Roma's Serie A season opener against Fiorentina on Monday 24 August at 20:45 at the Olimpico. The match marks the first competitive fixture of Gian Piero Gasperini's tenure, with the squad preparing after a pre-season camp in Wales and friendly matches. Gasperini's side is awaiting three additional signings to complete the squad. Donyell Malen is set to lead the attack in front of the home crowd for what the club views as an important early test of the season. Tickets are available via the club's official website according to phases and terms communicated by Roma, with pricing and availability varying by sector and sales window. The fixture represents a significant moment for the Giallorossi as they begin their 2026–27 campaign. The Olimpico is expected to provide crucial support from the opening whistle.

Santiago Castro, Roma's summer signing from Bologna for approximately 35 million euros, has declared his ambition to help the club compete for the Serie A title. Speaking from Roma's pre-season training camp in Cardiff, the Argentine forward said: "Certo, ho visto il valore di questo gruppo e possiamo giocarcela con tutti. Perché abbiamo giocatori forti in tutti i reparti e Gasperini è uno dei migliori allenatori d'Italia. Siamo al livello per competere per lo scudetto e per la Coppa Italia. E vogliamo fare bene in Champions. Se sei alla Roma devi ambire a vincere tutto." He added that other Italian clubs had approached him before his move, but that Roma was his only choice. Castro joins a squad already featuring Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé, with whom he shares close ties. He said of Soulé: "Con Soulé ci conosciamo da undici anni, giocavamo insieme nel Velez e adesso è incredibile ritrovarsi qui insieme, da uomini e non più da bambini che rincorrevano un pallone sognando l'Europa." The 2004-born forward will compete with Donyell Malen for attacking minutes. On that rivalry, Castro stated: "Assolutamente no, io e Donny saremo in competizione per giocare tanto, ma soprattutto per il bene della squadra. Questa sana rivalità mi farà crescere tanto. Malen è un attaccante fortissimo, ci alterneremo, potremo anche giocare insieme."

Santiago Castro has arrived at Roma from Bologna for approximately 35 million euros this summer and is confident the club can compete for the Serie A title. Speaking from Roma's pre-season training camp in Cardiff, the Argentine striker said: "Certo, ho visto il valore di questo gruppo e possiamo giocarcela con tutti. Perché abbiamo giocatori forti in tutti i reparti e Gasperini è uno dei migliori allenatori d'Italia. Siamo al livello per competere lo scudetto e per la Coppa Italia. E vogliamo fare bene in Champions." Castro, born in 2004, emphasised his strong bonds with Roma's other Argentine players. He has known Matías Soulé for eleven years—they played together at Velez—and praised Paulo Dybala and Mario Hermoso as part of a cohesive group. Despite joining a squad where Donyell Malen was the standout performer last season, Castro dismissed any suggestion he would be a reserve, saying: "Io e Donny saremo in competizione per giocare tanto, ma soprattutto per il bene della squadra." When asked whether other Italian clubs had approached him before leaving Bologna, Castro confirmed they had. "Sì, un altro paio di squadre in Italia mi hanno chiamato, ma io ho voluto solo la Roma," he said, underlining his commitment to the Giallorossi.