Roma fan Carlo Verdone expresses regret over Ranieri's departure, hopes to avoid Conference League

José Mourinho has spoken fondly of AS Roma once again, reaffirming his emotional connection to the club despite his return to Real Madrid after thirteen years away. The former Roma manager, who spent two and a half years in the capital, reflected on his time apart from the Bernabéu and his affection for clubs where he has worked. When asked directly about his feelings for Roma, Mourinho did not shy away. "If you ask me if I feel something for Roma, Inter, Chelsea… yes, I feel something," he said. "I always want them to do well." He distinguished his attachment to Roma and other previous clubs from his bond with Benfica, describing the Portuguese club as having "something more" than the others. Mourinho also addressed his thirteen-year absence from Madrid, clarifying that he does not dwell on the past or feel nostalgia. He departed Portugal twenty years ago and has only returned for a few months in the year prior. He insisted that Real Madrid's subsequent titles belonged to Carlo Ancelotti, Zinedine Zidane, the players, and the organisation rather than himself, despite receiving calls from the club's president after each trophy.

Radio pundits across Rome weighed in on the Giallorossi's transfer window and title prospects. Giancarlo Padovan told Radio Radio Mattino that Roma can perform very well this season and play for the title, likely finishing second behind Inter or in third place, as no other clubs have strengthened significantly. Francesco Balzani (Teleradiostereo) said the Friedkin Group blocked moves for Fofana and Luis Henrique because there have been no sales in around two years and spending €25 million on Manu Koné left little room in the budget. Balzani noted the squad lacks pure wingers and Gasperini may revert to a 3-4-1-2 formation used at Atalanta, with Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matías Soulé sidelined by injuries. Paolo Marcacci said Roma specifically needs a midfielder like Fofana for Gasperini's tactics, though the club wants to keep Manu Koné. Mario Mattioli observed that good players have arrived but something is still missing, particularly in midfield. Nando Orsi cautioned that Roma has only bought without selling and either valuations were wrong or a fine will follow, adding: "The market isn't made in three days. I keep saying Roma is missing a midfielder of great quality." The consensus reflects uncertainty over whether the current squad can compete for honours without further reinforcements before the window closes.

Sergio Oliveira, the former Roma midfielder who spent six months at the club and won the Europa Conference League in Tirana, has endorsed Rodrigo Mora, the 19-year-old Portuguese talent who has arrived at Roma this summer. Speaking to Il Romanista, Oliveira praised Mora's undeniable talent and potential for growth, saying: "His talent is indeniable. He is still very young and has ample room for improvement, but he has already demonstrated those qualities and that character that suggest he has all the credentials to succeed at Roma." Oliveira drew on his own experience to advise the young midfielder on adapting to life at the club. He emphasised the unique nature of Roma as an institution, describing it as more than just a football team. "You need to feel the club, the shirt and everything they represent," he explained. Oliveira highlighted the importance of building a connection with the supporters and learning from experienced teammates, noting that the Stadio Olimpico's atmosphere is unforgettable and can accelerate a young player's development. Oliveira, who made 174 appearances for Porto before joining Roma, also reflected on his own time in the Giallorossi colours. He expressed deep affection for the club and its fanbase, and backed Roma's return to the Champions League, describing it as the level where a club of Roma's stature belongs. He praised head coach Gasperini as "a coach with very clear and demanding ideas" under whom young talented players can grow significantly.