Roma fans barred from Lecce away trip as visiting section closed

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.

Serie A's opening matchday of the 2026–27 season has delivered early evidence that new rule changes designed to limit time-wasting are working. According to data from Repubblica, effective playing time rose significantly from 54 minutes 20 seconds in the first matchday of last season to 59 minutes 14 seconds in the just-completed round—an increase of nearly five minutes per match. The shift has drawn approval from Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, though a more permissive interpretation of contact by referees has already sparked controversy. The new regulations include the five-second rule for throw-ins and goal kicks. When a referee judges a player is excessively delaying a throw-in, an official countdown begins; if the ball is not returned to play within five seconds, possession passes to opponents. The same principle applies to goal kicks, where further delay can result in a corner kick awarded to the opposing side. Gasperini, who criticised frequent stoppages and time-wasting tactics during last season, has welcomed the change. After Roma's 4–0 victory over Fiorentina, he said: "That's great, finally we're playing more. It's fantastic." The interpretation of contact has become a point of tension. In Roma's match against Fiorentina, the visitors protested over a challenge involving Mario Hermoso and Franco Mastantuono that preceded Roma's opening goal; the referee ruled it legal. The first matchday thus reveals two sides of the same shift: more ball in play and fewer interruptions, alongside a threshold for referee intervention that will need consistent application across the campaign. The nearly five-minute gain represents an initial signal; coming fixtures will test whether the new model can sustain a more fluid Serie A without multiplying controversy.

Donyell Malen met his spitting image today and shared photographs of the encounter on social media with the caption: "Twin brother". The post went viral instantly among Roma supporters and across the internet. One commenter joked: "I reckon Koeman put him in the World Cup team..." referencing the Dutch national team coach. Malen has made a striking impression at Roma in recent months. The Dutch forward scored a hat-trick on his debut, held a DJ session in the post-match celebrations, and continues to capture supporters' attention both on and off the pitch.