Roma favourites against Fiorentina on opening night; Castro leads goalscorer odds

Nahuel Molina has already embraced Roma life, both on and off the pitch. From his first day in the capital, the Argentine has been welcomed warmly by the club and supporters, receiving immediate acceptance from coach Gian Piero Gasperini and the group. Molina made such a strong impression in training that he will start against Fiorentina. Molina's connection to Roma extends beyond the pitch. He shared a photo of his seven-month-old daughter wearing his number 20 giallorosso shirt, a tender image that illustrates how deeply the club's colours and identity have already become woven into his family life. The gesture reflects how quickly he has absorbed what it means to wear Roma's famous jersey. With his place in the starting eleven secured for the Fiorentina fixture, Molina is now awaiting what he describes as the true embrace of his new home: his first competitive appearance at the Olimpico in front of the supporters.

Mateo Pellegrino, Fiorentina's Argentine striker signed from Parma this summer, has declared his ambitions ahead of the Serie A opener on Monday 24 August at the Olimpico. Speaking at a press conference, Pellegrino stated: "I'm ready for Monday, I want to be in the starting line-up" and outlined his primary objective: "My focus is to win the three points against Roma." The forward has set down a clear marker for the fixture. Roma will host Fiorentina at home with their supporters behind them from the first minute. Pellegrino's remarks have added extra spice to what is already an eagerly anticipated opening-day contest. The challenge now falls to Roma to respond on the pitch when the two sides meet.

Roma begin their Serie A campaign on Monday at 20:45 at the Stadio Olimpico against Fiorentina under Gian Piero Gasperini. The clash represents an early test as the giallorossi kick off their season. Wesley has returned to full squad training after several days of partial work with teammates, boosting Gasperini's options for the fixture. Niccolò Pisilli, also sidelined recently, has made a full recovery and continues to train with the group. Both players are now available for selection as Roma prepare for their opening match.

Wesley has returned to full training and will occupy the left flank in Monday's season opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico, with an ankle problem now resolved. The Brazilian, who missed a friendly against Borussia Dortmund, scored against the Viola at the same venue last season and is ready to feature. Molina will make his debut on the opposite flank. In midfield, Gasperini will deploy the Cristante–Koné pairing, while the main uncertainty centres on the attacking midfield role behind Dybala and Malen, where Mora and Soulé are competing. The defence will be anchored by Svilar in goal, with Mancini, N'Dicka, and Hermoso forming the back three. Pisilli is also available, though Pellegrini will need more time to recover. Roma are primed for their 2026–27 campaign.

Sebino Nela, the legendary Roma defender and 1982–83 Scudetto winner, has assessed Gian Piero Gasperini's squad ahead of the transfer deadline, which falls in less than two weeks. Nela believes Roma has improved but still requires reinforcements in two areas: a wide midfielder and a winger striker. "The Roma has still need of a wide midfielder and of a winger striker," Nela told Il Tempo. "The season is long, there are three competitions and it is important to have a deep squad. In the football of five substitutions, having a bench of level can make the difference." On the summer arrivals, Nela praised Castro and Molina but urged patience with Koulierakis, who is adapting to Italian football. He remains cautious about Rodrigo Mora as an attacking option, questioning whether his profile matches what the team needs despite Gasperini's backing. However, Nela acknowledged that if Mora flourishes under the coach's guidance, "a day, maybe, he will become a new Dybala, especially if he follows the coach's indications." He suggested a strong one-on-one player capable of scoring goals would complete an attack already bolstered by Soulé, Dybala, Mora, and Pellegrini.

Roma's transfer activity is entering its most intense phase with 11 days remaining in the summer window. The club is prioritising the signing of a left-back and left winger, with the attacking department potentially reinforced only by a loan deal, possibly with a purchase option. The American ownership's strategy is taking shape through over €100 million invested to strengthen Gasperini's squad while lowering both wage bill and average age. The green line of investment—acquisitions targeting both immediate impact and long-term development—is evident across the squad. Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini have agreed wage cuts on their renewals. Among the notable signings are two strikers and a Greek defender, contributing to an squad now containing 11 players under 25: Ziolkowski (21), Koulierakis (22), Ghilardi (23), Rensch (23), Pisilli (21), Koné and El Aynaoui (25), Mora and Vaz (19), Castro (21) and Soulé (22). These are players ready to perform now and into the future under a manager like Gasperini, who has consistently developed and promoted emerging talent. Potential arrivals of Fofana and Luis Henrique—or even just one of them—would further increase the number of young players in the squad. The possibility of selling academy product Ziolkowski and Matías Soulé remains under consideration as part of the squad restructuring.

Former Roma player Antonio Carlos Zago appeared on Radio Romanista's Romanista Show to assess the club's transfer activity and squad prospects for the 2026–27 season. Zago, currently managing The Strongest in Bolivia, identified Castro and Molina as the two principal signings of the summer, praising Castro for his recent form at Bologna and noting that his arrival gives Roma two important attacking options alongside Donyell Malen. On the Portuguese winger Endrick, Zago urged caution despite acknowledging his potential. "You cannot say he is already a champion—he must prove he is strong in a team like Roma in a competitive league like Italy's, where there are many more strong teams than in Portugal," Zago said. "Now things change and he must prove he is strong all the same." Zago reserved stronger criticism for Evan N'Dicka's defending, particularly last season. "Last year N'Dicka made too many mistakes and damaged Roma's defensive unit in matches where you cannot afford to slip up," he said. "N'Dicka I like, but this year he must make fewer mistakes. Roma must still count on him because he is good, but especially in the most important matches he must be more concentrated." Zago also reflected on his own Roma days, recalling an unforgettable moment involving himself, another player, and Gabriel Batistuta that unlocked a decisive victory in a title-chasing season.

Wesley has returned to full training and will occupy the left flank in Monday's season opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico, with an ankle problem now resolved. The Brazilian, who missed a friendly against Borussia Dortmund, scored against the Viola at the same venue last season and is ready to feature. Molina will make his debut on the opposite flank. In midfield, Gasperini will deploy the Cristante–Koné pairing, while the main uncertainty centres on the attacking midfield role behind Dybala and Malen, where Mora and Soulé are competing. The defence will be anchored by Svilar in goal, with Mancini, N'Dicka, and Hermoso forming the back three. Pisilli is also available, though Pellegrini will need more time to recover. Roma are primed for their 2026–27 campaign.

Rodrigo Mora has made an immediate impact at Roma since arriving at the Fulvio Bernardini training centre on Wednesday, impressing head coach Gian Piero Gasperini enough to earn consideration for a starting place in Monday's season opener against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico. Gasperini is expected to deploy his customary 3-4-1-2 formation for the league debut, with three attacking midfielders operating behind the front pairing of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Matías Soulé remains the favourite for the trequartista role, but Mora has risen sharply in the pecking order after impressing in initial training sessions. Bryan Cristante offers an alternative and defensive balance, though the ongoing fitness concerns surrounding Manu Koné and Neil El Aynaoui, combined with Niccolò Pisilli's gradual return, may push Cristante back into midfield proper. The match is expected to draw a large crowd, with the visiting supporters' section now open to Fiorentina fans.

Roma begin their Serie A campaign on Monday at 20:45 at the Stadio Olimpico against Fiorentina under Gian Piero Gasperini. The clash represents an early test as the giallorossi kick off their season. Wesley has returned to full squad training after several days of partial work with teammates, boosting Gasperini's options for the fixture. Niccolò Pisilli, also sidelined recently, has made a full recovery and continues to train with the group. Both players are now available for selection as Roma prepare for their opening match.

Roma will host Fiorentina on Monday 24 August at 20:45 at Stadio Olimpico, and Wesley has recovered from an ankle problem to be available for selection. The Brazilian will occupy the left flank for the match. Niccolò Pisilli has also trained with the group and is likely to start from the bench. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini continues preparations at Trigoria ahead of the fixture. Lorenzo Pellegrini's fitness is still being assessed; the midfielder is targeting a return to the squad for Roma's next match against Atalanta on 5 September at the Olimpico.

Wesley has returned to full training and will occupy the left flank in Monday's season opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico, with an ankle problem now resolved. The Brazilian, who missed a friendly against Borussia Dortmund, scored against the Viola at the same venue last season and is ready to feature. Molina will make his debut on the opposite flank. In midfield, Gasperini will deploy the Cristante–Koné pairing, while the main uncertainty centres on the attacking midfield role behind Dybala and Malen, where Mora and Soulé are competing. The defence will be anchored by Svilar in goal, with Mancini, N'Dicka, and Hermoso forming the back three. Pisilli is also available, though Pellegrini will need more time to recover. Roma are primed for their 2026–27 campaign.