Roma flash: Pellegrini eyed for left wing, praise for Dybala's intensity, Totti celebrated

Roma are tracking Ruben Van Bommel, a 22-year-old left winger from PSV Eindhoven, as a potential summer target. Van Bommel, son of former AC Milan and Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel, has recently been called up to the Netherlands national team and started the 2026–27 season in explosive form at PSV, scoring 2 goals and delivering 4 assists in seven league matches. The winger is naturally left-footed, capable of playing both flanks, and is described as effective across the pitch and particularly dangerous in front of goal. Gasperini's coaching style appears to suit Van Bommel's profile, and Roma's scouts have been monitoring him for several weeks. The player was sidelined for nearly a year with a serious knee injury but has since recovered and demonstrated the quality he previously showed during his time at AZ Alkmaar. His current market value stands at approximately €25 million, though this is expected to rise in the coming months. Roma could attempt an approach as early as January. Represented by the Raiola agency, Van Bommel is one of several left-wing candidates under consideration. Gittens has been ruled out due to a severe ankle injury. Endrick and Luiz Henrique remain in contention, while Kvernadze is viewed primarily as a potential acquisition for the following season.

Gian Piero Gasperini has made wing play central to Roma's football, and the club is working to maximise the impact of their flanks ahead of the league's resumption. Wesley, the Brazilian who has been the most brilliant performer in recent months, is recovering from an ankle distortion near the end of summer training and a subsequent muscle problem, and is using three weeks of focused work at Trigoria while sitting out national team duties to return to peak fitness for the match against Como. On the opposite flank, Nahuel Molina is asserting himself with force. The Argentine returned to Serie A with four years at Atlético Madrid and a World Cup winner's medal in his record, and has integrated quickly into Gasperini's system. He has played against both Torino and Inter, showing versatility as a left winger in the 3-4-2-1 formation, cutting infield onto his stronger foot and coming close to goals while already recording one assist. Beyond the summer transfers, a major surprise for Roma is nineteen-year-old Emanuele Lulli. Though he caught Gasperini's attention in the previous season without being a primary Primavera player, the young right-sided defender has carved out important space through pace and attacking boldness. The club is working to secure him with a meeting scheduled soon between the management and his representative to discuss a contract renewal that expires in June. With Devyne Rensch completing the full-back contingent, Gasperini has all the tools to unlock Roma's flanks.

Gian Piero Gasperini is working to revive Roma's attacking threat from the flanks, with Wesley, Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli forming the core of his wide-play strategy as the club emerges from the international break. In Gasperini's system, fullbacks and wingers are consistently among the key elements, tasked with generating pace, width, numerical superiority and offensive presence. After an opening stretch of the season in which some of these players have struggled to reach their best form, the break provides an opportunity to reset this crucial area. Wesley was one of the most incisive performers in Gasperini's system last season, scoring five goals thanks to the freedom to attack from the flank opposite his stronger foot. This year, however, his start has been complicated. A muscle problem forced him to miss international duty, followed by an ankle injury sustained a week before the league campaign began. Those two setbacks prevented him from starting the season at full fitness. Missing out on national team selection due to fatigue has, though, gifted him three weeks of training at Trigoria that could prove invaluable. The goal is clear: to have Wesley at his best for the match against Como. When fit, his accelerations from either flank transform Roma's offensive structure and force opponents into deeper defensive positions. Gasperini is not reliant on Wesley alone. The transfer market has brought him Nahuel Molina, who has returned to Italy after four years with a wealth of additional experience and a World Cup winner's medal. After early substitute appearances, the Argentine has begun to secure regular playing time and was firmly established in the team hierarchy before the international break. Against Torino and Inter, Gasperini deployed him on the left in a 3-4-2-1 formation, exploiting his ability to cut onto his stronger foot and make an impact in the final third—a tactical solution already used with Wesley that could become one of the new Roma's most interesting variants. Molina has already provided an assist and come close to scoring multiple times, a sign that he is quickly absorbing the role's demands. Rather than a mere alternative, he has the potential to become another genuine starter in a zone of the pitch where Gasperini tolerates no passive interpreters. The biggest surprise has come from within. Emanuele Lulli, only nineteen years old, has been among the most-used players in this opening stretch on the right flank. His running ability, personality and willingness to attack space make him an almost natural fit for Gasperini's football. His performances have convinced the club to work on a contract renewal for terms expiring in June, with a meeting with his agent scheduled soon. Devyne Rensch completes the squad as a more balanced and reliable option. Roma has not closed the market with an additional winger the coach wanted, but now possesses a much deeper pool: Wesley, Molina, Lulli and Rensch. Not all have yet reached the same level of fitness or integration, but the principle is clear—Gasperini intends to inflict damage from the flanks once again as his side seeks to regain momentum after the break.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has emerged as a third option for Gian Piero Gasperini to fill Roma's left-side vacancy this season, alongside Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé. The midfielder, who recently renewed his contract, has not played since 10 April but has recovered from injury and is targeting a starting place in Roma's first match after the international break away to Como on 11 October. Gasperini has been working through the national team break to find solutions for a position Roma did not adequately address in the transfer market. Pellegrini's return to full fitness during the latest training week opens an additional tactical choice as the club enters a demanding run of fixtures. The midfielder signalled his readiness on Instagram, writing: "The true happiness is being at peace with who you are." He spent the weekend with his family at the seaside and has now regained peak condition. Roma face a sprint month ahead: after the Como trip on 11 October comes three home fixtures—Real Madrid on 14 October, Genoa on 17 October, and Slovan Bratislava on 20 October—followed by the away trip to Napoli on 24 October. Gasperini is preparing to deploy all available resources across this intensive schedule.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is ready to provide Gian Piero Gasperini with a fresh solution to Roma's left-wing shortage as the midfielder returns to full fitness following an injury that has kept him out since 10 April. Pellegrini, who recently signed a new contract, has completed his recovery, and Gasperini plans to test him in the left-wing role during the resumption of training at Trigoria. The 27-year-old marked his progress with an Instagram post stating: "The true happiness is being at peace with who you are," alongside images of training sessions and time with his family at the seaside during the international break. Until now, Gasperini has alternated Matías Soulé and young Rodrigo Mora on the left flank, with Soulé accumulating 353 minutes as the primary starter and Mora appearing from the start on only two occasions for 187 minutes overall. Mora, a Portuguese player, has impressed as a central attacking midfielder for his Under-21 national team. Pellegrini's return is crucial given Roma's demanding fixture schedule from 11 October onwards, beginning with an away trip to Como and continuing with three consecutive home matches: against Real Madrid on 14 October, Genoa on 17 October, and Slovan Bratislava on 20 October. The month concludes with a sensitive clash at the San Paolo against Napoli on 24 October. Gasperini will need all his best options available during this intense period.

Emanuele Lulli has made a remarkable impression in little over a month, overturning the squad hierarchy and earning the complete confidence of coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The nineteen-year-old from Palestrina has delivered an overwhelming start to the season, in some respects unexpectedly: last summer he was on the verge of joining Avellino on loan, but Gasperini's direct intervention halted the departure. After the exit of Romano, Roma were unwilling to let another academy product leave, and Gasperini chose to back the teenager's qualities. Lulli has started in four of Roma's first five league matches, sitting out only the clash against Inter, and has also appeared in the Champions League fixture against Fenerbahçe. With his contract expiring on 30 June 2027, Lulli has become a cornerstone of Roma's present and future plans. The club intends to move quickly to secure him, and discussions are expected to open soon. His agency represents Lorenzo Pellegrini as well, a shared connection that should smooth negotiations between the parties once a meeting is arranged. Meanwhile, the club is mapping out contract renewals across the squad. For key figures such as Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala, final assessments will be made later, likely towards the end of the season. The situation is also open regarding Pierluigi Gollini and especially Mario Hermoso, whose current agreement lacks the automatic renewal clause that was present in his previous contract, necessitating fresh talks between club and player.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has emerged as a third option for Gian Piero Gasperini to fill Roma's left-side vacancy this season, alongside Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé. The midfielder, who recently renewed his contract, has not played since 10 April but has recovered from injury and is targeting a starting place in Roma's first match after the international break away to Como on 11 October. Gasperini has been working through the national team break to find solutions for a position Roma did not adequately address in the transfer market. Pellegrini's return to full fitness during the latest training week opens an additional tactical choice as the club enters a demanding run of fixtures. The midfielder signalled his readiness on Instagram, writing: "The true happiness is being at peace with who you are." He spent the weekend with his family at the seaside and has now regained peak condition. Roma face a sprint month ahead: after the Como trip on 11 October comes three home fixtures—Real Madrid on 14 October, Genoa on 17 October, and Slovan Bratislava on 20 October—followed by the away trip to Napoli on 24 October. Gasperini is preparing to deploy all available resources across this intensive schedule.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is ready to provide Gian Piero Gasperini with a fresh solution to Roma's left-wing shortage as the midfielder returns to full fitness following an injury that has kept him out since 10 April. Pellegrini, who recently signed a new contract, has completed his recovery, and Gasperini plans to test him in the left-wing role during the resumption of training at Trigoria. The 27-year-old marked his progress with an Instagram post stating: "The true happiness is being at peace with who you are," alongside images of training sessions and time with his family at the seaside during the international break. Until now, Gasperini has alternated Matías Soulé and young Rodrigo Mora on the left flank, with Soulé accumulating 353 minutes as the primary starter and Mora appearing from the start on only two occasions for 187 minutes overall. Mora, a Portuguese player, has impressed as a central attacking midfielder for his Under-21 national team. Pellegrini's return is crucial given Roma's demanding fixture schedule from 11 October onwards, beginning with an away trip to Como and continuing with three consecutive home matches: against Real Madrid on 14 October, Genoa on 17 October, and Slovan Bratislava on 20 October. The month concludes with a sensitive clash at the San Paolo against Napoli on 24 October. Gasperini will need all his best options available during this intense period.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is spending Roma's four-day break in Tuscany with his family before returning to action. The midfielder, sidelined by an injury sustained in the final stages of last season that prevented him from taking part in summer preparation, was pictured at the seafood restaurant La Dogana by Enoteca La Torre in Capalbio alongside chef Ricardo Takamitsu. Roma return to work on Tuesday with their sights set on the Como fixture at the Sinigaglia. Pellegrini's comeback carries significance for Gian Piero Gasperini's squad. If the 7 appears against Como, he will reach 350 Roma appearances, moving to within one of Tommasi's tally, currently 12th in the all-time list. With nine matches in 27 days ahead, Gasperini intends to call on Pellegrini in a role that has been shared between Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora this season.

Emanuele Lulli has made a remarkable impression in little over a month, overturning the squad hierarchy and earning the complete confidence of coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The nineteen-year-old from Palestrina has delivered an overwhelming start to the season, in some respects unexpectedly: last summer he was on the verge of joining Avellino on loan, but Gasperini's direct intervention halted the departure. After the exit of Romano, Roma were unwilling to let another academy product leave, and Gasperini chose to back the teenager's qualities. Lulli has started in four of Roma's first five league matches, sitting out only the clash against Inter, and has also appeared in the Champions League fixture against Fenerbahçe. With his contract expiring on 30 June 2027, Lulli has become a cornerstone of Roma's present and future plans. The club intends to move quickly to secure him, and discussions are expected to open soon. His agency represents Lorenzo Pellegrini as well, a shared connection that should smooth negotiations between the parties once a meeting is arranged. Meanwhile, the club is mapping out contract renewals across the squad. For key figures such as Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala, final assessments will be made later, likely towards the end of the season. The situation is also open regarding Pierluigi Gollini and especially Mario Hermoso, whose current agreement lacks the automatic renewal clause that was present in his previous contract, necessitating fresh talks between club and player.

Roma will return to Trigoria on 29 September to resume training under Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of their Serie A fixture against Como on 11 October at the Sinigaglia. The squad has completed a four-day rest period granted by the coaching staff. With 12 players away on international duty, Gasperini is hoping to reintegrate three key players in the coming days: Donyell Malen, Bryan Cristante and Wesley, all of whom have remained in the capital to manage ongoing physical issues during the international break and build back to full fitness for the league's resumption. Paulo Dybala has eschewed the rest period entirely, continuing intensive gym work even on 27 September to maintain his athletic condition. The Roma number 21 has decided against travelling to Argentina for a farewell friendly celebrating Lionel Messi's retirement, prioritising his fitness and focus on the club's campaign. Teammate Nahuel Molina has made the same choice, both players choosing to concentrate entirely on Roma's season rather than accept international invitations during the break.

Paulo Dybala has recorded four assists in Roma's first six matches of the 2026–27 season, marking the strongest opening of his playing career by that measure. The Argentine has yet to score, but has emerged as one of Gian Piero Gasperini's principal architects of attack, delivering a creative output that far exceeds any comparable period in his time at Roma, Juventus or Palermo. The contrast with Dybala's previous seasons in the Giallorossi is striking. In his debut campaign, 2022–23, he registered two assists across the opening six matches and finished with eight overall. The 2023–24 season saw him record ten assists for the entire campaign but zero in the first six games. Last season, 2025–26, followed the same pattern: zero assists in the opening six appearances, with four accumulated by season's end, and his first assist arriving only at the end of October against Parma. This year he has already doubled his previous best start for Roma. His record at Juventus reveals the same picture. Dybala never reached four assists so quickly at any stage of his time there. In 2021–22 he managed two in the opening six matches and six for the season. In 2020–21, he recorded zero in the first six before reaching four overall. Even in one of his most prolific assist seasons, 2019–20, he began more slowly with two in the opening six before accumulating fourteen across the full campaign. His previous career high for a six-game opening had consistently remained at two assists. At Palermo, the pattern was similar: in 2014–15, a season he finished with ten assists, he delivered just one in the opening six matches; in 2012–13, he managed zero. Dybala's impact extends beyond raw assist numbers. After the opening rounds of Serie A, he ranked first for assists, chances created, big chances created and completed passes in the attacking third. The evolution of his role under Gasperini is evident: the manager is receiving primarily finishing service from him—quality in the final pass and the ability to place teammates in scoring positions. Given that some of his most productive assist seasons began far more slowly, the four passes he has already accumulated make his opening to 2026–27 particularly significant.