Roma host Atalanta in crucial top-four fight at Olimpico on Saturday

Franco Peccenini, who played 152 matches for Roma in the mid-1970s, delivered a glowing assessment of the club's prospects after watching their opening fixture. Having harboured doubts during the summer friendlies about Roma's readiness, Peccenini said that within the first ten minutes against Fiorentina he was convinced the team would have a great season. "Viste tutte all'esordio, secondo me la Roma non ha niente da invidiare a Inter e Napoli," he told Retesport, arguing that if the club could provide Gasperini with another outside forward—something the coach has been actively seeking—no objective would be off limits for Roma. Peccenini reserved particular praise for left-back Lulli, who like him hails from Palestrina. He emphasised the teenager's composure on his debut at a packed Stadio Olimpico, contrasting it sharply with his own early career. "Il mio debutto non ha nulla a che vedere con il suo, perché Lulli ha avuto un esordio grandioso. Personalità, sicurezza, carattere in uno stadio pieno come l'Olimpico, mi ha lasciato esterrefatto," Peccenini said, adding that while Lulli still has refinements to make, "ha enormi potenzialità." He urged the club to let the player work with confidence without pressure. Peccenini reflected on Roma's centenary year and what the club means to him personally. He revealed that on Monday at the stadium, the club presented him with a personalised shirt and did the same for fellow former players including Nela, Scarnecchia and Candela. "Non ho bisogno del pezzo di stoffa per sentirmi romanista. Sono nato e morirò romanista," he said, noting he made 150 appearances in the first team after coming through the youth academy.

Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen combined to destroy Fiorentina 4–0 at the Olimpico in Roma's seasonal opener, with the Argentine supplying three assists for Malen's hat-trick before Niccolò Pisilli added a fourth. The rout showcased the potency of the attacking pair after Roma finished third last May. Gian Piero Gasperini cautioned restraint despite the dominant display, but the statistics underline an exceptional understanding between the two forwards. Across eight appearances together—six as starters and two as substitutes—Malen has scored seven goals, six of them directly from Dybala's passes plus one penalty. The scale of the victory extended beyond the partnership alone, with the entire squad delivering a comprehensive performance, yet the chemistry between Dybala and Malen invites comparison to the great striking duos of Italian football history, from Pulici-Graziani and Mancini-Vialli to the celebrated forward pairings that have defined Roma across the decades. The Dybala-Malen axis now shapes itself as the driving force behind Roma's championship ambitions this season.

Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen combined to dismantle Fiorentina on Monday evening, with the Argentine providing three assists for three Malen goals in Roma's 4–0 victory at the Olimpico. Niccolò Pisilli added the fourth. The pairing has now played together as starters in six matches—plus two further substitute appearances—and the record speaks clearly: seven goals from Malen, six of them from Dybala assists and one from the penalty spot. The result marks a strong start to Roma's campaign following their third-place finish last May. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini holds a formidable attacking partnership in hand, one that allows him to play his game without needing to bluff for long. The Olimpico provided the backdrop as Roma's ambitions were renewed. Though it was only the opening round of the season, the early chemistry between Dybala and Malen suggests Roma have found a potent formula at the sharp end. Simone Valdarchi, writing in the Corriere della Sera, cautioned that drawing the entire Roma–Fiorentina contest down to the Dybala–Malen axis would be misleading. Still, the pairing has drawn comparisons to Roma's celebrated attacking duos of the past—Pulici and Graziani, and Mancini and Vialli—as part of the club's rich tradition of important strike partnerships.

Artem Dovbyk made an underwhelming start to his Bologna career, squandering a clear chance in 30 minutes off the bench during his side's loss to Roma. The Ukrainian had told Bologna before his arrival that he expected to show his best form after struggling under Gasperini at Roma, where he said he was not enjoying himself. His opportunity came in the second half when Bologna, trailing by a goal, sent him on to try to change the match — but he failed to make an impact, mirroring his difficulties in the previous season with Roma's coach. Dovbyk had an immediate chance to make an impression, receiving a ball that needed only to be pushed into the net, but he missed it badly. That miss cost Bologna dearly, as they might have found an equaliser from the situation. His debut was far from the statement he had hoped to make. Bologna's supporters will be expecting a very different performance going forward.

Roman radio stations analysed Gasperini's post-match demeanour and Roma's transfer window on 24 August, with the coach reportedly venting frustration after a pre-match press conference. David Rossi of Rete Sport said Gasperini "attempted to maintain composure during the conference, so much so that once it finished he let off steam—we have audio of what he said after the conference, but we won't play it because we're decent people—but hearing the post-conference outburst tells you he is not serene." Gasperini has been actively involved in the market alongside D'Amico, reiterating his desire for a left-footed winger and left-sided striker, though the station noted that if those signings do not arrive, it is not a failure to pursue them but a failure to secure them. The broader consensus across the stations was mixed. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport identified Fofana as "the best option that remains," better than other targets, suggesting Lyon's potential Champions League qualification could enable a deal structured as a loan with a conditional obligation to buy. Daniele Lo Monaco of Radio Romanista offered strong backing of the existing squad, stating: "With him you would not win the Champions League, but you would not have won it either with Summerville; in fact, I think you have more chances with Mora than with the Dutchman. If you signed Gittens, you would have Gittens, Mora, Dybala, Soulé, Castro and Malen… Last year you had Venturino, Zaragoza, Baldanzi, Dovbyk, Ferguson… and we finished third. This is why I tell you we must be very satisfied with what is happening, very satisfied. And all of this without selling players. But guys, what more do we want? For me, if the market completes in this manner, it will be the best since the days of Batistuta." Analysts debated the likely formation and deployment of recent arrivals. Lorenzo Pes suggested Roma could play with a trequartista behind two strikers, noting uncertainty over whether Soulé or Rodrigo Mora would occupy that role. Mario Mattioli expressed scepticism about Mora's involvement, predicting he would not start and questioning whether he could break through substantially. Roberto Pruzzo backed Santiago Castro as a strong addition who would receive more minutes than expected, while Checco Oddo Casano voiced concern that Roma was not equipped to compete for the Champions League, predicting a third- to sixth-place finish in Serie A. Alessio Nardo highlighted Dybala's history of injury problems at Roma, noting that last season his meniscus injury was mismanaged; he added that should Dybala complete the season without significant injury, "it would be a sort of miracle of Gasperini and his staff." The match against Fiorentina was set for the evening of 24 August. Pes cautioned that Fiorentina would be difficult to assess as an opponent, having conducted an ambitious transfer window under new management. The window closes on 31 August, with Gasperini's requirements for additional signings still unmet.

Roma's transfer window has been solid on paper, but a sense of incompleteness lingers as the 2026–27 season approaches. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini harboured genuine title ambitions and believed the club could break free from the trophy drought that has gripped Roma since 2001 with a pair of elite signings. Names such as Greenwood, Summerville, Nusa and Fofana circulated—not transcendental acquisitions, but players who could have offered greater guarantees to a squad that has failed to close the gap with Inter and Napoli. Instead, Roma finds itself lumped among Como, Milan, Juventus and Atalanta in what the article describes as "the usual free-for-all". While the squad is objectively stronger than it was a year ago—with changes such as Castro for Dovbyk, Molina for Çelik, and Mora for Bailey—no blockbuster arrival materialised. Gasperini has acknowledged both D'Amico's serious work and the communication difficulties with the Friedkin Group ownership. Roma avoided selling major players, a point in its favour, yet failed to offload the figures whose departures might have unlocked genuine transformation. The question of whether that constitutes merit or fault remains open. Even the most optimistic voices cannot claim Roma is positioned as Inter's antidote this season, nor can anyone expect the kind of transfer signing that would have forced police deployment at Rome's airports. Gasperini is acutely aware the squad does not possess title credentials—arguably not even Champions League credentials, despite finishing third last season on a photo-finish. The breakthrough he sought was meant to unlock funds throttled by UEFA agreement complications that have clouded recent years. Instead, "the reckoning" will arrive in the coming months, after which title dreams may finally take root. Much will depend on Paulo Dybala's form, the promises of Mora and the consistency of Donyell Malen. Ten days remain before the season begins, and that nagging sense of "I would but I cannot" has not yet lifted.

Roma are actively negotiating with Lyon to bring down their asking price for midfielder Aurélien Fofana, according to radio pundit Aspri speaking on Radio Radio on 26 August. Aspri stated that the next 24–48 hours would be crucial in persuading Lyon to lower their valuation. If the deal can be completed, Fofana would become Roma's primary attacking midfield target following the recent arrival of Rodrigo Mora. Aspri explained that Gasperini has clear preferences in midfield but faces a delicate balancing act. "Gasperini has the hierarchies very clear," Aspri said. "If someone like Kessié were to arrive, the midfield would become very substantial. There's Juventus and competition that, on paper, is impractical for Roma, but the news is true. Gasperini's doubts concern Kessié's physical condition — he has great affection for the player, but the operation is complicated and interesting because it would change the hierarchies." Aspri added: "The question is: what does Roma want to aim for? Someone like Kessié you must have." On the Fofana situation, he said: "Roma is trying to trim things to satisfy the board. They're working on Fofana, trying to lower the figure Lyon is asking for: if it can be done, then Fofana will be the 'Lookman' of this situation." Camelio, also speaking on Radio Radio, suggested that Kessié remains a possibility if Neil El Aynaoui departs the club. Camelio stated: "I don't see El Aynaoui concentrated: if he leaves, Kessié is a possibility." He went on to outline his preferred shape: "I would play with four at the back and three midfielders: Kessié, Cristante and Koné." Camelio also noted that Roma are seeking to alter the terms of the Fofana deal with Lyon, which as currently structured Roma had not approved. Other commentators debated the merits of the squad's composition, with Melli arguing Roma are already strong enough and questioning whether Kessié should be pursued at all given Juventus' rival interest. Vocalelli highlighted the broader congestion in Roma's attacking positions: "There's a bit of overbooking in the attacking midfielders: Mora, Dybala, Soulé, Pellegrini and the arrival of Fofana." He suggested that any move to bring in Fofana might be linked to Soulé's potential departure, which would create space in the squad. The discussion underscored that Roma's transfer strategy remains fluid, with decisions on multiple fronts — including the Fofana fee, El Aynaoui's future, and potential outgoings — still unresolved.

Paulo Dybala has chosen to remain at Roma and continue his experience at the club, rejecting opportunities to return to Argentina or seek a move to the Middle East. Now a mature player beyond the pursuit of World Cups or lucrative long-term contracts elsewhere, Dybala has full awareness of his role at Roma and appears content with it. His relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini mirrors that with his predecessors: the coach deploys him whenever he is fit, with strong understanding between them. Unlike some ageing players, Dybala does not require careful management to avoid fatigue-related injury; his physical problems arrive without warning and are not caused by wear and tear. When he is healthy, managers use him as much as possible. In Roma's recent fixture against Fiorentina, Dybala demonstrated mature football by placing himself entirely at the service of teammate Donyell Malen. Beyond an early attempt at goal, he operated to support the Dutch forward, seemingly keen to help him break Roberto Pruzzo's single-match goal record of five, set against Avellino in 1985–86. This reflected a version of Dybala liberated from routine responsibilities and focused solely on playing the matches that injury and misfortune have too often denied him. His choice of continuity at Roma, combined with his partnership with Gasperini and his willingness to elevate teammates, underlines the maturity of a phenomenal footballer entering a new chapter.

Andrea Stramaccioni, analysing Roma's 24 August fixture against Fiorentina for DAZN, praised the team's physical condition and intensity, highlighting their high press and defensive organisation. Speaking to Teleradiostereo, he drew particular attention to Paulo Dybala's form. "I played against Gasperini at Palermo when he had Dybala, and what I saw on Monday reminds me exactly of that Paulo in terms of athletic condition," Stramaccioni said. The former coach emphasised the importance of Roma's core group of Italian players and their leadership. "The block of Italians is important. From outside it's hard to understand how important it is to have a tested group that guides the dressing room and would throw themselves in the fire for the coach," he stated. He noted Bryan Cristante's defensive positioning and highlighted Manu Koné as operating "in world form," questioning why France manager Deschamps did not field him in the semi-final. Stramaccioni also praised Santiago Castro, noting Gasperini "almost had to hold Castro back" given the Argentine's eagerness, and spoke of a strong Argentine contingent within the squad driving exceptional desire. Stramaccioni identified a left winger as the missing piece for Roma to harbour serious title ambitions under Gasperini. "Gasperini played Champions League and knows you need two squads. He always says value comes from those in front, it's not rocket science. He won at Atalanta with three strikers; he wants two per role now. Right now one is missing—someone more capable of starting from the left. Today both Dybala and Soulé migrate out but prefer to start from the right. Mora I like very much, but another is needed on the centre-left." Regarding squad development, Stramaccioni noted Lulli's backstory: "His is a nice story. He comes from Palestrina, was enrolled at Roma's Acquacetosa football school and had to quit because of distance from home. Now he's returned and is reaping the rewards." Looking at the transfer window closing days, Stramaccioni said Inter are defined as complete, while Juventus still seek both a striker and midfielder. "Roma I don't think will take a starting player, but they need to complete the squad," he concluded.

Roman radio stations analysed Gasperini's post-match demeanour and Roma's transfer window on 24 August, with the coach reportedly venting frustration after a pre-match press conference. David Rossi of Rete Sport said Gasperini "attempted to maintain composure during the conference, so much so that once it finished he let off steam—we have audio of what he said after the conference, but we won't play it because we're decent people—but hearing the post-conference outburst tells you he is not serene." Gasperini has been actively involved in the market alongside D'Amico, reiterating his desire for a left-footed winger and left-sided striker, though the station noted that if those signings do not arrive, it is not a failure to pursue them but a failure to secure them. The broader consensus across the stations was mixed. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport identified Fofana as "the best option that remains," better than other targets, suggesting Lyon's potential Champions League qualification could enable a deal structured as a loan with a conditional obligation to buy. Daniele Lo Monaco of Radio Romanista offered strong backing of the existing squad, stating: "With him you would not win the Champions League, but you would not have won it either with Summerville; in fact, I think you have more chances with Mora than with the Dutchman. If you signed Gittens, you would have Gittens, Mora, Dybala, Soulé, Castro and Malen… Last year you had Venturino, Zaragoza, Baldanzi, Dovbyk, Ferguson… and we finished third. This is why I tell you we must be very satisfied with what is happening, very satisfied. And all of this without selling players. But guys, what more do we want? For me, if the market completes in this manner, it will be the best since the days of Batistuta." Analysts debated the likely formation and deployment of recent arrivals. Lorenzo Pes suggested Roma could play with a trequartista behind two strikers, noting uncertainty over whether Soulé or Rodrigo Mora would occupy that role. Mario Mattioli expressed scepticism about Mora's involvement, predicting he would not start and questioning whether he could break through substantially. Roberto Pruzzo backed Santiago Castro as a strong addition who would receive more minutes than expected, while Checco Oddo Casano voiced concern that Roma was not equipped to compete for the Champions League, predicting a third- to sixth-place finish in Serie A. Alessio Nardo highlighted Dybala's history of injury problems at Roma, noting that last season his meniscus injury was mismanaged; he added that should Dybala complete the season without significant injury, "it would be a sort of miracle of Gasperini and his staff." The match against Fiorentina was set for the evening of 24 August. Pes cautioned that Fiorentina would be difficult to assess as an opponent, having conducted an ambitious transfer window under new management. The window closes on 31 August, with Gasperini's requirements for additional signings still unmet.

Gian Piero Gasperini defended Roma's transfer approach at his pre-match press conference on 22 August, two days before the Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico. The coach confirmed that UEFA financial regulations have forced a strategic shift in the market, compounding constraints that stem from years of previous spending. "The profile is only that of UEFA; there are no other possibilities," Gasperini said. "There are situations that UEFA imposes and from which our ownership, even wanting to, cannot escape. I thought that after six months or with arrival in the Champions League the situation would be resolved, but it is not so." Gasperini emphasised that Roma remain the only Italian club currently under UEFA supervision. "Roma has already had two deferrals and probably cannot have any more," he noted. "Now the reckoning has arrived, but we will do well anyway." Despite those constraints, he expressed satisfaction with arrivals in the window. Álex Molina replaced Zeki Çelik after winning the World Cup two months earlier; Christos Koulierakis joined as a defensive profile the squad lacked; and Rodrigo Mora arrived as a young long-term investment. Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson departed, replaced by Mateo Castro. El Shaarawy, Bryan Zaragoza, Angeliño and Kostas Tsimikas also left. Gasperini stated: "All the players who arrived have strongly wanted to come to Roma. They have also reduced their salaries—and under this aspect I believe very positive work has been done. There are still ten days of the market left and we hope to complete everything." On the left wing position that Roma had pursued, Gasperini offered flexibility: "Only if he can be added value, otherwise I am not going to load myself with players just for the sake of it." Numerically, two squad slots remain available from a full complement of 23. He praised Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante for accepting significant wage cuts. On Dybala's fitness prospects, Gasperini said: "I am certain, because I see him not only determined as he was last year but also particularly strong. He completed a pre-season perhaps for the first time without injuries." Dybala suffered two serious injuries last season—one requiring meniscus surgery that sidelined him for three and a half months. Gasperini stated that further squad exits may follow only if they represent tactical switches rather than pure departures. "If there are other exits it is only for changes, to switch," he said. "In this moment there is nothing certain." The window closes in ten days. Roma finished last season on 73 points and third place in Serie A, but Gasperini stressed the slate resets: "Every year you start from zero. What was done was very positive and satisfactory for all, but when the season starts everyone begins at 0 points and the 73 points from last year must be played again."

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-season press conference on the eve of Roma's Serie A opener against Fiorentina on Monday evening at the Olimpico, addressing the club's transfer strategy, squad depth and the financial constraints imposed by UEFA regulations. He confirmed Roma currently have 23 squad slots available but two remain empty, with four players arriving this summer: Nahuel Molina, described as "an important player, a world champion already mature and solid"; Santiago Castro, following the departures of Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson; Konstantinos Koulierakis, "a player we didn't have in defence with these characteristics"; and Rodrigo Mora, described as "a very young lad but who has already reached important levels. An important acquisition for the club, especially in perspective. He has all the characteristics to emerge." Gasperini also noted departures of Stephan El Shaarawy, Venturino and Zaragoza, and said: "One has arrived, I hope another does. Then Angelino and Tsimikas left and we hope to be able to replace them too." Gasperini acknowledged that Roma have been forced to pursue a different transfer strategy due to UEFA Financial Fair Play restrictions. He explained: "We started with very high profiles and it's no surprise. We had to confront the need to maintain the wage bill within a certain limit and we weren't able to take established players with those characteristics. The society has made investments on other profiles, I think we have good variety." He praised Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante for accepting significant wage reductions. Gasperini stated: "The Fair Play is limiting, perhaps Roma is the only club in Italy that pays for this situation that stems from a past for which we are not responsible. But it is so and we must look ahead trying anyway to improve the squad." On Matías Soulé's fitness, Gasperini reported: "He had pubalgia, was quite immobile before the retreat and arrived quite overweight and not healed 100%. During preparation he got back in shape and now is in excellent condition, played excellent matches and recovered very well both physically and athletically." Regarding Wesley, Evan N'Dicka, Donyell Malen and Manu Koné, who returned late from international commitments, Gasperini said: "Wesley missed the World Cup and is well. N'Dicka recovers very quickly, gave good signals at Dortmund. Malen suffered the World Cup more psychologically; feeling important for this squad will help him find condition. Koné arrived last but recovers very quickly. El Aynaoui is in between. They take little time to recover—a week or two more." On whether the left wing position remains a priority, Gasperini said: "Only if it can be added value, otherwise no, I don't load myself with players just for that. Those who arrive is because they want Roma strongly. We can add only two players if we can take them under certain conditions, if the market offers this well, otherwise we stay like this." He expressed confidence in Dybala's prospects: "I'm sure yes, I see him particularly strong. He's done a preparation he hasn't done for a long time, without injuries. Muscles seem much more toned to me, he no longer has the power and speed of when he was younger but has improved other qualities. He's 32, in his prime, I think he'll have a great season." Roma lost Dovbyk to transfer, Ferguson on loan departure, and have two gaps to fill before defending their third-place finish from last season.