Roma marks 99th anniversary with 8,000-strong procession as transfer focus sharpens

Francesco Totti has placed Roma among the primary candidates for the Serie A title. Speaking to Rai Sport at the presentation of the capital's basketball team, the Roma legend and current advisor to Maxima Roma outlined his confidence in the club's start to the season. Totti said: "Roma and Inter are the candidates for the title, let's not say anything and wait for the rest of the championship. In 10 or 15 games we will see." He also reaffirmed his bond with the club: "I will never set Roma aside, it is my skin. We are there, we started well and I hope we can continue at these levels." On his involvement with Maxima Roma, Totti described it as a project that enthused him rather than a response to being overlooked elsewhere: "It is not a spite move, but a project that excited me. I am happy because for me sport comes before everything."

Francesco Totti has declared Roma among the favourites for the Serie A title this season, naming Inter as their main rival in the championship race. Speaking at the official presentation of basketball club Maxima, for which he has become an advisor, Totti told Rai Sport: "Roma and Inter are the candidates for the title, let's not say anything and wait for the rest of the season. In 10 or 15 matches we'll see." Totti emphasised his unwavering connection to the club, where he spent his entire playing career. He stated: "Roma I will never set aside, it's my skin. We're there, we started well and I hope it can continue at these levels. Is mine a grudge against those who didn't seek me out? It's not a grudge, but a project that has enthused me. I'm happy because for me sport comes before everything."

Roma director of sport Tony D'Amico is being questioned by the Italian Football Federation's Procura Federale on 8 September over an incident that took place after Saturday's Roma–Atalanta match. According to reports, D'Amico will give his account of a confrontation with Atalanta chief executive Luca Percassi in the post-match period. D'Amico was allegedly insulted repeatedly by Percassi, first at the exit of the Tribuna 1927 stand and later in the Monte Mario car park area. The Roma director chose not to respond, avoiding further escalation of the situation. Roma issued a statement on Sunday condemning Percassi's conduct as unacceptable and confirmed the matter would be referred to the sporting justice authorities. The club has already begun gathering evidence, with stewards and witnesses questioned in the hours after the match. D'Amico's appearance comes as the Procura Federale continues its investigation, and Percassi is also expected to provide his version of events to the authorities. The disciplinary process follows the weekend clash between the two Serie A clubs. Roma's swift public backing of D'Amico and formal referral to the authorities reflect the seriousness with which the club is treating the allegations. The outcome of the Procura Federale's inquiry may result in sanctions depending on the findings.

Matías Soulé is set to play a starring role in Roma's return to the Champions League as the club travel to face Fenerbahce. The Argentine forward's comeback comes on the back of a decisive display in the previous league fixture against Atalanta, marking his readiness to shine on the European stage four years after his debut in the competition with Juventus. Soulé's resurgence is the product of work undertaken with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and Roma's restructured medical staff. The 2003-born forward arrived back this summer hampered by a troublesome groin injury and behind in his pre-season preparation, but worked hard during the training camp to regain peak condition. A transfer market saga saw Roma value him at €40 million in the face of interest from several Premier League clubs, while Gasperini considered the profile of Mason Greenwood for the right flank during early talks. Without official offers at that price and given Soulé's considerable commitment, he has been fully reinstated, with Gasperini certifying his complete physical and athletic recovery. In Istanbul, Roma will encounter both former Lazio striker Vedat Muriqi and Greenwood as opponents. For Soulé, the match represents the confirmation of a redemption arc that sees him restored to the heart of the capital club's tactical project, working in full harmony with teammate Paulo Dybala to deliver quality, unpredictability and high-level attacking solutions.

Roma return to the Champions League for the first time since March 2019 tonight in Istanbul against Fenerbahce, with Gasperini naming an unchanged side from Saturday's Serie A victory over Atalanta. Paulo Dybala, the 32-year-old Argentine absent from the competition for four and a half years since Juventus faced Villarreal in March 2022, will lead the team's attempt to translate the attacking form that has already impressed in Serie A wins over Fiorentina, Lecce and Atalanta. Dybala has played 253 minutes across Roma's opening three league fixtures under Gasperini's management. Nahuel Molina is the sole fresh name in the starting eleven after building his career in Europe with Atlético Madrid and the Argentine national team. The squad will draw on the experience of players for whom the Champions League anthem is familiar, with Svilar, Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso, Koné, Cristante, Wesley and Malen all named. Malen, who leads the Serie A scoring chart this season, will compete at elite European level for the first time in Roma colours. The night represents a transformation of nostalgia into present pride on the competition's stage, where Dybala has most thrived in his career.

Roma enter the Champions League for the first time in seven years on Thursday evening against Fenerbahce in Istanbul, arriving on the back of three consecutive Serie A victories and with a squad that has absorbed Gian Piero Gasperini's identity. The club intends to bring the same aggression and forward-thinking approach that has impressed domestically to the continent's elite competition, though the standard will inevitably be higher. Paulo Dybala will be central to Roma's European night. Gasperini appears intent on leaning on his most experienced players to guide a return to the highest stage after a long absence. The squad blends proven European hands with Champions League debutants: Mancini, Koné, Wesley, Pisilli, Mora, Ghilardi and Lulli will compete in the competition for the first time, while De Roon, Molina, Balerdi, Hermoso, Malen and Dybala bring substantial European pedigree. Gasperini himself knows these nights well from his time at Atalanta and will attempt to transfer that experience to Roma without changing the team's character—one built on constant attacking intent and refusal to surrender. Matías Soulé is among the most anticipated performers. After physical problems last season and a summer marked by transfer speculation, the Argentine has rediscovered form with two consecutive goals against Lecce and Atalanta, plus a 93rd-minute strike that set the Olimpico alight. He now faces Fenerbahce, featuring Mason Greenwood, one of Roma's major targets during the summer transfer window. Roma arrive in Istanbul with confidence and a squad mixing veterans and debutants. While not obliged to compete as equals with Europe's strongest sides, they have the tools to become an awkward obstacle. Gasperini knows it well: seven years on, Roma return among the stars—and they intend to do so without fear.