Roma pursue Fofana, Gittens and Mbaye in final week; Ziółkowski nears Monza exit

Jan Ziółkowski is edging closer to a loan move to Monza as Roma look to move the Polish defender out of the club. According to Fabrizio Romano, talks between Roma and the Ivan Juric-managed side are in an advanced stage, with Monza keen to offer the centre-back playing time and minutes for development. Roma are working on a loan deal and have no intention of selling him permanently, particularly at figures well below their initial €20 million asking price. Ziółkowski has been tracked by several Italian clubs in recent weeks. Roma rejected approaches from Parma and other European sides who made enquiries about the 2005-born defender. The loan arrangement would allow the academy graduate to gain first-team experience away from the Stadio Olimpico.

Jan Ziolkowski's future at Roma may lie away from the capital for the coming season. Monza are currently leading the race to sign the young Polish defender on loan, with negotiations between the two clubs already in an advanced stage. Roma's intention is to allow Ziolkowski to continue his development elsewhere rather than sell him permanently, enabling him to gain regular playing time and minutes away from the Olimpico. Parma and several foreign clubs remain interested in the 2005-born centre-back, but Monza have gained ground and are furthest advanced in pursuit of the player. The loan arrangement reflects Roma's preference to retain ownership while facilitating Ziolkowski's progression through competitive first-team football.

Roma remain focused on completing their final summer signings despite victory over Fiorentina, with head coach Gasperini and the club's recruitment team pursuing a left-sided attacker. Édouard Fofana of Lyon and Chelsea's Moisés Gittens are the two main targets, though the situations differ markedly. An agreement with Fofana's representatives has been in place for some time, but Roma will make a final decision tomorrow after Lyon's Champions League preliminary tie concludes, partly because the French club needs to generate sales for financial reasons. Chelsea have rejected Roma's loan proposal for Gittens and regard him as non-transferable, though Roma will make another attempt regardless. Jayden Oosterwolde touched down at Ciampino this morning, where he posed for selfies with waiting supporters. The defender underwent medical assessments this evening at Campus Bio-Medico, where Roma conducted further checks on a muscular strain he picked up earlier in the month.

Jan Ziółkowski is edging closer to a loan move to Monza as Roma look to move the Polish defender out of the club. According to Fabrizio Romano, talks between Roma and the Ivan Juric-managed side are in an advanced stage, with Monza keen to offer the centre-back playing time and minutes for development. Roma are working on a loan deal and have no intention of selling him permanently, particularly at figures well below their initial €20 million asking price. Ziółkowski has been tracked by several Italian clubs in recent weeks. Roma rejected approaches from Parma and other European sides who made enquiries about the 2005-born defender. The loan arrangement would allow the academy graduate to gain first-team experience away from the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma's commanding 4–0 victory over Fiorentina on 24 August has dominated discussion across Rome's radio stations, with broadcasters and former players praising the team's performance and title credentials. David Rossi of Rete Sport called it "a monologue, a performance at a level perhaps too high for expectations", while noting that August friendlies are a different proposition from matches that matter. The standout performer was Paulo Dybala, who impressed sufficiently that Gianluca Piacentini declared himself tempted to head to the Circus Maximus: "If Dybala has 35 matches in his legs at that level, it's an easy title. I would sign for him to play 25 full matches like yesterday." Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo offered the most striking assessment, claiming the players themselves are convinced of their prospects. "Having the fortune to speak with some footballers, they assure the squad's identity—if they're saying among themselves that they'll make it this year, they're exhausted. These footballers have gained a consciousness, you see it even from how they play in defence. When Dybala talks about doing better than last year, you think he means finishing second 20 points behind first? They're talking about the title. There's Inter, but if Roma continues with this ferocity this year it's entertaining. If Roma competes with Inter, then everything starts again from scratch. This time I couldn't bear to have another title stolen from me by Inter." Lorenzo Pes assessed the Serie A landscape: "Aside from Inter, which is more distant, only Napoli perhaps is stronger than Roma. Roma and Napoli are very close; Roma has the advantage of Gasperini's second year and the fact they've sold none of the big names. Milan and Juve are two unknowns; I think they're slightly behind Como." Discussion also centred on summer recruitment and academy prospects. Piero Torri stated: "If Roma sign Fofana, they buy another one with great quality—take my word. With Fofana–Dybala–Malen I'm settling at the Circus Maximus. I think it can be done." Checco Oddo Casano flagged the need for a winger, believing one will arrive: "The priority is the attacking winger, and I'm convinced one arrives." Roberto Pruzzo and Nando Orsi both highlighted Jan Ziółkowski's (referred to as Lulli) unexpected emergence in the squad, with Pruzzo saying: "Lulli must be there, watch carefully, train at Trigoria, and pick things up bit by bit to try to be useful to the squad," and Orsi praising his personality: "Lulli has the personality to play as a starter." Francesca Ferrazza noted that Gasperini remains actively engaged in the market: "Gasperini is obsessed, living these final market days with the phone in his hand. There's a series of footballers calling him to come to Roma." Whether Roma can maintain this trajectory depends on closing recruitment before the window closes.

Rome's radio stations offered their verdicts on Roma's latest match, with commentators highlighting strong individual performances but uncertainty over squad composition in the closing days of the transfer window. Francesco Balzani praised Roma's display, calling it "the best Roma of Gasperini" they had seen, and credited the coach with bringing consistency to the project. He noted that Malen, despite his quality, had been playing in the wrong league before his arrival, and emphasised that the absence of discontented players and unhappy coaches was a strength Roma must not waste. "One more effort and Roma can position itself below Inter," Balzani said, singling out Dybala's impact: "Dybala—in a league like this—moves mountains." Piero Torri offered detailed assessment of Roma's recent outing. "Rodrigo Mora's debut convinced me," he said. "The Portuguese player had a good match and came close to scoring." Torri also praised Jan Ziółkowski and Manu Koné, describing the full-back—born in 2007—as "notably surprising." He noted that before the match, technical director D'Amico had ruled out major departures, which Torri welcomed. However, he raised a question mark over the coming days: "One must understand what El Aynaoui's future will be, with only days remaining in the transfer market."

Gian Piero Gasperini deployed three different formations during Roma's match against Fiorentina, avoiding the 3-4-2-1 system that defined last season but never abandoning the aggressive one-on-one pressing and intensity that characterise his approach. The tactical adjustments were made to nullify Fiorentina's threats rather than to compensate for transfer market gaps or absences. Gasperini's willingness to shift shape underscores a deeper principle: Roma's behaviour remains unchanged regardless of formation. The side consistently attacks, with N'Dicka operating as a target on the attacking third and Mancini and Hermoso—later replaced by Koulierakis—covering the flanks. Fiorentina manager Grosso began in a 4-3-2-1 before moving to 4-2-4 when Roma went two goals clear. With Kean deployed alongside Pellegrino, Gasperini matched the adjustment with an identical system. The lineup featured Svilar in goal, Lulli, Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso across the back, Cristante and Koné in midfield, and Soulé, Dybala, Malen and Wesley in attack. Soulé had replaced Mora at 2-0. When Grosso shifted to 4-3-3 late on, Gasperini responded by introducing El Aynaoui and Pisilli for Koné and Dybala, switching to a 3-5-1-1. This brought Mancini, N'Dicka and Koulierakis across the back, a five-man midfield of Lulli, Pisilli, Cristante, El Aynaoui and Wesley, with Soulé supporting Castro in attack. Roma scored a fourth goal. Gasperini's track record with such adjustments is long and proven, but the club now needs a right-footed winger capable of providing thrust on the break and winning one-on-one duels. The manager will learn soon whether Chelsea is willing to negotiate for Gittens, and after Lyon play Fenerbahce tomorrow evening, whether an agreement with Fofana can be finalised.

Rome's radio stations offered their verdicts on Roma's latest match, with commentators highlighting strong individual performances but uncertainty over squad composition in the closing days of the transfer window. Francesco Balzani praised Roma's display, calling it "the best Roma of Gasperini" they had seen, and credited the coach with bringing consistency to the project. He noted that Malen, despite his quality, had been playing in the wrong league before his arrival, and emphasised that the absence of discontented players and unhappy coaches was a strength Roma must not waste. "One more effort and Roma can position itself below Inter," Balzani said, singling out Dybala's impact: "Dybala—in a league like this—moves mountains." Piero Torri offered detailed assessment of Roma's recent outing. "Rodrigo Mora's debut convinced me," he said. "The Portuguese player had a good match and came close to scoring." Torri also praised Jan Ziółkowski and Manu Koné, describing the full-back—born in 2007—as "notably surprising." He noted that before the match, technical director D'Amico had ruled out major departures, which Torri welcomed. However, he raised a question mark over the coming days: "One must understand what El Aynaoui's future will be, with only days remaining in the transfer market."

Neil El Aynaoui could leave Roma before the transfer window closes. The midfielder is considered expendable and Roma will not block a departure for €35 million. A potential return for Rios has been discussed, with particular interest emerging in Portugal. Head coach Gasperini is keen on the player, but Roma have not yet made a formal offer, according to reports from recent days.

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.

Donyell Malen encountered Samuel, a Roma-supporting social media personality who has gained online attention for his striking resemblance to the Dutch forward, the day after Malen scored a hat-trick in Roma's 4–0 Serie A season opener against Fiorentina. The two crossed paths in Rome's streets, and Samuel had the chance to meet Malen in person for the first time. The most significant moment came when the two embraced, with the visibly emotional fan meeting his on-field counterpart. The encounter took place just hours after what proved to be a memorable evening for Malen on his competitive debut for the Giallorossi. He netted three goals in Roma's commanding victory in the first match of the league campaign, establishing himself as a key attacking weapon in his new surroundings. Malen's day was therefore particularly intense: first the three goals and opening-day win over Fiorentina, then this brief but striking meeting away from the pitch. The moment, captured and shared across social platforms, naturally drew significant attention online. For a moment at least, distinguishing Malen from his lookalike required a second glance.

Gian Piero Gasperini deployed three different formations during Roma's match against Fiorentina, avoiding the 3-4-2-1 system that defined last season but never abandoning the aggressive one-on-one pressing and intensity that characterise his approach. The tactical adjustments were made to nullify Fiorentina's threats rather than to compensate for transfer market gaps or absences. Gasperini's willingness to shift shape underscores a deeper principle: Roma's behaviour remains unchanged regardless of formation. The side consistently attacks, with N'Dicka operating as a target on the attacking third and Mancini and Hermoso—later replaced by Koulierakis—covering the flanks. Fiorentina manager Grosso began in a 4-3-2-1 before moving to 4-2-4 when Roma went two goals clear. With Kean deployed alongside Pellegrino, Gasperini matched the adjustment with an identical system. The lineup featured Svilar in goal, Lulli, Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso across the back, Cristante and Koné in midfield, and Soulé, Dybala, Malen and Wesley in attack. Soulé had replaced Mora at 2-0. When Grosso shifted to 4-3-3 late on, Gasperini responded by introducing El Aynaoui and Pisilli for Koné and Dybala, switching to a 3-5-1-1. This brought Mancini, N'Dicka and Koulierakis across the back, a five-man midfield of Lulli, Pisilli, Cristante, El Aynaoui and Wesley, with Soulé supporting Castro in attack. Roma scored a fourth goal. Gasperini's track record with such adjustments is long and proven, but the club now needs a right-footed winger capable of providing thrust on the break and winning one-on-one duels. The manager will learn soon whether Chelsea is willing to negotiate for Gittens, and after Lyon play Fenerbahce tomorrow evening, whether an agreement with Fofana can be finalised.