Roma push for left-back reinforcement as talks continue with Cacciamani and Luis Henrique in the frame

Roma are accelerating their pursuit of a backup left-back after the arrival of Molina, with director D'Amico monitoring three profiles: Luis Henrique of Inter, Cacciamani of Torino, and Udogie of Tottenham. Each presents distinct obstacles and different characteristics for the same purpose. Coach Gasperini is preparing to welcome Rodrigo Mora after more than a year, but the squad needs reinforcement on the flank to rotate Wesley, the sole established option alongside Rensch in that position. Udogie stands out as the most primed prospect among the three. The former Udinese defender combines imposing physical structure with ball-carrying ability capable of breaking down defences. His Premier League experience—curtailed by muscle injuries affecting his thigh and knee—has allowed him to develop as an additional wing-back operating inside the pitch, a characteristic that could prove fundamental to Gasperini's tactical system. The 23-year-old, who progressed through Hellas Verona's academy, recorded 28 appearances last season with Spurs. However, Tottenham may only entertain a loan move with an obligation to buy, whereas Roma are seeking a purchase option instead. Among the three, Cacciamani represents the more defensive profile, though his experience in English football has cultivated offensive traits and explosive pace. Gasperini has stressed that fullbacks in his setup must defend the flanks while contributing to build-up play and offering attacking thrust.

Roma will open their 2026-27 season at the Olimpico against Fiorentina on Monday, 24 August at 20:45, with director D'Amico still working to finalise the squad ahead of the summer transfer window's closure on Tuesday, 1 September at 20:00. Rodrigo Mora, a left-sided winger described as a long-term target for Gasperini, is close to joining from Porto, and the club expects at least one further reinforcement before the deadline. However, Gasperini is likely to start the campaign with roughly 10 or 11 players from last season's squad. Molina is expected to earn a starting berth against Fiorentina, but the other recent arrivals face obstacles to immediate prominence. Koulierakis is unlikely to displace Mario Hermoso in the defensive hierarchy, and Castro faces a similar challenge against Donyell Malen despite the winger's low-profile preseason. Mora, expected in Italy in the coming days, will need time to integrate into Gasperini's system; Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé are likely to retain their attacking partnership. Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the opener through injury, while Niccolò Pisilli hopes to return in the squad and Wesley is managing a minor ankle sprain sustained in Saturday's friendly against Borussia Dortmund.

Rodrigo Mora is on the verge of joining Roma after days of negotiations were unblocked, with agent Jorge Mendes instrumental in keeping talks open between the clubs. The deal will be completed on a permanent basis for €25 million, with Porto retaining 50% of any future resale value. Roma will have the option to acquire that resale percentage for a further €25 million within a year. Gasperini will finally receive the right-footed attacking winger he has requested, addressing a gap in the squad. Once the Mora transfer closes, sporting director D'Amico will shift focus to signing a left-sided full-back to operate across the entire flank. Cacciamani of Torino and Udogie of Tottenham are the leading candidates, though Luis Henrique of Inter is also under consideration. The Brazilian, despite being naturally right-footed, could offer Gasperini flexibility to deploy as a supporting forward option. D'Amico has prioritised the Mora deal because the financial structure is sustainable relative to other options evaluated. The final details are now being finalised before documents are exchanged and the operation is sealed.

Roma are accelerating their pursuit of a backup left-back after the arrival of Molina, with director D'Amico monitoring three profiles: Luis Henrique of Inter, Cacciamani of Torino, and Udogie of Tottenham. Each presents distinct obstacles and different characteristics for the same purpose. Coach Gasperini is preparing to welcome Rodrigo Mora after more than a year, but the squad needs reinforcement on the flank to rotate Wesley, the sole established option alongside Rensch in that position. Udogie stands out as the most primed prospect among the three. The former Udinese defender combines imposing physical structure with ball-carrying ability capable of breaking down defences. His Premier League experience—curtailed by muscle injuries affecting his thigh and knee—has allowed him to develop as an additional wing-back operating inside the pitch, a characteristic that could prove fundamental to Gasperini's tactical system. The 23-year-old, who progressed through Hellas Verona's academy, recorded 28 appearances last season with Spurs. However, Tottenham may only entertain a loan move with an obligation to buy, whereas Roma are seeking a purchase option instead. Among the three, Cacciamani represents the more defensive profile, though his experience in English football has cultivated offensive traits and explosive pace. Gasperini has stressed that fullbacks in his setup must defend the flanks while contributing to build-up play and offering attacking thrust.

Emanuele Lulli, the 18-year-old right-back, delivered a positive display for Roma in their final pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Stadium yesterday, starting and playing 76 minutes. Gasperini has regularly deployed the class of 2007 prospect in recent weeks, with Lulli appearing in progressive minutes across warm-up fixtures: 18 minutes against Cardiff, 20 against Newport, 12 against Brighton, and the full 76-minute outing against Dortmund. The teenager, who turns 19 tomorrow, demonstrated both defensive cover and attacking thrust—precisely what Gasperini demands from his fullbacks. Roma's recruitment focus remains on the offensive flank, though director D'Amico continues work on the fullback contingent. With Tsimikas, Çelik and Angeliño departed, the squad has lacked reinforcement on the wings; only Wesley and Devyne Rensch remain from last season, with Molina arriving yesterday on his Roma debut. Lulli's composed display offers genuine hope of a permanent pathway into first-team contention under Gasperini. Lulli recorded three defensive contributions, two interceptions and three recoveries in addition to one clearance across his 76 minutes, also winning one ground duel and one aerial duel. He registered 88% pass accuracy in the opposition half (7/8) and 82% in his own half (9/11), with 2 of 3 long passes reaching their target. His ball-carrying statistics stand out: 54.9 metres gained (compared to 23.3 for Rensch), including 37.4 metres towards the opposition goal (21.3 for Rensch). Roma continue pressing on Udogie, while moves for Cacciamani and Luis Henrique face complications.

Roma's final pre-season friendly ended in a 2–2 draw against Borussia Dortmund on 15 August, with Paulo Dybala and Bryan Cristante scoring for the Giallorossi. The Argentine's performance offered the most encouraging sign of the day as Roma prepared for their Serie A opener against Fiorentina on 24 August. Debutants Nahuel Molina and Konstantinos Koulierakis featured in the closing stages, while the squad showed improvement compared to earlier summer matches, though Gasperini's side remain in preparation mode ahead of the campaign. Mile Svilar made several crucial saves to prevent a defeat, earning 6.5/10 for a demanding performance. Dybala orchestrated Roma's attacking play with precision, unlocking chances with a left-foot finish to open the scoring and crafting a poetic pass for Castro in the box. Cristante doubled the lead with a header just ten minutes after Dybala's opener. Defensively, Gianluca Mancini (6.0), Evan N'Dicka (6.0), and Mario Hermoso (5.5) had mixed afternoons against Dortmund's pressure; Hermoso in particular struggled against Karetsis. Elsewhere, Devyne Rensch squandered a clear opportunity, Matías Soulé showed flashes but lacked sharpness, and Donyell Malen provided service without imposing himself heavily on the match.

Roma are accelerating their pursuit of a backup left-back after the arrival of Molina, with director D'Amico monitoring three profiles: Luis Henrique of Inter, Cacciamani of Torino, and Udogie of Tottenham. Each presents distinct obstacles and different characteristics for the same purpose. Coach Gasperini is preparing to welcome Rodrigo Mora after more than a year, but the squad needs reinforcement on the flank to rotate Wesley, the sole established option alongside Rensch in that position. Udogie stands out as the most primed prospect among the three. The former Udinese defender combines imposing physical structure with ball-carrying ability capable of breaking down defences. His Premier League experience—curtailed by muscle injuries affecting his thigh and knee—has allowed him to develop as an additional wing-back operating inside the pitch, a characteristic that could prove fundamental to Gasperini's tactical system. The 23-year-old, who progressed through Hellas Verona's academy, recorded 28 appearances last season with Spurs. However, Tottenham may only entertain a loan move with an obligation to buy, whereas Roma are seeking a purchase option instead. Among the three, Cacciamani represents the more defensive profile, though his experience in English football has cultivated offensive traits and explosive pace. Gasperini has stressed that fullbacks in his setup must defend the flanks while contributing to build-up play and offering attacking thrust.

Roma will open their Serie A campaign against Fiorentina in exactly one week's time, but face an injury concern over two key players. Wesley and Pisilli were both absent from a friendly against Borussia Dortmund on 15 August, and their availability for the first league match remains uncertain. Wesley has an ongoing ankle problem that will be reassessed when training resumes at Trigoria in two days' time; Pisilli will undergo a similar evaluation on the same day. There is optimism both players will be fit for the clash with Fiorentina. Molina is expected to be the only recent recruit to start from the beginning against the Viola. Manu Koné requires further assessment before selection. Matías Soulé will operate on the left wing, with Paulo Dybala positioned on the right. Lorenzo Pellegrini, meanwhile, needs more time to recover from injury and will not be included in the squad for the match.

Roma will open their 2026-27 season at the Olimpico against Fiorentina on Monday, 24 August at 20:45, with director D'Amico still working to finalise the squad ahead of the summer transfer window's closure on Tuesday, 1 September at 20:00. Rodrigo Mora, a left-sided winger described as a long-term target for Gasperini, is close to joining from Porto, and the club expects at least one further reinforcement before the deadline. However, Gasperini is likely to start the campaign with roughly 10 or 11 players from last season's squad. Molina is expected to earn a starting berth against Fiorentina, but the other recent arrivals face obstacles to immediate prominence. Koulierakis is unlikely to displace Mario Hermoso in the defensive hierarchy, and Castro faces a similar challenge against Donyell Malen despite the winger's low-profile preseason. Mora, expected in Italy in the coming days, will need time to integrate into Gasperini's system; Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé are likely to retain their attacking partnership. Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the opener through injury, while Niccolò Pisilli hopes to return in the squad and Wesley is managing a minor ankle sprain sustained in Saturday's friendly against Borussia Dortmund.