Roma radio debate on Friedkin's presence, De Roon's arrival and Dybala-Molina decision

Roma will debut a one-off commemorative shirt for their first match of 2027 against Frosinone at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, 2 January, marking the start of the club's centenary celebrations. The special kit, created exclusively to honour one hundred years since the club's foundation, will be worn only for that fixture and will officially open the centenary year on the pitch. It will be entirely distinct from the regular kits used throughout the 2027–28 season. The centenary shirt represents a landmark moment in the club's history as Roma prepares for an unforgettable year. The kit was designed as a standalone tribute separate from the standard uniforms that will follow, emphasizing its singular significance for the occasion. Meanwhile, early reports have circulated about the Adidas kit collection planned for the 2027–28 season, reportedly inspired by the clubs that contributed to Roma's founding. The home shirt is expected to reference Roman FC, the third kit Alba Audace, and the away kit the Fortitudo Pro Roma. These designs form a distinct project from the special centenary shirt worn on 2 January, which has been created exclusively for that match.

Roma are preparing their centenary season in 2027-28 with kits inspired by the three founding societies of 1927. The second shirt will draw on Fortitudo-Pro Roma, one of the clubs that merged to create AS Roma, according to Footyheadlines. All three kits for the celebratory campaign will reference the founding institutions. Fortitudo-Pro Roma was distinguished by white, red and blue colours, with a historic strip featuring a white base and a horizontal red-and-blue band across the chest. Details of the first and third shirts have already emerged in recent days as Roma mark the occasion of their 100-year anniversary.

Following unveilings of the home and third kits for the 2027-28 centenary season, Roma's away strip has been revealed by specialised portal FootyHeadlines. The second kit honours Fortitudo-Pro Roma, the third of the three clubs that merged to form AS Roma. Fortitudo-Pro Roma was characterised by white, red and blue, with a historic kit featuring a white base and a horizontal red-and-blue band across the chest. Roma's new away shirt for 2027-28 reflects that heritage with a predominantly navy blue base paired with tonal graphics and vivid red accents. The home kit is dedicated to Roman, while the third strip pays tribute to Alba, completing the trio of kits that represent the club's founding merger and upcoming centenary celebrations.

Roma's decision to prevent Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina for Lionel Messi's farewell celebration has drawn widespread commentary from Italian radio pundits, with most backing the club's position as a demonstration of institutional resolve. Rossomando told Radio Manà Manà Sport that the choice was expected but that Roma's decision to issue an official statement surprised and pleased him. "The Roma has demonstrated itself to be a strong and present society," he said. "It is important to have Dybala at Trigoria during the entire break. Behind this decision I believe there is also Gasperini." The club's resolve comes at a sensitive point in the season, with a match against Como described as important and delicate by radio commentators. Other radio voices offered varied perspectives on the decision. Jacobelli at Radio Radio Mattino stated: "The choice of Roma not to let Dybala and Molina go to Argentina is absolutely understandable. One thing is official commitments, another is celebrations like this one for Messi that could have been organised at another moment in the season." Camelio at Radio Radio pomeriggio characterised it as "a shared choice: by Roma, by the players and by Gasperini," noting that it was unlikely Dybala would have been a starter had he returned Friday evening anyway. Ferrajolo disagreed with the restriction, arguing that "a true professional, when he returns, gives his best," though he added that Roma would "neither win nor lose the championship for this." Squad availability for the upcoming fixture remains fluid. Several commentators discussed potential lineup changes during the international break. Valdarchi suggested Gasperini could rotate the three players who departed with Argentina, noting that Castro's absence posed minimal concern given Donyell Malen's status. In defence, he anticipated Mario Hermoso's presence, Evan N'Dicka's early return and Gianluca Mancini's limited exertion would mean Leonardo Balerdi would not start. Carina highlighted Marten de Roon's potential role during the congested fixture schedule, observing that his athletic condition had improved since arrival and would prove useful.

Roma have returned to training this afternoon following four days of rest given by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, with the international break still ongoing. The squad will begin another week of preparation ahead of their fixture against Como at the Sinigaglia in 12 days, managed by Cesc Fàbregas. The technical staff have planned a gradual resumption with careful attention to the injury list. Bryan Cristante, Donyell Malen and Wesley will be assessed in the coming hours after missing their respective national team callups due to ongoing recovery work. The aim is to reintegrate all three into the full squad in the coming days, a significant development for Gasperini's planning. Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina are unlikely to feature for the Como match, with both players getting managed carefully during the international window. The week will also give Lorenzo Pellegrini and Marten de Roon further opportunity to build match fitness; both are now operating at full capacity and ready to increase internal competition. Roma will need their strongest possible squad for the away fixture, with Gasperini targeting confirmation of the side's ambitions for a high league finish this season.

Kevin Strootman has expressed strong confidence in Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma side, highlighting the impact of fellow Dutchman Donyell Malen and midfield reinforcement Marten De Roon. Strootman singled out Malen's quality and adaptation at the club. "I know him well and he is a very strong forward," Strootman said. "He has great quality and spectacular speed. I think Roma is the right team for him—he feels important and is showing it." On De Roon's arrival to strengthen Gasperini's midfield, Strootman stressed his experience and familiarity with Italian football and the coach's methods. "He is someone who always gives his all for the team and can help younger players," Strootman explained, underlining De Roon's presence in the dressing room. Asked about Roma's Scudetto ambitions, Strootman remained cautious: "Maybe… let's see where Roma will be in March."

Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not travel to Argentina for Lionel Messi's international farewell match, a decision made by mutual agreement between the players and the club. Despite their affection for Messi, both declined to force the issue, understanding Roma's preference to avoid a cross-continental journey just hours before the Como fixture. Dybala's focus is entirely on the upcoming match at the Sinigaglia. He has been a regular starter this season and used his four rest days granted by Gasperini to train in his home gym, preparing himself for the showdown against Fabregas's side. Dybala has already recorded four assists this season but remains goalless, with his last goal coming on 18 January against Torino. He will feature on 11 October and later face Mourinho in the Champions League clash against Real Madrid on 14 October. Sunday's match will pit two Argentine talents against each other: Dybala versus Como's Nico Paz, a generational duel between players considered among the strongest in their country. Paz, who will return from international duty on 8 October, is regarded in Argentina as Messi's successor—a player Como are unlikely to rest. Dybala, despite a twelve-year age gap with Paz, remains intent on proving he can deliver decisive moments.

Roma have prevented Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina during the international break, citing logistical reasons and a desire to spare the pair a long intercontinental journey just days before the domestic season resumes. The club chose to make its position public, a move that attracted attention given Roma's typical reluctance to issue public statements on such matters. Journalist Lorenzo Pes explained the decision on TeleRadioStereo, noting that Roma's stance had been known for several days and there was no significant friction with the players over the matter. Pes said: "I was surprised by Roma, they are not prone to issuing statements. Honestly it seems more of a demonstration of position than anything else." He added that both players would have liked to attend the event in Argentina but were not prepared to turn the issue into a confrontation with the club. Pes observed: "On the one hand they wanted to be there, but to make that long journey just to be spectators?" According to Pes, the players did not push back against the decision. "Honestly no, the matter was known from a couple of days ago. There was no major opposition from the players, who did not force the issue," he stated. Pes acknowledged wider regret that all Argentina's World Cup winners were not called to the celebration, concluding that the decision ultimately served Roma's interests as the season restarts.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has reversed his intention to arrange friendly matches during the international break, citing a shortage of available players. Gasperini had said in a press conference that Roma would like to play two friendlies, but changed course after assessing his squad. With attacking depth particularly thin—Paulo Dybala is the only recognised forward currently at the club—the plan has shifted. According to Corriere della Sera, Roma are now considering an internal test match against the Primavera instead, though nothing has yet been confirmed. From next week, international players will begin returning to the capital. Evan N'Dicka is expected to arrive on Sunday, followed by the gradual return of Donyell Malen, Wesley, and Bryan Cristante to group training.

Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not travel to Argentina for Lionel Messi's international farewell match, a decision made by mutual agreement between the players and the club. Despite their affection for Messi, both declined to force the issue, understanding Roma's preference to avoid a cross-continental journey just hours before the Como fixture. Dybala's focus is entirely on the upcoming match at the Sinigaglia. He has been a regular starter this season and used his four rest days granted by Gasperini to train in his home gym, preparing himself for the showdown against Fabregas's side. Dybala has already recorded four assists this season but remains goalless, with his last goal coming on 18 January against Torino. He will feature on 11 October and later face Mourinho in the Champions League clash against Real Madrid on 14 October. Sunday's match will pit two Argentine talents against each other: Dybala versus Como's Nico Paz, a generational duel between players considered among the strongest in their country. Paz, who will return from international duty on 8 October, is regarded in Argentina as Messi's successor—a player Como are unlikely to rest. Dybala, despite a twelve-year age gap with Paz, remains intent on proving he can deliver decisive moments.

Roma have prevented Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina during the international break, citing logistical reasons and a desire to spare the pair a long intercontinental journey just days before the domestic season resumes. The club chose to make its position public, a move that attracted attention given Roma's typical reluctance to issue public statements on such matters. Journalist Lorenzo Pes explained the decision on TeleRadioStereo, noting that Roma's stance had been known for several days and there was no significant friction with the players over the matter. Pes said: "I was surprised by Roma, they are not prone to issuing statements. Honestly it seems more of a demonstration of position than anything else." He added that both players would have liked to attend the event in Argentina but were not prepared to turn the issue into a confrontation with the club. Pes observed: "On the one hand they wanted to be there, but to make that long journey just to be spectators?" According to Pes, the players did not push back against the decision. "Honestly no, the matter was known from a couple of days ago. There was no major opposition from the players, who did not force the issue," he stated. Pes acknowledged wider regret that all Argentina's World Cup winners were not called to the celebration, concluding that the decision ultimately served Roma's interests as the season restarts.

Roma's decision to prevent Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina for Lionel Messi's farewell celebration has drawn widespread commentary from Italian radio pundits, with most backing the club's position as a demonstration of institutional resolve. Rossomando told Radio Manà Manà Sport that the choice was expected but that Roma's decision to issue an official statement surprised and pleased him. "The Roma has demonstrated itself to be a strong and present society," he said. "It is important to have Dybala at Trigoria during the entire break. Behind this decision I believe there is also Gasperini." The club's resolve comes at a sensitive point in the season, with a match against Como described as important and delicate by radio commentators. Other radio voices offered varied perspectives on the decision. Jacobelli at Radio Radio Mattino stated: "The choice of Roma not to let Dybala and Molina go to Argentina is absolutely understandable. One thing is official commitments, another is celebrations like this one for Messi that could have been organised at another moment in the season." Camelio at Radio Radio pomeriggio characterised it as "a shared choice: by Roma, by the players and by Gasperini," noting that it was unlikely Dybala would have been a starter had he returned Friday evening anyway. Ferrajolo disagreed with the restriction, arguing that "a true professional, when he returns, gives his best," though he added that Roma would "neither win nor lose the championship for this." Squad availability for the upcoming fixture remains fluid. Several commentators discussed potential lineup changes during the international break. Valdarchi suggested Gasperini could rotate the three players who departed with Argentina, noting that Castro's absence posed minimal concern given Donyell Malen's status. In defence, he anticipated Mario Hermoso's presence, Evan N'Dicka's early return and Gianluca Mancini's limited exertion would mean Leonardo Balerdi would not start. Carina highlighted Marten de Roon's potential role during the congested fixture schedule, observing that his athletic condition had improved since arrival and would prove useful.