Roma recall squad at Trigoria as Pellegrini and Çelik remain without new deals

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.

AS Roma has appointed Jacopo Gobbetti as head of scouting for the youth academy. Gobbetti, formerly at Verona, is already at work at Trigoria and was a strong request from Margiotta, the youth academy director, with whom he worked together at Verona. Roma has also overhauled its coaching structure across the youth ranks. Scala, 32, has been promoted to lead the Primavera side, while Terlizzi takes charge of the Under 18s, Polverini the Under 17s, Trombetti the Under 16s, and Lorenzi the Under 15s. Lorenzi, 49, arrives from Atalanta. Further down the age groups, D'Andrea oversees the Under 14s, Cervelli the Under 13s, Darretta the Under 12s, Santucci the Under 11s, and Mattei the Under 10s.

Roma will travel to Lecce on Monday 31 August at 18:30 for their first away fixture of the season, following their 4–0 victory over Fiorentina. Daniele Chiffi will take charge of the match at Via del Mare stadium, assisted by Imperiale and Cecconi. Di Bello will be fourth official, with Di Paolo as VAR and Paganessi as AVAR. Chiffi has overseen 14 previous Roma matches, with a record of 9 wins, 1 draw and 4 defeats for the club. His most recent encounter was last season's 3–2 victory over Parma, a result that proved crucial in Roma's pursuit of Champions League qualification. In 2023, however, José Mourinho heavily criticised Chiffi following Roma's draw with Monza, earning himself a suspension for his outburst. Mourinho said: "Playing with the worst referee I have found in my career is difficult, and I have encountered many poor ones. The referee did not influence the result, but it is difficult to play with him. Technically terrible, from a human point of view he is not empathetic."

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.

Roma's radio commentators have dissected the club's transfer position and recent on-field performance in a wide-ranging discussion centred on left-back Jayden Oosterwolde's medical status, midfielder Franck Kessié's availability and an ongoing push to strengthen the forward line. Oosterwolde suffered an injury on 5 August initially thought minor, but subsequent assessments suggest a tendon issue that could sideline him for five to eight weeks, pointing towards a late September or mid-October return. David Rossi of Rete Sport said: "On Oosterwolde there are further medical examinations; the Fenerbahce had sent documents to Roma to say 'look, everything is fine' and that could have raised more concerns at Trigoria. I think Lulli's performance the other night has caused Roma some doubts." The injury timeline and medical uncertainty have reportedly prompted Roma to seek clarity on his availability before finalising any deal. The debate on Kessié centred on whether his reported availability at no cost represents value. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo argued: "This was El Aynaoui's moment—he played in the cup and was praised as one of his country's best midfielders, and it seems he asked Roma for a starting position. That means he'd have to sit out either Cristante or Koné, and I think Gasperini will never leave those two out right now. For that reason Roma told him to find another solution without any hard feelings. Kessié at no cost I'd agree with, but I don't think he'll settle for one and a half million. For me El Aynaoui is better—he's younger, a different prospect." Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo added: "Kessié is very close to Juventus; you'd have to prize him away from them, but I don't know if that's possible. Kessié is 29 and I checked his injury history—he's never had any particular problems. It surprises me; it probably comes from the player's unhappiness, because Gasperini had said the midfield package was what it was. It surprises me that now this midfield problem emerges, given that Roma already has other things to solve and needs to complete its market." Radio voices also highlighted the possibility of late-window movement on the wing, with alternatives such as Nusa (now out of budget following RB Leipzig's salary restructuring after the Diomande sale), Fofana, and unconfirmed targets discussed. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said Roma has "the intention" to add an attacking winger in the final days of the window, while Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio highlighted Paulo Dybala's fitness as "the thing I liked most," noting Gasperini's suggestion the forward could handle extra time.

Andrea Stramaccioni has praised Roma's performance against Fiorentina, saying the club can position itself as a serious challenger to Inter and Napoli if they add one final piece to complete the left side of attack for Gasperini. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Stramaccioni said: "If they add one last piece to make Gasperini happy and complete the left side of the attack, in my view they can position themselves as immediate rivals to Inter and Napoli." Watching Roma live on 24 August, Stramaccioni was struck by their intensity and consistency. "It is rare to see a team play at these rhythms for 90 minutes," he said. Dybala's performance particularly impressed him: the Argentine created three assists from three ball-carrying accelerations and made a defensive recovery in the 75th minute on the halfway line. "In these conditions in our Serie A it becomes very difficult to stop them. And the chemistry with Malen is natural football chemistry." Stramaccioni also highlighted Koné's world-class level, praised Rodrigo Mora's previously missing characteristics, and noted the strength of Roma's Italian spine—Mancini, Cristante, and Pellegrini—all of whom renewed their contracts at Gasperini's insistence. Asked whether the title picture had shifted before matchday one, Stramaccioni acknowledged it is early with transfers and squads still being completed, but said: "Inter and Roma have made a very strong start: they have clear and defined ideas of play."

Andrea Stramaccioni believes Roma need only one more signing to establish themselves as genuine challengers to Inter and Napoli this season. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the analyst was impressed by Roma's league debut: "If they add one final piece to make Gasperini happy and complete the left side of the attack, Roma can position themselves as an immediate antagonist to Inter and Napoli." Stramaccioni highlighted the intensity and consistency of Roma's opening performance. "On 24 August it is rare to see a team play at these rhythms for 90 minutes," he said. He singled out Paulo Dybala's creativity and work rate—"three assists following three accelerations with the ball at his feet, and at 75' he made a defensive run to win the ball back on the midfield line"—and praised the natural chemistry between Dybala and Donyell Malen. He also commended Manu Koné as "at world level" and identified Rodrigo Mora as bringing characteristics the squad previously lacked. Stramaccioni emphasised the strength of Roma's midfield and defence, describing the "personality, strength and solidity of the Italian spine" reinforced by Gasperini's priority renewals of Gianluca Mancini, Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini. On the wider title race, he added: "It is early—the market and squads are still to be completed—but Inter and Roma have started very strong: clear and defined ideas of play."

Emanuele Lulli, 19, made his Serie A debut as a starter for Roma at the Olimpico in front of over 65,000 supporters, marking a storybook entry to senior football. The academy product was handed the opportunity after Devyne Rensch withdrew in the final training session and Nahuel Molina's fitness remained questionable, prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to deploy the young winger. Earlier in July, when Avellino showed interest in Lulli, Gasperini had been unequivocal with director D'Amico, insisting the teenager remain with the first-team squad. Growing up in Palestrina in a working-class household—his father works as a bricklayer—Lulli began playing in a local youth academy at age 6 before being spotted at 14 by legend Bruno Conti, who brought him to Trigoria. Originally deployed as a midfielder, he was repositioned to the wing by coach Gianluca Falsini and has remained there since. He continues to live in Palestrina with his parents and older brother, commuting 80 kilometres daily each way to train at Roma's Trigoria complex. In the dressing room, Lulli has already earned the affection of his teammates: Gianluca Mancini has given him the affectionate nickname "Crazy Horse", while Mancini and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini—who shares the same representation agency as Lulli—have taken him under their wing as he embarks on his professional career.

Emanuele Lulli made his Serie A debut in Roma's 4–0 victory over Fiorentina on 24 August 2026, delivering numbers that exceeded the seasonal average of predecessor Zeki Çelik. The 19-year-old academy product recorded four successful tackles, 56 touches, 86.5% pass accuracy, seven duels won out of ten, and a decisive recovery that led to Donyell Malen's goal for the 3–0. In the 2025–26 season, Çelik averaged a rating between 6.7 and 7.0 with roughly two tackles per 90 minutes and solid passing precision; Lulli's intensity and physicality in his opening match surpassed that baseline. The comparison extends beyond statistics. Çelik managed play with experience and positional sense across four years in the shirt; Lulli brought the aggressive, tireless profile that Gasperini has consistently sought in his wide defenders—more in the mould of a pressing, high-intensity fullback than a controlled operator. Gasperini's system rewards corsa, aggressiveness and constant covering rather than refined crossing. Çelik departed for Juventus without generating significant regret, but a Palestrina and Trigoria academy graduate has now demonstrated, at least in raw output, superior performance to the departed player's average. Lulli remains incomplete. He must improve his ball management and the quality of his final pass. He showed no signs of being overwhelmed by the context and contributed concretely to Roma's cause. The performance serves as more than tactical encouragement: it reinforces a working principle that the academy, when given proper development and managerial backing, can generate solutions better suited to Gasperini's model than external recruitment alone.

Gian Piero Gasperini arrived at Roma in June with ambitions to sign elite attacking talent such as Mason Greenwood, Luis Summerville or Alexander Nusa, but faces the close of the transfer window having settled for younger, more sustainable prospects. Oosterwolde is expected to arrive in the coming days as one of two final signings, but the manager's publicly measured tone masks deeper disappointment at what proved achievable against his original vision for the squad. The shift reflects the club's financial constraints under UEFA's settlement agreement with Roma. The constraint has not only limited inbound spending but appears to have narrowly governed outbound movement as well. On 21 July, Roma sent a private aircraft to Rotterdam to pursue Summerville, whose transfer would have cost €53 million in fees plus €4 million in annual wages including bonuses. When that move collapsed, Gasperini suggested the dynamics altered: "Perhaps if we had done Summerville we couldn't have done anything else. Or perhaps his contract was sustainable at that moment." The comment hints that Roma's operational budget suddenly contracted mid-window, forcing a change in strategy communicated by ownership during a meeting at a location in Wales. The timing and scale of other moves support this reading. After Al Hilal's counter-offer prompted Roma to act quickly, the club signed Castro (€36 million plus €3 million add-ons), Koulierakis (€16.5 million plus €1.5 million) and Molina (€13 million plus €4 million—an unplanned expense given the earlier expectation Çelik would remain). A club source indicated that "Roma has already had two payment deferrals with UEFA and cannot have more. Now comes the reckoning." The new stance, communicated as ownership's direction, prioritizes younger profiles over established names, regardless of sporting ambition. Gasperini blamed the Financial Fair Play framework: "It is limiting; perhaps Roma is the only club in Italy that must pay this price." The tension between what he sought and what the transfer market delivered will shape his approach to the new season.

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.