Roma's Greatest Recruits: Building the Ideal XI of Established Champions

Sabaudia, a coastal town 90 kilometres south of Rome founded in 1934, has become a cultural and artistic haven nestled within the Circeo National Park. The location has inspired writers including Pier Paolo Pasolini and Alberto Moravia, and hosted film productions since the 1930s including *Divorce Italian Style* (1961), *School Friends* (1988), and recent works by Paolo Genovese. Oscar-winning directors Bertolucci and Tornatore, fashion figures such as Armani and Fendi, and performers including Sophia Loren and Monica Bellucci have maintained homes there. Music videos by Elodie, Mannarino, and Michele Bravi have been shot on the dunes. For Roma supporters, the town holds particular allure: Francesco Totti owns a house in Sabaudia and spends much of his summer there. The town is easily accessible by car via the Pontina road, roughly an hour from Rome, or by train from Roma Termini to Priverno–Fossanova station (20–25 minutes by bus). Mayor Alberto Mosca reported that tourist numbers from 1 April to 20 July 2026 remained in line with the previous year, with parking meter revenues rising from approximately €490,000 in the same 2025 period to €503,000 in 2026. The town has faced challenges including legal disputes over beach kiosks, loss of the Blue Flag due to lifeguard shortages, and cancellation of the Sunset Jazz Festival. Beyond the beach, Sabaudia offers trekking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and visits to Domitian's villa archaeological site. The Arena del Mare hosts events including concerts by Fiorella Mannoia and Sal Da Vinci in the coming days. Local produce includes buffalo mozzarella and a vermentino wine called "253 giorni"—the number of days required to build the town.

Roma's transfer strategy this summer came under scrutiny from prominent radio voices in Rome on 10 August. Mario Mattioli praised the club's market activity, highlighting Castro, Koulierakis and Molina as solid acquisitions and Rodrigo Mora as an important prospect. However, Roberto Pruzzo delivered a sharper assessment, saying: "Roma must raise the level of the squad, it is very far behind. I saw a team in real difficulty. If we stay on this trend two weeks before the start of the season, things become concerning." Nando Orsi suggested that other clubs exploit Roma's urgent need to sign players by inflating prices, and questioned the satisfaction of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini with proceedings. Piero Torri noted Roma's focus on attacking midfielders could signal a tactical shift and indicated negotiations over Rodrigo Mora may include a sell-on clause for Porto. The broadcast reflected the distinctive culture of Roman radio stations, which serve as major platforms for journalists, former players and commentators to shape local opinion on the club's direction.

Roman radio pundits have offered mixed verdicts on Roma's summer transfer activity, with Carina criticising inconsistency in the club's recruitment while others defend recent moves. Carina said on Radio Radio: "Honestly, it seems to me there is some confusion in Roma's transfer market. The problem is the type of player being sought. Mora is a player with infinite talent, but he did not have an important season and struggled in Farioli's 4-3-3. What doesn't convince me about Roma's transfer market is that they have moved from profiles of finished players like Greenwood and Summerville to profiles of very young players." Roma are pursuing Rodrigo Mora via a particular formula, reportedly leaving Porto a percentage of any future sale, according to Torri on Radio Manà Manà Sport. The deal appears tied to a potential tactical shift toward attacking midfielders. Pruzzo warned the squad is significantly behind and struggling: "Roma must raise the level of the squad, it is very far behind. I saw a truly difficult squad. If we are on this trend two weeks before the start of the championship, things become concerning." Mattioli countered that the market has been solid so far. He said: "Roma's transfer market so far has not been negative. Castro, Koulierakis and Molina are good purchases. Rodrigo Mora is a player who has already done much. He is an important prospect, can be an important opportunity." Orsi noted that rival clubs raise prices when they sense urgency, and suggested Gasperini is dissatisfied with proceedings.

Rodrigo Mora has agreed to join Roma. Director of football Tony D'Amico has tabled a five-year contract worth two million euros per season, including bonuses, for the Porto playmaker. The agreement with agent Jorge Mendes was reached yesterday after rapid negotiations. Porto's formal approval is awaited in the coming hours. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has pressed D'Amico to complete the deal quickly, expecting two new arrivals by 15 August. Gasperini received reassurances at an emergency meeting with ownership at Vale Resort in Hensol, Wales. Roma plan to close the signing of the new forward first, then turn attention to reinforcing other positions: a right winger to deputise for Paulo Dybala, and a left winger to rotate with Wesley.

Roma are closing in on the signing of Porto midfielder Rodrigo Mora, with the two clubs finalising the structure of a deal in recent hours. The transfer will be completed on a €25 million basis plus 50% of any future resale fee, with Roma granted the right to purchase the remaining 50% within a year for a further €25 million. Mora will sign a five-year contract worth approximately €2.5 million per year, featuring a release clause exceeding €100 million. The move is being orchestrated by Jorge Mendes, with Roma's sporting director D'Amico leading negotiations. Medical tests and the player's arrival in the capital are expected imminently. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will deploy Mora in an attacking midfield role behind the striker alongside Paulo Dybala, a significant tactical shift from his position at Porto, where manager Farioli used him as a box-to-box midfielder in a 4-3-3 system. The Italian coach is eager to deploy Mora's talents in a different area of the pitch. Roma's pursuit of additional attacking talent has also targeted Real Madrid forward Endrick; however, that target appears to have closed off after Madrid confirmed his squad number and signalled their intention to provide him with playing time in the coming season. Should the Endrick avenue remain blocked, Roma may revisit their interest in Luis Henrique as an alternative option for the right flank.

Roma have tabled an offer for Rodrigo Mora, a winger at Porto, as they continue their search for wide attacking reinforcements, while remaining interested in Alessio Cacciamani of Torino. For Mora, Roma have proposed a loan with an option to buy, but Porto are holding out for a permanent sale. The Giallorossi have tendered €25M plus significant bonuses and a sell-on clause, though Porto's valuation stands at €45–50M. Galatasaray are also pursuing the player. Meanwhile, Roma are preparing a bumper offer for Cacciamani. Torino wish to retain him but may need to generate sales this summer. An earlier bid of €12M plus €3M in bonuses was lodged, and Roma are expected to increase their offer, though not substantially. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is known for developing young talent, though the club would prefer to land an established star who requires minimal adjustment. Separately, Lorenzo Pellegrini has agreed a one-year contract with an option after spending the summer as a free agent recovering from thigh surgery. Gasperini stated he would not be ready to play for at least a month. Like Paulo Dybala, Pellegrini reduced his wages to rejoin the club.