Roma target Ruggeri as Gasperini pursues flanks in summer transfer window

Jayden Oosterwolde has passed fresh medical examinations as Roma and Fenerbahçe continue negotiations over the structure of his transfer. The deal had stalled for over 24 hours while the club assessed the recovery timeline for a muscle problem the Dutch defender sustained 20 days ago. According to reports from Turkey, Oosterwolde is now cleared to sign for Roma. The two clubs are currently in dialogue to revise the terms of the mandatory redemption clause, with the obligation to buy now likely to be tied to a higher number of appearances. The muscle injury evidently requires an extended rehabilitation period, prompting Roma's medical team to establish realistic return dates before pressing ahead.

Roma are preparing to part with Jan Ziółkowski after the defender fell out of Gian Piero Gasperini's regular rotation. The Polish centre-back, who completed Roma's pre-season training, featured in friendlies and remained in the squad for the opening league match against Fiorentina, is now set to leave the club to play regularly. Monza are close to finalising a move in Serie A. Ziółkowski's departure has been anticipated for some time. Negotiations between Roma, Monza and the player's representatives accelerated on 26 August, with the prospect of a swift resolution. The structure being discussed is a loan deal, though a final obstacle remains unresolved. Monza want to include a redemption clause in the agreement, a condition Roma have not yet accepted. Once this detail is settled, Ziółkowski will be free to begin his new challenge at the Lombard club. According to Fabrizio Romano, talks between the player's agents and both clubs took place on 26 August and could reach a conclusion rapidly. The player's intentions are clear: Ziółkowski wants more playing time, consistency and a starring role. Monza have offered him guarantees on that front. The sticking point centres entirely on whether the loan will contain a redemption clause, the final compromise needed before Ziółkowski departs Roma's Trigoria training ground.

Roma are in negotiations with Nottingham Forest over the signing of centre-back Morato on a loan deal with a right to buy that can become an obligation under certain conditions. The 2001-born Brazilian, 1.92 metres tall, arrived at Benfica at the age of 18 from São Paulo before moving to the Premier League. He is a left-footed central defender capable of playing left-back or full-back across the line when required. Gasperini is understood to find the profile attractive. Morato possesses the physical attributes, technical quality and versatility the Roma head coach values. He is strong in duels, competent at defending high up the pitch, and unafraid to step out of the line and support play when he recovers possession—a characteristic Gasperini prizes in his defensive schemes. In a three-man defence he can operate as a centre-back or as a flank-based centre-half, able to tighten, widen, follow his man or assist down the flank. The article describes him as a player who can be moulded but who already possesses many of the qualities Roma's tactical system demands. The nickname 'ice stone'—coined by his father to describe his coolness—reflects his composure. His experience at Benfica taught him to operate across multiple defensive positions. At 1.92 metres he brings height and strength to the backline. He is characterised as a raw prospect capable of becoming a significant addition to Roma's defence under Gasperini's guidance.

Jayden Oosterwolde arrived in Rome on 25 August but his transfer from Fenerbahçe to Roma hit an unexpected snag when medical staff demanded further tests before signing off on the deal. The Dutch left-back, Gasperini's fifth summer signing, was due to sign his contract today but the green light was delayed pending the outcome of fresh medical assessments this morning. Initial fitness tests came back clear, but Roma's medical team wanted to examine a recent muscular problem that sidelined him in recent weeks. Gasperini plans to deploy Oosterwolde on the left flank as a back-up to Wesley, though his versatility also allows him to play as a centre-back. The player has already resumed running and should be fully available by mid-September. Only after final clearance from the medical consultations would the transfer be formally concluded. The deal is structured as a €1 million loan fee with a €15 million purchase option. The obligation to buy will trigger automatically if Oosterwolde makes 20 appearances of at least 45 minutes each.

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.

Roma demolished Fiorentina 4–0 in a commanding display, with Donyell Malen scoring a hat-trick to lead the charge. Paulo Dybala contributed three assists and Manu Koné was withdrawn only through fatigue, underlining Roma's control. Debutant Daniele Ghilardi impressed in an early appearance, while Evan N'Dicka stood firm at the back as the team moved to 3–4–1–2 formation under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. All five major Italian newspapers awarded Roma positive marks across the board. Svilar received ratings between 6 and 6.5 in goal. The defence was solid, with N'Dicka rated 7 to 7.5 by all outlets and Mancini and Hermoso both praised. In midfield, Cristante earned 6.5 to 7, while Wesley was rated 6 to 7 on the flank. Koné's 6.5 to 7.5 reflected his strong showing before substitution. Malen's 8.5 to 9 and Dybala's 8 to 9 dominated the attacking ratings. Corrections made 68 minutes in saw Koulierakis introduced for Hermoso, while Pisilli replaced Koné at 79 minutes. Rodrigo Mora (6.5) and later Matías Soulé (6) featured in attack; Santiago Castro entered for Malen at 68 minutes. Gasperini earned 7.5 to 8 from the press corps. N'Dicka's display of 7 to 7.5, Koné's energy and Ghilardi's first appearance highlighted a Roma side functioning with precision and depth throughout.