Roma targets left-flank overhaul with Garnacho and Moreira as Champions-level recruits

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.

Roma's squad worked through a relaxed training session at Trigoria on 26 August following their 4–0 victory over Fiorentina. The session emphasised technical work, with small-sided games, drills and possession exercises conducted at intensity and rhythm. Paulo Dybala stood out, performing a skill move past young teammate Lulli that drew smiles from his companions, reflecting the upbeat mood throughout the group as Roma begin the season on a strong footing. Devyne Rensch did not train with the squad, remaining sidelined by a muscular problem picked up in recent days. His absence marks a setback for the Dutch defender's recovery, though Nahuel Molina worked normally with the group and is available. The positive atmosphere at Trigoria underscores Roma's momentum after their convincing opening fixture, with players visibly enjoying the environment in which they are operating.

Roma are actively negotiating with Lyon to bring down their asking price for midfielder Aurélien Fofana, according to radio pundit Aspri speaking on Radio Radio on 26 August. Aspri stated that the next 24–48 hours would be crucial in persuading Lyon to lower their valuation. If the deal can be completed, Fofana would become Roma's primary attacking midfield target following the recent arrival of Rodrigo Mora. Aspri explained that Gasperini has clear preferences in midfield but faces a delicate balancing act. "Gasperini has the hierarchies very clear," Aspri said. "If someone like Kessié were to arrive, the midfield would become very substantial. There's Juventus and competition that, on paper, is impractical for Roma, but the news is true. Gasperini's doubts concern Kessié's physical condition — he has great affection for the player, but the operation is complicated and interesting because it would change the hierarchies." Aspri added: "The question is: what does Roma want to aim for? Someone like Kessié you must have." On the Fofana situation, he said: "Roma is trying to trim things to satisfy the board. They're working on Fofana, trying to lower the figure Lyon is asking for: if it can be done, then Fofana will be the 'Lookman' of this situation." Camelio, also speaking on Radio Radio, suggested that Kessié remains a possibility if Neil El Aynaoui departs the club. Camelio stated: "I don't see El Aynaoui concentrated: if he leaves, Kessié is a possibility." He went on to outline his preferred shape: "I would play with four at the back and three midfielders: Kessié, Cristante and Koné." Camelio also noted that Roma are seeking to alter the terms of the Fofana deal with Lyon, which as currently structured Roma had not approved. Other commentators debated the merits of the squad's composition, with Melli arguing Roma are already strong enough and questioning whether Kessié should be pursued at all given Juventus' rival interest. Vocalelli highlighted the broader congestion in Roma's attacking positions: "There's a bit of overbooking in the attacking midfielders: Mora, Dybala, Soulé, Pellegrini and the arrival of Fofana." He suggested that any move to bring in Fofana might be linked to Soulé's potential departure, which would create space in the squad. The discussion underscored that Roma's transfer strategy remains fluid, with decisions on multiple fronts — including the Fofana fee, El Aynaoui's future, and potential outgoings — still unresolved.

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.