← All stories
Roma to attack with flair against Fiorentina in season opener
·24 August 2026·7d ago

Roma to attack with flair against Fiorentina in season opener

Source: Forza Roma

Roma will face Fiorentina in tonight's Serie A opener with Gian Piero Gasperini intent on an attacking display from the outset. Though Fiorentina arrive with a renewed squad after significant summer investment, Roma's coach and opposite number Fabio Grosso share a common philosophy: the pursuit of attractive, attacking football and goals. Gasperini will deploy Dybala's creativity and Malen's quality in attack, with Soulé favoured to start ahead of Rodrigo Mora. If Wesley is unavailable, Rensch stands ready to deputise.

For Gasperini, this marks his twentieth season as a manager—a notable milestone. The 637 Serie A benchmarks he has accumulated are the most of any current coach, and he has maintained an unbroken streak of winning his opening fixture for the past eight years. His tactical approach aims to set Roma on the right course from the campaign's first match, prioritising offensive intensity over defensive caution.

Fiorentina's manager Grosso may hand debuts to some of their ten summer signings, though only five of the new arrivals are expected to feature. Mastantuono could emerge as a decisive attacking alternative off the bench, though the notable decision concerns Kean's exclusion—Pellegrino will start in his place instead. Grosso will finalise his selection this morning but appears ready to accelerate the integration of his squad.

● AI Generated Summary

This summary was generated by an AI model. Always read the source for complete and accurate information.

Story Coverage7 sources on this story

Roma opened their 2026–27 Serie A campaign in commanding fashion, defeating Fiorentina 4–0 at the Stadio Olimpico on 24 August. The emphatic victory showcased the team's dominance under Gian Piero Gasperini, who has sought to maintain continuity following last season's remarkable return to the Champions League after seven years. The match was decided by an exceptional partnership between Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, with Dybala providing three assists as Malen scored a hat-trick—extending the Dutch forward's remarkable run to 17 goals in his last 19 Serie A appearances. Niccolò Pisilli added the fourth goal from the bench. GialloRossi.net praised the performance as a statement of intent, noting Roma moved with tactical maturity and sustained the intensity that carried them through last season's comeback campaign.

Beyond the scoreline, the victory highlighted the development of younger talents within the squad. Rodrigo Mora, deployed in attacking midfield for an hour, displayed technical quality and intelligent movement, while 2007-born winger Emanuele Lulli made an assured debut with composure and personality, setting up the third goal and coming close to scoring. GialloRossi.net emphasised that both academy products merit continued development, signalling Roma's investment in youth alongside their established stars. The coverage reflects broader optimism that if Gasperini receives the final defensive reinforcements he has requested before the transfer window closes, Roma could build meaningfully on last season's success.

AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.

Testo Originale / Source Text

Da una parte una Fiorentina rinnovata nello spirito e nella rosa, dall'altra una Roma conservativa più per necessità che per virtù. In mezzo una partita che promette emozioni e scintille, perché se tra Gian Piero Gasperini e Fa-bio Grosso c'è un solco generazionale, i due sono accomunati da una…

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

Read original on Forza Roma

More Serie A

Lecce v Roma: Lulli and Molina battle for right-back spot
Serie ASquad News AI
1h ago

Lecce v Roma: Lulli and Molina battle for right-back spot

Roma travel to Lecce's Via del Mare stadium on 31 August at 18:30 for the second round of Serie A fixtures, looking to build on a convincing 4–0 victory over Fiorentina. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has few selection doubts, with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen leading the attack. The main uncertainty lies at right-back, where Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina are competing for the starting role. Gasperini will also be able to call on two new signings, Balerdi and De Roon. Multiple Italian outlets have published predicted lineups for the fixture. Most expect a 3–4–1–2 formation, with Roma's starting XI likely to feature Mile Svilar in goal, Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné in midfield, Wesley at left-back, Rodrigo Mora in an attacking midfield role, and Dybala and Malen in the forward line. The key variable remains the right-back position, with some outlets favouring Molina and others backing Lulli for the role.

Roma seek second straight win as Gasperini eyes final reinforcements
Match ReportTransfer News AI
1h ago

Roma seek second straight win as Gasperini eyes final reinforcements

Roma face Lecce at the Via del Mare at 18:30 in Serie A's second matchday, seeking to build on a strong opening victory against Fiorentina and maintain top spot before the transfer window closes. The mood at Trigoria has improved markedly following the arrival of two significant reinforcements: Leonardo Balerdi and Marten de Roon. The Dutch midfielder's swift acquisition from Atalanta enabled the sale of Neil El Aynaoui and brought the physicality and personality Gasperini explicitly requested to complete the squad. Gasperini is pleased with a more solid team but knows the final hours of the transfer market will be decisive. The coach hopes to add one more reinforcement on the left flank—either a defender or an attacking winger. He has praised young squad member Emanuele Lulli, who is responding well, but acknowledges the player cannot yet carry such responsibility alone. Regarding Matías Soulé, Gasperini stated he has received no official offers for the Argentine and will continue to field him regularly, despite reports and activity surrounding his future. Roma now focus on the pitch with a tricky test awaiting against Di Francesco's side, aiming to preserve their perfect record ahead of the transfer deadline.

Roma travel to Lecce for second matchday as Gasperini confirms Mora and calls on De Roon
Match ReportSquad News AI
2h ago

Roma travel to Lecce for second matchday as Gasperini confirms Mora and calls on De Roon

Roma travel to Lecce tonight at 18:30 for the second Serie A matchday, seeking to build on their 4-0 opening-day victory over Fiorentina and maintain their perfect record. Gasperini's side will be bolstered by two new arrivals: Leonardo Balerdi, brought in for the bench, and Marten de Roon, officially confirmed yesterday evening and immediately integrated into the travelling squad. Gasperini described both as "captains", emphasising that their arrival adds physicality, experience and personality to a squad facing a long season. The coach defended his team's opening performance in a press conference yesterday, insisting that despite Fiorentina's subsequent 3-0 home defeat to Frosinone, Roma's display at the Olimpico was "a proof of absolute value for intensity, quality and solidity". He intends to field a very similar starting XI at the Via del Mare. Rodrigo Mora continues to impress and is on track to start again in attack, while the main tactical question centres on the right flank: Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina remain in contention, with Lulli having made strong use of his opening opportunity while Molina gradually recovers his best condition. Matías Soulé also remains an option as a right-sided midfielder, a possibility Gasperini is considering but which appears to be a contingency rather than the first choice. Lecce arrive with momentum from their own opening win and will look to exploit home advantage under Eusebio Di Francesco. Roma will need rhythm, aggression and concentration to maintain their intensity; Gasperini wants a team capable of imposing its football again and confirming the mental and physical solidity shown against Fiorentina. A second consecutive victory would allow Roma to approach an increasingly demanding fixture list with genuine confidence.

GialloRossi.netRead original →

More on Paulo Dybala

Player profile →
Lecce v Roma: Lulli and Molina battle for right-back spot
Serie ASquad News AI
1h ago

Lecce v Roma: Lulli and Molina battle for right-back spot

Roma travel to Lecce's Via del Mare stadium on 31 August at 18:30 for the second round of Serie A fixtures, looking to build on a convincing 4–0 victory over Fiorentina. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has few selection doubts, with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen leading the attack. The main uncertainty lies at right-back, where Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina are competing for the starting role. Gasperini will also be able to call on two new signings, Balerdi and De Roon. Multiple Italian outlets have published predicted lineups for the fixture. Most expect a 3–4–1–2 formation, with Roma's starting XI likely to feature Mile Svilar in goal, Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné in midfield, Wesley at left-back, Rodrigo Mora in an attacking midfield role, and Dybala and Malen in the forward line. The key variable remains the right-back position, with some outlets favouring Molina and others backing Lulli for the role.

Gasperini backs Dybala and Malen partnership as Roma chase second consecutive win at Lecce
Serie ASquad News AI
2h ago

Gasperini backs Dybala and Malen partnership as Roma chase second consecutive win at Lecce

Roma travel to Lecce for their second Serie A fixture of the season on 31 August, with kickoff at 18:30 at Stadio Via del Mare. Gasperini's team aim to secure another victory and maintain top spot in the table after their opening performance against Fiorentina. The manager has requested his squad replicate that display while preparing for the intensity and atmosphere they will face in a competitive away match. Gasperini will again rely on the Dybala–Malen partnership in attack, according to reports, with the pair in excellent form and their understanding now a settled feature. Malen has a chance to achieve a notable milestone today: scoring at least four goals in the opening two matches, matching the feat achieved by Vincenzo Montella. Despite ongoing transfer speculation, Soulé will play regularly; Gasperini has confirmed the player's involvement and indicated he is ready to contribute in a demanding but crucial fixture for Roma's season. Two selection questions remain unresolved ahead of the match. A competition exists between Lulli and Molina for the right-back position, while the midfield—specifically the role behind the striker—is still being evaluated, with Mora under consideration. The squad list is otherwise settled for what promises to be a significant test of Roma's title credentials.

Lecce vs Roma: Dybala and Malen certain, Soulé in doubt
Squad NewsSerie A AI
2h ago

Lecce vs Roma: Dybala and Malen certain, Soulé in doubt

Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are set to lead Roma's attack in the coming fixture after Gasperini's side won their opening match against Fiorentina. The defence remains unchanged, with Gianluca Mancini leading Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, while the right-sided midfield spot is in contention between Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina. Rodrigo Mora appears assured of a starting role in the attacking midfield position, though Matías Soulé—who has been at the centre of transfer speculation—offers an alternative. De Roon joined the squad today and will be available from the bench for his Roma debut. The Italian newspapers project five likely lineups in a 3-4-1-2 formation, with most backing Lulli at right-back over Molina, though La Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttosport diverge from the consensus. Tuttosport fields Soulé in a 3-4-2-1 shape, pairing him with Dybala ahead of Malen, while the other four outlets retain Mora in the number 10 role with Dybala and Malen as the primary attacking pair. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné remain central midfield constants, with Wesley deployed on the left.

More on Donyell Malen

Player profile →
Lecce v Roma: Lulli and Molina battle for right-back spot
Serie ASquad News AI
1h ago

Lecce v Roma: Lulli and Molina battle for right-back spot

Roma travel to Lecce's Via del Mare stadium on 31 August at 18:30 for the second round of Serie A fixtures, looking to build on a convincing 4–0 victory over Fiorentina. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has few selection doubts, with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen leading the attack. The main uncertainty lies at right-back, where Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina are competing for the starting role. Gasperini will also be able to call on two new signings, Balerdi and De Roon. Multiple Italian outlets have published predicted lineups for the fixture. Most expect a 3–4–1–2 formation, with Roma's starting XI likely to feature Mile Svilar in goal, Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné in midfield, Wesley at left-back, Rodrigo Mora in an attacking midfield role, and Dybala and Malen in the forward line. The key variable remains the right-back position, with some outlets favouring Molina and others backing Lulli for the role.

Gasperini backs Dybala and Malen partnership as Roma chase second consecutive win at Lecce
Serie ASquad News AI
2h ago

Gasperini backs Dybala and Malen partnership as Roma chase second consecutive win at Lecce

Roma travel to Lecce for their second Serie A fixture of the season on 31 August, with kickoff at 18:30 at Stadio Via del Mare. Gasperini's team aim to secure another victory and maintain top spot in the table after their opening performance against Fiorentina. The manager has requested his squad replicate that display while preparing for the intensity and atmosphere they will face in a competitive away match. Gasperini will again rely on the Dybala–Malen partnership in attack, according to reports, with the pair in excellent form and their understanding now a settled feature. Malen has a chance to achieve a notable milestone today: scoring at least four goals in the opening two matches, matching the feat achieved by Vincenzo Montella. Despite ongoing transfer speculation, Soulé will play regularly; Gasperini has confirmed the player's involvement and indicated he is ready to contribute in a demanding but crucial fixture for Roma's season. Two selection questions remain unresolved ahead of the match. A competition exists between Lulli and Molina for the right-back position, while the midfield—specifically the role behind the striker—is still being evaluated, with Mora under consideration. The squad list is otherwise settled for what promises to be a significant test of Roma's title credentials.

Lecce vs Roma: Dybala and Malen certain, Soulé in doubt
Squad NewsSerie A AI
2h ago

Lecce vs Roma: Dybala and Malen certain, Soulé in doubt

Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are set to lead Roma's attack in the coming fixture after Gasperini's side won their opening match against Fiorentina. The defence remains unchanged, with Gianluca Mancini leading Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, while the right-sided midfield spot is in contention between Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina. Rodrigo Mora appears assured of a starting role in the attacking midfield position, though Matías Soulé—who has been at the centre of transfer speculation—offers an alternative. De Roon joined the squad today and will be available from the bench for his Roma debut. The Italian newspapers project five likely lineups in a 3-4-1-2 formation, with most backing Lulli at right-back over Molina, though La Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttosport diverge from the consensus. Tuttosport fields Soulé in a 3-4-2-1 shape, pairing him with Dybala ahead of Malen, while the other four outlets retain Mora in the number 10 role with Dybala and Malen as the primary attacking pair. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné remain central midfield constants, with Wesley deployed on the left.

More on Rodrigo Mora

Player profile →
Lecce v Roma: Lulli and Molina battle for right-back spot
Serie ASquad News AI
1h ago

Lecce v Roma: Lulli and Molina battle for right-back spot

Roma travel to Lecce's Via del Mare stadium on 31 August at 18:30 for the second round of Serie A fixtures, looking to build on a convincing 4–0 victory over Fiorentina. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has few selection doubts, with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen leading the attack. The main uncertainty lies at right-back, where Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina are competing for the starting role. Gasperini will also be able to call on two new signings, Balerdi and De Roon. Multiple Italian outlets have published predicted lineups for the fixture. Most expect a 3–4–1–2 formation, with Roma's starting XI likely to feature Mile Svilar in goal, Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné in midfield, Wesley at left-back, Rodrigo Mora in an attacking midfield role, and Dybala and Malen in the forward line. The key variable remains the right-back position, with some outlets favouring Molina and others backing Lulli for the role.

Roma travel to Lecce for second matchday as Gasperini confirms Mora and calls on De Roon
Match ReportSquad News AI
2h ago

Roma travel to Lecce for second matchday as Gasperini confirms Mora and calls on De Roon

Roma travel to Lecce tonight at 18:30 for the second Serie A matchday, seeking to build on their 4-0 opening-day victory over Fiorentina and maintain their perfect record. Gasperini's side will be bolstered by two new arrivals: Leonardo Balerdi, brought in for the bench, and Marten de Roon, officially confirmed yesterday evening and immediately integrated into the travelling squad. Gasperini described both as "captains", emphasising that their arrival adds physicality, experience and personality to a squad facing a long season. The coach defended his team's opening performance in a press conference yesterday, insisting that despite Fiorentina's subsequent 3-0 home defeat to Frosinone, Roma's display at the Olimpico was "a proof of absolute value for intensity, quality and solidity". He intends to field a very similar starting XI at the Via del Mare. Rodrigo Mora continues to impress and is on track to start again in attack, while the main tactical question centres on the right flank: Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina remain in contention, with Lulli having made strong use of his opening opportunity while Molina gradually recovers his best condition. Matías Soulé also remains an option as a right-sided midfielder, a possibility Gasperini is considering but which appears to be a contingency rather than the first choice. Lecce arrive with momentum from their own opening win and will look to exploit home advantage under Eusebio Di Francesco. Roma will need rhythm, aggression and concentration to maintain their intensity; Gasperini wants a team capable of imposing its football again and confirming the mental and physical solidity shown against Fiorentina. A second consecutive victory would allow Roma to approach an increasingly demanding fixture list with genuine confidence.

GialloRossi.netRead original →
Gasperini backs Dybala and Malen partnership as Roma chase second consecutive win at Lecce
Serie ASquad News AI
2h ago

Gasperini backs Dybala and Malen partnership as Roma chase second consecutive win at Lecce

Roma travel to Lecce for their second Serie A fixture of the season on 31 August, with kickoff at 18:30 at Stadio Via del Mare. Gasperini's team aim to secure another victory and maintain top spot in the table after their opening performance against Fiorentina. The manager has requested his squad replicate that display while preparing for the intensity and atmosphere they will face in a competitive away match. Gasperini will again rely on the Dybala–Malen partnership in attack, according to reports, with the pair in excellent form and their understanding now a settled feature. Malen has a chance to achieve a notable milestone today: scoring at least four goals in the opening two matches, matching the feat achieved by Vincenzo Montella. Despite ongoing transfer speculation, Soulé will play regularly; Gasperini has confirmed the player's involvement and indicated he is ready to contribute in a demanding but crucial fixture for Roma's season. Two selection questions remain unresolved ahead of the match. A competition exists between Lulli and Molina for the right-back position, while the midfield—specifically the role behind the striker—is still being evaluated, with Mora under consideration. The squad list is otherwise settled for what promises to be a significant test of Roma's title credentials.

Feedback