Roma to face Borussia Dortmund without Pellegrini and Pisilli

Roma are pursuing Lyon winger Malick Fofana as a candidate to fill the left-wing slot in attack, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini attracted to the 2005-born player's attributes and potential for development. The club could make a move for Fofana if negotiations with Porto over Rodrigo Mora collapse. Lyon's financial demands have softened in recent weeks, according to reports, with a deal now possible for a fee below €40 million. Fofana remains one of Roma's primary targets for the left-wing position as the transfer window continues. The main uncertainty surrounding any potential agreement centres on the player's physical condition, as he dealt with multiple injuries during the previous season.

Roma's transfer hunt for a left-sided winger remains a key focus of debate among the club's media circle. Carina highlighted Rodrigo Mora as a critical target, noting that agent Jorge Mendes is working to resolve a rift between the two clubs. Gasperini showed interest in Christopher Nkunku in January and remains keen now, but the obstacle is his salary: "the player earns over 5 million a year," Carina said. Pruzzo assessed the available alternatives critically, arguing that Luis Henrique and Cacciamani are not players capable of delivering a quality leap forward. He suggested Luis Henrique on loan with a purchase option would be viable, but rejected a €30 million outright fee. Pruzzo backed Matías Soulé's retention despite two years at the club without a breakthrough: "I would keep him, hoping he finds optimal condition and confidence in himself and his qualities to become a squad player." The broader transfer challenge facing Roma emerged in commentary from Mattioli and Orsi. Mattioli noted that market activity has stalled on several fronts, citing the Fofana case as evidence of the club's inability to push past certain financial limits. Orsi flagged a wider puzzle: despite a year of searching, Roma has failed to identify and secure a right-footed left winger. Orsi also suggested that if Roma received €45 million for Mile Svilar, he would sell the goalkeeper and move for Vicario instead.

Roma have reopened contact with Olympique Lyonnais over winger Malick Fofana as contingency planning continues around their pursuit of Porto's Rodrigo Mora. Sporting director D'Amico has sought fresh information on the Belgian winger, born in 2005, who is valued by Lyon at a minimum of €40 million. Transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà reported on X that Lyon's valuation is decreasing, potentially making a move more feasible if Roma's bid for Mora falls through. The 21-year-old Fofana had been tracked by Roma in recent weeks, though concerns over his fitness have previously complicated the potential deal. By revisiting the player's profile now, Roma are preparing for multiple outcomes as they await a definitive response from Porto regarding Mora. The prospect of a lower price tag from Lyon could help Roma navigate a complex transfer window where securing reinforcements remains a priority.

Roma's editorial team has compiled an ideal eleven of players who have shone in the Derby della Capitale, honouring the club's 99-year history and the unique intensity of matches against Lazio. The selection spans from the earliest encounters to the modern era, recognising that some figures merit inclusion across multiple categories. The article traces derby excellence from the club's founding. Volk scored in the first match on 8 December 1929 and went on to net seven consecutive derby goals—a record unmatched to this day. Bernardini delivered a 5–0 victory at Campo Testaccio in 1933 with Fulvio adding a brace and Ernesto Tomasi scoring three. The narrative progresses through Amadei's eight goals against Lazio during Roma's first Serie A title, Faotto's own goal that contributed to victory, and defenders like Cafu, who famously nutmegged Nedved three times in succession. More recent heroes include Da Costa with eleven derby goals, Totti matching that tally, and Delvecchio, whose nine goals epitomise Lazio's nightmare. Pellegrini has scored four derby masterpieces, all beneath the Curva Nord and each coinciding with Roma victory; Mancini added three goals and one celebrated flag-waving moment.

Matías Soulé remains at the heart of Roma's plans despite two months of transfer speculation, with no concrete offer materializing as the summer window enters its final stretch. The Argentine winger has impressed Gasperini during pre-season preparations and is expected to feature in Roma's friendly against Borussia Dortmund tomorrow at 17:30, partnering Paulo Dybala on the attacking line. Soulé's willingness to stay is understood to be genuine, though he is aware that Roma would consider a serious bid should one arrive. Soulé is now the sole natural wide attacker in Roma's squad, with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Niccolò Pisilli both sidelined by injury. His performances in capital-based training and across pre-season matches in the UK have earned Gasperini's approval. Borussia Dortmund made an enquiry in June but never pursued a formal approach. Soulé's situation reflects a broader challenge: Roma's various targets have fallen through one by one, and with less than a fortnight remaining before the window closes, his continued presence has shifted from unlikely to increasingly probable. Roma's Argentine contingent has grown with the arrival of Molina, who trained with the group yesterday. The club now boasts Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Molina and Castro among its Argentine contingent—the largest concentration since the post-Scudetto era, when Samuel, Batistuta, Cufré, Balbo and Cejas were all on the books.

Matías Soulé has emerged as an unexpectedly valuable squad member for Roma ahead of the club's friendly against Borussia Dortmund on 15 August at 17:30. Two months of uncertainty in the transfer market—with multiple enquiries but no formal offers—have left him as Roma's sole pure winger, securing his position as Gasperini eyes him for the Dortmund clash alongside Paulo Dybala. The German club itself conducted a June inquiry without following through on a move. Soulé's expected permanence comes as Roma now hosts a substantial Argentine contingent. Molina joined the group yesterday for his first training session, joining Dybala, Castro, and Soulé—a concentration of Argentine talent unseen since the year following the Scudetto, when Samuel, Batistuta, Cufré, Balbo and Cejas were at the club. The winger's willingness to stay has been constant; he wishes to play Champions League football but understands the club would consider any offer that arrived. His impressive performances across the capital and in pre-season fixtures have impressed the coach. Soulé's prospects are strengthened by injuries elsewhere: Lorenzo Pellegrini and Niccolò Pisilli remain sidelined, leaving the attacking midfield ranks thin. The former Juventus player, once in an outcast role, now offers Gasperini tactical flexibility heading into the competitive season.

Matías Soulé remains at the heart of Roma's plans despite two months of transfer speculation, with no concrete offer materializing as the summer window enters its final stretch. The Argentine winger has impressed Gasperini during pre-season preparations and is expected to feature in Roma's friendly against Borussia Dortmund tomorrow at 17:30, partnering Paulo Dybala on the attacking line. Soulé's willingness to stay is understood to be genuine, though he is aware that Roma would consider a serious bid should one arrive. Soulé is now the sole natural wide attacker in Roma's squad, with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Niccolò Pisilli both sidelined by injury. His performances in capital-based training and across pre-season matches in the UK have earned Gasperini's approval. Borussia Dortmund made an enquiry in June but never pursued a formal approach. Soulé's situation reflects a broader challenge: Roma's various targets have fallen through one by one, and with less than a fortnight remaining before the window closes, his continued presence has shifted from unlikely to increasingly probable. Roma's Argentine contingent has grown with the arrival of Molina, who trained with the group yesterday. The club now boasts Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Molina and Castro among its Argentine contingent—the largest concentration since the post-Scudetto era, when Samuel, Batistuta, Cufré, Balbo and Cejas were all on the books.

Matías Soulé has emerged as an unexpectedly valuable squad member for Roma ahead of the club's friendly against Borussia Dortmund on 15 August at 17:30. Two months of uncertainty in the transfer market—with multiple enquiries but no formal offers—have left him as Roma's sole pure winger, securing his position as Gasperini eyes him for the Dortmund clash alongside Paulo Dybala. The German club itself conducted a June inquiry without following through on a move. Soulé's expected permanence comes as Roma now hosts a substantial Argentine contingent. Molina joined the group yesterday for his first training session, joining Dybala, Castro, and Soulé—a concentration of Argentine talent unseen since the year following the Scudetto, when Samuel, Batistuta, Cufré, Balbo and Cejas were at the club. The winger's willingness to stay has been constant; he wishes to play Champions League football but understands the club would consider any offer that arrived. His impressive performances across the capital and in pre-season fixtures have impressed the coach. Soulé's prospects are strengthened by injuries elsewhere: Lorenzo Pellegrini and Niccolò Pisilli remain sidelined, leaving the attacking midfield ranks thin. The former Juventus player, once in an outcast role, now offers Gasperini tactical flexibility heading into the competitive season.

Nahuel Molina trained with Roma for the first time on 13 August, a day after his official arrival was confirmed. The Argentine right-back took part in the squad's preparation at Trigoria ahead of a friendly against Borussia Dortmund scheduled for 15 July at 17:30. CEO John Galantic attended the session from the sideline to monitor the new arrival's integration. Molina's debut in giallorossi colours marks another addition to Gasperini's squad as Roma continue their pre-season build-up for the 2026-27 campaign. The club will be without Lorenzo Pellegrini and Niccolò Pisilli for the time being, both remaining unavailable during this training phase. Molina's arrival strengthens Roma's options in defence as the season approaches. The friendly against Dortmund will offer an early chance to assess the new defender's form and understanding with his teammates ahead of competitive fixtures.

Artem Dovbyk has explained his difficult final season at Roma after joining Bologna on loan with a right of purchase, in a swap deal that saw Santiago Castro move in the opposite direction. The Ukrainian striker told Il Messaggero that he lost confidence under the pressure at the Stadio Olimpico. "Last season was difficult, with injury, but that came later," Dovbyk said. "After pre-season Roma told me to look for minutes elsewhere, but there wasn't time. I was very close to Milan, but there were three days left in the transfer window and it didn't happen. I stayed and tried to convince the manager I deserved more space, but I started the season playing little and they made clear I would be the backup striker. I was preparing for a long season as the main man, and it was hard to accept that wouldn't happen. I played less and less and wasn't enjoying it anymore. Then I got injured." Dovbyk reflected on the unique pressures of playing for Roma compared to his previous spell in Spain. "There are fantastic players there in my position, like Dybala, Soulé, El Shaarawy," he explained. "But playing there is different—there's so much pressure, mistakes aren't an option. Sometimes I'd get just one chance in a match, and if I didn't score it was over. Many managers came and went, and the club changed a lot too, and from the pitch it was hard to understand all that. Several of us couldn't give our best. Even someone like Dybala struggled." At Bologna, Dovbyk feels valued again: "I'm physically fine now and starting a new challenge. At Bologna I felt welcomed by a strong group, a family. I hope soon I'll show my best version here—now I feel I can enjoy football again."

Matías Soulé remains at the heart of Roma's plans despite two months of transfer speculation, with no concrete offer materializing as the summer window enters its final stretch. The Argentine winger has impressed Gasperini during pre-season preparations and is expected to feature in Roma's friendly against Borussia Dortmund tomorrow at 17:30, partnering Paulo Dybala on the attacking line. Soulé's willingness to stay is understood to be genuine, though he is aware that Roma would consider a serious bid should one arrive. Soulé is now the sole natural wide attacker in Roma's squad, with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Niccolò Pisilli both sidelined by injury. His performances in capital-based training and across pre-season matches in the UK have earned Gasperini's approval. Borussia Dortmund made an enquiry in June but never pursued a formal approach. Soulé's situation reflects a broader challenge: Roma's various targets have fallen through one by one, and with less than a fortnight remaining before the window closes, his continued presence has shifted from unlikely to increasingly probable. Roma's Argentine contingent has grown with the arrival of Molina, who trained with the group yesterday. The club now boasts Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Molina and Castro among its Argentine contingent—the largest concentration since the post-Scudetto era, when Samuel, Batistuta, Cufré, Balbo and Cejas were all on the books.

Artem Dovbyk has joined Bologna on loan with a right of purchase, ending his two-year spell at Roma. The Ukrainian striker spoke candidly about his experience at the Giallorossi, revealing that he was told to leave during the summer transfer window but a move to Milan fell through with three days remaining in the market. Dovbyk explained the difficulties of playing under sustained pressure at Roma. "The last season was hard, because of the injury, sure, but that came after," he said. "I was playing less and less and I wasn't enjoying myself any more. Giocando là è diverso, c'è tanta pressione, l'errore non è un'opzione." He highlighted that while talented attackers like Dybala, Soulé, and El Shaarawy played at the club, the environment left little room for error. "In a match I might get just one chance, and if I didn't score it was over," he added. Dovbyk said multiple coaching changes at Roma compounded his difficulty in understanding the club's direction. He is now looking to rebuild his career at Bologna, where he feels welcomed by the group. "Physically I'm fine now, a new challenge begins for my career. At Bologna I felt welcomed by a strong group, a family," he said. "When people believe in you, everything is different. Here I'm finding that emotion again, I feel important to Bologna." He also praised the city itself, calling it more compact and less chaotic than Rome.