Roma to hold talks with Torino over Cacciamani transfer

Roma director Ghiglione is preparing a decisive push for Atlético Madrid right-back Molina after negotiations for Read stalled. The club's initial offer of €17 million was rejected, but another attempt is planned in the coming days. The 28-year-old Argentine, whose contract with Atlético runs until 2027, fits the profile Gasperini has sought in recent weeks: pace, intensity, ability to attack depth, crossing quality, and full-width defensive capability. Molina was born on 6 April 1998 in Embalse, a small town in Córdoba province. At just 11 years old, he left home and family to join Boca Juniors' youth system in Buenos Aires—a pivotal decision that launched his career. His exceptional speed earned him the nickname "El Galgo" (the greyhound). Originally a striker, Molina was repositioned to right-back, where he found his true calling. After spells at Defensa y Justicia and Rosario Central, he joined Udinese in 2020, where he made 68 appearances over two seasons, scoring 10 goals and providing 7 assists—figures that impressed Gasperini. In 2022, Molina's career reached its peak: he won the Qatar World Cup as a protagonist, scoring against Australia in the last 16, and added the Copa América (2021), Finalissima (2022), and Copa América (2024) to his honours. At Roma, only Paulo Dybala shares World Cup-winner status. Molina described the experience: "When you're a child you dream of these moments, but living them is something indescribable." He is one of Scaloni's trusted lieutenants and holds Messi as an idol: "Messi is the best player in history; it is a pride to play at his side."

Roma have accelerated their search for reinforcements on the flanks after negotiations for Givairo Read grew complicated. Sporting director Tony D'Amico has turned his attention to Nahuel Molina, with the Giallorossi submitting an offer worth approximately €17 million plus bonuses to Atlético Madrid. Roma are also in talks with the player over salary and contract length. The bid has been welcomed by Roma supporters hoping for progress in the transfer market, and notably by Atlético fans, who appear unconcerned about a potential departure. One Atlético supporter wrote: "Riusciremo a vendere Molina, Almada e Ruggeri nella stessa settimana? Se questo è un sogno, che nessuno mi svegli" (Can we sell Molina, Almada and Ruggeri in the same week? If this is a dream, don't wake me up), while another added: "Molina lo porto io in braccio" (I'll carry Molina in my arms). Atlético appear willing to consider sales of Matteo Ruggeri and Thiago Almada as well, neither of whom seems to be a priority at the club. The coming days could prove decisive as D'Amico works to provide manager Gian Piero Gasperini with attacking reinforcements on the wings. Molina currently represents the most concrete target on Roma's list.

Roma have accelerated their pursuit of Nahuel Molina, the Atlético Madrid winger, after Feyenoord continued to resist their advances for Givairo Read. Director D'Amico and head coach Gasperini had decided to push hard for Read with a substantial offer, but the Dutch club's resistance has prompted Roma to pivot toward the Argentine full-back instead. Molina, born in 1998, previously played in Serie A between 2020 and 2022 for Udinese, giving him familiarity with Italian football. The move represents a change of strategy after Read's asking price proved prohibitive for the club's current budget constraints. Roma will now monitor how negotiations develop with the Atlético Madrid player as they reshape their recruitment plans for the flank position. No fee or contract terms for a Molina deal have been disclosed at this stage.

Paolo Marcacci's weekly ratings column examines the week in football, with several entries touching on Roma's early summer activity. Angeliño earns praise for his dignified handling of adversity both on and off the pitch, while his standing with Roma supporters remains firm regardless of what lies ahead. Gasperini's words have sealed the club's confidence in the Castro purchase, a signing valued favourably against recent acquisitions, and the coach's comments at Cardiff reflect a measured impatience: with twenty days until the season opener, more players are still needed despite the calibre of those already recruited. Pellegrini's contract situation continues toward resolution, though lingering hesitation leaves an air of awkwardness surrounding the matter. The column also revisits Franco Baresi's legacy as one of football's rarest defenders—a player who would have been exceptional in any era. His influence on Milan's honours, including their first Scudetto with Rivera and Capello, transcended the ceremonial role of captain. Meanwhile, Dybala's preseason has impressed, with a clean knee and renewed stability allowing his creativity and hunger for consistency to flourish. The broader narrative captures Roma's transfer strategy and the coach's patient but increasingly urgent call for more depth before the campaign begins.

Roma are accelerating departures to Spanish football this summer. Marash Kumbulla is moving closer to Rayo Vallecano after earlier spells with Espanyol and Maiorca. The centre-back has approved the switch and further talks between Roma and the Madrid club are scheduled in the coming days to finalise a loan deal with a right of redemption. Angeliño is leaving after two and a half seasons in giallorosso. The Spanish left-back will rejoin La Liga with Deportivo La Coruña on loan with an obligation to buy set at €2.5 million. On 4 August he underwent medical checks after linking up with the newly promoted club in Florence, where they were preparing for a friendly against Fiorentina. Angeliño had become a cornerstone of Roma's resurgence under former manager Claudio Ranieri, delivering crucial performances and goals on the left flank following the difficulties of the previous tactical setup.

Angeliño is departing AS Roma after two and a half years. The Spanish left-back will undergo a medical with Deportivo La Coruña on 4 August, initially scheduled in La Coruña but now to take place in Florence where Roma are playing a friendly against Fiorentina. Angeliño will join the newly promoted Liga side this evening ahead of the Florence fixture. The transfer is structured as a loan with an obligation to buy set at €2.5 million. Gasperini has opted to move Angeliño on after the player failed to impress during the early stages of pre-season. Last season was hampered by injuries for the 1997-born defender, who began his professional career at Deportivo and will now return to the club where he first made his mark in the game. The operation concludes Roma's pursuit of alternatives in the left-back area as Gasperini shapes his squad for the 2026–27 campaign. Angeliño, who joined Roma in May 2024, departs as the club's number 3.

Mario Hermoso put Roma ahead in the 38th minute during their second pre-season friendly in Wales against Newport County at Rodney Parade. Bryan Cristante recovered possession to launch the move, then found Hermoso with the help of a deflection off Castro, with the Spanish defender finishing from close range to settle the opening period at 1–0. Gasperini's side began slowly but grew into the match. Mile Svilar made a vital save in the 14th minute to deny Doidge after the Newport forward was left unmarked, while Paulo Dybala and Castro posed occasional threats in attack. Newport threatened early through Biggins, whose long-range effort struck the crossbar in the 4th minute, but Roma's defence gradually tightened. The friendly served as a fitness-building exercise during the Wales training camp. Donyell Malen was absent through fever. Gasperini made a tactical adjustment in the 36th minute, switching Wesley to the right flank and Devyne Rensch to the left. Jenkins received a booking for Newport in the 40th minute. The match was officiated by Martin, with Tweson-Morris and Hooper as assistants.

Donyell Malen will miss Roma's friendly against Newport this evening (kickoff 19:00) due to fever, though the Dutch winger is expected to return within days and will be available for Saturday's fixture against Brighton at 15:00. Castro takes his place in attack alongside Paulo Dybala, a pairing that worked in a previous friendly at Cardiff. Wesley has recovered from a right ankle problem and was included in the squad. Koulierakis, another recent addition, starts from the first minute. Vice-president Ryan Friedkin joined the squad at Vale Resort ahead of the match. Malen's absence is not deemed serious and he is expected to be fully fit for the Brighton game on Saturday.

Roma are pressing ahead with their pursuit of Torino left-back Alessio Cacciamani, planning another meeting with the Serie A club in the coming days to break the deadlock. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is keen on the 2007-born prospect as a deputy to Wesley in the left-wing role, and sporting director D'Amico has already tabled an opening bid of €7 million. Torino president Cairo rejected that offer, valuing the player at approximately €15 million. Roma continue their summer recruitment drive as they prepare for a return to the Champions League. D'Amico remains focused on strengthening the right flank as well, with Givairo Read and Nahuel Molina high on the shortlist—a first offer to Atlético Madrid has already been submitted for Molina, though Read's transfer talks are proving complex. Gasperini has made clear that reinforcements are needed promptly, and D'Amico is determined to accelerate several inbound deals in the weeks ahead. The two clubs are expected to resume negotiations soon as Roma seek to convince Cairo to part with Cacciamani at a lower fee than his €15 million valuation.