Romano's sale marks latest academy profit as Roma's youth factory continues to yield returns

Roma's radio commentators have dissected the club's transfer position and recent on-field performance in a wide-ranging discussion centred on left-back Jayden Oosterwolde's medical status, midfielder Franck Kessié's availability and an ongoing push to strengthen the forward line. Oosterwolde suffered an injury on 5 August initially thought minor, but subsequent assessments suggest a tendon issue that could sideline him for five to eight weeks, pointing towards a late September or mid-October return. David Rossi of Rete Sport said: "On Oosterwolde there are further medical examinations; the Fenerbahce had sent documents to Roma to say 'look, everything is fine' and that could have raised more concerns at Trigoria. I think Lulli's performance the other night has caused Roma some doubts." The injury timeline and medical uncertainty have reportedly prompted Roma to seek clarity on his availability before finalising any deal. The debate on Kessié centred on whether his reported availability at no cost represents value. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo argued: "This was El Aynaoui's moment—he played in the cup and was praised as one of his country's best midfielders, and it seems he asked Roma for a starting position. That means he'd have to sit out either Cristante or Koné, and I think Gasperini will never leave those two out right now. For that reason Roma told him to find another solution without any hard feelings. Kessié at no cost I'd agree with, but I don't think he'll settle for one and a half million. For me El Aynaoui is better—he's younger, a different prospect." Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo added: "Kessié is very close to Juventus; you'd have to prize him away from them, but I don't know if that's possible. Kessié is 29 and I checked his injury history—he's never had any particular problems. It surprises me; it probably comes from the player's unhappiness, because Gasperini had said the midfield package was what it was. It surprises me that now this midfield problem emerges, given that Roma already has other things to solve and needs to complete its market." Radio voices also highlighted the possibility of late-window movement on the wing, with alternatives such as Nusa (now out of budget following RB Leipzig's salary restructuring after the Diomande sale), Fofana, and unconfirmed targets discussed. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said Roma has "the intention" to add an attacking winger in the final days of the window, while Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio highlighted Paulo Dybala's fitness as "the thing I liked most," noting Gasperini's suggestion the forward could handle extra time.

Roma have inserted themselves forcefully into the race for Franck Kessié. On the evening of 25 August, the club met with the Ivorian midfielder's agent at a hotel in Rome and presented their offer during talks. The move represents a concrete step that could shift Juventus's strategy; the Bianconeri had appeared to be leading the pursuit but may now be forced to accelerate their efforts to avoid being overtaken. However, Juventus first need to free up salary space, and the sale of Miretti alone may not be sufficient to do so. Juventus's proposal stands at two years plus an option for a third season worth approximately €4 million plus bonuses. Roma are now fully engaged in the competition and have made a tangible move by engaging directly with Kessié's representatives. The coming hours are expected to be decisive for the midfielder's future as Roma and Juventus prepare to battle for his signature.

Roma is exploring a change to the structure of the Jayden Oosterwolde transfer from Fenerbahce, according to Il Messaggero, having requested additional medical examinations to assess the Dutch defender's physical condition. The club is particularly concerned about a muscular injury sustained by Oosterwolde in early August, with previous reports suggesting a possible return around the end of September. Roma want precise clarity on his actual recovery timeline because if the absence extends longer than anticipated, it could become problematic for a squad in need of immediately available alternatives on the flanks. The original agreement with Fenerbahce was structured as a loan with a right of purchase that would become an obligation if certain conditions were met. However, given the uncertainty surrounding Oosterwolde's fitness, Roma now prefer to convert the deal into an outright loan, avoiding any commitment to a permanent acquisition at this stage. This represents a substantial shift because Fenerbahce would need to accept a formula entirely different from the one on which an initial agreement had been reached. Decisive further medical checks were scheduled for today to determine when Oosterwolde can return to availability for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Roma will only proceed with a definitive decision on the transfer once those results are known.

Andrea Stramaccioni has praised Roma's performance against Fiorentina, saying the club can position itself as a serious challenger to Inter and Napoli if they add one final piece to complete the left side of attack for Gasperini. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Stramaccioni said: "If they add one last piece to make Gasperini happy and complete the left side of the attack, in my view they can position themselves as immediate rivals to Inter and Napoli." Watching Roma live on 24 August, Stramaccioni was struck by their intensity and consistency. "It is rare to see a team play at these rhythms for 90 minutes," he said. Dybala's performance particularly impressed him: the Argentine created three assists from three ball-carrying accelerations and made a defensive recovery in the 75th minute on the halfway line. "In these conditions in our Serie A it becomes very difficult to stop them. And the chemistry with Malen is natural football chemistry." Stramaccioni also highlighted Koné's world-class level, praised Rodrigo Mora's previously missing characteristics, and noted the strength of Roma's Italian spine—Mancini, Cristante, and Pellegrini—all of whom renewed their contracts at Gasperini's insistence. Asked whether the title picture had shifted before matchday one, Stramaccioni acknowledged it is early with transfers and squads still being completed, but said: "Inter and Roma have made a very strong start: they have clear and defined ideas of play."

Andrea Stramaccioni believes Roma need only one more signing to establish themselves as genuine challengers to Inter and Napoli this season. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the analyst was impressed by Roma's league debut: "If they add one final piece to make Gasperini happy and complete the left side of the attack, Roma can position themselves as an immediate antagonist to Inter and Napoli." Stramaccioni highlighted the intensity and consistency of Roma's opening performance. "On 24 August it is rare to see a team play at these rhythms for 90 minutes," he said. He singled out Paulo Dybala's creativity and work rate—"three assists following three accelerations with the ball at his feet, and at 75' he made a defensive run to win the ball back on the midfield line"—and praised the natural chemistry between Dybala and Donyell Malen. He also commended Manu Koné as "at world level" and identified Rodrigo Mora as bringing characteristics the squad previously lacked. Stramaccioni emphasised the strength of Roma's midfield and defence, describing the "personality, strength and solidity of the Italian spine" reinforced by Gasperini's priority renewals of Gianluca Mancini, Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini. On the wider title race, he added: "It is early—the market and squads are still to be completed—but Inter and Roma have started very strong: clear and defined ideas of play."

Emanuele Lulli, 19, made his Serie A debut as a starter for Roma at the Olimpico in front of over 65,000 supporters, marking a storybook entry to senior football. The academy product was handed the opportunity after Devyne Rensch withdrew in the final training session and Nahuel Molina's fitness remained questionable, prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to deploy the young winger. Earlier in July, when Avellino showed interest in Lulli, Gasperini had been unequivocal with director D'Amico, insisting the teenager remain with the first-team squad. Growing up in Palestrina in a working-class household—his father works as a bricklayer—Lulli began playing in a local youth academy at age 6 before being spotted at 14 by legend Bruno Conti, who brought him to Trigoria. Originally deployed as a midfielder, he was repositioned to the wing by coach Gianluca Falsini and has remained there since. He continues to live in Palestrina with his parents and older brother, commuting 80 kilometres daily each way to train at Roma's Trigoria complex. In the dressing room, Lulli has already earned the affection of his teammates: Gianluca Mancini has given him the affectionate nickname "Crazy Horse", while Mancini and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini—who shares the same representation agency as Lulli—have taken him under their wing as he embarks on his professional career.