Roma's last signing no longer certain as UEFA rules tighten Fofana pursuit; Gittens back in focus

Roma are targeting Leonardo Balerdi to strengthen their defence as Jan Ziółkowski prepares to leave for Monza. The 27-year-old Argentine centre-back, who rose through Boca Juniors and Borussia Dortmund before establishing himself at Marseille, brings high-level experience and solid international credentials. Balerdi is no conventional stopper of muscle and clearances. His principal strength is his relationship with the ball: he enjoys building from the back, escaping pressure, playing vertical passes and carrying possession out of defence. Last season he ranked among defenders with the highest percentages for completed passes and accuracy in forward play. He is also an aggressive centre-back who prefers to anticipate the striker rather than wait inside the area, and plays with personality and authority — he is comfortable in a three-man defence, where his ability to step up against an attacker plays to his strengths. Yet his asset is also his liability. Balerdi's technical confidence sometimes leads him to attempt one more action than necessary. When an exit goes wrong or he loses position, the error can be costly. This happened repeatedly at Marseille, and the alternation between excellent displays and occasional lapses drew criticism and whistles from the Vélodrome crowd. In short: he is not a faultless defender, but a modern, technical and courageous centre-back. If he can limit his distractions, he can be a player of significant calibre. A right calf injury in March was followed by another in June that forced him to withdraw from Argentina's Copa América squad. The problem appeared resolved during pre-season when he returned to regular action, but in August he felt fresh calf pain and missed Marseille's opening league match against Strasbourg. This does not necessarily signal a fragile player, but it is an aspect Roma will need to examine carefully during medical checks. Compared to Ziółkowski, Balerdi would represent a clear shift: less prospect of future development, but far more immediate experience. He would arrive ready from the start, with quality on the ball and commanding presence.

Roma have agreed personal terms with Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi and are pushing to complete the deal, with the French club accepting a loan with a mandatory purchase option under certain conditions. The move comes after Jan Ziółkowski's departure on loan to Monza and Roma's pursuit of alternative defensive reinforcements. With Nottingham Forest blocking a move for Morato, the club accelerated their pursuit of Balerdi on 28 August. The Argentine centre-back, born in 1999 and currently at Marseille, emerged as the primary target to strengthen the defence. Roma have put forward a proposal involving a loan with a right to buy that becomes an obligation upon the occurrence of specific conditions. According to reports, the formula is favoured by all parties involved. Negotiations between Roma and Marseille continued throughout the day as both clubs worked to finalise the terms. Balerdi is keen to join Roma, and there is confidence the operation can be completed in the coming hours.

Roma have targeted Marseille defender Balerdi as their next defensive reinforcement this summer. The club has already tabled an opening offer structured as a loan with a right of purchase that can convert to an obligation under certain conditions. Marseille prefer a permanent sale, but negotiations are ongoing and Roma are pressing hard. Bareldi was a target for Roma last season and now offers an opportunity to fill the gap left by Jan Ziółkowski, who will join Monza on loan with a purchase option set at €18 million. Roma have ended their pursuit of Morato from Nottingham, with the gap between the clubs too wide to bridge.

Roma have agreed personal terms with Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi and are pushing to complete the deal, with the French club accepting a loan with a mandatory purchase option under certain conditions. The move comes after Jan Ziółkowski's departure on loan to Monza and Roma's pursuit of alternative defensive reinforcements. With Nottingham Forest blocking a move for Morato, the club accelerated their pursuit of Balerdi on 28 August. The Argentine centre-back, born in 1999 and currently at Marseille, emerged as the primary target to strengthen the defence. Roma have put forward a proposal involving a loan with a right to buy that becomes an obligation upon the occurrence of specific conditions. According to reports, the formula is favoured by all parties involved. Negotiations between Roma and Marseille continued throughout the day as both clubs worked to finalise the terms. Balerdi is keen to join Roma, and there is confidence the operation can be completed in the coming hours.

Roma have targeted Marseille defender Balerdi as their next defensive reinforcement this summer. The club has already tabled an opening offer structured as a loan with a right of purchase that can convert to an obligation under certain conditions. Marseille prefer a permanent sale, but negotiations are ongoing and Roma are pressing hard. Bareldi was a target for Roma last season and now offers an opportunity to fill the gap left by Jan Ziółkowski, who will join Monza on loan with a purchase option set at €18 million. Roma have ended their pursuit of Morato from Nottingham, with the gap between the clubs too wide to bridge.

Roma travel to Lecce on Monday 31 August at 18:30 for the second round of Serie A 2026–27, aiming to build on a commanding 4–0 opening-day victory over Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has injury concerns ahead of the fixture at the Stadio Via del Mare: Devyne Rensch is sidelined with a strain to the left thigh flexor, and Lorenzo Pellegrini remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a right thigh rectus femoris injury. Gasperini is expected to field a settled defensive shape with Mile Svilar in goal and a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. Nahuel Molina's availability is being assessed; if he cannot play, Giorgio De Marzi will step in after an impressive display against Fiorentina. Wesley continues at left wing-back. Bryan Cristante is assured of his midfield place alongside Manu Koné. In the attacking third, the main selection question concerns Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé; Mora started against Fiorentina and impressed, forcing a good save from De Gea, while Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are primed to lead the line. Malen was the star of Roma's opening fixture, scoring three goals and supplying three assists against Fiorentina, while Dybala also contributed three assists. Niccolò Pisilli rounded off the rout with Roma's fourth goal. The visitors hold a commanding historical record: across 42 meetings with Lecce, Roma have won 29, drawn 11 and lost only twice. The clubs last met in the 2025–26 season, when Roma won 1–0 at home through Robinio Vaz. Lecce arrive after an away victory over Venezia (2–0, goals from Gorter and Tiago Gabriel) and will play in a 4–3–3 formation under manager Eusebio Di Francesco. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN, Sky Sport and NOW. Official team sheets will be released approximately one hour before kickoff.