Roma's summer transfer window: how would you rate it?

Neil El Aynaoui's move to Leipzig and Robinio Vaz's transfer to Hull City are done despite recent alarm signals, with only official club statements pending. El Aynaoui will join Leipzig on a loan deal worth €4 million plus a €25 million purchase option, while Vaz completes his departure to Hull City. Roma's transfer window can be considered closed after failed pursuits of Leweling and Gittens, with no further surprise signings expected in the final days of the market.

Roma's pursuit of Stuttgart winger Jamie Leweling has definitively ended, with the German rejecting a move to the club despite the Giallorossi's sustained efforts to complete the transfer. The deal collapsed after days of negotiations, counter-offers and escalating pressure from Roma, including the arrangement of a private plane to accelerate discussions. Leweling's reluctance to join proved decisive—despite Roma reaching a financial agreement with Stuttgart, the player's lack of full conviction about the move ultimately blocked the transfer. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had specifically requested an attacking winger to complete his squad, and Leweling had become Roma's primary target after other avenues cooled. The collapse leaves Roma facing the end of the summer transfer window without securing the positional reinforcement the manager identified as essential. Roma made a final push in recent hours to reverse the situation, but the player's position did not shift. The central obstacle throughout negotiations was Leweling's own approval—technical timings and his unwillingness to proceed proved insurmountable, even as Roma attempted to alter the outcome in the closing stages of the window.

Juan Cabal will remain at Juventus after rejecting approaches from both Roma and Atalanta in the closing hours of the summer transfer window. The Colombian left-back had been targeted by Roma's leadership as a last-minute solution to strengthen the left flank, but he declined moves to the capital and to Atalanta, who held an advantage over Roma and Bologna in the pursuit. Fabrizio Romano and Sky Sport report that Cabal is now set to continue wearing Juventus colours. Meanwhile, Tagliafico, identified by Juventus as a reinforcement for their wide positions, will instead join Atlético Madrid.

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to the media before and after Roma's second Serie A match against Lecce at the Via del Mare on 31 August 2026, reflecting on a team transformed by a year of experience and new reinforcements. The coach dismissed the notion that Roma were unprepared at the start of the season, saying: "We are in good shape. We've played two matches despite the extremely hot weather and a pre-season conducted in the heat. The lads have worked brilliantly and now we are recovering players who were at the World Cup, like Koné and Malen himself. The squad is being completed too—new players have arrived. We're waiting for tomorrow when the transfer window finally closes; I can't take any more of it so we can talk only about football." Gasperini defended Roma's existing players, noting that their quality was always evident but needed reinforcement at the same level. "This is an extraordinary group in terms of morality and values," he said. "They always put their faces on the line even when things go badly and they are attached to Roma; they play with passion, which is a fundamental component for sport and especially for football." The opening two victories by 4–0 reflected work done last season and the third-place finish that had given the squad confidence. Gasperini emphasized the value of continuity, particularly with Paulo Dybala and Malen. "If Dybala and Malen were always in these conditions, everything would be much easier," he said. "But we know that is not how it is." The coach also noted that Marten de Roon's arrival at midfield would strengthen the team further, and highlighted the recruitment of Leonardo Balerdi in defence and Rodrigo Mora in attack as key additions to deepen the squad. When asked about Donyell Malen's quality, Gasperini drew a comparison to a legendary striker: "I've been lucky enough to coach many strong forwards—at Genoa, Milito—but this is a bit different. Milito reminds me of him a little. He has the ability to control, shoot and accelerate over a few metres that burns defenders. These are extraordinary characteristics for a centre-forward; we both wanted him to play there and we made a nice gamble." On the question of whether he expected such a positive approach from Lecce, Gasperini said: "We didn't expect to be 3–0 up after 25 minutes. Football matches are always very balanced and difficult. Lecce arrived on the back of an away win with a full stadium. You have to underline the merits of my team too—for the personality and confidence with which the lads entered the pitch." He dismissed speculation that Manu Koné could leave: "Absolutely not. This is a media thing. Nobody has ever spoken to me about it. I also know the ownership is not in agreement with sales. We have never received official offers; it is something to deny absolutely." Gasperini stressed that Roma's mental strength derived from a year of learning together and experiences at difficult away grounds. "Certainly from our knowledge of the game and the experiences of a year," he explained. "We are further ahead than we were a year ago. It's not just a tactical matter—these lads have always been serious, I've never had a problem. It is extraordinary, the environment that has been created inside our dressing room." On the title race, Gasperini tempered expectations: "Every team is different and has different characteristics. I would focus on living the moment—a team that delivers these kinds of performances and results gives joy to the fans. On the championship, we must watch our opponents. At this moment many teams in Italian football are strengthening. Not only Inter, which has a straight advantage, but also Como. The big teams are still there. We must think about ourselves, our path and try to complete our squad given the many matches we have to play."

Roma line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation for their second Serie A match of the season at Lecce on Monday, 31 August, with Matías Soulé replacing Rodrigo Mora in attack as the only change from their opening-day win over Fiorentina. The side shows Mile Svilar in goal, Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence, Emanuele Lulli and Bryan Cristante in midfield with Manu Koné, Wesley providing width, Soulé in the No. 10 role and Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen as forwards. Gian Piero Gasperini keeps the bulk of the XI unchanged, with Nahuel Molina, Leonardo Balerdi and Marten de Roon among those on the bench. Lecce, managed by Di Francesco, set out in a 4-3-3 with Falcone in goal and deploy Ndaba, Gaspar, Siebert and Veiga across their back four.

Roma defeated Lecce 4–0 in the second round of Serie A on 31 August, extending their winning streak to six consecutive league matches. Donyell Malen scored three goals — at 4 minutes, 23 minutes and 65 minutes — while Matías Soulé added the fourth at 24 minutes. The match was played at a 27,031 attendance. Gasperini fielded an unchanged starting XI from Roma's opening 4–0 victory over Fiorentina. The defence lined up as Ghilardi, Mancini and Hermoso across the back, with Wesley on the left flank. Emanuele Lulli started at right-back, winning the pre-match competition with Nahuel Molina for the spot. In midfield, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné anchored the side, with Matías Soulé operating as number 10 behind the striker pairing of Paulo Dybala and Malen. Rodrigo Mora was named in the forward line, rotating with Soulé. Evan N'Dicka suffered an adductor injury during the warm-up and was unavailable. Roma's six-game winning run now comprises the final five matches of the 2025–26 season plus the 2026–27 opening day against Fiorentina. The club has registered only one previous run of seven consecutive league wins in the past decade: a streak between February and March 2025 under former manager Claudio Ranieri. Lecce have lost 28 of their 40 Serie A fixtures against Roma — only Inter have inflicted more defeats on the Salento side in the top flight, with 32 losses. Roma have scored 85 goals against Lecce in Serie A; again, only Inter have conceded more to Roma in the league, with 94. Despite awaiting further transfer activity, Gasperini's focus remained solely on the Lecce fixture. Devyne Rensch and Lorenzo Pellegrini were rested and unavailable; Rensch will return to action from next week and face Atalanta, while Pellegrini is targeting a return by mid-month. Robinio Vaz was absent for transfer reasons, positioned at the edge of a move to Hull City. Leonardo Balerdi and Marten de Roon made their first competitive calls.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has identified a striker and a left-back as the remaining pieces needed to complete the squad ahead of tomorrow's away fixture at Lecce. Gasperini said: "To complete the team we need a piece that closes that section. A left-back and a forward have remained. Lulli has filled in somewhat, I have always believed in him, he is giving important responses but we cannot load such large responsibilities on him. Last season we had Angeliño, Tsimikas, Çelik, Wesley and also Rensch." Gasperini has most of his squad available for the trip to Via del Mare, with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch expected to return to group training next week. Leonardo Balerdi was officially confirmed as a new arrival this morning, joining fellow recent additions Konstantinos Koulierakis, Rodrigo Mora, Santiago Castro and Nahuel Molina among the squad.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for Roma's Serie A matchday 2 fixture against Lecce. Neil El Aynaoui and Robinio Vaz are absent from the squad list, both players close to departing the club. Devyne Rensch and Lorenzo Pellegrini are also unavailable through injury. The 24-man squad features goalkeepers Svilar, De Marzi and Gollini. In defence, Gasperini has included Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi. Midfield options are Cristante, Koné, Pisilli and Mora, while attack is covered by Castro, Malen, Soulé and Dybala.

Roma have named their travelling squad for the match at Lecce following their home victory against Fiorentina. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has included new signing Leonardo Balerdi in the squad, and De Roon will also depart with the team after receiving official clearance overnight. Devyne Rensch remains unavailable but is expected to return to the manager's disposal on Tuesday. Lorenzo Pellegrini is absent, as are Jan Ziółkowski and Robinio Vaz due to transfer matters. The squad list shows Gasperini has named three goalkeepers: Mile Svilar, Giorgio De Marzi and Pierluigi Gollini. In defence, the group includes Konstantinos Koulierakis, Evan N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli and Daniele Ghilardi. The midfield contingent comprises Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli, Rodrigo Mora and De Roon. Up front, Roma have Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala available.

Roma face Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 5 September at 20:45 in Serie A matchday 3, with both sides arriving unbeaten after two rounds of fixtures. Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma have won convincingly against Fiorentina and Lecce, while Atalanta, managed by Maurizio Sarri, beat Bologna 1–0 in their last match. The fixture marks Roma's first real test of the new season as they balance their Serie A campaign alongside renewed Champions League participation. Roma's primary concern centres on Evan N'Dicka, whose availability for the centre of defence remains in doubt. Should the Ivorian be unavailable, Gasperini is expected to field Daniele Ghilardi alongside Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso in a three-man defence. Devyne Rensch and Lorenzo Pellegrini are also being monitored, though no Roma players are currently suspended. Wesley will operate on the left flank, with Emanuele Lulli competing with Nahuel Molina for the right-back position. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné form the midfield base, with Niccolò Pisilli as backup. Mile Svilar continues in goal, while Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are expected to start in attack, with the contest between Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé for the remaining forward spot unresolved. Atalanta arrive with a more complex injury picture, absent Matteo Pessina and Sulemana, while Kristensen's participation is uncertain. Sarri will likely deploy a 4–3-3 formation with Marco Carnesecchi in goal. The back four comprises Davide Zappacosta, Kossounou, Scalvini and Bernasconi (or Zappacosta competing with Bellanova). Gaetano anchors midfield with Ederson and Samardzic—who was decisive against Bologna and slightly favoured to start—flanking him. Upfront, Atalanta field a trident of De Ketelaere, Scamacca and Raspadori, though Krstovic and new arrival Kessié remain alternatives to Scamacca. The two clubs have met 142 times across Serie A, with Roma holding a 61–37 advantage in wins, 44 draws, and a 214–166 goal advantage overall. Atalanta won their last meeting at the Olimpico 2–0 on 2 December 2024 when Gasperini was their manager; their most recent fixture on 18 April 2026 ended 1–1. The match will be broadcast live on Dazn via app, website and streaming platforms on smartphones, PCs and tablets. Official team sheets will be announced approximately one hour before kick-off.

Roma delivered a four-goal performance at Lecce in a tactical display that showcased Gasperini's developing system. The Giallorossi dominated from the opening whistle, pressing high across the pitch and recovering possession aggressively through Koné, who repeatedly forced turnovers. Gasperini deployed his customary 3-4-2-1 with Soulé on the left and Dybala flanking Malen, while Lecce set up in a 3-5-1-1 with Pierotti supporting Geubbels. Roma mounted sustained pressure from the start, moving the ball with speed and disrupting Lecce's central defensive line through coordinated forward pressing that stole time and space from the opening moment of possession. The right-flank rotations proved particularly effective, with Ghilardi consistently pushing forward to generate width while Roma systematically penetrated down the baseline; on the left, Wesley initially faced heavier pressure from Veiga, with Soulé struggling to gain ground and Hermoso operating primarily in a covering role to shield Mancini from Geubbels' pace—a crucial mismatch the article identified as dangerous for their system. A single vulnerability emerged in Roma's defensive setup: when Mancini operated as a central defender rather than as a full-back alongside the faster N'Dicka, his reliance on aggression and anticipation left him vulnerable to opponents who could draw him forward and then attack the space laterally. Geubbels exploited this channel after 37 minutes, forcing a save from Svilar. The defensive fragility proved temporary. Malen created further chaos by moving between Lecce's three central defenders, causing confusion over coverage and drifting into offside positions repeatedly; Lecce's high defensive line compounded the problem, leading to a devastating 24-minute spell where Roma took command. The second half brought tactical adjustments from both sides: Di Francesco switched to a four-defender formation with three midfielders and three attacking players, while Gasperini repositioned Soulé behind Dybala and Malen in pursuit of Ngom. Stulic replaced the injured Geubbels, removing a significant threat to Mancini's positioning. Mora and Molina entered for Wesley and Soulé, maintaining Roma's 3-4-1-2 structure; Mora scored his first goal in Italy after Mancini supplied an assist from an uncluttered defensive position. Castro and Pisilli replaced Malen and Koné later in the match, continuing the established rotation pattern from the opening league fixture, before De Roon's introduction sealed the victory with Cristante moving into the number-ten role. The performance underlined how Gasperini's squad depth and tactical flexibility allow him broad scope to manage matches creatively and adapt his approach across the 90 minutes.

Roma hammered Lecce 4–0 to claim three points in a one-sided fixture, with Donyell Malen producing a standout performance. Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora also found the net. Emanuele Lulli delivered a strong display in defence, while Daniele Ghilardi emerged as an unexpected highlight after being drafted in at short notice due to Evan N'Dicka's absence. Gasperini deployed Roma in a 3–4–1–2 formation. Ghilardi's emergency shift proved effective, earning him marks of 7.5 from Corriere dello Sport, 6.5 from Gazzetta dello Sport, 7 from Messaggero, and 7 from Tempo. Mile Svilar received ratings ranging from 6.5 to 7 across the four newspapers. Gianluca Mancini was rated between 6 and 7, while Mario Hermoso earned 6 to 7.5 depending on the outlet. In midfield, Bryan Cristante was graded 6.5 to 8, with Corriere awarding him the highest mark. Manu Koné received 6.5 to 7.5 before being withdrawn at the 67th minute in favour of Niccolò Pisilli. Wesley was rated 6.5 to 7 and was replaced at the 60th minute by Nahuel Molina. Malen's performance drew praise with an 8 from Gazzetta, Messaggero and Tempo, and 8.5 from Corriere. Soulé was marked 6.5 to 7.5 and was substituted at the 60th minute for Mora, who received 6.5 to 7. Paulo Dybala earned 6.5 to 7.5 before departing at the 84th minute for Marten de Roon. Gasperini received ratings of 7.5 to 8 for his management.