Ruggeri emerges as Gasperini's left-back target as Roma bolster defence

Crysencio Summerville endured a difficult start at Al-Hilal after missing a penalty with a chip that sailed high. The Dutch winger, who was closely tracked by Roma during the summer transfer window before accepting the Saudi Pro League offer, saw his error circulate widely on social media despite the goal not costing his team the three points under manager Simone Inzaghi. Roma supporters have largely moved past Summerville's decision to reject the club, with fans taking to social media to mock the miss. Among those sharing commentary was Damiano David, the well-known Roma supporter and musician, who posted: "Quanto ce dispiace" (roughly "how much that hurts us"). The incident appears to have helped the Giallorossi fanbase digest the Dutchman's refusal of their advances.

Jan Ziółkowski has attracted interest from Saudi Arabian club Neom, with Roma valuing the centre-back at approximately €20 million. The Polish defender found limited playing time last season and has not fully convinced head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, prompting the Giallorossi to consider offers for him. Several clubs from Saudi Arabia have already expressed interest in the 2005-born player. Gasperini would prefer to retain Ziółkowski over Daniele Ghilardi, but the Polish defender has a stronger market appeal due to his age, room for growth, and current involvement with the Polish national team. Roma's €20 million valuation also reflects a 10 per cent sell-on clause owed to Legia Warszawa from any future sale. Should Ziółkowski depart, Roma would be forced to pursue another central defender, likely targeting a loan arrangement with an option to buy rather than a permanent signing.

Roma's transfer window has entered its most intense phase as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini seeks two additional reinforcements to complete his squad: another full-back and a left winger. The club is working on deals for Luis Henrique and Fofana, but negotiations remain complicated. With Luis Henrique requiring agreement to be reached with Inter over the formula and the player himself, and the Fofana operation from Lyon deemed excessively costly and stalled, Roma is now considering loan options to bolster those positions. Chelsea winger Bynoe-Gittens has re-emerged as a target. The left-winger had a disappointing 2025–26 season in the Premier League after Chelsea paid 60 million euros to sign him from Borussia Dortmund. Roma could only bring him to the club on a temporary basis, potentially with an option to buy, rather than a permanent transfer.

Robinio Vaz will remain at Roma through the closing of the transfer window, with the club rejecting any sale of the French striker acquired eight months ago from Olympique Marseille for €25 million. A proposed move to Bologna fell through during negotiations involving Castro and Dovbyk. Vaz has used recent friendlies to impress new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and demonstrate his value to the squad. With the centre-forward role occupied by Malen and Castro, Vaz is being positioned as a creative attacking midfielder, a role that could leverage his distinctive qualities. Gasperini's tactical system offers intriguing prospects for the French talent, who possesses pace and physical strength unmatched by other options in that position—Dybala, Pellegrini, Mora and Soulé. Last season, his intervention proved decisive in a closely fought match against Lecce after an initial adaptation period in Italian football. Vaz suffered a first-degree medial collateral ligament injury to his right knee while training, an injury sustained in unusual circumstances: he explained to the club he was injured while skiing in summer. After overcoming the setback within just over a week, he has recovered fully and is ready to compete for Gasperini's confidence.

AS Roma close their pre-season programme against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on 15 August, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini using the fixture as a final dress rehearsal before the league campaign begins. The international-standard test comes just days before Roma's competitive debut and offers Gasperini a last chance to assess squad fitness, run through tactical ideas, and resolve outstanding questions ahead of the official start. Roma line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Mile Svilar in goal, a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso, and Neil El Aynaoui, Bryan Cristante, Devyne Rensch, and Matías Soulé across midfield and wing positions. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen support Artem Dovbyk in attack. After weeks of preparation at Trigoria and at the summer training base, the clash against the Germans represents a significant opportunity to measure the team's progress and condition. Borussia Dortmund start in a 3-4-1-2 shape under manager Niko Kovac. Following this encounter, Roma's focus shifts entirely to the start of Serie A.

Roma take on Borussia Dortmund in a pre-season friendly at 17:30 today, but the clash is overshadowed by an injury crisis that has left Gian Piero Gasperini with just 23 players available — only 16 outfield players and three goalkeepers. Wesley suffered a right ankle sprain yesterday, joining Niccolò Pisilli (soleus injury) and Lorenzo Pellegrini (returning to group training in mid-September) on the sidelines. The Brazilian's injury mirrors problems sustained during the Welsh training camp. With 15 days remaining in the summer transfer window, Roma's squad position has deteriorated markedly. Eight players have departed — Dovbyk, Ferguson, Angeliño, Tsimikas, Celik, Zaragoza, Venturino and El Shaarawy — while only three signings have arrived: Molina, Castro and Koulierakis. Gasperini highlighted the shortage with a pointed response on competitiveness versus last season: "According to you?", underlining particular weaknesses on the flanks, in attack and midfield, where only three players are currently available. The Dortmund match will provide minutes for Molina while also testing Roma's defensive resilience; the rearguard conceded 11 goals across four pre-season matches against Cannes, Brighton, Cardiff and Newport without a clean sheet.

Jan Ziółkowski has attracted interest from Saudi Arabian club Neom, with Roma valuing the centre-back at approximately €20 million. The Polish defender found limited playing time last season and has not fully convinced head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, prompting the Giallorossi to consider offers for him. Several clubs from Saudi Arabia have already expressed interest in the 2005-born player. Gasperini would prefer to retain Ziółkowski over Daniele Ghilardi, but the Polish defender has a stronger market appeal due to his age, room for growth, and current involvement with the Polish national team. Roma's €20 million valuation also reflects a 10 per cent sell-on clause owed to Legia Warszawa from any future sale. Should Ziółkowski depart, Roma would be forced to pursue another central defender, likely targeting a loan arrangement with an option to buy rather than a permanent signing.

Roma face a critical fortnight in the transfer market with 11 days until the summer window closes and just over 72 hours before the 2026-27 season begins. The squad still lacks depth in two areas: a left-back and a left-winger. Head coach Gasperini wants at least two players for every position, so director D'Amico is exploring both signings and sales to balance the books. Jan Ziółkowski is the primary candidate to leave Rome. Although Gasperini prefers Ziółkowski over Ghilardi, the Polish defender has attracted more interest—particularly from Saudi Arabia, where Neom recently made an approach—because of his age and senior international experience. Roma are seeking €20 million for him, with 10 per cent of any future resale due to Legia Warsaw. Should Ziółkowski depart, Roma would need to find a replacement centre-back, likely on loan with a purchase option. Matías Soulé has also drawn fresh interest from Sunderland, managed by former Roma sporting director Ghisolfi, though no formal negotiations have opened. Gasperini has secured Manu Koné's future despite Manchester City's interest, viewing a replacement midfielder as impossible to source within the remaining timeframe. A double signing remains possible, but with left-back prioritized, the left-winger may only arrive following a departure.

Roma's pursuit of Malick Fofana from Lyon has cooled after the Friedkin Group failed to approve a deal worth approximately €35 million in fixed fees and bonuses. Positive talks had taken place with both the player and the club last week, but the ownership sign-off never arrived. Fofana was identified as a backup option should the Moya move collapse, but the prospect has now receded. Roma's primary focus has shifted to Luis Henrique, with the aim of strengthening the flanks with a player capable of playing as both a midfielder and attacking winger. A disagreement over structure remains the obstacle: Roma wants a loan deal—potentially with a fee attached—plus a right to buy, while Inter prefer an obligation to purchase under simple conditions. Other targets are becoming less viable. Cacciamani's stock is falling because Torino have erected a barrier to his departure, and Udogie is complicated, with both Tottenham reluctant to sanction a temporary move and personal terms unresolved. Roma are also working on outgoings. Jan Ziółkowski is the primary candidate for departure, though Gianluca Mancini is the coach's tactical preference. Ziółkowski's higher profile among national teams and youth appeal has attracted more interest. The club are seeking €20 million—with Legia Varsavia retaining 10 per cent of any future resale profit—to generate a useful gain. Matías Soulé remains at an impasse; AC Milan have expressed interest but have not made a formal approach, and Sunderland had also looked in.