Scout Fratini on Gasperini and Roma's ambitions

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.

Wesley has returned to full training and will occupy the left flank in Monday's season opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico, with an ankle problem now resolved. The Brazilian, who missed a friendly against Borussia Dortmund, scored against the Viola at the same venue last season and is ready to feature. Molina will make his debut on the opposite flank. In midfield, Gasperini will deploy the Cristante–Koné pairing, while the main uncertainty centres on the attacking midfield role behind Dybala and Malen, where Mora and Soulé are competing. The defence will be anchored by Svilar in goal, with Mancini, N'Dicka, and Hermoso forming the back three. Pisilli is also available, though Pellegrini will need more time to recover. Roma are primed for their 2026–27 campaign.

Rodrigo Mora has made an immediate impact at Roma since arriving at the Fulvio Bernardini training centre on Wednesday, impressing head coach Gian Piero Gasperini enough to earn consideration for a starting place in Monday's season opener against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico. Gasperini is expected to deploy his customary 3-4-1-2 formation for the league debut, with three attacking midfielders operating behind the front pairing of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Matías Soulé remains the favourite for the trequartista role, but Mora has risen sharply in the pecking order after impressing in initial training sessions. Bryan Cristante offers an alternative and defensive balance, though the ongoing fitness concerns surrounding Manu Koné and Neil El Aynaoui, combined with Niccolò Pisilli's gradual return, may push Cristante back into midfield proper. The match is expected to draw a large crowd, with the visiting supporters' section now open to Fiorentina fans.

Gian Piero Gasperini begins his second season at Roma with renewed momentum after the club secured third place last season and a return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years. The transfer window has reshaped the squad with reinforcements across multiple positions, though primary targets Mason Greenwood and Summerville eluded the club. Roma's summer business has produced a deeper, more complete squad better aligned with Gasperini's tactical vision. Molina arrived to offset the loss of Çelik and represents an upgrade; Castro will support Donyell Malen as an alternative; Koulierakis extends defensive rotation; and Rodrigo Mora has captured attention. No significant departures have materialised — unusual given financial fair play constraints — which Gasperini welcomes as Roma shapes up for the coming campaign. Paulo Dybala remains pivotal to the club's balance, though physical uncertainties surround his availability. The transfer market investment has been substantial across three figures, and the absence of standout exits leaves the side well-resourced heading into a season built on Champions League ambitions.

Wesley has returned to full training and will occupy the left flank in Monday's season opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico, with an ankle problem now resolved. The Brazilian, who missed a friendly against Borussia Dortmund, scored against the Viola at the same venue last season and is ready to feature. Molina will make his debut on the opposite flank. In midfield, Gasperini will deploy the Cristante–Koné pairing, while the main uncertainty centres on the attacking midfield role behind Dybala and Malen, where Mora and Soulé are competing. The defence will be anchored by Svilar in goal, with Mancini, N'Dicka, and Hermoso forming the back three. Pisilli is also available, though Pellegrini will need more time to recover. Roma are primed for their 2026–27 campaign.

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.

AS Roma has built a squad of striking youth following years of investing heavily in players under 25, creating a roster balanced between promising talent and senior experience. Paulo Dybala, who will turn 33 next November, is the oldest player on the books, followed by Bryan Cristante, Mario Hermoso and Pierluigi Gollini all aged 31, and Gianluca Mancini and Lorenzo Pellegrini both 30. The remainder of the squad skews considerably younger, with 19-year-old Rodrigo Mora emerging as the club's most junior player, matched in age by Robinio Vaz though slightly older by a few months. Jan Ziółkowski is 21, while Castro and Niccolò Pisilli will turn 22 this year. The youth project, initiated under Daniele De Rossi, has been maintained throughout Gian Piero Gasperini's tenure across two transfer windows. Players born in 2003—Daniele Ghilardi, Devyne Rensch, Matías Soulé, Wesley and Koulierakis—form a strong cohort, with Manu Koné and Neil El Aynaoui the only two 25-year-olds in the squad. The young foundation is complemented by experienced operators: Mile Svilar, Donyell Malen and Evan N'Dicka are 27, while Molina is 28. This structure combines future potential with a stable base of proven professionalism.