Season Report Card: Roma and Gasperini earn top marks as Italy's system falters

Roma are taking shape ahead of their season opener in seven days, with Paulo Dybala showing positive early signs since renewing his contract with the club, while Donyell Malen requires more time to settle. The squad has demonstrated improved physical conditioning in recent work, particularly evident during their time in Dortmund. The defence remains numerically the only complete department available to Gian Piero Gasperini, though individual lapses have led to conceded goals. Manu Koné continues to attract market attention despite his presence in the squad, and fellow player Molina has impressed early despite limited opportunities so far. Gasperini faces outstanding issues on both the pitch and in the transfer market, with the latter requiring urgent attention. Dybala's mental approach since his renewal has been encouraging, and the general physical condition of the squad appears more fluid than in earlier preparation. However, Malen's integration remains a work in progress as he adjusts to his new surroundings and recalibrates his positioning and spatial awareness. The defence, while numerically sound, has been susceptible to individual errors that have proven costly in conceding chances.

Rodrigo Mora, a 2007-born Portuguese talent, has built his reputation at Porto primarily as a central attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where he has played 52 of his 80 official matches for the club. Since his senior debut against Bodø/Glimt in September 2024—a 21-minute cameo off the bench—he has emerged as a versatile attacker capable of playing multiple roles. Gasperini and Roma are monitoring the playmaker as a potential solution for the left-sided attacking role, ideally positioned in support of Malen and alongside either Dybala or Soulé. While Mora's best work has come in the number 10 position, he has also accumulated experience on the wing, with 13 appearances as a winger—5 on the right and 8 on the left—during which he has scored 6 goals. He has additionally featured 5 times as a midfielder with 2 goals and 6 times as a second striker with 1 goal. Mora's profile extends beyond tactical flexibility. Made his competitive debut at 15 for Porto's B team, he is described as slight in build but technically gifted, capable of moments of rare footballing beauty regularly highlighted across social media. Though naturally suited to the playmaker's role, his work ethic and adaptability suggest he will not resist a different assignment if required. Gasperini has already signalled his preference. The coming weeks will clarify the Portuguese gem's next move.

Robinio Vaz, signed for €25 million, is emerging as a genuine resource for Roma's attack after a difficult first season marked by limited playing time and few standout moments. The 19-year-old arrived as an investment for the future but faced relegation to the bench, with a loan departure appearing likely by the end of last season. His fortunes have shifted during preseason: after overcoming a 15-day knee injury, Vaz has impressed Gian Piero Gasperini with his hunger, intensity, and aggression in recent friendlies, including appearances against Cardiff and Dortmund. Gasperini is now exploring a positional change that could unlock Vaz's potential. Rather than operate as a centre-forward—a role crowded by other options—Vaz is being tested as a winger or attacking midfielder behind the striker, a position that capitalises on his explosive pace, speed, and ability to attack space. The coach experimented with him on the left flank during the Dortmund match, deploying him just behind striker Castro for 15 minutes. This tactical shift represents a potential turning point: Vaz could evolve from a peripheral forward option into a versatile attacking utility player capable of filling gaps elsewhere on the pitch. At 19, Vaz possesses both time and the technical qualities needed to develop into the kind of unexpected weapon Roma may lack in attack. His willingness to work hard and remain available to Gasperini during preseason demonstrates his commitment to proving his €25 million price tag was justified.

Roma are intensifying their hunt for a left-sided midfielder over the next two weeks as the club pursues multiple targets across the pitch. Mora's arrival is imminent and Fofana remains a focus, but Roma are not stopping there. The priority search for a left-flank player has seen Cacciamani's stock fall following Torino's refusal to lower their demands, while negotiations over Inter's Luis Henrique have stalled. Roma and Inter have found no total agreement, and the approximately thirty million euros under discussion could be redirected towards Lyon's Fofana. Udogie leads Roma's wish list and could arrive on loan with a conditional obligation to buy, with talks continuing with Tottenham. The Italian player has already agreed to join Roma. Director D'Amico is searching for a deputy to Wesley to complete the wider midfield options for head coach Gasperini.

Roma will host Fiorentina at the Olimpico on Monday 24 August in their Serie A campaign opener, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini preparing a 3-4-1-2 formation centred around Matías Soulé in the attacking midfield role. Malen holds the edge over Castro in contention for a forward berth alongside Paulo Dybala, with Rodrigo Mora arriving but unlikely to start. Soulé, who spent the previous summer with his future uncertain, will make his first competitive start for the club against the Viola, who had previously pursued him before turning their attention to Mastantuono. Manu Koné returns to midfield alongside Bryan Cristante, with Wesley stationed on the left flank and Molina on the right. The backline consists of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso in front of Mile Svilar. Gasperini's setup represents largely familiar territory for Roma, with only one fresh face compared to last season's squad, though further market activity is anticipated in the coming weeks.

Roma are pushing forward with the signing of Rodrigo Mora, an attacking left-back on his right foot whom head coach Gasperini has pursued for over a year. With the winger deal in its final stages, director of sport D'Amico has turned attention to filling another gap in the squad: a deputy full-back to rotate with Wesley, the Brazilian number 43. Molina arrived days ago, but another option remains essential. Three profiles are under close scrutiny: Luis Henrique of Inter, Cacciamani of Torino, and Udogie of Tottenham. Each presents distinct obstacles and attributes suited to Gasperini's system, in which full-backs must defend and cover the flanks while supporting the build-up and providing offensive thrust. The 19-year-old Lulli showed promise against Borussia Dortmund, but Gasperini expects more from his defenders on the wing. Among the trio, Udogie stands out as the most polished and dangerous prospect. The former Udinese player combines physical presence with ball-carrying ability to break down opposition defences. His Premier League experience, hindered by muscle injuries to the thigh and knee, has allowed him to develop as an additional midfielder. At 23, the academy product from Hellas Verona recorded 28 appearances for Tottenham last season. However, following Spence's departure to Inter, Tottenham are open only to a loan with an obligation to buy, whereas Roma are seeking an option to purchase.

Roma will host Fiorentina at the Olimpico on Monday 24 August in their Serie A campaign opener, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini preparing a 3-4-1-2 formation centred around Matías Soulé in the attacking midfield role. Malen holds the edge over Castro in contention for a forward berth alongside Paulo Dybala, with Rodrigo Mora arriving but unlikely to start. Soulé, who spent the previous summer with his future uncertain, will make his first competitive start for the club against the Viola, who had previously pursued him before turning their attention to Mastantuono. Manu Koné returns to midfield alongside Bryan Cristante, with Wesley stationed on the left flank and Molina on the right. The backline consists of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso in front of Mile Svilar. Gasperini's setup represents largely familiar territory for Roma, with only one fresh face compared to last season's squad, though further market activity is anticipated in the coming weeks.

Roma will open their 2026-27 season at the Olimpico against Fiorentina on Monday, 24 August at 20:45, with director D'Amico still working to finalise the squad ahead of the summer transfer window's closure on Tuesday, 1 September at 20:00. Rodrigo Mora, a left-sided winger described as a long-term target for Gasperini, is close to joining from Porto, and the club expects at least one further reinforcement before the deadline. However, Gasperini is likely to start the campaign with roughly 10 or 11 players from last season's squad. Molina is expected to earn a starting berth against Fiorentina, but the other recent arrivals face obstacles to immediate prominence. Koulierakis is unlikely to displace Mario Hermoso in the defensive hierarchy, and Castro faces a similar challenge against Donyell Malen despite the winger's low-profile preseason. Mora, expected in Italy in the coming days, will need time to integrate into Gasperini's system; Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé are likely to retain their attacking partnership. Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the opener through injury, while Niccolò Pisilli hopes to return in the squad and Wesley is managing a minor ankle sprain sustained in Saturday's friendly against Borussia Dortmund.

Roma radio commentators dissected the Giallorossi's opening performance on 15 August, offering mixed assessments of the squad's readiness and frustration over the transfer window's output. Pruzzo told Radio Radio Mattino that Roma played well for 15 minutes but were exposed on set pieces, noting that "Dybala is in good form, but won't be able to play this type of match all the time. Soulé hasn't managed to show his qualities yet, and struggles alongside Dybala. El Aynaoui operates at too measured a pace—we'd need a player with different running ability, and I'd think about it from a market perspective. For now Malen is a distant relation of the player we know, but he and Castro are strong. I'm worried Molina gave his best at Atlético Madrid." Mattioli struck a harsher tone, saying "Roma hasn't displeased me, but some players need to improve physically. Roma 'talks, talks', but then at the final moment does nothing. If we look at the desired targets and who has arrived, the balance is zero. The investments have been made, but the names being discussed for two months haven't arrived. Roma must play in the Champions League." Orsi raised tactical concerns about left-sided incompatibility between Soulé and Dybala, and questioned why Roma, pursuing an attacking wide player since 1 July, had not yet secured one. He also flagged concerns over a potential late-window departure of a key player.