Serie A overhauls 2026–27 calendar rules to avoid high-risk fixture clashes

Mario Balotelli has named AS Roma among the contenders for next season's Serie A title, alongside Napoli and Inter. Speaking to Sportmediaset, the former Milan striker said: "Napoli and Inter are the favourites, but I want to add a surprise: Roma will also fight for the Scudetto." Balotelli, now based in Saudi Arabia, predicted that Gian Piero Gasperini's side will be in the mix for the championship despite not being among the usual elite. Roma have not yet completed any significant transfer business ahead of their squad gathering tomorrow. The pursuit of Greenwood has fallen away, while the club continues to work on signing a backup to Malen, with Tresoldi identified as a target, and also Garnacho. The Giallorossi are preparing to restart their season following a challenging campaign. Balotelli's endorsement represents external confidence in Roma's prospects, though the club's transfer activity will be crucial to whether they can genuinely mount a title challenge.

Roma opened the Stadio Olimpico to supporters on the previous day to launch its 2026–27 season ticket campaign, and the response was immediate: 11,000 fans renewed their subscriptions in a single day. The campaign began at 10:00 on that morning, with existing ticket holders given priority to renew their seats at a dedicated price until 10:00 on 20 July. A second phase runs from 12:00 on 20 July to 12:00 on 23 July for those who bought via waiting list or free sale last season. Phase 1.3 (14:30 on 23 July to 13:00 on 27 July) will offer remaining available seats across all sections. From 15:00 on 27 July to 13:00 on 29 July, fans on the waiting list get priority access; free sale begins at 15:00 on 29 July if spaces remain. The rush reflects the depth of supporter commitment ahead of the season opener on 24 August at the Olimpico against Fiorentina. Last season, approximately 1.6 million spectators attended Roma's home matches. Currently, 26,982 fans are on the waiting list, and not all are guaranteed to secure a ticket for the upcoming campaign. The club thanked supporters for their faith and backing during the season, acknowledging the significance of the fanbase to the organisation. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini will lead the team into the new campaign.

Bryan Cristante has become an indispensable figure for Roma in the 2025–26 season, finally silencing years of criticism by leading the club's midfield as they qualified for the Champions League and won a European trophy. The midfielder made 37 appearances from 38, accumulating 3,103 minutes—more than any other outfield player at the club. Deployed frequently by Gasperini in a two-man midfield pairing with Koné, Pisilli, or El Aynaoui, Cristante also operated as a central attacking midfielder behind two strikers to cover offensive shortcomings, showcasing the professionalism Gasperini considers essential for future campaigns. Cristante's goal tally was modest: two goals across all competitions, both in Serie A. He opened his account in Roma's 2–1 victory at Fiorentina on 5 October 2025, then added another in the 3–0 home win over Cremonese on 22 February 2026. Critics had long blamed his extended playing time for Roma's failure to reach the Champions League in previous seasons, but this campaign vindicated his consistent contribution. Gasperini, like Mourinho, De Rossi, Ranieri before him, and Italy manager Mancini—with whom Cristante won the 2021 European Championship—has consistently recognised his value. Cristante averaged a season rating of 6.2, slightly above par. Standout performances earned him 7-point ratings in derbies against Lazio (0–1 and 2–0), wins over Fiorentina (1–2), Sassuolo (0–1), and Roma–Como (1–0, receiving 7.5). His poorest showings came in Inter–Roma (5–2) and Genoa–Roma, both scored 4, though the Inter collapse saw the entire squad struggle.