Soulé or Koné: one big departure looms before Roma renew and rebuild

Roma's players largely avoided the Trigoria training ground after their opening Serie A victory over Fiorentina at the Olimpico, leaving supporters gathered at the facility's gates disappointed. The team coach arrived practically empty, as the vast majority of Gian Piero Gasperini's squad chose to travel directly home from the stadium immediately after the final whistle rather than return to the center as fans had hoped to greet them. Jan Ziolkowski stood out as the sole exception. The young Polish defender was the only squad member present at the training ground—a detail of significance given his uncertain future at the club. The 2005-born defender remains at the centre of transfer speculation, with Saudi club Neom reportedly ready to make a move with an offer worth approximately €20 million to take him from Roma. The scene highlighted the contrasting priorities between the playing staff and the supporters who had gathered outside the Bernardini gates following the opening day success.

Roma have completed the signing of Oosterwolde on a paid loan with an option to buy. The deal is structured at €16 million plus €2 million in add-ons. The player is due to land tomorrow morning at 11:35.

Jayden Oosterwolde is arriving at Roma from Fenerbahçe. The Dutch defender is due in the capital tomorrow morning, 25 August, with his arrival scheduled for 11:35 at Ciampino airport. The 2001-born player can operate as a centre-back, as a defensive midfielder, or on the wing, providing tactical flexibility for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Oosterwolde represents another defensive reinforcement following the arrival of Konstantinos Koulierakis, with Jan Ziółkowski's future at the club still uncertain. However, Oosterwolde is currently managing a muscular issue that will keep him sidelined for another two weeks. Before heading to Amsterdam earlier on 24 August, he released a statement in which he admitted that he did not want to leave Fenerbahçe.

Donyell Malen scored a hat-trick as AS Roma won their Serie A opener against Fiorentina on Monday night—a historic first for the club to begin their league campaign on a Monday. Gian Piero Gasperini, managing Roma, marked the start of his twentieth season in Serie A with a managerial position, an achievement reached previously only by Carlo Mazzone (28 seasons), Nereo Rocco (24), Nils Liedholm (23), Giovanni Trapattoni (23), and Luigi Radice (20). Bryan Cristante delivered a near-perfect midfield performance, Wesley showed his customary commitment on the flanks, and Paulo Dybala appeared in scintillating form, reaching his 100th Serie A appearance for Roma. Dybala extended his run to four consecutive league matches with a decisive contribution, amassing 5 assists during that spell. Malen dominated the match with five shots—more than any player from either side—and claimed top spot in Serie A's scoring chart. His record is striking: 17 goals in 19 Serie A appearances, surpassing Gabriel Omar Batistuta's previous Roma record of 15 goals in the first 20 games of the three-points-for-a-win era. The victory extended Roma's winning streak to six consecutive Serie A matches, all decided by at least two goals, with five clean sheets during that run. The last longer winning streak came in February–March 2025 under Claudio Ranieri, when Roma won seven in a row. Roma's recent record in season openers is formidable: in their last 15 opening-day fixtures, they have lost just once (a 3–0 away to Verona in 2020), winning 8 and drawing 5. Against Fiorentina specifically, Roma have now won three times at the start of seasons, including victories in 2014 and 2021. On 4 May this year, Roma had defeated Fiorentina by four goals—the first such margin in Serie A since Luciano Spalletti's 4–0 in 2017. With this latest win, Roma stretched their run of consecutive Serie A matches with a goal to 16. The squad's average age sits at approximately 24.8 years against a Serie A average of 25.6, making Roma the subject of the most significant youth restructuring among Italy's big clubs—roughly three years younger than Inter and Napoli, and fresher than Milan and Lazio. The signing of Oosterwolde (24) is imminent and will reinforce this trend. Looking at potential starters—Svilar, Wesley, Rensch, Koulierakis, Koné, Pisilli, Soulé, Castro, and Mora—Gasperini may manage one of the youngest Roma squads of the past decade. The youth project was on full display against Fiorentina. Eighteen-year-old Rodrigo Mora, the main youth prospect in the starting eleven, had a shot on target at the 19th minute. Niccolò Pisilli (born 2004) came off the bench to score the fourth goal. The real surprise was the selection of 19-year-old Emanuele Lulli (born 2007), who impressed in Roma's Primavera setup and was aggregated to the first team for the summer retreat. He provided an assist for Paulo Dybala in the friendly against Cardiff before starting in place of Nahuel Molina. The sight of two players from the 2006–2007 generations operating with composure on opening night underscores a club intent on winning while building for the future, guided by Gasperini's experience and the hunger of its young talents.

Roma opened their 2026–27 season with a commanding 4–0 victory over Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico, with Donyell Malen scoring a hat-trick and setting up further chances in a performance that announced the club's attacking potency. Paulo Dybala provided three assists, combining with Malen in what the match report describes as a partnership functioning "better than Goku and Vegeta". Niccolò Pisilli added the fourth goal. Rodrigo Mora made his debut and was given a standing ovation before kick-off, Gasperini launching him into the starting XI in a statement of intent that saw all new arrivals handed match time in a fixture played at high tempo with minimal defensive strain on Mile Svilar. The victory delivered immediate validation of Roma's summer recruitment. Dybala's fitness and form were on full display—the 8/10 rating in the match assessment noted he "wanted to be Roma's first goalscorer of the season" and that his connection with Malen was devastating when he was operating at this level. Malen's 8.5/10 reflected his ruthlessness, the report highlighting both a gift from Dybala for his opening goal and a second that was "pure Malen: grit, speed and killer instinct". Wesley, making his first competitive appearance, showed his ankle was holding up, though "not yet in dazzling form". Mora's brief introduction before his substitution at 53 minutes drew praise for a "curling shot that forced De Gea to work overtime", demonstrating the quality Villas-Boas had been reluctant to release. Gasperini's tactical blueprint was laid bare from the opening whistle. The boss "called the press, called for few touches" and had "already shifted into fifth gear" by the first match of the campaign, the report notes. In midfield, Bryan Cristante covered the most ground—averaging 10.2 km as he had done last season—while Manu Koné arrived dangerously on percussive runs, though Gasperini "threw him a look" when he forced an unnecessary acceleration on the 3–0 goal. The defence was untroubled; Evan N'Dicka, making an early impact, was "providential in closing on Pellegrino" within three minutes of his entry, and Gianluca Mancini "strapped the spaces by right" from the Fiorentina midfield. Matías Soulé came on at 53 minutes and "got tangled on the shot" despite doing everything else correctly in the box before playing a role in the fourth. Gasperini made five substitutions: Konstantinos Koulierakis replaced Mario Hermoso at 67 minutes, Santiago Castro came on for Malen at the same interval, Neil El Aynaoui entered for Koné at 78, and Pisilli replaced Dybala at 78, scoring shortly after "with a bit of fortune following a good flick".

Roma swept Fiorentina 4–0 in their Serie A opener at the Stadio Olimpico on 24 August, with Donyell Malen scoring a hat-trick and Niccolò Pisilli adding the fourth. The rout marked a confident start under Gian Piero Gasperini, who fielded Lulli and Rodrigo Mora from the first minute in his opening fixture. Paulo Dybala was the architects of Roma's dominance, setting up Malen's opening goal and then providing assists for each of the winger's three strikes. Dybala impressed with his physical condition and range of play, though the assessments noted he still needs to sharpen his finishing in the box. Malen's clinical display capped a straightforward afternoon in the capital — he claimed the matchball immediately after the final whistle. Gasperini's side showed hunger and cohesion from the outset, with Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné commanding the midfield. Cristante dominated the centre with relentless ball-winning and nearly unbeatable physicality in every challenge. Koné controlled proceedings in his familiar manner and impressed in both distribution and winning possession. The defence stood firm throughout. Evan N'Dicka engaged in a sustained duel with Fiorentina's Pellegrino, ultimately neutralising the threat without undue difficulty. Mario Hermoso played through early imprecision before settling into a battling rhythm, delivering a fine long ball for Dybala's assist on the second goal. Lulli made a strong debut, playing with personality and composure. Mile Svilar made few saves but was alert when Kean entered in the second half. Gasperini rotated from the 79th minute: Pisilli replaced Dybala to immediate effect, scoring and celebrating in front of the Curva Sud. Matías Soulé came on for Mora at the 53rd minute and struck the frame of the goal. Neil El Aynaoui entered the midfield in place of Koné as Roma sealed their opening victory.

Roma opened their 2026–27 season with a commanding 4–0 victory over Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico, with Donyell Malen scoring a hat-trick and setting up further chances in a performance that announced the club's attacking potency. Paulo Dybala provided three assists, combining with Malen in what the match report describes as a partnership functioning "better than Goku and Vegeta". Niccolò Pisilli added the fourth goal. Rodrigo Mora made his debut and was given a standing ovation before kick-off, Gasperini launching him into the starting XI in a statement of intent that saw all new arrivals handed match time in a fixture played at high tempo with minimal defensive strain on Mile Svilar. The victory delivered immediate validation of Roma's summer recruitment. Dybala's fitness and form were on full display—the 8/10 rating in the match assessment noted he "wanted to be Roma's first goalscorer of the season" and that his connection with Malen was devastating when he was operating at this level. Malen's 8.5/10 reflected his ruthlessness, the report highlighting both a gift from Dybala for his opening goal and a second that was "pure Malen: grit, speed and killer instinct". Wesley, making his first competitive appearance, showed his ankle was holding up, though "not yet in dazzling form". Mora's brief introduction before his substitution at 53 minutes drew praise for a "curling shot that forced De Gea to work overtime", demonstrating the quality Villas-Boas had been reluctant to release. Gasperini's tactical blueprint was laid bare from the opening whistle. The boss "called the press, called for few touches" and had "already shifted into fifth gear" by the first match of the campaign, the report notes. In midfield, Bryan Cristante covered the most ground—averaging 10.2 km as he had done last season—while Manu Koné arrived dangerously on percussive runs, though Gasperini "threw him a look" when he forced an unnecessary acceleration on the 3–0 goal. The defence was untroubled; Evan N'Dicka, making an early impact, was "providential in closing on Pellegrino" within three minutes of his entry, and Gianluca Mancini "strapped the spaces by right" from the Fiorentina midfield. Matías Soulé came on at 53 minutes and "got tangled on the shot" despite doing everything else correctly in the box before playing a role in the fourth. Gasperini made five substitutions: Konstantinos Koulierakis replaced Mario Hermoso at 67 minutes, Santiago Castro came on for Malen at the same interval, Neil El Aynaoui entered for Koné at 78, and Pisilli replaced Dybala at 78, scoring shortly after "with a bit of fortune following a good flick".

Roma swept Fiorentina 4–0 in their Serie A opener at the Stadio Olimpico on 24 August, with Donyell Malen scoring a hat-trick and Niccolò Pisilli adding the fourth. The rout marked a confident start under Gian Piero Gasperini, who fielded Lulli and Rodrigo Mora from the first minute in his opening fixture. Paulo Dybala was the architects of Roma's dominance, setting up Malen's opening goal and then providing assists for each of the winger's three strikes. Dybala impressed with his physical condition and range of play, though the assessments noted he still needs to sharpen his finishing in the box. Malen's clinical display capped a straightforward afternoon in the capital — he claimed the matchball immediately after the final whistle. Gasperini's side showed hunger and cohesion from the outset, with Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné commanding the midfield. Cristante dominated the centre with relentless ball-winning and nearly unbeatable physicality in every challenge. Koné controlled proceedings in his familiar manner and impressed in both distribution and winning possession. The defence stood firm throughout. Evan N'Dicka engaged in a sustained duel with Fiorentina's Pellegrino, ultimately neutralising the threat without undue difficulty. Mario Hermoso played through early imprecision before settling into a battling rhythm, delivering a fine long ball for Dybala's assist on the second goal. Lulli made a strong debut, playing with personality and composure. Mile Svilar made few saves but was alert when Kean entered in the second half. Gasperini rotated from the 79th minute: Pisilli replaced Dybala to immediate effect, scoring and celebrating in front of the Curva Sud. Matías Soulé came on for Mora at the 53rd minute and struck the frame of the goal. Neil El Aynaoui entered the midfield in place of Koné as Roma sealed their opening victory.

Roma thrashed Fiorentina 4–0, with Paulo Dybala delivering a standout performance and Donyell Malen maintaining the form that has marked his time at the club. The emphatic victory underlined Roma's defensive solidity and attacking threat across both halves. Mile Svilar had little to do in goal, making a straightforward save from Brescianini's central effort after 11 minutes and a low stop on Ndour in the first half, with Roma's back line offering little resistance to Fiorentina's approach play. Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka anchored the defence with authority; N'Dicka proved impenetrable and maintained Roma's high line without inviting pressure, while Mancini engaged aggressively with Fiorentina's early attacks and proved dominant on the right flank alongside the supporting play. Mario Hermoso started unevenly with wayward distribution and defensive uncertainty against Mastantuono but recovered to launch the move from which Roma's second goal emerged, though he was also denied what appeared to be a header by offside. Konstantinos Koulierakis made his debut late in the second half, entering at 68 minutes in a comfortable moment for Roma. The scoreline and defensive performance reflected the gap between the sides on the night, with Roma's front line creating multiple opportunities while Fiorentina struggled to penetrate.

Donyell Malen scored a hat-trick as Roma demolished Fiorentina 4–0, with the Dutch winger later captured in a video posted by his wife Delisha performing as a DJ to celebrate the result. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini praised the performance across the squad. In his post-match comments, Gasperini said: "Mora is extraordinary. Dybala is a beast. We need a few more reinforcements." Paulo Dybala also spoke after the match, stating: "We can finish higher than third place. I never had doubts about the contract renewal." Malen added: "Playing with Dybala is extraordinary. I don't want to say how many goals I'll score." The emphatic victory showcased Roma's attacking threat, with Dybala operating at his sharpest alongside Malen's match-winning display.

Roma opened their 2026-27 season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Fiorentina, with Donyell Malen scoring a hat-trick and Paulo Dybala providing three assists. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini saw encouraging debuts from Rodrigo Mora, Konstantinos Koulierakis and Santiago Castro. With a trip to Lecce at the Via del Mare scheduled for Monday 31 August at 18:30, Gasperini has given the squad a day's rest. Training will resume on Wednesday afternoon at Trigoria, ahead of the next fixture.

Bryan Cristante was interviewed after Roma's opening match of the 2026–27 season against Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on 24 August. The midfielder said the team had put in a strong performance from the start and credited the squad's preparation during pre-season for their readiness. "We're in good shape, we had a good pre-season with all our efforts. If we carry on with performances like this it's very good. We're more ready because the squad is the same one. We're more prepared for the workload and the manager's demands, so we started with an extra gear," Cristante said. Cristante highlighted the impact of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, saying they "make the difference when they're in good form." He noted that Dybala has been making a difference in Italian football for years, while Malen scored immediately in January. Cristante also praised a player referred to as "Lulli", describing it as "a great performance" and saying he "can give us a hand." On the team's defensive solidity, Cristante reflected: "We've always done great training sessions, but in pre-season the workload takes its toll. However, the staff always get us ready when matches that count begin." The midfielder also reflected on his personal milestone, saying he was entering Roma's top ten for players with the most appearances for the club. "It's an incredible club and city. I'm honoured to enter the top ten. I hope to make as many appearances as possible and continue to win with performances like this," he said. On the team's ambitions, Cristante added: "Yes, we want to do better. We're starting from a more consolidated base: we're the same group. We're starting with an extra gear, but the season is long. Starting well is important, we want to improve on last year's result."