← All stories
Soulé wins over Gasperini again, set to start against Fiorentina
·23 August 2026·3h ago

Soulé wins over Gasperini again, set to start against Fiorentina

Source: Forza Roma

Matías Soulé has reclaimed his place in Roma's starting XI for Sunday's match against Fiorentina after an impressive pre-season, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed. The Argentine winger had faced a difficult summer marked by transfer speculation and fitness concerns that drew criticism from Gasperini during the early days of training. Now in top form following an exceptional preparation, Soulé will partner Paulo Dybala in an all-Argentine attacking three, with Donyell Malen completing the trident on the right.

Soulé has edged out Rodrigo Mora for the starting berth, the same trio that finished last season in Roma's Champions League match against Hellas Verona. Elsewhere, Gasperini has confirmed the debut of Molina on the right wing, with fellow Argentine Castro expected to come off the bench given that Malen has not yet reached full fitness. Wesley returns to full availability at left-back after recovery, while Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are set to start midfield duties together. In defence, Mario Hermoso is favoured over Koulierakis.

Gasperini has also promoted academy player Emanuele Lulli to the first-team squad following an impressive showing during the summer retreat. The coach said of Lulli: "He has demonstrated that he possesses the right characteristics to be part of Roma's squad. He will follow his development path."

● AI Generated Summary

This summary was generated by an AI model. Always read the source for complete and accurate information.

Story Coverage3 sources on this story

Matías Soulé has impressed during Roma's pre-season preparations and is set to feature prominently in Sunday's match against Fiorentina, according to multiple reports. The Argentine winger faced a difficult summer marked by transfer speculation and fitness concerns, which drew criticism from head coach Gian Piero Gasperini during early training. However, Soulé has now regained his place in the manager's plans following an exceptional preparation period.

The outlets differ on attacking personnel. Forza Roma reports that Soulé will start alongside Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen in a three-pronged attack, with Soulé edging out Rodrigo Mora for the starting berth. Retesport, however, suggests Mora could make his Roma debut in the starting lineup and presents the competition as open, with Mora competing with Soulé and Bryan Cristante for an attacking role depending on the midfield setup Gasperini chooses. The coverage indicates Roma will employ a central attacking midfielder behind two forwards, with Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné expected to feature in midfield duties. In defence, Wesley returns to full availability at left-back after recovery, while Mario Hermoso is favoured over Koulierakis. Gasperini has also promoted academy player Emanuele Lulli to the first-team squad following an impressive summer retreat.

AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.

Testo Originale / Source Text

"In ottima forma dopo una preparazione eccezionale". Quella di Gian Piero Gasperini suona tanto come una promozione per Mati Soulé che riconquista terreno dopo un'estate decisamente complicata tra voci di mercato e quei chili di troppo che avevano fatto storcere il naso al tecnico nei primi giorni…

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

Read original on Forza Roma

More Match Report

Pilgrim hails 'good start' after difficult Ternana test in Women's Cup
Match ReportSquad News AI
1h ago

Pilgrim hails 'good start' after difficult Ternana test in Women's Cup

Alayah Pilgrim spoke to the club after Roma's Serie A Women's Cup fixture against Ternana, reflecting on a hard-fought victory. "It wasn't an easy match, on this field and against this team," she said. "We encountered a lot of difficulties, physically and in the duels, but we won with courage and hunger. We're happy." Pilgrim called the result a strong foundation for the season ahead. "It's a good start for us, but we need to work even harder in view of the Women's Cup and the season," she said. Roma's next match comes at home at Tre Fontane against Sassuolo. Pilgrim added: "The next match will be at home: we'll return to Tre Fontane, where we'll face Sassuolo. I can't wait for next week to come. Against Sassuolo we need to do good work."

Il RomanistaRead original →
Molina set for debut as Gasperini weighs attacking options ahead of Fiorentina opener
Squad NewsSerie A AI
2h ago

Molina set for debut as Gasperini weighs attacking options ahead of Fiorentina opener

Roma will begin their Serie A campaign against Fiorentina within 24 hours, looking to build on last season's third-place finish. Nahuel Molina is ready for his debut on the right wing, with Devyne Rensch as backup, while Wesley has fully recovered from a ankle problem and will start on the left. The main tactical uncertainty centres on the attacking midfield slot alongside Paulo Dybala and behind striker Donyell Malen. Matías Soulé currently holds the advantage for that position after impressing the coaching staff during pre-season training, losing weight and setting aside transfer speculation. Rodrigo Mora poses a rival claim and is eager to make his debut. However, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini retains an alternative tactical option: deploying Bryan Cristante as a trequartista. The 1995-born midfielder has been used successfully in that role several times last season within the 3-4-1-2 formation, providing defensive stability and strong results. Should Gasperini opt for Cristante in advance, the midfield pivot would comprise Manu Koné alongside either Neil El Aynaoui or Niccolò Pisilli. The final decision will come only after the training session on the eve of the match, pending assessments of Aynaoui's fitness following the World Cup and the condition of young Italian academy product Pisilli, who has only recently rejoined the group.

Gasperini considers Mora for opening match; Pisilli leads race to partner Koné
Squad NewsSerie A AI
3h ago

Gasperini considers Mora for opening match; Pisilli leads race to partner Koné

Roma prepare for their Serie A opener against Fiorentina on Monday evening at the Olimpico, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini running through final selection details. The squad is virtually at full strength, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the sole absentee as he continues his rehabilitation programme. Gasperini has been resolving key tactical questions in recent training sessions as Roma adopt their familiar 3-4-1-2 formation. The main selection uncertainty centres on midfield and the attacking three. In defence, the back three will comprise Gianluca Mancini on the centre-right, Evan N'Dicka in the middle, and Mario Hermoso on the left. Molina will operate on the right flank and Wesley on the left, both tasked with providing attacking thrust and quick defensive cover. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are locked in as the attacking partnership. Gasperini is considering fielding young Rodrigo Mora in the number 10 role from the start, a move that would sacrifice some defensive balance but offer greater attacking quality. In central midfield, Niccolò Pisilli holds a clear advantage over Neil El Aynaoui in the battle to partner Manu Koné and provide dynamism and forward runs. This positioning could see Bryan Cristante start on the bench despite featuring heavily in pre-season friendlies. Roma will hold a final training session this afternoon at Trigoria before the squad remains overnight at the Fulvio Bernardini sports centre ahead of Monday's debut against Fiorentina.

Il RomanistaRead original →

More on Paulo Dybala

Player profile →
Molina set for debut as Gasperini weighs attacking options ahead of Fiorentina opener
Squad NewsSerie A AI
2h ago

Molina set for debut as Gasperini weighs attacking options ahead of Fiorentina opener

Roma will begin their Serie A campaign against Fiorentina within 24 hours, looking to build on last season's third-place finish. Nahuel Molina is ready for his debut on the right wing, with Devyne Rensch as backup, while Wesley has fully recovered from a ankle problem and will start on the left. The main tactical uncertainty centres on the attacking midfield slot alongside Paulo Dybala and behind striker Donyell Malen. Matías Soulé currently holds the advantage for that position after impressing the coaching staff during pre-season training, losing weight and setting aside transfer speculation. Rodrigo Mora poses a rival claim and is eager to make his debut. However, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini retains an alternative tactical option: deploying Bryan Cristante as a trequartista. The 1995-born midfielder has been used successfully in that role several times last season within the 3-4-1-2 formation, providing defensive stability and strong results. Should Gasperini opt for Cristante in advance, the midfield pivot would comprise Manu Koné alongside either Neil El Aynaoui or Niccolò Pisilli. The final decision will come only after the training session on the eve of the match, pending assessments of Aynaoui's fitness following the World Cup and the condition of young Italian academy product Pisilli, who has only recently rejoined the group.

Dybala orchestrates, Cristante and Mancini provide foundation: a winning core
Squad NewsSerie A AI
3h ago

Dybala orchestrates, Cristante and Mancini provide foundation: a winning core

Roma will begin the 2026–27 season at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow against Fiorentina with nearly 65,000 supporters expected, but the focus will be on Gasperini's trusted core of players rather than wholesale change. The coach has consistently praised a nucleus of squad members, and Paulo Dybala, Bryan Cristante and Gianluca Mancini form the backbone of his plans. Dybala has impressed throughout pre-season, scoring seven goals during the summer training camp—two each against Cannes and Roma Primavera, plus strikes against Trastevere, Cardiff and Borussia Dortmund—while creating numerous assists. Gasperini said of the Argentine: "I am confident he will play more than in previous years, because I see Paulo determined and particularly strong. He has completed a preparation that perhaps he had not managed for some time, without injuries. Of course you always cross your fingers—last season he was very unlucky, getting injured kicking a penalty in Milan and a free kick with Torino. But physically he seems much more toned. Perhaps he no longer has the speed and shooting power of when he was young, but he has improved other qualities. At 32 he is in the prime of his technical and physical maturity, I think he will end up having a great season." The benefit will extend to Donyell Malen, who has sparkled whenever receiving Dybala's passes. Having Dybala at full strength does not merely add creativity and unpredictability—it generates roughly 20 per cent more danger across the entire attack, starting with the Dutch winger.

Gasperini considers Mora for opening match; Pisilli leads race to partner Koné
Squad NewsSerie A AI
3h ago

Gasperini considers Mora for opening match; Pisilli leads race to partner Koné

Roma prepare for their Serie A opener against Fiorentina on Monday evening at the Olimpico, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini running through final selection details. The squad is virtually at full strength, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the sole absentee as he continues his rehabilitation programme. Gasperini has been resolving key tactical questions in recent training sessions as Roma adopt their familiar 3-4-1-2 formation. The main selection uncertainty centres on midfield and the attacking three. In defence, the back three will comprise Gianluca Mancini on the centre-right, Evan N'Dicka in the middle, and Mario Hermoso on the left. Molina will operate on the right flank and Wesley on the left, both tasked with providing attacking thrust and quick defensive cover. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are locked in as the attacking partnership. Gasperini is considering fielding young Rodrigo Mora in the number 10 role from the start, a move that would sacrifice some defensive balance but offer greater attacking quality. In central midfield, Niccolò Pisilli holds a clear advantage over Neil El Aynaoui in the battle to partner Manu Koné and provide dynamism and forward runs. This positioning could see Bryan Cristante start on the bench despite featuring heavily in pre-season friendlies. Roma will hold a final training session this afternoon at Trigoria before the squad remains overnight at the Fulvio Bernardini sports centre ahead of Monday's debut against Fiorentina.

Il RomanistaRead original →

More on Donyell Malen

Player profile →
Roma v Fiorentina: kick-off time, team news, where to watch and ticket prices
Serie ASquad News AI
2h ago

Roma v Fiorentina: kick-off time, team news, where to watch and ticket prices

Roma and Fiorentina meet in what is arguably the most compelling opening fixture of the 2026–27 season. The two clubs arrive from markedly different 2025–26 campaigns: Roma finished strongly to become protagonists, while Fiorentina struggled throughout. Both have signalled growth ambitions in the transfer market. Gasperini requested reinforcements and secured some of them, while Fiorentina's roster has been bolstered by what is described as a fantastic summer window. The match will pit established strengths against new arrivals—Malen and Kean chief among the recognised talents on show—as both sides prepare to compete.

Il Messaggero – RomaRead original →
Molina set for debut as Gasperini weighs attacking options ahead of Fiorentina opener
Squad NewsSerie A AI
2h ago

Molina set for debut as Gasperini weighs attacking options ahead of Fiorentina opener

Roma will begin their Serie A campaign against Fiorentina within 24 hours, looking to build on last season's third-place finish. Nahuel Molina is ready for his debut on the right wing, with Devyne Rensch as backup, while Wesley has fully recovered from a ankle problem and will start on the left. The main tactical uncertainty centres on the attacking midfield slot alongside Paulo Dybala and behind striker Donyell Malen. Matías Soulé currently holds the advantage for that position after impressing the coaching staff during pre-season training, losing weight and setting aside transfer speculation. Rodrigo Mora poses a rival claim and is eager to make his debut. However, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini retains an alternative tactical option: deploying Bryan Cristante as a trequartista. The 1995-born midfielder has been used successfully in that role several times last season within the 3-4-1-2 formation, providing defensive stability and strong results. Should Gasperini opt for Cristante in advance, the midfield pivot would comprise Manu Koné alongside either Neil El Aynaoui or Niccolò Pisilli. The final decision will come only after the training session on the eve of the match, pending assessments of Aynaoui's fitness following the World Cup and the condition of young Italian academy product Pisilli, who has only recently rejoined the group.

Dybala orchestrates, Cristante and Mancini provide foundation: a winning core
Squad NewsSerie A AI
3h ago

Dybala orchestrates, Cristante and Mancini provide foundation: a winning core

Roma will begin the 2026–27 season at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow against Fiorentina with nearly 65,000 supporters expected, but the focus will be on Gasperini's trusted core of players rather than wholesale change. The coach has consistently praised a nucleus of squad members, and Paulo Dybala, Bryan Cristante and Gianluca Mancini form the backbone of his plans. Dybala has impressed throughout pre-season, scoring seven goals during the summer training camp—two each against Cannes and Roma Primavera, plus strikes against Trastevere, Cardiff and Borussia Dortmund—while creating numerous assists. Gasperini said of the Argentine: "I am confident he will play more than in previous years, because I see Paulo determined and particularly strong. He has completed a preparation that perhaps he had not managed for some time, without injuries. Of course you always cross your fingers—last season he was very unlucky, getting injured kicking a penalty in Milan and a free kick with Torino. But physically he seems much more toned. Perhaps he no longer has the speed and shooting power of when he was young, but he has improved other qualities. At 32 he is in the prime of his technical and physical maturity, I think he will end up having a great season." The benefit will extend to Donyell Malen, who has sparkled whenever receiving Dybala's passes. Having Dybala at full strength does not merely add creativity and unpredictability—it generates roughly 20 per cent more danger across the entire attack, starting with the Dutch winger.

More on Wesley

Player profile →
Cacciamani move accelerates as Roma closes on Torino; Ziolkowski exit awaits Saudi official offer
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
1h ago

Cacciamani move accelerates as Roma closes on Torino; Ziolkowski exit awaits Saudi official offer

Roma are closing on a deal to sign Alessio Cacciamani from Torino, with the gap between the two clubs narrowing to around €2 million. Director D'Amico is working multiple fronts to complete Gian Piero Gasperini's squad ahead of the season's official start in two weeks. Cacciamani, born in 2007, is one of Italy's most promising young talents and already capped at Under-21 level. He made his Serie A debut in Torino's colours and starred in Serie B for Juve Stabia during the 2025-26 season. Roma's latest offer stands at €12 million, with Torino's asking price just €2 million higher—a gap the Giallorossi believe is bridgeable for both sides. He would serve as a backup left winger to the ever-present Wesley, with Molina and Rensch occupying the other flank. Cacciamani and two attacking midfielders would give Gasperini's Roma the profile needed for a Champions League campaign. In parallel, D'Amico is working on an exit that would generate profit on the books. Jan Ziółkowski is expected to receive an official offer from Saudi Arabia totalling around €20 million—a significant margin on the €6 million paid to Legia Warsaw for the Polish defender last summer. Matías Soulé is also a possible departure and could facilitate a move for Endrick, though no formal bids have arrived for him yet, including from AC Milan, which had shown interest in recent days without making a concrete advance. The club faces a deadline of two weeks before the season officially begins, creating logical urgency to complete its business across the transfer market.

Il RomanistaRead original →
Molina set for debut as Gasperini weighs attacking options ahead of Fiorentina opener
Squad NewsSerie A AI
2h ago

Molina set for debut as Gasperini weighs attacking options ahead of Fiorentina opener

Roma will begin their Serie A campaign against Fiorentina within 24 hours, looking to build on last season's third-place finish. Nahuel Molina is ready for his debut on the right wing, with Devyne Rensch as backup, while Wesley has fully recovered from a ankle problem and will start on the left. The main tactical uncertainty centres on the attacking midfield slot alongside Paulo Dybala and behind striker Donyell Malen. Matías Soulé currently holds the advantage for that position after impressing the coaching staff during pre-season training, losing weight and setting aside transfer speculation. Rodrigo Mora poses a rival claim and is eager to make his debut. However, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini retains an alternative tactical option: deploying Bryan Cristante as a trequartista. The 1995-born midfielder has been used successfully in that role several times last season within the 3-4-1-2 formation, providing defensive stability and strong results. Should Gasperini opt for Cristante in advance, the midfield pivot would comprise Manu Koné alongside either Neil El Aynaoui or Niccolò Pisilli. The final decision will come only after the training session on the eve of the match, pending assessments of Aynaoui's fitness following the World Cup and the condition of young Italian academy product Pisilli, who has only recently rejoined the group.

Oosterwolde set to join as Wesley's deputy
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
3h ago

Oosterwolde set to join as Wesley's deputy

AS Roma are close to completing the signing of Jayden Oosterwolde from Fenerbahce, the Dutch defender who will fill one of two remaining gaps in Gian Piero Gasperini's squad. The 2024-born left-back will serve as Wesley's backup and can also play as a centre-back if needed. The deal is structured as an expensive loan of €1.5 million plus a conditional obligation to buy worth around €15 million, with a further €2 million in add-ons that are unlikely to be triggered. Oosterwolde will sign a five-year contract worth €1.5 million net per season. Oosterwolde previously played in Italy between 2022 and 2023 at Parma and has already agreed terms with Roma. The club have reviewed his medical records ahead of closing the move. The defender is currently recovering from a muscle problem but is expected to return to full fitness within two weeks, allowing him to train with the squad in the near future.

Feedback