Stadio Olimpico sells out for Fiorentina opener; Dybala set as Gasperini's anchor

Gianluca Mancini spoke to Sky Sport from Trigoria, emphasizing his deep commitment to Roma and reflecting on the club's recent arrivals. The defender stressed his emotional bond with the club, saying: "Al cuore non si comanda. Io ho un rapporto speciale, la Roma me la sento dentro di me, dal primo giorno che sono arrivato e poi negli anni è aumentato." He outlined his desire to remain under the current management and continue contributing as the new season approaches. Mancini praised the intensity of pre-season preparation and the squad's readiness for the campaign ahead. On Rodrigo Mora, who completed his first training session on the day of the interview, Mancini noted that the Portuguese defender impressed him when Roma faced Porto two years ago. He credited manager José Mourinho's assessment of Mora's qualities, saying new arrivals strengthen the group which functions as a family. Regarding the league title race, Mancini acknowledged Inter's status as favourites but stressed Roma's ambition to compete: "il nostro obiettivo è pensare partita dopo partita, ragionare da squadra, passare dai momenti belli e cavalcare l'onda." Mancini also reflected on his experience with the Italian national team, acknowledging lingering disappointment over missing the World Cup while emphasizing the need to focus forward under new leadership.

Roma trained at Trigoria this morning following a three-day rest granted by Gasperini, with new signing Rodrigo Mora featuring in his first session after receiving official confirmation. The squad is preparing for their Serie A opener against Fiorentina on Monday, 24 August at 20:45 at Stadio Olimpico. Niccolò Pisilli has recovered from injury and returned to full group training, a significant boost for Gasperini's midfield options. Lorenzo Pellegrini continues working separately, with his availability for the Fiorentina match to be assessed day by day. Wesley completed a partial session but is on track to start against Viola, with no fitness concerns reported.

Matteo Marcenaro has been appointed to referee Roma's first Serie A match of the season against Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on 24 August at 20:45. The fixture comes five days after the announcement of the Serie A refereeing assignments for opening weekend. Marcenaro last took charge of a Roma match on 18 April, when Roma faced Atalanta. He will be supported by assistants Lo Cicero and Rossi, with Fabbri as fourth official. Abisso will serve as VAR and Giua as assistant VAR for the match.

Rodrigo Mora has spoken for the first time as a Roma player following his official unveiling. The Portuguese forward expressed gratitude to the club and supporters after arriving at the airport, saying: "I am very happy to be here. I would like to thank Roma and the port. I am truly delighted and hope to have a great season here." Mora cited Paulo Dybala as a childhood inspiration and highlighted his eagerness to play alongside him. "During my childhood I grew up watching Dybala, and now being able to play next to him is something very rewarding for me," he said. He identified his ability to escape defenders in difficult situations as his main strength and expressed enthusiasm about working with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, noting that the manager favours number 10s—the position Mora prefers to play. Roma's passionate support also made a strong impression: "I remember the supporters who stayed with me. It is a very passionate fanbase and very loud. What struck me most about them was the 'noise' of the fans." Mora has worn the number 10 since age 15 at Porto's B team and intends to continue wearing it "for at least a few more years." He acknowledged the difficulty of leaving Porto, where he spent his entire life, but expressed confidence in the move: "When I found out I would transfer here, I was truly happy." He also highlighted the lengthy negotiations: "As everyone knows, it was a difficult negotiation that lasted quite a long time. Honestly, I could not wait to be here."

Mora has officially joined Roma after weeks of negotiations with Porto and completed his first training session on 19 August. The young forward will make his debut at the Olimpico on Monday and has been presented to supporters through an official interview with the club. Mora expressed his gratitude to Roma and Porto, and acknowledged the passionate welcome from fans at the airport. He highlighted his childhood connection to Paulo Dybala, saying: "I grew up with Dybala during my childhood. Now being able to play with him is very gratifying for me. I can't wait to meet him." The forward has already spoken with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and expressed enthusiasm about working with him, noting that Gasperini likes to use number 10s. Mora will wear number 86, which he has worn since Porto's Under-15 academy. When asked about his strengths, Mora said: "My ability to free myself from opponents in complicated situations." He acknowledged his first Champions League campaign and previous experience playing at the Olimpico, where he was impressed by the atmosphere. On the protracted transfer process, he stated: "It was a difficult negotiation that lasted quite a long time. I couldn't wait to get here and had faith, even though it seemed things weren't going well. I must be grateful for the support I received." Closing with a message to the fans, he said: "Thank you for the support. I will always give my best on the pitch. Always Forza Roma!"

Rodrigo Mora landed at Rome's Ciampino airport on 18 August after completing his move from Porto, receiving a warm welcome from Roma supporters before his official presentation. The young attacking midfielder spoke to the club's media channels about his arrival, his ambitions, and what lies ahead in giallorosso. Mora expressed his delight at joining Roma and playing alongside Paulo Dybala, a player he admired growing up. On working under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, he said: "Yes, undoubtedly I'm very keen to work with the manager too. I think he really likes number 10s, and I like to play in that role. I believe we'll get on well." He also reflected on having faced Roma as an opponent, describing the atmosphere as striking: "I remember the fans, who made an impression on me. It's a very passionate fan base, and very loud. The noise of the fans impressed me—it was a difficult match in which Roma won, but what struck me most were the fans." Mora highlighted his ability to escape defenders in difficult situations as his main strength. He explained his choice of shirt number, which he selected at age 15 while playing for Porto's B team and has never changed. On his move, he acknowledged the transfer was protracted but said he always had faith. He also expressed his lifelong dream of playing in the Champions League, something he will now have the opportunity to pursue at Roma.

Roma radio pundits debated the club's transfer strategy on 19 August, with disagreement over whether the Friedkin ownership will fund a €30 million move for Lyon midfielder Fofana. Pes stated that the club cannot afford Rafael Leao, whose salary would exceed Roma's highest earners—Mile Svilar and Donyell Malen on €4 million annually. He said: "The real issue is understanding whether the ownership will have the will to invest €30 million to close the Fofana operation. As of today there are no conditions to close Fofana; you have to understand if you can do a different formula or free up economic space through some sales, otherwise it's a matter of finding a different target." The €25 million investment for Rodrigo Mora and the tentative Fofana talks weigh on the club's evaluations, Pes added, while Gasperini's tactical system requires two reinforcements beyond Mora alone. Carina countered that Roma's market is unfinished, expecting the arrival of a winger and a deputy for Wesley. He assessed the current market positively and said Fofana's arrival would improve matters further, but stressed a lack of favourable conditions for Leao. Orsi suggested Roma needed another midfielder beyond the four from last season's squad, praising the Friedkin Group's measured approach to recruitment and Roma's merit in securing Champions League qualification by remaining competitive through a run of nine wins in ten matches.

Roma legend Giuseppe Giannini has praised the club's acquisition of Rodrigo Mora, describing him as one of Europe's most talented and promising young players. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Giannini said Mora possesses "undisputed quality" and burned through Porto's youth ranks as a "predestined" talent. "At Roma, it is never easy—there is great warmth and great pressure—but the club and the coach will know how to integrate him properly while maintaining serenity around him," Giannini explained. The former Roma midfielder believes Mora and Paulo Dybala can form "a pair of trequartists of the highest level," with the Portuguese winger benefiting from Dybala's guidance. Giannini suggested multiple tactical options for head coach Giampiero Gasperini: an initial 3-4-1-2 with Mora rotating in for Dybala, or a more attacking 4-2-3-1 featuring Dybala, Mora, and Castro in support of Malen. He also highlighted Roma's youth strategy positively, noting the squad now contains 12 players under 25, and praised recent signings Castro and Molina for their qualities. When asked which top player he would sell if forced to, Giannini named Manu Koné, citing him as "the only one who has market at certain levels."

Stadio Olimpico will register its first sell-out of the season for Roma's Serie A opener against Fiorentina on Monday, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini working through final selection decisions ahead of the fixture. Paulo Dybala, who impressed in pre-season, will lead the attack alongside Matías Soulé, while Donyell Malen holds a slight advantage over another forward option, though rotation is possible given his current form. Mario Hermoso is favoured to partner Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka in defence, with Nahuel Molina operating on the flank. Wesley is being monitored for a minor ankle sprain; should he be unavailable, Devyne Rensch is ready, with Lulli available as cover. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are expected to anchor midfield, while Niccolò Pisilli, recently back from a muscular injury, is likely to start on the bench. Mora, who arrived at Ciampino yesterday, will meet Gasperini today but is unlikely to start. The Olimpico atmosphere is already building with 63,000 spectators expected, though the police authority has yet to rule on whether the away section can reopen following incidents in January.

Stadio Olimpico will register its first sell-out of the season for Roma's Serie A opener against Fiorentina on Monday, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini working through final selection decisions ahead of the fixture. Paulo Dybala, who impressed in pre-season, will lead the attack alongside Matías Soulé, while Donyell Malen holds a slight advantage over another forward option, though rotation is possible given his current form. Mario Hermoso is favoured to partner Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka in defence, with Nahuel Molina operating on the flank. Wesley is being monitored for a minor ankle sprain; should he be unavailable, Devyne Rensch is ready, with Lulli available as cover. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are expected to anchor midfield, while Niccolò Pisilli, recently back from a muscular injury, is likely to start on the bench. Mora, who arrived at Ciampino yesterday, will meet Gasperini today but is unlikely to start. The Olimpico atmosphere is already building with 63,000 spectators expected, though the police authority has yet to rule on whether the away section can reopen following incidents in January.

Roma begin their 2026–27 campaign with five days to prepare before facing Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico on 24 August. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will resume full-squad training on 19 August at Trigoria, following a brief rest after the pre-season training camp in Wales and a 2–2 friendly against Borussia Dortmund in Germany. Wesley and Niccolò Pisilli are expected to participate despite recent injuries—the Brazilian striker suffered a mild ankle sprain before the Dortmund match and missed that fixture, while the midfielder picked up a calf injury at the end of July during the camp and has yet to train fully with the group. Lorenzo Pellegrini has worked individually throughout the summer while negotiating a contract renewal and will require more time to regain match fitness. Rodriguel Mora, signed as the club's latest attacking reinforcement, arrived in Rome on 18 August afternoon and is undergoing the formalities of medical clearance and administrative procedures before joining Gasperini's sessions. The 2007-born attacking midfielder represents one of several new faces—including Castro, Koulierakis and Molina—awaiting assessment ahead of the Fiorentina fixture. With Mile Svilar secure in goal and a defensive unit anchored by Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, Gasperini has five days to finalize his tactical approach and evaluate which new arrivals might feature from the start or from the bench. Paulo Dybala is expected to feature prominently after an strong pre-season showing.

Roma are actively exploring departures in the current transfer window. Jan Ziółkowski is in line to leave the club, with several Arab clubs monitoring the Polish defender. The 2005-born centre-back has attracted interest due to his youth and established international pedigree, and Roma are awaiting offers. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini would prefer to move on Daniele Ghilardi instead, but Ziółkowski commands greater market appeal. The arrival of Koulierakis has squeezed playing time for the young Pole, as the new signing can operate as left-centre-back in place of Mario Hermoso or centrally to rotate with Evan N'Dicka. Matías Soulé also remains available for transfer, though no offers have yet reached Roma's Trigoria training ground for the winger. Updates on potential departures are expected in the coming days as the club looks to balance the squad and generate funds. Gasperini's preference for which defender to sell underscores the tactical flexibility now available following recent recruitment, with multiple defensive options enabling the manager to make strategic choices about squad composition.