Torri impressed by Rodrigo Mora's debut; questions El Aynaoui's future

Rome's radio stations offered their verdicts on Roma's latest match, with commentators highlighting strong individual performances but uncertainty over squad composition in the closing days of the transfer window. Francesco Balzani praised Roma's display, calling it "the best Roma of Gasperini" they had seen, and credited the coach with bringing consistency to the project. He noted that Malen, despite his quality, had been playing in the wrong league before his arrival, and emphasised that the absence of discontented players and unhappy coaches was a strength Roma must not waste. "One more effort and Roma can position itself below Inter," Balzani said, singling out Dybala's impact: "Dybala—in a league like this—moves mountains." Piero Torri offered detailed assessment of Roma's recent outing. "Rodrigo Mora's debut convinced me," he said. "The Portuguese player had a good match and came close to scoring." Torri also praised Jan Ziółkowski and Manu Koné, describing the full-back—born in 2007—as "notably surprising." He noted that before the match, technical director D'Amico had ruled out major departures, which Torri welcomed. However, he raised a question mark over the coming days: "One must understand what El Aynaoui's future will be, with only days remaining in the transfer market."

Roma's 2026–27 season gets under way this evening with a Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico at 20:45. Former Roma and Juventus executive Zbigniew Boniek has outlined his expectations for the campaign in an interview with Corriere della Sera. Boniek said: "My hope is that Roma have an important season, even though they are not among the scudetto favourites. The Champions League is back—a serious commitment that requires high concentration for many months and a broad squad." On the summer transfer activity, he suggested Gasperini may still want more additions but credited the club's work: "Castro, for example, I like as a centre-forward and he will be an excellent alternative to Malen." On the rapport between Gasperini and Roma's support, Boniek offered strong backing: "I like Gasperini very much—he always manages to get the maximum from his squad, he is straightforward. Roma's fans want to see their team play well and win: Gasperini guarantees you all of that. Perhaps he is disliked, yes, but by opponents."

Roma radio pundits assessed the club's summer transfer window on 24 August 2026, with mixed verdicts on recruitment and squad readiness. Francesco Balzani (Tele Radio Stereo) rated the market as "respectable but a missed opportunity", noting Roma are stronger than last season yet have not closed the gap to Inter. He identified Greenwood and Summerville as the signings that got away, arguing that early-window business could have positioned Roma to challenge Inter. Balzani awarded the window a 6.5 out of 10, saying it would rise to 7 if Roma signed a left winger. He also noted that Roma had wanted to sell Soulé, and that Koné would have left for an offer exceeding 50 million euros. Roberto Pruzzo (Radio Radio Mattino) observed that the squad is largely the same as last season, with Soulé able to start despite unspectacular performances—"but tell me who has played well"—and hoped Dybala maintains his current condition and that Malen has recovered his form from the previous year. Mario Mattioli (Radio Radio Mattino) expressed confidence in the squad but doubted Mora's immediate impact. "I don't see many doubts at Roma. In my view Mora doesn't play—maybe he'll get a few minutes at the end, because Gasperini isn't inclined to those choices. When Mora starts playing he'll prove what's expected of him, but I have some doubt he can do it straightaway in a meaningful way for Roma. Who plays plays; we know already how the team can play. The question mark is the new players. Molina will play, but for the rest it'll be last season's Roma. Maybe with a tempo that speeds things up. I see Soulé very well in Dybala's traditional spot, on the right." Nando Orsi (Radio Radio Mattino) discussed midfield and forward combinations, noting Cristante played as a trequartista at Bergamo but reverted to his defensive midfield role at Roma. He expressed concern over Malen's role, saying Gasperini must manage the dynamic carefully: "I think they'll play little together. Castro as an accompanying forward could work. Soulé at Frosinone played behind the striker, he can do the Pasalic role. Castro can, but I don't think he's convinced."

Rome's radio stations offered their verdicts on Roma's latest match, with commentators highlighting strong individual performances but uncertainty over squad composition in the closing days of the transfer window. Francesco Balzani praised Roma's display, calling it "the best Roma of Gasperini" they had seen, and credited the coach with bringing consistency to the project. He noted that Malen, despite his quality, had been playing in the wrong league before his arrival, and emphasised that the absence of discontented players and unhappy coaches was a strength Roma must not waste. "One more effort and Roma can position itself below Inter," Balzani said, singling out Dybala's impact: "Dybala—in a league like this—moves mountains." Piero Torri offered detailed assessment of Roma's recent outing. "Rodrigo Mora's debut convinced me," he said. "The Portuguese player had a good match and came close to scoring." Torri also praised Jan Ziółkowski and Manu Koné, describing the full-back—born in 2007—as "notably surprising." He noted that before the match, technical director D'Amico had ruled out major departures, which Torri welcomed. However, he raised a question mark over the coming days: "One must understand what El Aynaoui's future will be, with only days remaining in the transfer market."

Roma have agreed terms with Malick Fofana (21) but remain at loggerheads with Lyon over the fee. The French club is demanding €35 million fixed plus €5 million in bonuses, a price Roma have resisted after their substantial investment in Rodrigo Mora. The giallorossi will decide in the coming hours whether to meet Lyon's demands or pursue alternative targets as the market remains open. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (22) remains on Roma's radar, but Chelsea continue to block a move. The Blues have rejected a loan-with-option-to-buy formula and insist on an immediate sale, valuing the winger at up to €45 million. Director Florian Friedkin is monitoring the situation, though the negotiations have cooled and will require Chelsea to shift their stance for progress. Ibrahim Mbaye (18), a young winger sidelined by Paris Saint-Germain, is being tracked as a potentially sustainable option to bolster the attack as Gasperini seeks. Friedkin is watching developments in the final days of the window to see if favourable conditions emerge. Meanwhile, Neil El Aynaoui (25) has attracted fresh enquiries beyond Saudi Arabian interest, with Crystal Palace now seeking information on the Moroccan midfielder. Roma do not regard the former Lens player as unsaleable and could consider offers around €35 million, a sum that would significantly boost resources for one final attacking addition. Jan Ziółkowski (21) appears set to leave. The Polish defender is being linked with Parma while Monza also monitor the situation. Gasperini now has greater defensive depth following the arrival of Oosterwolde, who can operate at left-back or centre-back, which may facilitate Ziółkowski's exit in the closing stages of the market.

Roma have agreed personal terms with Malick Fofana but negotiations between the clubs have slowed after Olympique Lyon's steep valuation of the Belgian winger: €35 million plus €5 million in bonuses. The Roma hierarchy has not made the decisive move for the 2005-born player following the completion of Rodrigo Mora's contract, with UEFA Financial Fair Play restrictions also cited as a factor. According to Fabrizio Romano, it will become clear in the closing stages of this summer's transfer window whether Roma decide to reopen contact with Lyon to complete the signing or prefer to wait for potential departures in the forward department.

Rome's radio stations offered their verdicts on Roma's latest match, with commentators highlighting strong individual performances but uncertainty over squad composition in the closing days of the transfer window. Francesco Balzani praised Roma's display, calling it "the best Roma of Gasperini" they had seen, and credited the coach with bringing consistency to the project. He noted that Malen, despite his quality, had been playing in the wrong league before his arrival, and emphasised that the absence of discontented players and unhappy coaches was a strength Roma must not waste. "One more effort and Roma can position itself below Inter," Balzani said, singling out Dybala's impact: "Dybala—in a league like this—moves mountains." Piero Torri offered detailed assessment of Roma's recent outing. "Rodrigo Mora's debut convinced me," he said. "The Portuguese player had a good match and came close to scoring." Torri also praised Jan Ziółkowski and Manu Koné, describing the full-back—born in 2007—as "notably surprising." He noted that before the match, technical director D'Amico had ruled out major departures, which Torri welcomed. However, he raised a question mark over the coming days: "One must understand what El Aynaoui's future will be, with only days remaining in the transfer market."

Roma have agreed terms with Malick Fofana (21) but remain at loggerheads with Lyon over the fee. The French club is demanding €35 million fixed plus €5 million in bonuses, a price Roma have resisted after their substantial investment in Rodrigo Mora. The giallorossi will decide in the coming hours whether to meet Lyon's demands or pursue alternative targets as the market remains open. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (22) remains on Roma's radar, but Chelsea continue to block a move. The Blues have rejected a loan-with-option-to-buy formula and insist on an immediate sale, valuing the winger at up to €45 million. Director Florian Friedkin is monitoring the situation, though the negotiations have cooled and will require Chelsea to shift their stance for progress. Ibrahim Mbaye (18), a young winger sidelined by Paris Saint-Germain, is being tracked as a potentially sustainable option to bolster the attack as Gasperini seeks. Friedkin is watching developments in the final days of the window to see if favourable conditions emerge. Meanwhile, Neil El Aynaoui (25) has attracted fresh enquiries beyond Saudi Arabian interest, with Crystal Palace now seeking information on the Moroccan midfielder. Roma do not regard the former Lens player as unsaleable and could consider offers around €35 million, a sum that would significantly boost resources for one final attacking addition. Jan Ziółkowski (21) appears set to leave. The Polish defender is being linked with Parma while Monza also monitor the situation. Gasperini now has greater defensive depth following the arrival of Oosterwolde, who can operate at left-back or centre-back, which may facilitate Ziółkowski's exit in the closing stages of the market.

Neil El Aynaoui could leave Roma before the transfer window closes. The midfielder is considered expendable and Roma will not block a departure for €35 million. A potential return for Rios has been discussed, with particular interest emerging in Portugal. Head coach Gasperini is keen on the player, but Roma have not yet made a formal offer, according to reports from recent days.