Totti backs Roma as title contenders alongside Inter

Francesco Totti has declared Roma among the favourites for the Serie A title this season, naming Inter as their main rival in the championship race. Speaking at the official presentation of basketball club Maxima, for which he has become an advisor, Totti told Rai Sport: "Roma and Inter are the candidates for the title, let's not say anything and wait for the rest of the season. In 10 or 15 matches we'll see." Totti emphasised his unwavering connection to the club, where he spent his entire playing career. He stated: "Roma I will never set aside, it's my skin. We're there, we started well and I hope it can continue at these levels. Is mine a grudge against those who didn't seek me out? It's not a grudge, but a project that has enthused me. I'm happy because for me sport comes before everything."

Roma director of sport Tony D'Amico is being questioned by the Italian Football Federation's Procura Federale on 8 September over an incident that took place after Saturday's Roma–Atalanta match. According to reports, D'Amico will give his account of a confrontation with Atalanta chief executive Luca Percassi in the post-match period. D'Amico was allegedly insulted repeatedly by Percassi, first at the exit of the Tribuna 1927 stand and later in the Monte Mario car park area. The Roma director chose not to respond, avoiding further escalation of the situation. Roma issued a statement on Sunday condemning Percassi's conduct as unacceptable and confirmed the matter would be referred to the sporting justice authorities. The club has already begun gathering evidence, with stewards and witnesses questioned in the hours after the match. D'Amico's appearance comes as the Procura Federale continues its investigation, and Percassi is also expected to provide his version of events to the authorities. The disciplinary process follows the weekend clash between the two Serie A clubs. Roma's swift public backing of D'Amico and formal referral to the authorities reflect the seriousness with which the club is treating the allegations. The outcome of the Procura Federale's inquiry may result in sanctions depending on the findings.

Roma will make their first appearance in the Champions League since 2019, facing Fenerbahçe in the League Phase on Thursday at 18:45 at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in Istanbul. The club's return to Europe's top competition marks a significant milestone after a seven-year absence from the continental stage. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's squad will depart for Turkey on 9 September to begin preparations for the match. The timing comes after three consecutive Serie A victories in the opening three rounds, with Roma now turning their attention to their first European fixture of the season. The squad qualified for the Champions League following third place in Serie A last season. Upon arrival in Istanbul, Gasperini will hold a pre-match press conference at 17:00 Italian time, where he will preview the fixture and assess his squad's condition. The team will then train at 17:30 Italian time in their final session before the match, an opportunity to clarify remaining doubts over the starting XI for Thursday's opening European tie.