Totti on Dybala and the number 10: continuity must be earned

Roma's transfer activity continues to take shape as negotiations over a move for Molina from Atlético Madrid advance, with agreement between the clubs already in place and details being finalised with the player, according to commentary on Roman radio. The move represents an upgrade on Zeki Çelik at left-back, following the collapse of earlier attempts to sign Read from Feyenoord. Felici questioned the market's inflation, citing the €25 million paid for Robinio Vaz as excessive, whilst observing that established players like Molina command more realistic valuations than emerging talent. Carina argued that Roma remain behind schedule in constructing their squad for the coming season. Gasperini is awaiting the arrival of at least four wide players to implement his preferred system, and with the pre-season phase underway to test the squad, the club still has structural gaps to address. Carina stated: "If the summer is being used to trial the squad ahead of the season then Roma is in arrears. In prospect of the league it still looks a bit short, because this is when you should be working with the squad that will define the season. There are still some holes." Pruzzo offered a critical assessment of defender Koulierakis following a friendly on 4 August, saying: "Koulierakis yesterday did not make a great impression on me. He seemed a bit approximate and made many sloppy passes. I didn't understand whether he is a defender who wants to hold his position or go to meet the attacker. I hope I'm wrong and that he is a player with the strength to play as a defensive utility man." Ryan Friedkin made a surprise appearance at the friendly.

Roma legend Roberto Pruzzo has urged the club to pursue Dodô rather than invest in Read, arguing that the side needs proven certainty this season. Speaking on Radio Radio, Pruzzo said: "Read? The Roma should go for Dodô instead of investing in a 20-year-old prospect. This year the giallorossi must seek certainties and it would be better to go for a safe experienced player. Before investing 30 million on a player who already knows Serie A." Pruzzo's intervention reflects ongoing debate over Roma's transfer strategy and the balance between youth development and immediate squad reinforcement. Meanwhile, radio commentator Piero Torri raised broader concerns about the club's direction during an appearance on Radio Manà Manà Sport. Torri stated: "Roma in recent years has been losing a bit of romanismo inside itself. I think of the departure of Claudio Ranieri, and obviously the failure to bring Francesco Totti in giallorosso. There the situation has been without news for a long time." Torri's remarks highlight frustration among observers about the club's handling of two figures closely associated with Roma's identity—Ranieri's exit from his managerial role in 2025 and the ongoing discussions surrounding Totti's potential involvement in the club's 2027 centenary plans.

Roma's transfer strategy dominated Roman radio discussion on 4 August 2026, with prominent voices divided over the club's pursuit of Read and wider recruitment targets. Alessandro Vocalelli argued Roma should not rush into signings, stating: "I prefer to wait to sign an important player rather than sign a mediocre footballer straight away." He criticised Gasperini's squad retention, suggesting players like Svilar—who has reached a level where "it would have been a bargain to sell him for 60 or 70 million"—should have been sold. Luigi Ferrajolo warned that failing to land Read would represent a third failed negotiation, citing systemic problems: "The problem with Roma is that it cannot get the players it wants." Francesco Balzani claimed Roma believed it could close Read's deal on 4 August, having moved close to Feyenoord's asking price, but stressed the club must now look elsewhere. He also highlighted a paradox over Lorenzo Pellegrini, who has been out of contract for weeks with an agreement in place—yet awaiting Friedkin Group approval to finalise terms. Roberto Pruzzo advocated shifting focus away from Read: "Roma should go for Dodo instead of investing in a 20-year-old prospect. This year the Giallorossi must seek certainties and it would be better to go for a proven player. Before investing 30 million on a footballer who already knows Serie A." Ugo Trani predicted Roma would pursue Fofana if Nusa fell through, noting that the squad must be ready in 20 days, with the left-winger position still incomplete.

Roma have agreed terms with Atlético Madrid defender Nehuen Molina after two days of negotiation. The Argentine will arrive for €18 million including bonuses on a four-year contract worth just over €2.5 million per year. Molina will operate on the right flank alongside Wesley on the left, completing Roma's full-back options at senior level. He becomes the fourth Argentine in the squad alongside Matías Soulé, Paulo Dybala, and Santiago Castro. During an intense summer training session, Roma's technical staff oversaw strength and sprint drills with additional load work to sharpen acceleration. The club's board attended in full, notably including vice-president Ryan Friedkin, whose presence underlined the ownership's commitment to backing the head coach's work as the new season approaches. Roma continue to pursue young midfielder Cacciamani from Torino, with president Cairo evaluating the prospect—who spent last season on loan at Juve Stabia—at a valuation of at least €15 million. Gasperini has identified the 2007-born player as ideal cover for Wesley. Analysis on local radio has been mixed. Roberto Pruzzo expressed reservations about recent defensive signing Koulierakis: "He did not make a great impression yesterday. He seemed a bit imprecise and made many passing errors. I didn't understand if he's a defender who wants to hold his position or step forward to the attacker." Antonio Felici praised the club's work on fullbacks: "When you go for players like Molina, who maybe don't have all this interest, finished articles where you know what they can give you, you perhaps get more realistic valuations."

Roma's squad engaged in a teqball competition during a pre-season training camp, with Paulo Dybala and Mario Hermoso defeating Wesley and Castro 7–3. The match took on a South American and Latin flavour, pitting the experience of Dybala and Hermoso against the younger pairing. After the victory, Dybala offered commentary on the result and the age gap between the teams. He stated: "Experience always pays off", and later added: "Much to learn for the young lads", directing the remark at the Argentina–Brazil duo. Dybala and Hermoso combined for 45 years between them, while Castro and Wesley brought nearly 64 years of experience. The teqball contest formed part of Roma's pre-season schedule, with the club using downtime activities to strengthen squad cohesion and competitive spirit among players during the summer training period.

Nahuel Molina is set to become Roma's third summer signing, after Castro and Koulierakis, following an agreement in principle with Atlético Madrid for a permanent transfer worth approximately €13 million plus €4 million in bonuses. The Argentine right-back will join fellow countrymen Dybala, Soulé and Castro at Trigoria. Molina's path to Roma appeared written in the stars. In February 2025, the 2022 World Cup winner dined at a restaurant on Rome's Colle Aventino, a known favourite among Roma players and staff. At the time, he was still wearing Atlético Madrid's colours and could not have imagined the Giallorossi would become his new home. Social media images from the evening have since surfaced, capturing a moment that preceded his move to the Italian capital.