Wesley and Pisilli in doubt for Fiorentina opener; Molina set to start

Roma are pushing forward with the signing of Rodrigo Mora, an attacking left-back on his right foot whom head coach Gasperini has pursued for over a year. With the winger deal in its final stages, director of sport D'Amico has turned attention to filling another gap in the squad: a deputy full-back to rotate with Wesley, the Brazilian number 43. Molina arrived days ago, but another option remains essential. Three profiles are under close scrutiny: Luis Henrique of Inter, Cacciamani of Torino, and Udogie of Tottenham. Each presents distinct obstacles and attributes suited to Gasperini's system, in which full-backs must defend and cover the flanks while supporting the build-up and providing offensive thrust. The 19-year-old Lulli showed promise against Borussia Dortmund, but Gasperini expects more from his defenders on the wing. Among the trio, Udogie stands out as the most polished and dangerous prospect. The former Udinese player combines physical presence with ball-carrying ability to break down opposition defences. His Premier League experience, hindered by muscle injuries to the thigh and knee, has allowed him to develop as an additional midfielder. At 23, the academy product from Hellas Verona recorded 28 appearances for Tottenham last season. However, following Spence's departure to Inter, Tottenham are open only to a loan with an obligation to buy, whereas Roma are seeking an option to purchase.

Roma will open their 2026-27 season at the Olimpico against Fiorentina on Monday, 24 August at 20:45, with director D'Amico still working to finalise the squad ahead of the summer transfer window's closure on Tuesday, 1 September at 20:00. Rodrigo Mora, a left-sided winger described as a long-term target for Gasperini, is close to joining from Porto, and the club expects at least one further reinforcement before the deadline. However, Gasperini is likely to start the campaign with roughly 10 or 11 players from last season's squad. Molina is expected to earn a starting berth against Fiorentina, but the other recent arrivals face obstacles to immediate prominence. Koulierakis is unlikely to displace Mario Hermoso in the defensive hierarchy, and Castro faces a similar challenge against Donyell Malen despite the winger's low-profile preseason. Mora, expected in Italy in the coming days, will need time to integrate into Gasperini's system; Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé are likely to retain their attacking partnership. Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the opener through injury, while Niccolò Pisilli hopes to return in the squad and Wesley is managing a minor ankle sprain sustained in Saturday's friendly against Borussia Dortmund.

Rodrigo Mora is on the verge of joining Roma after days of negotiations were unblocked, with agent Jorge Mendes instrumental in keeping talks open between the clubs. The deal will be completed on a permanent basis for €25 million, with Porto retaining 50% of any future resale value. Roma will have the option to acquire that resale percentage for a further €25 million within a year. Gasperini will finally receive the right-footed attacking winger he has requested, addressing a gap in the squad. Once the Mora transfer closes, sporting director D'Amico will shift focus to signing a left-sided full-back to operate across the entire flank. Cacciamani of Torino and Udogie of Tottenham are the leading candidates, though Luis Henrique of Inter is also under consideration. The Brazilian, despite being naturally right-footed, could offer Gasperini flexibility to deploy as a supporting forward option. D'Amico has prioritised the Mora deal because the financial structure is sustainable relative to other options evaluated. The final details are now being finalised before documents are exchanged and the operation is sealed.

Roma are pushing forward with the signing of Rodrigo Mora, an attacking left-back on his right foot whom head coach Gasperini has pursued for over a year. With the winger deal in its final stages, director of sport D'Amico has turned attention to filling another gap in the squad: a deputy full-back to rotate with Wesley, the Brazilian number 43. Molina arrived days ago, but another option remains essential. Three profiles are under close scrutiny: Luis Henrique of Inter, Cacciamani of Torino, and Udogie of Tottenham. Each presents distinct obstacles and attributes suited to Gasperini's system, in which full-backs must defend and cover the flanks while supporting the build-up and providing offensive thrust. The 19-year-old Lulli showed promise against Borussia Dortmund, but Gasperini expects more from his defenders on the wing. Among the trio, Udogie stands out as the most polished and dangerous prospect. The former Udinese player combines physical presence with ball-carrying ability to break down opposition defences. His Premier League experience, hindered by muscle injuries to the thigh and knee, has allowed him to develop as an additional midfielder. At 23, the academy product from Hellas Verona recorded 28 appearances for Tottenham last season. However, following Spence's departure to Inter, Tottenham are open only to a loan with an obligation to buy, whereas Roma are seeking an option to purchase.

Roma will open their 2026-27 season at the Olimpico against Fiorentina on Monday, 24 August at 20:45, with director D'Amico still working to finalise the squad ahead of the summer transfer window's closure on Tuesday, 1 September at 20:00. Rodrigo Mora, a left-sided winger described as a long-term target for Gasperini, is close to joining from Porto, and the club expects at least one further reinforcement before the deadline. However, Gasperini is likely to start the campaign with roughly 10 or 11 players from last season's squad. Molina is expected to earn a starting berth against Fiorentina, but the other recent arrivals face obstacles to immediate prominence. Koulierakis is unlikely to displace Mario Hermoso in the defensive hierarchy, and Castro faces a similar challenge against Donyell Malen despite the winger's low-profile preseason. Mora, expected in Italy in the coming days, will need time to integrate into Gasperini's system; Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé are likely to retain their attacking partnership. Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the opener through injury, while Niccolò Pisilli hopes to return in the squad and Wesley is managing a minor ankle sprain sustained in Saturday's friendly against Borussia Dortmund.

Roma are preparing to shift focus to the left flank after the imminent completion of the Mora deal, with sporting director D'Amico seeking to bolster the lateral options available to Gasperini. Currently, Rensch and Wesley are the only out-and-out wide players in that position. Cacciamani and Udogie remain the preferred targets, but Luis Henrique, the Inter winger, has also entered contention. The Brazilian, despite being right-footed, could serve Gasperini as a versatile option capable of operating behind the front line. According to reports, Luis Henrique has already approved a move to Roma and is now the leading candidate following the closure of discussions around the Portuguese class of 2007 player. Fresh talks are planned with Torino over Cacciamani, whose club are holding out for €20 million, while D'Amico is targeting €15 million including bonuses. Udogie represents an alternative, with any deal hinged on a loan with an obligation to buy, and Luis Henrique would serve as a further option should negotiations with Torino break down.

Roma will open their 2026-27 season at the Olimpico against Fiorentina on Monday, 24 August at 20:45, with director D'Amico still working to finalise the squad ahead of the summer transfer window's closure on Tuesday, 1 September at 20:00. Rodrigo Mora, a left-sided winger described as a long-term target for Gasperini, is close to joining from Porto, and the club expects at least one further reinforcement before the deadline. However, Gasperini is likely to start the campaign with roughly 10 or 11 players from last season's squad. Molina is expected to earn a starting berth against Fiorentina, but the other recent arrivals face obstacles to immediate prominence. Koulierakis is unlikely to displace Mario Hermoso in the defensive hierarchy, and Castro faces a similar challenge against Donyell Malen despite the winger's low-profile preseason. Mora, expected in Italy in the coming days, will need time to integrate into Gasperini's system; Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé are likely to retain their attacking partnership. Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the opener through injury, while Niccolò Pisilli hopes to return in the squad and Wesley is managing a minor ankle sprain sustained in Saturday's friendly against Borussia Dortmund.

Roma will resume training on Wednesday 19 August, with Wesley and Pisilli both undergoing assessment ahead of the opening Serie A fixture against Fiorentina on Monday 25 August. Wesley is nursing an ankle problem that will be evaluated at the resumption to determine whether he is fit for the season's first match. Pisilli will be checked on the same day, though there is confidence both players will be available for the trip to the Viola. For the Fiorentina opener, Roma are unlikely to welcome significant new arrivals into the starting XI. Molina is expected to start against Fiorentina, while Koné requires assessment. Soulé will operate on the left wing with Dybala on the right, though Pellegrini is not yet available for selection. Around 60,000 supporters are expected at the Olimpico for the match.

Roma drew 2–2 with Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park in their final pre-season fixture before the Serie A campaign begins. Paulo Dybala opened the scoring in the 4th minute, then set up Bryan Cristante for a second-half header five minutes later, but goals from Ryerson and Guirassy at the 12th and 28th minutes brought Dortmund level. Gasperini fielded a strong starting XI featuring the familiar defensive trio of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, with Mile Svilar in goal. Bryan Cristante and Neil El Aynaoui controlled midfield, while Matías Soulé and Dybala supported Donyell Malen up front. Lorenzo Pellegrini, Niccolò Pisilli and Wesley were absent, the latter sidelined by a mild ankle sprain. The match showcased Roma's physical improvement over the summer, though defensive vulnerabilities remain. Dybala played with notable sharpness, while Gasperini offered frequent tactical instruction to Soulé, urging him to widen play. Roma's pre-season campaign closes in Germany, with the squad returning to Trigoria on Wednesday morning to resume preparations for the opening league fixture against Fiorentina. The match against Fabio Grosso's side arrives in seven days at the Stadio Olimpico, marking Roma's first competitive test and their return to Champions League football under Gasperini, now in his second season in charge.

Roma will open their 2026-27 season at the Olimpico against Fiorentina on Monday, 24 August at 20:45, with director D'Amico still working to finalise the squad ahead of the summer transfer window's closure on Tuesday, 1 September at 20:00. Rodrigo Mora, a left-sided winger described as a long-term target for Gasperini, is close to joining from Porto, and the club expects at least one further reinforcement before the deadline. However, Gasperini is likely to start the campaign with roughly 10 or 11 players from last season's squad. Molina is expected to earn a starting berth against Fiorentina, but the other recent arrivals face obstacles to immediate prominence. Koulierakis is unlikely to displace Mario Hermoso in the defensive hierarchy, and Castro faces a similar challenge against Donyell Malen despite the winger's low-profile preseason. Mora, expected in Italy in the coming days, will need time to integrate into Gasperini's system; Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé are likely to retain their attacking partnership. Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the opener through injury, while Niccolò Pisilli hopes to return in the squad and Wesley is managing a minor ankle sprain sustained in Saturday's friendly against Borussia Dortmund.

Roma radio commentators dissected the Giallorossi's opening performance on 15 August, offering mixed assessments of the squad's readiness and frustration over the transfer window's output. Pruzzo told Radio Radio Mattino that Roma played well for 15 minutes but were exposed on set pieces, noting that "Dybala is in good form, but won't be able to play this type of match all the time. Soulé hasn't managed to show his qualities yet, and struggles alongside Dybala. El Aynaoui operates at too measured a pace—we'd need a player with different running ability, and I'd think about it from a market perspective. For now Malen is a distant relation of the player we know, but he and Castro are strong. I'm worried Molina gave his best at Atlético Madrid." Mattioli struck a harsher tone, saying "Roma hasn't displeased me, but some players need to improve physically. Roma 'talks, talks', but then at the final moment does nothing. If we look at the desired targets and who has arrived, the balance is zero. The investments have been made, but the names being discussed for two months haven't arrived. Roma must play in the Champions League." Orsi raised tactical concerns about left-sided incompatibility between Soulé and Dybala, and questioned why Roma, pursuing an attacking wide player since 1 July, had not yet secured one. He also flagged concerns over a potential late-window departure of a key player.

Roma radio commentators offered mixed assessments of the Ferragosto fixture, with former striker Roberto Pruzzo highlighting both positives and concerns over the club's attacking setup. Pruzzo noted that Roma played well for 15 minutes against an opponent still warming up, but conceded the opening goal through poor pressing discipline. He praised Paulo Dybala's fitness but questioned whether the Argentine can sustain that level every match. On Matías Soulé, Pruzzo observed: "Soulé is not yet able to express his qualities; with Dybala he struggles." He also assessed Neil El Aynaoui's tempo, saying the winger "goes at too measured a rhythm" and suggested Roma should consider a different profile in that position during the transfer window. Radio panellists raised frustration over Roma's transfer activity. Nando Orsi emphasised that since 1 July, Roma has searched for an attacking fullback without success, and pointed out that the pairing of Soulé and Dybala—both left-footers who want to play on the right—creates tactical incompatibility: "It is difficult for them to play well together." Mario Mattioli expressed concern that despite significant investment, none of the players Roma targeted two months ago have arrived, warning that "the Roma must play Champions League." Pruzzo added that Donyell Malen remains a pale shadow of his former self, though he and Castro possess quality, and warned that Molina may have already given his best at Atlético Madrid.