AS Roma Analysis

Gian Piero Gasperini is building tactical flexibility into Roma's attack by deploying multiple forward options this summer. The transfer window has brought in players who give the squad genuine alternatives in attacking positions, allowing the coach to rotate his approach and personnel depending on match circumstances and opposition. The expanded attacking depth represents a shift in Roma's squad construction under Gasperini's direction. Rather than relying on a single focal point in the forward line, the club now has the depth to vary its attacking shape and personnel, offering the coach more tactical control and reducing fatigue across a full campaign. This approach reflects Gasperini's preference for tactical adaptability and squad rotation, principles he has applied throughout his managerial career. Roma's transfer strategy this summer has been built around creating multiple paths to attack, giving the coach options to switch formations, playing styles, and personnel to suit different opponents and match situations.

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."

Giuseppe Giannini, a Roma legend, has praised Rodrigo Mora as the creative talent the club needs, comparing him to Kakà and seeing in him the playmaker Roma have long sought. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Giannini highlighted Mora's technical quality and pace, noting that "he has indisputable quality and, as far as I know, at Porto's youth academy he burned through the stages as a destined talent." He acknowledged the weight of the number 10 shirt in attacking midfield, but expressed confidence: "It is an important shirt, but Mora will also have the luck of playing with Dybala who could give him the 'blessing'." Giannini praised Roma's investment in youth and Gasperini's approach to squad depth. He observed: "I see a lot of beauty in this Roma, fantasy and quality especially in attack, and the fact that the club is investing heavily in the young players is a very important fact." The legend noted that Roma is building two squads—one for the league and one for European competition, as Gasperini requested. When asked which player Roma might sell by the end of August, Giannini suggested Manu Koné, saying: "I would say Koné, also because he seems to me the only one who has a market at those levels."

Roma's investment in Rodrigo Mora has sparked debate over the club's willingness to spend heavily on young players. The Portuguese teenager was secured for €25 million plus 50% of any future sale to Porto, or Roma can pay an additional €25 million to own him outright—valuing the deal at €50 million total for a player born in 2007. The gamble reflects a long-standing pattern: the club has repeatedly invested significant sums in teenage and young adult talent, with mixed results. Mora joins a lineage of young signings stretching back decades. Antonio Cassano arrived in 2001–02 as an 18-year-old from Bari for €31 million (in today's money)—equivalent to €100 million for a teenager now. Erik Lamela joined in 2011–12 at 19 years old from River Plate for nearly €20 million. More recently, Matías Soulé cost almost €30 million as a 21-year-old from Juventus, while Wesley was acquired last summer at 21 for approximately €25 million from Brazil. In the current window, Castro was signed at 21 for €36 million, and the club attempted a €25 million deal for Robinio Vaz months earlier. Other young signings—Gerson, Kluivert (both 19, around €20 million each), and Patrik Schick at 22 (Roma's costliest ever)—proved less fortunate. The underlying strategy remains consistent: Roma looks to the future, with success varying considerably. The hope now is that Mora will be remembered as one of the club's successful youth investments.

Rodrigo Mora's arrival at Roma is a calculated strategic addition that aligns with Gasperini's established attacking philosophy rather than a departure from it, according to tactical analysis. The Portuguese playmaker, who has generated discussion outside the club's training ground since June, complements rather than overturns the head coach's original plan. Gasperini has consistently sought two different profiles on the left wing in a 3-4-2-1 formation: a more technical player like Mora, and a dynamic runner such as Fofana, who remains a candidate to complete the attack overhaul. Gasperini deployed the 3-4-2-1 throughout the 2025–26 season, using Lorenzo Pellegrini as an attacking midfielder and playmaker rather than a winger. When he needed different characteristics, he rotated players including Venturino, Zaragoza, Baldanzi, Pisilli and El Shaarawy. The trequartista role is integral to his system regardless of Mora's signing, confirming that Roma's attacking architecture has not shifted. Roma's first three league fixtures—against Fiorentina, Lecce and Atalanta—all deploy a back four, matches in which Mora's profile will prove immediately useful behind the striker pairing. Gasperini used the 3-4-1-2 formation in four of five recent pre-season friendlies, fielding Soulé as trequartista three times and Cristante once. Roma's opening match comes Monday evening against Fiorentina at the Olimpico.

Roma host Fiorentina in their Serie A opener on 24 August at 20.45, with historical data and current form painting two different pictures of what to expect. The Giallorossi have drawn 29 opening matches in their Serie A history, a figure that may concern supporters. However, recent form offers encouragement: Roma have opened five consecutive seasons without defeat, including a 3–1 win over Fiorentina in 2021–22, a 1–0 victory against Bologna last season, and draws against Salernitana (0–1 away in 2022–23, 2–2 at home in 2023–24) and Cagliari (0–0 in 2024–25). Bookmakers favour Roma as the stronger side in this opening fixture of the 2026–27 campaign, a reflection of current expectations rather than historical precedent. Gasperini's squad arrives at the Olimpico with positive indicators: the unbeaten run across five opening matches, a favourable head-to-head record against Fiorentina, and market confidence. The field will ultimately determine whether these encouraging statistics hold true when the season begins.

Roma are taking shape ahead of their season opener in seven days, with Paulo Dybala showing positive early signs since renewing his contract with the club, while Donyell Malen requires more time to settle. The squad has demonstrated improved physical conditioning in recent work, particularly evident during their time in Dortmund. The defence remains numerically the only complete department available to Gian Piero Gasperini, though individual lapses have led to conceded goals. Manu Koné continues to attract market attention despite his presence in the squad, and fellow player Molina has impressed early despite limited opportunities so far. Gasperini faces outstanding issues on both the pitch and in the transfer market, with the latter requiring urgent attention. Dybala's mental approach since his renewal has been encouraging, and the general physical condition of the squad appears more fluid than in earlier preparation. However, Malen's integration remains a work in progress as he adjusts to his new surroundings and recalibrates his positioning and spatial awareness. The defence, while numerically sound, has been susceptible to individual errors that have proven costly in conceding chances.

Rodrigo Mora, a 2007-born Portuguese talent, has built his reputation at Porto primarily as a central attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where he has played 52 of his 80 official matches for the club. Since his senior debut against Bodø/Glimt in September 2024—a 21-minute cameo off the bench—he has emerged as a versatile attacker capable of playing multiple roles. Gasperini and Roma are monitoring the playmaker as a potential solution for the left-sided attacking role, ideally positioned in support of Malen and alongside either Dybala or Soulé. While Mora's best work has come in the number 10 position, he has also accumulated experience on the wing, with 13 appearances as a winger—5 on the right and 8 on the left—during which he has scored 6 goals. He has additionally featured 5 times as a midfielder with 2 goals and 6 times as a second striker with 1 goal. Mora's profile extends beyond tactical flexibility. Made his competitive debut at 15 for Porto's B team, he is described as slight in build but technically gifted, capable of moments of rare footballing beauty regularly highlighted across social media. Though naturally suited to the playmaker's role, his work ethic and adaptability suggest he will not resist a different assignment if required. Gasperini has already signalled his preference. The coming weeks will clarify the Portuguese gem's next move.

Robinio Vaz, signed for €25 million, is emerging as a genuine resource for Roma's attack after a difficult first season marked by limited playing time and few standout moments. The 19-year-old arrived as an investment for the future but faced relegation to the bench, with a loan departure appearing likely by the end of last season. His fortunes have shifted during preseason: after overcoming a 15-day knee injury, Vaz has impressed Gian Piero Gasperini with his hunger, intensity, and aggression in recent friendlies, including appearances against Cardiff and Dortmund. Gasperini is now exploring a positional change that could unlock Vaz's potential. Rather than operate as a centre-forward—a role crowded by other options—Vaz is being tested as a winger or attacking midfielder behind the striker, a position that capitalises on his explosive pace, speed, and ability to attack space. The coach experimented with him on the left flank during the Dortmund match, deploying him just behind striker Castro for 15 minutes. This tactical shift represents a potential turning point: Vaz could evolve from a peripheral forward option into a versatile attacking utility player capable of filling gaps elsewhere on the pitch. At 19, Vaz possesses both time and the technical qualities needed to develop into the kind of unexpected weapon Roma may lack in attack. His willingness to work hard and remain available to Gasperini during preseason demonstrates his commitment to proving his €25 million price tag was justified.

Roma completed their preseason with a 2–2 draw at Borussia Dortmund on 15 August, a result that offered modest relief but failed to silence concerns about the squad's readiness. Gasperini's side appeared disjointed and defensive lapses were evident, with Mile Svilar's saves in the second half preventing a heavier defeat. The summer preparation has been fragmented, beginning at Trigoria with friendlies against Primavera and Trastevere (both 6–0), a 3–3 with Cannes, then a trip to Wales where Roma beat Newport County 4–1 but lost to Cardiff City 4–1. A 3–0 defeat to Brighton added to unease. However, the article draws a historical parallel to the summer of 2000, when Fabio Capello's Roma side endured a far more turbulent preseason—6 wins, 2 draws, and 4 defeats against sides including Real Oviedo, Celta Vigo, and Racing Santander—yet went on to win the Scudetto. That preseason ran until 10 September because Serie A did not begin until 1 October 2000 due to the Sydney Olympics. The article highlights a striking coincidence in transfer strategy. Gabriel Batistuta was signed by Roma in May 2000 for 70 billion lire (equivalent to €36.15 million in 2002 currency conversion), becoming the cornerstone of that title-winning season. This summer, Santiago Castro arrived as Gasperini's primary centre-forward addition, signed for the same amount in fixed fee and bonus. Both are Argentine strikers secured at identical valuations, offering Roma supporters historical grounds for optimism.

Roma's summer transfer activity has been dogged by pessimism, yet an objective assessment suggests the club remains in a manageable position with two weeks remaining until the deadline. Targets including Castro, Molina and Koulierakīs would strengthen the squad, and with no confirmed departures to date, Roma's core assets remain intact. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has secured the technical and administrative infrastructure he requested after guiding Roma to third place and Champions League qualification in his first season, a foundation that should not be discounted. Commentators have grown increasingly gloomy about the pace of market movement, yet the landscape across Serie A's title contenders suggests Roma's delays are not unique. Juventus has failed to secure loan reinforcements; AC Milan lacks a squad built for Amorim's methods; Napoli must still offload six or seven surplus players. While Roma's transfer window remains complicated and time has been lost, the catastrophic tone of recent analysis lacks proportionality. Historically, major activity consolidates in the final fortnight of August as technical and financial pressures align—sellers lower prices, buyers meet them, and multiple knots untie simultaneously. The dynamics have become more pronounced as spending power tightens across European football.

Paulo Dybala has consolidated his status as Roma's cornerstone player despite an injury-depleted forward line under Gian Piero Gasperini. The club initially weighed the possibility of parting with the Argentine at the end of his contract, mindful of his €8 million net annual salary in the 2025–26 season and the 21 matches he missed due to physical problems. However, a contract extension through 2027, confirmed on 13 July, resolved all doubts. Dybala accepted a 70% salary reduction to remain in giallorosso colours, demonstrating his deep attachment to the club. With Stephan El Shaarawy departing on a free transfer, Lorenzo Venturino and Bryan Zaragoza returning to their parent clubs, and Lorenzo Pellegrini sidelined by injury, Dybala and Matías Soulé carry almost the entire responsibility for the attacking midfield role. His experience proves invaluable ahead of Roma's European campaign: Dybala's 53 Champions League appearances make him the squad's most seasoned European player, ahead of Nahuel Molina (37 appearances), Donyell Malen and Mario Hermoso (31 each). Against Borussia Dortmund in a friendly on 15 August at 17:30, Dybala is set once again to lead the team on the pitch, confirming his status as both a technical and commercial pillar of the club.

Roma face Borussia Dortmund at 17:30 on 15 August in what was intended as a crucial warm-up before the Serie A opener against Fiorentina, but injuries and an incomplete squad threaten to make it another uninformative friendly. Niccolò Pisilli remains sidelined recovering from a soleus muscle injury, Lorenzo Pellegrini is not included in the squad and will not return until mid-September, and Wesley was ruled out yesterday with a right ankle sprain—the same injury that troubled him in Wales. Manu Koné and Molina only joined the group on Tuesday, leaving Roma operating well below full capacity. With 15 days remaining in the transfer window, Roma squandered an early-season advantage over rivals such as Juventus, AC Milan, and Napoli, who faced restrictions on spending until making sales. The squad composition remains problematic: Gasperini named 23 players for the Dortmund match, including three goalkeepers, leaving only 16 outfield players from the first team—eight of them defenders. The club has received repeated rejections in pursuit of a striker Gasperini has wanted for the past year and a half, and uncertainty surrounds another ongoing transfer saga involving Mora. As reported by Stefano Carina in Il Messaggero, Roma's strategic approach to the window has shifted unexpectedly, raising questions about how the final weeks will unfold.

Roma's pursuit of Porto winger Rodrigo Mora remains unresolved, with radio pundits divided on both the deal and the club's broader transfer direction ahead of the 2026–27 season. Ugo Trani (Teleradiostereo) remained optimistic that a resolution would come today, citing Porto's internal difficulties and the club's determination to close on its own terms. "The Roma stayed put because they want to close on their conditions, not those of the Portuguese," Trani said. "Today will be decisive. A player will settle it. Last year, no." However, other commentators questioned the logic of the pursuit. Furio Zara (Radio Radio Pomeriggio) argued that Mora's wide role was incompatible with Roma's stated needs, suggesting strategic confusion at the club. "Mora may be talented, but he plays in a completely different position," Zara said. "That means you don't have clear ideas." Franco Melli (Radio Radio Pomeriggio) expressed broader disappointment, comparing Roma unfavourably to Juventus in terms of reinforcements relative to early-summer ambitions. The squad additions from the previous season included Vaz, Zaragoza, and Venturino. Trani called for further signings—suggesting Fofana, Cacciamani, an external defender (either Udogie or Luis Henrique on loan), and another attacker—while doubting whether midfielder Matías Soulé would depart.

Rodrigo Mora appears tailor-made for Gasperini's tactics on the basis of his technical qualities and playing style. The 19-year-old Portuguese prospect is a low centre-of-gravity player with explosive one-on-one ability and creativity between the lines, capable of creating numerical advantage and opening dangerous passing lanes in the final third. Last season, despite an overall period that fell short of expectations, Mora produced impressive statistical output. According to WhoScored, among players with over 1,000 minutes, he ranked joint-first in successful dribbles per 90 minutes (1.7, level with William Gomes), first in key passes per 90 (2.7), and fourth in shots attempted per match (2.8). His long-range shooting ability is another strength, a quality Roma have struggled to find in their squad in recent years. This will be Mora's first experience outside Portugal, and a physiological adjustment period is expected before seeing the full extent of his capabilities. Asking for an immediate impact from one of Europe's most interesting young talents in his first time away from home and under one of football's most tactically and athletically demanding coaches risks diminishing the value of an important investment.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is building a Roma side defined by youth, technical fluency, and aggressive attacking play, with quality and skill prioritized over physical presence. The structure centres on Rodrigo Mora, a slight-framed playmaker and dribbler who will compete with Lorenzo Pellegrini for a starting role, while Donyell Malen leads the forward line alongside technically gifted players including Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé. Offensive thrust will also flow from attacking full-backs such as Wesley, supported by various transfer targets including potential arrivals at centre-back and in midfield. With the team so heavily weighted towards attack, the stability of Roma's shape depends almost entirely on Manu Koné, who will screen the defence and reclaim possession alongside Bryan Cristante. The French midfielder's long-term future remains uncertain, however, and any departure would leave a void difficult to fill in the short term. Gasperini's vision prioritizes technical excellence across the attacking third, with contributions from wider areas through offensively minded defenders and young, technical players who can operate in varied roles across the pitch.

Roma are close to securing Rodrigo Mora, a 2007-born winger who stands under 1.70m tall and favours dribbling over physical play, as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini shapes a younger, lighter and more attacking squad than last season. Mora will compete with Lorenzo Pellegrini for the number 10 role. The club are still hunting one or two additional wingers or attacking midfielders and one or two fullbacks to complete the XI. Gasperini's vision prioritises technical ability over physical presence, targeting players built for a high-octane attacking system. Mora's profile — incisive on the ball but less accustomed to the physical demands of Italian football and prone to struggle when forced to chase opponents — fits the template. Donyell Malen is expected to carry the goal-scoring load among the wider players initially, with alternatives in Castro and Robinio Vaz, who offers greater physical stature. Matías Soulé, should he remain, offers a middle ground. Fullbacks too are selected for their attacking prowess: Wesley on one flank, with options including Molina, Cacciamani, Luis Henrique or Udogie on the other. Manu Koné emerges as the vital equilibrium force in midfield, tasked with providing defensive cover and structure to an otherwise offence-heavy setup. However, he remains a persistent departure risk, a potential weakness in an otherwise cohesive recruitment strategy.

Gasperini sees potential in Mora that echoes previous success stories from his time at Atalanta. The Roma head coach has a track record of transforming attacking players into decisive forces. When Papu Gomez arrived at Atalanta, he had already played as a trequartista and winger, but Gasperini redefined his role, placed him at the centre of the project, and developed him into an unstoppable winger capable of deciding matches through goals, assists, and creativity. Gomez became the symbol of that Atalanta side, and Gasperini the coach who brought him to the highest point of his career. The approach with Mora could follow a similar path. Rather than forcing him into a fixed position, Gasperini's plan is to enhance his natural qualities: technique, pace, and imagination. The Portuguese player would be given freedom and responsibility within the system. Mora does not have to operate exclusively as a trequartista to perform at his best. If the team needs a left winger, he can play that role. If tactics require him to start wide and drift infield, he possesses the ability. Gasperini has executed this transformation before and knows the method. The final step remains to complete the transfer. Once that is done, Gasperini will focus on developing Mora into a key player.

Roma continues to struggle in finding an attacking left winger, prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to evaluate a significant tactical overhaul for the 2026–27 season. High costs and a lack of suitable profiles have left the position unfilled despite sustained efforts, pushing the club to consider a strategic change in formation. The proposal would move away from two attacking midfielders supporting a single striker toward a system with one attacking midfielder behind two forwards. This tactical shift would align with Roma's recent recruitment priorities, including reported interest in players such as Rodrigo Mora and Endrick. With attacking options like Donyell Malen, a forward identified as Castro, and Robinio Vaz already in the squad, alongside creative midfielders of the calibre of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Roma would have the versatility to reshape its attacking setup to suit the strengths of its available players and adapt the system to their characteristics.

Inter are open to selling Brazilian winger Luis Henrique this summer, with the Serie A club seeking offers around €30 million. The 24-year-old, under contract until June 2030 on an annual gross salary of €4.07 million, has attracted interest from multiple Premier League clubs alongside Roma's consideration of a move. Henrique's versatility—capable of playing as a wingback, creative winger on either flank, or attacking midfielder—makes him an attractive prospect. However, Roma may not prioritize his signing, particularly following the recent arrival of Nahuel Molina from Atlético Madrid, which addresses their wide defensive and attacking needs on the right. This positions Roma less urgently in the market, potentially weakening their negotiating leverage. Inter, meanwhile, would prefer to sell the Brazilian abroad rather than to a domestic rival, making England an increasingly likely destination. Bournemouth and Everton showed concrete interest in January and could yet pursue the winger further.

Roma's 3–0 defeat to Brighton two days ago fits a familiar pattern in Gasperini's pre-season preparation, a time of deliberately intense physical demands that typically produces poor results in August before the campaign begins. The coach and his staff design the summer workload with meticulous detail to ensure the squad reaches peak condition by the opening day of the season, a process that has consistently included a dip in form in the two weeks immediately before the league starts. This is not an isolated incident. Last summer, on 6 August 2025, Roma suffered a 4–0 loss away to Aston Villa with the season set to begin two weeks later. The pattern repeated at Atalanta, Gasperini's previous club. On 4 August 2024, during his final season in Bergamo, Atalanta lost 4–1 to Parma before winning 4–0 against Lecce on the opening day. Further back, on 5 August 2023 during Atalanta's Europa League–winning campaign, the side conceded four goals to Union Berlin while scoring one, then opened their Serie A campaign with a 2–0 win over Sassuolo. These results demonstrate that for Gasperini's squads, August defeats reflect the athletic peak of pre-season work rather than genuine weakness—a negative period designed to deliver physical fitness by the time the new season kicks off in a couple of weeks.

Roma's defence, which finished as Serie A's second-best last season, has shown alarming fragility during their pre-season tour of Britain. The Giallorossi conceded eight goals across three friendlies—four against Cardiff, one against Newport, and three against Brighton—with the tally rising to 11 when including a 3–3 draw against Cannes. Against Brighton on 8 August, Gasperini made wholesale defensive changes after Roma had shipped three goals in 49 minutes, introducing Ghilardi and new arrival Koulierakis while withdrawing N'Dicka and Hermoso. The ivory-coast central defender had failed to close down Ayari's double, prompting Gasperini to turn to the bench and shout "Let's change." Hermoso, managing an ankle problem, allowed Rutter to nearly extend the lead moments after the 3–0. Earlier defensive lapses against Cardiff exposed deeper issues: Ahsford's opener came after N'Dicka slipped and a rebound off Rensch, while Salech's second followed a costly Svilar error on a dangerous Wesley backpass. El Aynaoui was substituted at half-time after a misplaced pass that set up Ayari's second goal, and Rensch drew criticism for poor decision-making. The unit that had anchored Roma's recent success now appears fragile heading into the season. Gasperini acknowledged the work ahead, saying "the team is struggling to switch back on," highlighting the scale of the challenge to restore defensive solidity before competitive fixtures begin.

Roma's English pre-season tour ended in concern after a 3–0 defeat at Brighton laid bare significant defensive lapses and attacking impotence. The performance revealed delays both in physical conditioning and the absorption of tactical patterns, leaving Roma having conceded 11 goals across their last four friendly outings. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini expressed open frustration on the touchline, demanding greater midfield screening and emphasising the urgent need to activate the team's intensity. The match highlighted glaring defensive oversights and minimal cutting edge up front. Devyne Rensch came under constant pressure on the counter-attack from Yankuba Minteh, while Mario Hermoso had an off day in marking Georginio Rutter. Donyell Malen showed signs of being short of match fitness. The attacking partnership of Santiago Castro and Paulo Dybala made little impression on goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. With two weeks remaining before Roma's competitive league debut, Gasperini will have crucial time to accelerate both recruitment and work at Trigoria to correct these problems.

Roma's pre-season tour of England closed with a 3–0 defeat to Brighton at the Amex Stadium on 8 August. Georginio Rutter opened the scoring in the 29th minute after Wesley squandered a one-on-one chance against Verbruggen in the 28th, with Yasin Ayari doubling the lead before half-time and completing his brace early in the second half at the 49th minute. The result capped a disappointing week for Gasperini's side, following a heavy loss to Cardiff City, with only an improved performance against Newport offering respite. Wesley's missed opportunity proved decisive; from the resulting counter-attack, Rutter fired past Svilar, and the concession of the opening goal triggered a psychological collapse that Brighton exploited ruthlessly through their pace and directness. Gasperini's Roma controlled stretches of the match and came closest to opening the scoring when Wesley was played through one-on-one in the 28th minute but shot over from a favourable position. The side's lack of clinical finishing and defensive frailty were stark: Brighton's attacks repeatedly found space, particularly down the flanks, and Roma's back line appeared disorganised and slow to react. Svilar made several key saves to prevent a larger scoreline. The heavy rotation Gasperini introduced in the second half, giving opportunities to younger squad members, failed to ignite a response from a team that appeared depleted and lacking intensity. Evan Ferguson, still recovering from injury, was present at the stadium to greet his former teammates before kick-off. Roma's next fixture is a friendly against Borussia Dortmund on 15 August, a match Gasperini will view as essential for rebuilding confidence and addressing the defensive and mental issues laid bare at the Amex.

Gian Piero Gasperini has become the driving force behind Roma's transfer strategy and squad planning, with director D'Amico and ownership The Friedkin Group now following his tactical blueprint. At 68, Gasperini has adopted a markedly different public approach than his previous style—eschewing confrontation for behind-the-scenes pressure in operational meetings at Trigoria. Where José Mourinho relied on provocative gestures, Gasperini works directly and methodically to impose his vision. The clearest example is Gasperini's influence over contract renewals. Though The Friedkin Group initially resisted extending Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Gasperini's growing credibility—bolstered by Roma's Champions League qualification—allowed him to secure one-year renewals for both players. He achieved this through relentless advocacy in closed-door talks, pushing his case whenever the opportunity arose. The renewals came only after sustained pressure, with ownership finally conceding limited terms rather than outright refusals. Gasperini's next test, and the true measure of his market influence, centres on recruiting a left-sided winger capable of playing with his right foot. The success or failure of this signing will define how far his authority now extends at Roma.

Paulo Dybala continues to be the cornerstone of Roma's squad as the club enters the final stretch of the transfer window. Four years into his tenure at the Giallorossi, Dybala remains the highest technical level player in the squad. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is forced to rely on him heavily with 17 days until the season begins. However, the club recognises the risk of depending solely on Dybala to alter matches single-handedly and has identified the need for at least one more attacking arrival to complete the squad as planned. The primary target is Antonio Nusa, the Norwegian winger, though Arsenal are reportedly entering the race following their unsuccessful pursuit of Vinícius Júnior. That pursuit now appears unlikely to succeed. Roma's alternative is Malick Fofana, a 21-year-old Belgian from Lyon. Fofana has struggled with injury, playing only 15 minutes in his most recent outing against Sparta Prague three days ago following a serious ankle injury and subsequent surgery. His last full appearance came on 26 October of last year. Roma attempted to negotiate a loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy, but the offer was rejected.

Gian Piero Gasperini has established himself as the central figure at AS Roma, wielding influence comparable to José Mourinho but achieved through private persuasion rather than public provocation. At 68, he maintains his core methods while adopting a more measured media approach, operating behind closed doors to advance his vision. A year ago he favoured public confrontation; now he works quietly in internal meetings at Trigoria to win his battles. The Friedkin Group ownership initially resisted contract renewals for Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, but Gasperini applied consistent pressure during operational meetings and leveraged his growing credibility with the owners—built on Roma's Champions League qualification—to secure extended deals. Though Ryan and Dan Friedkin held firm and agreed to one-year renewals for both players, Gasperini ultimately prevailed. His enhanced standing within the club reflects a shift in the power dynamic. The next test of his authority centres on Roma's pursuit of a left-sided attacking player with a right foot, an area Gasperini has identified as critical. How the market moves on this position will define the summer's overall assessment of Roma's transfer strategy and the strength of Gasperini's influence over recruitment decisions.

Roma are in the critical pre-season phase where no official matches have been played but every training session, tactical experiment, and personnel decision shapes the season ahead. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is observing how players respond to his demands, testing formations and identifying which squad members can become key reference points. The club is working to establish a more aggressive yet balanced approach, avoiding the excessive stretching that left defensive gaps in the previous season, while midfielders are proving their capacity to adapt and defenders are drilling coordinated movements to handle negative transitions more effectively. Roma are aiming to build a flexible system that does not depend heavily on individual players. The staff are managing playing time carefully to maintain intensity without causing overload in the opening fixtures, rotating more broadly than in past years. New arrivals and experienced players are being integrated simultaneously—a delicate task requiring careful timing and squad equilibrium. Defensive organisation has become central: the team wants greater compactness when defending, preventing the split-block situations that allowed opponents easy attacking routes, while the offensive phase is being refined to create cleaner passing lines and more continuous space penetration. The pre-season is also a moment of building collective identity and internal communication. Players are working to improve their reading of game situations and coordinate their reactions. Roma are constructing a version of themselves intended to be more solid, more self-aware, and more adaptable across different phases of play—a process that demands time but promises significant long-term benefits.

The Friedkin Group completed their acquisition of AS Roma on 6 August 2020 for 591 million euros, with the deal formally closed on 17 August that year. On the same evening, Paulo Fonseca's side lost 2–0 to Sevilla in a Europa League last-16 tie in Duisburg. Six years on, ownership of the Giallorossi has proved a mixed proposition: the appointment of José Mourinho—announced by tweet on 4 May 2021—proved inspired, delivering the club's first European title in 61 years when Roma won the Conference League in Tirana against Feyenoord on 25 May 2022. The same Sevilla side inflicted Roma's most painful defeat of the Friedkin era on 31 May 2023. More recently, Gian Piero Gasperini's arrival a year ago has restored Champions League football to Roma for the first time under the current ownership, secured by a third-place finish. Yet frequent upheaval in management and executive ranks has tested supporters' patience. Mourinho's sacking on 16 January 2024 was followed by Daniele De Rossi's appointment and subsequent dismissal eight months later—a reversal that triggered fan protests and the resignation of CEO Lina Souloukou. The subsequent appointment of Ivan Jurić drew widespread criticism, while Claudio Ranieri's brief spell as interim manager ended after a public clash with Gasperini. The club has also made high-profile signings in Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku, and approved a return to the classic AS Roma crest for the 2026–27 season. Recent restructuring saw staff from media, marketing, ticketing, and administrative departments reassigned to Roma Store roles.

Roma have completed two official signings — Castro and Koulierakis — with Molina approaching a deal, but Gian Piero Gasperini is growing increasingly puzzled by the lack of further arrivals as the club aims to compete on three fronts including the Champions League. The Friedkin Group's ownership presence in the stands during recent activity has offered little reassurance; behind cautious public statements, Gasperini's frustration is mounting as days pass without new players arriving. The stall in the market is already affecting Gasperini's preparation. Roma's second consecutive friendly displayed the problem plainly: for lack of reinforcements, the coach deployed a trequartista behind two strikers, a formation born more of necessity than choice. The side struggled against Newport County, the twentieth-placed side in last season's League Two (English fourth tier), before winning 4–1 with goals from Hermoso, Castro (penalty), Koulierakis and Soulé; Newport scored through Kyle. Only the defence is genuinely complete in squad depth. Every other area remains in flux, leaving Gasperini unable to finalize his tactical setup or implement meaningful summer rotations without disrupting the team's balance.

Malick Fofana is a 21-year-old Belgian winger being tracked by Roma whose career trajectory has been interrupted by serious injury but who possesses the technical and physical attributes to become one of Europe's elite talents. Born in Aalst on 31 March 2005 to a Guinean father and Filipino mother, Fofana moved to Olympique Lyon in January 2024 for €17 million plus €5 million in bonuses. In his first six months at the French club he made 21 appearances and scored 4 goals, contributing to Lyon's dramatic survival. The 2024–25 season marked his breakthrough: 41 appearances yielding 11 goals and 6 assists, which attracted attention from Chelsea and Liverpool, with his valuation reported at €60 million. However, a severe ankle sprain with accompanying lesions requiring surgery in October 2025 sidelined him for approximately five months and severely disrupted his campaign. He returned to action yesterday, playing 20 minutes in Lyon's 2–1 Champions League preliminary loss to Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic. Fofana's profile combines technical excellence with exceptional athleticism. He is naturally right-footed but has frequently operated as a left-sided winger for Belgium, capable of beating defenders, providing precise assists, and running the channels with the stamina more typical of a midfield player than a conventional full-back. Before joining Lyon, he developed at Gent, where his output was modest but his play-making and dribbling drew interest across Europe. Paulo Fonseca remarked of him: "I expect more from him, he needs to understand that this is his moment." Now, after a difficult season, Fofana seeks to prove he is not merely another promising young prospect destined to fade but rather one of European football's most pure talents.

Gasperini has built his managerial career around principles borrowed from Dutch football, and that influence is now visible in Roma's recruitment strategy. The Roma head coach, who arrived at the club in 2025, has consistently favoured Dutch-trained players throughout his time at Atalanta. His signature three-at-the-back defence draws directly from Ajax's early-2000s model, while the pressing intensity reflects the "totaalvoetbal" of 1970s Netherlands. At Atalanta, Gasperini deployed Hans Hateboer at right-back (245 matches between 2017 and 2024) and Robin Gosens on the left (157 appearances from 2017 to 2022), both embodying the attacking wing-back style typical of Dutch football. The most loyal pupil of Gasperini's management is Maarten de Roon, who made 358 appearances under the coach between 2017 and 2024, serving as both midfielder and captain. De Roon was recalled from Middlesbrough to Bergamo in 2017 at Gasperini's specific request. Teun Koopmeiners, signed from AZ Alkmaar in 2021, was transformed into a lethal playmaker and proved decisive in the Europa League victory before being sold to Juventus for €57 million. At Roma, Gasperini has already worked with Devyne Rensch and Donyell Malen, who scored 15 goals in 20 matches last January during Roma's Champions League run. The club has also pursued Givairo Read from Feyenoord, the 20-year-old currently in the sights of Roma's recruitment team.

Gian Piero Gasperini has clarified Roma's attacking strategy, stating that Santiago Castro and Donyell Malen will alternate as the club's central striker throughout the season rather than feature together regularly. Both are pure strikers, and the manager will deploy only one at a time in Roma's established 4-2-3-1 formation, with two playmakers operating behind the lone forward. A rare pairing will be reserved for emergencies or closing stages of matches when chasing a result. This approach was already visible in a friendly against Cardiff City, where Castro started and Malen appeared from the bench. Roma's €35 million investment plus bonuses in Argentine forward Castro stems from the need to manage player workload across a demanding season featuring European competition. Last season, Malen featured heavily in the second half of the campaign and risked arriving fatigued. Castro's quality and prospect as a young talent provide Gasperini with greater depth without compromising standards. The two attackers possess complementary but distinct characteristics: Malen thrives on attacking space and exploiting pace, while Castro prefers dropping deep to link play and create connection with teammates. This stylistic difference makes regular partnership difficult, echoing a similar arrangement Gasperini employed at Atalanta with Zapata and Muriel.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has ruled out playing Castro and Malen together in attack, clarifying his tactical approach two days after Roma's 4–1 friendly defeat to Cardiff. Both players are centre-forwards and will alternate in the role, with Gasperini's base system featuring one striker supported by two attacking midfielders. Malen and Castro will compete for the starting position rather than operate as a partnership, though Gasperini left the door open to fielding them together in extreme circumstances. Roma invested €35 million plus 10 per cent of any resale fee in Malen, yet he is expected to share minutes with Castro. The rationale reflects elevated expectations this season and Gasperini's preference for rotating attackers across multiple competitions. Malen's pace and ball control in transition make him suited to direct counter-attacking play, while Castro's ability to drop deep and link play positions him better when Roma need to build and control possession. The tactical choice echoes Gasperini's pairing of Muriel and Zapata in previous roles, suggesting interchangeable use rather than simultaneous deployment. While seeing both forwards on the pitch together will be difficult, Gasperini's track record of tactical innovation means surprises remain possible.

Gian Piero Gasperini has called urgently for new signings to strengthen Roma's squad ahead of the 2026-27 season, which will include Champions League football. The demand came after Roma lost 4-1 to Cardiff in a friendly during a training camp in Wales. Although Gasperini acknowledged the limited value of a pre-season friendly in assessing squad depth, the defeat exposed gaps across multiple positions that require immediate attention. Gasperini told reporters after the Cardiff match: "Bisogna completare questa squadra in fretta" (We must complete this squad quickly) and stressed: "Dobbiamo comprare giocatori che rendano la squadra competitiva" (We must buy players who make the squad competitive). The coach's body language during the match—including crossed arms throughout the fixture—reinforced his concern. His frustration was compounded by tension among the players, including an incident where Dybala pushed Cristante during protests to the referee. Dybala was Roma's bright spot, scoring the team's only goal and earning a penalty, though he missed from the spot. The Argentine remains central to Roma's attacking threat. Gasperini had expected more from the squad by this stage of summer preparations and was keen to avoid the same recruitment pressures that dominated last summer. The addition of Champions League football to Roma's schedule this season underscores the urgency of bolstering the squad before competitive matches begin.

Roma faced Cardiff, the newly promoted Championship side, in a pre-season fixture at the Helton training centre on Friday, with kickoff at 15:00 local time (16:00 CET, live on DAZN). The match offered the first real glimpse of how head coach Gian Piero Gasperini intends to deploy Castro, the Colombian forward nicknamed 'Torito' who joins Roma after two seasons at Bologna. The key question surrounding Castro's Roma career centres on his role in Gasperini's system: whether he will operate as backup to Donyell Malen or feature alongside the Dutch winger in a two-striker formation. Early indications suggest both players may feature for one half each in Friday's outing. The prospect of Castro and Malen playing together, potentially with Paulo Dybala operating as a trequartista, carries significant tactical intrigue, particularly against defensive systems built around a back four. In Gasperini's previous spell at Roma, he favoured widening Malen when opting for alternatives, though his broader managerial history demonstrates tactical flexibility up front. At Atalanta, he deployed varied attacking combinations: Muriel and Zapata with Gomez as trequartista; Petagna and Gomez ahead of Kurtic; and later Koopmeiners operating behind Hojlund and Lookman—showing a manager unafraid to experiment with multiple forward configurations.

Former Roma striker Amantino Mancini has backed the Giallorossi to mount a Serie A title challenge this season, highlighting manager Gian Piero Gasperini as the club's most important signing in recent years. Speaking on Sky Sport, Mancini praised Gasperini's track record at Atalanta and his immediate impact at Roma, where he has restored the club to the Champions League after 7 years. "It's the most important acquisition Roma has made in recent years," Mancini said. "Hopefully we can repeat and do even better than last season and perhaps win the Scudetto in the year of Roma's centenary, which would be a great gift for the fans." Mancini believes Roma can be genuine title contenders, though he acknowledged work remains. "According to me, they can be a candidate. Obviously you need to sort out a few more things, make one, two or three more signings. But I think it's a team that can win the Scudetto," he stated. Gasperini's tactical approach—built on physical intensity and high pressing—has transformed Roma's prospects, and Mancini suggested the manager's methods are already bearing fruit both domestically and in Europe. The comments underline growing confidence that Roma can compete at the highest level under their new manager.

Roma's pursuit of Endrick has become significantly more difficult following Real Madrid's sale of Gonzalo Garcia to Fulham for a fee close to €40 million. The Spanish club's unexpected decision to move Garcia out has fundamentally altered the Brazilian forward's prospects at the Bernabéu. Garcia had been competing with Endrick for a starting position in Real Madrid's attack, with manager Mourinho planning to evaluate both players during pre-season before deciding their futures. With Garcia now sold to Fulham, Mourinho no longer faces that choice. Endrick can now be retained as an in-house attacking talent ready to develop under the Portuguese manager's guidance. The €40 million from Garcia's departure gives Real Madrid funds to reinvest elsewhere—reportedly on Rodri—but more importantly removes the pressure to offload Endrick. A loan move, previously considered possible, now appears less likely. Roma, under head coach Gasperini, will need to explore alternative targets. Only the arrival of another centre-forward at Real Madrid could reopen the possibility of Endrick departing, but the current outlook suggests the Brazilian will remain with the club. Roma's recruitment team will continue working behind the scenes on other profiles to strengthen the attack.

Roma have a long history of recruiting Greek players, particularly in defence. The first was Lampros Choutos, an attacker from Roma's youth academy between 1995 and 2000 with only 4 appearances, followed by defender Traianos Dellas (2002–2005, 67 presences, 4 goals, 3 assists). Dimitrios Eleutheropoulos served as third-choice goalkeeper in 2005–06 without playing. Between 2012 and 2019, four Greek players represented Roma: the standout centre-back Kostas Manolas (206 presences between 2014 and 2019, 8 goals, 6 assists), plus full-backs Vasilis Torosidis (77 appearances with 7 goals and 5 assists from 2013 to 2016) and José Cholevas (34 presences with 1 goal and 1 assist in 2014–15), alongside midfielder Panagiotis Tachtsidis (23 appearances with 1 goal and 2 assists in 2012–13). Torosidis publicly backed the signing of Koulierakis. More recently, centre-back Dimitrios Keramitsis (born 2004), a cornerstone of Roma's youth setup, earned only one first-team appearance between 2022 and 2024. Full-back Kostas Tsimikas featured 25 times with 1 assist in the last disappointing campaign before returning to Liverpool.

Santiago Castro has arrived at Roma as the summer's first signing, with the class of 2004 striker set to partner or rotate with Donyell Malen as Gasperini builds attacking depth for a season that includes Champions League football. Castro was welcomed by supporters at Termini Station two days before his official presentation; his role will not be secondary, as the dual-striker system has been a recurring theme throughout Gasperini's tenure at Atalanta. Gasperini's track record shows a consistent preference for rotating or pairing two attacking players. At Atalanta, he deployed Petagna and Cornelius (2017–18, 6 goals each) before signing Duvan Zapata from Sampdoria for 26 million euros total and adopting a 3-4-1-2 formation with two strikers. Zapata and Alfredo Morelos combined for 38 goals in 2019–20 (19 each), while Zapata and Alejandro Muriel posted 19 and 26 goals respectively in 2020–21. Later signings included Matteo Scamacca, who scored 19 times in 2023–24, and eventually Mateo Retegui, who managed 28 goals last season while playing as sole striker or in partnership—the lone exception to Gasperini's two-striker preference that still delivered Champions League qualification. At Roma, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson have been ruled out through injury and poor form; Malen's 15 goals secured European football. Castro joins a squad that also includes Robinio Vaz and reportedly others, offering Gasperini the flexibility to deploy two forward options when needed.

Gian Piero Gasperini has embraced Santiago Castro as a first-team option rather than a backup, challenging the perception that the Argentine arrival from Bologna is merely a reserve striker. Castro joins fellow attacking options including Donyell Malen and Robinio Vaz, who was signed for €25 million seven months ago but was never treated as a reliable rotation option under Gasperini's management. Gasperini's track record shows he rotates his attacking options freely rather than maintaining rigid hierarchies. With Castro now at his disposal, Roma have multiple tactical avenues to explore as they rebuild following a third-place finish that secured their return to the Champions League after seven failed attempts. The coach can rest Malen periodically, deploy a three-forward system, or use the Argentine as part of a dual-striker setup alongside the Dutchman. Roma's most convincing performance last season came on 25 January against Milan at the Olimpico, when they played 3-4-1-2 with Dybala alongside Malen and Matías Soulé as attacking midfielder. That experiment convinced Gasperini to revisit the formula, this time with Castro and Malen as the forward pairing, potentially supported by a midfielder operating as a trequartista behind them.

Santiago Castro has arrived as Roma's first summer signing, reportedly costing around 35 million euros. The Argentine striker was acquired to challenge Donyell Malen for the centre-forward role, but his impact is expected to extend far beyond that of a mere substitute. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has repeatedly shown his need for genuine attacking depth, with last season exposing the toll on Malen of playing nearly every match without adequate relief. Robinio Vaz failed to convince as an alternative, while Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk were hampered by injury. Castro's profile—goal-scoring instinct, ability to attack space, ball retention, and defensive work-rate—fits Gasperini's demands perfectly. Last season at Bologna, he committed more fouls than any teammate, a marker of his combative nature. He was also second in the squad for duels won. Rather than operate solely as a backup, Castro can start alongside Malen in a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Matías Soulé or Paulo Dybala deployed behind the two strikers. This shape, a Gasperini favourite from his Atalanta years, allows Castro's defensive intensity to free Malen for ball-carrying and finishing. Gasperini seldom deploys attackers on the wing; he requires his forwards positioned as close to goal as possible. The signing signals Roma's intent to reinvigorate an attack that misfired last season.

Santiago Castro has become a familiar thorn in Roma's side since arriving in Italy, facing the Giallorossi seven times and scoring twice while adding two assists and suffering only two defeats. The Argentine forward's most significant performance came in the Europa League round-of-16 second leg at the Olimpico, where he orchestrated Bologna's comeback victory in front of a packed stadium. After a 1–1 draw in the first leg at the Dall'Ara, Castro provided the assist for Rowe's opening goal before adding his own clinical finish—a right-footed strike into the top corner that left Mile Svilar helpless—to make it 3–1. Castro has now demonstrated his complete attacking arsenal at the Olimpico: intelligent link-up play, determination, and clinical finishing. He had previously left his mark in a Roma–Bologna fixture at the same venue the season before, scoring opportunistically from a corner and setting up Orsolini for the 2–1 goal. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is keen to harness Castro's qualities and develop him further, drawing on his proven track record of elevating attacking talent throughout his career.

Alessandro Florenzi, the former Roma, Milan and Paris Saint-Germain defender, has praised Gian Piero Gasperini's appointment as Roma head coach. Speaking at an event in Rome after competing in a seven-a-side football tournament at Parco Schuster, Florenzi told Il Messaggero: "I would have liked very much to be coached by him, for what he makes his full-backs express, for how he interprets football. I'm fortunate, as a Roma fan, to have a coach like Gasperini." Florenzi was asked about Roma's prospects following their qualification for next season's Champions League. He expressed confidence in the team's direction but cautioned that results will determine how far they can go. "I don't know, the pitch will tell us," he said. "The objective last year was very clear and I think it will be the same this year: to try to finish in the top four and have a respectable season." Florenzi's comments underscore the optimism surrounding Gasperini's arrival at the Giallorossi. The former Roma fullback highlighted the tactical approach the new coach brings, particularly his system of play for attacking defenders—a quality that would have suited Florenzi's style during his playing career at the club.

Roma have completed their first significant transfer move of the window, securing striker Castro. While the signings of Greenwood and Summerville fell through, the acquisition of the 21-year-old Argentine represents a strategically sound addition rather than a consolation prize. Castro addresses multiple needs in Gasperini's squad. First, Roma required an alternative to Malen ahead of their Champions League return, with the coach known for his demanding approach to substitutions. Second, Castro operates across the entire attacking front and can partner with the Dutch winger rather than simply replace him—a model proven at Atalanta, where Zapata and Muriel played alongside one another. Third, Castro has already proven his worth in Italian football, scoring double figures over the past two seasons across league and cup competitions while contributing thirteen assists, demonstrating his capacity to function in a more robust front line if needed. The 21-year-old's credentials extend beyond club form. He featured in Argentina's pre-World Cup selection despite competing with world-class attackers for national team places. By contrast, Retegui managed just seven goals at Genoa before becoming a prolific scorer at Bergamo—a trajectory that underscores Castro's superior track record in Serie A.

Wesley faces Cannes in a friendly on the Côte d'Azur exactly one year after his Roma debut against the same French club at Tre Fontane. Once viewed as an untested prospect, the Brazilian has established himself as a cornerstone of Gasperini's plans, operating effectively on both the right and left flank. The first season has been striking: five goals, one assist, and his market value has doubled since his arrival from Flamengo, for which Roma paid 25 million euros. Gasperini actively recruited him to strengthen the right side and has since deployed him on the left with excellent results. Chelsea offered 50 million euros weeks ago, but Roma and Wesley both rejected the approach. The player is focused on playing Champions League football and has built a strong bond with the city and supporters. Wesley missed the World Cup through injury, a disappointment now behind him. During the summer break he trained intensively to be ready from day one of pre-season, returning to Trigoria a week ahead of the scheduled start of ritiro to begin work with the squad.

Santiago Castro's performance against Roma on 19 March — when Bologna won 4–3 at the Olimpico with an assist and goal from the Argentine striker — eliminated the Giallorossi from the Europa League and sent the Emilia-Romagna side to the quarter-finals, where they later fell to Aston Villa in May. The display exemplified Castro's blend of determination and clinical finishing that has now attracted Roma's interest as the club weighs a summer move for the 20-year-old. Castro's trajectory began at Velez in Buenos Aires, where he spent a decade in the youth system before making his senior debut in August 2021 at just 16 years old. He scored his first goal in Copa Argentina against Cipolletti in March 2022, followed by a strike against Talleres, signalling the creativity and positioning that would define his play. After totalling two goals in 2021–22 and seven in 2022–23, Bologna sporting director Sartori signed him in January 2024 for just over 13 million euros. Castro wrote on social media on the day of departure: "I leave peacefully, because I gave everything." The departure of Sergiño Zirkzee after his first six months opened the pathway to regular minutes. In 2025–26, Castro has continued his development: he hit the crossbar against Roma, scored a spectacular goal against Fiorentina, and netted with a heel flick versus Genoa. At 1.79 metres tall, he operates effectively both from distance and inside the box through work-rate and technical quality. Roma is considering Castro or Tresoldi as a forward option.

Rafael Leao has been offered to Roma in the early transfer window, but significant obstacles stand in the way of a move to the Giallorossi. Head coach Gasperini has prioritised strengthening the attack with at least two quality wingers and has made clear the club will not exceed a wage ceiling of 4 million euros per player. Leao currently earns 5 million euros net annually at Milan under a contract running until 2028, meaning he would need to accept a pay cut. The Portuguese forward's ability to play Champions League football with Roma—unlike Milan this season—could help persuade him, and Roma's use of the growth decree tax relief might offer a minor advantage. However, Milan are unlikely to offer discounts on a player of Leao's quality, particularly given Roma are direct Serie A competitors. Leao's valuation remains prohibitive. Roma may have offered around 50 million euros for West Ham's Summerville, but Milan would demand 10–20 million euros more for Leao. Turkish clubs Fenerbahce and Galatasaray have emerged as rival suitors, though Fenerbahce denied reports of a 100-million-euro bid, stating: "The rumours according to which we would have presented an offer of around 100 million euros for Rafael Leao, including the cost of the transfer and the salary, do not reflect reality." With Summerville off the table, Gasperini and the club's management have shifted focus to Nusa at Leipzig. Leao remains a name to consider only if circumstances improve. Gasperini is awaiting at least one attacking reinforcement before the squad departs for a training camp in Wales.

Paulo Dybala has emerged as AS Roma's shining light in the early weeks of Gian Piero Gasperini's tenure, displaying sharp physical condition and readiness to deliver decisive moments. The Argentine forward has impressed during the opening fortnight of training, though there are concerns he may peak too early in the season. With Dybala as the primary attacking option on the trequarti, Gasperini has limited alternatives—Matías Soulé remains the only other genuine playmaker, but his future at the club is uncertain as he could depart before the transfer window closes. Roma's recruitment drive has hit obstacles following failed moves for Mason Greenwood and Summerville, setbacks that have shaped the club's current strategy. The Giallorossi are now exploring multiple avenues in the market to find attacking complements to Dybala and reduce the burden on the Argentine. Sporting director Tony D'Amico is working across several fronts as the club seeks to strengthen its offensive options, aware that Dybala alone cannot sustain the team's attacking ambitions through a full campaign.

Roma's ownership structure continues to hamper the club's ability to complete signings quickly, with the Friedkin family's distance from day-to-day operations and lengthy decision-making processes costing the club priority targets. Head coach Gasperini and sporting director D'Amico had identified Greenwood as a key target, but bureaucratic delays allowed Fenerbahçe to move faster and secure the player instead. Similar patterns have recurred across multiple transfer windows: under Mourinho, moves for Xhaka and McTominay stalled; under Ghisolfi and De Rossi, Konè and Saelemaekers arrived only on the final day of the market (Saelemaekers on loan, partly due to late timing); and under Massara, deals involving Rios and Sancho evaporated. Al-Hilal's sudden intervention for Summerville further highlighted how Roma struggles to compete when Eastern clubs inject massive resources. With the campaign beginning in one month, Roma faces significant squad gaps: a left winger remains unsigned (with Nusa becoming the latest protracted saga), and the club still needs two full-backs, a backup for Malen, and another senior attacking midfielder. The ownership's pattern of delayed approvals for financial commitments, compounded by ongoing settlement agreements and wage-bill constraints, means Roma enters the season undermanned. Gasperini and D'Amico had prepared the groundwork, awaiting only the owner's cheque. As Roma heads into its centenary year with Champions League qualification as an objective, the structural delay in decision-making threatens to undermine those ambitions from the outset.

Serie A's heavyweight sides are moving slowly in the transfer window, with Roma among a cautious cohort of title contenders. Roma have officially confirmed only the renewal of Paulo Dybala, while remaining active on multiple fronts without rushing into deals that don't meet the economic demands of selling clubs. Negotiations for attacking wingers have stalled—notably over Mason Greenwood—while others, particularly for Summerville, have proven complicated. Across the league, only AC Milan have struck decisively. The Rossoneri signed Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain for approximately €74 million and Mario Gila from Lazio for €30 million—the only two signings of top quality made by any title contender so far. Inter have added just one new face beyond planned returnees: goalkeeper Ivan Provedel from Lazio for around €3 million. Juventus brought in Zeki Çelik on a free transfer while Roma were arranging his renewal, and invested €16.4 million for striker Ekhator from Genoa, though neither move signals the squad overhaul promised weeks ago. Napoli, under new coach Allegri, have focused on securing confirmations of Hojlund, Savic, and Santos without adding fresh recruits. Roma's approach reflects a broader caution: aside from Milan, none of the major rivals have launched a transfer campaign capable of fundamentally reshaping their squad.

AS Roma holds the record for the most World Cup-winning editions involving at least one player from its squad, with nine tournaments claimed. Spain's elimination of Argentina denied Lautaro Martínez the chance to win a second World Cup and Inter the opportunity to match Roma's tally. Inter remains second with eight World Cup wins from its players, followed by Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Juventus on seven each. Roma's World Cup history spans nearly a century. The first Roma players to win the tournament were three Italians at the 1934 home World Cup: Attilio Ferraris IV, Enrique Guaita, and Guido Masetti. Masetti returned to lift the trophy again in 1938 without appearing on the pitch in either tournament, alongside Eraldo Monzeglio, Aldo Donati, and Pietro Serantoni. After a lengthy drought, Bruno Conti's triumph in 1982 reignited the run. Rudi Voeller and Thomas Berthold won in 1990. The longest unbroken streak followed: five consecutive World Cup victories featuring Roma players. Aldair won in 1994, Vincent Candela in 1998, Cafú in 2002, and Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi, and Simone Perrotta in 2006. Most recently, Paulo Dybala won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, converting a penalty in Argentina's victory over France. No other club matches Roma's count.

Gian Piero Gasperini's wing options have been severely depleted after Zeki Çelik's surprise departure, leaving the Roma boss to pursue reinforcements in that area. The squad reported for pre-season with Wesley, Devyne Rensch, and Angeliño as available options. While Wesley remains reliable and Rensch offers a capable alternative, Angeliño has failed to convince. Last season was troubled for the Spanish left-back, who started Roma's opening five league matches but managed only thirty minutes in the field across games against Lecce and Pisa in March and April, hampered by persistent physical problems from which he never recovered. Gasperini has been monitoring him closely during pre-season training, but even in Thursday's friendly against the Primavera, Angeliño showed no encouraging signs. Kostas Tsimikas, who departed to Liverpool without lingering regret, will not be available this season, though Salah-Eddine is expected to return. Gasperini has identified the wing positions as requiring a complete overhaul, given that attacking midfielders have historically been central to his tactical approach. The club's primary target is reportedly Moreira, though Strasbourg's demands of at least 50 million euros present a significant obstacle. Roma are also interested in Savona and Belghali. The club needs to recruit at least two wide players, with at least one capable of operating as both full-back and centre-back, or across both flanks—a versatility Çelik possessed before his sudden exit despite a verbal agreement to extend his contract through 2029.

Artem Dovbyk has begun the 2026–27 season at Roma following a lengthy injury layoff that sidelined him from February onwards. The Ukrainian striker was among the squad members who reported for pre-season training at Trigoria, where he appeared in a friendly against the Primavera and scored twice, with a third goal ruled out for a marginal offside decision. Although he was booed by some supporters reflecting his difficult two seasons at the club, Dovbyk now has an opportunity to rehabilitate his Roma career under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Dovbyk arrived in summer 2024 from Girona for a total fee of around €36 million, making him one of the most expensive signings in Roma's history. His first season yielded a respectable 17 goals across all competitions in 45 appearances, but the 2025–26 campaign proved far more disappointing, yielding only three Serie A goals in 14 appearances and one assist in European competition before his injury. At 189 cm tall, Dovbyk possesses a distinctly different physical profile from primary striker Donyell Malen and could operate as a relief option or even alongside the Dutch forward in certain tactical moments. His substantial wages make a departure difficult to arrange, but if he remains, Gasperini can deploy him as a reserve to provide cover and potentially relieve pressure on the player.

Antonio Nusa could become only the fourth Norwegian player to wear Roma's yellow and red since the club's founding in 1927. The Scandinavian connection has produced three memorable figures across two decades. John Alieu Carew arrived in summer 2003 on loan with a purchase option from Valencia, almost 23 years ago when Nusa was not yet born. The imposing centre-forward scored on his Serie A debut against Brescia and in his UEFA Cup bow versus Vardar, finishing with 8 goals in 29 appearances before departing after a single season. His Roma stint became legendary for unforgettable celebrations—pouring a bucket of water under the Curva Sud after scoring against Reggina, and cradling a Roma ballboy following his Lecce goal. John Arne Riise, born in Ålesund some 533 kilometres from Carew's hometown of Lørenskog, proved far more enduring. The left-back, called "Roscio" by Roma supporters, left Liverpool after seven years to become the club's strongest Norwegian export and most beloved. Playing 131 times, Riise scored 11 goals with his powerful left foot and remains Norway's all-time caps leader. His header in January 2010 clinched a famous 3–1 victory at Juventus, ending a nine-year drought there, while a strike against Siena followed immediately after. Those goals fuelled Ranieri's dramatic title push toward Inter, though the Scudetto slipped away in the season's final matches. Riise departed in July 2011 but remains emotionally tied to the club. Ola Solbakken, signed in January 2023 at no fee after a hat-trick performance for Bodø, became the third Norwegian. He debuted against Fiorentina that month and scored his sole goal in February during a 3–2 win at Verona—his first game as a starter—before fading from the picture. Nusa now carries the mantle following spells in Belgium and Germany.

Thomas Tuchel faced a wave of criticism from English media and supporters after England's elimination from the World Cup semi-final to Argentina. Lionel Messi's side advanced to the final on the back of two assists from the Argentine forward, but focus in Britain quickly turned to Tuchel's tactical decisions. The German coach was accused of adopting an overly cautious approach after James Maddison's goal, prioritising defensive solidity over attacking ambition—a strategy that ultimately proved ineffective. Roma supporters and other Serie A fans seized on the moment to invoke memories of José Mourinho's masterclass in defensive pragmatism. Three years ago, Mourinho's Roma won 1–0 away at Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League semi-final first leg, a display widely praised for its discipline and organisation. One Roma fan commented: "Tell Tuchel he is not Mourinho. That night in Leverkusen will go down in history." Inter fans similarly referenced their own tactical triumph, with one supporter writing: "Nobody does it better than Mou. Tuchel was terrible." English fans vented their frustration across social media, with many calling for the manager's removal. The overwhelming sentiment suggested Tuchel's negative approach had not resonated with the fanbase at a crucial juncture in the tournament.

Ardon Jashari's first season at AC Milan proved disappointing after arriving from Club Brugge in summer 2025 following a competitive transfer battle with Borussia Dortmund. The Swiss midfielder suffered a fibula fracture immediately after Milan's opening-match home defeat against Cremonese, sidelining him for weeks. Even after recovery, he did not return to Serie A action until 28 December, by which time the midfield of Youssouf Fofana, Samuele Ricci, Adrien Rabiot, and Luka Modric had gelled under Massimiliano Allegri, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek adding further competition. Jashari played the full 90 minutes in just two matches during his debut Serie A season. Despite limited match practice, Jashari earned a call-up to Switzerland's 2026 World Cup squad in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, though he could not displace Granit Xhaka as the team's midfield strategist. His prospects brighten under new Milan coach Rúben Amorim, who favours a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation requiring only two central midfielders. With Milan currently holding nine players in that position, Jashari will face tough competition during pre-season. Roma and Atalanta have reportedly already made inquiries about the 23-year-old, signalling alternative options should he struggle to impress at Milan.

Francesco Totti's potential return to Roma ahead of the club's centenary celebration remains in limbo, with no concrete progress despite ongoing discussions. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini deflected responsibility to the Friedkin Group ownership, saying: "This thing concerns him and the ownership. They are organising the Centenary, so it will be up to the club to say what will be done and what won't." Gasperini, who dined with the former captain in March, has made clear he trusts Totti and would welcome him back to Trigoria. With the centenary draw ever closer, the question of Totti's involvement has taken on fresh significance as Roma weighs how to mark the historic milestone. Beyond transfer activity, the club's approach to its greatest icon now sits on hold. Totti, currently in Las Vegas, has not received fresh signals from the Roma ownership regarding a formal role or involvement in club affairs. Gasperini's comments place the ball firmly in the Friedkin Group's court, while Totti awaits news from the boardroom. The club's ownership continues to orchestrate the centenary plans, with final decisions on Totti's participation yet to be confirmed.

Former Roma player and executive Antonio Tempestilli has backed head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to win a trophy at the club, but warned that the squad needs three or four significant summer signings to close the gap at the top. Speaking to Il Tempo, Tempestilli stressed the urgency of market action before the season begins, saying: "Bisogna puntare a qualcosa di importante. Dipenderà dal mercato, perché finora la Roma non ha fatto movimenti. Bisogna accelerare, la stagione sta per cominciare e Gasperini deve lavorare con i nuovi giocatori" (We must aim for something important. It will depend on the market, because Roma hasn't made moves so far. We must accelerate; the season is about to start and Gasperini must work with new players). Templestilli praised Gasperini as one of the best managers available and said his arrival has energised both the fanbase and the project. On the squad, he backed the retention of key players, particularly midfielder Manu Koné, arguing that Roma should not sell their best performers annually for accounting gains. He also expressed confidence in Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Matías Soulé, though he acknowledged Soulé's physical problems last season. On the club's structure, Tempestilli said the Friedkin Group's physical presence at Trigoria matters less than appointing capable figures to represent them and make quick decisions. He also paid tribute to Bruno Conti, who recently departed the club at 71, saying he deserved to enjoy family time after his long service to Roma.

Paulo Dybala has recommitted to AS Roma following his automatic contract renewal, capping a resurgence that helped secure the club's return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years. The Argentine playmaker delivered decisively in the final stretch of the 2025–26 season, recording assists for Malen and El Shaarawy in matches against Verona—the goals that sealed Europa League qualification and promotion to the group stage. Over 27 appearances in that run, Dybala posted 3 goals and 8 assists. Since joining Roma in 2022, Dybala has compiled 140 matches, 45 goals and 30 assists across all positions—attacker, second striker, attacking midfielder and creative fulcrum. His debut campaign (2022–23) proved prolific with 18 goals and 8 assists before injury despite a standout display against Inter and a vital Europa League goal against Feyenoord. The following year brought 16 goals in 39 matches with 10 assists. A proposed summer transfer to Al-Qadsiah fell through when Dybala chose to remain in the Eternal City, but form and fitness suffered under successive managers, leaving him sidelined until early 2026. After knee surgery in March forced another layoff, his timely return proved crucial. The lingering scar from the 31 May 2023 final—a missed opportunity to change Roma's history—remains, but the coming seasons offer fresh chances to heal that wound.