Roma in Serie A

Rodrigo Mora impressed in his first training session and now has four days to convince Gasperini he deserves the starting role in Roma's match against Fiorentina on Monday. The Portuguese forward will compete with Matías Soulé for the trequartista position in a 3-4-1-2 formation that Roma trialled on 19 August. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are set to start as the two strikers, with Mora eyeing an opportunity to stake his claim in the role that suits him best. Soulé's availability for the match remains uncertain as AC Milan continues to press for his signature, alongside English club Sunderland. The competition for places elsewhere in the team appears settled: Molina is ready to make his debut, Wesley will start at left-back, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné will operate in midfield, and the defensive line in front of Mile Svilar will comprise Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso. Gasperini's early feedback on Mora has been positive, giving the forward genuine scope to earn a starting berth.

Roma are in the final stages of their summer transfer business ahead of Monday's Serie A opener against Fiorentina, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini overseeing moves for defensive and attacking reinforcements. The club's attacking setup will centre on Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, supported by Rodrigo Mora, who recently arrived at the club. Gasperini has requested a more physical midfielder, with Malick Fofana of Lyon emerging as the top target. An agreement in principle worth approximately €35 million plus bonuses has been reached, though Lyon wish to retain Fofana until 26 August for their Champions League preliminary round against Fenerbahce. The final decision now rests with the Friedkin Group. Parallel to the Fofana pursuit, Roma are exploring left-back options, with Alessio Cacciamani of Torino identified as the hottest lead. Torino's recent closure of defender Fortini in the same position may prompt owner Cairo to soften his initial demands. Alternative targets Udogie and Luis Henrique are considered more complicated, with formulae and costs regarded as prohibitively high. Roma's incoming activity is contingent on outgoings: the club must resolve the situations of Salah-Eddine, Ziolkowski, and Robinio Vaz, while Matías Soulé, valued at approximately €40 million and attracting Milan's interest, remains under monitoring. Gasperini has Niccolò Pisilli available for selection and is assessing Wesley's fitness ahead of Monday's match. The likely starting XI is expected to mirror last season's shape, with Molina on the flank and the Dybala–Soulé pairing behind Malen, while Mora is poised for a substitute appearance.

Niccolò Pisilli and Wesley have returned to training with Roma ahead of Monday evening's Serie A fixture against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico, which is set for a sell-out. Pisilli has recovered from a muscular problem to the thigh that sidelined him in recent weeks, while Wesley completed partial work with the squad after a minor ankle sprain. Gian Piero Gasperini appears set to deploy the Cristante–Koné pairing in midfield despite Pisilli's availability. Wesley, the Brazilian winger, is targeting a starting berth against Fiorentina. Manchester United completed a deal for Brighton's Carlos Baleba on the same day, removing any uncertainty over Manu Koné's future at Roma. In defence, Mario Hermoso holds an advantage over Koulierakis for a place, while Molina will make his debut on the right. Lorenzo Pellegrini is unavailable for the match.

Gianluca Mancini spoke to Sky Sport from Trigoria, emphasizing his deep commitment to Roma and reflecting on the club's recent arrivals. The defender stressed his emotional bond with the club, saying: "Al cuore non si comanda. Io ho un rapporto speciale, la Roma me la sento dentro di me, dal primo giorno che sono arrivato e poi negli anni è aumentato." He outlined his desire to remain under the current management and continue contributing as the new season approaches. Mancini praised the intensity of pre-season preparation and the squad's readiness for the campaign ahead. On Rodrigo Mora, who completed his first training session on the day of the interview, Mancini noted that the Portuguese defender impressed him when Roma faced Porto two years ago. He credited manager José Mourinho's assessment of Mora's qualities, saying new arrivals strengthen the group which functions as a family. Regarding the league title race, Mancini acknowledged Inter's status as favourites but stressed Roma's ambition to compete: "il nostro obiettivo è pensare partita dopo partita, ragionare da squadra, passare dai momenti belli e cavalcare l'onda." Mancini also reflected on his experience with the Italian national team, acknowledging lingering disappointment over missing the World Cup while emphasizing the need to focus forward under new leadership.

Matteo Marcenaro will referee Roma's Serie A opener against Fiorentina on Monday 24 August at 20.45 at Stadio Olimpico. The Genoa-based official will take charge of the Giallorossi for the eighth time. In his seven previous Roma matches, Marcenaro has overseen four victories, two draws and one defeat—a largely favourable record for the club. The one loss has proven contentious. Roma lost 3–2 at Verona in 2024 under Juric after Marcenaro allowed a goal that followed a push on N'Dicka. De Rossi also criticised Marcenaro for not awarding a clear penalty to Zalewski during a 0–0 draw at Lecce. Such incidents have shadowed an otherwise positive relationship between the referee and the club over the years.

AS Roma have confirmed the signing of Rodrigo Mora from Porto on a permanent deal. The 2007-born midfielder joins on a contract until 2031 and will wear number 86. Roma paid €25 million plus €2 million in bonuses, with the option to purchase the remainder of his registration rights for a further €25 million. Porto retain a separate right obliging Roma to acquire an additional quota of his registration at terms determined by the Portuguese club. Mora made 80 appearances and scored 16 goals for Porto's first team. He trains with the squad today ahead of Monday's Serie A debut. Gasperini will have several days to assess whether Mora is ready to start from the opening match, though Matías Soulé is currently favoured in that position.

José Mourinho has praised Rodrigo Mora ahead of the midfielder's arrival at Roma. Speaking during Real Madrid's presentation on 18 August, Mourinho said: "Rodrigo Mora is one of the greatest talents in Portuguese football. Technically he is very strong, a creative player who can change matches. I think he will appeal greatly to Roma supporters, fans I never forget." Mora will complete his medical examination on 19 August and then sign a contract running until 2031. His salary will rise from €1.8 million to €2.3 million per season. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to name him in the squad for Roma's Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico on Monday, though Mora is likely to start on the bench as Gasperini finalises his selection in the coming hours.

The Stadio Olimpico is sold out for Roma's Serie A opener against Fiorentina on Monday evening, a fixture that marks Gian Piero Gasperini's first competitive match in charge. At the resumption of training on 19 August, Gasperini will assess Rodrigo Mora, who arrived at Ciampino on 18 August, though the Portuguese player is unlikely to start. Paulo Dybala is confirmed as the certain starter, having for the first time since joining Roma played every pre-season friendly. He will be partnered by Matías Soulé, who remains unsettled in the transfer market. In attack, Donyell Malen is favoured over another option but is not yet at full fitness. Mario Hermoso holds an advantage in defensive selection. Niccolò Pisilli and Wesley are expected to return to group training by 20 August. On the right flank, Nahuel Molina will feature after arriving in the capital; he is keen to make his Stadio Olimpico debut. The ground will host 63,000 spectators for the match against the Florentine side.

Rodrigo Mora landed at Ciampino airport on 18 August 2026 at 18.07, ending a protracted transfer saga and arriving as Roma's new left winger. Over 400 supporters gathered from 16.00 to sing and chant despite the flight's two-hour delay, with groundstaff distributing water bottles to fans in the August heat. Mora emerged smiling, accompanied by agent Jorge Mendes, and collected a scarf from the crowd before heading for medical checks. Roma have acquired 50% of Mora's registration for €25 million paid immediately to Porto, with the Portuguese club retaining the right to 50% of any future sale. The Giallorossi have an option to buy the remaining 50% for €25 million payable over the next two years. Portuguese media reported a release clause of €120 million, though this has not been officially confirmed. Mora will sign a five-year contract on a salary of €1 million net rising over time, having accepted a significant wage reduction to secure the move. Medical examinations were expected to continue on 19 August morning following the flight delay. If the schedule permits, Mora will train at Trigoria with his new teammates ahead of Roma's Serie A opener against Fiorentina on Monday evening at the Olimpico. Head coach Gasperini may deploy him immediately, wearing the number 86 shirt—the first player to bear that number in Roma's history.

Roma begin their 2026–27 campaign with five days to prepare before facing Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico on 24 August. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will resume full-squad training on 19 August at Trigoria, following a brief rest after the pre-season training camp in Wales and a 2–2 friendly against Borussia Dortmund in Germany. Wesley and Niccolò Pisilli are expected to participate despite recent injuries—the Brazilian striker suffered a mild ankle sprain before the Dortmund match and missed that fixture, while the midfielder picked up a calf injury at the end of July during the camp and has yet to train fully with the group. Lorenzo Pellegrini has worked individually throughout the summer while negotiating a contract renewal and will require more time to regain match fitness. Rodriguel Mora, signed as the club's latest attacking reinforcement, arrived in Rome on 18 August afternoon and is undergoing the formalities of medical clearance and administrative procedures before joining Gasperini's sessions. The 2007-born attacking midfielder represents one of several new faces—including Castro, Koulierakis and Molina—awaiting assessment ahead of the Fiorentina fixture. With Mile Svilar secure in goal and a defensive unit anchored by Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, Gasperini has five days to finalize his tactical approach and evaluate which new arrivals might feature from the start or from the bench. Paulo Dybala is expected to feature prominently after an strong pre-season showing.

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.

Nahuel Molina visited La Villetta, a historic Roman restaurant on the Aventino, for a dinner in Rome on 17 August. The Argentine defender had previously spent time in the capital a year and a half ago and dined at the same establishment then. The restaurant's owner welcomed him on Instagram, writing: "L'Oste and La Villetta from 1940 on the Aventino bring good fortune. A great honour to have you at dinner Nahuel Molina. Welcome to ROMA." Molina arrived at Roma a week before this visit and is already taking command of the right flank. He is settling into city life seamlessly and is poised to make his competitive debut on Monday against Fiorentina, when he will start the match. The move marks a significant addition to Roma's defence as the club begins its 2026–27 campaign.

Roma are pursuing three high-profile signings to complete Gian Piero Gasperini's squad, with Rodrigo Mora's arrival imminent. The Portuguese attacking midfielder's transfer from his current club is set at €25 million on a permanent basis, with Roma retaining a 50% sell-on clause that can be cancelled for an additional €25 million within a year. Mora, a 2007-born talent, is expected to arrive in Italy between 18 and 20 August and will earn a rising salary reaching approximately €2.2 million per year. Mendes's agency orchestrated the deal and recently also offered Rafael Leão to Roma, a proposal rejected as outside the club's financial parameters. With Mora secured, Roma have virtually closed negotiations for Malick Fofana on terms of €35 million plus bonuses from Olympique Lyonnais. Initial concerns over Fofana's fitness have been cleared, and Roma are pressing to complete the deal this week despite Lyon's wish to keep him until 26 August for a Champions League playoff return leg against Fenerbahçe. The final piece of Gasperini's rebuilding puzzle is a left-sided full-back to rotate with Wesley, Molina, Rensch and young prospect Lulli. Roma are tracking Cacciamani and Udogie, though Tottenham are unwilling to loan Udogie, while Torino are blocking a sale of their young talent. Roma resume training at Trigoria ahead of Monday's Serie A opener at home against Fiorentina, when Niccolò Pisilli will rejoin the group.

Roma have received the green light to sign Rodrigo Mora, a playmaker who will add depth to Gian Piero Gasperini's squad as the club pursues a parallel move for Malick Fofana and continues efforts to secure Luis Henrique. The flurry of late transfer activity reflects Roma's ambition to build near-duplicate starting lineups for every position, allowing the club to sustain the demands of league and European competition simultaneously. Unlike last season, Roma now possess the resources and squad quality to handle the dual track without significant disruption. The transfer window's final days will reveal further signings and the fate of a potential high-profile departure—a scenario Gasperini has referenced previously. Manu Koné's future at the club remains a key question in those conversations. The appointment of new arrivals and strategic departures will ultimately determine whether Roma can mount a sustained title challenge across all fronts.

Gian Piero Gasperini plans to field two South American wingers of international standard against Fiorentina at the Olimpico on Monday evening. Argentinian right-back Nahuel Molina, who arrived in the capital eight days ago following his World Cup involvement, is set to return to Serie A action after impressing in a pre-season test against Borussia Dortmund. Brazilian winger Wesley will also feature, though he has spent recent days managing a minor ankle sprain and remains a precaution away from full availability; Devyne Rensch stands ready as cover if needed. The match offers Gasperini an early opportunity to showcase Roma's attacking threat with pace and rhythm from both flanks. Molina's introduction and Wesley's return to full training form part of the squad's preparations for the new campaign, with both players carrying significant pedigree from their national teams. In attack, a selection battle continues between Castro and Donyell Malen for a starting berth, while midfielder Niccolò Pisilli remains uncertain for the fixture.

Diego Moreira will join AC Milan after the Serie A club agreed terms with Strasbourg, ending Roma's pursuit of the midfielder. Roma had attempted to sign Moreira in July, but Strasbourg's asking price was deemed too high. Milan have now struck a deal reportedly worth approximately €50 million plus bonuses, according to Sky Sport. Roma's offer of €35 million plus bonuses and 10 per cent of future resale revenue was rejected some months earlier. The transfer represents a missed opportunity for Roma, who have been actively seeking to strengthen their midfield options this summer. With Moreira now bound for the San Siro, Roma's search continues for an alternative wide midfielder. The club is exploring other targets, including Cacciamani and Udogie, with Inter's Luis Henrique also on the radar as a longer-term option.

Roma will open their Serie A campaign against Fiorentina in exactly one week's time, but face an injury concern over two key players. Wesley and Pisilli were both absent from a friendly against Borussia Dortmund on 15 August, and their availability for the first league match remains uncertain. Wesley has an ongoing ankle problem that will be reassessed when training resumes at Trigoria in two days' time; Pisilli will undergo a similar evaluation on the same day. There is optimism both players will be fit for the clash with Fiorentina. Molina is expected to be the only recent recruit to start from the beginning against the Viola. Manu Koné requires further assessment before selection. Matías Soulé will operate on the left wing, with Paulo Dybala positioned on the right. Lorenzo Pellegrini, meanwhile, needs more time to recover from injury and will not be included in the squad for the match.

Roma will host Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday, 24 August at 20:45 for the opening day of the Serie A season. Gasperini's Roma will line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Svilar in goal; Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso in defence; Molina, El Aynaoui, Cristante, and Wesley across midfield; Dybala and Soulé in attacking support; and Malen leading the line. Fiorentina will deploy a 4-3-3 system under Grosso, featuring De Gea in goal, with Joao Mario, Viery, Dragusin, and Valdepenas in defence, Ndour, Oulai, and Atta in midfield, and Mastantuono, Kean, and Gudmundsson in attack. Tickets for the match remain on sale through the Roma website. The fixture will be broadcast live on Dazn. Fans can also follow live text coverage on ilromanista.eu or listen to radio commentary on radioromanista.it.

Paulo Dybala delivered a dominant display with goals and assists as Roma won their final warm-up match before the Serie A season opener against Fiorentina, beating Borussia Dortmund in a challenging away fixture. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will be pleased with the Argentine's performance, though the club continues to pursue a left-winger option in the transfer market. The match served as the dress rehearsal for Roma's top-flight campaign, with Dybala's two-goal advantage putting the Giallorossi in control. Gasperini has had the chance to assess his squad in competitive conditions before the immediate demands of domestic football resume. On social media, ahead of the Serie A opener against Fiorentina, Dybala commented on the team's showing: "Last match before the start of a new season in Serie A. Beautiful match against a great team in a difficult stadium. Everyone played well."

Roma drew 2–2 with Borussia Dortmund in their final pre-season friendly at Signal Iduna Park on 15 August, ahead of their Serie A opener against Fiorentina on 24 August. Paulo Dybala and Bryan Cristante gave Roma a two-goal lead early in the match, but Ryerson and Guirassy equalised for Dortmund to secure a draw. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will grant the squad three days' rest following their return to Rome. Training at Trigoria will resume on Wednesday morning. The result provided positive signs for Gasperini as Roma prepare for the new campaign.

Roma's pursuit of Porto forward Rodrigo Mora has stalled after the Portuguese club requested enhanced payment guarantees on the full transfer fee. The deal, which appeared close to completion 24 hours earlier, remains unsigned pending Porto's revised conditions. Gasperini will begin the 2026–27 season against Fiorentina in 11 days at the Olimpico, building from the squad that finished third last season. Zeki Çelik departed to Juventus rather than renew his contract, but the core of that team remains intact. Director of sport D'Amico has added three players so far this summer: Nahuel Molina, who is set to start from day one, plus Castro and Koulierakis as squad depth. With Summerville and Nusa having fallen through as targets, Mora emerged as the primary objective to complete the forward line. The delay now threatens to extend Roma's transfer window into a crucial period before the opening fixture.

Roma are preparing to submit a fresh offer for Torino winger Alessio Cacciamani in the coming days, according to reports from transfer specialists Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto. The 19-year-old from Jesi, born in 2007, has attracted the Giallorossi's attention on the left flank. Torino president Cairo may soften his stance if Roma table a higher bid, though the Granata's asking price of €20 million remains on the table. Cacciamani's profile appeals to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini for tactical reasons: the winger has experience playing in a more advanced left-wing role during youth football, giving Roma flexibility should they secure another left-side defender. His ability to operate in multiple positions could prove valuable in attack as well. The move fits into Roma's broader summer recruitment strategy, which also involves activity on the flanks and comes amid pursuit of other targets including Luis Henrique and Rodrigo Mora, with the latter nearing completion.

Roma must quicken their transfer activity with less than two weeks until the Serie A season begins. Head coach Gasperini has signalled urgency to the club following a heavy defeat to Brighton, stating: "Numerically it seems there is still a need for something, but you know how it is." Koné returned to training today and Molina arrived in the capital yesterday, providing important reinforcements, but the coach insists the squad-building remains incomplete. Gasperini has emphasised the need for depth across positions, particularly given Champions League participation: "Having at least two players per role is essential for those competing in cups. Those who don't do it pay heavily." Gasperini's original shopping list comprised a defender, a winger and two forwards. Koulierakis has arrived for defence, Castro for attack, and Molina on the wing—filling three of four targets. The priority now is a second striker. Roma have identified Rodrigo Mora from Porto, with negotiations progressing well; the club hopes to complete that deal in the coming hours. The second gap is at left-back: while Molina covered Çelik's departure on the right, Gasperini needs cover for Wesley on the opposite flank, particularly after losing both Angeliño and Tsimikas from the previous season. Roma are focusing on Alessio Cacciamani and Destiny Udogie, contrasting profiles suited to strengthen the left-back options. The work ahead is significant, and time is running short.

Gian Piero Gasperini has training back underway at Roma after a two-day rest period, with midfielder Manu Koné returning to the squad and forward Molina joining the group. Both players arrive as World Cup reinforcements after reaching the latter stages of the tournament in South America: Koné featured in the third-place playoff against England, while Molina played in the final that Argentina lost to Spain. Koné, who spent the summer as a transfer target, is now available for selection and will follow a personalised training programme to bring him up to speed with his teammates. Gasperini cannot afford to lose him for the opening Serie A fixture against Fiorentina, barring any unexpected transfer market developments in the coming days.

Serie A clubs are intensifying their pre-season preparations ahead of the new campaign, with friendly matches serving as a crucial tool for fitness, tactical development, and assessing new personnel. The summer fixtures offer coaches the chance to understand their recent arrivals and implement their tactical blueprint before the league begins. Some clubs have already played their opening warm-up match, while others are still to start their pre-season schedule. Roma features among the notable pre-season meetings, with their clash against Borussia Dortmund among the standout fixtures on the summer calendar. These friendly encounters are a standard part of Serie A clubs' build-up, allowing managers to fine-tune team dynamics and establish new hierarchies within the squad before competitive football resumes.

Jonathan Rowe, Bologna's striker, has praised Santiago Castro's move to Roma and offered warm words about Artem Dovbyk, who has made the reverse journey from the Giallorossi to Bologna this summer. Rowe told Gazzetta dello Sport: "I'm happy for him. I wish him to grow further at Roma because he's an excellent player and a friend. It will be very strange to face him, we hope he does well except against us." On Dovbyk, who departed Roma for Bologna, Rowe said: "For me he's a top player. He has physicality, technique, he sees the goal. He has everything to do well and to get his revenge. I'm very happy he's with us." The comments reflect the close relationship between the two Serie A sides, with Castro and Dovbyk swapping clubs in the current transfer window.

Donyell Malen has set his sights on a repeat of Roma's impressive 2025–26 campaign, speaking from the club's preseason base in Cardiff. The Dutch forward scored 15 goals in 20 appearances in his first six months at Roma and is determined to maintain that trajectory in the 2026–27 season. Malen reflected on last season's primary achievement: the Champions League qualification that ended a long drought for the club. "Always nice for a striker to score many goals and help the team win," he said. "In the end, the big success of last year wasn't my scoring record, but the Champions League place we secured. Roma hadn't played in it for so many years. It would be a dream to replicate what we achieved last year." When asked about winning the Serie A Golden Boot, Malen stressed that individual accolades are secondary to overall performance. "Dream of becoming top scorer? The important thing is to play at a high level. It's not just about goals, but creating plenty of chances and providing assists. I know my qualities in finishing, and if I improve week after week, who knows where I can get to," he said.

Real Madrid teenager Franco Mastantuono is set to continue his career in Serie A on a season-long loan, with manager Jose Mourinho open to allowing the Argentine to leave after a difficult first year at the Santiago Bernabeu. Mastantuono joined Madrid from River Plate last summer for a reported fee of €45 million, but managed only 11 La Liga starts in 2025–26, accumulating 35 appearances across all competitions with three goals and one assist. Roma, Milan, and Fiorentina have all registered interest in the 18-year-old. Milan, who competed with Roma and other top European clubs to sign Mastantuono before his move to Spain, view him as a potential successor to Rafael Leao at San Siro. Roma's interest is partly explained by the possibility that Matías Soulé could leave the Stadio Olimpico this summer. Fiorentina are also keen to provide the young talent with a pathway to regular first-team football. Mastantuono's struggles in his debut season have made a departure seem inevitable, with all three Italian clubs positioning themselves to offer him the consistent playing time needed to accelerate his development.

With less than a month until the new Serie A season begins, roughly 100 players across the Italian top division remain sidelined from their clubs' plans, weighing heavily on balance sheets rather than contributing on the pitch. Napoli, Juventus and Inter face the most complex situations. Inter must manage Frattesi's declining market value as he seeks regular starting football without success, alongside problems with Asllani and Pavard. Napoli's squad is oversized and needs significant departures; Lukaku's substantial wage at 33 remains an obstacle, as does Lucca. Juventus carries aging contracts and new signings outside their plans, including Arthur, Openda, Douglas Luiz and Nico Gonzalez, who is reportedly unwilling to return to Turin and is also being tracked by Roma. Roma is working to move several players out. Artem Dovbyk's situation appeared complicated due to injury and a high valuation, but the club has found a potential solution in recent days: following Castro's arrival, the Ukrainian could leave on loan to Bologna, pending only his approval. Kumbulla's future also remains to be resolved. Milan faces more contained issues but still needs to find homes for Musah and Loftus-Cheek, while Rafael Leao's future hangs in the balance. Across the rest of Serie A, Atalanta, Bologna and Fiorentina face lighter departures, while Sassuolo and Lazio are among clubs needing to trim their squads before the transfer window closes.

Alberto Aquilani will take charge of Sassuolo for his first Serie A managerial job after a successful spell with Catanzaro. The former Roma midfielder expressed his excitement at the appointment, telling Sky Sport: "A nice emotion to begin this journey in Serie A, it stimulates me greatly. We are working well, and when the start of the season approaches the emotions will grow even more." Aquilani will face his former club Roma when the sides meet, adding extra significance to the fixture. He and Daniele De Rossi came through the Roma ranks together, and the prospect of squaring off as opposing managers carries special weight. Aquilani said: "Serie A is full of encounters for me. I have been around and met many coaches. With Daniele we grew up together, it will be strange to face each other from the touchline. And Roma will obviously be another special day."

Roma have completed zero signings a month before their Serie A opener against Fiorentina, leaving Gian Piero Gasperini pressing urgently for reinforcements to complete an attacking unit beset by uncertainties. Paulo Dybala remains a key resource but is hampered by physical fitness concerns, while Matías Soulé is viewed as a potential departure due to tactical doubts from the coach and a desire to refresh the wing positions, pending concrete offers. Donyell Malen is currently the only established attacking option with clear status at the club. The club is pursuing multiple targets across the frontline. A centre-forward is being sought for Champions League football, with Tresoldi as the primary option alongside Bologna's Castro; Artem Dovbyk's future and young Robinio Vaz's status—split between staying and a possible loan—remain fluid. On the flanks, Antonio Nusa of Leipzig has been identified as the preferred choice for the attacking midfield role but faces obstacles from high valuations and strong Premier League interest. Alternatives Godts and Paixão remain under consideration but are viewed as less convincing options. Summerville has fallen away from contention. Tony D'Amico has reopened contact for Nusa, while the transfer window remains wide open with less than a month to deadline.

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 earned over 1 million dollars from FIFA's Club Benefits Programme during the 2026 World Cup, ranking sixth among Serie A sides in total club payments. The FIFA scheme, run jointly with the European Football Clubs association, distributed 355 million dollars (300 million euros) to compensate clubs for releasing players to international duty. Each club received a minimum of approximately 5,000 dollars per day (4,300 euros) for every player loaned to their national federation. Roma fielded five players across the tournament held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico: Evan N'Dicka, Zeki Çelik, Neil El Aynaoui, Manu Koné, and Donyell Malen. These five accumulated 211 days of competition, generating 1.055 million dollars for the club. Milan topped Serie A's earnings with over 2.3 million dollars from ten players, followed by Atalanta (1.6 million from eight players) and Inter (1.55 million from seven). Juventus collected 1.2 million and Bologna 1 million. Among individual Roma players, Koné was the most valuable, earning 280,000 dollars for the club—second only to Lautaro Martinez of Inter and Nico Paz of Como, who each generated 285,000 dollars.

Inter, Milan, Juventus and Roma launched their summer training camps on Monday, 13 July as Serie A's leading sides begin preparations ahead of the new season. Many players remain committed to international duty at major tournaments, though several have returned to their clubs ready to start preseason. The four giants are among the first to commence their respective ritiri, or structured training retreats, with friendlies scheduled to build match fitness and tactical cohesion. Roma joins the elite quartet in kicking off summer work, with Gian Piero Gasperini's squad assembling for the intensive preparation phase. The timing reflects the staggered return of internationals, as some personnel are only recently emerging from extended competition calendars. These camps serve as the foundation for competitive readiness before the Serie A campaign resumes. Preseason schedules typically span several weeks and include a mix of internal drills, controlled matches and friendly fixtures against lower-division or regional opponents. The early start by these five major clubs underscores the demands of modern elite football, where conditioning and collective understanding must be rebuilt efficiently during the summer window.

Mario Balotelli has named AS Roma among the contenders for next season's Serie A title, alongside Napoli and Inter. Speaking to Sportmediaset, the former Milan striker said: "Napoli and Inter are the favourites, but I want to add a surprise: Roma will also fight for the Scudetto." Balotelli, now based in Saudi Arabia, predicted that Gian Piero Gasperini's side will be in the mix for the championship despite not being among the usual elite. Roma have not yet completed any significant transfer business ahead of their squad gathering tomorrow. The pursuit of Greenwood has fallen away, while the club continues to work on signing a backup to Malen, with Tresoldi identified as a target, and also Garnacho. The Giallorossi are preparing to restart their season following a challenging campaign. Balotelli's endorsement represents external confidence in Roma's prospects, though the club's transfer activity will be crucial to whether they can genuinely mount a title challenge.

Roma opened the Stadio Olimpico to supporters on the previous day to launch its 2026–27 season ticket campaign, and the response was immediate: 11,000 fans renewed their subscriptions in a single day. The campaign began at 10:00 on that morning, with existing ticket holders given priority to renew their seats at a dedicated price until 10:00 on 20 July. A second phase runs from 12:00 on 20 July to 12:00 on 23 July for those who bought via waiting list or free sale last season. Phase 1.3 (14:30 on 23 July to 13:00 on 27 July) will offer remaining available seats across all sections. From 15:00 on 27 July to 13:00 on 29 July, fans on the waiting list get priority access; free sale begins at 15:00 on 29 July if spaces remain. The rush reflects the depth of supporter commitment ahead of the season opener on 24 August at the Olimpico against Fiorentina. Last season, approximately 1.6 million spectators attended Roma's home matches. Currently, 26,982 fans are on the waiting list, and not all are guaranteed to secure a ticket for the upcoming campaign. The club thanked supporters for their faith and backing during the season, acknowledging the significance of the fanbase to the organisation. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini will lead the team into the new campaign.

Bryan Cristante has become an indispensable figure for Roma in the 2025–26 season, finally silencing years of criticism by leading the club's midfield as they qualified for the Champions League and won a European trophy. The midfielder made 37 appearances from 38, accumulating 3,103 minutes—more than any other outfield player at the club. Deployed frequently by Gasperini in a two-man midfield pairing with Koné, Pisilli, or El Aynaoui, Cristante also operated as a central attacking midfielder behind two strikers to cover offensive shortcomings, showcasing the professionalism Gasperini considers essential for future campaigns. Cristante's goal tally was modest: two goals across all competitions, both in Serie A. He opened his account in Roma's 2–1 victory at Fiorentina on 5 October 2025, then added another in the 3–0 home win over Cremonese on 22 February 2026. Critics had long blamed his extended playing time for Roma's failure to reach the Champions League in previous seasons, but this campaign vindicated his consistent contribution. Gasperini, like Mourinho, De Rossi, Ranieri before him, and Italy manager Mancini—with whom Cristante won the 2021 European Championship—has consistently recognised his value. Cristante averaged a season rating of 6.2, slightly above par. Standout performances earned him 7-point ratings in derbies against Lazio (0–1 and 2–0), wins over Fiorentina (1–2), Sassuolo (0–1), and Roma–Como (1–0, receiving 7.5). His poorest showings came in Inter–Roma (5–2) and Genoa–Roma, both scored 4, though the Inter collapse saw the entire squad struggle.

Roma have launched their season ticket campaign for 2026–27, the campaign year leading to the club's centenary. The sales campaign opens tomorrow at 10:00 and unfolds across three phases. Phase 1.1 runs from tomorrow until 20 July at 10:00, allowing existing subscribers to renew at a discounted rate. Phase 1.2 follows from 12:00 on 23 July, giving first-time purchasers from the 2025–26 waiting list or general sale a chance to confirm their seats. Phase 1.3 (14:30–13:00, 23–27 July) permits renewals without seat confirmation. A waiting list access phase runs 15:00–13:00, 27–29 July, with 26,982 registered supporters eligible for priority purchase. General sales begin 15:00 on 29 July. The club recorded 79 sold-out fixtures and approximately 1.6 million spectators in the first season under Gian Piero Gasperini. The league campaign begins 24 August at the Olimpico against Fiorentina, with Roma returning to Champions League competition. Roma is marketing the campaign under the slogan "Solo la Roma" (Only Roma), referencing a Curva Sud choreography from the derby of 27 November 1994 (Lazio 0–3 Roma). Three subscription types are available: Classic (Champions League and Coppa Italia priority); Classic Extra (priority plus the ability to manage and resell seats for big matches only—maximum two games—with dedicated pre-sale and pricing); and Plus (all benefits included). Curva Nord subscriptions consist of 18 matches, excluding Roma–Lazio, with North Stand holders receiving a dedicated purchase phase and price for the home derby. The welcome pack is now exclusive to Plus subscribers. Payment can be spread across up to three instalments via the club's online platform.

Francisco Conceição's goal for Juventus has been awarded Serie A's goal of the year, beating efforts from Zielinski and Calhanoglu. The Portuguese winger's strike came in a dramatic 3–3 draw against Roma, a result that proved ultimately futile for Juventus's Champions League ambitions but secured Roma's qualification to the competition. Juventus instead finished in the Europa League qualification spots. The Roma-Juventus match carried significant weight in the title race under Gasperini's charge, yet the entertaining finish altered neither side's European fate in the way it might have. Roma progressed to the Champions League while Juventus settled for Europa League football. Conceição's technically outstanding finish provided individual consolation for a disappointing Juventus season, even though the goal itself failed to deliver the collective outcome the club required. The award underscores the quality of Conceição's performance in an otherwise challenging campaign for the Turin club.

AS Roma has signalled its intention to close the first half of the transfer window without selling key players, according to reports emerging from the club's Trigoria base. The Friedkin Group is unwilling to dismantle the squad's core to satisfy UEFA financial requirements, and has instructed officials to reject offers deemed insufficient. The club will only consider departures if genuinely unmissable bids arrive; otherwise, no established players will be sold. Roma believes it can present a balanced budget to UEFA in June while retaining its main contingent. The club has already generated approximately 13 million euros in capital gains, reduced operational costs, and expects increased revenue from overseas broadcast rights. Additional financial relief may come from the situations surrounding players Bove and Calafiori. Officials, including D'Amico, have made clear that no player will depart at discount prices. Roma is prepared to accept potential sanctions—including a fine or restrictions on squad registration for European competitions in the following season—rather than compromise squad stability, viewing this as preferable to harsher UEFA penalties.

Ivan Juric has been confirmed as Monza's new head coach from 1 July 2026, following the club's promotion to Serie A via the play-offs. The Croatian tactician arrives after stints with Atalanta, Southampton, and Roma, where his tenures were described as disappointing. Monza will visit the Olimpico to face Roma on the weekend of 28–29 November in Serie A matchday 13, marking Juric's return to the stadium. Juric's appointment carries direct significance for Roma, as he previously managed the Giallorossi. His track record includes spells at Genoa, Hellas Verona, and Torino before joining Roma. At Atalanta, he made his Champions League debut with the club, appearing in four matches before his dismissal in November 2025. The timing of his move to Monza ensures an early encounter between his new side and his former employer in the league campaign. Born in Split on 25 August 1975, Juric began his managerial career in Serie C with Mantova in 2014–15, then achieved promotion to Serie A with Crotone in his first Serie B season. He is described as a coach of significant charisma and experience, capable of bringing intensity and an aggressive, enterprising style of play to his teams.

Serie A has announced the fixture list for the first five rounds of the 2026–27 season, with Roma set to begin their campaign on a Monday. The article reviews Roma's previous Monday season openers, examining a mix of victories, defeats, and notable incidents including a 3–0 walkover decision. Monday starts carry varied historical significance for the Giallorossi across their recent Serie A campaigns. The fixture scheduling marks the beginning of Roma's push under their new management structure heading into the new season.