Following a season that secured Champions League football and a summer defined by the arrival of Gian Piero Gasperini, Roma enters 2026/27 with a squad rebuilt in the image of its new coach, a lethal Dutch striker in Donyell Malen, and the club’s best start to a Serie A campaign in years.
Technical Leadership & Coaching Profile
Manager: Gian Piero Gasperini
Gasperini arrives at the Stadio Olimpico after nine historic seasons at Atalanta, where he transformed the Bergamo club into a European force and won the 2023/24 Europa League. The 68-year-old Italian has signed a three-year contract and immediately set about reshaping Roma’s tactical identity. His reputation for demanding intensity, tactical flexibility, and aggressive man-oriented pressing precedes him, and the early results suggest the squad has embraced his methods. Gasperini has already demonstrated his willingness to make bold selection calls, starting Leonardo Balerdi against Inter and leaving key defender Evan Ndicka on the bench — a decision justified by the Argentine’s commanding performance.
Tactical Philosophy
Gasperini’s Roma is built on a 3-4-2-1 structure that prioritises man-oriented pressure, attacking wing-backs, and quick vertical attacks. The system demands players capable of covering large spaces and adapting to tactical shifts during matches. The wing-backs — particularly Nahuel Molina and Wesley — are expected to push high and contribute in the final third, while the front three interchanges fluidly around the creative hub of Paulo Dybala. Defensively, Gasperini’s principles are evident in the aggressive front-foot defending of Balerdi and the intensity of the pressing structure. The early-season numbers are impressive: Roma have scored 14 goals in five matches while conceding just three, with three clean sheets. The 2-2 draw with Inter exposed areas for improvement, with Gasperini admitting that fatigue forced defensive changes that allowed the champions back into the game.
Preferred Formations
3-4-2-1 in possession.
Strategic Transfer Activity
Roma’s summer window was a deliberate reconstruction around Gasperini’s tactical demands, with the club targeting players capable of adapting to his demanding physical and tactical environment. The marquee additions — Santiago Castro, Konstantinos Koulierakis, and Rodrigo Mora — represent a blend of immediate reinforcement and long-term investment. The deadline-day capture of Marten De Roon from Atalanta, a player Gasperini knows intimately from their nine years together in Bergamo, adds experience and tactical intelligence to the engine room.
Table A: Summer Major Transfer Influx
| Player | Position | Former Club | Fee Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santiago Castro | Striker | Bologna | €35m |
| Konstantinos Koulierakis | Center-Back | Wolfsburg | €15m |
| Rodrigo Mora | Attacking Midfielder | FC Porto | Undisclosed |
| Nahuel Molina | Right Wing-Back | Atlético Madrid | €13m |
| Leonardo Balerdi | Center-Back | Marseille | Loan (€14m option) |
| Marten De Roon | Central Midfielder | Atalanta | €1m + bonuses |
| Mario Hermoso | Center-Back | — | Permanent |
The First-Team Roster
Goalkeepers
Mile Svilar (#99): The Serbian goalkeeper remains Roma’s undisputed number one, his shot-stopping and distribution central to the club’s strong defensive start. Valued at €33.7 million, Svilar has kept three clean sheets in five matches and conceded just three goals, his command of the penalty area providing a reassuring presence behind Gasperini’s aggressive defensive line.
Pierluigi Gollini (#95): The Italian goalkeeper provides experienced backup coverage, his familiarity with Serie A and professionalism valued within the goalkeeping group.
Giorgio De Marzi (#?): The young goalkeeper serves as third-choice option, gaining valuable exposure to first-team standards.
Defenders
Leonardo Balerdi (#26): The Argentine centre-back has been a revelation since arriving from Marseille, immediately earning Gasperini’s trust and establishing himself as Roma’s defensive leader. Against Inter, he won four of five duels, two of three tackles, and recovered six balls, his aggressive front-foot defending setting the tone for Gasperini’s system. Roma hold a €14 million purchase option, which now appears a formality given his impact.
Gianluca Mancini (#23): The Italian centre-back remains a commanding presence in Roma’s defensive structure, his leadership and aerial dominance invaluable within Gasperini’s back three. His experience of Serie A’s demands provides stability as the defensive partnerships evolve.
Evan Ndicka (#5): The Ivorian centre-back remains a key figure despite being rested against Inter, his recovery pace and ball-playing ability making him integral to Gasperini’s high defensive line. His integration with Balerdi will be crucial as the season progresses.
Konstantinos Koulierakis (#3): The Greek international arrived from Wolfsburg for €15 million, a left-footed centre-back standing 1.88 metres tall. His physical strength, aerial ability, and confidence in progressing the ball make him ideally suited to Gasperini’s demanding wide centre-back role.
Mario Hermoso (#22): The Spanish defender provides additional depth across the backline, his versatility and experience offering reliable rotation options.
Daniele Ghilardi (#87): The young Italian centre-back continues his development within Gasperini’s demanding system, his potential evident in his integration into the first-team squad.
Nahuel Molina (#20): The Argentine wing-back has been one of Roma’s most impactful summer signings, his performance against Inter showcasing exactly why Gasperini pushed for his arrival. Molina has created 2.9 chances per 90 minutes, recovered 5.04 balls per 90, and won 0.78 possessions in the attacking third per 90 — numbers that rank among Serie A’s best for wing-backs. His ability to play on either flank and cut inside onto his stronger foot offers Gasperini a tactical weapon he has long coveted.
Devyne Rensch (#2): The Dutch defender provides cover on the right flank, though a thigh injury has disrupted his early-season availability.
Wesley (#43): The Brazilian wing-back offers explosive pace and attacking thrust on the left flank, his direct running terrorising opposing full-backs. His development under Gasperini’s guidance has been notable.
Anass Salah-Eddine (#24): The Moroccan left-back provides additional depth and competition on the left side of defence.
Midfielders
Manu Koné (#17): The French midfielder has been Roma’s standout performer this season, scoring twice in the 2-2 draw with Inter and contributing two goals overall. His box-to-box energy, ball-carrying ability, and shooting from distance make him a complete midfield package, and his market value has risen to €44.6 million. Koné’s partnership with De Roon and Cristante provides the physical and technical foundation for Gasperini’s system.
Marten De Roon (#15): The Dutch veteran arrived from Atalanta on a €1 million deal, reuniting with Gasperini after nine years together in Bergamo. At 35, his tactical intelligence and understanding of Gasperini’s demands are invaluable, and he is gradually building toward full fitness after a disrupted pre-season. Gasperini has defended De Roon against criticism from Atalanta supporters, describing him as “a player of great substance and personality”.
Bryan Cristante (#4): The Italian midfielder remains a reliable presence in the engine room, his versatility across defensive and central midfield roles providing essential squad depth. His experience of Serie A’s demands is valuable within a squad integrating numerous new arrivals.
Niccolò Pisilli (#61): The young academy graduate has already contributed two goals this season, his late runs into the box and energy offering a different dimension to Roma’s midfield. At just 21, his development under Gasperini’s guidance will be closely monitored.
Lorenzo Pellegrini (#7): The club captain remains a key figure despite a physical discomfort that has limited his early-season involvement. When fit, his creativity and set-piece delivery provide a crucial attacking outlet.
Neil El Aynaoui (#8): The Moroccan midfielder provides physical presence and box-to-box running, though his future at the club was uncertain during the summer.
Rodrigo Mora (#86): The Portuguese attacking midfielder arrived from FC Porto as one of Gasperini’s priority signings, valued at €37.9 million despite being just 19. His creativity and technical quality offer a different dimension in the attacking midfield role, and his development trajectory suggests a bright future.
Forwards
Paulo Dybala (#21): The Argentine playmaker committed his future to Roma until 2027, providing the creative reference point that Gasperini’s system requires. With four assists already this season, Dybala’s ability to unlock deep defences and deliver in tight matches remains invaluable. Gasperini has spoken of the “understanding” between Dybala and Malen that helps Roma generate dangerous situations consistently.
Donyell Malen (#14): The Dutch striker has been Roma’s attacking focal point, scoring six goals in five matches — 42.9% of the team’s total league output. His movement, finishing instincts, and link-up play with Dybala have made him one of Serie A’s most prolific scorers in the early weeks. Valued at €45 million, Malen’s form has been central to Roma’s position at the top of the table.
Santiago Castro (#9): The 21-year-old Argentine arrived from Bologna for €35 million, a priority signing for Gasperini. His game is not limited to finishing — he works hard without the ball, holds possession under pressure, and is comfortable attacking space, qualities that make him a natural fit for Gasperini’s demanding forward line. His competition with Malen provides Gasperini with genuine attacking alternatives.
Matías Soulé (#18): The Argentine winger has contributed two goals this season, his direct running and creativity from wide areas offering a constant threat. His development under Gasperini’s guidance continues to progress.
Antonio Arena (#68): The 17-year-old academy graduate has earned a place in Roma’s Champions League squad, a remarkable endorsement of his potential.
Leadership Group & Squad Regulations
Club Captain: Lorenzo Pellegrini
The midfielder remains the club captain, his experience and connection to Roma’s identity providing essential continuity through a period of significant transition. His physical discomfort has limited his early-season involvement, but his leadership within the dressing room remains invaluable.
The Leadership Committee
Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante serve as the senior voices alongside Pellegrini, their combined experience anchoring a dressing room integrating numerous new arrivals. Marten De Roon’s arrival adds a vocal, experienced presence with deep knowledge of Gasperini’s demands.
Homegrown Quota Check
Roma comfortably satisfies the Champions League’s locally trained player requirement, naming eight homegrown players on their List A: Pierluigi Gollini, Giorgio De Marzi, Gianluca Mancini, Emanuele Lulli, Daniele Ghilardi, Bryan Cristante, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Niccolò Pisilli.
Financial & Contractual Health
Financial Balance Overview
Roma’s summer spending exceeded €100 million, headlined by the €35 million capture of Santiago Castro and the €15 million investment in Konstantinos Koulierakis. The club balanced the books through significant sales, with the transfer balance showing a net spend of approximately €106.7 million. The creative structuring of the Balerdi deal as a loan with a €14 million purchase option provides short-term financial flexibility.
Contract Red Alerts
Securing the long-term futures of key performers like Manu Koné, whose market value has risen to €44.6 million, will be a priority. Paulo Dybala’s contract until 2027 provides short-term stability, but his future beyond that remains uncertain.
The Academy Pipeline & Loan Tracker
Breakout Talents to Watch
Niccolò Pisilli (#61) has already contributed two goals this season and represents the next academy graduate primed for consistent first-team involvement. Antonio Arena (#68) has earned a place in Roma’s Champions League squad at just 17, underlining the academy’s continued productivity.
Notable Out on Loan
Roma’s focus on immediate first-team integration for the new arrivals means the loan tracker is less prominent, with the squad assembled for competitive contribution across Serie A and the Champions League.
Set-Piece Specialists & FPL Cheat Sheet
Penalties: Paulo Dybala (First Choice) / Donyell Malen (Second Choice).
Direct Free-Kicks: Paulo Dybala / Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Corners & Crosses: Paulo Dybala / Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Final Outlook: Navigating the Tactical Horizon
Roma enters 2026/27 as the early pace-setters in Serie A, sitting top of the table on 13 points after five matches, level with Inter and Lazio but boasting a superior goal difference of +11. Gasperini’s side have scored 14 goals — the joint-highest in the division — while conceding just three, a balance that reflects the tactical transformation the new coach has implemented.
The attacking output has been spearheaded by Donyell Malen’s prolific form, the Dutch striker scoring six goals in five matches and forming a productive partnership with Paulo Dybala, who has contributed four assists. Manu Koné’s two-goal performance against Inter demonstrated the midfield’s attacking potential, while Niccolò Pisilli’s emergence offers a homegrown spark.
The defensive foundation appears solid, with three clean sheets in five matches and Leonardo Balerdi’s commanding performances at the heart of the back three. The 2-2 draw with Inter, in which Roma surrendered a two-goal lead, served as a reminder that game management against elite opposition remains a work in progress. Gasperini acknowledged that fatigue forced defensive changes that allowed the champions back into the match.
The challenges ahead are substantial. The Champions League’s demands will test squad depth, and the fixture list becomes increasingly congested as autumn progresses. The integration of De Roon, Koulierakis, and Castro into Gasperini’s demanding system is ongoing, and the coach must manage the expectations that inevitably accompany such a strong start.
But the ingredients for a successful campaign are present. Malen’s goalscoring form provides a reliable attacking focal point. Dybala’s creativity unlocks defences. Koné’s energy and Pisilli’s emergence give the midfield a dynamic balance. And Gasperini’s tactical clarity has already transformed Roma into a side that presses aggressively, attacks with purpose, and defends with structure. The Giallorossi faithful, who have endured years of inconsistency, are witnessing the early stages of something genuinely formidable. If Roma can maintain their defensive solidity and find greater efficiency in managing game states, this could be the season that re-establishes the club among Italy’s elite.
