It’s time for another new season as Roma set out on year two of the Gian Piero Gasperini era.
After finishing third last season, Roma are back in the Champions League this season, and they’ll also be looking to preserve their top-four status.
We have a range of opinions on how Roma will get on this season, so here’s our group’s predictions for 2026-27.
Where do you think Roma will finish in Serie A this season?
Nigel: I seriously don’t think we will be top 4 this season, we seem to be pretty stagnant in the market and I see no improvement yet.
Harry: 4th – I think we will have a late rally to 4th after a poor start and being knocked out of the UCL will help this (spoiler alert).
Craig: Roma will finish 4th in the league.
Thomas: Win the league (why not?)
Mark C: 2nd but I’ve had a glass of red wine.
Jack: 3rd behind Napoli and Inter
Carol: Finish 4th or 5th. Lower than last season because of extra games in the Champions League.
Samuel: I think it’ll be third again but hopefully as a result of being more settled in the top four this season, rather than having to break into it at the end.
Eddie: Hoping top 4 again and consolidate with a push for the scudetto next season. You never know how things go so you can always dream of that open bus though. Some teams outside last years top 4 have really strengthened though so nothing is a given (Fiorentina 🤯, Lazio 😆)
How do you think Roma will do in the Champions League?
Nigel: Champions league I hope for top half but there’s too many bigger more balanced sides than us.
Harry: Table/group stage (whatever we call it now!) We don’t have the depth currently to compete on all fronts sadly.
Craig: Roma will get out of league phase but not get through the knock out game.
Thomas: You’d hope for at least QF but I think to get out of the league stage would be nice.
Mark C: Quarters or win it. I’d love us to knock Man United out but that’s a dream I guess.
Jack: Semi finals.
Carol: They get out of group stages but struggle after that.
Samuel: It depends on the draw but hopefully out of the league phase, and then I fear a knockout play-off exit. But I can live with that.
Eddie: Optimistic we could get through the league phase. Hope we start stronger than we usually do, as you really need to bag those easier wins. Turkish teams in the lower pots could be a challenge on paper given the Saudi-level money they are throwing around. Gasp and Roma have usually over performed in Europe though so 🤞 (Just don’t mention certain Manchester and Munich teams 😭).
Have you been satisfied with the transfer window or not?
Nigel: Transfer window is as it usually is nothing to stir the natives we seem to pick up other teams’ scraps, isn’t that the Roma way?
Harry: A typical Roma transfer window which I think will lead to some early frustration.
Craig: Transfer window has been ok but needs strengthening more in January if funds allow. Particularly up front as strength in depth needed if progressing in the Champions League as well as the league.
Thomas: Team needs more pace but 7/10 so far, pre season hasn’t shown much but I think the squad is improving depth, it’s very important.
Mark C: Yes… some great late additions after a heck of a slow start. Would love Kone to stay. Loving the lad who has just signed and hope the Greek guy is the real deal.
Jack: Mostly, like who we have brought in but feel some injuries could leave us weak.
Carol: No big names signed but hopefully some strong additions.
Samuel: I would have hoped Champions League status could have led to one glitzy name coming in, but they’ve gone for the sustainable approach again. Until we’re consistently at this level, you can see why. It’s been a slow one, though.
Eddie: It’s not over but can’t not be happy. No major outgoings and all our incoming players have good upside. Overall definitely an upgrade, especially in terms of depth strength. We struggled last year when our starters had to rest. Which they really need to this year to keep competitive on all fronts.
What do you think Roma’s strongest part of the team is?
Nigel: We seem strong in defence but lacking in legs upfront other than Malen not sure who’s hitting the net.
Harry: Defense is reasonably solid. The rest needs a fair bit of work.
Mark C: Dybala if he stays fit. Our gorgeous keeper and his tache.
Jack: Forward line with Dybala and Malen.
Carol: Has to be goalie, Svilar.
Samuel: The pool of centre-back options, particularly on the left-hand side, looks strong now. But the big reason for Roma’s strong defensive record will once again be Svilar in goal.
Eddie: Solid spine: Top keeper; Nidicka preseason wobbles aside, the defence has superb depth (6 viable starters); Midfield +1 year experience; Malen now has good backup.
What part of Roma’s team concerns you the most?
Nigel: Concerning is the lack of getting deals over the line. There’s too many names thrown at us and we seem to be unable to tie anyone down of particular note.
Harry: We’ve not kicked on with building since securing Champions League football. However, I do think too much has been read into pre-season, pretty sure Liverpool lost every single friendly a couple years ago before winning the league. Not much to read into.
Craig: Full back positions concern me as not enough cover in case of injuries.
Mark C: That Nigel shows no love for Gasp… Plus we need to keep showing love for our American friends and the Ultras and twits need to pretend to love them in case we become Lazio.
Jack: Squad won’t cope with UCL and League and one will suffer.
Carol: Striker options.
Samuel: Still the left flank. Mora is an exciting addition but he’s not an out-and-out winger. He should be fine for this system but it would have been nice to bring a bit of pace in for the left.
Eddie: Can we move on from the sluggish play which has dogged us for years? Gaspball should be fast and aggressive but we’re so used to playing like we’re knee deep in Bisto’s finest. I just hope some of our signings can give us a kickstart. Bryan will slow things down but I’m hoping some pacey players around him will give him so better outlets (because there is no way Gasp won’t start him).
Finally, name one player you think this will be a big season for. (Either someone who might end up as Roma’s most important player, or someone who could improve a lot)
Nigel: I want to see Pisilli given more game time he’s obviously Roma through and through so for godsake give him the games
Harry: Ghilardi, impressive at times last season and think he will kick on.
Craig: Big season for Dybala. I know he’s a good player but he needs more games. If he’s fit all or most of the season then Roma will do better.
Thomas: This is the season for Pisilli to shine.
Carol: Big season for Malen, needs to build on last season’s performance.
Samuel: I’m hoping Ghilardi can take a few more steps in his development this season on the right of the back three, and also want to see Pisilli starting more than 50% of the games if he can play at last season’s level.
Eddie: Very excited about Mora, love a diminutive trequartista wizard. He’ll fill the Baldanzi shaped hole in my heart. Worried Gasp might prefer a pacy alternative on the left to Dybala on the right, but really think we need that creativity to take the burden off Paulo. Also his second name being an anagram of Roma is just a chef’s kiss. (Finger hovers over Mora away kit in basket…)
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