Roma and Fiorentina set for Serie A opener as Gasperini faces Grosso

AS Roma begin their Serie A campaign at home to Fiorentina on Monday, 24 August 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 18:45 GMT. The match is expected to provide an early test of two teams with contrasting levels of continuity, as Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma look to build on their improved organisation while Fabio Grosso’s Fiorentina continue their reconstruction.

Roma are expected to rely on a balanced starting XI, with their collective structure likely to be central to their approach at Stadio Olimpico. Under Gasperini, the Giallorossi have regained greater cohesion and defensive density, with a group of players accustomed to the demands of the manager’s system.

That unity could prove particularly important against a Fiorentina side still adapting and shaping its identity. Roma’s ability to remain compact, control the midfield and create opportunities through their attacking players is expected to be one of the key features of the contest.

The probable Roma line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Mile Svilar

Defenders: Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka, Mario Hermoso, Nahuel Molina

Midfielders: Manu Kone, Bryan Cristante, Devyne Rensch

Attackers: Matias Soule, Paulo Dybala, Donyell Malen

Dybala is likely to operate as one of Roma’s main creative outlets, while Soule and Malen should provide movement and attacking pace around the Fiorentina defence. Behind them, the midfield combination of Kone, Cristante and Rensch is expected to supply both defensive protection and support during transitions.

Fiorentina probable XI

Fiorentina are also expected to field a competitive side capable of challenging Roma, with Grosso likely to retain a 3-5-2 formation. The system should give the visitors additional strength through the centre of the defence, while also allowing them to build attacks securely from the back.

An experienced goalkeeper is expected to start, with the three-man defensive structure designed to offer protection in central areas and a clean first pass into midfield. The wing-backs should be given an important role in covering the flanks, while the central midfield trio is expected to combine ball recovery, forward runs and creativity.

In attack, Fiorentina’s pairing should bring together physical strength and mobility, giving the visitors options when playing into space and attempting to stretch Roma’s defensive line. The expected XI is regarded as coherent and suited to competing in a demanding opening fixture.

The probable Fiorentina line-up is:

Goalkeeper: David de Gea

Defenders: Mario, Radu Dragusin, Luca Ranieri, Valdepenas

Midfielders: Cher Ndour, Nicolo Fagioli, Rolando Mandragora, Albert Gudmundsson, Valdepenas

Attackers: Arthur Atta, Moise Kean

The line-up details list Valdepenas among both the defenders and midfielders, reflecting the published prediction for the match. Fiorentina will look to use the width of their shape and the energy of their midfield to limit Roma’s control, while Kean and Arthur Atta are expected to provide the main threat in the final third.

The fixture is the first Serie A match of the season for both clubs. According to the bookmaker 1xbet, Roma are priced at 1.58 to win, with the draw at 3.90 and a Fiorentina victory at 5.30.