When does Paulo Dybala play for Roma? Debut, contract and shirt number after Juventus exit

Joshua Thomas

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When does Paulo Dybala play for Roma? Debut, contract and shirt number after Juventus exit image

After seven seasons at Juventus, Paulo Dybala will line up for Roma in Serie A this season. 

The 28-year-old has starred in Italy for the past decade and will now look to inspire Jose Mourinho's side to more silverware after they won the UEFA Conference League last season. 

Roma fans are clearly excited about Dybala's arrival and provided the Argentine a stunning welcome upon his unveiling. 

When will Dybala play his first game Roma? 

While Roma fans have gotten their first glimpse of Dybala, attention now turns to when they'll get to see him make his club debut. 

The attacker was left out of Mourinho's squad for a behind-closed-doors friendly against Ascoli on July 27. 

Reports from Italy suggest Dybala could play his first minutes for Roma on July 30 when the club face Tottenham in Israel. 

The Argentine was strongly linked with interest from Spurs in the past so they loom as a fitting first opponent. 

How long is Dybala's Roma contract and what's his salary? 

Dybala has joined Roma on a three-year deal that will end on June 30, 2025. 

According to AS, Dybala will earn around €6 million (£5m/$6.1m) plus bonuses each season.

What shirt number will Dybala wear at Roma?

Dybala will wear number 21 when he plays for Roma this season after turning down the chance to wear the No. 10 made famous by Francesco Totti.

"I spoke to the general manager and he asked if I wanted to take number 10, which of course is so significant here because of everything Francesco Totti did," Dybala said in a club interview.

"I think that shirt and that number should remain his because of what he means to the city and the fans.

"I thanked him because wearing a shirt like that requires a lot of respect and responsibility."

Dybala was the No.10 at Juventus last season but opted for 21 at Roma as it was the number he wore when he burst onto the scene as a youngster. It's also the number he wears for Argentina. 

The 28-year-old's choice meant Nemanja Matic, who had been given the No. 21 when he signed over the off-season, had to switch to No. 8. Something the Serbian was reportedly more than happy to do. 

Why did Dybala leave Juventus for Roma?

Despite a successful seven years in Turin, Juventus opted against re-signing Dybala when his contract expired at the end of last season. 

Offers weren't shortcoming for the Argentine star with other Serie A clubs like Napoli and Inter Milan reportedly making approaches. 

But it was Roma and manager Mourinho that managed to convince Dybala they were the right fit for him.

“I had the luck and the pleasure of meeting the president, his son, the director. I knew some of the players," Dybala said at his unveiling.

"Everyone’s interest in me was a demonstration of affection and of wanting me to be here today and it was very important to me.

“Mourinho’s phone call was a real pleasure. The first time we did it together with Tiago Pinto [Roma director], then one day he texted me all of a sudden, then we spoke again and I think that was it.

“The first thing I asked the coach was, 'What do you want to win?'. I like to win, so does he, and he has won a lot." 

Joshua Thomas

Joshua Thomas Photo

Josh has been covering sport for nearly a decade now having fallen in love with football at a young age. A UTS graduate, Josh has previously worked for GOAL and now covers football closely for The Sporting News.