Aldair and Capello reunite: Roma legends recall their 2001 Scudetto triumph

The Friedkin Group has signalled an ambitious strategy to reshape Roma around head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and Champions League football, according to sources in the United States. June was spent in reflection and sensitive dialogue with UEFA to avoid rushed sales under Settlement Agreement pressure. Now, in mid-July with summer preparation underway, the American ownership is accelerating its plans beyond the original three-year timeline, aiming to establish Roma as title contenders by the club's centenary year. Gasperini's success in returning Roma to Europe's top competition after a seven-year absence has earned him full backing for his technical vision. The club has appointed sporting director Tony D'Amico to align with that strategy and is moving to secure key players with contract renewals. Paulo Dybala has already signed a new deal; Zeki Çelik and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini are expected to follow soon, with plans to extend terms for Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante afterwards. On the transfer market, the Friedkin Group is prepared to invest significantly through both internal resources and targeted sales, though only on terms the club deems appropriate and within UEFA parameters. The ownership is willing to take calculated risks to consolidate Roma's position in top European football.

Roma have revived their interest in West Ham winger Summerville following a meeting with a representative of the player's entourage that concluded earlier today. The Dutch forward had been a target for the club but negotiations had cooled due to West Ham's valuation—nearly 60 million euros—and intense competition from rival clubs. The situation appeared to be heading towards a dead end until Roma moved to restart discussions. At today's summit, Roma reiterated their interest in Summerville but set specific conditions: a transfer fee of no more than 40 million euros and wages capped at 4 million per season. Those wage demands had been a significant stumbling block weeks earlier, when Summerville was seeking around 6 million annually—a figure that prompted Roma to shelve the pursuit. The landscape has shifted. While no concrete moves have emerged from Premier League clubs, several remain poised to enter the race. Roma are now waiting for a response from Summerville's camp, which could arrive in the coming hours.

A weekly scorecard of Italian football's talking points rates Jannik Sinner top marks for his Wimbledon victory, while Paulo Dybala's contract renewal with Roma earns a 7—conditional backing from the editorial board. Dybala remains a valuable asset for the club at the right terms and with proper management of his injury concerns, though Roma must build around him rather than depend solely on him for seasonal targets. Manu Koné, on loan at Roma from Gladbach, receives an 8 for his commanding displays with the French national team, particularly praised by experienced teammates like Rabiot. The editorial board suggests a permanent transfer fee should not fall below €65 million given current market rates. Gian Piero Gasperini earns a 6 for his radio comments, having learned significantly in his first year at Roma and now feeling confident controlling an environment that held reservations about him last summer. Lorenzo Pellegrini's absence from Roma's retreat draws criticism as a jarring note in preparations. The scorecard also covers Belgium's misfortune, parliament member Celeste Amarilla's racist attacks on Mbappé, and a zero for Nicolò Zaniolo—criticized for missing Udinese's training camp after a year of praise for his maturity during his loan spell.