Aldair on the captaincy and Totti: the strongest player carries the armband in Brazil

Pietro Mezzaroma, a defining figure in Rome's urban development across the second half of the 20th century, died on 4 August at the age of 91. Born in Rome in 1935, Mezzaroma began his career in his father Amerigo's carpentry business before pivoting decisively to residential construction during the 1950s economic boom. With his brothers Gianni and Roberto, he founded Impreme (Imprese Mezzaroma), which became a cornerstone of the capital's property development. After a 1996 family restructuring, he established Pietro Mezzaroma & Figli with his four children—Massimo, Barbara, Valentina, and Alessandra—and continued to shape entire neighbourhoods across Rome. Mezzaroma's work fundamentally altered the city's landscape, from the Torrino and EUR districts to Talenti, Cinecittà, and Dragoncello, as well as San Basilio and Tor Bella Monaca. He was known for direct pragmatism and a visceral connection to Rome's social fabric; Paolo Buzzetti, former president of the Roman builders' association, recalled: "Pietro advised others, including institutional contacts, to be practical, not to get lost in sophisms and flowery language. Few political and financial analyses, and much concrete action: spontaneity and pragmatism was the mix that distinguished him." Mezzaroma also collaborated on architectural projects with Paolo Portoghesi, a towering figure in Italian architecture. In May 1993, Mezzaroma acquired AS Roma alongside Franco Sensi, taking the club from Giuseppe Ciarrapico. He remained co-owner for approximately six months before transferring his shares to Sensi.

Roma's training camp in the UK ended in defeat as they lost a friendly match against Brighton at the American Express Stadium. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media after the loss, indicating that something was lacking in the team's performance. Lorenzo Pellegrini signed a contract extension through 2027 during this period. Separately, Torino president Urbano Cairo commented on Alessio Cacciamani and Roma's interest in the player, though no transfer details were specified.

Manu Koné is taking a detour through Spain before rejoining Roma, visiting his former club Toulouse in San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, where the French club are conducting their summer training camp. The Roma midfielder, who will return to Gasperini's squad on Monday 10 August, has spent time there reconnecting with the club where he developed as a player before his move to Borussia Mönchlegladbach. Koné posted on social media to mark the visit, saying: "When I was at the centre, I was told that once you've worn the violet shirt, you become part of the Toulouse family forever. It was important to come back here, meet familiar faces and exchange with the new generation of pitchounes. Thanks to everyone for the welcome, I wish you the best for this season." Koné, who wore number 17 for Roma, has recently recovered from the demands of representing France at the World Cup and was linked with Manchester United in recent weeks, though that move did not materialise. His return to first-team training will add depth to Roma's midfield as Gasperini prepares the squad for the coming campaign.