Aquilani relishes Sassuolo role ahead of Roma reunion

Bryan Cristante spoke after Roma's 6–0 victory over Trastevere in a pre-season test under Gasperini's watch. The midfielder confirmed he has been in contact with Lorenzo Pellegrini, saying: "I've heard from him, we await him with open arms and hope he returns to the group as soon as possible." Cristante outlined Roma's ambitions for the coming season. "We expect to show continuity," he said. "We want to grow and have another great season. The Champions League makes everything harder—the initial phase will be tougher. But we want to run a strong campaign." He stressed that the squad is already familiar with Gasperini's concepts and is building steadily, with the club handling transfer business separately. On European competition, Cristante acknowledged the step up: "In the Champions League you face the best teams. Even in the first phase there are important sides. We need to be prepared and ready." The midfielder stopped short of setting specific targets for now, citing the difficulty of doing so at this early stage.

Paolo Marcacci has delivered his weekly ratings across the World Cup Final and recent football events. Spain's collective display earned a 9 out of 10 for its mesmerising, invisible-cage football—with Dani Olmo singled out for his 360-degree awareness and ability to orchestrate the team's attacking movements. Leo Messi received a 10 for his career legacy despite a quiet final shaped by Spain's dominance and Lionel Scaloni's tactical choices, which Marcacci rated 5, criticising the Argentina manager for assembling a formation that appeared designed to starve Messi of possession and changing too much in the decisive match. Leo Paredes, brought in to stabilise Argentina's midfield, instead lost discipline individually and earned a 4. Gianluca Mancini's contract renewal with Roma received a 7, described as reinforced concrete strengthening the club's defensive walls. Gasperini's press conference earned a 6 for its directness delivered through a calm, apparently reconciliatory tone—rejecting claims of passivity simply because he lacked visible agitation. Robbie Williams' halftime performance and the broader entertainment spectacle drew lower marks, with Infantino's excessively white shoes rated 3 and the Madonna–Ronaldo–Ronaldinho segment rated 0. Trump's photo-bombing with the trophy received a 1, with Marcacci quipping that Rodri reportedly ejected him with the line: "I'm not Melania."

Tony D'Amico, Roma's sporting director, will hold his first press conference at Trigoria next week, with the specific date to be confirmed. The announcement follows Gian Piero Gasperini's introduction as head coach. D'Amico attended yesterday's friendly against the Primavera between managing transfer business. Roma's priority remains securing Summerville from West Ham, who are demanding €50 million. D'Amico is working to increase Roma's offer to close the deal. The sporting director is also monitoring other targets, with Garnacho and Nusa on the club's radar. For the role of deputy to Malen, Tresoldi is the preferred candidate, while negotiations for Moreira are currently on standby.