Bruno Conti reflects on unforgettable Roma journey, thanks teammates and family

Roma are on the verge of completing their first summer transfer. Santiago Castro will arrive from Bologna, with Artem Dovbyk heading in the opposite direction on loan to join Tedesco's squad. The deal represents Roma's opening move in the transfer window. Dovbyk, who joined Roma last season, will step aside to make room for Castro's arrival. The loan move offers the Ukrainian striker a fresh start while freeing up space in the squad for the incoming Bologna forward. This swap deal resolves both clubs' needs in attack within a single transaction. Elsewhere, Rome's mayor Gualtieri and Sessa discussed progress on the new stadium project during an administrative briefing. In national team news, Andrea Pirlo announced via Instagram that he will not take the Italy job.

Santiago Castro has completed his move to Roma from Bologna for €35 million including bonuses on a five-year contract. The Argentine striker will arrive at Termini station around 23:45 this evening before undergoing medical examinations tomorrow and signing his deal. His arrival triggers Artem Dovbyk's departure to Bologna on a loan with a purchase option, with the Ukrainian's €3.5 million salary covered by the Emilian club. Dovbyk will travel to Bologna tomorrow for his medical. Castro's signing marks Roma's primary attacking reinforcement ahead of the new season, particularly with Champions League football on the horizon. Gasperini has prioritised two strong forward options, and club sources confirm Roma rejected a loan approach for Robinio Vaz before Bologna proposed Dovbyk as an alternative. Roma's hierarchy has also made Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract renewal a priority. Following recent signings of Dybala, Mancini, and Cristante, the club aims to extend Pellegrini's deal before the squad departs for a pre-season training camp in Wales. Pellegrini's new contract is projected to run until 2028 with an optional further season, offering €2.5 million annually plus bonuses. Rome's mayor Gualtieri confirmed progress on the new Stadio della Roma at Pietralata. At an institutional meeting on Friday involving Regional President Rocca and ministers Abodi and Salvini, Gualtieri stated: "Today we make another leap forward in the procedures for stadium construction. An entire area regeneration with a stadium at its centre that will have the world's largest Curva and will be a joy for all sports fans. The services conference will be concluded by September." Roma legend Roberto Pruzzo praised Castro as "a great player, strong" with quality to play centre-forward or provide assists.

Vice-Premier Matteo Salvini highlighted Roma's new stadium project at a Conference of Services held at the Prime Minister's office, where officials reviewed the administrative progress of the Pietralata development. Salvini expressed enthusiasm for the design, noting that of 60,000 seats, 23,000 will be reserved for the Curva (standing section). He said: "A thing that strikes me is that out of 60,000 seats 23,000 will be reserved for the Curva. Since I was 14 years old I prefer to follow matches not sitting but standing, not silent but participating. I believe that modern, lived, liveable and safe stadiums must be accompanied by equally modern and participatory support. I cannot remember anything sadder than an empty stadium." Salvini, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, made a quip about SS Lazio during his remarks, then jokingly corrected himself while laughing with Lazio-supporting regional president Francesco Rocca. He concluded by appealing to Roma supporters: "I invite Romanist fans to have compassion for the moment that their fellow citizens, the Lazio fans, are living through." The new stadium represents a significant step forward in Roma's infrastructure plans, with the Pietralata location designed to offer modern facilities and enhanced matchday experiences for supporters.