Capello backs Roma's Champions League push, praises Gasperini's man-management

Santiago Castro's performance against Roma on 19 March — when Bologna won 4–3 at the Olimpico with an assist and goal from the Argentine striker — eliminated the Giallorossi from the Europa League and sent the Emilia-Romagna side to the quarter-finals, where they later fell to Aston Villa in May. The display exemplified Castro's blend of determination and clinical finishing that has now attracted Roma's interest as the club weighs a summer move for the 20-year-old. Castro's trajectory began at Velez in Buenos Aires, where he spent a decade in the youth system before making his senior debut in August 2021 at just 16 years old. He scored his first goal in Copa Argentina against Cipolletti in March 2022, followed by a strike against Talleres, signalling the creativity and positioning that would define his play. After totalling two goals in 2021–22 and seven in 2022–23, Bologna sporting director Sartori signed him in January 2024 for just over 13 million euros. Castro wrote on social media on the day of departure: "I leave peacefully, because I gave everything." The departure of Sergiño Zirkzee after his first six months opened the pathway to regular minutes. In 2025–26, Castro has continued his development: he hit the crossbar against Roma, scored a spectacular goal against Fiorentina, and netted with a heel flick versus Genoa. At 1.79 metres tall, he operates effectively both from distance and inside the box through work-rate and technical quality. Roma is considering Castro or Tresoldi as a forward option.

Rafael Leao has been offered to Roma in the early transfer window, but significant obstacles stand in the way of a move to the Giallorossi. Head coach Gasperini has prioritised strengthening the attack with at least two quality wingers and has made clear the club will not exceed a wage ceiling of 4 million euros per player. Leao currently earns 5 million euros net annually at Milan under a contract running until 2028, meaning he would need to accept a pay cut. The Portuguese forward's ability to play Champions League football with Roma—unlike Milan this season—could help persuade him, and Roma's use of the growth decree tax relief might offer a minor advantage. However, Milan are unlikely to offer discounts on a player of Leao's quality, particularly given Roma are direct Serie A competitors. Leao's valuation remains prohibitive. Roma may have offered around 50 million euros for West Ham's Summerville, but Milan would demand 10–20 million euros more for Leao. Turkish clubs Fenerbahce and Galatasaray have emerged as rival suitors, though Fenerbahce denied reports of a 100-million-euro bid, stating: "The rumours according to which we would have presented an offer of around 100 million euros for Rafael Leao, including the cost of the transfer and the salary, do not reflect reality." With Summerville off the table, Gasperini and the club's management have shifted focus to Nusa at Leipzig. Leao remains a name to consider only if circumstances improve. Gasperini is awaiting at least one attacking reinforcement before the squad departs for a training camp in Wales.

Paulo Dybala has emerged as AS Roma's shining light in the early weeks of Gian Piero Gasperini's tenure, displaying sharp physical condition and readiness to deliver decisive moments. The Argentine forward has impressed during the opening fortnight of training, though there are concerns he may peak too early in the season. With Dybala as the primary attacking option on the trequarti, Gasperini has limited alternatives—Matías Soulé remains the only other genuine playmaker, but his future at the club is uncertain as he could depart before the transfer window closes. Roma's recruitment drive has hit obstacles following failed moves for Mason Greenwood and Summerville, setbacks that have shaped the club's current strategy. The Giallorossi are now exploring multiple avenues in the market to find attacking complements to Dybala and reduce the burden on the Argentine. Sporting director Tony D'Amico is working across several fronts as the club seeks to strengthen its offensive options, aware that Dybala alone cannot sustain the team's attacking ambitions through a full campaign.

Roma travel to Stade Pierre de Coubertin tomorrow to face Cannes in a friendly match. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for the contest, with injuries ruling out Pisilli and Vaz, while Cherubini is unavailable due to fever. The group reflects a mix of first-team regulars and academy prospects. In defence, Gasperini has called up Rensch, Angelino, N'Dicka, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Wesley, Nardin, Lulli and Ghilardi. The midfield contingent comprises Cristante, Panico, Di Nunzio, Giammattei and Bah, while the attacking options are Dovbyk, Malen, Soulé, Dybala and Arena. The friendly provides an opportunity for Gasperini's side to build match sharpness and continue preparations for the season ahead. The absence of Pisilli and Vaz through injury underlines the need for squad rotation, though both players will be assessed ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for Roma's friendly against Cannes. The goalkeeper contingent includes De Marzi, Gollini and Svilar, whilst the defence features Rensch, Angeliño, Ndicka, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Wesley, Nardin, Lulli and Ghilardi. Midfield options are Cristante, Panico, Di Nunzio, Giammattei and Bah, with Dovbyk, Malen, Soulé, Dybala and Arena leading the attack. Roma have made an official bid to Club America for defender Israel Reyes, the Mexican defender born in 2000 and valued at approximately €8 million, according to journalist Gibran Araje. The contacts between the clubs are ongoing, and should the deal succeed, Reyes could become Roma's first summer signing. Simultaneously, Roma have been forced to abandon the pursuit of winger Said El Mala, the 2006-born talent who has rejected a move to the Giallorossi and prefers to continue his development in Germany, potentially waiting for a call from Borussia Dortmund or staying at Cologne. Manu Koné remains central to Gasperini's plans despite European interest following his World Cup success with France. Manchester United have cooled their approach to the midfielder, reportedly reflecting on a potential €60 million investment, though they have not entirely abandoned the pursuit.

Roma travel to France on Friday for their third pre-season friendly against Cannes, the club owned by the Friedkin Group. Gasperini has ruled out Pisilli and Robinio Vaz from the fixture, while Cherubini is also sidelined with fever. Soulé returns to the squad after missing the previous match for workload management and will feature in attack alongside Dybala and Malen. Roma have won their opening two warm-up games decisively, recording 6–0 victories over both the Primavera and Trastevere. The Cannes match represents a more competitive test before the Serie A campaign begins. The squad will return to Rome immediately after the fixture, following which Gasperini will grant the players two days of rest. Gasperini's matchday squad includes goalkeepers De Marzi, Gollini and Svilar; defenders Rensch, Angelino, Ndicka, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Wesley, Nardin, Lulli and Ghilardi; midfielders Cristante, Panico, Di Nunzio, Giammattei and Bah; and forwards Dovbyk, Malen, Soulé, Dybala and Arena.