Roma Open Contract Extension Talks with Paulo Dybala

Rudi Garcia, former Roma manager and current Belgium coach, has spoken about his relationship with midfielder Radja Nainggolan during his time at the club. In an interview with Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad, Garcia praised Nainggolan's abilities: "Radja, what a player. Rarely have I seen a footballer with such an incredible shot, such high athleticism and such rapid recovery capacity." Garcia acknowledged Nainggolan's unprofessional lifestyle, saying: "Yes, of course I knew that Radja smoked. But as long as he performed on the pitch, I didn't care." Garcia reflected on Nainggolan's impact during Roma's title challenges, noting that the midfielder arrived to strengthen the squad after Kevin Strootman's injury, joining established midfield figures Miralem Pjanic and Daniele De Rossi. The manager highlighted Nainggolan's paradox—his carefree approach was simultaneously a weakness and a strength, allowing him to play with natural spontaneity that generated significant impact on the pitch. Garcia also referenced comparable situations at other clubs, mentioning a goalkeeper at Roma—later identified as Wojciech Szczesny at Arsenal—who smoked in the dressing room in England. The former coach's comments underscore a pragmatic approach to player management, prioritizing on-field performance over strict behavioral control.

Roma announced Gian Piero Gasperini as head coach on 6 June 2025, marking the start of his first season in charge. The club achieved Champions League qualification, with El Shaarawy among the goal scorers during the campaign. Gasperini's appointment came following the departure of Claudio Ranieri, who had managed the club in the 2024–25 season. The 'condottiero' (commander) has guided Roma towards European football's elite competition in his inaugural year, fulfilling a key objective for the Friedkin Group ownership.

Roma's fixture calendar for the 2024–25 season presents a complex overlap between Serie A and Champions League commitments. The Giallorossi begin their league campaign on 22–23 August against Fiorentina at the Olimpico, with Champions League action starting in September. The first Champions fixture (8–10 September) falls between league matches against Atalanta and Torino, setting the tone for a demanding campaign. Key fixture congestion occurs throughout the season. Roma face Atalanta on 6 September before their Champions League opener, followed by Torino on 13 September. The second Champions round (13–14 October) bookends matches against Como and Genoa, while the third week (20–21 October) sits between Roma–Genoa and Napoli–Roma. Later fixtures include the fifth Champions matchday (24–25 November) sandwiched between Parma and Monza encounters, and a notably tight sixth Champions round (8–9 December) positioned between Bologna away and the Derby della Capitale against Lazio on 13 December. January continues the pattern with two Champions matches: one on 18–19 January after Atalanta away and before Roma–Udinese, and the final group-stage fixture on 27 January following the Udinese clash. The condensed schedule requires careful squad rotation and tactical preparation across both competitions.

Roma's announcement of Tony D'Amico as a new staff member continues to be delayed, though an official statement is expected soon. D'Amico remains in Bergamo finalizing the last details with Atalanta. Roma will not be required to pay any release clause to secure the executive, and optimism surrounds the move. Once the official announcement arrives, Roma will request a regulatory waiver to allow D'Amico to begin work immediately, given the workload ahead. D'Amico's first priority will be contract renewals for Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Çelik. The club also aims to complete player departures before the 30 June deadline. Ziolkowski may leave the club, while reports of Inter pursuing Gianluca Mancini have been dismissed. Mancini is keen to remain at Roma and is close to signing a contract extension through 2029. Details remain unclear on the exact timeline for the announcement, though Roma's expectation is that it will arrive within the coming days.

Roma are monitoring Davide Frattesi as a potential midfield target, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini viewing him as a possible replacement should Koné depart. Frattesi, currently at Inter, is expected to leave the club this summer. He came through Roma's youth academy and previously came close to joining the club in 2023 before Inter secured him from Sassuolo. His contract at Inter runs until 2028, though his valuation has decreased in recent years — Inter previously sought €35 million but that asking price is no longer in play. There are currently no direct contacts between Roma and the player. Gasperini reportedly holds Frattesi in high regard and sees him as a suitable option if Roma lose Koné. The French midfielder is considered among the club's potential departures this summer. However, Roma's primary defensive focus remains on contract extensions rather than outgoings, with Gianluca Mancini close to securing a new deal through 2029 with an option until 2030. Mancini is central to Gasperini's plans and has no intention of leaving. No player swap involving Mancini is being considered. Gasperini has requested contract extensions for several key players including Bryan Cristante, Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Celik as the squad is built around his trusted core for the upcoming season. Further developments regarding Frattesi's potential transfer are expected soon.

Tony D'Amico is set to become AS Roma's new sporting director following meetings with Atalanta to finalize his contract termination. An official announcement is expected in the coming days, with D'Amico reportedly agreeing a three-year deal worth 1.5 million euros per season. Today he travels to Bergamo to complete the final details of his departure from Atalanta, where he has worked alongside Gasperini for three years. D'Amico will inherit a substantial workload at Roma, including contract renewals for Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala, and Celik, as well as managing player sales before the June 30 deadline. The director and Gasperini are reuniting after their successful period at Atalanta, during which they won the Europa League in 2024 and reached the Coppa Italia final the same year. Gasperini is also in Bergamo today for a charitable event, though the two are unlikely to meet in person given their schedules. Recent contacts between them have been frequent as they prepare to work together again at Roma.