Dybala returns to training; Rensch injury relief ahead of Bologna away match

Matteo Ruggeri has delivered a strong international campaign under Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid. The left-back is being linked with a potential move to AS Roma, where he could reunite with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Ruggeri previously worked with Gasperini, who is now tasked with rebuilding Roma's squad. A transfer to the Giallorossi could represent a fresh opportunity for the defender, who has impressed in La Liga. Details of Roma's specific interest and transfer timeline remain unclear.

Paulo Dybala's future remains firmly at AS Roma. The Argentine forward has committed to continuing his career in the capital, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is eager to build a Champions League campaign around him. Contract renewal discussions are ongoing, with only minor administrative details remaining to be finalized in the coming days. Club insiders describe the atmosphere as optimistic, with expectations the agreement will be completed soon. Boca Juniors, however, continues to monitor the situation from Argentina. The club is employing a familiar waiting strategy—the same approach used previously with Paredes, who eventually departed in early July after prolonged negotiations. Boca hopes to capitalize on any opportunity that might arise, though their limited financial resources and inability to offer European football places them at a significant disadvantage. For now, the Argentine club remains patient, awaiting any signal from Dybala. At Roma's training ground, confidence prevails. Dybala's affection for the club and the city is genuine, and there is no indication he intends to sever the connection. Despite Boca's hopes, sources close to the situation expect the contract renewal to progress without complications, suggesting the player's commitment to Roma remains unwavering.

Roma is actively pursuing Ruggeri as a target to strengthen its flanks, with the player's agents confirming the club's interest. However, Roma faces competition from another Serie A or European heavyweight for the defender's signature. The 23-year-old left-back remains a priority in the club's defensive recruitment plan as Gasperini's side seeks to bolster its wide positions ahead of the coming window. Details remain unclear regarding the potential fee or timeline for negotiations.

Paulo Dybala's future remains firmly at AS Roma. The Argentine forward has committed to continuing his career in the capital, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is eager to build a Champions League campaign around him. Contract renewal discussions are ongoing, with only minor administrative details remaining to be finalized in the coming days. Club insiders describe the atmosphere as optimistic, with expectations the agreement will be completed soon. Boca Juniors, however, continues to monitor the situation from Argentina. The club is employing a familiar waiting strategy—the same approach used previously with Paredes, who eventually departed in early July after prolonged negotiations. Boca hopes to capitalize on any opportunity that might arise, though their limited financial resources and inability to offer European football places them at a significant disadvantage. For now, the Argentine club remains patient, awaiting any signal from Dybala. At Roma's training ground, confidence prevails. Dybala's affection for the club and the city is genuine, and there is no indication he intends to sever the connection. Despite Boca's hopes, sources close to the situation expect the contract renewal to progress without complications, suggesting the player's commitment to Roma remains unwavering.

Tony D'Amico is set to become AS Roma's new sporting director after resolving contractual issues with Atalanta. The former Verona executive resolved the financial pending matters with the Bergamo club on the morning of the announcement and is now ready to sign with Roma. Official confirmation from the club is expected within the coming days. D'Amico will work alongside head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. His arrival comes after a lengthy delay caused by negotiations with Atalanta, which had removed him from his position over a week prior and named Cristiano Giuntoli as his replacement. Upon joining Roma, D'Amico faces a packed agenda including contract renewals for Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Gianluca Mancini, resolution of a Settlement Agreement and financial fair play issues by June 30, and incoming transfers with Mason Greenwood reportedly a priority target. D'Amico's operational powers will initially be limited. He will gain full authority only from July 1, when the transfer market officially opens. Until then, he cannot sign contracts or send formal written offers for renewals or transfers, as Roma was unable to request a derogation at the recent League Assembly. In practical terms, signing authority will rest with chief financial officer Morrow. D'Amico can work informally before July 1, but this represents a further delay of several days in Roma's transfer planning.

Roma's incoming sporting director Tony D'Amico will need to reinforce the defence alongside the planned attacking overhaul, with the club facing potential squad gaps depending on Ndicka's future. Although the attack is the primary focus—built around Malen and Dybala with Pellegrini in support—the defence will require significant investment. The backline was Roma's strongest asset under Gasperini's management this season, forming the foundation for Champions League qualification, but numerical reinforcement is essential. With Kumbulla set to return, Ziolkowski departing for game time, and Ndicka's status uncertain due to Financial Fair Play concerns, Roma would be left with only four senior centre-backs (Hermoso, Mancini, Ghilardi, and possibly Ndicka) for a demanding season requiring at least two players per position. That would leave two additional defenders short. Several targets have been identified. Oosterwolde is viewed as a promising profile but carries a price tag of €20–25 million, becoming viable mainly if Ndicka departs. Bologna's Lucumì, available on an expiring contract, is another option at roughly €20 million—far lower than Bologna's initial €28 million demand. Solet represents an ideal profile but costs at least €25 million and Inter are already advanced in negotiations. Muharemovic is ready to leave Sassuolo, though domestic competition is driving up his price. Gasperini has been clear that Roma needs experienced, quality defenders—both a high-level starter and a reliable backup.

Roma's pursuit of Mason Greenwood has hit a significant obstacle. Hakan Safi, a candidate for the Fenerbahce presidency, has moved directly to secure the English winger and announced an agreement for a four-year contract. Gasperini remains keen on Greenwood as a key target to strengthen the squad, but Roma must now navigate intense competition from the Turkish club to complete any deal. With the Greenwood situation unfolding, Roma's recruitment strategy has expanded to address other areas. Gasperini is conducting a wide search for a left-winger, with Summerville topping the wish list, though that acquisition would prove difficult. Alternative targets include Tzolis of Club Brugge, Igor Paixao of Marseille, Mathys Tel, and Mika Godts. Players including Nusa and Alajbegovic have been ruled out. On the right flank, Gasperini is seeking reinforcement, specifically a left-footed winger, with Wesley expected to remain on the left next season. Celik is viewed as a defensive back option despite potential contract renewal, while Rensch will serve as a backup. The transfer window remains active as Roma adjusts its targets amid external competition. The Serie A 2026–27 fixture calendar has also been released, with no major surprises for the club's scheduling.

AS Roma face Hellas Verona in a crucial match where the Giallorossi control their own destiny in the race for Champions League qualification. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has settled on his attacking lineup, fielding the dream front three of Matías Soulé, Paulo Dybala, and Donyell Malen. The tactical setup aims to secure victory without relying on results elsewhere. Gasperini retains some flexibility in midfield, with the possibility of starting Koné from the outset as the coach seeks to settle the match early. In defence, former Roma player Ghilardi returns to the Bentegodi as a replacement for the absent Ndicka, marking his first appearance at his former home ground in a year. On the right flank, Rensch is expected to start ahead of Wesley, tasked with repeating an impressive performance from the Parma fixture. The squad selection reflects Gasperini's intent to field his strongest available players to maximize Roma's chances of claiming the three points needed to secure Champions League football. The formation is set as a 3-4-2-1, with Mile Svilar in goal and Gianluca Mancini anchoring the defensive line.

Roma face Hellas Verona in a make-or-break match for Champions League qualification, with head coach Gasperini fielding a squad affected by several absences. Wesley is suspended, Ndicka is injured, and Koné—though fit—will start on the bench, with El Aynaoui taking his place in midfield. Rensch will replace the unavailable right-back, and Ghilardi features in defence. Up front, the Argentine pairing of Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé will operate behind Donyell Malen. Three points at Verona would secure fourth place and Champions League football for Roma, an achievement the club has not reached in seven years. The fixture represents a pivotal moment for the team's immediate future. Multiple Italian newspapers—Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Corriere dello Sport, Corriere della Sera, and Il Tempo—have outlined near-identical expected lineups, with Mile Svilar in goal, a defensive line of Ghilardi, Gianluca Mancini, and Hermoso, and a midfield anchored by Bryan Cristante and El Aynaoui alongside full-backs Celik and Rensch. The consensus across Italian media reflects widespread agreement on Gasperini's tactical approach for this decisive encounter.