Roma Eyes Shakhtar's Konoplya as Fullback Revolution Continues

Tony D'Amico is in Bergamo negotiating the termination of his contract with Atalanta, bringing his move to Roma as sporting director closer. The agreement between D'Amico and the Giallorossi has been delayed by outstanding financial matters with the Nerazzurri, who removed him from his position roughly a week ago and appointed Cristiano Giuntoli as his replacement. Once the resolution is finalized, D'Amico will officially join head coach Gian Piero Gasperini at Trigoria. D'Amico's immediate priorities at Roma include negotiating contract renewals for Çelik, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Paulo Dybala. The club must also address Financial Fair Play compliance and capital gains requirements by 30 June, though the deadline could potentially be extended to 30 June 2027 through agreement with UEFA, allowing Roma to defer certain accounting obligations. This flexibility could help the club avoid selling key squad members during the current transfer window and instead register incoming revenue from Champions League participation in the next financial year. Gasperini's preferred target for recruitment is Mason Greenwood, though additional signings are expected beyond that single acquisition. The incoming sporting director will oversee all these matters alongside the club's broader transfer strategy.

Alberto Aquilani, the former Roma midfielder, is reportedly close to an agreement to become Sassuolo's head coach. According to reports, Aquilani met with Sassuolo's management again recently, with a deal appearing imminent. The 47-year-old, who played for Roma from 2002 to 2009 and later spent time at Sassuolo in 2017, would make the leap to management after managing Catanzaro. Sassuolo views him as the ideal fit to work alongside Fabio Grosso. If the transfer materializes, Aquilani would become the fifth former Roma player or manager Roma will face next season. The others are Eusebio Di Francesco (Lecce, matchday 2), Cristian Chivu (Inter, 20 September), Daniele De Rossi (Genoa, 18 October), and Luciano Spalletti (Juventus, 20 December). Aquilani would face his former club on 8 November at the Stadio Olimpico in what would be his first return as an opposing manager. The fixture list presents an unusual situation for Roma, with the club set to encounter a notable series of familiar faces throughout the 2025–26 campaign. Each match carries potential narrative weight given the connections between these coaches and the Giallorossi.

Federico Chiesa, in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, discussed his time at Liverpool alongside Mohamed Salah and revealed details about the Egyptian's personal connections to Italy. Chiesa stated: "Salah has an immense heart and is still tied to Italy: he always talks about Florence and Rome." Chiesa added that despite Salah's legendary status and emotional farewell to Liverpool, he remained thoughtful toward his teammates and gave Chiesa a signed shirt with a personal message. Salah's affection for Roma has long been documented. The winger has never hidden his passion for Francesco Totti, one of his childhood idols, and has spoken warmly of former coach Luciano Spalletti, describing him as "the best coach I've ever had." His departure from Liverpool on a free transfer sparked brief speculation about a potential Roma return, though the financial costs of such a move are considered prohibitively high. Chiesa, frequently linked with Roma in transfer rumours, also addressed his own future, expressing openness to returning to Italian football. He said: "I'm open to everything, what matters is playing. I don't have the presumption to say I must be a starter. I'm ready to fight for my place, anywhere." Como currently leads the race for his signature, with Chiesa praising coach Fabio Fabregas as a "top coach" and highlighting Como's attractive style of play.

AS Roma secured Champions League qualification for the first time in seven years after a 2-0 victory over Verona, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini guiding the team to the European competition in his inaugural season. The win confirmed Roma's place in next season's Champions League following an earlier victory over Lazio that had left qualification in their own hands. Gasperini's achievement is notable given significant obstacles he faced during his tenure. Early public disagreements with Claudio Ranieri regarding transfer decisions created instability, and key players including Donyell Malen and Artem Dovbyk suffered injuries that left Roma without a recognised striker for extended periods. Despite these challenges, Gasperini successfully implemented his tactical philosophy while adapting to the squad's available resources. The manager demonstrated flexibility by adjusting minor elements of his system to leverage the strengths of existing players rather than rigidly imposing his approach. Gasperini's evolution as a tactician proved crucial to Roma's success. Though widely regarded as a manager with firm convictions about his methods, he showed willingness to refine his ideas throughout the campaign while maintaining core principles. Late arrivals in the transfer market, particularly Malen's January signing, eventually provided the reinforcements needed. In navigating a season with substantial potential for setback, Gasperini has established Roma's return to European football's premier club competition.

Roma are tracking Moise Kean as a potential summer signing. The club's pursuit of the forward depends heavily on whether Roma secure Champions League qualification on the final day of the season. Details of how Kean might fit into Roma's attack, potentially alongside Artem Dovbyk, remain unclear from available information. The move would likely only be pursued if Roma achieve their European target, suggesting financial and squad planning are contingent on league performance.

Roma are exploring a move for Fiorentina striker Moise Kean ahead of the summer transfer window, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini keen to strengthen the attacking options. The club are reportedly prepared to offer €20 million for the 26-year-old Italian forward, significantly below Fiorentina's €45 million asking price. To bridge the gap, Roma are considering including midfielder Artem Dovbyk as a makeweight in the deal. The pursuit comes as Roma prepare for life without Paulo Dybala, whose expected departure has prompted the need for additional firepower in attack. With Donyell Malen recently arriving from Aston Villa following a successful loan spell, Gasperini is building depth in the forward line. Roma's transfer ambitions are bolstered by their strong positioning in Serie A; a victory over relegated Hellas Verona on the final weekend would secure Champions League qualification for the first time in several years, heightening the demand for squad reinforcements. Kean has experienced a significant drop in output this season, netting eight times in 26 Serie A appearances compared to 19 goals in 32 league games last season. Fiorentina's failure to secure European qualification may also encourage the striker to seek a move, making a summer exit feasible.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed his squad list for Roma's final Serie A match against Verona at the Bentegodi, a fixture critical to the club's bid for Champions League qualification. Midfielder Manu Koné returns after missing the recent derby, though he is expected to start on the bench. Absent from the selection are Lorenzo Pellegrini, sidelined by a muscular problem, and Tsimikas, who is recovering from influenza. Both players will travel with the squad despite not being available for selection. Wesley remains unavailable due to suspension, while defender Ndicka is out with a muscular injury. The match represents Roma's final opportunity to secure European football next season. Gasperini's squad combines established players with squad depth, with forwards Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé expected to form the attacking pair. The full list of 26 players includes goalkeeper Mile Svilar and a mix of defensive, midfield, and attacking options to navigate what is anticipated to be a competitive encounter. The squad announcement followed Gasperini's afternoon press conference, with the coach having just days to prepare his team for the decisive fixture.

AS Roma face their final Serie A match of the season against Hellas Verona with several key players unavailable. Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the trip to the Bentegodi stadium due to a flexor muscle injury still being managed, while Tsimikas is sidelined by flu. Gianluca Mancini is carrying an ankle problem but is expected to feature. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini may consider tactical changes following Roma's improved performance in the recent derby, potentially preferring El Aynaoui over Koné in midfield. Meanwhile, the club continues to explore attacking reinforcements, with interest reportedly extending beyond primary targets to include alternative options. The midfield situation has also drawn attention, with discussions ongoing regarding potential personnel shifts. Mancini addressed the importance of European competition, stating: "I know that it is important for the squad and for Roma to qualify for and play in the Champions League. And I think that when I do or if we do, or if we have the opportunity to do so, I know that people will remember me because I can enter into history. I know that a lot of time has passed since the last time." The final match carries significance in Roma's push for continental football next season.

Roma will be without several key players for their final Serie A match of the season against Verona at the Bentegodi, two days away. Lorenzo Pellegrini continues to manage a flexor muscle injury and trained separately again, while Tsimikas has been ruled out due to influenza symptoms. These absences join existing gaps caused by Wesley's suspension and Ndicka's muscle injury, leaving head coach Gasperini with a depleted squad for what the club views as a crucial match. The fixture holds significant importance in Roma's season, though the exact context of its importance remains unclear. Gasperini is expected to announce his final squad list on the day before the match. In attack, the trio of Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé, and Donyell Malen is almost certain to feature, forming the offensive core Roma will deploy despite the defensive and midfield constraints. The accumulation of injuries and unavailability creates a challenging situation for Roma's closing fixture, with Pellegrini's ongoing flexor issue the most persistent concern among the outfield players sidelined.

Amantino Mancini, a former Roma winger, has praised Wesley's first season at the club during an interview on Radio Romanista. Mancini highlighted Wesley's intensity, work rate, and offensive capabilities as a left-sided player, noting that the Brazilian has settled well into Roman football. Mancini said: "Wesley me is always liked, I like his characteristics, how he moves on the pitch. I said when Roma was acquiring him that it would be very useful, because he is of great intensity, never stops. He has the characteristics of all Brazilian full-backs who are very offensive. Maybe he leaves something to be desired defensively because even I when I arrived at Roma played as a full-back and improved thanks to Capello. Wesley has fitted in very well at Roma, many Brazilians at Roma settled immediately because the climate and the support are very similar to those in Brazil. Wesley took advantage of this period and had a wonderful season." Mancini drew parallels with his own career transition, recalling how moving from right to left-back under Spalletti transformed his game. He predicted Wesley will continue on the left flank next season but warned that opponents have now studied him closely. Mancini also expressed confidence in head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's ability to guide Roma's next phase, emphasizing the need for experienced signings to strengthen the squad for Champions League football. He suggested Roma should make two or three strategic acquisitions to elevate the team's competitive level in European competition.

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.

Roma forward Wesley has expressed ambition to double his goal output in the upcoming season, with the Brazil international outlining what head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is asking of him. The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has begun, and expectations surrounding Brazil's prospects remain traditionally high. Details remain unclear regarding specific tactical demands or performance metrics discussed between Wesley and Gasperini.