Wesley Returns, Dybala to Start from Bench, Koné Sidelined for Fiorentina Match

AS Roma has a new pre-season fixture confirmed for their summer preparation. French club Cannes will host the Giallorossi on Sunday, 26 July in an official pre-season friendly. Cannes announced the match through their official channels and website, with the fixture serving as an important test for Roma ahead of the new season. The friendly represents part of Roma's broader pre-season schedule as the club prepares for the upcoming campaign. The match will take place at Cannes' facilities and offers Gasperini's squad an opportunity to build match fitness and tactical understanding during the summer break. Such pre-season encounters are typically used to assess squad condition and test new tactical approaches before competitive play resumes. The fixture was officially confirmed by Cannes on 9 June 2026 through their social media and official website.

Roma have confirmed a pre-season friendly against Cannes on 26 July at home. Both clubs are owned by the Friedkin Group. The Giallorossi declined a proposed friendly at Newcastle's St James' Park but will face Borussia Dortmund on 15 August, a week before Serie A begins. Coach Gasperini's squad is taking shape ahead of the new campaign. In the transfer market, Roma continue to monitor Mason Greenwood's situation. The English forward will leave Marseille, and Fenerbahçe remain interested despite their recent election result. The club's new president, Aziz Yildirim, stated: "If Greenwood will be useful to us, we will take him. We will review the squad construction with our committee and make a decision." The Friedkin Group is also considering extending Roma's financial settlement agreement to manage fair play compliance. Additionally, Roma are following developments around Aseko and Favasuli in the market. Midfielder Robinio Vaz, born in 2007, may leave on loan, with Roma open to discussions. Details on other targets remain unclear at this stage.

AS Roma have declined a proposed summer friendly against Newcastle United at St James' Park, according to reports from England. The Magpies, managed by Eddie Howe, will need to find alternative opponents after receiving the rejection from the Giallorossi. Roma's decision to turn down the match reflects their choice to pursue other pre-season arrangements. Instead, Roma will prepare for the new season with a confirmed friendly against Borussia Dortmund on August 15, just one week before the Serie A campaign begins. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will use the fixture against the German top club to test his squad's readiness ahead of competitive action. The club has also scheduled a second summer friendly against Cannes, another team owned by the Friedkin Group, to be held in Rome. These pre-season arrangements allow Gasperini to assess his players' fitness and tactical preparation during the critical final stages of summer training. The Dortmund match in particular offers Roma a valuable test against elite opposition as they build toward the start of the domestic season.

Younes, father of Roma winger Wesley and a former professional tennis player ranked 14th on the ATP tour, spoke about his son's first season at the Giallorossi. Wesley joined Roma with ambitions to play for a major European club and establish himself immediately with the Moroccan national team—goals he has reportedly achieved. Younes expressed pride in his son's early progress but acknowledged the challenges of professional football, including injuries Wesley has already suffered: a cut above the eye during the Africa Cup of Nations final, a broken nose, and knee problems. He emphasized his concern for his son's physical wellbeing whenever Roma play. Wesely is now focused on the upcoming World Cup, starting with Morocco's match against Brazil. His father highlighted that Roma's third-place Serie A finish has secured Champions League football for next season, which brings Wesley significant satisfaction. Younes described his son as fearless and highly competitive, noting: "He's considered a fighter by everyone, including his coaches. I'd say he's even worse than me. You see it on the pitch: if he makes a mistake, he immediately becomes aggressive because he's disappointed in himself. And that's exactly what makes him so strong." Beyond football, Younes emphasized the importance of proper nutrition and lifestyle in preventing injuries, areas where he actively guides his son.

Walter Sabatini, former Roma sporting director, has sent a message of support to Wesley following the left-back's withdrawal from the World Cup due to injury. Sabatini posted on Instagram to address the midfielder's disappointment, saying: "Losing the World Cup is an unspeakable pain that we share with you, but your sporting life will restart in great form at Roma and with Roma." Sabatini also congratulated Ederson on his call-up as Wesley's replacement, describing him as deserving and expressing pride in the defender. Wesley sustained a muscle injury to his left adductor during Roma's match against Egypt, forcing him out of the tournament. The withdrawal has been a significant blow to both the player and the Roma environment. Upon returning from vacation, Wesley will undergo further medical examinations at Trigoria to assess the extent of the injury. Despite missing the World Cup, Wesley is expected to be available for Roma's pre-season training, which begins on 13 July. The club will monitor his recovery closely during the summer break to ensure he is fit for the start of the new season.

Wesley sustained an injury during a friendly match against Egypt and has returned to Trigoria for further medical examinations. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has already been in touch with the player regarding the setback. The injury is described as a significant blow for Wesley, who faces an uncertain availability period. Details of the exact nature and severity of the injury remain unclear, as do timelines for his return to full training and 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.

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.

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.

Wesley has suffered an adductor muscle injury and will miss international duty. Roma are exploring transfer options, with Paixao under consideration as a potential target. Paulo Dybala's contract renewal negotiations are reportedly in their final stages, with details remaining unclear on the exact timeline and terms. The injury to Wesley represents a blow to the squad's attacking depth during the international break.

Paulo Dybala's contract renewal with AS Roma is in its final stages, with negotiations described as substantially concluded and only formal details remaining before an official announcement. The Argentine forward has expressed his desire to continue at Roma, and the club shares his commitment to building the team around his talent. Both parties see Roma's recent qualification for the Champions League as an additional incentive to proceed together. Gasperini, the newly appointed head coach, is reportedly eager to begin work with certainty that Dybala will be available from the start of pre-season. Dybala is prepared to extend his stay for two additional seasons, a move viewed as significant for the club's present and future ambitions. The player aims to replicate his previous impact—delivering crucial assists and performances that helped restore Roma to European football's elite competition. According to reports from Matteo Moretto, the atmosphere surrounding negotiations remains positive with no obstacles on the horizon. Fans and the coaching staff await only the formal announcement to complete the process. The renewal represents continuity in Roma's midfield leadership at a pivotal moment for the club as it prepares for its Champions League campaign.