Dybala, Adidas and sponsors push for contract renewal: they want him as centenary ambassador

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has reportedly issued a harsh assessment of forward Robinio Vaz, suggesting the French attacker should spend two years in Serie B before competing at Roma's level. Vaz, a 2007-born player, arrived at Roma in January from Marseille in a transfer orchestrated by Massara for a fee exceeding €20 million, but has failed to meet Gasperini's expectations. The acquisition of Vaz has become a point of friction between Gasperini and the club's management, particularly with Massara. The coach reportedly wanted an immediately impactful player for Roma's struggling attack, which has been heavily reliant on Malen during the season. Gasperini previously rejected other attacking targets proposed by the club, including Hojlund, Rowe, and Boga, highlighting deeper disagreements over transfer strategy and squad planning between the technical staff and front office. Vaz's situation exemplifies the broader tensions at Roma's Trigoria training ground regarding the direction of the transfer market and squad composition. The young forward's early Roma career has not progressed as hoped, and the coach's candid criticism suggests the player faces an uncertain future at the club unless significant improvement materializes.

Claudio Ranieri's comments during Roma's pre-match press conference ahead of the Roma-Pisa fixture revealed a transfer market backstory. Ranieri had reportedly identified De Rossi as his primary target for the club, but a return to Roma did not materialize. The exact reasons why the move fell through remain unclear from available details. This confirms that De Rossi was actively considered as an option during the transfer window, though other factors ultimately prevented the deal from being completed.

Ranieri attempted to bring Daniele De Rossi back to AS Roma as head coach, but the Friedkin ownership immediately blocked the move, deeming the timing not right. De Rossi was Ranieri's primary target, followed by other managers including Conte and Fabregas who were also sounded out. When these candidates either declined or became unavailable—including Emery stepping back—Gasperini emerged as the preferred option. The ownership viewed him as the ideal synthesis of a successful tactician with proven ability to develop existing squad talent. Gasperini was ultimately appointed, though the article notes that despite initial optimism, the relationship later deteriorated over frequent disagreements regarding the transfer market and increasingly contentious discussions between coach and club leadership. Ranieri, now serving in an advisory capacity after retiring from active coaching, had publicly suggested Gasperini represented his fourth choice when speaking before the Roma-Pisa match. This statement reflected his genuine perspective on the managerial search process. The Friedkin family's decision to reject De Rossi marked a significant turning point in the appointment timeline. The ownership's rationale centered on their judgment that the moment was not suitable for De Rossi's return, signaling a preference for alternative leadership at that juncture.

Roma will travel to Bologna in a crucial Serie A match as the club chases Champions League qualification. Manager Gasperini has several key players available for selection, with Brazilian winger Wesley expected to return to the starting lineup. Paulo Dybala is fit but will begin on the bench, leaving the main tactical question centered on the left-wing position. The primary selection debate involves choosing between El Shaarawy and El Aynaoui on the flank, with midfielder Pisilli's positioning dependent on that decision—he could operate in midfield or shift forward as a number 10 depending on the final lineup. Italian newspapers have published their predicted lineups ahead of the fixture, with most outlets favoring El Shaarawy in the starting XI. Gasperini faces this match during a period of organizational upheaval at the club, though Roma cannot afford further slip-ups if they are to maintain their top-four hopes. The Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Il Messaggero, and Il Tempo all predict a 3-4-2-1 formation with El Shaarawy starting, while Tuttosport and Corriere della Sera suggest alternatives involving El Aynaoui in the midfield. The expected lineup includes goalkeeper Svilar, defensive trio of Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso, with Malen leading the attack.

Claudio Ranieri has officially departed AS Roma, with the club issuing a statement reaffirming complete confidence in Gasperini and the new technical project. Ranieri characterized the exit as a unilateral decision by Roma, stating in his own message: "A unilateral choice by the club. For the sake of transparency, clarity of action, fidelity to the truth of facts, and love for the shirt that represents my second skin." Ranieri's departure as senior advisor marks the end of his off-field involvement with the club and opens significant internal changes. Massara faces uncertainty regarding his position, with the club evaluating potential replacements for the sporting director role, including names reportedly favored by Gasperini. The youth academy sector is also undergoing restructuring, with some personnel decisions pending. These developments suggest Roma is undertaking a broader organizational overhaul under Gasperini's direction. Gasperini has confirmed Dybala will not start in the upcoming Bologna match, with broader questions surrounding the player's future remaining unresolved. The squad also welcomes back Dybala and Wesley following their availability updates. Details remain unclear on the full scope of organizational changes ahead.

Claudio Ranieri has departed his advisory role at AS Roma. The Friedkin ownership has issued a statement emphasizing that Roma's interests come first. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has indicated a lack of alignment with sporting director Massara, citing what he describes as an absence of working chemistry between them. Meanwhile, Paulo Dybala has returned to the squad.