Roma Terminates Ranieri Contract; Dybala Returns to Training; Giuntoli Frontrunner to Replace Massara

AS Roma is among four clubs being considered by Barcelona to face them in the Trofeo Gamper, one of August's most prestigious summer friendlies. According to reports, Napoli, Borussia Dortmund, and Club Azul are also in contention. No final decision has been made, though discussions are ongoing. A match against Barcelona would add significant prestige to Roma's pre-season schedule ahead of the new campaign. The Trofeo Gamper is a historic annual tournament that has attracted top Italian sides in the past, including Napoli. Unlike most summer friendlies, the competition holds considerable symbolic weight in football's calendar. Roma has already confirmed two other pre-season matches: one against Borussia Dortmund and another against Cannes. Should Roma secure the Barcelona fixture, it would elevate the club's summer preparations and provide valuable competitive preparation. The prospect has been circulating for weeks but now carries renewed credibility. Details of the final decision timeline remain unclear.

AS Roma's long-delayed stadium project is progressing after years of bureaucratic delays. The club's institutional relations department has signaled that construction will require approximately three years and will not be speculative in nature. The new stadium represents a significant infrastructure ambition for the Giallorossi, who currently share the Stadio Olimpico with SS Lazio. Details on the specific location, design, and timeline for planning approval remain unclear.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is prioritizing defensive reinforcements for AS Roma while also building an attacking-focused squad designed to impose Roma's style across European competition. The club is exploring options in the Brazilian market to bolster the backline. Gasperini is tasked with constructing a team capable of competing at the highest level, with defensive solidity serving as the foundation for Roma's attacking ambitions. The specific Brazilian targets under consideration remain unclear, but the strategy reflects a dual approach: defensive stability paired with attacking prowess.

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.