Roma Manager Ranieri Set to Depart; Dybala Eyes Bologna Lineup

José Mourinho has been officially appointed as head coach of Real Madrid after the club paid a €15 million release clause to Benfica. This represents a return to the Spanish club for Mourinho, who previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013. The deal was finalized following several days of negotiations, with Mourinho having already given his consent to the move. Mourinho's departure marks the end of his time at AS Roma, where he spent two and a half years in charge. During his tenure at the Stadio Olimpico, he guided the club to the UEFA Europa Conference League title in 2022 and maintained a strong connection with the fanbase. His appointment at Real Madrid represents a significant move in European football, reuniting him with one of the continent's elite clubs. Benfica released an official statement confirming the transfer: "Real Madrid has formally expressed its intention to hire José Mourinho for a sum equal to €15 million, with the coach having already given his consent. Thank you, José Mourinho." The managerial change at Roma comes as the club continues to develop under new leadership, with Gian Piero Gasperini currently at the helm.

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.

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.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear his expectations for Roma's upcoming season following the club's return to European football. Gasperini wants to avoid repeating previous mistakes in the transfer market by bringing in players suited to his tactical system. The coach is demanding at least 16 fit outfield players to compete across Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League, recognising that European football demands significant physical and mental resources. Several players have already departed or are expected to leave during the transfer window, including Ferguson, Tsimikas, El Shaarawy, Venturino, and Zaragoza, with Baldanzi and Ziolkowski also on their way out. To maintain squad depth and protect key performers from injury during a gruelling season, Gasperini has identified specific targets: a number 10 or attacking midfielder, a deputy to Gianluca Mancini, a striker, and both right and left-sided defenders. Names under consideration include Vlasic and Greenwood, though negotiations remain in early stages. The arrival of D'Amico as sporting director is pending official confirmation, after which the club is expected to accelerate its recruitment strategy. Gasperini's priority is ensuring the squad composition aligns with his playing philosophy, having identified this as the key lesson from the previous season's recruitment process.

Flavio Cobolli, a former AS Roma youth player turned professional tennis player, is competing in his first Grand Slam final at the French Open on June 7, facing Alexander Zverev at Roland Garros. Several Roma players and personalities have sent video messages of encouragement ahead of the match. El Shaarawy, currently on his honeymoon, told Cobolli: "Hi Flavio, I wanted to greet you and congratulate you for everything you're doing and where you've reached. I'm wishing you the very best for the final, I promise: we're all rooting for you, you're our pride." Radja Nainggolan added: "Flavietto, I'm wishing you the very best. You deserve it because you've played incredibly. I'm rooting for you: first because you're Roma, second because you're from Rome, third because we know each other personally and you're someone who works hard. I know you'll make it, big hug." Niccolò Pisilli, currently with the Italian national team, also sent his wishes: "Hi Fla', I wanted to wish you the very best for the final. We're all very proud of your journey. All the best." Other notable figures including actors, musicians, and athletes including Danilo Gallinari sent video messages of support for Cobolli's historic moment.

Roma announced Gian Piero Gasperini as head coach on 6 June 2025, marking the start of his first season in charge. The club achieved Champions League qualification, with El Shaarawy among the goal scorers during the campaign. Gasperini's appointment came following the departure of Claudio Ranieri, who had managed the club in the 2024–25 season. The 'condottiero' (commander) has guided Roma towards European football's elite competition in his inaugural year, fulfilling a key objective for the Friedkin Group ownership.