Gasperini: Club's Trust Never Wavered, Dybala Not in Starting Lineup

Niccolò Pisilli has reaffirmed his commitment to AS Roma following a strong season with the club. The midfielder, currently on international duty with the national team, stated he has no reason to leave Roma. Pisilli dismissed discussion of immediate objectives as premature, suggesting it would be unwise to set targets at this stage. His comments reflect confidence in his position at the Giallorossi and suggest his focus remains on the club's project moving forward.

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.

Wesley has reflected on his first season at AS Roma, discussing how head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has transformed his role and tactical approach. The Brazilian winger, who previously played more offensively on the right flank at Flamengo, has been repositioned as a left-sided attacker tasked with finishing chances rather than simply crossing from the wing. Wesley explained his tactical evolution: "At Flamengo I was very offensive, but I played more on the right. My task was more to reach the bottom, make a cross, provide an assist or something like that. Here at Roma, instead, I'm playing to finish the action. For this I worked a lot on this aspect, to arrive in the box and shoot, do something different, because Gasperini asks for exactly this: attack, attack, attack." When signing his contract, Gasperini set Wesley a target of six goals for the season. Wesley fell just short of that mark, explaining: "I didn't reach six only because I didn't play the last match, so.... But I'm very happy with everything that's happening." The 23-year-old is now preparing for his first World Cup with Brazil's national team under Carlo Ancelotti. He reflected on his unexpected rise from struggling outside Europe to competing at the highest level, describing his journey as transformative and expressing hope to double his goal tally next season.

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.

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.