Bologna vs Roma: Official Team Lineups

Niccolò Pisilli was among the standout performers as Italy defeated Greece in a friendly match under coach Baldini. The AS Roma midfielder featured prominently across two recent friendlies for the Azzurri, following an assist he provided in a previous match against Luxembourg. Pisilli completed 90 minutes in the Greece fixture, earning praise for his display. Pisilli's performances have highlighted his growing importance to the Italian national team setup. His contributions across the two friendlies—including the creative assist in Luxembourg—suggest he is becoming a key option in midfield for the Azzurri. The Roma youngster's ability to perform at international level adds to the squad depth available to Baldini as Italy prepares for upcoming commitments. Pisilli described his approach with the words "heart and pride," reflecting his mentality during the matches. His extended involvement in consecutive friendlies indicates he has secured a prominent role in Baldini's plans moving forward.

AS Roma will play a friendly against AS Cannes on 26 July in Rome, bringing together two clubs owned by the Friedkin family. Both sides enjoyed successful 2025–26 seasons: Roma finished third in Serie A and secured Champions League qualification for the first time under Friedkin ownership after seven years, while Cannes achieved historic promotion to France's third tier (Championnat National 1) for the first time in 15 years. For Gasperini's squad, the match serves as a useful test during the early phase of pre-season preparation before facing stronger opponents. Roma will next play Borussia Dortmund on 15 August. The friendly represents a significant prestige fixture for Cannes but carries particular value for Roma as a controlled stepping stone in their summer training programme ahead of the new campaign. Gasperini commented on the ownership structure, stating: "A greater presence from the Friedkins is needed. With them, Roma is stronger." The fixture highlights the expanding portfolio of the Friedkin Group in European football and offers both clubs important competitive minutes during the off-season.

Donyell Malen squandered a straightforward goal-scoring opportunity in a Netherlands warm-up match against Uzbekistan, which the Dutch won 2–0 through two penalties converted by Gakpo. Malen, a current AS Roma player, failed to capitalize on the chance in the penalty area—an uncharacteristic error for him. This marked his second blank outing in the pre-World Cup friendlies, having also failed to score in an earlier test against Algeria, which ended in defeat. Netherlands coach Koeman addressed the finishing concerns in his post-match press conference, acknowledging the squad's broader issue with converting opportunities. The coach noted that in both recent friendlies, the team had scored only from penalties, adding pressure to performers in open play. Koeman stated: "In these two matches we've scored two goals from penalties. We create the chances, but if we don't score these matches we risk drawing them. Summerville and Malen missed two goals." The Netherlands opens its World Cup campaign on 14 June against Japan, followed by matches against Sweden and Tunisia. Malen's involvement in those fixtures will be closely watched given his recent form in front of goal during the preparatory phase.

Roma have turned down a €50 million offer from Chelsea for goalkeeper Mile Svilar as the club works to balance Financial Fair Play obligations. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini prefers to retain his squad's key players, but Roma must generate €50 million in asset sales ('plusvalenze') by June 30th. The club is exploring sales of fringe players and loanees rather than parting with star names like Soulé, Manu Koné, or Evan N'Dicka. Recent deals include Lens purchasing Saud Abdülhamid for €3.5 million and Elche acquiring Buba Sangarè for €4.5 million. Other potential exits involve Tommaso Baldanzi, who may join Genoa permanently, and Marash Kumbulla, whose loan to Maiorca ended after the club's relegation. Nottingham Forest have expressed interest in defender Jan Ziolkowski, valued at €15 million following his €6.5 million purchase last summer. Roma are also reportedly in discussions with UEFA to secure an extended deadline to fulfill their settlement agreement, potentially pushing the requirement to 2027.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has signalled to AS Roma's leadership that he wants to keep the club's defensive core intact for the coming season. The four pillars of the backline—goalkeeper Mile Svilar, defenders Gianluca Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso—are central to Gasperini's plans as he aims to build on Roma's recent stability. Svilar is regarded as an exceptional goalkeeper whom the club cannot afford to lose. Hermoso's annual renewal clause was exercised in May, while Mancini has been secured by Gasperini and awaits a contract extension with no doubts surrounding his future. Ndicka, the final member of the quartet, has been subject to months of speculation about a potential departure, but losing a centre-back of his quality does not appeal to Gasperini. Gasperini's emphasis on defensive continuity reflects the improvements made during his tenure. Roma's defence conceded only 31 goals in the recently concluded Serie A campaign, the second-best record in the division. After an initial period of adaptation, the coach established stability at the back. By retaining this defensive foundation, Gasperini intends to push Roma even higher in the league standings. The club faces the challenge of balancing Gasperini's clear wishes to maintain squad cohesion while managing various contract situations and transfer rumours affecting the group.

Mile Svilar has established himself as a crucial figure for AS Roma, with statistics placing him among the continent's top goalkeepers. The analysis benchmarks his performance against leading European shot-stoppers, reflecting his rise as a reliable custodian for the Giallorossi. Svilar's numbers demonstrate his consistency and shot-stopping ability at the highest level, confirming Roma's confidence in him as a long-term solution in goal. His emergence as a genuine contender among Europe's best represents a significant asset for the club as they compete domestically and in continental competition.

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.

Roma defenders Gianluca Mancini and Lorenzo Pellegrini have been spotted vacationing together in Ibiza following the conclusion of the season. The pair are taking time to relax after a long campaign that culminated in Roma securing qualification for the Champions League. The break comes as several Roma players enjoy downtime before preparations begin for the new season ahead.

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.

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.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has signalled to AS Roma's leadership that he wants to keep the club's defensive core intact for the coming season. The four pillars of the backline—goalkeeper Mile Svilar, defenders Gianluca Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso—are central to Gasperini's plans as he aims to build on Roma's recent stability. Svilar is regarded as an exceptional goalkeeper whom the club cannot afford to lose. Hermoso's annual renewal clause was exercised in May, while Mancini has been secured by Gasperini and awaits a contract extension with no doubts surrounding his future. Ndicka, the final member of the quartet, has been subject to months of speculation about a potential departure, but losing a centre-back of his quality does not appeal to Gasperini. Gasperini's emphasis on defensive continuity reflects the improvements made during his tenure. Roma's defence conceded only 31 goals in the recently concluded Serie A campaign, the second-best record in the division. After an initial period of adaptation, the coach established stability at the back. By retaining this defensive foundation, Gasperini intends to push Roma even higher in the league standings. The club faces the challenge of balancing Gasperini's clear wishes to maintain squad cohesion while managing various contract situations and transfer rumours affecting the group.

Roma have appointed Tony D'Amico as their new sporting director following the departure of Frederic Massara, who left amid a dispute with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. D'Amico and Gasperini previously worked together at Atalanta. The club has already secured Donyell Malen on a permanent deal and extended Mario Hermoso's contract as part of their summer activity. With Financial Fair Play obligations to meet, Roma's primary focus will be strengthening their attacking options. Mason Greenwood of Olympique Marseille is a key target, though his fee could reach approximately €50 million. Greenwood has scored 48 goals and provided 17 assists in 81 appearances for Marseille. Roma are also monitoring RB Leipzig's Antonio Nusa and West Ham's Crysencio Summerville, though no concrete moves have been made for either. The club does not view acquiring another centre-forward as a pressing priority. Matías Soulé may be sold to a Premier League club as part of Roma's financial planning, while the club will consider offers for midfielder Manu Koné and defender Evan N'Dicka. Losing Soulé could be offset by landing a marquee forward, though Roma's willingness to spend heavily on a single player remains unclear.