Mancini: Roma comes before everything, we won't change our identity

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.

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.