Cristante: Roma believe in Champions League push

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 are monitoring Davide Frattesi as a potential midfield target, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini viewing him as a possible replacement should Koné depart. Frattesi, currently at Inter, is expected to leave the club this summer. He came through Roma's youth academy and previously came close to joining the club in 2023 before Inter secured him from Sassuolo. His contract at Inter runs until 2028, though his valuation has decreased in recent years — Inter previously sought €35 million but that asking price is no longer in play. There are currently no direct contacts between Roma and the player. Gasperini reportedly holds Frattesi in high regard and sees him as a suitable option if Roma lose Koné. The French midfielder is considered among the club's potential departures this summer. However, Roma's primary defensive focus remains on contract extensions rather than outgoings, with Gianluca Mancini close to securing a new deal through 2029 with an option until 2030. Mancini is central to Gasperini's plans and has no intention of leaving. No player swap involving Mancini is being considered. Gasperini has requested contract extensions for several key players including Bryan Cristante, Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Celik as the squad is built around his trusted core for the upcoming season. Further developments regarding Frattesi's potential transfer are expected soon.

Bryan Cristante has established himself as one of AS Roma's key performers in the current campaign. The number 4 has been a regular fixture in the side and ranks among the leading players in Serie A for tackles completed, underlining his defensive importance to the team. Cristante's consistency at the heart of Roma's midfield has made him integral to Gian Piero Gasperini's setup. His work rate and ball-winning ability continue to be crucial assets as Roma pursue their objectives in Serie A this season.

Roma are planning major structural changes across multiple departments over the next two weeks, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini positioned as the central figure of the rebuild. Tony D'Amico is close to being confirmed as sporting director to replace Massara, with the appointment expected within one to two days. In parallel, Paulo Dybala's contract renewal is also nearing completion and could be finalized by the end of the week once owner Ryan Friedkin returns to Rome; negotiations on salary details are ongoing but both parties are aligned. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Zeki Celik are next in line for renewal talks, with Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante's extensions already secured. Behind the scenes, Roma are restructuring their youth academy and scouting operations. Alessandro Frara, currently leading Frosinone's youth department, and Valentino Angeloni, head of Fiorentina's academy, are the leading candidates for the youth academy role. Both have connections to Gasperini—Frara played under him in Juventus's youth ranks approximately 25 years ago, while Angeloni worked with him at Atalanta from 2016 to 2018. Michele Fratini is under consideration for the scouting director position; despite the exit of his former ally Massara, discussions have continued and a new meeting is planned. Roma also plan to appoint Riccardo Del Vescovo as health director; Del Vescovo previously worked with Gasperini at Bergamo and is a former Roma player. The club aims to complete these appointments and address necessary player departures before the World Cup begins in mid-June.