Bologna's Ferguson reflects on Roma defeat and defensive struggles

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.

Irish striker Evan Ferguson has left AS Roma after a single season at the club. The 2004-born forward made 22 appearances and scored five goals in the Giallorossi shirt but was unable to establish himself, hampered by multiple injuries during his time in Serie A. Ferguson's departure marks the end of a difficult spell in Rome. Despite showing promise, recurring fitness issues prevented him from making a sustained impact at the club. His exit represents another chapter in Roma's ongoing squad evolution under current management. Ferguson addressed the Roma fanbase in a statement: "No one wants their time to be interrupted, but injuries are part of the game. Thank you to everyone at Roma and the fans for the support in recent months. I wish my teammates and everyone at the club the best for the future. Forza Roma ❤️💛." The forward departs with respect for the club and its supporters despite the injury-plagued campaign.

Several transfer developments are emerging around Roma's squad. Artem Dovbyk is drawing attention from clubs abroad, while Roma are competing with Juventus to pursue Diaz. Additionally, the club is preparing a survey to gather fan feedback on stadium matters. In other news, Greenwood is preparing to leave Marseille, and Ferguson has departed Roma. Fiorentina are reportedly interested in Filippo Romano, with an offer of €3 million being prepared.

Roma's transfer window continues to develop on multiple fronts. D'Amico's status remains unresolved as the club awaits clarity on his position. Dovbyk has attracted market movement, with activity intensifying around the striker's future. Ferguson has departed Roma, marking another change in the squad setup. The developments reflect ongoing reshaping of the playing group as the transfer window progresses.