Gasperini moves forward, making fans forget Ranieri and believe in Champions League

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 head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has identified Crysencio Summerville as his primary target for the left wing, with the Dutch winger from West Ham available following the club's relegation to the Championship. Summerville reportedly costs around €35 million, and Gasperini's interest dates back two years to the winger's standout season at Leeds United in 2023–24, when he won the Championship Player of the Year award. Donyell Malen, Roma's current right winger, has been speaking with Summerville during international break preparations, with both players sharing the same agency. The club aims to complete the signing once international competitions conclude. Gasperini's admiration for Summerville stems from impressive statistical performances at Leeds. In the 2023–24 Championship season, Summerville scored 21 goals and topped the league in expected goals (xG), demonstrating exceptional finishing ability and positioning. He also led in expected assists (xA), showing his capacity to create opportunities. His production declined during West Ham's difficult campaign, but Gasperini has a proven track record of extracting strong performances from underperforming Premier League players, as shown with Lookman and Malen. Roma is also pursuing Mason Greenwood for the right wing, with early steps expected in the coming days. Summerville, born in Rotterdam, grew up in an Afro-Surinamese family and progressed through Dutch youth football, winning the Under-17 European Championship in 2017. He is in a long-term relationship with Janique Monteiro and became a father in December 2025, which he has stated provided significant personal motivation.

Roma have opened the door to loaning out Robinio Vaz, the French attacker who arrived from Marseille in January for €22 million. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini does not yet consider the 2007-born talent ready to serve as a reliable understudy to Donyell Malen, prompting the club to explore loan options to provide him with more playing time and continuity. The move aims to accelerate his development away from the club before potentially reintegrating him into Roma's future plans. Vaz has impressed in flashes during his six months in Rome, including scoring a significant goal against Lecce, but Gasperini's assessment suggests he requires match experience at a higher level than the squad's current setup can offer him. The club will listen to offers for the young forward, who has already attracted interest from several Italian clubs, notably Bologna, who were impressed by his performances in Europa League matches. By securing a loan move, Vaz would gain the opportunity to demonstrate his qualities in a more prominent role while Roma preserve his long-term value. The strategy reflects the club's confidence in his potential while acknowledging the competitive pressures of the current squad.

AS Roma sent a message of encouragement to five players competing in the FIFA World Cup, posting personalised messages across their social media channels. The club wished luck to Ndicka, Celik, El Aynaoui, Malen, and Koné ahead of the tournament. Wesley, who was also expected to participate with Brazil, was unavailable due to an injury sustained in a friendly match before the squad's departure. The five Roma representatives will make their tournament debuts across consecutive days. El Aynaoui will be the first to take the field on 14 June at midnight (Italian time) as his team faces Brazil. On the same day, Celik and Turkey play Australia at 6 a.m., while Malen and the Netherlands face Japan at 10 p.m. Evan Ndicka and the Côte d'Ivoire will play Ecuador on 15 June, with Manu Koné completing Roma's World Cup contingent on 16 June against Senegal at 9 p.m.

Younès El Aynaoui, a former professional tennis player, has spoken about his son Neil's development in an interview with Belgian broadcaster RTBF. The father discussed Neil's ambitions and his move to Roma, noting that his son was keen to find playing space at a major club. Details of Neil's specific role at Roma remain unclear from the available information.

AS Roma sent a message of encouragement to five players competing in the FIFA World Cup, posting personalised messages across their social media channels. The club wished luck to Ndicka, Celik, El Aynaoui, Malen, and Koné ahead of the tournament. Wesley, who was also expected to participate with Brazil, was unavailable due to an injury sustained in a friendly match before the squad's departure. The five Roma representatives will make their tournament debuts across consecutive days. El Aynaoui will be the first to take the field on 14 June at midnight (Italian time) as his team faces Brazil. On the same day, Celik and Turkey play Australia at 6 a.m., while Malen and the Netherlands face Japan at 10 p.m. Evan Ndicka and the Côte d'Ivoire will play Ecuador on 15 June, with Manu Koné completing Roma's World Cup contingent on 16 June against Senegal at 9 p.m.

Niccolò Pisilli has been selected to start for Italy's final summer friendly match against Greece in Creta on 21:00. Italy manager Silvio Baldini has again placed confidence in the AS Roma midfielder, described as one of the few certainties in a national team with a notably young average age. The match serves as important preparation ahead of the upcoming international calendar. Pisilli has emerged as a key player for Baldini's squad despite a season with mixed fortunes at Roma. The midfielder's inclusion underscores his importance to the national setup, even as he looks to build momentum following a campaign marked by inconsistency. His continued selection reflects the coaching staff's faith in his abilities and potential. Elsewhere, in New Jersey, Morocco will face Norway in a World Cup preparation match, with Neil El Aynaoui starting for the North African side under manager Ouahbi. The coming weeks offer Pisilli an opportunity to deliver performances that can help redeem what has been an uneven season for the giallorossi.

Paulo Dybala's future remains firmly at AS Roma. The Argentine forward has committed to continuing his career in the capital, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is eager to build a Champions League campaign around him. Contract renewal discussions are ongoing, with only minor administrative details remaining to be finalized in the coming days. Club insiders describe the atmosphere as optimistic, with expectations the agreement will be completed soon. Boca Juniors, however, continues to monitor the situation from Argentina. The club is employing a familiar waiting strategy—the same approach used previously with Paredes, who eventually departed in early July after prolonged negotiations. Boca hopes to capitalize on any opportunity that might arise, though their limited financial resources and inability to offer European football places them at a significant disadvantage. For now, the Argentine club remains patient, awaiting any signal from Dybala. At Roma's training ground, confidence prevails. Dybala's affection for the club and the city is genuine, and there is no indication he intends to sever the connection. Despite Boca's hopes, sources close to the situation expect the contract renewal to progress without complications, suggesting the player's commitment to Roma remains unwavering.

Tony D'Amico is set to become AS Roma's new sporting director after resolving contractual issues with Atalanta. The former Verona executive resolved the financial pending matters with the Bergamo club on the morning of the announcement and is now ready to sign with Roma. Official confirmation from the club is expected within the coming days. D'Amico will work alongside head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. His arrival comes after a lengthy delay caused by negotiations with Atalanta, which had removed him from his position over a week prior and named Cristiano Giuntoli as his replacement. Upon joining Roma, D'Amico faces a packed agenda including contract renewals for Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Gianluca Mancini, resolution of a Settlement Agreement and financial fair play issues by June 30, and incoming transfers with Mason Greenwood reportedly a priority target. D'Amico's operational powers will initially be limited. He will gain full authority only from July 1, when the transfer market officially opens. Until then, he cannot sign contracts or send formal written offers for renewals or transfers, as Roma was unable to request a derogation at the recent League Assembly. In practical terms, signing authority will rest with chief financial officer Morrow. D'Amico can work informally before July 1, but this represents a further delay of several days in Roma's transfer planning.

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.