Pellegrini and Dybala among unwanted players delaying their departures from Roma

Roma midfielder Zaragoza is set to return to Bayern Munich, while defender Celik has been cleared of injury and will be available for the upcoming match against Fiorentina. The Friedkin Group will be responsible for selecting Roma's new sporting director. These developments come as part of ongoing squad management and administrative changes at the club.

AS Roma is continuing to build its organisational structure as it searches for a new sporting director. The decision on the appointment rests with The Friedkin Group, the club's ownership. Details remain unclear regarding the timeline or candidates being considered for the role. The search for a new sporting director is part of Roma's broader restructuring efforts following recent changes in the club's leadership. The appointment will be significant in shaping the club's transfer strategy and sporting direction moving forward.

Roma received positive medical news regarding defender Zeki Celik after instrumental examinations ruled out muscle injuries. The player had caused concern following an incident, but scans confirmed no damage. Celik's availability is an important boost for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as Roma prepare for their upcoming match against Fiorentina. The clearance means the defender should be fit to feature in the fixture, addressing concerns that had emerged during the previous match.

Lazio and Udinese played out a chaotic 3-3 draw at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday evening, with both sides earning a point from an entertaining encounter. Udinese took the lead in the first half through Ehizibue's powerful strike, but Pellegrini levelled early in the second period with a well-struck left-foot effort from outside the box. The match turned dramatic in the closing stages when Pedro produced a fine finish from a wide angle, curling the ball past Okoye into the far corner to put Lazio ahead. However, Udinese mounted an immediate comeback: Atta equalised with a tap-in before adding a second goal with a right-footed shot to the far post, seemingly securing victory for the visitors. The finale proved even more frenetic when Maldini deflected a shot from distance past his own goalkeeper in injury time, gifting Lazio an unexpected equaliser and ensuring the spoils were shared.

Lazio and Udinese played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in a match that came alive after a quiet first half. Lorenzo Pellegrini equalized for Lazio in the 50th minute, before Pedro put the home side ahead in the 80th. Udinese mounted a stunning comeback through Atta, who scored twice between the 86th and 93rd minutes. In dramatic fashion, Daniel Maldini sealed a point for Lazio with a goal in the 95th minute, moments after Romagnoli hit the post. The result leaves Lazio on 48 points while Udinese remains 11th with 44 points; the draw is now mathematically irrelevant for both sides' final standings. The match was notable for Roma connections visible in the stadium. Roma banners and scarves were displayed in the away section of the Curva Sud, occupied by Udinese supporters, highlighting the passionate support traveling from the capital. This fixture was part of Serie A matchday 34, alongside an eventful Cagliari-Atalanta encounter that also rewrote what had been a dull round of fixtures with an unexpected 3-2 result.

Roma's focus includes contract renewal discussions with three key squad players: Lorenzo Pellegrini, Gianluca Mancini, and Bryan Cristante. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's role as a stabilizing presence is viewed as potentially instrumental in securing these renewals. Simultaneously, the club remains active in the transfer market, with Roma maintaining interest in signing Julian Brandt. The timing of these renewals coincides with Gasperini's appointment, suggesting his leadership could be central to retaining core squad members during a transitional period for the club.

Gian Piero Gasperini has outlined his vision for Roma's rebuild following his appointment as head coach. The club will build around midfielder Matías Soulé and winger Donyell Malen, while several players are expected to depart. Ferguson and Zaragoza have been identified as surplus to requirements, while Venturino and Vaz may be allowed to leave for development opportunities. El Shaarawy is also listed among potential departures, and striker Artem Dovbyk—currently injured—does not align with Gasperini's tactical preferences, though finding a buyer will prove difficult. Gasperini has requested reinforcements across multiple positions and has specifically expressed interest in fullback options, including reportedly Dodó from Fiorentina. Dybala's future remains unclear, as the club must balance ambition with financial constraints. Roma faces considerable pressure to generate approximately €80 million in player sales during the summer transfer window. The Financial Fair Play requirements will significantly impact Gasperini's ability to reshape the squad despite his newfound influence over recruitment. Gasperini has appeared more settled after recent weeks, suggesting improved clarity on his role within the club's structure.

AS Roma face an uncertain situation regarding director Massara, with Paratici reportedly being considered as a potential successor. Meanwhile, midfielder Manu Koné is expected to return to action against Fiorentina after a lengthy absence. Koné has been sidelined since March 19 following a right hamstring injury sustained during the Europa League round-of-16 second leg. Striker Dovbyk is also expected to return to training in the coming week after recent injury recovery. The club's medical situation has stabilized following recent returns of Wesley and Dybala. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini will need a full squad as Roma pursue their Champions League qualification hopes in the final stretch of the season. El Aynaouï will miss the Fiorentina fixture due to suspension after playing in Roma's recent match at Bologna, where he delivered a solid tactical performance with accurate passes and well-timed movements. Competition for Roma's targets appears to be increasing, with multiple clubs vying for players linked to the Giallorossi, including midfielder Brandt. The coming week is shaping up as crucial for Gasperini's squad depth as Roma navigate the closing stages of their campaign.

Paulo Dybala returned to action for AS Roma in the match against Bologna after three months out with a knee injury. The Argentine forward's comeback comes at a critical juncture for the club, which faces four remaining matches with 12 points available in their bid to secure Champions League qualification after an eight-year absence. Dybala's performance in these final matches will be significant not only for Roma's European hopes but also in determining his future at the club beyond the current season. Dybala's contract renewal remains uncertain but possible. While the player reportedly wants to stay in Rome, an agreement must be reached that satisfies both the Argentine and the club financially. Recent organizational changes, including the departure of former manager Claudio Ranieri and the probable separation from club official Massara, mean that head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's opinion will carry considerable weight in decisions about Dybala's future. Gasperini is reportedly keen to retain Dybala for next season. Dybala will attempt to contribute in Roma's final push toward a Champions League place, an achievement that could represent a turning point in the club's season. His return to fitness comes as Roma's medical team reported other squad members also becoming available for selection.