Pellegrini closer to signing new Roma contract

Paulo Dybala has commented on his future at AS Roma during the summer transfer window. The Argentine forward remains focused on his role with the Giallorossi while expressing enthusiasm about a potential reunion with fellow midfielder Paredes. Dybala's contract situation and performances continue to be central topics for the club as Roma navigates the transfer market. His comments reflect his commitment to Roma while indicating openness to strengthening the squad with familiar faces from his past.

Roma are pursuing Valdepenas, a 2006-born defender currently at Real Madrid, according to reports. The Spanish youngster made his Real Madrid debut in December against Alaves and fits Roma's stated strategy of signing promising young players capable of developing into key contributors. However, competition for his signature is significant, with Eintracht Frankfurt, Arsenal, and AC Milan also monitoring the player. Roma's transfer approach under sporting director Massara has focused on acquiring young prospects with long-term potential. Recent signings including Vaz, Venturino, Ziolkowski, and Ghilardi exemplify this model. The Valdepenas pursuit represents an extension of this strategy into the international market, specifically targeting Spain's youth talent pool. At present, the interest is in an early stage, though it could develop further in coming months depending on possible departures in Roma's defensive ranks, including the potential sale of Ndicka. The competition from multiple top European clubs suggests Valdepenas is highly regarded despite his limited first-team experience. Details of Roma's concrete steps toward securing the player remain unclear, but the interest signals the club's continued commitment to building for the future rather than pursuing established names.

Relations between Antonio Conte and Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis have deteriorated significantly, according to reports. De Laurentiis is reportedly considering Gian Piero Gasperini as a potential successor should Conte's tenure end. Gasperini is currently AS Roma's head coach, appointed in 2025. Any move would represent a significant shift in Napoli's coaching position, though details of the timeline and circumstances remain unclear. Such a development would directly affect Roma's tactical setup and managerial stability.

Gianluca Mancini, Roma's defender and club captain, featured in the fourth episode of the third season of 'A casa dei campioni' (At the Champions' Home), a property-focused interview series. Mancini discussed his home life, interior design preferences, and his relationship with Rome as his adopted city. Mancini expressed his preference for simple, functional style in his home—neither excessively traditional nor overly modern. He highlighted the importance of family connection as his way to decompress after intense matches, stating: "I just need a hug from my family, my wife, my daughters. To reset myself that way, simply, inside my home." He also mentioned keeping a dedicated space for Roma memorabilia and his career achievements. Among his Roma teammates, Mancini praised Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini as ideal housemates, describing them as "good people, deeply attached to Roma." When asked about housing his own children, he emphasized how home comfort helps young children feel safe, as "any object can become a potential danger." Mancini, who has lived in Rome for several years, said he enjoys exploring the city's centre and discovering its history. He highlighted the importance of a quality carpet in the living room—a comfort object that has travelled with him through multiple moves across his career. On property investment, he remained open to opportunities, noting that real estate represents a solid long-term guarantee.

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.