Gasperini to stay; Massara departs. Potential replacements identified

AS Roma midfielder Wesley will miss Brazil's opening match at the 2026 World Cup against Morocco, which takes place at midnight at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Wesley, who was travelling towards a starting-place selection, is sidelined from Brazil's Group C opener under former Roma coach Carlo Ancelotti. The match will be broadcast on RAI and DAZN. Other Roma players are set to feature in the tournament's opening fixtures. Turkish defender Celik takes the field on Sunday morning at 6 a.m. as part of Montella's Turkey squad against Australia in Group D. Netherlands winger Malen will debut Sunday evening at 10 p.m. against Japan. Additional Roma-connected players include Costa d'Avorio's Ndicka, who opens Monday night against Ecuador, and France's Koné, scheduled for Tuesday evening against Senegal. Wesley received a warm reception from Roma fans at Fiumicino airport ahead of his World Cup departure, with supporters chanting 'Forza Roma!' The tournament represents the first World Cup featuring Roma players at the 2026 edition. Brazil's squad will be without one of their key midfield options as they begin their campaign in Group C.

Roma's new sporting director Tony D'Amico is reportedly building an active transfer agenda. Three Serie A clubs, including Roma, are monitoring a young prospect from Spezia. Details of the player's identity and the specific interest from each club remain unclear from the available information. D'Amico's appointment signals an intensified focus on recruitment as Roma continues to develop its squad strategy in the current transfer window.

Roma Club Montecitorio held a celebration marking the club's return to the Champions League. The event brought together supporters and institutional representatives to mark the occasion, reflecting widespread joy across the giallorosso community over Roma's qualification for European football's premier competition. The celebration underscores the significance of the achievement for the club and its fanbase.