Koné Set to Face Fiorentina as Roma Eyes Champions League Push; Transfer Departure Looms

Genoa is weighing whether to exercise a buyout clause for a player on loan from AS Roma. The Serie A club is evaluating its options regarding the midfielder's future as the loan spell progresses. Details of the financial terms and timeline for a potential permanent move remain unclear. Roma retains the player's registration and will monitor developments. The decision may depend on the player's performances and Genoa's squad planning for the remainder of the season.

Evan Ndicka remains among Roma's leading candidates for sale before the 30 June deadline to comply with financial fair play regulations. The Ivorian defender joined Roma on a free transfer during the Pinto era, with the club paying only a 4 million euro commission. However, his contract includes a specific clause guaranteeing Ndicka 20% of any transfer fee Roma receives for his departure. Ndicka arrived at the Stadio Olimpico without a transfer fee, making him a valuable asset should Roma seek to generate funds through player sales. The financial arrangement reflects the deal's original structure and provides the defender with a financial incentive tied to his future move. This clause comes into focus as Roma evaluates potential departures to meet squad financial targets. On Sunday, Ndicka announced on social media that he had ended his professional relationship with his long-standing agent, signalling a potential shift in his situation at the club.

Roma is actively searching for a new sporting director to work alongside head coach Gian Piero Gasperini in building the squad for the upcoming season. Cristiano Giuntoli, Juventus's sporting director, has been evaluated by the Friedkin Group ownership but has been ruled out in favour of other candidates. Fabio Paratici, tied to Fiorentina until 2030, has also been excluded from consideration. Among the candidates being monitored, Giovanni Manna of Napoli is an attractive option, though the club considers him a key figure and his contract runs until 2029, making him difficult to prise away. Tony D'Amico, the current sporting director of Atalanta, remains on Roma's radar due to his established working relationship with Gasperini from their time together at Bergamo, though their collaboration has not always been straightforward. Sean Sogliano, departing Verona, appears less prominent in Roma's thinking and has recently been linked more insistently with Lazio. Gasperini is waiting for the ownership to announce the new sporting director appointment. The Friedkin Group continues to assure from Houston that the choice will remain entirely their prerogative, though a figure who can work collaboratively with the coach is considered essential following the recent public removal of Massara from his position.

Roma secured a decisive 2-0 away victory at Bologna, with the goals coming in the first half. Donyell Malen delivered an outstanding performance, scoring one goal and providing an assist. Wesley, returning from injury, proved crucial to the result, while El Aynaoui also contributed a goal and an assist—marking his first Serie A goal. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar made important saves when called upon, and the defensive trio performed solidly throughout. The win keeps Roma's Champions League ambitions alive as Juventus faced AC Milan the same evening. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini received praise from multiple newspapers for his tactical setup and team management. Midfielder Niccolò Pisilli impressed with a solid display, while the midfield and defensive structure remained compact and disciplined. The ratings across major Italian publications were relatively consistent, with Malen earning scores between 7.5 and 8, and El Aynaoui consistently rated 7.5. Wesley and Svilar also drew positive marks across the board. Gasperini himself was rated 7 to 7.5 by the publications surveyed.

Roma secured a 2-0 victory away at Bologna, with Donyell Malen and El Aynaoui scoring in the first half. Malen was central to Roma's dominance, recording a goal and an assist while creating additional clear chances that went begging. Wesley made two decisive defensive contributions that led directly to both goals. The match was never in doubt as Bologna offered little resistance, contrasting sharply with their earlier performance that season. Gasperini's side played clean, direct football with freedom after internal tensions dissipated. The coach deployed El Aynaoui in an unorthodox role ahead of traditional strikers, raising Niccolò Pisilli into the midfield line alongside Matías Soulé. Paulo Dybala entered as a substitute in the second half after three months sidelined. Roma squandered at least two additional scoring opportunities through Malen, who was found in behind by Wesley but fired wide on one occasion and had another effort deflected by an opponent. The victory narrows the gap on Juventus to two points, with the Turin club facing Milan later that evening. Gasperini continues to shape Roma into a competitive unit, though questions linger about squad depth in midfield as Bryan Cristante and another midfielder enter the final stretch fatigued and dealing with injury concerns.

Roma secured a 2-0 victory away at Bologna on 25 April 2026, with both goals arriving in the first half. Donyell Malen opened the scoring with a right-footed finish, and El Aynaoui doubled the lead after receiving an assist from Malen. The result lifted Roma to 61 points in the Serie A standings, moving them to within two points of the Champions League qualification places ahead of the Milan–Juventus fixture. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini fielded the side for the first time following Claudio Ranieri's departure, with Wesley and Niccolò Pisilli returning to the squad. Roma's aggressive approach from the outset set the tone for the match, with Gasperini's team controlling proceedings throughout the opening period. In the second half, Bologna's Orsolini struck the crossbar with a effort that posed a brief threat to Mile Svilar's goal. Malen was particularly influential in Roma's attacking play, while El Aynaoui made a decisive impact following his entry into the match. The victory represents an important step in Roma's pursuit of European qualification, with the Champions League race remaining competitive in the run-in to the season's conclusion.