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

Roma midfielder Koné has rejected an approach from Atlético Madrid as he waits for concrete interest from PSG. Arsenal, finalists in the last Champions League, have now made concrete moves for the 2001-born French midfielder, with initial contact reportedly made with his representatives. The Arsenal option is reportedly appealing to Koné, whose future remains uncertain. Roma's priority under head coach Gasperini and the club is to meet the Settlement Agreement requirements of 50 million euros by 30 June without sacrificing major players like Ndicka and Koné. The plan focuses on selling players such as Soulé (linked with Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund, and Arab clubs), Ziolkowski, and other minor assets. However, if attractive offers arrive that are difficult to refuse, Koné would represent a valuable sale for profit purposes, with several European clubs having shown interest in the French midfielder. Beyond Inter, Atlético Madrid was the first to make a move for Koné. Should he depart Roma, the club has Musah in their sights as a potential replacement. Details on the timeline or fee structure remain unclear.

Igor Paixao, an offensive winger who had been linked with AS Roma in recent weeks, is unlikely to join the club. The player reportedly prefers to remain at Marseille rather than pursue a move to the Giallorossi. Roma had considered Paixao as a potential addition to their squad during the transfer window, but his preference to stay in France means the club will need to explore other targets for their attacking options.

Paulo Dybala has refused to commit to a new contract with AS Roma, stating he has not yet decided his future while speaking from Argentina. The forward said: "Vedremo che cosa succederà. Ormai tutte le squadre sono un'opzione, persino l'Instituto Cordoba, così la gente non si arrabbia. Sono ancora un giocatore della Roma fino alla fine del mese, quindi, per rispetto nei confronti del club non parlerò del mio futuro. Tuttavia, non ho ancora deciso." He added that "Tutto è possibile, nel calcio non si sa mai" and acknowledged that Boca Juniors is also an option, though he declined to elaborate. Despite Dybala's cautious public stance, Roma's hierarchy remains confident that negotiations are progressing. The 32-year-old has submitted a counter-proposal to the club that includes performance bonuses, a flexible contract structure (1+1), and involvement in Roma's centenary celebrations, with the possibility of ending his career at the club. The salary being discussed is approximately €500,000 annually higher than Roma's initial offer of €2 million. The renewal discussions were previously handled by club officials but have now been transferred to newly announced sporting director D'Amico, who will take over negotiations going forward. Roma is also working on separate contract extensions for defenders Çelik and midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, though Pellegrini is awaiting contact from the club.

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.

Italy won a international friendly against Greece, with Pio Esposito scoring the decisive goal. Niccolò Pisilli, the AS Roma midfielder, played the full 90 minutes for Italy. Silvio Baldini, named interim national team coach, secured his second consecutive victory in charge. Greece's Tsimikas entered the match during the second half. Pisilli's full-match appearance provides Roma with confirmation of his fitness and form at international level, following his development as a key youth prospect in the club's midfield setup.

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.