Koné returns to focus for Roma as Gasperini awaits midfielder's return

Zeki Celik has not suffered an injury and will return to team training or complete differentiated work ahead of Roma's match against Fiorentina on Monday. However, there is near-certainty that the Turkish defender will not renew his contract with Roma. A significant gap remains between the club's offer of approximately 2.8 million euros and Celik's demand of 4 million euros, making an agreement unlikely. Celik is regarded as a trusted player by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, yet his departure appears set. The club has identified restructuring the flanks as one of Gasperini's absolute priorities. Beyond Celik's likely exit, there is also a concrete possibility that Angelino will leave Roma in the summer. Roma will need to recruit a left-footed starting left-back and another important right-footed player to replace Celik on the right flank. The contract impasse highlights Roma's ongoing squad overhaul under the new coaching regime. These departures would represent significant changes to the club's defensive setup, with Gasperini seeking to reshape the wide positions with new additions.

Jan Ziolkowski, a Polish defender born in 2005 who joined Roma from Legia Warsaw in summer 2025, has seen a significant reduction in his playing time at the club. Premier League clubs have reportedly made contact regarding the young defender's availability. Ziolkowski arrived as a prospect but has struggled to establish himself in Gasperini's squad. Details remain unclear regarding the specific clubs involved or whether Roma would consider a sale or loan arrangement for the defender.

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.