Matri compares Malen to Tevez, praises Roma winger's intensity and quality

Former Roma midfielder Simone Perrotta participated in a ranking format where he placed teammates across four tiers, ultimately naming Francesco Totti and Zinedine Zidane as the two greatest players he shared the pitch with. Perrotta, who spent nearly a decade at Roma between 2004 and 2013 with over 300 appearances, positioned Totti at the apex alongside Zidane. Other players ranked included Henry in the second tier, Cassano and Del Piero in the third tier, and Pellissier and Amauri in the fourth tier. De Rossi was placed in the third tier. In explaining his choice, Perrotta offered an extended analysis of Totti's qualities: "I knew you would ask me this, I put him in first place with Zidane. I think he is the strongest player that Italian football has ever produced, along with Roberto Baggio. I had the chance to appreciate him over 10 years. He was a player with incredible tactical intelligence and technically I don't need to say it because he demonstrated it throughout his career. If he wanted to send the ball into a hole from 50 metres, he could do it. Playing with him you realised that you just needed to give him half a metre and either he would turn and shoot at goal, scoring, or he understood he had the defender on him and would serve you first time. This makes you understand that you need technical qualities to do certain things, but if you don't also have tactical intelligence then the quality becomes worthless." Perrotta modestly placed himself in the lowest tier, stating satisfaction with his career despite believing others ranked were superior to him.

A radio commentary segment suggests that player Ajarbegovic is more appealing to AS Roma than to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, indicating a potential disconnect in transfer targets or tactical preferences. The piece also includes remarks from Lo Monaco regarding Mason Greenwood, reportedly stating there is agreement with the player, though details of any potential deal remain unclear. The commentary reflects ongoing discussions within Roma's transfer planning and management priorities.

Donyell Malen has faced criticism from the Netherlands following two friendly matches in the World Cup buildup, with concerns raised about whether his strong end-of-season form at Roma was genuine. Dutch figures including Huntelaar and Van Nistelrooy have offered advice, while some have questioned the quality of Italian football. However, the article argues these concerns are overblown by drawing a parallel to Kylian Mbappé, who similarly failed to score in France's two pre-tournament friendlies despite being the tournament favorites' star striker. The piece contends that Mbappé's situation proves that poor friendly performances should not trigger alarm. France's manager Deschamps reportedly joked that Mbappé was conserving his goals for the actual World Cup, and French media remained unconcerned. By this logic, the Netherlands should have equal confidence in Malen, who impressed Roma fans late in the domestic season and has delivered in crucial matches, including Champions League competition. Coach Koeman is described as having already anticipated Malen as the ideal forward for World Cup ambitions. The article suggests that if Koeman hopes to achieve something significant at the tournament, he must place his faith in Malen—described as Roma's "man of destiny." The broader point emphasizes that World Cup preparation friendlies often provide limited statistical value, serving mainly to build match fitness before competition begins in earnest.

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.

A Roma figure identified as Faccini has stated that goalkeeper Mile Svilar, midfielder Konè, and winger Donyell Malen are not for sale in the transfer market. Faccini, who grew up in Roma's youth academy and scored the first goal of the club's historic 1982–83 Serie A title-winning season, made the declaration regarding the club's transfer strategy. The statement signals Roma's intent to retain key players during the upcoming market window, reinforcing their commitment to building around this core group under current management.

Head coach Gasperini has identified Mason Greenwood and Christian Pulisic as key targets to strengthen Roma's attacking lineup for the upcoming season. A potential Roma front four could feature Donyell Malen, Paulo Dybala, Pulisic, and Greenwood, though bringing both players to the club remains challenging at this stage. Greenwood, currently at Marseille, is Gasperini's primary objective, while Pulisic is also a direct request from the coach. Negotiations with the French club are expected to be complex. What particularly attracts Gasperini to both players is a shared technical characteristic: both are genuinely two-footed. They perform with equal ability using either foot regardless of their position on the pitch, a quality that translates to increased match-day danger and unpredictability. This ambidexterity is relatively rare among elite footballers. Gasperini views both as international-level profiles ready for a Champions League campaign and capable of delivering quality, goals, and the kind of performances that energize supporters. Current constraints limit Roma's immediate pursuit of both targets. The club must balance Financial Fair Play requirements, with a €60 million net spend target by June 30, though qualifying for the Champions League has strengthened Roma's negotiating position. Dybala is expected to renew his contract, while Malen remains a confirmed fixture in the squad.