Gasperini eager to plan next season but Roma still searching for sporting director

Italian tennis player Flavio Cobolli, ranked 13th on the ATP tour and a devoted AS Roma supporter, signed a Roma scarf for a fan during the Mutua Madrid Open on 28 April. After securing victory against Daniil Medvedev to advance to the quarter-finals, Cobolli received the scarf from a spectator in the stands and immediately signed it before returning it. The gesture highlighted Roma's reach beyond football, with Cobolli's display of his giallorossi allegiance extending the club's presence into professional tennis. Cobolli has become known for moments celebrating his Roma fandom on the international stage. Earlier at Monaco, he had generated viral social media attention with a photo featuring fellow athlete Mats Hummels with Roma undertones. These public displays demonstrate how the club's colours and values resonate with supporters across different sports and continents.

Evan Ndicka has emerged as one of AS Roma's most likely departure targets this summer, with English Premier League side Bournemouth reportedly preparing an approach for the Ivorian defender. Bournemouth, managed by Tiago Pinto—who originally brought Ndicka to Roma in 2023 on a free transfer—have identified the player as a target for the coming season. No official contact between the clubs has been confirmed; the interest remains in its initial stages, though described as concrete. Roma face significant financial constraints tied to UEFA Fair Play regulations, requiring the club to generate approximately 80 million euros in sales by 30 June. Ndicka represents an asset capable of generating full profit for the Giallorossi, having arrived without a transfer fee. His market value is estimated between 35 and 40 million euros, making him a potential solution to Roma's financial obligations. The left-back's potential exit would come amid broader squad reshaping at the club. Ndicka has established himself as a key defensive option since his 2023 arrival and would represent a significant departure if the transfer materializes.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has indicated his preference for a mountain-based summer retreat as part of discussions with the Friedkin Group regarding AS Roma's pre-season planning. The decision on the retreat location is expected to be clarified during an upcoming meeting between the club's ownership and coaching staff, where various organizational matters will be addressed. Gasperini's proposal represents a shift from recent seasons, during which Roma split their preparations between the humid Trigoria training ground and overseas locations in England and Portugal. The coach is pushing for approximately two weeks in a mountain setting ahead of the competitive season. Possible venues under consideration reportedly include locations in Switzerland or Germany, with plans to include friendly matches against local and national sides as part of the retreat schedule. The summer retreat decision forms part of broader pre-season preparations being finalized between Gasperini and the Friedkin Group. Details of the final chosen destination and exact timing remain unclear.

Referee Luca Zufferli has been appointed to oversee Roma's crucial Serie A match against Fiorentina on Monday, 4 May at Stadio Olimpico. Di Paolo will operate as VAR, with Rossi and Ceccon as assistant referees. This fixture is vital for Roma's hopes of securing a Champions League spot. Zufferli's record with Roma stands at four wins and two defeats. His most recent encounter with the Giallorossi came in December 2025 when he sent off Çelik during Roma's visit to Cagliari. That match highlighted concerns about inconsistency in his decision-making. During the Cagliari game, Zufferli failed to sanction Folorunsho after the player displayed clearly unsporting conduct during an altercation with Hermoso, drawing criticism over the fairness of his officiating. With Roma needing points to maintain their Champions League ambitions, the performance of the refereeing team will be closely scrutinized by supporters and analysts alike. The fixture carries significant weight in the title race and European qualification battle.

Roma secured a convincing 2–0 victory away at Bologna, with winger Donyell Malen delivering an outstanding performance to decide the match. The win marks an important step in Roma's pursuit of European qualification. Defender Gianluca Mancini also impressed, particularly in the first half, combining aggressive defending with composure. Paulo Dybala returned to action during the encounter. This was Roma's first match after Claudio Ranieri's departure, and the team showed a level of performance the fans have long awaited. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar made crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet, including a late intervention to deny Bologna a consolation goal. Mancini began nervously but quickly settled, neutralising Bologna's threat with physical but controlled defending. Fellow defender Ndicka had a far more comfortable evening compared to recent European fixtures, while Hermoso displayed the aggressive, dominant style that attracted coach Gian Piero Gasperini's attention. The defensive collective held firm despite increased pressure in the second half, with substitute Ghilardi entering during Bologna's most intense spell and coping admirably. Roma's convincing display away from home demonstrates the team is building momentum under its new tactical direction, with multiple players delivering well-balanced performances across both phases of play.

Roma faced Bologna in a crucial late-season encounter at the Dall'Ara stadium, with the match officiated by Marco Di Bello from Brindisi. The match saw several bookings reviewed, including a controversial yellow card for Hermoso in the 46th minute for a foul on Orsolini that appeared minimal, with the Spanish defender protesting the decision. Rensch also received a caution in the 65th minute for a high challenge on Zortea, while a silent VAR check confirmed the booking. The most significant outcome involved El Aynaoui, who received a yellow card in the 68th minute for a foul on Rowe. Since the Moroccan player was already on a booking suspension, this caution rules him out of Roma's next fixture against Fiorentina. The incident highlights the importance of Roma's upcoming schedule as the season reaches its critical final stages, with the club needing to manage squad discipline carefully moving forward.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has requested an urgent in-person meeting with the Friedkin Group to accelerate planning for Roma's future, including strategy, objectives, and technical structure for the next season. Gasperini prefers to meet with the Friedkin ownership directly rather than via video call. The departure of Claudio Ranieri has left uncertainty at the club, with director of sport Massara's position also in question ahead of the 2026–27 campaign. Several scenarios remain open regarding the director of sport role, with candidates including D'Amico and Manna under consideration. Gasperini has clear ideas for building a competitive squad by September. His priority targets include a left winger, with Nusa and Brandt in his sights, alongside coverage for roles that may be exposed from July onwards. Off the field, the Friedkin Group continues working with legal advisers to address the multiownership situation involving Roma and Everton, aiming to demonstrate clear separation between the two clubs to avoid complications for European competition participation. Meanwhile, Paulo Dybala commented on his future, saying: "It would be nice to find Paredes again, but now I play for Roma." An offer of reportedly 15 million euros has been readied for left-back Oosterwolde. Defender Gianluca Mancini noted that Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini are "ideal partners" in midfield. Details on the derby kick-off time remain under review by local authorities.

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.

Lazio and Udinese played out a chaotic 3-3 draw at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday evening, with both sides earning a point from an entertaining encounter. Udinese took the lead in the first half through Ehizibue's powerful strike, but Pellegrini levelled early in the second period with a well-struck left-foot effort from outside the box. The match turned dramatic in the closing stages when Pedro produced a fine finish from a wide angle, curling the ball past Okoye into the far corner to put Lazio ahead. However, Udinese mounted an immediate comeback: Atta equalised with a tap-in before adding a second goal with a right-footed shot to the far post, seemingly securing victory for the visitors. The finale proved even more frenetic when Maldini deflected a shot from distance past his own goalkeeper in injury time, gifting Lazio an unexpected equaliser and ensuring the spoils were shared.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has requested an urgent in-person meeting with the Friedkin Group to accelerate planning for Roma's future, including strategy, objectives, and technical structure for the next season. Gasperini prefers to meet with the Friedkin ownership directly rather than via video call. The departure of Claudio Ranieri has left uncertainty at the club, with director of sport Massara's position also in question ahead of the 2026–27 campaign. Several scenarios remain open regarding the director of sport role, with candidates including D'Amico and Manna under consideration. Gasperini has clear ideas for building a competitive squad by September. His priority targets include a left winger, with Nusa and Brandt in his sights, alongside coverage for roles that may be exposed from July onwards. Off the field, the Friedkin Group continues working with legal advisers to address the multiownership situation involving Roma and Everton, aiming to demonstrate clear separation between the two clubs to avoid complications for European competition participation. Meanwhile, Paulo Dybala commented on his future, saying: "It would be nice to find Paredes again, but now I play for Roma." An offer of reportedly 15 million euros has been readied for left-back Oosterwolde. Defender Gianluca Mancini noted that Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini are "ideal partners" in midfield. Details on the derby kick-off time remain under review by local authorities.

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.

Roma's focus includes contract renewal discussions with three key squad players: Lorenzo Pellegrini, Gianluca Mancini, and Bryan Cristante. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's role as a stabilizing presence is viewed as potentially instrumental in securing these renewals. Simultaneously, the club remains active in the transfer market, with Roma maintaining interest in signing Julian Brandt. The timing of these renewals coincides with Gasperini's appointment, suggesting his leadership could be central to retaining core squad members during a transitional period for the club.