Ventola praises Malen as an 'extraordinary player'

Former Roma striker Ciccio Graziani has dismissed speculation about Fabio Paratici joining Roma as sporting director, calling it a significant blow to the club's image. Speaking on Radio Bruno's Pentasport programme, Graziani stated: "Can I think of something so stupid? From an image perspective it would be an enormous loss of credibility." He also highlighted contractual obstacles, noting that Paratici remains under contract with his current employer for five years. Rumours about Paratici's possible arrival have circulated in recent days as Roma evaluates candidates to potentially replace current sporting director Massara. The speculation reflects ongoing changes in the club's administrative structure. However, Graziani's strong rejection underscores reservations about the move within football circles. According to reports, Roma is considering several profiles for the position. Tony D'Amico tops the list of candidates, while Giovanni Manna and Cristiano Giuntoli remain less prominent options. The club continues its search at Trigoria as it plans for potential changes in its sporting leadership.

Roma fans are drawing painful comparisons between a penalty awarded to PSG in yesterday's match against Bayern Munich and the controversial non-penalty decision that affected Roma's Europa League final in Budapest three years ago. In the PSG-Bayern encounter, referee André Marriner consulted VAR and awarded a penalty when Alphonso Davies touched the ball with his arm in the box after deflecting it off his thigh, with the score at 2–2. The incident occurred from a Dembélé cross deep into the second half, and PSG converted the penalty to make it 3–2 before eventually winning 5–4. The decision on the field parallels Roma's experience in the 2021 Europa League final against Sevilla, where referee Anthony Taylor dismissed a clear handball by Fernando in the Roma penalty area from a Matić cross with ten minutes remaining, declining to review the incident on VAR. Roma fans have taken to social media expressing frustration, with comments such as: "Without that refereeing we would have won an epic Europa League" and "They gave this penalty to everyone except us. Truly incredible." The contrasting application of handball rules in these two similar situations has become a difficult-to-forget point of contention for the Roma fanbase.

José Mourinho has spoken about his time at AS Roma in a recent interview with Il Giornale, describing the club as a meaningful part of his career. The former manager, who led Roma to the UEFA Europa Conference League title in 2022, has previously expressed deep affection for the club and its supporters. Mourinho's tenure at Roma from 2021 to 2024 remains significant in the club's recent history, and his comments reflect the lasting bond between the coach and the Giallorossi fanbase. Details of the full interview remarks remain unclear from the available excerpt.

Former striker Alessandro Matri has drawn a comparison between AS Roma winger Donyell Malen and Carlos Tevez, highlighting the similarities in their playing style and mentality. Speaking on DAZN, Matri noted that Malen has been earning consistent praise and applause since January, accumulating 11 league goals during that period. Beyond the statistics, Malen's presence on the pitch conveys a sense of dominance and particular electricity that stands out. Matri explained his assessment: "According to me he has a certain similarity with Tevez. In the ruthlessness, in the intention, he already knows what to do when the ball arrives, also the stop in the direction of the goal, because he sees the space. Carlos was a total player, he is above Malen, but in the ruthlessness, in the movements, in the desire to score and also in the assists he reminds me of him." While acknowledging that Tevez was the superior overall player, Matri emphasized that Malen shares comparable aggression, movement, goal-scoring hunger, and assist-making ability. Malen continues to establish himself as a key attacking threat for Roma, with his combination of physicality, technical awareness, and finishing ability drawing favourable comparisons to one of Europe's most successful South American imports of the previous decade.

Paulo Dybala returned to action at Dall'Ara after a 90-day absence, receiving 14 minutes of playing time in place of Donyell Malen. His return was described as cautious and tentative, with observers noting he appeared mentally rather than physically unprepared. His involvement was minimal, with little impact on Roma's performance. Dybala's contract expires at the end of the season, and renewal discussions appear unlikely in the near term. With only 23 appearances from 45 matches this season and 1,308 minutes played, producing 3 goals and 4 assists, Dybala's future remains uncertain. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has reportedly requested three attacking additions: two wingers for the left flank and one for the right side—a move that would effectively exclude Dybala from Roma's plans. The Argentine can remain at the club only on a pay-per-appearance contract if no replacement arrives in his position. Roma's ownership must navigate this decision through an incoming director of sport, as Massara currently remains in his post. Several candidates have been proposed for the role, including Giuntoli, Sogliano, and Manna, though details on the final selection remain unclear.

Roma is planning a significant restructuring of its attack under new head coach Gasperini, with Donyell Malen and Matías Soulé expected to remain as exceptions. The club has identified RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa as a primary target for the left flank. Leipzig reportedly demanded €50 million for the Norwegian in January, but his valuation is expected to decrease in the summer transfer window. Other attacking options under consideration include Tel from Tottenham and Godts from Ajax, while the club is also monitoring Julian Brandt, who is available on a free transfer and previously played alongside Malen at Borussia Dortmund. Gasperini has outlined clear instructions to the Friedkin Group that the attack requires rebuilding, particularly if Paulo Dybala does not renew his contract. Several players are expected to depart, including Zaragoza, Venturino, El Shaarawy, and Ferguson. On the defensive side, Evan Ndicka is viewed as a potential sale to generate funds, with Lucumì emerging as a replacement option. Midfielder Youssouf Koné remains a transfer target for Inter, though he is expected to be available for Monday's match against Fiorentina alongside defender Zeki Çelik. Meanwhile, the club is close to appointing a new sporting director to oversee the summer transfer strategy. Daniele Massara is departing, with candidates including Paratici and Giuntoli, though D'Amico from Atalanta—who has previously worked with Gasperini—appears to be the leading option. On the pitch, Wesley's impact is notable: Roma averages 1.89 points per match with the Brazilian playing, compared to 1.43 without him.