Friedkin Set to Arrive in Rome; Zaragoza Doubtful for Fiorentina; Derby Scheduled for Sunday Midday

Anass Salah-Eddine is set to return to AS Roma after completing a one-year loan spell at PSV, with the Dutch club not exercising a purchase option. The defender will rejoin Roma's training facilities at Trigoria, where the club will then seek a new destination for him during the transfer window. This marks the end of his temporary assignment in the Eredivisie, with his future at the Giallorossi squad uncertain as Roma prepares to explore further loan options or permanent deals for the player.

PSV Eindhoven's attempt to sign Salah-Eddine permanently has collapsed. The Dutch club made an offer of eight million euros to secure the Moroccan left-back, but an agreement could not be reached with the player's representatives. Salah-Eddine, currently competing at the World Cup, will return to Roma and will evaluate other offers from European clubs during the summer transfer window. Roma hopes to sell the defender before 30 June to record another capital gain, following similar sales of Saud, Sangaré, and Baldanzi. However, the player faces an uncertain path at the club. Head coach Gasperini was not convinced by Salah-Eddine during pre-season preparations last summer and is unlikely to consider him for the upcoming campaign. Wesley remains the established left-back for Roma's starting XI, while the future of Angeliño remains unclear as the Spanish player expresses a desire to stay, though Roma will assess any summer offers that arrive. Details remain unclear regarding the exact negotiations between PSV and Salah-Eddine's agents or the timeline for potential departures.

Donyell Malen was named in the starting lineup for the Netherlands' match against Japan, playing alongside Summerville. The Roma winger had two clear opportunities during the game. Malen continues to feature for his national team alongside other international commitments, adding to his workload this season.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear his expectations for Roma's upcoming season following the club's return to European football. Gasperini wants to avoid repeating previous mistakes in the transfer market by bringing in players suited to his tactical system. The coach is demanding at least 16 fit outfield players to compete across Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League, recognising that European football demands significant physical and mental resources. Several players have already departed or are expected to leave during the transfer window, including Ferguson, Tsimikas, El Shaarawy, Venturino, and Zaragoza, with Baldanzi and Ziolkowski also on their way out. To maintain squad depth and protect key performers from injury during a gruelling season, Gasperini has identified specific targets: a number 10 or attacking midfielder, a deputy to Gianluca Mancini, a striker, and both right and left-sided defenders. Names under consideration include Vlasic and Greenwood, though negotiations remain in early stages. The arrival of D'Amico as sporting director is pending official confirmation, after which the club is expected to accelerate its recruitment strategy. Gasperini's priority is ensuring the squad composition aligns with his playing philosophy, having identified this as the key lesson from the previous season's recruitment process.

AS Roma has five days to prepare for a crucial Champions League qualification match against Hellas Verona on Sunday at 20:45. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is working to get midfielder Manu Koné fit in time after the French player completed individual field work during training on Tuesday. Koné is considered the injury concern with the best chance of returning for the Verona fixture. However, Gasperini will definitely be without Wesley, who is suspended following a red card in the derby, and Ndicka, who is unavailable for at least a month due to injury. Pellegrini, Venturino, and Zaragoza remain absent from group training and their participation in the away trip to Verona is very unlikely. The injuries have depleted Roma's options as the team pursues the points needed to secure European football next season. Koné's personal training regimen suggests he is being carefully managed ahead of what could be a decisive final match of the campaign.

Roma will be without three key players for the upcoming derby against Lazio. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed that Lorenzo Pellegrini, Konè, and Venturino are unavailable for the match. Konè suffered a muscular problem that forced him to stop training, while the reasons for Venturino's unavailability remain unclear. This follows the earlier announcement that Zaragoza will also miss the derby through injury or suspension. The absences represent a significant blow to Gasperini's squad depth for one of Italian football's most competitive fixtures. Pellegrini, a Rome-born midfielder and club stalwart, is a key figure in Roma's midfield, making his unavailability particularly notable for the derby della Capitale. The multiple injury concerns suggest Roma may need to shuffle their lineup or call upon squad players for the high-stakes encounter. With preparations underway, Gasperini will need to adjust his tactical approach and selections to compensate for these absences. The derby against Lazio remains one of Serie A's most intense rivalries, and managing the squad's fitness and availability will be crucial as Roma prepares for the match.