Friedkin and Gasperini meet over new sporting director; Koné fit for Fiorentina clash, Tsimikas sidelined

AS Roma has received positive news regarding its new stadium project. A commissioner's order has been issued to reduce the administrative timeline for the authorization process. An official stated that authorization is expected within 90 days, accelerating what had previously been a longer procedural pathway. The streamlined process represents a significant step forward for the club's long-term infrastructure plans. Details on the stadium's location, design specifications, and financial arrangements remain unclear from the available information.

Nicolò Zaniolo has completed a permanent transfer to Udinese after the club exercised its purchase option in the final hours of the deadline. The former Roma player has signed a contract through 2029. Udinese will pay Galatasaray approximately 5 million euros plus 50 percent of any future sale proceeds. Zaniolo contributed 5 goals and 5 assists during his loan spell with the Friuli club. Despite retaining a sell-on clause with Galatasaray, Roma will receive no financial benefit from this transfer. The club had negotiated terms that would have triggered payment if the sale exceeded 20 million euros, or alternatively 20 percent of any difference above the 16.5 million euros originally paid by the Turkish side. The 5 million euro fee falls well short of both thresholds, meaning Roma gains no bonus or income from the deal. The low valuation has left the Giallorossi without compensation despite their contractual protections.

Roma has made significant progress on its new stadium project at Pietralata, which has been designated a strategically important national asset linked to Euro 2032. An executive order has been signed to streamline the authorization process, with simplified procedures aimed at reducing bureaucratic timelines to approximately 90 days total, including environmental impact assessment. This marks an important step forward for the club's long-term infrastructure plans. On the transfer front, Roma is actively pursuing attacking reinforcements as the Summerville interest has cooled. The club has renewed focus on a French forward whose profile appeals to the sporting department, with Tottenham potentially willing to allow a departure. Roma is also monitoring developments around Nkunku at Milan. Meanwhile, Wesley has returned to the Trigoria training complex and is preparing for rehabilitation after his injury layoff. The stadium designation as a national strategic asset is expected to significantly accelerate the authorization process, potentially providing clarity on Roma's future home within the coming months. The combination of stadium progress and transfer activity reflects the club's dual focus on long-term stability and immediate squad strengthening ahead of the new season.

Roma is reshaping its fullback options this summer. Angeliño, a 1997-born left-back, is reportedly a target for Deportivo La Coruña, the Spanish club where he developed and recently returned to Liga. However, Angeliño's priority is to prove his value to Gasperini at Roma after missing most of last season through a serious, prolonged injury that affected his fitness and availability. With Wesley established on the left and Tsimikas returning to Liverpool, Angeliño's future remains uncertain as he seeks to regain his place in the squad. On the right flank, Roma's interest in Dodò has reportedly strengthened. The Brazilian fullback, 27, plays for Fiorentina under a contract running until 2027 but desires Champions League football. Napoli has also pursued him, though the club may step back from the competition soon. Rensch's status at Roma is described as uncertain, while Celik moves closer to a contract extension. Roma's fullback reshuffling reflects the need for greater depth and injury resilience across both flanks after a disrupted campaign.

Italy won a international friendly against Greece, with Pio Esposito scoring the decisive goal. Niccolò Pisilli, the AS Roma midfielder, played the full 90 minutes for Italy. Silvio Baldini, named interim national team coach, secured his second consecutive victory in charge. Greece's Tsimikas entered the match during the second half. Pisilli's full-match appearance provides Roma with confirmation of his fitness and form at international level, following his development as a key youth prospect in the club's midfield setup.

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.