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

Former Roma goalkeeper Marco Amelia has backed head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to succeed at the club, emphasizing that the transfer market will play a crucial role in the team's ambitions. Speaking on Radio Manà Manà, Amelia reflected on her own experience winning the Serie A title and drew parallels with Gasperini's management style. She noted that Gasperini is ambitious and has proven his capabilities at both Genoa and Atalanta, adding that he views football with intensity and technical quality—an approach she admires. Amelia highlighted goalkeeper Mile Svilar as one of the club's key leaders and a point of stability. "La Roma has need of certainties and Mile is one of those," she stated. She acknowledged that Svilar demonstrated his quality early under José Mourinho and has since become a cornerstone of the squad. Amelia believes retaining such established figures will be essential as Roma seeks to compete for top positions under Gasperini's leadership. Amelia's comments reflect confidence in the new coaching project while recognizing the competitive demands of Italian football. Her emphasis on the transfer window suggests Roma must strengthen strategically if they are to mount a serious title challenge, particularly with Gasperini's intensive, technically demanding football requiring a squad capable of matching that standard throughout the season.

Julio Sergio, former Roma goalkeeper, praised teammate Wesley in a radio interview, stating that the Brazilian defender's impact has been impressive but not entirely unexpected. Sergio noted Wesley's physical qualities and work ethic, explaining: "Sapevo che Wesley aveva gamba e voglia: mette sempre il cuore e l'anima in campo" (I knew Wesley had pace and desire: he always puts his heart and soul on the pitch). He credited head coach Gian Piero Gasperini with intelligently shifting Wesley's position to suit tactical needs, drawing parallels to how Gianluca Mancini and other players adapted when arriving in Italy. Regarding Wesley's rumoured interest from top clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City, Sergio suggested another season consolidating at Roma under Gasperini's guidance could be valuable, though he acknowledged the difficulty of refusing offers from world-class institutions. Sergio also assessed goalkeeper Mile Svilar's recent performances, praising his reflexes and physicality. He noted that Svilar has earned strong fan support through on-pitch performances and provides defensive security, though he identified areas for growth: "Può migliorare con i piedi o nelle uscite alte" (He can improve with his feet or in high exits). Sergio highlighted the environment at Trigoria training ground ahead of Roma's return to Champions League, describing it as optimal with strong expectations despite acknowledging the difficulty of competing against established European sides.

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.

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.