Roma training update ahead of Fiorentina: Koné available, Tsimikas and Zaragoza sidelined

Younés El Aynaoui, a former Moroccan tennis player and father of Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, has given an interview to FIFA's official channels discussing his son's football career and mentality. Younés revealed that Neil initially showed more interest in tennis while the family lived in Barcelona, but discovered his true passion for football between ages 10 and 11, inspired by Barcelona's culture. His mother, who has close ties to AS Nancy, encouraged the switch. Younés noticed his son's potential when he began training at CREPS Nancy, displaying superior physical abilities and unwavering commitment. Younés described his contribution to Neil's development as an athlete, emphasizing discipline in diet, sleep, and injury prevention—habits learned from his own tennis background. He stressed that the family ensured football remained Neil's personal project rather than a parental dream. Walid Regragui, Morocco's coach, reportedly praised Neil's professionalism and work ethic, drawing a comparison between father and son. Younés said: "Logically, one should not change anything about one's daily routine. You shouldn't delude yourself into thinking you can do something sensational, because trying to do everything perfectly can generate tension. For Neil, the World Cup is there every day, every time he trains." Younés highlighted that Neil, though appearing shy and gentle, possesses a strong character and extraordinary football knowledge. He trains at the highest level regardless of tournament context, maintaining focus and avoiding overwork in the lead-up to major competitions.

Roma face significant transfer decisions with approximately two weeks until 30 June, a crucial deadline for the club's summer market activity in relation to Financial Fair Play requirements. Matías Soulé is reportedly moving toward an exit from the club, while head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is understood to be prioritizing a move for Greenwood as a key target. The timing aligns with Roma's settlement obligations, which will shape the squad's composition and spending strategy for the coming season.

Arsenal has made a serious move for Roma midfielder Manu Koné, reportedly reaching an economic agreement with the French midfielder's representatives. Unlike Atlético Madrid, who made an earlier offer of around €45 million that Koné rejected, Arsenal conducted preliminary negotiations with the player's team before moving forward. The Gunners now need to agree terms with Roma, who are understood to be seeking no less than €50 million to allow the midfielder's departure. Koné is considered a central part of head coach Gasperini's technical project at Roma. However, the club could be open to selling if the right offer arrives, particularly before the June 30 deadline linked to Roma's UEFA Settlement Agreement. Resolving Koné's sale would help address the club's plusvalenze (capital gains) requirements. After the World Cup, the midfielder is expected to be considered non-transferable unless an irresistible offer emerges. Matías Soulé remains another key name on Roma's potential departures list, with Borussia Dortmund studying that possibility.

Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante are set to sign contract renewals extending through 2030, cementing their status as long-term cornerstones of AS Roma under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Both players were instrumental in Roma's UEFA Europa Conference League triumph in 2022 and have contributed to the club's recent return to Champions League qualification after a seven-year absence. The renewals formalize what had been under negotiation since earlier in the year and represent a significant commitment from the Friedkin Group ownership. The deals come after Tony D'Amico, Roma's sporting director, resumed negotiations that had stalled under the previous sports management structure. Mancini's improved offer reflects his strong end-of-season performance and interest from Inter, with his salary set at approximately 3.5 million euros plus performance bonuses that could reach 4 million euros. Cristante's agreement follows a similar structure, with a slightly lower base salary but also including bonus clauses. Gasperini reportedly pressed the Friedkin Group to prioritize retaining both players, underscoring their importance to his tactical plans. Both Mancini and Cristante joined Roma in 2019 and have become key figures in the squad alongside Lorenzo Pellegrini, forming part of the group that helped restore the club to European prominence after years of inconsistency.

AS Roma is preparing lifetime contract extensions for defenders Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante as the club looks to build stability around its core players. The renewals signal the club's intent to retain two key squad members as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini begins his tenure and waits for reinforcements in the January transfer window. Roma is anchoring its project on established performers while the market activity intensifies.

Tony D'Amico has been officially confirmed as AS Roma's new sporting director from the 2026–27 season. The Abruzzo-born executive previously worked with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta. D'Amico will assume full powers on 1 July 2026, though he can work behind the scenes before that date. Until then, interim sporting director Maurizio Lombardo will hold signing authority, as Roma was unable to request a special dispensation from the Italian league due to the timing of D'Amico's arrival from Atalanta. D'Amico inherits a substantial workload. Priority contract renewals include Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Celik, with extensions for Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante also on the agenda. Roma must also meet commitments under its UEFA Settlement Agreement and resolve financial fair play requirements around gains on player sales by 30 June. The transfer market remains active, with names including Greenwood, Summerville, and Pulisic linked as possible signings. The club is also addressing its full-back options. Until 1 July, D'Amico cannot formally sign documents or submit written offers for either renewals or new signings—authority falls to chief financial officer Morrow. This represents only a minor delay despite an already crowded agenda ahead of the new season.

Niccolò Pisilli was among the standout performers as Italy defeated Greece in a friendly match under coach Baldini. The AS Roma midfielder featured prominently across two recent friendlies for the Azzurri, following an assist he provided in a previous match against Luxembourg. Pisilli completed 90 minutes in the Greece fixture, earning praise for his display. Pisilli's performances have highlighted his growing importance to the Italian national team setup. His contributions across the two friendlies—including the creative assist in Luxembourg—suggest he is becoming a key option in midfield for the Azzurri. The Roma youngster's ability to perform at international level adds to the squad depth available to Baldini as Italy prepares for upcoming commitments. Pisilli described his approach with the words "heart and pride," reflecting his mentality during the matches. His extended involvement in consecutive friendlies indicates he has secured a prominent role in Baldini's plans moving forward.

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.

Niccolò Pisilli has been selected to start for Italy's final summer friendly match against Greece in Creta on 21:00. Italy manager Silvio Baldini has again placed confidence in the AS Roma midfielder, described as one of the few certainties in a national team with a notably young average age. The match serves as important preparation ahead of the upcoming international calendar. Pisilli has emerged as a key player for Baldini's squad despite a season with mixed fortunes at Roma. The midfielder's inclusion underscores his importance to the national setup, even as he looks to build momentum following a campaign marked by inconsistency. His continued selection reflects the coaching staff's faith in his abilities and potential. Elsewhere, in New Jersey, Morocco will face Norway in a World Cup preparation match, with Neil El Aynaoui starting for the North African side under manager Ouahbi. The coming weeks offer Pisilli an opportunity to deliver performances that can help redeem what has been an uneven season for the giallorossi.

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.