Roma prepare for Fiorentina clash with Dybala and Malen pairing under consideration

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference ahead of Roma's Serie A clash against Fiorentina on 4 May 2026 (matchday 35). Gasperini confirmed that midfielder Koné and forward Paulo Dybala are both available for selection after recent injury absences. "Koné is recovered and Dybala had already recovered last week. This week went better. They are both available for tomorrow," Gasperini said. He also noted the significance of Corbin Friedkin's presence at the club's training facility, stating: "The presence of Corbin Friedkin is a signal that the ownership is beginning to move not only for what is the end of the season but also for the future." Roma sit fifth in the table and remain in contention for Champions League qualification with four matches remaining. Gasperini acknowledged the season remains alive and stressed the team's focus must remain on securing results, including an upcoming derby match. He addressed questions about Roma's transfer planning timeline, noting the club experienced an unexpected setback but expressing confidence in the ownership's ability to make sound decisions when the moment comes. Gasperini deferred detailed discussion about future plans until after the season concludes, stating supporters deserved clarity on the club's direction once the campaign ends.

Matías Soulé is finding his way back to full sharpness following a lengthy injury layoff. The Argentine winger returned to action approximately one month ago after suffering a pubic bone injury that kept him sidelined for roughly two months. Since his return in Roma's 5–2 defeat to Inter on 5 April, Soulé has started every match but has managed only one shot on target across four games against Inter, Pisa, Atalanta, and Bologna. His goal drought extends back to 10 January against Sassuolo. The statistics paint a picture of diminished attacking threat. Of 12 dribble attempts over this period, Soulé succeeded in beating his man only four times, and he did not attempt a dribble in the Bologna fixture. This lack of explosive play reflects his ongoing physical recovery and suggests he has not yet regained the condition that made him a key scorer before the arrival of Donyell Malen. The absence of his trademark long-range left-footed shots has been particularly noticeable, with Soulé increasingly preferring to lay the ball off to teammates. Looking ahead, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will have considerable influence over whether Soulé remains central to Roma's plans. The club could consider offers exceeding 30 million euros, with interest reportedly coming from Bournemouth, Aston Villa, and Borussia Dortmund. Soulé has approximately four remaining matches this season to convince Gasperini of his value for the coming year.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is expecting to meet with Ryan Friedkin at Roma's training ground in the coming days to begin planning for the next season. The Friedkin family's aircraft landed at Rome's Ciampino airport on Friday afternoon. While Ryan has not yet been seen at the facility, his brother Corbin Friedkin was spotted at Trigoria. Corbin primarily manages Cannes, another club owned by the Friedkin Group, though he has participated in Roma meetings and strategic discussions over the years. Gasperini is keen to address the sporting director position, which is a priority topic for discussion. Current sporting director Massara is expected to leave at the end of the season, and the coach wants clarity on who will collaborate with him to strengthen the squad for the upcoming campaign. According to reports, the leading candidates to replace Massara are Manna and D'Amico, though Giuntoli is also under consideration as he is the only candidate among the three without an existing contract at another club. The meeting represents a crucial moment for Roma's planning as the club looks to build on recent progress and prepare for next season's objectives.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference ahead of Roma's Serie A clash against Fiorentina on 4 May 2026 (matchday 35). Gasperini confirmed that midfielder Koné and forward Paulo Dybala are both available for selection after recent injury absences. "Koné is recovered and Dybala had already recovered last week. This week went better. They are both available for tomorrow," Gasperini said. He also noted the significance of Corbin Friedkin's presence at the club's training facility, stating: "The presence of Corbin Friedkin is a signal that the ownership is beginning to move not only for what is the end of the season but also for the future." Roma sit fifth in the table and remain in contention for Champions League qualification with four matches remaining. Gasperini acknowledged the season remains alive and stressed the team's focus must remain on securing results, including an upcoming derby match. He addressed questions about Roma's transfer planning timeline, noting the club experienced an unexpected setback but expressing confidence in the ownership's ability to make sound decisions when the moment comes. Gasperini deferred detailed discussion about future plans until after the season concludes, stating supporters deserved clarity on the club's direction once the campaign ends.

Two analysts shared their views on Roma's prospects in a radio commentary segment. One analyst estimated a 70% probability that Paulo Dybala will remain at the club, while another expressed preference for signing players identified as Laurienté and Koleosho. The segment reflects ongoing speculation about Roma's squad composition and player retention as the transfer window develops. Dybala's future has been a recurring topic of discussion among Roma observers, with various outcomes being considered possible.

Zeki Celik's future at AS Roma remains unresolved despite interest from Juventus, Inter, and Premier League clubs. The Turkish right-back has not signed with any rival club and is willing to wait for a renewed contract offer from Roma, having made a commitment to head coach Gasperini, who values him highly. Gasperini is eager to meet Ryan Friedkin to plan the upcoming season, with contract renewals — including for Celik — a key priority. Celik is among several Roma players whose contracts expire in June, alongside Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and El Shaarawy. Roma is now reconsidering its valuation of the former Lille player after initial negotiations stalled. The club had quoted a salary of 4 million euros net, to which the Growth Decree tax benefits would apply. Though a substantial figure, Roma has resumed dialogue, recognizing that replacing Celik at comparable quality would cost considerably more on the transfer market. The player's commitment to his promise to Gasperini and Roma's willingness to continue negotiations suggest a renewal remains feasible, though details of any formal agreement have yet to be reached.

Matías Soulé is finding his way back to full sharpness following a lengthy injury layoff. The Argentine winger returned to action approximately one month ago after suffering a pubic bone injury that kept him sidelined for roughly two months. Since his return in Roma's 5–2 defeat to Inter on 5 April, Soulé has started every match but has managed only one shot on target across four games against Inter, Pisa, Atalanta, and Bologna. His goal drought extends back to 10 January against Sassuolo. The statistics paint a picture of diminished attacking threat. Of 12 dribble attempts over this period, Soulé succeeded in beating his man only four times, and he did not attempt a dribble in the Bologna fixture. This lack of explosive play reflects his ongoing physical recovery and suggests he has not yet regained the condition that made him a key scorer before the arrival of Donyell Malen. The absence of his trademark long-range left-footed shots has been particularly noticeable, with Soulé increasingly preferring to lay the ball off to teammates. Looking ahead, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will have considerable influence over whether Soulé remains central to Roma's plans. The club could consider offers exceeding 30 million euros, with interest reportedly coming from Bournemouth, Aston Villa, and Borussia Dortmund. Soulé has approximately four remaining matches this season to convince Gasperini of his value for the coming year.

Paulo Dybala will return to the Roma starting lineup for the first time in over three months when the club faces Fiorentina. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini plans to deploy Dybala and Matías Soulé in attack with Donyell Malen as the central striker—a attacking combination the coach believes offers Roma's best chance to pursue Champions League qualification, despite the pair occasionally creating congestion in midfield. Dybala's inclusion comes as Roma evaluates the terms of his contract renewal. The club requires financial and technical certainty before agreeing to an extension. The Argentine forward has indicated willingness to accept a reduced salary to remain at Roma, though the specifics of any reduction remain to be determined. His current deal is worth approximately 8 million euros annually and requires significant trimming. Soulé, Dybala's attacking partner, has also struggled to score recently due to a groin injury, and his compensation package similarly needs adjustment. Gasperini's decision reflects continued faith in Dybala despite the renewal discussions. The upcoming match against Fiorentina will provide a platform to assess whether the forward can deliver the consistency Roma requires to justify keeping him on revised terms and to strengthen the club's European ambitions.

AS Roma is preparing for a fresh start with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini set to hold a comprehensive meeting with the Friedkin Group this weekend. The discussion will address several pressing issues facing the club, including the appointment of a new sporting director to replace Massara, financial fair play constraints ahead of the 30 June deadline, and strategic priorities for the squad. Gasperini has identified key untouchable players—Svilar, Malen, and Wesley—whom he will not allow to leave, and has made clear that the club must not block certain potential departures. Gasperini's main priorities for Roma's rebuild centre on strengthening the midfield flanks and overhauling the attacking department, which requires significant reinforcement. The meeting will also determine the format and location of the club's upcoming training camp. In a lighter note, Gasperini was reportedly spotted at the barbershop of one of Roma's trusted stylists, potentially preparing a new look for the coming season. The summit represents a critical moment for Roma to establish direction and clarity after recent instability.