Roma prepare for Fiorentina clash; Koné returns, Dybala favored over Pisilli

Roma is focusing on strengthening the right flank, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini pushing for the signing of Zappacosta. The club is looking to add a familiar and trusted face to that position. Details about Zappacosta's current club, fee, or timeline remain unclear from the available information.

Roma faces a critical deadline of 30 June to meet UEFA Financial Fair Play requirements by generating approximately 50 million euros in player sales. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has prioritized signing Mason Greenwood from Olympique Marseille, but the transfer hinges on Roma completing several player departures first. So far, only Sangaré, Saud, and Baldanzi have left the club—insufficient to meet financial obligations. Marseille also faces severe financial pressure, with a 10 million euro UEFA fine and potential three-year exclusion from European competition, forcing them to sell players by the same deadline. Matías Soulé represents Roma's primary exit strategy, with interest from Borussia Dortmund reportedly concrete but no official offer yet submitted. Director Tony D'Amico is considering secondary sales of players including Angelino, Alessandro Romano, Luigi Cherubini, and potentially Manu Koné to accumulate the required funds. Gasperini reportedly prefers retaining Koné and selling Soulé instead. The financial mechanics allow Roma to spread Greenwood's reported 45 million euro fee across installments and amortization, with only an initial tranche due immediately. Details remain unclear on whether Roma will secure all necessary sales by 30 June. Alternative scenarios include loan-with-obligation-to-buy structures or completing Greenwood's transfer after the deadline at a potentially higher fee of 60 million euros, which carries greater risk of competing bids from other clubs.

AS Roma's women's team is actively negotiating to sign two players from rivals SS Lazio: Piemonte and Oliviero. The moves are part of a broader squad overhaul as Roma's female side reshapes its roster during the transfer window. Details of the negotiations, including timelines and proposed terms, remain unclear. The pursuit of Lazio players underscores Roma's ambition to strengthen their women's squad and compete more effectively in domestic competition.

AS Roma right-back Celik is on the verge of signing a contract extension through 2029, with negotiations between the club's director and his representative progressing steadily. An agreement is expected in the coming days, though minor financial differences remain to be resolved. Celik, currently on international duty, is set to earn just under 3 million euros per season under the new terms. Director D'Amico is simultaneously managing renewals for two other key players: Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala. Pellegrini's extension is described as a matter of days away, with talks intensifying and a two-year deal reportedly ready for signature. Dybala awaits Roma's response to a counter-proposal he submitted earlier. Head coach Gasperini requested the retention of his trusted players before the club shifts focus to summer transfer targets in July. Roma's primary transfer objective remains Mason Greenwood, though Marseille continues to block a move and is seeking approximately 50 million euros plus bonuses. The resolution of these renewal negotiations is expected to clear the way for the club's incoming recruitment strategy.

Radio commentators and former players across Rome's radio stations have shared their views on Roma's transfer strategy and title prospects. Piero Torri suggested that Paulo Dybala would likely start in Champions League quarter-finals ahead of Summerville, and cautioned against promising playing time to new signings. He noted that Gasperini is an uncompromising figure—players must earn their place—and indicated the club has a general agreement with Greenwood pending Marseille's need to sell before June 30. Without competing interest in Greenwood, Roma could negotiate the price down. However, veteran commentators expressed skepticism about the club's ambitions. Nando Orsi argued that Roma lacks the depth of Inter and Napoli at squad level, highlighting that Inter possesses Lautaro, Bonny, Thuram, and Esposito, while Roma has limited attacking alternatives if Donyell Malen is unavailable. He suggested the club must expand its quality across 3–4 more starting positions rather than relying on 13–14 players. Roberto Pruzzo was direct in his assessment: "Greenwood and Summerville do not seem like profiles capable of raising the level to compete for the championship. If Roma wants to try to win the league, it must bring in 3–4 starting players while maintaining its core group." The commentary reflects broader concern that current transfer targets may be insufficient for a genuine title push.

Gian Piero Gasperini will be the oldest head coach in Serie A next season as the league's average coaching age drops to 49.2 years—down from 51.7 four years earlier. Several clubs have appointed younger or less established managers, including Aquilani (Sassuolo), Abate (Torino), Tedesco (Bologna), and Rubén Amorim (Milan). Roma has chosen to maintain continuity with Gasperini, who left Atalanta Bergamo convinced he can achieve significant success at the capital club. Gasperini has declared he will give himself three years to accomplish something major at Roma and believes the club can compete for the title with proper investment. His appointment represents a contrasting strategy in a league increasingly turning to younger, less proven coaches. The signing of new sporting director D'Amico reunites a partnership that achieved excellent results at Bergamo. D'Amico will have until 30 June to manage player sales required by financial fair play regulations and negotiate contract renewals for Paulo Dybala, Çetin Çelik, and Lorenzo Pellegrini—all strongly requested by Gasperini. Following that deadline, the focus will shift to inbound transfers, with the goal of building a squad matching Gasperini's ambitions and hunger for results.

Niccolò Pisilli has firmly rejected the possibility of leaving AS Roma, despite ongoing transfer speculation. The 61-shirted midfielder formalized a contract renewal in February 2025 and has no intention of departing the capital. Though his academy pedigree makes him an attractive financial asset in light of UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations, Pisilli has made a deliberate choice to remain at the club after receiving regular playing time under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini in the second half of last season. The coming season, which begins with pre-season training at Trigoria on 13 July, represents a critical moment for Pisilli's development at Roma. The midfielder aims to achieve definitive breakthrough status while continuing his progression in the giallorossi shirt. His commitment reflects broader Roma strategy, as the club balances commercial opportunities from youth-developed talent with retention of promising homegrown players. Pisilli is currently on holiday in the United States following matches for Italy against Luxembourg and Greece.

Niccolò Pisilli remains at the centre of Roma's midfield plans despite growing transfer interest from Serie A side Como and English club Nottingham Forest. The 20-year-old midfielder has earned Gian Piero Gasperini's trust after a slow start to the season, eventually becoming a regular fixture in midfield and playing in multiple roles. Both Como and Nottingham Forest have made enquiries about his availability, with Como reportedly needing Italian players for their UEFA squad list. However, Roma have no intention of selling, viewing Pisilli as a cornerstone of the team for the coming season. Pisilli's status contrasts sharply with Matías Soulé, who could depart to preserve Roma's ability to retain other targets. The midfielder has expressed enthusiasm for competing in the Champions League under Gasperini, stating: "A great emotion to go to the Champions League. I have always followed Gasperini." After narrowly avoiding a departure last January, Pisilli has now firmly established himself as one of the club's most important young talents, with the coach confident in his role within Roma's future plans.

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.