Gasperini names squad for Roma-Fiorentina; Koné returns, Zaragoza sidelined

Fabio Paratici, Fiorentina's sporting director, has indicated the club will not block Dodô's exit if the right offer arrives. Speaking to Sky Sport, Paratici acknowledged the player's ambitions while suggesting Fiorentina will evaluate what is best for both parties. Dodô is a target for AS Roma to strengthen their right flank, and his current contract with Fiorentina runs until 30 June 2027. Roma are actively pursuing reinforcements on the flanks under new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Wesley will remain on the left side, but the club seeks an established starter for the opposite flank. Dodô fits that profile and is unlikely to renew with Fiorentina, making a summer move plausible. However, Roma must complete player sales by the end of June to meet their settlement agreement obligations before formally pursuing new signings. Paratici stated: "He has legitimate ambitions. If there are requests? I won't go into specifics, but in any case, as I said, he has legitimate ambitions, just as Fiorentina does. We will evaluate what is best for both." No official offers have been tabled yet, though Roma's interest is clear as they reshape their squad for the new season.

Several Italian radio commentators debated Roma's transfer strategy and the pursuit of Mason Greenwood. Roberto Pruzzo, speaking on Radio Radio, offered a contrarian view on Greenwood's future, suggesting that Marseille should retain the forward rather than sell. Pruzzo noted: "According to me Marseille would do well to keep Greenwood. I do not rule out that Marseille, which will not play Champions League, could accept staying out of the cups for a year and not dismantle the squad, with the prospect of still being competitive, because the French league is made of teams that aim more at the transfer market in terms of sales. It is necessary to hope that the player has a say: if he decides to leave, then a solution is found." Matteo De Santis pointed out that both Roma and Marseille must sell players, but suggested Roma could leverage UEFA flexibility if they complete a big sale in early July. Meanwhile, Nando Orsi took a contrarian stance, arguing that Matías Soulé is a strong player suited to Gasperini's system and suggested spending the €50 million on Greenwood elsewhere. Orsi stated: "I would keep him [Soulé], and I would spend the 50 million of Greenwood elsewhere. Now Gasperini commands and he wants Greenwood, but these are the crazy Italian expenses where you insert a player at crazy expenses when you have at home a player that I don't say is equal but you have the certainty of knowing him." The discussion reflects ongoing debate within Roma's fanbase about the club's ambitious transfer plans under new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

Bryan Cristante appears set to extend his contract with AS Roma, keeping the midfielder at the club. However, the transfer market may yet bring unexpected developments in the coming weeks. Roma's midfield anchor looks positioned to continue his stay in the Giallorossi colours, though the club remains active in the market and could pursue further squad adjustments if opportunities arise.

Bryan Cristante appears set to extend his contract with AS Roma, keeping the midfielder at the club. However, the transfer market may yet bring unexpected developments in the coming weeks. Roma's midfield anchor looks positioned to continue his stay in the Giallorossi colours, though the club remains active in the market and could pursue further squad adjustments if opportunities arise.

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.

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.

Fiorentina are monitoring AS Roma's midfield options as potential reinforcements, with sporting director Paratici reportedly traveling to New York to watch a player in action during a match against Brazil. The move suggests the Tuscan club is actively scouting Roma's squad to strengthen their own central midfield. Details of which specific Roma player is the focus remain unclear from the available information. This represents another instance of Serie A clubs circling Roma's talent pool during the transfer window.

Younès El Aynaoui, a former tennis player and father of Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, gave an interview to FIFA's official channels. He spoke about his son's personality, describing him as someone who may appear shy on the surface but possesses a strong character and shows no fear. The comments offer insight into the mindset of the Roma player as he develops his career at the club. Details remain unclear regarding the full context and scope of the interview.

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.