Roma vs Fiorentina: Gasperini's starting lineup confirmed

Manu Koné, AS Roma's midfielder, remained unused on the bench throughout France's 3–1 victory over Senegal in a World Cup 2026 qualifier. Coach Deschamps opted to start Tchouaméni and Rabiot in midfield, making only attacking substitutions in the second half with Barcola and Cherki entering the pitch. France secured the win through a double from Mbappé and a goal from Barcola following his introduction, while Senegal's Mbaye scored a late consolation. Koné's absence marks a delayed debut for the Roma player at the tournament. He may see increased playing time in France's upcoming fixture against Iraq on Monday, June 22. The midfielder's potential involvement in future matches remains to be clarified as France progresses through their World Cup campaign.

Cape Verde secured their first-ever point in a World Cup after drawing 0-0 with Spain in a surprising result. Spain, featuring Yamal, created numerous chances but failed to break down the Cape Verdean defence, leaving the European side needing to recover quickly in their next match to avoid elimination from the tournament. The result marks an unusual upset in the current World Cup edition, which has already delivered several surprises. Spain's manager De La Fuente will need to regroup his squad after the disappointing stalemate. The pressure now intensifies on Spain to secure three points in their upcoming fixture, as failing to do so could result in their shock exit from the competition. Meanwhile, Roma midfielder Wesley has been pictured enjoying downtime at the seaside in Ponza following his World Cup disappointment, taking a boat trip to unwind during the tournament break.

Donyell Malen featured in the Netherlands' opening World Cup match against Japan, which ended in a disappointing draw. Dutch supporters on social media were split in their assessment of the Roma forward's performance and coach Ronald Koeman's management of the game. Many fans criticized Koeman's substitution of Malen, arguing that removing him removed a key outlet for counterattacking play. One supporter wrote: "Leave him alone, damn it. He's quick on the counter. It's a terrible substitution. Depay no longer has that spark. I really don't understand." Others echoed similar frustration, with fans noting that replacing Malen, Summerville, and Gakpo with players lacking defensive depth was a strategic error. However, not all criticism was directed at Koeman. Some Dutch supporters pointed to Malen's individual play as a problem, arguing he was too focused on creating chances alone rather than playing within the team structure. One fan commented: "I hope Malen remembers he plays in a team." Others suggested starting the match with Malen as a substitute rather than in the XI, or questioned his overall approach to play as too individualistic. Despite the mixed reception, Malen remains a key part of the Dutch attacking options. The Netherlands face Sweden in their next World Cup match on June 20, a fixture that will be vital for progression in the tournament.

An analysis of AS Roma's 2025–26 season examines the underlying numbers and performances that shaped the club's campaign beyond the headline achievement of securing third place and Champions League qualification. The piece focuses on individual contributions from key players including Gianluca Mancini, Bryan Cristante, and Artem Dovbyk, exploring statistical insights that reveal the full picture of Roma's season. While Roma achieved a strong final league position, the deeper metrics highlight both standout individual performances and areas of note across the campaign. The analysis provides context for understanding how specific players and tactical elements influenced the overall outcome.

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 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.