Roma thrash Fiorentina 4-0 in dominant display

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.

Julio Sergio, former Roma goalkeeper, praised teammate Wesley in a radio interview, stating that the Brazilian defender's impact has been impressive but not entirely unexpected. Sergio noted Wesley's physical qualities and work ethic, explaining: "Sapevo che Wesley aveva gamba e voglia: mette sempre il cuore e l'anima in campo" (I knew Wesley had pace and desire: he always puts his heart and soul on the pitch). He credited head coach Gian Piero Gasperini with intelligently shifting Wesley's position to suit tactical needs, drawing parallels to how Gianluca Mancini and other players adapted when arriving in Italy. Regarding Wesley's rumoured interest from top clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City, Sergio suggested another season consolidating at Roma under Gasperini's guidance could be valuable, though he acknowledged the difficulty of refusing offers from world-class institutions. Sergio also assessed goalkeeper Mile Svilar's recent performances, praising his reflexes and physicality. He noted that Svilar has earned strong fan support through on-pitch performances and provides defensive security, though he identified areas for growth: "Può migliorare con i piedi o nelle uscite alte" (He can improve with his feet or in high exits). Sergio highlighted the environment at Trigoria training ground ahead of Roma's return to Champions League, describing it as optimal with strong expectations despite acknowledging the difficulty of competing against established European sides.

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.

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.

Roma's incoming sporting director Tony D'Amico will need to reinforce the defence alongside the planned attacking overhaul, with the club facing potential squad gaps depending on Ndicka's future. Although the attack is the primary focus—built around Malen and Dybala with Pellegrini in support—the defence will require significant investment. The backline was Roma's strongest asset under Gasperini's management this season, forming the foundation for Champions League qualification, but numerical reinforcement is essential. With Kumbulla set to return, Ziolkowski departing for game time, and Ndicka's status uncertain due to Financial Fair Play concerns, Roma would be left with only four senior centre-backs (Hermoso, Mancini, Ghilardi, and possibly Ndicka) for a demanding season requiring at least two players per position. That would leave two additional defenders short. Several targets have been identified. Oosterwolde is viewed as a promising profile but carries a price tag of €20–25 million, becoming viable mainly if Ndicka departs. Bologna's Lucumì, available on an expiring contract, is another option at roughly €20 million—far lower than Bologna's initial €28 million demand. Solet represents an ideal profile but costs at least €25 million and Inter are already advanced in negotiations. Muharemovic is ready to leave Sassuolo, though domestic competition is driving up his price. Gasperini has been clear that Roma needs experienced, quality defenders—both a high-level starter and a reliable backup.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has signalled to AS Roma's leadership that he wants to keep the club's defensive core intact for the coming season. The four pillars of the backline—goalkeeper Mile Svilar, defenders Gianluca Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso—are central to Gasperini's plans as he aims to build on Roma's recent stability. Svilar is regarded as an exceptional goalkeeper whom the club cannot afford to lose. Hermoso's annual renewal clause was exercised in May, while Mancini has been secured by Gasperini and awaits a contract extension with no doubts surrounding his future. Ndicka, the final member of the quartet, has been subject to months of speculation about a potential departure, but losing a centre-back of his quality does not appeal to Gasperini. Gasperini's emphasis on defensive continuity reflects the improvements made during his tenure. Roma's defence conceded only 31 goals in the recently concluded Serie A campaign, the second-best record in the division. After an initial period of adaptation, the coach established stability at the back. By retaining this defensive foundation, Gasperini intends to push Roma even higher in the league standings. The club faces the challenge of balancing Gasperini's clear wishes to maintain squad cohesion while managing various contract situations and transfer rumours affecting the group.

Roma have appointed Tony D'Amico as their new sporting director following the departure of Frederic Massara, who left amid a dispute with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. D'Amico and Gasperini previously worked together at Atalanta. The club has already secured Donyell Malen on a permanent deal and extended Mario Hermoso's contract as part of their summer activity. With Financial Fair Play obligations to meet, Roma's primary focus will be strengthening their attacking options. Mason Greenwood of Olympique Marseille is a key target, though his fee could reach approximately €50 million. Greenwood has scored 48 goals and provided 17 assists in 81 appearances for Marseille. Roma are also monitoring RB Leipzig's Antonio Nusa and West Ham's Crysencio Summerville, though no concrete moves have been made for either. The club does not view acquiring another centre-forward as a pressing priority. Matías Soulé may be sold to a Premier League club as part of Roma's financial planning, while the club will consider offers for midfielder Manu Koné and defender Evan N'Dicka. Losing Soulé could be offset by landing a marquee forward, though Roma's willingness to spend heavily on a single player remains unclear.