Roma demolish Fiorentina 4–0; Malen and Wesley earn widespread praise

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.

Donyell Malen has discussed his approach to professionalism, emphasizing the importance of discipline and a strict lifestyle. The forward has enjoyed a prominent role in Roma's second half of the season, and appears to credit his consistent regimen as central to his performance on the pitch. Malen stated: "Without discipline you don't go anywhere. I follow a rigorous lifestyle." His remarks highlight the mentality he has brought to the club, underscoring his commitment to maintaining the standards required to compete at the highest level.

Donyell Malen, Roma's Dutch forward, has opened up about his meticulous approach to fitness and nutrition as he pursues success at the World Cup. Speaking to Men's Health, Malen expressed his ambition to make an impact in the tournament following an unsuccessful debut against Japan, with a chance to redeem himself against Sweden. He stated: "I want to be important, score goals and try to win. I am charged up." Malen emphasized that professional discipline is essential alongside natural talent. He follows a rigorous daily routine centred on eight hours of sleep, a gluten-free diet (despite not being coeliac), abundant water intake, vitamins, and magnesium and electrolyte-based drinks. He explained: "Sometimes it's difficult to resist, but when I don't stick to it, I immediately notice the difference in sharpness on the pitch. I eat proteins and vitamins after a match, as little as possible before a match, but I eat things that give me energy. With gluten-free foods I feel faster, cleaner and lighter." Malen reflected on the 2010 World Cup final loss to Spain, noting that winning the trophy remained a distant dream then but now feels within reach. His commitment to recovery and nutrition reflects the demands of elite professional football.

Roma's sporting director D'Amico is pushing to complete several outgoings as the club reshapes its squad. A well-advanced negotiation is underway between left-back Angeliño and Spanish club Real Betis. Betis has also made enquiries about striker Artem Dovbyk, though that deal faces obstacles due to Roma's high asking price for the Ukrainian forward. Beyond Angeliño, Roma is exploring the departure of midfielder Matías Soulé, who has attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund, and several fringe players. Dovbyk remains a priority for exit, and D'Amico aims to use funds from these sales to bring in a new back-up forward to support Donyell Malen under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The club is also considering loan moves for other squad members within Serie A. According to journalist Gianluigi Longari of SportItalia, there has been recent and substantive contact with Betis over Angeliño, signalling the talks have progressed well. However, the structure of future business depends on clearing the existing squad first.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has ruled out Brazilian winger Dodo as a transfer target for Roma, despite recent speculation linking the Fiorentina player to the club. Gasperini's focus is elsewhere: he prioritizes offensive reinforcements, seeking at least two new attacking signings before addressing other positions, including the wing. Greenwood remains his primary target in attack. Dodo's exclusion from Roma's plans stems from two main factors. Fiorentina's elevated asking price for the Brazilian winger and Gasperini's own preference for alternative profiles have shifted the club's attention away. Among the alternatives now under consideration is Nahuel Molina of Atlético Madrid, whose profile appears to align more closely with the coach's vision for the position. As a result, Dodo is not expected to join Roma as a winger in the coming transfer window, barring unexpected developments. Wesley, Roma's current defender, will continue his partnership with new teammates, with the potential arrival of players like Molina signalling the club's strategic direction. Gasperini's emphasis on attack-first recruitment reflects his tactical priorities as Roma rebuild under the Friedkin Group's ownership.

Roma may field Brazilian full-backs on both flanks next season, with Wesley and Dodô potentially forming an all-Brazil wing pairing under coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The analysis focuses on Dodô's technical profile, highlighting his pace and one-on-one defensive and attacking capabilities that align with Gasperini's tactical demands. Such a setup would give Roma attacking width and dynamic ball-carriers on the flanks, reinforcing the coach's preference for explosive, direct play in wide areas.

Wesley is working towards his return to fitness after missing out on the World Cup. The Roma defender has expressed determination to come back stronger than before, moving past the disappointment of his late exclusion from the tournament. Wesley remains focused on his rehabilitation and is targeting a full recovery to rejoin the squad. His commitment to bouncing back underscores Roma's hopes of having him available for upcoming fixtures.

Niccolò Pisilli has given an interview to Idealista in collaboration with AS Roma, discussing his ambitions with the club. The midfielder expressed his desire to achieve increasingly ambitious objectives while wearing the Giallorossi shirt. Pisilli remains a key part of Roma's midfield plans under the club's current sporting structure. His commitment to the project reflects the squad's forward-looking mentality as the club continues building for sustained success in Serie A and European competitions.

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.