Wesley delivers top-player season: already more goals than Cafú and Maicon

Roma's recruitment team is actively exploring options in Germany's Bundesliga as the club prepares for the summer transfer window. Director Frederic Massara's position remains uncertain following recent managerial changes, but scouting work continues regardless of potential front-office restructuring. Roma scouts were recently spotted at Bayer Leverkusen watching their clash with RB Leipzig, signalling serious interest in monitoring German talent. The club is highly interested in Bayer Leverkusen winger Antonio Nusa, though competition for his signature is intense and his asking price is substantial. Nusa has recorded 5 goals and 4 assists in 33 appearances this season and recently helped Norway eliminate Italy from 2026 World Cup qualifying. Head coach Gasperini has identified a need for pace in attacking areas after previous attempts to strengthen failed this term. Beyond Nusa, Roma are monitoring RB Leipzig midfielder Xaver Schlager, who could potentially leave as a free agent, and Fenerbahce defender Jayden Oosterwolde, who can operate across the back line and left flank. Addressing attacking depth appears to be Roma's priority for the forthcoming window, with recruitment staff seeking a dynamic winger capable of significantly improving the club's offensive output.

Roma will return to training at Trigoria on Thursday afternoon in preparation for Sunday's Serie A match against Parma, which kicks off at 18:00. The decision to resume work immediately follows a dominant 4–0 victory over Fiorentina that has kept Roma's Champions League ambitions alive. With three matches remaining in the season, Roma sit just one point behind the Champions League qualification places, facing upcoming fixtures against Parma, a derby against Lazio, and Verona away on the final day. Head coach Gasperini has emphasized the need for sustained concentration during this crucial run-in, stating in his post-match comments: "Not anymore can you make mistakes." The tight schedule leaves no room for extended recovery, and the manager is determined to maintain momentum as Roma chase European football next season. Artem Dovbyk, who will be monitored during the week, is expected to rejoin group training as Roma prepare to face Parma in what Gasperini views as a pivotal match in the title race.

Gianluca Mancini addressed the media ahead of Roma's Serie A match against Fiorentina on matchday 35, discussing the team's cohesion during a challenging period. The defender emphasized that the squad has remained unified and expressed gratitude toward former manager Ranieri for his contributions. Mancini's comments reflect Roma's efforts to maintain morale and focus as the season progresses. The exact timing of Ranieri's departure and the specific context of his role remain unclear from the available information.

Italian radio commentators across Rome's major stations have offered their assessments of Roma's Serie A title race and European qualification prospects. The discussion was prompted by head coach Gasperini's recent conference remarks, with broadcaster Francesca Ferrazza noting his forceful tone: he arrived and spoke candidly about the sixth-place group before delivering a stark ultimatum. Ferrazza described his demeanor as direct and unambiguous. Lorenzo Pes highlighted Roma's current confidence and cohesion as a differentiator against rivals. He noted the substantial impact of midfielder Wesley on the squad's performance and the recent return to fitness of other key players, observing that Roma now resembles the team of established starters. Pes assessed the Milan's position in the Champions League race as notably weaker than Roma's, though he acknowledged Juventus poses threats. Niccolò Pisilli drew particular praise from Piero Torri, who described the midfielder as experiencing exponential growth and performing both defensive and box-to-box duties with minimal errors. Torri emphasized the importance of retaining Konè, whose absence had weakened Roma's defensive and attacking phases. Marco Valerio Rossomando acknowledged that both Gasperini and sporting director Massara have made correct and incorrect decisions during the transfer window, noting the lengthy pursuit of Sancho consumed significant time. Roberto Pruzzo, a Roma legend, referenced Gasperini's history of conflicts with sporting directors at Genoa and Bergamo, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue between coach and director.

Roma defeated Fiorentina 4–0 at the Olimpico, with performances from Donyell Malen and Wesley drawing particular acclaim from Italian press outlets. Malen was highlighted as operating on another level despite not scoring, while Wesley earned sustained praise for his all-around contribution. The victory moved Roma to within one point of Juventus in fourth place and three points behind AC Milan, keeping their Champions League qualification hopes alive as rivals struggled in their fixtures. The win marks Roma's entry into what has become recognized as the typical "Gasperini period," when the coach's teams elevate their performance, particularly when competing sides are fatiguing late in the season. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini received ratings ranging from 7 to 8 across major Italian newspapers. The squad rotated several players during the match, with Nicolò Pisilli, Gianluca Mancini, and Matías Soulé among those withdrawn as the fixture progressed. Ratings across La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Il Tempo, Corriere della Sera, and Leggo reflected the dominant display. Malen and Wesley featured prominently in performance assessments, with Malen earning marks of 7.5–8 and Wesley receiving 7–8 across publications. The result represents a significant step forward in Roma's pursuit of European football for the coming season.

Wesley has established himself as a key performer for Roma following the club's victory over Fiorentina, demonstrating remarkable adaptation after switching from right wing to left wing. The 22-year-old Brazilian arrived for €25 million amid fan skepticism but has quickly justified the investment. With injuries to Angelino and inconsistency from Tsimikas, Gasperini deployed Wesley on the left, and the winger responded with a dominant display. Despite playing less than a full season in Serie A, Wesley has already scored five goals—surpassing the four goals each recorded by fellow Brazilians Cafu and Maicon during their opening campaigns at Roma. Only Amantino Mancini exceeded this return with eight goals in his first league season. The performance underscores Roma's renewed optimism in their pursuit of a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. Roma now targets positions currently held by Juventus and AC Milan. Wesley's versatility and goal-scoring ability from the flank represent a significant asset as the club pushes toward the season's climax. The winger's success demonstrates that Roma's recruitment strategy—sourcing talent from Brazil's top domestic league—continues to yield dividends, reversing the mixed record of previous Brazilian signings at the club.