Hermoso receives eighth disciplinary sanction; Mancini at risk for derby clash

AS Roma is preparing for significant summer changes, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini actively working to secure contract extensions for defenders Celik and El Shaarawy, both out of contract in June. Gasperini wants both players available at least for the bench in the coming season. The club is simultaneously searching for a new sporting director to replace Ricky Massara, whose future remains uncertain. The Friedkin Group's primary target is Giovanni Manna, currently at Napoli, though president Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly reluctant to release him. Tony D'Amico, a former collaborator with Gasperini at Atalanta, remains an alternative option if negotiations with Napoli prove too difficult. These developments come after Roma's 3–0 victory over Fiorentina, which moved the club to within one point of Juventus and kept Champions League qualification hopes alive. The renewal discussions also extend to Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini. Roma has been monitoring midfielder Issa Doumbia of Venezia, who recorded 9 goals and 6 assists in 37 Serie B matches. Details remain unclear regarding specific timelines for the sporting director appointment.

Roma are being linked with a move for Doumbia in the transfer market, while details of Koné's release clause have emerged. Manna is reportedly among the candidates under consideration for the Giallorossi. Separately, a derby match is scheduled for a midday kick-off, with Simonelli involved in the defensive setup. Details of the specific transfer targets, clause amounts, and the exact nature of Manna's role remain unclear from the available information.

AS Roma is tracking Ismael Koné, a Canadian midfielder at Sassuolo, as a potential summer signing — particularly if the club proceeds with the sale of Manuel. The 22-year-old has contributed 6 goals in 32 Serie A appearances this season and is noted for his attacking capabilities. His contract includes a release clause valued at €35 million, which can be activated by other clubs from the end of the current season until 31 July. Roma is not alone in its interest. AC Milan has been monitoring Koné for several months and represents significant competition for the Giallorossi. The former Watford player has attracted attention from multiple European clubs, making a deal challenging for Roma. The club had been considering selling Manuel—a current squad member—for a reported fee of approximately €45–50 million, which would free resources for a midfield reinforcement. Koné's release clause structure means any interested club can trigger his exit without Sassuolo's consent, provided the activation occurs within the specified summer window. This mechanism could accelerate the transfer process but also increases the likelihood that rival suitors will move decisively.

Roma delivered a commanding performance at Stadio Olimpico, defeating Fiorentina 4-0. The victory showcased a dominant display from the Giallorossi, with Hermoso earning standout praise from Italian newspapers for his defensive contributions, while midfielder Niccolò Pisilli was noted as influential across all areas of the pitch. The comprehensive win underlines Roma's attacking prowess and solid structure under current management, with multiple players earning positive marks from the press. The 4-0 scoreline represents a thorough dismantling of their opponents.

Roma delivered a dominant performance against Fiorentina, winning 4–0 with goals from Gianluca Mancini, Wesley, Hermoso, and Niccolò Pisilli. Fiorentina, who had won their previous seven matches, were effectively defeated in the opening quarter-hour. The emphatic victory demonstrates Roma's swift adaptation to Gasperini's tactical principles. Donyell Malen twice struck the crossbar in what would have extended the margin further. Roma now sit fifth in Serie A, three points behind AC Milan and one point behind Juventus in the Champions League chase. The performance highlighted the collective nature of the team's attacking play, with goals arriving from both centre-backs, a fullback, and a midfielder—a stark contrast to Milan's loss of playing identity and Juventus's inability to consistently execute Spalletti's ideas. Roma's trajectory suggests they remain competitive in the fight for a top-four finish and possess momentum to continue their assault on the Champions League qualification places. Fiorentina offered minimal threat in an otherwise one-sided affair. The visitors managed only defensive clearances and loose crosses without creating meaningful scoring opportunities. Roma's dominant display underscores the tactical cohesion Gasperini has instilled since his appointment.

Hermoso spoke to the media ahead of Roma's Serie A match against Fiorentina in round 35. The defender expressed his satisfaction with the team's style of play, stating: "This Roma is beautiful to watch. I like helping the team." Hermoso's comments reflect confidence in Roma's current form and approach under their tactical setup. The defender's remarks suggest positive morale within the squad as they prepare for the fixture.

AS Roma is preparing for significant summer changes, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini actively working to secure contract extensions for defenders Celik and El Shaarawy, both out of contract in June. Gasperini wants both players available at least for the bench in the coming season. The club is simultaneously searching for a new sporting director to replace Ricky Massara, whose future remains uncertain. The Friedkin Group's primary target is Giovanni Manna, currently at Napoli, though president Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly reluctant to release him. Tony D'Amico, a former collaborator with Gasperini at Atalanta, remains an alternative option if negotiations with Napoli prove too difficult. These developments come after Roma's 3–0 victory over Fiorentina, which moved the club to within one point of Juventus and kept Champions League qualification hopes alive. The renewal discussions also extend to Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini. Roma has been monitoring midfielder Issa Doumbia of Venezia, who recorded 9 goals and 6 assists in 37 Serie B matches. Details remain unclear regarding specific timelines for the sporting director appointment.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is actively working to secure contract extensions for defender Celik and winger El Shaarawy, viewing both as important members of Roma's core squad. While Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini's futures at the club appear more settled, Celik and El Shaarawy's situations were previously uncertain. Gasperini has made clear his intention to retain both players, valuing their technical ability and character within the group. Gasperini has emphasized his commitment to building around a reliable, competitive nucleus already invested in the project. Speaking at a recent press conference, he expressed frustration at external doubts about the squad's potential, stating: "Me it bothers that there are those who think this is a group for fifth-sixth place and that it cannot go beyond. If these players had had support and more reinforcements, with someone stronger alongside them, maybe they would have reached higher goals." He further stressed the group's qualities: "This is a very strong group, with a solid base. They always put their face on the line and always play, they never give up. They are always present and, when they lose, they take it badly: not everyone is like that. These are values to strengthen, not to dismantle to take who knows who." Gasperini's push for renewals reflects his desire to maintain continuity while seeking additional quality additions to the squad in future transfer windows.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media after Roma's victory over Fiorentina, emphasizing that the team cannot afford further mistakes in their pursuit of a Champions League place. With three matches remaining in the season, Gasperini stressed the importance of the current moment over planning for next year. He said: "This will be a matter for later, really. Right now there are three matches and we know we have no margin for error. We have to do our best and hope that maybe someone else fails to do the same." Gasperini highlighted Roma's improved attacking play during the second half of the season, noting that scoring four goals in a match is noteworthy in a league that has been low-scoring. He credited the team's character and technical quality, describing the squad as "very strong" both morally and tactically. The coach acknowledged that several key attacking players—including Dybala, Soulé, El Shaarawy, Dovbyk, and Ferguson—have been sidelined for extended periods, yet the team maintained high morale throughout. Gasperini praised the players as "truly commendable" regardless of how the season unfolds. Regarding potential squad changes for next season, Gasperini deflected discussion, stating: "I am focused on the present; there will be the right moment to talk about the future." He expressed satisfaction with Roma's recent defensive solidity and Pisilli's contributions, noting the team has recovered key personnel and is approaching the form they displayed in the opening months of the campaign.

Gianluca Mancini scored in Roma's match against Fiorentina on May 4th, opening the scoring in the first half before being substituted in the 72nd minute. Once on the bench, Mancini was filmed enthusiastically singing along to a Curva Sud chant set to the tune of "Lella", a well-known song by Lando Fiorini. The video quickly circulated on social media, sparking divided reactions from the Roma fanbase. Supporters were split in their assessment of Mancini's behaviour. Some praised his passion and connection to the club, with comments describing him as an "ideal Roma romanista" showing team allegiance. Others criticized the moment, questioning whether he should focus on defending rather than fan engagement, with some sarcastically suggesting this is how players earn contract renewals at Roma. Mancini is currently at the centre of contract renewal discussions, with opinion split between those who view him as a pillar of the squad and those who consider him emblematic of Roma's recent difficulties and failures.

Donyell Malen has made an outstanding impact at AS Roma since his mid-season arrival, establishing himself as one of Serie A's most prolific attackers. In 15 league matches, the Dutch forward has scored 11 goals, placing him fifth in the Serie A scoring chart behind Lautaro Martinez, Thuram, Nico Paz, and Douvikas. Beyond goal tally, Malen stands out for his efficiency: according to Sofascore data, he leads the entire league with 1.60 on-target shots per match, ahead of Nico Paz (1.41), Lautaro Martinez (1.33), and Alisson Santos (1.18). Malen's quick execution, positioning, and shot-taking ability have impressed Roma's squad. Defender Gianluca Mancini spoke of his impact in a recent press conference, noting: "In training it's even worse. The speed of his control and his shooting is very important for us. Since he arrived he's brought a lot to the team and the group." His clinical finishing is equally striking: Malen needs just 2.18 shots on target per goal—an exceptionally high conversion rate that demonstrates his decisiveness since joining the club. Roma hope these performances will help sustain their push for a Champions League finish.

Gianluca Mancini has reached a historic milestone in AS Roma's defensive records, moving past Aldair into second place among the club's all-time defenders. The achievement underscores Mancini's significance to Roma's squad and his lasting impact on the club's legacy. His ascent through Roma's defensive hierarchy reflects both his consistency and importance to recent team strategy.