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

Morocco's national team, featuring AS Roma midfielder El Aynaoui in the starting XI, faces Scotland in a World Cup Group C match at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. El Aynaoui earned his second tournament start after Morocco drew 1–1 with Brazil in their opening game. Playing alongside him in the midfield is Bouaddi, who has drawn Roma's interest as a potential replacement should midfielder Koné depart the club. Roma defender Salah-Eddine remained on the bench. A victory would allow Scotland to secure passage to the round of 16, while Morocco aims to build on their strong performance against Brazil. With a win, Morocco could temporarily move to the top of Group C ahead of Brazil's later fixture against Haiti. The match holds added significance for Roma's transfer strategy, as the club continues monitoring Bouaddi's availability at his current club amid potential midfield reshuffling.

Niccolò Pisilli, a midfielder currently at AS Roma, has emerged as a transfer target for Inter. The Roma academy graduate has attracted attention from the Serie A champions as they look to strengthen their midfield options. Pisilli remains a key part of Roma's squad and any move would depend on the club's willingness to sell. The 22-year-old has developed through Roma's youth system and represents one of the Giallorossi's homegrown talents. Inter's interest underscores the midfielder's growing reputation in Italian football.

Niccolò Pisilli has become the latest AS Roma player to attract interest from Inter Milan during the current transfer window. The 20-year-old midfielder is reportedly being considered by the Nerazzurri as a potential alternative should their pursuit of Liverpool's Jones falter. According to reports, Pisilli would serve as a backup option to fill the midfield void left by Frattesi's expected departure from Inter. Pisilli represents the fifth Roma player linked with Inter in recent weeks, following Svilar, Mancini, Ndicka, and Koné. The academy product enjoyed a strong second half of the 2024–25 season and has repeatedly expressed his commitment to Roma. Despite Inter's apparent interest, a transfer appears unlikely given his recent performances and consistent declarations of affection for the club. Roma would face significant reluctance in parting with a young prospect who has developed into a key squad member. Details remain unclear regarding the concrete nature of Inter's approach or any formal bid. Gasperini's arrival as Roma's new head coach may also influence the midfielder's future at the club.

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.

El Shaarawy, a Roma player, recently held his bachelor party celebration. The event was marked by smiles and an affectionate gesture toward AS Roma, described as a final 'kiss' to the club. Details of the specific nature of this gesture and the broader context remain unclear from the available information.

AS Roma is advancing contract renewal talks with three key players—Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Zeki Celik—all whose current deals expire on 30 June. The arrivals of new sporting director Tony D'Amico, who officially begins work on 1 July, is accelerating negotiations. For Dybala and Celik, agreement appears imminent, with Celik expected to receive a salary increase to approximately 3 million euros annually. Pellegrini's renewal is also progressing smoothly, aided by positive relations between his agent and the newly appointed sporting director. All three players have expressed their intention to remain at Roma, and the club's position is equally clear. However, the final formalities—putting pen to paper—remain outstanding. This comes after Stephan El Shaarawy's departure as a free agent, leaving these three renewals as a priority for the Friedkin Group's hierarchy ahead of the summer transfer window. The timing of D'Amico's appointment is proving instrumental in streamlining these negotiations and resolving the contractual impasse that had lingered heading into the final days of June.

Venezia has submitted an official proposal to Stephan El Shaarawy, who recently departed AS Roma. The newly promoted club, represented by sporting director Filippo Antonelli, has made a formal offer to the Egyptian winger, who is taking time to consider his options. El Shaarawy scored the decisive goal that secured Roma's Champions League qualification before leaving the club. El Shaarawy is weighing multiple offers beyond Venezia's approach. Fiorentina, Palermo, and Genoa have also tabled proposals. Genoa holds particular appeal as the club where El Shaarawy developed as a player and where he would reunite with Daniele De Rossi, his former Roma manager and teammate. The 32-year-old is approaching the final chapter of his career and is prioritizing the right fit for his next move. Following his departure from Roma, El Shaarawy spent several weeks on holiday with his wife, visiting the United States, Mauritius, and French Polynesia before returning to Rome. He is expected to announce his decision within the coming days.

Niccolò Pisilli has become the latest AS Roma player to attract interest from Inter Milan during the current transfer window. The 20-year-old midfielder is reportedly being considered by the Nerazzurri as a potential alternative should their pursuit of Liverpool's Jones falter. According to reports, Pisilli would serve as a backup option to fill the midfield void left by Frattesi's expected departure from Inter. Pisilli represents the fifth Roma player linked with Inter in recent weeks, following Svilar, Mancini, Ndicka, and Koné. The academy product enjoyed a strong second half of the 2024–25 season and has repeatedly expressed his commitment to Roma. Despite Inter's apparent interest, a transfer appears unlikely given his recent performances and consistent declarations of affection for the club. Roma would face significant reluctance in parting with a young prospect who has developed into a key squad member. Details remain unclear regarding the concrete nature of Inter's approach or any formal bid. Gasperini's arrival as Roma's new head coach may also influence the midfielder's future at the club.

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.