Roma voices debate derby kick-off time and El Shaarawy renewal

Walter Sabatini, the club's former sporting director, has spoken about his time at Roma, describing the club as central to his life. Speaking on Radio Romanista, Sabatini offered praise for D'Amico in a dirigente role and made an apology directed at Iturbe. The remarks reflect on Sabatini's lengthy association with the Giallorossi, during which he held significant responsibility for squad building and strategic decisions. His comments suggest reflection on past decisions and relationships formed during his tenure at the club.

Roma has reportedly communicated a clear deadline to midfielder Evan Koné regarding a potential transfer, according to radio commentary from Carina and Cristofori. The move aims to accelerate negotiations and force a decision from the player. Cristofori noted that setting a deadline can weaken Roma's negotiating position, suggesting the club faces pressure to complete business in the current transfer window. The specific terms and players involved in discussions remain unclear, though the deadline strategy reflects Roma's intent to resolve the Koné situation promptly.

Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo has weighed in on the debate surrounding midfielder Yacine Koné's future at the club, suggesting his potential sale would be manageable. Speaking on Radio Radio Mattino, Pruzzo remarked that Koné's departure could represent a valuable financial gain while allowing the club to pursue a replacement, stating: "Koné would be a nice profit, it could also allow you to work to find a replacement. There would be nothing to tear your hair out over, it's a role you can replace even if not easily." Koné has emerged as a potential departure candidate as Roma considers its midfield options under coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The debate centres on which players are most expendable given their roles and market value. While Pruzzo acknowledged that selling established defenders like Abdoulaye Ndicka—who has performed well and was not a significant investment—would be more problematic, he identified Koné as among the more replaceable midfield options. Other radio commentators, including Nando Orsi, similarly suggested the club could potentially benefit from Koné's sale, noting that Roma may need a midfielder with greater physical intensity and goal-scoring capability. The discussion reflects broader summer planning at the Stadio Olimpico, where the Friedkin Group continues to reshape the squad composition under Gasperini's direction.

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.