Mattioli: Roma paying the price for organizational confusion

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.

Lorenzo Pellegrini, AS Roma's captain and a product of the club's academy, reached his 30th birthday. The midfielder, born in Rome, has been a cornerstone of Roma's midfield for years and represents continuity and leadership for the Giallorossi. At this stage of his career, Pellegrini remains a vital figure in the squad under current management, embodying both experience and commitment to the club.

Five AS Roma players will feature for their respective nations during Saturday's second round of the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Midfielder Manu Koné remains the sole Roma player absent from Saturday's fixtures, as France is not scheduled until Monday 22 June against Iraq. Koné came off the bench in France's opening 3–1 victory over Senegal. The Roma contingent's Saturday schedule opens at midnight with Scotland versus Morocco at Foxborough, featuring Morocco's El Aynaoui and Bouaddi — both expected to start. Morocco drew 1–1 with Brazil in their opener, while Scotland won 1–0 against Haiti. Brazil, without Wesley, faces Haiti at 2:30 a.m. Defender Ndicka watched from the bench in Côte d'Ivoire's opening match and is expected to feature against Germany at Toronto Stadium. Türkiye's Çelik, who started their surprise 2–0 loss to Australia, plays Paraguay at 5 a.m. after Paraguay suffered a 4–1 defeat to the USA. Forward Donyell Malen headlines Roma's evening fixtures alongside Ndicka. Malen, who has not yet scored for the Netherlands, will compete for a starting spot against Sweden in Houston, though Depay is also in contention. The Netherlands drew 2–2 with Japan in their opening match.

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.

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.