Pellegrini's comeback in slow progress; unlikely for Parma trip but targeting derby

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has recalled midfielder Manu Koné for Roma's upcoming fixture against Fiorentina after more than a month out following a knee injury sustained in the Europa League match against Bologna. Koné is expected to start immediately and provides crucial reinforcement to Roma's midfield depth, as Bryan Cristante would otherwise be the sole available option alongside Niccolò Pisilli. El Aynaoui is absent from the squad due to suspension following a yellow card at Bologna, while Bryan Zaragoza is ruled out through injury. The squad list includes Paulo Dybala, who featured in the previous round and remains part of Gasperini's plans despite not yet operating at full capacity. Defender Tsimikas has recovered from muscle fatigue and returns to the squad. Several players remain unavailable: Dovbyk, Ferguson, and Lorenzo Pellegrini are all sidelined through longer-term injuries. The recovery of Koné represents a timely boost for Roma's midfield stability as the campaign progresses.

Artem Dovbyk has undergone a medical check-up in Finland as Roma monitor his injury status. The striker's physical condition remains a key concern for the club, with continuous updates expected on his recovery timeline and return to full fitness. Details of the examination and precise prognosis remain unclear. Dovbyk's availability is important to Roma's squad depth, and the club will continue assessing his progress before determining when he can resume training and match action.

Roma will host Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico on May 4 in a Serie A match crucial to their Champions League hopes. Head coach Gasperini has confirmed that midfielder Manu Koné has recovered from injury and will return to the squad after missing action since late March. Koné is expected to start in the midfield alongside Bryan Cristante, with Niccolò Pisilli and Matías Soulé providing support to striker Donyell Malen in attack. Paulo Dybala is included in the squad but is anticipated to begin the match on the bench, likely to feature later in the game. The fixture follows Roma's recent away victory against Bologna and represents a significant opportunity to maintain momentum in the title race and secure European football for next season. Fiorentina, managed by Vanoli, have moved clear of the relegation zone and will arrive as competitive opponents. Roma will line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal and a back line comprising Gianluca Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso. The inclusion of the fit-again Koné bolsters Roma's midfield options and provides tactical flexibility for Gasperini as the season approaches its conclusion.

Roma's approach to player contract renewals has shifted significantly in recent weeks. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is now establishing a new policy regarding extensions for key squad members, including Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala. The club's stance has moved away from earlier signals of upheaval, with Gasperini taking a direct hand in shaping the renewal strategy. The new direction reflects the coach's influence over squad planning and long-term decisions regarding the club's core players. Details remain unclear regarding specific timelines or terms for individual renewals.

Contract renewals for several Roma players remain a priority, with head coach Gasperini emphasizing the issue after the team's recent victory over Fiorentina. Defender Celik, who continues to benefit from Italy's Decreto Crescita tax incentive, is now reportedly willing to reduce his wage demands, making a renewal agreement more feasible. Midfielder Pellegrini is also among the players whose future at the club is being discussed. With the search ongoing for a new sporting director—candidates including Manna and D'Amico—Gasperini has identified two primary targets for the summer transfer window. Nusa of RB Leipzig and Summerville of West Ham United top his list. The West Ham situation is particularly relevant, as the club faces potential relegation and may be forced to sell the Dutch winger, who shares representation with Roma's Donyell Malen. Roma is also monitoring Doumbia of Venezia, a midfielder who has attracted interest from Benfica under José Mourinho. The club's focus on both contract stability and incoming reinforcements reflects Gasperini's strategy to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season.

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.