Daniele Chiffi to referee Roma's match at Parma

Daniele Chiffi from Padova has been appointed as referee for AS Roma's Serie A fixture against Parma on matchday 36. The Italian Football Federation (AIA) released the officiating assignments for the round. Historically, Roma has enjoyed a positive record in matches overseen by Chiffi, which may work in their favour as they prepare for the encounter.

Bryan Cristante remains central to Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma project and is poised to sign a contract extension through 2029. Gasperini, who managed Cristante at Bergamo early in his career, has approved the renewal, pending only his signature to make it official. The midfielder has frequently faced criticism but continues as a regular starter in Roma's midfield across all coaching tenures. Cristante is approaching a significant milestone in Roma's history. He currently has 361 appearances in the Giallorossi shirt. If he plays all three remaining fixtures this season—against Parma, Lazio, and Verona—he will reach 364 appearances, equalling Masetti, the historic goalkeeper from Roma's first Scudetto-winning squad, and entering the club's top 10 all-time appearance makers. The renewal underscores Gasperini's intent to rebuild around Roma's established core players as the team pursues a fourth-place finish in Serie A.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is progressing slowly from a thigh injury and is unlikely to be available for Roma's trip to Parma on Sunday, though he hopes to return for the Derby della Capitale scheduled for either Sunday 17 May or Monday 18 May. Pellegrini was the match-winner in Roma's earlier fixture against Lazio and is eager to make an impact in the derby rematch. Roma sit one point outside the top four and are pushing for Champions League qualification, making the Parma fixture significant in their chase for fourth place. The timing of Pellegrini's recovery will be crucial for both the midweek challenge and the upcoming derby. His return to full fitness remains a priority as Roma navigate the final stretch of the season. Contracted discussions are also on the agenda for Pellegrini once the season concludes, with his continued presence under head coach Gasperini not ruled out. The midfielder's leadership and match-winning ability make his availability a key consideration for Roma's push toward their objectives.

Italian radio pundits have offered their assessment of Roma's current situation and direction under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The opinions come from a prominent panel of journalists and former players who regularly commentate on Roma affairs across Rome's radio stations. Mario Mattioli criticized the club's leadership structure, stating: "If the Friedkin had a normal corporate vision, Roma would probably be further ahead. The club is paying a certain organizational confusion. The management pyramid has gaps. The presidency spends a lot of money and there's no argument about that." Roberto Pruzzo, the Roma legend, emphasized that Gasperini requires a strong working relationship with the club to improve the squad, pointing to his track record at Genoa and Bergamo. Pruzzo expressed hope that Roma will sign at least three players of similar quality to Donyell Malen to raise the team's level. Piero Torri raised concerns about forward El Shaarawy's contract renewal, questioning its strategic purpose and suggesting it may reflect reluctance to invest heavily in attacking recruitment. The broader theme from the commentators centers on the need for clarity in Roma's transfer strategy and organizational direction, with Gasperini's authority and vision appearing central to the club's near-term prospects.

Roma have regained momentum, positive results, and confidence under Gian Piero Gasperini. The club's pursuit of a Champions League place remains challenging, but the squad is moving in the right direction. Key factors in their push include the return of injured players to full fitness, defensive stability, and the contributions of Donyell Malen. While the path to qualification is complicated, Roma's recent form suggests the target is achievable if these elements remain consistent through the remainder of the season.

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.

Antonio Cassano has suggested that head coach Gian Piero Gasperini should consider leaving AS Roma, arguing that the club's fanbase will blame him for any setbacks next season. Speaking on the program Viva el Futbol, Cassano criticized the club's direction and pointed to the team's historical struggles. He stated: "Ranieri said nonsense on nonsense. Knowing Rome's supporters, next season if things go badly everyone will turn on Gasperini and everything will be turned around. The Friedkins must build him a decent squad. In recent years Roma has never finished higher than fifth place; if you start again from Dybala you won't move forward. Then as soon as there are the first problems the fans will say Ranieri was right. I would advise Gasperini to leave; if he puts himself on the market he could go to Milan. He did eight exceptional months with a very poor squad." Cassano's comments reflect broader concern about Roma's squad quality and the pressure facing Gasperini in his role. The former Roma striker's remarks come in a context where the club has faced recent managerial changes and inconsistent performances. His suggestion that Gasperini could attract interest from top clubs like Milan underscores the coach's reputation, though Cassano appears skeptical that Roma can provide him with the resources needed for sustained success.

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.

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.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is progressing slowly from a thigh injury and is unlikely to be available for Roma's trip to Parma on Sunday, though he hopes to return for the Derby della Capitale scheduled for either Sunday 17 May or Monday 18 May. Pellegrini was the match-winner in Roma's earlier fixture against Lazio and is eager to make an impact in the derby rematch. Roma sit one point outside the top four and are pushing for Champions League qualification, making the Parma fixture significant in their chase for fourth place. The timing of Pellegrini's recovery will be crucial for both the midweek challenge and the upcoming derby. His return to full fitness remains a priority as Roma navigate the final stretch of the season. Contracted discussions are also on the agenda for Pellegrini once the season concludes, with his continued presence under head coach Gasperini not ruled out. The midfielder's leadership and match-winning ability make his availability a key consideration for Roma's push toward their objectives.

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.