Daniele Chiffi to referee Roma's match at Parma

Monza have completed the Serie A coaching carousel by appointing Ivan Juric as their new head coach, replacing Paolo Bianco who departed for Pisa. Juric, a Croatian manager, returns to work after being sacked by Atalanta following 11 games last season. His appointment marks the ninth new managerial appointment across Serie A for the 2025–26 campaign. Juric's recent record at elite clubs has been mixed. He managed Roma for just eight games during the 2024–25 season before his spell ended, and similarly lasted only eight matches with Southampton before their relegation. However, he previously established himself at Verona and Torino, where he finished in the middle of the table across five consecutive seasons, demonstrating competence at mid-table level. Other Serie A coaching moves are now confirmed or nearing completion: Eusebio Di Francesco and Lecce will continue together, Massimiliano Allegri is set to join Napoli on a three-year contract after his Milan departure, and Gennaro Gattuso is awaiting FIGC contract clearance before Lazio officially confirm his appointment. The analysis suggests Juric represents a solid, pragmatic choice for a club facing relegation threats, though his track record shows greater success managing teams outside Serie A's top tier.

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.

Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement, has marked the 25th anniversary of AS Roma's third Serie A title, won on 17 June 2001. Speaking to AdnKronos, Conte expressed optimism about Roma's prospects under current management, saying: "Today we celebrate 25 years from that wonderful date. An explosion of joy, a great party that lasted so long. I urge us not to wait another 25 years but we are on the right path, I have great confidence in Gasperini and in the current ownership." Roma's 2001 championship remains their most recent Scudetto. The title was secured with a 3–1 victory against Parma at the Olimpico, with goals from Totti, Batistuta, and Montella. The club has endured a quarter-century without a league title since then, a period that has tested the patience of supporters across Rome. Head coach Gasperini has made qualification for the Champions League a priority this season—a target already achieved—with the ultimate ambition of returning Roma to the summit of Italian football. Conte's remarks underscore the weight of expectation surrounding the current project, as fans and club figures alike hope the combination of Gasperini's management and the Friedkin Group's ownership can finally end the extended championship drought.

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.

AS Roma faces a potential summer exodus as Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal has placed Gianluca Mancini and Lorenzo Pellegrini on its transfer targets. The moves come as Paulo Dybala's future remains uncertain, with his contract expiring within weeks and Roma unwilling to meet his salary demands despite interest from Juventus and Napoli. Pellegrini, 30, sees his deal expire at the end of June with contract renewal talks stalled. The midfielder has lost first-team status this season despite 24 Serie A appearances. Mancini, the Italian center-back, has just over a year remaining on his contract and has previously attracted attention from Inter. Both players could be enticed by substantial Saudi offers, with Al-Hilal prepared to provide Pellegrini around €10 million net per season—a figure Roma cannot match—and reportedly willing to spend approximately €25 million to secure Mancini. The potential departures reflect Roma's struggle to retain star players despite their recent return to the Champions League after a decade-long absence.

Paulo Dybala's contract renewal continues to be a central focus for AS Roma during the summer transfer window. Roma and the Argentine forward's representatives are engaged in discussions regarding an extension, though details of the negotiation remain unclear. Separately, Como has reportedly emerged as a potential suitor for the player. The renewal is treated as a priority by Roma, reflecting the importance of retaining Dybala as a key member of the squad.

Paulo Dybala's contract situation at Roma remains unresolved, with his current deal expiring at the end of the month. Juventus and Napoli have reportedly made contact with the player's agent regarding a potential summer move, amid stalled extension negotiations between Dybala and the Giallorossi. The 32-year-old Argentine has indicated willingness to accept a significant pay cut, but a gap persists between his demands and Roma's offer: Dybala is seeking €3 million net per season, while Roma has proposed approximately €2.5 million. Since joining Roma from Juventus in 2022, Dybala has established himself as one of the club's most influential attacking players. His departure would represent a substantial loss of creativity and experience, particularly with Roma's recent return to Champions League football. The club faces pressure to either increase their salary proposal or risk losing the forward to a rival during the summer window. Negotiations remain ongoing, though time is running short given the imminent expiration of his contract. Dybala's injury record has been a concern in recent seasons—he made only 15 Serie A starts last season, recording two goals and seven assists. Nevertheless, his quality and influence remain significant assets for any club seeking to compete at the highest level.

AS Roma faces a potential summer exodus as Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal has placed Gianluca Mancini and Lorenzo Pellegrini on its transfer targets. The moves come as Paulo Dybala's future remains uncertain, with his contract expiring within weeks and Roma unwilling to meet his salary demands despite interest from Juventus and Napoli. Pellegrini, 30, sees his deal expire at the end of June with contract renewal talks stalled. The midfielder has lost first-team status this season despite 24 Serie A appearances. Mancini, the Italian center-back, has just over a year remaining on his contract and has previously attracted attention from Inter. Both players could be enticed by substantial Saudi offers, with Al-Hilal prepared to provide Pellegrini around €10 million net per season—a figure Roma cannot match—and reportedly willing to spend approximately €25 million to secure Mancini. The potential departures reflect Roma's struggle to retain star players despite their recent return to the Champions League after a decade-long absence.

Paulo Dybala and AS Roma remain in active talks over a new contract, with both parties reportedly eager to reach an agreement, though final terms have not yet been settled. Dybala has submitted a counterproposal after initially accepting a significant reduction from his current €8 million plus €1 million in bonuses. Roma had tabled an offer worth €2 million per season plus €60,000 per appearance lasting 45 minutes or more. Dybala's latest proposal counters with either €3 million annually with a lower performance-based component, or €2 million plus €60,000 per appearance regardless of playing time. The distinction over minute-based payment thresholds represents one of the remaining sticking points. Negotiations have been handled directly by Ryan Friedkin with input from the player's agent Pietro Scala, though newly appointed sporting director Tony D'Amico is now expected to accelerate progress toward a final agreement. Contract renewal talks for other squad members, including Zeki Çelik, are also advancing, with distance remaining over financial terms for Lorenzo Pellegrini.

AS Roma has begun its transfer market operations following the formalization of Tony D'Amico's operational role at the club. Defender Celik is close to putting pen to paper with the Giallorossi. Meanwhile, the futures of key players Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini remain unclear and require further definition in the coming period. The exact nature of negotiations surrounding these two attacking midfielders has not been fully detailed.