Gasperini Pushes Roma to Retain Veterans on Expiring Contracts

Roma and Juventus are exploring a potential player swap this summer involving defender Evan Ndicka and Dutch midfielder Koopmeiners, according to reports. Juventus are seeking a left-sided centre-back to partner Bremer, and Ndicka fits that profile. The Ivorian defender is familiar with Serie A and could become one of Roma's tradeable assets to help the club avoid UEFA financial penalties before the end of June. However, Juventus face liquidity constraints, making a straight cash deal difficult. Koopmeiners is considered a significant underperformance at Juventus following his roughly €60 million transfer from Atalanta. Under head coach Gasperini, he could potentially recapture the form that made him a top player in Bergamo. The Dutch midfielder reportedly wants to leave Juventus, and a move to Roma could appeal to him more than a transfer abroad. The swap structure would allow both clubs to address their respective needs while managing financial limitations. Details on the deal's feasibility and timeline remain unclear, though such arrangements typically develop over the summer transfer window.

Edoardo Bove, the former AS Roma midfielder, has shared an emotional update on his return to competitive football following a lengthy absence due to physical and mental difficulties. Bove transferred to Watford in January and has since begun playing again after more than a year away from the pitch. He expressed gratitude for the support that made his comeback possible while acknowledging the challenges of readjusting to match football. Bove posted on social media: "After more than a year away from the field, these 4 months have meant a lot. I am happy to have started again and to have put football back at the centre of my life. I thank all those who made it possible. At the same time, I do not hide that I hoped it would be easier to find space, rhythm and sensations. Football is also this: it is not enough to want to return, you have to win back everything day after day. I am ready, the next season has already begun for me." The midfielder's departure from Roma marked the end of his time with the Giallorossi, though he remains a figure of interest given his connection to the club. His words suggest determination to rebuild his career and regain full fitness as the 2025–26 season concludes.

Roma are among several European clubs pursuing Christos Tzolis, a 24-year-old Greek winger currently at Club Brugge. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is keen on the player, who fits the profile Roma are seeking to bolster their attacking options alongside Donyell Malen. Club Brugge are asking for at least €30 million to let him leave. Tzolis has enjoyed a remarkable rise after struggling at Norwich in the Premier League. Born in Salonicco in 2002, he progressed through Paok's youth academy before moving to Germany and eventually Norwich, where he made little impact and suffered relegation in 2023. He then found his form at Fortuna Düsseldorf in the second tier of the German league, winning the top scorer award with 22 goals and 7 assists while playing as a winger. Club Brugge signed him for €6.5 million in summer 2024, and he has since delivered 40 goals and 34 assists in under two seasons, including Champions League appearances. Described as a modern winger who prefers playing on the left to cut in on his stronger right foot, Tzolis stands 175 centimetres but possesses strong legs and close-control ability. His vision and pace make him dangerous in transitions. In the 2025–26 Champions League season, he recorded 3 goals and 5 assists. Roma will face competition from other European clubs for his signature.

Roma will travel to the Stadio Tardini on Sunday to face Parma in Serie A. Referee Daniele Chiffi has been assigned to officiate the match, with Mazzoleni on VAR and Bahri and Vecchi as assistant referees. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00. Chiffi previously refereed Roma's 2–0 victory over Torino this season, a match decided by goals from Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala. Roma's match against Parma forms part of their continued pursuit of fourth place, with the club currently just one point adrift of the qualification spot for European competition. Juventus will play away at Lecce in the same round of fixtures. The appointment of Chiffi carries historical significance: former Roma manager José Mourinho had previously made critical comments about the referee. Chiffi's overall record against Roma shows eight wins, one draw, and four defeats for the Giallorossi, indicating a relatively favourable history with the club. There remains uncertainty regarding the availability of Lorenzo Pellegrini for selection, with his participation described as difficult to confirm for the Parma fixture.

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.

Roma will travel to the Stadio Tardini on Sunday to face Parma in Serie A. Referee Daniele Chiffi has been assigned to officiate the match, with Mazzoleni on VAR and Bahri and Vecchi as assistant referees. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00. Chiffi previously refereed Roma's 2–0 victory over Torino this season, a match decided by goals from Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala. Roma's match against Parma forms part of their continued pursuit of fourth place, with the club currently just one point adrift of the qualification spot for European competition. Juventus will play away at Lecce in the same round of fixtures. The appointment of Chiffi carries historical significance: former Roma manager José Mourinho had previously made critical comments about the referee. Chiffi's overall record against Roma shows eight wins, one draw, and four defeats for the Giallorossi, indicating a relatively favourable history with the club. There remains uncertainty regarding the availability of Lorenzo Pellegrini for selection, with his participation described as difficult to confirm for the Parma fixture.

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.

Roman radio personalities and former footballers have shared their views on Roma's current state, with criticism focused on the club's internal structure and decision-making. Mario Mattioli remarked that if the Friedkin Group had maintained a normal corporate vision, Roma would likely be in a stronger position. He stated: "If the Friedkin owners had a normal organizational vision, probably Roma would be further ahead. The club is paying the price for a certain organizational confusion. The management pyramid has gaps. The presidency spends a lot of money and that cannot be disputed." Roberto Pruzzo emphasized the need for reinforcements that match the quality of recent signing Donyell Malen, suggesting the club should recruit three similar players to elevate squad standards. Pruzzo highlighted Gasperini's experience at other clubs, noting that no coach possesses a magic solution and that a willingness to strengthen the team is essential. Piero Torri raised concerns about El Shaarawy's contract renewal, interpreting it as a sign the club intends to limit transfer activity in attack. The commentary reflects broader concerns about Roma's internal organization and the execution of coach Gian Piero Gasperini's strategic vision, with observers stressing the importance of aligned decision-making between ownership and the technical staff to drive improvement.

Stephan El Shaarawy's departure from AS Roma is no longer certain. The Egyptian winger, whose exit had appeared imminent, may now remain at the club following head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's support for keeping him in the squad. Gasperini has reportedly advocated for El Shaarawy to stay, potentially reversing what had seemed like a straightforward departure. The shift comes as Roma reassesses squad decisions, with El Shaarawy's future now back under discussion after months of speculation surrounding his position.

Sporting director Massara has been working abroad to arrange player departures, while a significant shift has emerged in Roma's contract renewal strategy. Head coach Gasperini is pushing for all out-of-contract players to sign new deals, including El Shaarawy, with whom he reportedly held talks last week. This represents a change in approach, as the Friedkin Group had signaled different intentions only a month earlier. Gasperini has defended Roma's squad following the Fiorentina match, stating: "It bothers me that some think this is a group that can't go beyond 5th or 6th place. If they had received more reinforcements, perhaps they would have reached higher targets." The renewal strategy now sits at the center of the club's focus, particularly regarding out-of-contract players. The ownership's apparent reconsideration of renewals marks a strategic pivot from their earlier public position. Massara's work on outgoings suggests the club is exploring departures to create space or financial flexibility, while simultaneously prioritizing the retention of key squad members through contract extensions. The combination of these moves indicates Roma is reshaping its approach to squad management and planning for the coming season.