Malen Sets Record Pace as Roma Chase Champions League Spot

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.

Turkish club Trabzonspor has restarted talks to sign Artem Dovbyk from AS Roma. The Ukrainian striker remains among the players Roma is looking to sell this summer. Trabzonspor had previously requested detailed medical documentation on Dovbyk's physical condition from Roma, and after reviewing it, the Turkish club is now moving forward with a formal approach. They are preparing an offer to match Roma's valuation, which sits between 15–20 million euros. Dovbyk's time in the giallorossi has effectively come to an end, and he has failed to convince head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who plans to rely on Donyell Malen to strengthen Roma's attacking options. The sale would allow Roma to generate transfer funds while clearing space in the squad. Trabzonspor appears confident in Dovbyk's potential despite earlier health concerns. Dovbyk could follow a similar path to Stepan Shomorudov, who joined Basaksehir last summer and went on to become the top scorer in Turkey's Super Lig with 22 goals. The move represents a fresh opportunity for the Ukrainian forward to revitalise his career outside Italy.

Keinan Davis has emerged as a potential target for Roma as the club seeks to bolster its attacking options, particularly in the search for a deputy to Donyell Malen. The forward's profile emphasizes his physical attributes and ability to provide attacking depth. Details of Roma's interest level and the likelihood of a move remain unclear at this stage.

Donyell Malen came under scrutiny following his substitution at half-time during the Netherlands' recent match against Sweden. Dutch manager Koeman explained the tactical change, stating: "I understand that the substitution is difficult, but this is high-level football." However, midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has publicly backed the Roma attacker, acknowledging the challenges he faces in Italian football. Reijnders, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, reaffirmed confidence in Malen despite his recent struggles with the national team. The Manchester City midfielder noted that Malen was a standout performer during Roma's second half of the domestic season, making a significant impact in Serie A. Reijnders emphasized his understanding of the Italian league's demands: "He is our striker. What he has done with Roma is plain to see. I have played in Italy, I know how difficult it is. We trust in him." The debate around Malen's form reflects the adjustment period many players face when transitioning between club and international competition, particularly in a league as demanding as Serie A.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and director Tony D'Amico held their first planning meeting this morning at Trigoria to map out Roma's strategy. The two arrived shortly before 10 a.m. and also met with Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is still negotiating his contract renewal. Later in the day, D'Amico and Gasperini relocated to a hotel in central Rome to continue discussions. The club is close to announcing Paulo Dybala's contract extension, while defender Celik has an agreement in principle. Contract renewals for Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante are also ready for announcement soon. Meanwhile, Roma ownership and Francesco Totti will resume talks in July with the aim of reaching agreement on a permanent role for the club legend ahead of the centenary celebration. The sticking points remain the specific position and salary. On the outgoing front, midfielder Manu Koné remains a target for several Premier League clubs and is listed as a possible departure. The club is exploring midfield reinforcements, including Celtic's Arne Engels (born 2003), though Crystal Palace is also tracking the Scottish midfielder. If Koné leaves, Camara has emerged as a potential replacement option.

Radio commentators and former players have weighed in on Roma's transfer strategy and contract situation. Piero Torri stated that contract renewals for Paulo Dybala and Zeki Celik are nearly finalized and could be announced within the week. He also flagged the Settlement Agreement with UEFA Financial Fair Play as a potential matter still requiring resolution before the 30 June deadline, though the ownership would prefer to close it by then. Former Roma player Roberto Pruzzo advised that the club should prioritize keeping goalkeeper Mile Svilar while being open to selling other squad members to raise funds for transfers. He suggested that Entwicklar could command a fee that wouldn't require selling a marquee player, naming Evan Ndicka as another potential sale. Pruzzo stated: "The only one to protect is the goalkeeper; the others can be sold. I have no reservations about selling Koné." Nando Orsi countered that Svilar is crucial, delivering significant points per season and should remain untouchable. The discussion reflected broader debate about Roma's summer priorities: balancing squad sales, player retention, and FFP compliance. Speculation about interest from top European clubs in midfielder Manu Koné drew skepticism from some panelists, who suggested that interest from clubs like Atlético Madrid would carry more weight.

AS Roma has reportedly received final approval from the Friedkin Group to sign English forward Greenwood, with the deal to be structured in installments. The club is also considering Davis, a former Watford player, as a backup option to Donyell Malen in attack, though the move remains at an early stage. Several complications exist around the potential Davis signing, including issues involving another player in the squad. Meanwhile, Roma is prioritizing contract renewals. Gianluca Mancini's extension is under discussion, with the defender having already communicated his position on the matter. Paulo Dybala's renewal is also nearing completion. On the outgoing front, midfielder Koné is awaiting interest from Premier League clubs, while fullback Molina appears to be moving further away from Roma's plans. The club continues to navigate a complex summer transfer window with multiple priorities across recruitment and squad retention.