Gasperini appointed as Roma head coach; Friedkin Group pursues long-term project modelled on Ferguson's approach

AS Roma's new stadium project at Pietralata continues to develop, with fresh architectural renderings released and the approval process reportedly accelerating. Rome's municipal authorities have been working to advance the project in recent weeks. The Friedkin Group, who own the club, remains focused on moving the stadium construction forward. Specific timelines and further details on the next steps in the planning process remain unclear. The new stadium represents a major long-term investment for the club, as it aims to replace the shared Stadio Olimpico with a dedicated home venue in Rome's north-east.

AS Roma leadership, including owner Dan Friedkin and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, are actively pursuing the signing of Mason Greenwood. The club is working on the transfer as an important deadline approaches. In modern football, key negotiations can be conducted remotely, and Roma is coordinating efforts across multiple levels to advance the deal. Details of the timeline and specific terms remain unclear, but the priority indicates Gasperini's involvement in identifying targets aligned with the club's tactical needs.

AS Roma have finalized their summer planning with detailed logistics and organizational arrangements for the new season. The club has confirmed the dates for their pre-season retreat and scheduled friendly matches as part of their preparations ahead of the upcoming campaign. The planning covers all minor logistical and organizational details to ensure a smooth transition into the new season. Details remain unclear regarding specific fixture dates and opponent information.

Head coach Gasperini has identified goal-scoring as Roma's key area for improvement heading into next season, despite finishing third in Serie A. The team struggled in attack until January, cycling through Dovbyk, Ferguson, and Baldanzi as false nines without consistent results. Since acquiring Donyell Malen, Gasperini wants to add more threat across the pitch, particularly in midfield and attacking areas. Matías Soulé, who scored 6 goals this season as Roma's second-leading marksman behind Malen, has emerged as a potential sacrifice in pursuit of that ambition. Gasperini believes Soulé lacks the killer instinct demanded in the penalty area, prompting Roma to target replacements with superior finishing records. Prospective targets include Mason Greenwood, Luis Summerville, Christian Pulisic, and Christopher Nkunku—all players accustomed to contributing goals regularly. Statistical comparison reveals Soulé ranked last among these candidates for expected goals (3.96 xG), well behind Greenwood (14.39), Nkunku (9.48), and Pulisic (8.07). The analysis also highlighted Soulé's excessive ball losses—averaging 12.0 per match compared to 3.6 for Nkunku and 7.6 for Pulisic—a pattern both Claudio Ranieri and Gasperini have previously emphasized as frustrating. Gasperini's ideal profile targets concrete, efficient attacking play with fewer unnecessary touches and fewer turnovers. For Roma to compete at Champions League level, the coaching staff prioritizes goals, intensity, and consistency in the final third of the pitch.

Irish striker Evan Ferguson has left AS Roma after a single season at the club. The 2004-born forward made 22 appearances and scored five goals in the Giallorossi shirt but was unable to establish himself, hampered by multiple injuries during his time in Serie A. Ferguson's departure marks the end of a difficult spell in Rome. Despite showing promise, recurring fitness issues prevented him from making a sustained impact at the club. His exit represents another chapter in Roma's ongoing squad evolution under current management. Ferguson addressed the Roma fanbase in a statement: "No one wants their time to be interrupted, but injuries are part of the game. Thank you to everyone at Roma and the fans for the support in recent months. I wish my teammates and everyone at the club the best for the future. Forza Roma ❤️💛." The forward departs with respect for the club and its supporters despite the injury-plagued campaign.

Several transfer developments are emerging around Roma's squad. Artem Dovbyk is drawing attention from clubs abroad, while Roma are competing with Juventus to pursue Diaz. Additionally, the club is preparing a survey to gather fan feedback on stadium matters. In other news, Greenwood is preparing to leave Marseille, and Ferguson has departed Roma. Fiorentina are reportedly interested in Filippo Romano, with an offer of €3 million being prepared.