Torri: Roma is not inferior to Juventus

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman commented on Donyell Malen's performance following the Dutch national team's 5–1 victory over Sweden in World Cup qualifying. Koeman reportedly suggested that Summerville defends better than Malen, highlighting a defensive aspect of play. Malen, a current AS Roma player, has been a focus of tactical discussion at the international level. The remark reflects Koeman's assessment of attacking players' contributions beyond finishing, with defensive positioning and work rate being evaluated as key performance indicators.

Antonin Panenka, the Czechoslovak footballer who scored the decisive penalty in the 1976 European Championship final victory over West Germany, reflected on the enduring legacy of his famous chip-shot technique in an interview. Panenka recalled how he executed the 'scavino' (chip) on the final penalty kick in Belgrade 50 years ago, a technique that later became synonymous with his name. He revealed that Francesco Totti, the AS Roma legend, popularized the same method during Italy's Euro 2000 semifinal against the Netherlands, using it to score against goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar. Parenka stated: "I don't know Totti, but his shot made mine rediscovered." The Czech pioneer explained that he had attempted around twenty chip penalties before 1976, losing only one in a 1975 friendly on a waterlogged pitch where the opposing goalkeeper refused to dive. During the 1976 final, his own goalkeeper, Ivo Viktor, initially tried to dissuade him from attempting the risky technique, even threatening to lock him out of their shared hotel room if he proceeded. Viktor ultimately did not follow through on his threat, and Panenka's penalty proved decisive in Czechoslovakia's triumph.

Christian Vieri, the former Italy striker who played for multiple Serie A clubs including Juventus, Inter, Lazio, and Milan, has spoken warmly about Francesco Totti in a recent interview. Vieri shared a dressing room with the Roma legend while both represented the Italian national team. Vieri described Totti's impact on the pitch: "He is number 1, he is devastating. When the ball arrived at him, I was already moving. He would position himself diagonally, the ball would come to him and he would set me up." Vieri placed Totti among football's greatest playmakers, comparing him to other iconic fantasisti. He explained: "Those like him are born with the gift of the number 10, of the playmaker. You tolerate playmakers because you know they make you win the match. They have that touch, they put you through on goal... Him, Baggio, Del Piero, Maradona, Ronaldinho... players who might not touch the ball all match but then one arrives and with their first touch they set you up in front of goal and you score. What do you say to them? Thank you, nothing else." Vieri's comments underscore Totti's lasting legacy as a Roma icon and his influence on teammates throughout his career. The former Roma number 10 played his entire professional career at the Giallorossi between 1992 and 2017.

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman commented on Donyell Malen's performance following the Dutch national team's 5–1 victory over Sweden in World Cup qualifying. Koeman reportedly suggested that Summerville defends better than Malen, highlighting a defensive aspect of play. Malen, a current AS Roma player, has been a focus of tactical discussion at the international level. The remark reflects Koeman's assessment of attacking players' contributions beyond finishing, with defensive positioning and work rate being evaluated as key performance indicators.

The Netherlands thrashed their opponents 5–1 in World Cup 2026 qualifying under head coach Ronald Koeman, topping Group F. However, Donyell Malen, a current AS Roma player, failed to make a strong impression during the match. The article examines Malen's performance statistics and contributions during the fixture. Details regarding his specific role and opportunities remain unclear from the available information.

Donyell Malen will play on the right wing for the Netherlands in their Group B match against Sweden, a fixture already crucial after drawing 0–0 against Japan in their opening game. Coach Ronald Koeman has reshaped the attacking setup, positioning Gakpo on the left, Malen on the right, and Brobbey of Sunderland as the central striker. This marks a change from the first match, where Malen operated in a more central role. Koeman's tactical adjustment aims to generate more attacking opportunities as the Netherlands seeks vital goals in what is effectively a knockout stage match. Malen, who plays for AS Roma in Serie A, will be crucial to the team's attacking threat on the flank rather than leading the line. The strategic shift reflects Koeman's desire to optimize the team's attacking balance while still utilizing Malen's pace and technical abilities in a different capacity. The match against Sweden kicks off at 19:00 local time and represents a critical encounter for the Netherlands' tournament progression.

Multiple Premier League clubs are monitoring AS Roma's transfer activity as the summer window progresses. Wesley, the Brazilian winger, has received offers that Roma have rejected, with head coach Gasperini considering him non-negotiable regardless of which flank he plays. Meanwhile, Chelsea has conducted an initial inquiry for midfielder Manu Koné, joining Arsenal in expressing interest, though neither London club has yet made a formal bid. The only concrete offer received for Koné so far comes from Atlético Madrid, valued at 45 million euros with potential bonuses reaching approximately 50 million. Matías Soulé remains a key player under scrutiny from English clubs as a potential departure candidate, particularly in relation to Roma's Settlement Agreement obligations, but no formal offers have reached the club for the Argentine playmaker. The same situation applies to Ziolkowski, who continues to attract attention but has not yet generated concrete proposals. Roma's recruitment strategy appears focused on retaining key assets while managing financial and regulatory requirements, with Gasperini's input proving decisive in squad planning decisions.

Roma are actively reshaping their full-back options ahead of the 2026–27 season. The club is pursuing Diego Moreira, a 21-year-old left winger from Strasbourg who is currently at the World Cup with Belgium and also holds a Portuguese passport. Strasbourg have set an asking price of around €40 million, which Roma consider too high. The club is exploring an alternative structure—a loan deal with a €25 million purchase option—that could make the move feasible. Wesley remains untouchable in the full-back ranks, while Celik's contract renewal is described as near completion. Salah-Eddine is expected to depart, and the futures of Rensch and Angeliño remain uncertain. Roma are also monitoring alternatives including Molina from Atlético Madrid (valued at €15–18 million), with Ruggieri and Dodó from Fiorentina considered less likely targets. On the left flank, Angeliño has attracted interest from Real Betis Sevilla, though the Spanish club is proposing only a loan arrangement. Roma have valued Angeliño at €10 million and are unwilling to discount him, particularly with the June 30 transfer deadline approaching. Angeliño, recovering from a serious injury that limited his involvement last season, is keen to remain at Roma and prove himself to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini during pre-season training, which begins on 13 July.

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.

Lorenzo Pellegrini and Gianluca Mancini, two of Roma's key figures, were seen together during an outing in Ibiza. The sighting comes amid ongoing speculation about contract renewals for both players. The pair reportedly made those present feel welcomed, with the encounter described as memorable. The timing of the meeting has fueled discussion among Roma supporters about whether developments regarding their contract situations may be imminent. Both players remain central to the club's plans going forward.

Roma defenders Gianluca Mancini and Lorenzo Pellegrini visited a Roman-themed pizzeria in Ibiza, delighting the owner and staff. The establishment displays strong giallorossi colors and evident Roma branding, creating an enthusiastic atmosphere when the two players arrived. The pizzeria owner and personnel reacted with visible joy at the unexpected visit from the Roma players. Both Mancini and Pellegrini have strong connections to Roma—Mancini is a key defensive figure in the squad, while Pellegrini, a Rome native, wears the captain's armband and represents the club's identity both on and off the pitch. The visit underscores the global reach of AS Roma's fanbase and the affection supporters maintain for the club across different regions. Such interactions between players and diaspora Roma communities abroad help strengthen the bond between the club and its international supporters.

Saudi club Al-Hilal has identified Gianluca Mancini and Lorenzo Pellegrini as transfer targets, potentially adding to Roma's summer departures. The interest comes as Paulo Dybala's future remains uncertain, with his contract expiring shortly and Roma reluctant to meet his salary demands. Juventus and Napoli have also been linked with the Argentine winger. Pellegrini, 30, faces an uncertain future at the Stadio Olimpico as his deal runs out at the end of June. Although contract renewal discussions are ongoing, no breakthrough has been reached. The midfielder made 24 Serie A appearances last season but has reportedly lost first-team status. Mancini, the Italian center-back, has over a year remaining on his contract but could be tempted by the Saudi Pro League opportunity, with former Inter manager Simone Inzaghi reportedly keen to bring him to Riyadh. Al-Hilal is reportedly prepared to offer Pellegrini around €10 million net per season—a package Roma cannot match. Mancini would command a higher transfer fee, with reports suggesting the Saudis would need to spend approximately €25 million to convince Roma to sell. The potential departures highlight Roma's post-Champions League qualification challenge, as the club faces a possible summer exodus of established players.