Dovbyk Exit Looms: Possible Swap Deal With Piccoli Mooted for Roma Attack

Ismael Koné, the Sassuolo midfielder who has been linked with AS Roma, has declined to commit to any club for next season. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Koné remained noncommittal about his future, saying: "Where will I play next year? I'm being honest: I don't know. Let's see what happens, but I'm focused on what I need to do. I'm happy to be at Sassuolo and the club's trust in me. Then there's the World Cup." Koné has attracted attention from multiple Serie A sides during the season, with Roma reportedly considering him as a potential replacement should Manu Koné depart in the summer transfer window. The Canadian midfielder has been one of the standout performers in a Sassuolo side competing in Serie A's closing stages. His performances have drawn interest from several clubs, though he has chosen to keep his options open rather than signal any preference or agreement at this stage. Koné's reluctance to discuss specifics reflects the typical approach taken by players in high-demand positions during the final weeks of a season. His focus remains on Sassuolo's remaining fixtures and the international calendar beyond the domestic campaign.

Roma commentators and former players debated the club's direction and summer strategy on Roman radio stations. Piero Torri stated that head coach Gian Piero Gasperini considers the squad strong and has requested three signings to supplement Donyell Malen and Wesley. Torri said: "Gasperini considers this squad strong and asks for three signings alongside Malen and Wesley. If the Friedkins confirm their confidence and listen to Gasperini, there will be no revolution. Next season has already begun: who is planning it? D'Amico and Manna have ongoing contracts and must be freed up. Roma is not inferior to Juventus." Riccardo Trevisani acknowledged Roma's squad contains quality players but noted that replacements are less capable. Roberto Pruzzo highlighted the importance of alignment between Gasperini and the sporting directors, warning that disagreement over transfer strategy poses a significant risk. Nando Orsi referenced the American ownership model's approach to managerial changes, drawing parallels to the departures of Daniele De Rossi, José Mourinho, and Claudio Ranieri, describing it as a mindset unfamiliar to Italian football culture. Lorenzo Pes suggested Gasperini works with approximately 15 core players and needs 22–23 total. Players potentially departing include Mandas Ndicka and Mady Koné. Matías Soulé's status remains uncertain due to ongoing issues with pubalgia.

AS Roma continues its search for a new sporting director ahead of the upcoming season. The club is evaluating several candidates for the role, with Pradè reportedly back in consideration as a possible successor to Massara. Details of the evaluation process and timeline remain unclear, though the Giallorossi are focused on identifying the right candidate to lead the club's sporting operations moving forward.

Several AS Roma players have endured inconsistent seasons and are awaiting clarity on their futures under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The club remains without concrete plans for the coming transfer window, while Gasperini seeks to establish his technical direction with the ownership and is waiting for a new sporting director to replace Ricky Massara. The coach is reluctant to part with key squad members who have earned his trust but plans targeted additions—between two and four players, preferably three starters—of high quality only. Four players in particular occupy uncertain positions. Polish central defender Jan Ziolkowski showed promise early but has since disappeared from the pitch, leading Roma to consider a sale that could yield a €20 million profit, with interest reportedly coming from Germany and England. Spanish left-back Angelino had a physically troubled season and remains a candidate for departure. Midfielder Neil El Aynaoui performed well until the Africa Cup of Nations but has struggled since returning from Morocco, making his future unclear despite Roma's significant investment. Striker Artem Dovbyk endured a difficult campaign plagued by fitness issues and is expected to drop to reserve status following Donyell Malen's arrival, prompting another summer exit attempt. Meanwhile, Niccolò Pisilli has emerged as increasingly important and has seen his prospects transform accordingly. Gasperini's preference remains for low volume but high-calibre acquisitions, following frustrations with the previous recruitment strategy.

Roma trained at Trigoria on Wednesday afternoon in preparation for Sunday's Serie A match against Parma at the Tardini. Donyell Malen was given personalized training as a planned precaution with no injury concerns, while Lorenzo Pellegrini, Artem Dovbyk, and Zaragoza remained unavailable. Pellegrini hopes to return for selection by Sunday but recovery is progressing slowly, with the derby against Lazio on May 17–18 now a realistic target for his comeback. The main focus remains the search for a new sporting director. With Massara distanced from the role, alternatives including Giuntoli and Paratici appear less likely, while Manna—favored by ownership—remains contracted to Napoli until 2029. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has backed D'Amico, who previously worked at Verona and is currently at Atalanta, where he has earned recognition as an expert in player sales and helped win the Europa League alongside Gasperini. In the transfer market, Juventus is reported to be targeting Niccolò Pisilli and is evaluating a potential swap deal involving Roma defender Evan Ndicka and Atalanta's Teun Koopmeiners. The match at Parma will be officiated by Chiffi, the referee Mourinho once criticized. Former player Antonio Cassano has suggested Gasperini should leave Roma, while Cristiano Sensi expressed optimism about the club's Champions League prospects.

AS Roma held an afternoon training session at Trigoria, continuing the pattern from the previous day. Donyell Malen worked on a personalised fitness programme separate from the main group, while Artem Dovbyk and Lorenzo Pellegrini were unavailable for the session. The nature and duration of their absences remain unclear. Regular training activity continues ahead of Roma's upcoming fixtures.