Three Roma Players Named Among Serie A's Most Expensive Per Minute Played

Neil El Aynaoui featured in all minutes of Morocco's first two World Cup matches and is determined to establish himself as a key midfielder at Roma following an inconsistent start to his Roma career. The midfielder's physical attributes—speed, dynamism, and work rate—align closely with Gasperini's tactical demands of high pressing, quick transitions, and two-phase play. At the World Cup, El Aynaoui ranks in the top five midfielders for tackles won (15) and defensive contributions (16), and dominated against Scotland alongside Saibari. At Roma, El Aynaoui has underperformed relative to his €25 million transfer fee, scoring sparingly despite averaging 8 goals in 24 appearances for Lens. His Roma struggles partly stem from Gasperini's tactical instructions to drop deeper for build-up play rather than push forward, where he was most dangerous at his previous club. Niccolò Pisilli is also expected to develop further in midfield, and the club may keep Manu Koné—despite interest from Arsenal, Tottenham, and Chelsea—to avoid excessive squad churn in that department. Gasperini expects a marked improvement from El Aynaoui and Pisilli as Roma aims to have four reliable starting midfielders for both Serie A and Champions League competition. El Aynaoui must regain the confidence and creative boldness he displays with Morocco, where he plays alongside the technically proficient Bouaddi. Ricky Massara assured supporters last summer: "He's strong, you will see."

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 has struggled during the World Cup with the Netherlands after an outstanding second half of the season at Roma. The winger arrived at Roma in January and became a central figure in the attack, scoring 14 goals in 18 Serie A starts and helping secure Champions League qualification. However, in two World Cup appearances against Japan and Sweden, Malen has delivered poor performances with zero shots and limited impact. Coach Ronald Koeman substituted him at half-time against Sweden and remarked: "This is high-level football, he's not the scapegoat but we expect a team performance." The contrast reveals how system and context shape player performance. At Roma under Gasperini, Malen thrived as the focal point of a vertical, rapid attacking style that maximized his pace and directness. Gasperini said in May: "With him from September we'd already be in Champions League." In the Netherlands setup, however, Malen operates as a right winger in a 4-3-3 with emphasis on possession and linking play, reducing opportunities for his strengths in penetrative movement and finishing. At Roma he recorded 1.7 shots on target per 90 minutes; in America he managed zero against Sweden. Competition also differs. Roma's attack lacked alternatives when Malen arrived, whereas the Netherlands have Brobbey and Memphis Depay competing for forward positions. Malen's international drought extends beyond this tournament—his last Netherlands goal came in November against Lithuania. Roma can remain confident in his abilities, as his success in the capital demonstrates his quality remains intact.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear his expectations for Roma's upcoming season following the club's return to European football. Gasperini wants to avoid repeating previous mistakes in the transfer market by bringing in players suited to his tactical system. The coach is demanding at least 16 fit outfield players to compete across Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League, recognising that European football demands significant physical and mental resources. Several players have already departed or are expected to leave during the transfer window, including Ferguson, Tsimikas, El Shaarawy, Venturino, and Zaragoza, with Baldanzi and Ziolkowski also on their way out. To maintain squad depth and protect key performers from injury during a gruelling season, Gasperini has identified specific targets: a number 10 or attacking midfielder, a deputy to Gianluca Mancini, a striker, and both right and left-sided defenders. Names under consideration include Vlasic and Greenwood, though negotiations remain in early stages. The arrival of D'Amico as sporting director is pending official confirmation, after which the club is expected to accelerate its recruitment strategy. Gasperini's priority is ensuring the squad composition aligns with his playing philosophy, having identified this as the key lesson from the previous season's recruitment process.

AS Roma has five days to prepare for a crucial Champions League qualification match against Hellas Verona on Sunday at 20:45. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is working to get midfielder Manu Koné fit in time after the French player completed individual field work during training on Tuesday. Koné is considered the injury concern with the best chance of returning for the Verona fixture. However, Gasperini will definitely be without Wesley, who is suspended following a red card in the derby, and Ndicka, who is unavailable for at least a month due to injury. Pellegrini, Venturino, and Zaragoza remain absent from group training and their participation in the away trip to Verona is very unlikely. The injuries have depleted Roma's options as the team pursues the points needed to secure European football next season. Koné's personal training regimen suggests he is being carefully managed ahead of what could be a decisive final match of the campaign.

Roma will be without three key players for the upcoming derby against Lazio. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed that Lorenzo Pellegrini, Konè, and Venturino are unavailable for the match. Konè suffered a muscular problem that forced him to stop training, while the reasons for Venturino's unavailability remain unclear. This follows the earlier announcement that Zaragoza will also miss the derby through injury or suspension. The absences represent a significant blow to Gasperini's squad depth for one of Italian football's most competitive fixtures. Pellegrini, a Rome-born midfielder and club stalwart, is a key figure in Roma's midfield, making his unavailability particularly notable for the derby della Capitale. The multiple injury concerns suggest Roma may need to shuffle their lineup or call upon squad players for the high-stakes encounter. With preparations underway, Gasperini will need to adjust his tactical approach and selections to compensate for these absences. The derby against Lazio remains one of Serie A's most intense rivalries, and managing the squad's fitness and availability will be crucial as Roma prepares for the match.

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.

Paulo Dybala's contract renewal with AS Roma is moving closer to completion, with negotiations focused on bridging a remaining financial gap. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has been actively pushing for the deal, having initiated contact between Dybala's representatives and Roma's American ownership before the end of the season. The gap between the club's offer and the player's demands is reportedly around 500,000 to 700,000 euros. Ryan Friedkin has led negotiations with guidance from Pietro Scala, though the involvement of Tony D'Amico is expected to accelerate progress toward a final agreement. Gasperini is keen to retain Dybala for the upcoming campaign and views his signature as a priority for Roma's plans. The technical director is also working on renewing defender Zeki Celik's contract, which is described as increasingly likely to be finalized soon. Rumors about Juventus showing interest in bringing Dybala back to Turin have not been confirmed by the club.

AS Roma and Paulo Dybala are in continuous talks to reach agreement on a contract renewal. The Argentine forward, despite interest from other clubs, has prioritised staying in Rome. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has also pushed hard for Dybala's confirmation at the club. After weeks of intermittent negotiations that have narrowed the financial gap between the parties, a final breakthrough is needed to seal the deal. The arrival of new sporting director D'Amico is expected to accelerate contract discussions. Roma's pre-season schedule is now falling into place. The squad will report to Trigoria on 13 July for medical and physical testing, with three friendly matches to follow at the training centre. On 26 July, Roma will face Cannes, another club owned by the Friedkin Group, likely requiring travel to the French Riviera. The club departs for its main summer retreat in Wales on 31 July, where three friendlies are planned: the first probably against Cardiff, a second against a League Two side, and a third against Brighton on 8 August. A final away fixture against Borussia Dortmund is scheduled for 15 August.

Roma is pursuing English forward Davis as a backup option to Donyell Malen after Artem Dovbyk failed to fully convince. Davis fits head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical profile, offering pressing intensity, physical presence, and the ability to drive the team forward. He scored 10 goals in 30 appearances last season and is considered a reliable profile by Roma's sporting department. However, any deal faces significant hurdles. Udinese values Davis at approximately €20 million—a figure Roma considers steep for a backup role—and the club has no interest in parting with a key attacking player. Complicating matters is the Nicolò Zaniolo situation. The former Roma player was recently bought by Udinese from Galatasaray for around €5 million, but contractual disputes have emerged. Zaniolo's agent Vigorelli has reportedly requested a wage increase, while Udinese wants to maintain his current €1.1 million salary. If negotiations collapse and Zaniolo departs—with SS Lazio reportedly interested—Udinese would be even less willing to sell Davis. The club would view any double departure as destabilizing. Roma has other priorities, particularly wide players and potentially a midfielder if Koné leaves. Davis remains a tentative rather than urgent target, and any interest hinges on Udinese reducing their demands. Meanwhile, Gasperini continues to evaluate the market as the situation develops.

AS Roma marked Francesco 'Ciccio' Cordova's 82nd birthday on June 21, with the club paying tribute to the former captain on social media. Cordova spent nine seasons at Roma between 1967 and 1976, making 269 appearances and scoring 19 goals while serving as club captain and a beloved figure among supporters. His departure from Roma to Lazio was painful for both him and the fanbase, though Cordova has repeatedly emphasized that the move was not his decision. Cordova remains a significant figure in Roma's history, representing an era of the club's development as a symbol of stability and leadership. The club's public celebration underscores the affection in which former captains and one-club legends are held by the organization. Roma's recognition of Cordova, shared via official social channels, reflects the broader tradition of honoring players who made substantial contributions during their time in giallorosso. The birthday coincided with another celebration at the club, as striker Artem Dovbyk also had a birthday on the same date, making June 21 a double celebration for the Giallorossi.

Artem Dovbyk celebrated his 29th birthday on 21 June, with AS Roma posting birthday wishes on social media. However, the Ukrainian striker's future at the club appears increasingly uncertain. Dovbyk has struggled during the season under Gasperini, managing only 18 appearances with 3 goals and 2 assists, and has been sidelined by injury for much of the campaign. Roma has been exploring options to move him on, with Turkish club Trabzonspor reportedly showing interest in a temporary deal. Dovbyk's departure from Rome is complicated by accounting considerations. The 29-year-old carries a €25 million cost on Roma's books before the end of June, making a permanent sale difficult within the current financial year. From July onwards, his amortised value drops to €18 million, which may create more flexibility for negotiations. A permanent exit remains challenging regardless, and details of any potential moves remain unclear. The club's decision to publicise birthday wishes while actively seeking his departure underscores the transitional phase surrounding the forward's Roma career.