Rapper and Roma fan calls for Dybala departure, backs Gasperini

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.

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.