Roma's Argentine duo Dybala and Soulé compete for starting spot against Parma

Roma's midfield prospects centre on Manu Koné and Niccolò Pisilli, who are viewed as key figures for the club's present and future. The partnership between the two midfielders is seen as potentially driving Roma's performance in the coming seasons. However, the transfer market remains a significant variable that could impact their availability and the club's ability to build around them long-term. Details remain unclear on specific developments or timelines.

Gianluca Mancini's availability for Roma's match against Parma (tomorrow, 6 p.m.) presents a potential late selection dilemma for head coach Gasperini. The defender has received a caution that puts him at risk of suspension for the upcoming Derby della Capitale against Lazio. Gasperini may opt to rest Mancini against Parma to protect him from accumulating a second booking that would trigger an automatic ban for the derby. The decision reflects the competing priorities of maintaining squad safety in a league fixture while preserving key players for one of Italian football's most significant matches.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has identified Koné and Pisilli as his ideal midfield partnership going forward. The pair started together against Fiorentina and impressed with their quality and substance, earning Gasperini's backing. Bryan Cristante was shifted forward on Monday evening, playing as a trequartista (attacking midfielder), with Niccolò Pisilli deployed alongside El Aynaoui in central midfield—a setup repeated during the second half against Bologna when Manu was absent. Gasperini has made clear his vision for Roma's improvement, focusing recruitment needs on attacking areas rather than midfield. The coach is ready to confirm Koné and Pisilli as a central partnership for next season regardless of whether Cristante, El Aynaoui, and Pellegrini remain at the club. Both players are international representatives—Koné for France and Pisilli for Italy—and young with significant potential ahead of them. These midfielders will serve as reliable alternatives available on the pitch. Market activity could alter the situation. Koné and Pisilli, alongside goalkeeper Mile Svilar, are among the most sought-after players at Roma. Gasperini has identified three priority areas for squad improvement: three attacking players to compete with Serie A's top sides, and reinforcements on both the right and left flanks, as well as a left-side defensive winger.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini faces a tactical dilemma similar to one Daniele De Rossi confronted two years ago: choosing between Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé. Both Argentine forwards are currently below peak fitness due to injury concerns. Soulé has not fully recovered from pubic bone inflammation, while Dybala is still regaining rhythm and match fitness following a three-month knee layoff. The situation presents a paradox for Roma: despite having two capable attacking options, their injury history means the pair have played together only 11 times this season for a combined 714 minutes. This limited availability has forced rotation and limits tactical flexibility. Dybala's contract situation adds complexity—his deal is approaching expiration—while Soulé's position is similarly precarious. Both could depart Roma in the coming transfer window if suitable offers arrive. Gasperini must navigate these circumstances carefully while managing the fitness and form of both players. The futures of Dybala and Soulé remain unclear, with each potentially vulnerable to a sale despite their quality. Roma's attacking depth will depend heavily on how quickly both recover full match sharpness.

Paulo Dybala is among Roma's players with contracts expiring on 30 June. The Argentine forward appears willing to continue at the club and is open to renewing his deal, though on reduced wages. Details remain unclear regarding the specific terms or timeline for negotiations. Dybala's potential renewal would be significant for Roma's attacking options, as the club navigates squad planning under current management.

Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé have failed to develop an effective partnership on the pitch this season. The two Argentine forwards have played together in 11 matches across Serie A and cup competitions, accumulating 714 minutes combined, yet have managed just three goals in total. Soulé scored two of those (only one in league play, assisted by Dybala against Pisa), while Dybala netted just once, from the penalty spot against Vitkoria Plzen. Head coach Gasperini has increasingly employed them in rotation rather than alongside each other, with the last time they started together dating to 25 January against Milan. This tactical shift has continued through recent matches against Bologna and Fiorentina and is expected to continue in the upcoming fixture at Parma. Tactical concerns about the pair's compatibility emerged early in the season and were compounded by recurring injuries affecting both players. The lack of chemistry raises uncertainty about their futures at the club. Dybala's contract expires soon with renewal terms still unclear, while Soulé has attracted interest from Premier League and Bundesliga clubs. Reports suggest that an offer of €40 million could prompt the Argentine midfielder to leave Roma.