Gasperini on Champions League resources and competing without them

AS Roma midfielder Koné made a strong impression in his World Cup debut, starting for France in a 3–0 victory over Iraq. The 2001-born midfielder was central to the performance and spoke afterwards about his experience in the match and the team's response to a lengthy interruption during play. He said: "Seemed endless, but we stayed professional. We told ourselves we had to come back with the same mentality. It was a long wait, but we responded well." Koné reflected positively on his first World Cup appearance and the confidence of being selected to start. He stated: "We got an important victory. For me it was the first time at a World Cup, but we were focused and ready. We are professionals and we knew how to manage everything the right way." On his unexpected debut, he added: "I didn't live it as a surprise. I always told myself to be ready. It happened and I'm proud. We won 3–0 and that's the most important thing." A lighter moment emerged during the press conference when Koné was asked a question in Italian and struggled to understand, responding with a smile and asking for a translator. The midfielder's solid performance underscores his growing importance to Roma's plans under current coaching staff.

Giovanni Malagò, newly elected president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and former head of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), addressed his lifelong support for AS Roma during his first press conference in the role. When asked about his passion for the club, Malagò stated: "There is nothing worse than denying your own past, especially if it's family. I was always institutional for 13 years as CONI president. It's impossible to say anything to me about that." Malagò rejected the notion that public figures should hide their football allegiances, drawing comparisons to prominent figures outside sport. He said: "Should I not celebrate in a certain way at the stadium? That's very provincial thinking. I don't watch Obama during Chicago Bulls victories... they're heads of state." He also referenced Prince William's public support for Aston Villa as an example of how people in positions of authority can openly express their sporting preferences. The FIGC president concluded his remarks by emphasizing that integrity matters more than allegiance: "Look at the royal family, with Prince William celebrating for Aston Villa. What's important is how you behave, but you must never deny who you are." During the same press conference, Malagò also confirmed that AS Roma's stadium project is proceeding on schedule.

Gianluca Mancini expressed his excitement at Roma's qualification for next season's Champions League following the club's third-place finish in Serie A. Speaking at a charity tournament, the defender reflected on the achievement after years of falling short of European football's premier club competition. He said: "It's the crowning achievement of this group's work: expressing our football, arriving at a beautiful third place and being able to play Champions League next year. After the Verona match I immediately imagined the Champions League anthem I'll hear and all the stadiums we'll see. I'm very happy and can't wait to enjoy these feelings." Mancini also addressed his ongoing contract renewal negotiations with the club. He stated: "The negotiations are underway, I'm waiting. There are the people involved, my agent, myself and the club: we're talking and continuing to do so. I'm waiting for answers and we'll see what happens." The centre-back's remarks come as Roma continues discussions with key squad members over their long-term future at the Stadio Olimpico. Mancini additionally commented on Italy's absence from the current World Cup, expressing frustration at the national team's failure to qualify for a third consecutive tournament and suggesting the problem extends beyond youth development or coaching alone.