Parma vs Roma: Dybala set for the bench as Pisilli starts

Monza have completed the Serie A coaching carousel by appointing Ivan Juric as their new head coach, replacing Paolo Bianco who departed for Pisa. Juric, a Croatian manager, returns to work after being sacked by Atalanta following 11 games last season. His appointment marks the ninth new managerial appointment across Serie A for the 2025–26 campaign. Juric's recent record at elite clubs has been mixed. He managed Roma for just eight games during the 2024–25 season before his spell ended, and similarly lasted only eight matches with Southampton before their relegation. However, he previously established himself at Verona and Torino, where he finished in the middle of the table across five consecutive seasons, demonstrating competence at mid-table level. Other Serie A coaching moves are now confirmed or nearing completion: Eusebio Di Francesco and Lecce will continue together, Massimiliano Allegri is set to join Napoli on a three-year contract after his Milan departure, and Gennaro Gattuso is awaiting FIGC contract clearance before Lazio officially confirm his appointment. The analysis suggests Juric represents a solid, pragmatic choice for a club facing relegation threats, though his track record shows greater success managing teams outside Serie A's top tier.

An analysis of AS Roma's 2025–26 season examines the underlying numbers and performances that shaped the club's campaign beyond the headline achievement of securing third place and Champions League qualification. The piece focuses on individual contributions from key players including Gianluca Mancini, Bryan Cristante, and Artem Dovbyk, exploring statistical insights that reveal the full picture of Roma's season. While Roma achieved a strong final league position, the deeper metrics highlight both standout individual performances and areas of note across the campaign. The analysis provides context for understanding how specific players and tactical elements influenced the overall outcome.

Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement, has marked the 25th anniversary of AS Roma's third Serie A title, won on 17 June 2001. Speaking to AdnKronos, Conte expressed optimism about Roma's prospects under current management, saying: "Today we celebrate 25 years from that wonderful date. An explosion of joy, a great party that lasted so long. I urge us not to wait another 25 years but we are on the right path, I have great confidence in Gasperini and in the current ownership." Roma's 2001 championship remains their most recent Scudetto. The title was secured with a 3–1 victory against Parma at the Olimpico, with goals from Totti, Batistuta, and Montella. The club has endured a quarter-century without a league title since then, a period that has tested the patience of supporters across Rome. Head coach Gasperini has made qualification for the Champions League a priority this season—a target already achieved—with the ultimate ambition of returning Roma to the summit of Italian football. Conte's remarks underscore the weight of expectation surrounding the current project, as fans and club figures alike hope the combination of Gasperini's management and the Friedkin Group's ownership can finally end the extended championship drought.

Niccolò Pisilli, Roma's midfielder, was photographed enjoying lunch with Maurizio Mattioli, an Italian comedian and Roma supporter, in a moment that quickly gained traction on social media. The image sparked responses from Roma fans, with supporters commenting that the pair represented two important figures connected to the club. Pisilli is currently on vacation after recently returning from the Bahamas and is making the most of his downtime before the demands of the new season begin. The midfielder is resting and preparing ahead of Roma's pre-season training camp, which is scheduled to commence on 13 July. This break comes as Pisilli looks to gear up for what Roma expects to be a Champions League campaign in the coming season. The relaxation period forms part of his preparation for the competitive months ahead. Pisilli's vacation follows the typical pattern for squad players during the summer break, balancing recovery and informal social activities before the rigours of professional football resume. Roma fans appear pleased to see their young midfielder enjoying downtime in his home country before returning to action.

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."

Midfielder Koné is Roma's most likely departure this summer, with Atlético Madrid ready to meet the club's asking price of 45 million euros—potentially rising to 50 million with bonuses. The deal would generate a reported accounting gain of 33 million euros. However, Koné is delaying his decision, hoping to attract interest from Arsenal or Chelsea, though initial inquiries from those clubs have not progressed further. Roma has made clear it has no preference for any specific destination, provided an equivalent offer arrives by June 30. The club faces mounting pressure to offload players before the end-of-month deadline to ease financial constraints linked to a Settlement Agreement with UEFA. Other candidates for sale include Ndicka, Pisilli, Svilar, and Soulé, but none currently have firm offers on the table. The Friedkin Group is determined to close or significantly reduce the deficit to present a minimal shortfall to UEFA in December, allowing the club to settle the matter with a fine and squad restrictions. If Koné does not depart by June 30, he will remain at his current salary of 2.6 million euros per year. Matías Soulé remains on Roma's balance sheet at approximately 20 million euros. Borussia Dortmund has shown interest but would need to submit a proposal around 40 million euros to meet Roma's valuation—a figure no club has yet offered.

Roma's new sporting leadership has begun its transfer window work with two primary objectives. Paulo Dybala is close to signing a new contract after discussions over fixed wages and performance-related bonuses. Roma has proposed terms worth approximately 2.5 million euros plus bonus payments tied to on-field performance, though the Argentine forward is seeking a higher figure. Dybala awaits a call from Tony D'Amico to schedule a meeting with his agent Carlos Novel to narrow the gap and finalize the renewal. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's dream target is Mason Greenwood, and Roma is preparing its opening offer to Marseille for the English attacker. An agreement over wages — reported at around five million euros annually — has reportedly been reached with Greenwood's representatives. However, Marseille remains the significant obstacle, maintaining a valuation of 50 million euros with no indication of lowering their asking price. D'Amico arrived in Rome on Sunday evening and was at the Trigoria training ground alongside Gasperini on Monday, signaling the intensity of the club's summer planning. Additionally, Roma is addressing contract matters involving other squad members, with the situations of Çelik and Pellegrini also under discussion as part of the broader transfer strategy.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and director Tony D'Amico held their first planning meeting this morning at Trigoria to map out Roma's strategy. The two arrived shortly before 10 a.m. and also met with Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is still negotiating his contract renewal. Later in the day, D'Amico and Gasperini relocated to a hotel in central Rome to continue discussions. The club is close to announcing Paulo Dybala's contract extension, while defender Celik has an agreement in principle. Contract renewals for Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante are also ready for announcement soon. Meanwhile, Roma ownership and Francesco Totti will resume talks in July with the aim of reaching agreement on a permanent role for the club legend ahead of the centenary celebration. The sticking points remain the specific position and salary. On the outgoing front, midfielder Manu Koné remains a target for several Premier League clubs and is listed as a possible departure. The club is exploring midfield reinforcements, including Celtic's Arne Engels (born 2003), though Crystal Palace is also tracking the Scottish midfielder. If Koné leaves, Camara has emerged as a potential replacement option.

Radio commentators and former players have weighed in on Roma's transfer strategy and contract situation. Piero Torri stated that contract renewals for Paulo Dybala and Zeki Celik are nearly finalized and could be announced within the week. He also flagged the Settlement Agreement with UEFA Financial Fair Play as a potential matter still requiring resolution before the 30 June deadline, though the ownership would prefer to close it by then. Former Roma player Roberto Pruzzo advised that the club should prioritize keeping goalkeeper Mile Svilar while being open to selling other squad members to raise funds for transfers. He suggested that Entwicklar could command a fee that wouldn't require selling a marquee player, naming Evan Ndicka as another potential sale. Pruzzo stated: "The only one to protect is the goalkeeper; the others can be sold. I have no reservations about selling Koné." Nando Orsi countered that Svilar is crucial, delivering significant points per season and should remain untouchable. The discussion reflected broader debate about Roma's summer priorities: balancing squad sales, player retention, and FFP compliance. Speculation about interest from top European clubs in midfielder Manu Koné drew skepticism from some panelists, who suggested that interest from clubs like Atlético Madrid would carry more weight.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and director Tony D'Amico held their first planning meeting this morning at Trigoria to map out Roma's strategy. The two arrived shortly before 10 a.m. and also met with Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is still negotiating his contract renewal. Later in the day, D'Amico and Gasperini relocated to a hotel in central Rome to continue discussions. The club is close to announcing Paulo Dybala's contract extension, while defender Celik has an agreement in principle. Contract renewals for Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante are also ready for announcement soon. Meanwhile, Roma ownership and Francesco Totti will resume talks in July with the aim of reaching agreement on a permanent role for the club legend ahead of the centenary celebration. The sticking points remain the specific position and salary. On the outgoing front, midfielder Manu Koné remains a target for several Premier League clubs and is listed as a possible departure. The club is exploring midfield reinforcements, including Celtic's Arne Engels (born 2003), though Crystal Palace is also tracking the Scottish midfielder. If Koné leaves, Camara has emerged as a potential replacement option.

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.

Lorenzo Pellegrini and Gianluca Mancini were spotted together in Ibiza in a development interpreted as potentially signalling progress toward contract renewals with AS Roma. The two defenders' presence together has fuelled speculation about their future commitments to the club. Meanwhile, transfer interest in Angelino continues, with another Spanish club reportedly joining the pursuit of the left-back. Details of the specific club's identity and the nature of these contract discussions remain unclear.