Dybala Returns to Starting Lineup After 105 Days Out; Derby Next

Donyell Malen and several other Serie A forwards failed to score at the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Malen, operating as a right winger rather than a central striker for the Netherlands under Koeman's system, was positioned far from goal and unable to find the net. His role away from the penalty area affected his overall performance during the tournament. Malen was not alone among Serie A attackers who struggled. Lautaro Martinez, Inter's leading scorer with 17 league goals, remained goalless across two matches for Argentina. Similarly, Marcus Thuram of Inter (who scored 13 goals in Serie A) failed to register despite limited playing time with France. Nico Paz and Kenan Yildiz of Turkey also went without goals. By contrast, only two Serie A attackers managed to find the net: Rafael Leão of Milan scored against Uzbekistan, while David of Juventus struck a hat-trick against Qatar. Other major Serie A forwards—including Douvikas, Hojlund, Simeone, Krstovic, and Davis—either failed to qualify or did not receive call-ups to their respective national teams.

Stephan El Shaarawy, Roma's forward, married influencer and DJ Ludovica Pagani on 27 June at Villa Aldobrandini in Frascati. The couple had already undergone a civil ceremony in Rome in May but celebrated their religious marriage with family, friends, and numerous celebrities. El Shaarawy will officially become a free agent on 1 July following the conclusion of Roma's qualifying campaign for the Champions League, during which he scored the second goal in a victory against Verona. Several of El Shaarawy's Roma teammates attended the celebration, described as his closest companions: Gollini, Mancini, Cristante, and Pellegrini. The latter was reportedly juggling attendance at two weddings on the same day, as confirmed on social media by his wife. The guest list extended beyond the Roma contingent to include prominent figures from music and sport, with Pagani's side of the celebration drawing entertainment and athletics personalities. Guests included singer Elettra Lamborghini, fellow musician Giulia Penna, and basketball player Valentina Vignali, who documented the ceremony's most memorable moments on Instagram. El Shaarawy and Pagani's relationship began in 2020 and has now reached formal marriage status following the festivities at the historic villa.

Roma winger Matías Soulé is reportedly considering a move to Saudi Arabia, according to transfer reports circulating on the day. Separately, Turkish club Fenerbahçe remains actively interested in acquiring Mason Greenwood and has not withdrawn from negotiations. Details of the Saudi offer and Fenerbahçe's progress remain unclear. Both developments suggest potential outgoings from Roma's squad during the current transfer window, though the status of negotiations and likelihood of completion are unconfirmed.

Transfer analyst Alfredo Pedullà has outlined Roma's activity across several key areas of the squad. Paulo Dybala is close to signing a new contract, with Gasperini prioritizing the renewal. Celik's situation is reportedly almost finalized, while a further meeting is needed to resolve Lorenzo Pellegrini's terms. Pedullà confirmed that Koné's agent has communicated directly to Roma: "No to speculation, there must not be intermediaries, people bringing offers. I am the agent and I will bring the offers." Roma values the midfielder at a minimum of €45 million including bonuses, though the situation could shift rapidly. On the attacking front, Greenwood is on Gasperini's list but is not the only target under consideration. Pedullà emphasized there is no active negotiation or meeting yet scheduled, suggesting Roma is exploring options quietly. Other names under review remain unconfirmed, while Paixao, Nusa, and others have been ruled out. The club is conducting business away from public scrutiny across recruitment priorities, with potential developments in Matías Soulé's situation also possible. The renewal of Dybala and acquisition of attacking reinforcements represent key priorities as Gasperini shapes his squad.

Salvatore Foti, who served as assistant coach to José Mourinho during his time at Roma, has discussed his period with the club. Foti commented on a match in Budapest, stating he would have preferred a clear 3-0 defeat. He also revealed his involvement in initiating a chant related to Paulo Dybala. Foti's remarks offer insight into his experience working alongside Mourinho at Roma, touching on both tactical moments and fan engagement during his tenure with the Giallorossi.

Roma's summer transfer activity is intensifying, with multiple moves in development. Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract renewal is not currently a priority for the club; while the midfielder visited the training ground on Monday to discuss an extension, any formal negotiation with the board will not take place until July. The focus instead shifts to Paulo Dybala, whose renewal is progressing and drawing closer to completion, bolstered by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's backing. The Friedkin Group aims to finalize Dybala's new deal by 30 June. Meanwhile, Alessandro Romano's departure has been confirmed: the 2006-born midfielder will join Cagliari for a reported 5 million euros plus performance-based bonuses that could reach 6.5 million, with a conditional purchase obligation clause included. The Romano transfer provides financial relief ahead of Roma's 30 June accounting deadline. Real Betis has also reportedly tabled an offer of 15 million euros for an unnamed Roma player involving a loan with a purchase option, though details remain unclear.

Como have made another attempt to sign Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli, but the Giallorossi have firmly rejected the approach. The Serie A club, managed by Fabregas, is searching for Italian talent to meet UEFA squad list requirements for their Champions League campaign. However, Roma have no intention of selling Pisilli and consider him a key midfielder they cannot afford to lose. Pisilli, born in 2004, wants to remain at Roma to play Champions League football with the club he has supported and represented since childhood. The midfielder has become increasingly important to Roma's midfield over recent months and is determined to establish himself as a starter under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini in the upcoming season. Roma's stance reflects their confidence in Pisilli's development and his value to their project moving forward.

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."