Dybala, Malen and Gollini celebrate dramatic Roma victory on social media

The Netherlands defeated Tunisia 3–1 in their final group match, securing first place and advancing to the round of 16. Goals came from an own goal by Skhiri, Brobbey, and van Hecke, while Mastouri scored for Tunisia. Donyell Malen, the AS Roma winger, played from the start on the right flank but remained goalless, being substituted in the 72nd minute for Summerville. Tunisia finished the tournament with zero points. The Netherlands will face Morocco in the round of 16 on 30 June at 3 a.m. Italian time. This sets up a Roma connection, as both sides are managed by figures linked to the Giallorossi. The match represents a significant moment for Malen, who will be eager to end his tournament campaign with a goal after failing to find the net in the group stage. Malen's performance comes amid Roma's broader mercato activity, with the club reportedly consolidating its squad ahead of the new season.

Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman explained his decision to replace Roma winger Donyell Malen at halftime during the Oranje's 5–1 win over Sweden in a World Cup qualifier. Malen was deployed on the wing in the first half but struggled with defensive duties as Sweden adjusted to a four-defender formation, prompting the change. Koeman said: "The first half concluded with a weaker phase of play, partly because Sweden began playing with four defenders. Our wingers kept pressing their centre-back, whereas usually the number 9s and 10s do that. Consequently, we found ourselves in serious trouble a couple of times. The defensive phase was also the reason for Malen's substitution; I believe Summerville is better defensively. We often talk with players about the need to recognise changes on the pitch more quickly. I understand the substitution is difficult for Donyell, but this is high-level football. A team performance is expected." The Roma striker had failed to score in pre-tournament friendlies and his opening match against Japan before facing Sweden. Koeman was quick to reassure supporters and the player himself, stating that Malen is not being scapegoated and may return as a centre-forward in upcoming matches. He also noted that striker Brobbey had experienced a minor hamstring issue, explaining the need for rotation.

Donyell Malen will play on the right wing for the Netherlands in their Group B match against Sweden, a fixture already crucial after drawing 0–0 against Japan in their opening game. Coach Ronald Koeman has reshaped the attacking setup, positioning Gakpo on the left, Malen on the right, and Brobbey of Sunderland as the central striker. This marks a change from the first match, where Malen operated in a more central role. Koeman's tactical adjustment aims to generate more attacking opportunities as the Netherlands seeks vital goals in what is effectively a knockout stage match. Malen, who plays for AS Roma in Serie A, will be crucial to the team's attacking threat on the flank rather than leading the line. The strategic shift reflects Koeman's desire to optimize the team's attacking balance while still utilizing Malen's pace and technical abilities in a different capacity. The match against Sweden kicks off at 19:00 local time and represents a critical encounter for the Netherlands' tournament progression.

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.

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.

Mason Greenwood has decided to join AS Roma following three weeks of negotiations that began with a video call between the English forward and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini on June 6. Gasperini's father Andrew, who also serves as his agent, participated in the initial contact, which was arranged through a former Manchester United teammate. Gasperini explained to Greenwood his tactical plans for Roma, detailing how the forward would operate either on the right flank or as a trequartista depending on the formation (3-4-2-1 or 3-4-1-2), while emphasizing the club's ambition and his importance to the project. Roma's leadership is now tasked with finalizing the deal with Marseille. The Friedkin Group and club ownership are preparing an offer of approximately 40 million euros plus performance-based add-ons. Negotiations are expected to advance after June 30, with direct talks between Friedkin and Marseille owner Frank McCourt. This approach mirrors Gasperini's success in January when he personally convinced Donyell Malen to join Roma. However, without a formal agreement in place, Greenwood's father continues to listen to interest from other clubs, including Fenerbahce, as he maximizes his position in the negotiations.

Donyell Malen, Roma's forward, failed to score across three group-stage matches at the World Cup with the Netherlands, a significant drop from his impressive form with the club. The player was shifted to the right wing during the tournament as fellow striker Brobbey scored three goals. Former Inter manager Frank De Boer analysed Malen's difficulties, tracing the root of his struggles to a friendly match against Algeria at the De Kuip stadium. De Boer explained that Malen did not play poorly in the group stage, including against Tunisia, where he remained active and unlucky in the final minutes. However, the Dutch legend believes a critical turning point came earlier. De Boer stated: "Everything started with the wasted opportunity against Algeria at the De Kuip. It seems to torment him a bit, it seems he's thinking too much. It would have been nice if he'd scored two goals now. But he didn't play badly." The analysis suggests Malen's lack of goals stems from a mental block rather than tactical or physical issues. De Boer implied that the forward's confidence may have been shaken by the missed chances in the Algeria friendly, affecting his performance throughout the tournament. His return to Roma and prospects for regaining form remain to be seen.

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.

El Shaarawy, the former Roma attacker, married influencer Pagani in a ceremony attended by several of his ex-teammates from the club. Current Roma players Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante were present at the wedding, alongside Pierluigi Gollini. El Shaarawy departed Roma during the recent transfer window, ending his association with the Giallorossi. The wedding brought together members of the Roma squad in a social gathering outside of competitive football. The presence of multiple current and recent players underscores the bonds formed within the club. El Shaarawy had been a significant figure at Roma before his exit, and the attendance of Mancini and Cristante reflects the camaraderie that exists among the playing group.

Torino are in talks with Roma about a multi-player transfer deal that could bring funds to the Giallorossi. The Piedmont club's primary target is Alessandro Romano, a 20-year-old Swiss midfielder who spent the second half of last season on loan at Spezia. Romano was close to joining Torino last summer when a €5 million fee was deemed too high, but Roma now seek €7–8 million for a permanent transfer. Competition exists from Palermo and Bologna for the midfielder's signature. Torino have also opened discussions with Roma regarding Luigi Cherubini, a 22-year-old right-winger who recently made his national team debut and recently returned from a loan spell at Sampdoria. His contract expires in 2027 with no renewal talks currently underway. The Giallorossi would also consider selling goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, whose deal runs until 2026; he has made just one appearance for Roma this season, in a Europa League match against Panathinaikos. Torino's director of sport Petrachi is also pushing to sign Niccolò Fortini, a 20-year-old right-back from Fiorentina who was previously linked to Roma during the winter transfer window. Torino have offered €5 million, though Fiorentina are asking for nearly double that amount.