Bove Reflects on Europa League Goal Against Bayer Leverkusen Three Years On

José Mourinho, now Real Madrid's coach, has spoken about his time at Roma and reflected on winning the UEFA Europa Conference League with the club in 2022. Speaking on the podcast 'Beast Mode On', Mourinho described the victory and subsequent celebrations as uniquely special. He said: "When we won the Conference with Roma the city went crazy. Something happens there that other cities cannot do even winning the Champions League. Roma is a city where people are really, really, really in love with the club. A giant club with absolutely incredible passion. We won the first Conference and Europe did not see it as it does now. When we returned to Rome and made the parade between the Colosseum and Circus Maximus we realized what we had truly given to those fans. It was not a matter of José Mourinho. At my beginnings I was focused on myself, my feelings, my victories, thinking about my future. Then I went more towards others, on what I could do for others and the fans. What we did in Rome is the thing that made me realize what we could do for people. It was an incredible thing. I have won the Champions League, I have managed in the Premier League, Inter, Real Madrid. But thinking about others is a beautiful feeling." Mourinho also revisited his deepest regret linked to Roma: the 2014 Europa League final against Seville. He expressed a desire to replay that match, citing concerns about the officiating in that fixture.

Roma Club Montecitorio held a celebration marking the club's return to the Champions League. The event brought together supporters and institutional representatives to mark the occasion, reflecting widespread joy across the giallorosso community over Roma's qualification for European football's premier competition. The celebration underscores the significance of the achievement for the club and its fanbase.

AS Roma has qualified for the Champions League, but analysis of coach Gian Piero Gasperini's squad reveals a significant gap in continental competition experience. The article examines squad statistics to assess whether Roma's roster is adequately prepared for elite European football. Securing Champions League qualification represents a major achievement, yet competing at that level demands different tactical demands and experience that many current Roma players may lack. The composition of Gasperini's squad raises questions about readiness for the challenges ahead in Europe's premier club competition.

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.