Malen's momentum builds as Roma push for Champions League

Serie A has announced the fixture list for the first five rounds of the 2026–27 season, with Roma set to begin their campaign on a Monday. The article reviews Roma's previous Monday season openers, examining a mix of victories, defeats, and notable incidents including a 3–0 walkover decision. Monday starts carry varied historical significance for the Giallorossi across their recent Serie A campaigns. The fixture scheduling marks the beginning of Roma's push under their new management structure heading into the new season.

Inter have been forced to reassess their transfer strategy after failing to land Marco Palestra, who was their sole focus as a replacement for Denzel Dumfries. The Nerazzurri are now revisiting previously considered options to address the position. Among their alternatives are Dan Ndoye, who impressed during his time at Bologna, and Andrea Cambiaso from Juventus, who could become available for €35–40 million. Dodo is also back on Inter's radar due to his expiring contract, though Roma and Napoli are monitoring the situation. Inter have expressed strong interest in Wesley, currently at Roma, though he is considered a core player for the Giallorossi and unlikely to depart. Brooke Norton-Cuffy was previously identified as a backup option when Dumfries appeared headed to Liverpool in January. The criticism centres on Inter's transfer strategy: concentrating entirely on one target has left them vulnerable. Among the available options, Ndoye is regarded as the most talented but also likely the most expensive. Cambiaso could offer a fresh start but has limited experience on the right flank. Dodo represents a safer, though lower-ceiling, alternative. The prevailing view suggests Inter should have acted more decisively earlier in the window.

Roma's Serie A season will kick off on a Monday, with a friendly match against Cardiff scheduled as part of pre-season preparations. The fixture is part of the club's build-up to the new campaign. In transfer news, several major Spanish clubs are reportedly monitoring El Aynaoui, suggesting interest from La Liga sides. Details remain unclear on the specific timing of Roma's opening league fixture and the extent of Spanish interest in El Aynaoui.

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.

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.

Roman radio stations aired commentary from journalists and former players on Roma's transfer plans and squad prospects. A central theme was whether the club would sell key players during the summer window. Piero Torri from Radio Manà Manà stated: "There is the possibility that Roma does not sell anyone," while also commenting on midfielder Koné's recent performance for France. Mateo De Santis raised concerns about contract negotiations, noting that Pellegrini's representatives have not been in contact with Roma despite the player and his assistant wanting to renew. "Their contract expires in three days," De Santis warned, highlighting the urgency of discussions. He also indicated that winger Soulé does not want to move to Saudi Arabia and that movement around midfielder Koné could still occur, questioning the value of the Settlement Agreement if it is not respected. Legend Roberto Pruzzo expressed optimism about Malen's return, saying the winger "cannot wait to come back to Trigoria" and suggesting he will arrive more motivated. Pruzzo noted that Malen's role became clearer during his Roma spell compared to his use with the Netherlands. Fellow commentator Nando Orsi suggested Malen may be managing physical fatigue after a demanding season and cautioned against viewing the situation as a crisis, observing that his current campaign has established him as a key player.

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.