Rensch emerges as unexpected hero under Gasperini, a versatile option for Roma's future

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.

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.

AS Roma players competing at the World Cup have faced mixed fortunes in the group stage. Some, including Donyell Malen, have progressed to the knockout rounds and continue their tournament campaign. Others have been eliminated early and must return to club duties. The article provides an early assessment of how Roma's internationals have performed during the initial phase of the competition. Their results and individual displays will influence preparation for Roma's return to domestic and European action.

Roma are actively reshaping their full-back options ahead of the 2026–27 season. The club is pursuing Diego Moreira, a 21-year-old left winger from Strasbourg who is currently at the World Cup with Belgium and also holds a Portuguese passport. Strasbourg have set an asking price of around €40 million, which Roma consider too high. The club is exploring an alternative structure—a loan deal with a €25 million purchase option—that could make the move feasible. Wesley remains untouchable in the full-back ranks, while Celik's contract renewal is described as near completion. Salah-Eddine is expected to depart, and the futures of Rensch and Angeliño remain uncertain. Roma are also monitoring alternatives including Molina from Atlético Madrid (valued at €15–18 million), with Ruggieri and Dodó from Fiorentina considered less likely targets. On the left flank, Angeliño has attracted interest from Real Betis Sevilla, though the Spanish club is proposing only a loan arrangement. Roma have valued Angeliño at €10 million and are unwilling to discount him, particularly with the June 30 transfer deadline approaching. Angeliño, recovering from a serious injury that limited his involvement last season, is keen to remain at Roma and prove himself to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini during pre-season training, which begins on 13 July.

Roma is reshaping its fullback options this summer. Angeliño, a 1997-born left-back, is reportedly a target for Deportivo La Coruña, the Spanish club where he developed and recently returned to Liga. However, Angeliño's priority is to prove his value to Gasperini at Roma after missing most of last season through a serious, prolonged injury that affected his fitness and availability. With Wesley established on the left and Tsimikas returning to Liverpool, Angeliño's future remains uncertain as he seeks to regain his place in the squad. On the right flank, Roma's interest in Dodò has reportedly strengthened. The Brazilian fullback, 27, plays for Fiorentina under a contract running until 2027 but desires Champions League football. Napoli has also pursued him, though the club may step back from the competition soon. Rensch's status at Roma is described as uncertain, while Celik moves closer to a contract extension. Roma's fullback reshuffling reflects the need for greater depth and injury resilience across both flanks after a disrupted campaign.

Roma's pursuit of Mason Greenwood has hit a significant obstacle. Hakan Safi, a candidate for the Fenerbahce presidency, has moved directly to secure the English winger and announced an agreement for a four-year contract. Gasperini remains keen on Greenwood as a key target to strengthen the squad, but Roma must now navigate intense competition from the Turkish club to complete any deal. With the Greenwood situation unfolding, Roma's recruitment strategy has expanded to address other areas. Gasperini is conducting a wide search for a left-winger, with Summerville topping the wish list, though that acquisition would prove difficult. Alternative targets include Tzolis of Club Brugge, Igor Paixao of Marseille, Mathys Tel, and Mika Godts. Players including Nusa and Alajbegovic have been ruled out. On the right flank, Gasperini is seeking reinforcement, specifically a left-footed winger, with Wesley expected to remain on the left next season. Celik is viewed as a defensive back option despite potential contract renewal, while Rensch will serve as a backup. The transfer window remains active as Roma adjusts its targets amid external competition. The Serie A 2026–27 fixture calendar has also been released, with no major surprises for the club's scheduling.

Atletico Madrid has highlighted left-back Matteo Ruggeri on social media, sharing content of the Italian defender's summer activities and prompting an outpouring of affection from the club's supporters online. Fans responded with messages of praise, with many urging him to stay and declaring him part of the club's future. Ruggeri, a former Atalanta player known for his aggressive playing style, enjoyed a strong season in Spain and built a strong connection with the Atletico fanbase. AS Roma has been linked with Ruggeri as the club seeks to address the left-back position, with plans to move Wesley back to the right flank. However, Atletico's investment in Grimaldo for the same role may complicate any potential move. Ruggeri's future remains uncertain despite the clear affection shown by Madrid's supporters, and his availability for transfer is unclear given Atletico's apparent commitment to their new signings.

AS Roma are preparing to move for Matteo Ruggeri, Atletico Madrid's left wing-back, as Gian Piero Gasperini seeks to strengthen his squad in a position he considers crucial to his tactical system. The Italian's transfer prospects have improved following reports that Atletico will soon complete the signing of Alex Grimaldo, which will reduce Ruggeri's playing time at the Spanish club and make a departure more likely. Ruggeri spent weeks uncertain about his future but now understands he will not be a guaranteed starter at Atletico next season should he remain. Roma intends to offer him a regular starting role at left wing-back, with Wesley expected to shift permanently to the right side. The move would provide Ruggeri the guaranteed opportunity to play in the Champions League, an important consideration for the defender. Gasperini previously worked with Ruggeri during his time at Atalanta and is confident the system at Roma can unlock his potential and improve his career trajectory. The proposed transfer would benefit all parties involved. Ruggeri impressed in European competition last season and would gain the first-team football and continental exposure he needs at this stage of his career, while Roma would reinforce a position essential to their manager's tactical approach.

Nahuel Molina has emerged as a strong target for Roma's right-back search, with the club monitoring the 28-year-old Atlético Madrid defender closely. Molina finished the previous season in good form under Diego Simeone, who values him highly, and is currently on international duty with Argentina. However, Atlético Madrid have not yet received any offers for the Argentine player. Roma's pursuit of Molina comes as the club continues to strengthen its defensive options alongside its offensive priorities, with Mason Greenwood remaining the main focus in attack. The club had previously considered other targets including Ruggeri and Dodó, but Molina has now become the primary option on the right flank. A significant detail has emerged regarding Molina's contractual situation: his deal with Atlético Madrid runs until 2028 rather than 2027, which means any potential transfer fee would be considerably higher than it would be for a player approaching the end of his contract. Regarding alternative targets, Ruggeri is considered less essential by Atlético Madrid and the Spanish club would be open to offers. The reported valuation for Ruggeri stands around €20–22 million. Wesley, Roma's current right-back, continues his fitness work during the off-season, training in Greece.

Roma are pressing to sign Marseille winger Mason Greenwood as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini prioritizes new arrivals before mid-July. Gasperini has already spoken with Greenwood and a verbal agreement is in place, but Roma have not yet submitted a formal offer to Marseille, who are holding firm on their asking price of €50 million plus €5 million in bonuses. From 1 July, Greenwood's release clause of €60 million will activate. Atletico Madrid previously inquired about the English winger in spring and could return with a stronger approach. Director D'Amico is simultaneously working on outgoing transfers to generate funds and meet Gasperini's requirements. Selling Matías Soulé has proven more difficult than shifting other squad members due to his lower market appeal. Ilaní Koné is attracting significant interest, particularly from Arsenal and Chelsea in the Premier League, with Atletico Madrid offering €45 million—though Koné reportedly prefers a move to England or a return to France. Other players generating interest include Angeliño, who is being pursued by Real Betis and Deportivo La Coruña, and Artem Dovbyk, with offers coming from Spain and Turkey. Additional squad movement involves Romano, valued at €8 million and contested by Palermo and Bologna, while Cherubini has attracted attention from Torino, Parma, and Frosinone. Negotiations with Nottingham regarding Ziolkowski remain stalled.

Roma are actively reshaping their full-back options ahead of the 2026–27 season. The club is pursuing Diego Moreira, a 21-year-old left winger from Strasbourg who is currently at the World Cup with Belgium and also holds a Portuguese passport. Strasbourg have set an asking price of around €40 million, which Roma consider too high. The club is exploring an alternative structure—a loan deal with a €25 million purchase option—that could make the move feasible. Wesley remains untouchable in the full-back ranks, while Celik's contract renewal is described as near completion. Salah-Eddine is expected to depart, and the futures of Rensch and Angeliño remain uncertain. Roma are also monitoring alternatives including Molina from Atlético Madrid (valued at €15–18 million), with Ruggieri and Dodó from Fiorentina considered less likely targets. On the left flank, Angeliño has attracted interest from Real Betis Sevilla, though the Spanish club is proposing only a loan arrangement. Roma have valued Angeliño at €10 million and are unwilling to discount him, particularly with the June 30 transfer deadline approaching. Angeliño, recovering from a serious injury that limited his involvement last season, is keen to remain at Roma and prove himself to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini during pre-season training, which begins on 13 July.

Roma's sporting director D'Amico is pushing to complete several outgoings as the club reshapes its squad. A well-advanced negotiation is underway between left-back Angeliño and Spanish club Real Betis. Betis has also made enquiries about striker Artem Dovbyk, though that deal faces obstacles due to Roma's high asking price for the Ukrainian forward. Beyond Angeliño, Roma is exploring the departure of midfielder Matías Soulé, who has attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund, and several fringe players. Dovbyk remains a priority for exit, and D'Amico aims to use funds from these sales to bring in a new back-up forward to support Donyell Malen under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The club is also considering loan moves for other squad members within Serie A. According to journalist Gianluigi Longari of SportItalia, there has been recent and substantive contact with Betis over Angeliño, signalling the talks have progressed well. However, the structure of future business depends on clearing the existing squad first.