Gasperini's Roma Takes Shape: Top Wingers, the Wesley Model, and Celik's Untouchable Status

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.

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.