Roma contract renewal updates: Dybala and Pellegrini hopeful, El Shaarawy moving toward exit

Artem Dovbyk's recovery from surgery appears to be progressing, with the striker returning to group training nearly four months after his operation. His return marks a significant step in his comeback, though his immediate future at Roma remains uncertain. The timeline for his full return to competitive action and whether he will remain part of the club's plans going forward are unclear.

Artem Dovbyk has returned to full group training for the first time in nearly four months following surgery for a left thigh muscle injury. The Roma number nine rejoined his teammates after an extended period of individual rehabilitation, receiving clearance to resume full training during the club's recent trip to Finland. However, his future at the club appears uncertain as head coach Gasperini has identified Donyell Malen as his preferred attacking option, leaving limited scope for Dovbyk in the starting lineup. With matches against Lazio and Verona potentially among his final appearances in Roma colors, a departure seems likely for the Ukrainian striker. Both the player and the club appear aligned on finding a solution: Dovbyk would avoid prolonged time on the bench, while Roma seeks to recover part of its substantial investment and reduce the burden of his high salary. The 2024–25 season has proven disappointing overall for the former Girona forward, who accumulated 20 goals across 3,820 minutes of play across two seasons. Gasperini's tactical preference for Malen's style of play has effectively closed the door on Dovbyk's prospects at the Olimpico. The club will likely explore transfer options in the coming months to facilitate what appears to be a mutual parting of ways.

AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has minimal selection concerns as the club prepares for the Derby della Capitale against SS Lazio. The Friedkin Group continues planning the club's future at the training ground in Trigoria while Gasperini focuses on team matters. With only one lineup doubt to resolve, Roma appear relatively settled ahead of this important fixture. Details of the specific uncertainty and further tactical plans remain unclear.

Former AS Roma striker Antonio Cassano has publicly criticised Donyell Malen's quality during a broadcast of 'Viva el Futbol', despite the Dutch forward's recent form of 13 goals in 16 Serie A matches. Cassano expressed doubts about Malen's suitability as Roma's primary attacking reference point, drawing an unfavourable comparison to a previous Roma player under Spalletti. Cassano stated: "Roma had a phenomenal player with Spalletti: it was Vucinic. He played centre-forward, left winger and was phenomenal. In Italy you move forward with enthusiasm, but Malen doesn't even lace Vucinic's shoes and Roma cannot aim to win if they have the Dutch forward as their attacking reference point." Cassano acknowledged Malen's strengths—describing him as quick and mobile in the penalty area—but argued the forward lacks the refinement and technical quality needed at the highest level. He noted that Malen is best utilised when playing in-behind defences, with Dybala frequently providing through-balls, but suggested this approach is difficult in Serie A where compact defensive structures dominate. Cassano's assessment questions whether Roma's current attacking setup can support title ambitions.

The Friedkin Group is taking decisive action during a critical period for Roma. Ryan Friedkin has held meetings with Paulo Dybala's agent and is conducting a recruitment process to appoint a new director of sport. The club faces no delays or postponements as it addresses key structural and playing staff decisions. These moves signal the ownership's commitment to resolving Roma's immediate challenges and building for the future. The simultaneous focus on retaining key players like Dybala while searching for a sporting director suggests comprehensive restructuring is underway.

Paulo Dybala addressed his future at Roma following the Parma–Roma match, generating significant discussion among the club's supporters. The Argentine forward expressed uncertainty about what lies ahead, stating: "I'd like to know myself." His comments have sparked concern about his commitment to remaining at the club. Dybala is a key player in Roma's squad, and any potential departure would represent a significant loss to the team's attacking options. The situation remains fluid, with details on contract negotiations or the club's stance remaining unclear.

Ryan Friedkin, part of the ownership group, arrived in Rome as AS Roma continues its off-field operations. Napoli have reportedly refused to release Manna from their staff. At Roma's Trigoria training ground, players Dovbyk and Pellegrini were seen, indicating they remain part of squad preparations. The article collates daily Roma news updates but specific details about the significance of these developments remain unclear.

Lorenzo Pellegrini and Artem Dovbyk have returned to training with the Roma squad, providing positive news for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The pair resumed work with their teammates at Trigoria following a rest day granted to the squad by the manager. The return of both players to group training is a welcome development for Roma's preparation. Pellegrini, who wears the number 7, and the Ukrainian striker Dovbyk represent important elements of Gasperini's squad as the team looks to maintain fitness and cohesion. Their availability strengthens the team's options as Roma continues its campaign. The recovery of these key players comes as the club resumes its training schedule after the scheduled rest period. Their participation in full group sessions suggests they are progressing well and moving closer to full availability for upcoming fixtures.

Lorenzo Pellegrini and Artem Dovbyk have returned to full group training at Roma's Trigoria training ground, bringing positive news for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The pair's recovery from injury opens options for squad selection in the coming fixtures. Meanwhile, the scheduling of Roma's derby against SS Lazio remains unsettled, with the match still undecided between Sunday and Monday. Gasperini's availability of key attacking and midfield personnel strengthens Roma's preparations as the club navigates fixture congestion.

AS Roma winger El Shaarawy has been withdrawn from the squad for the match against Parma shortly before kickoff. The decision came as a late development, forcing Roma to adjust their lineup for the fixture. Details remain unclear regarding the specific reason for El Shaarawy's withdrawal, though the timing suggests either an injury concern or a precautionary measure by the coaching staff. The absence leaves Roma with a reduced attacking option as they prepare to face Parma.

Stephan El Shaarawy was unavailable for Roma's crucial Serie A match against Parma, sidelined by a muscular adductor problem. The 1992-born forward was included in the squad but watched from the stands rather than the bench. Gasperini had recovered nearly all his available players for the contest, with Paulo Dybala returning to the starting lineup after an extended absence. The Parma fixture represented a pivotal moment in Roma's campaign, with the hosts already mathematically safe from relegation but in strong form. Gasperini's bench was relatively well-stocked despite El Shaarawy's absence, providing tactical flexibility for a match that carried significant implications for Roma's season.

Roma prepare to face Parma on matchday 36 of Serie A, with head coach Gasperini naming Paulo Dybala in the starting XI after recovering from injury. Gianluca Mancini will also feature in defence alongside Hermoso and Ndicka, despite being on a booking. The midfield pairing of Bryan Cristante and Koné will anchor the team, with Wesley and Celik on the flanks and Donyell Malen leading the attack, supported by Dybala. Niccolò Pisilli provides backup in attack. Roma cannot afford a slip-up in their pursuit of Champions League qualification, currently four points behind Juventus following the Bianconeri's recent victory at Lecce. Even a draw could damage their top-four hopes, making three points essential against a Parma side already mathematically safe. Gasperini will prioritize fielding his strongest available team rather than managing rotation ahead of the upcoming Derby della Capitale. Gasperini has most of his squad available for the first time in weeks, with only Artem Dovbyk sidelined. Koné returned to full fitness following a strong performance against Fiorentina, while El Shaarawy is included in the squad despite minor midweek concerns. Roma's recent record against Parma is strong, with 36 victories in 57 Serie A meetings. The match will be broadcast on DAZN, Sky Sport, and NOW.