France names 26-player squad for 2026 World Cup; Roma's Koné included

Roma news roundup covering multiple developments. Paulo Dybala is reportedly making a sacrifice for the club, though specific details remain unclear. In the transfer market, Roma has shown interest in a player named Puerta. Separately, Inter Milan has not submitted an offer for Niccolò Pisilli, suggesting the midfielder remains available for Roma's squad planning. These updates reflect ongoing activity in recruitment and squad management as the club navigates the current transfer window.

French midfielder Adrien Rabiot has spoken positively about his Roma teammate Manu Koné during France's World Cup campaign. Rabiot highlighted the differences between Koné and fellow midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni, noting that while Tchouameni operates deeper to build play from defence, Koné excels in dribbling and creating passing opportunities to break defensive lines. Rabiot stated: "The difference between Tchouameni and Koné? They are rather different players. Aurélien drops back and builds play between the centre-backs. Manu, instead, perhaps has greater propensity for dribbling and searching for passes to unlock opposition lines. You have to adapt, but they are two excellent players with whom it is easy to play." Koné has emerged as one of Roma's key players competing at the tournament alongside Donyell Malen. The midfielder featured in matches against Iraq and Norway after missing the opening game, accumulating 180 minutes and establishing himself as a regular starter under France manager Deschamps. Rabiot confirmed that both players have developed good understanding in midfield, including when they played together during France's encounter with Norway. The positive assessment underscores Koné's importance to Roma's plans as the club looks forward to the coming season.

Juventus director Giovanni Carnevali has publicly addressed the club's interest in Bologna defender Lucumì, a player also linked with AS Roma. Speaking at an industry dinner in Rimini on 29 June, Carnevali stated that while Lucumì interests Juventus, the player's current €28 million release clause makes a move difficult. He said: "He has a clause of 28 million, he can interest us but not at these conditions." Lucumì has been repeatedly mentioned as a Roma target, particularly in scenarios where Roma might sell defender Ndicka. Roma could be monitoring the situation around Lucumì as the summer transfer window opens. Carnevali also addressed other transfer matters, indicating that Juventus is working to rebuild relationships with Paris Saint-Germain regarding forward Kolo Muani. The executive explained: "Certainly both the goalkeeper and the forward are fundamental pieces. We must work calmly. Today there are high economic conditions and we cannot make any mistakes. Kolo Muani is a possibility, you know the difficulties in the past and the relationship with PSG is being repaired. Acceptable conditions must be found." The remarks came as Serie A's summer market activity formally began with a gala dinner bringing together club directors. Details remain unclear on Roma's immediate pursuit strategy for Lucumì or other defensive targets.