Roma prepares for derby with Malen and Dybala leading attack as Gasperini finalizes lineup

Roma and Lazio will meet in the Derby della Capitale on Sunday at noon in an unusual match setup with a reduced stadium capacity. The fixture will see Roma's Curva Sud present, while Lazio supporters have announced a protest. Questions remain around Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri's involvement in the match. The derby represents an unconventional circumstance for both clubs, with the Stadio Olimpico operating at partial capacity for the encounter.

Italian authorities have implemented an extensive security plan for Sunday's Derby della Capitale between Roma and Lazio, with over 1,000 police officers deployed across the Foro Italico, Ponte Milvio, and surrounding areas. The operation aims to prevent rival fan groups from making contact. Roma supporters will enter their curva and display their choreography, avoiding the need to gather in Piazza Mancini and along Lungotevere Maresciallo Diaz for the duration of the match. Had the derby been scheduled for Monday evening, Roma's ultras groups in the Sud section would have remained outside the stadium in protest, significantly raising the risk of disorder. The Serie A League has appointed a dedicated safety officer responsible for security across the entire Foro Italico area. Prefect Lamberto Giannini and Questore Roberto Massucci coordinated the plan, which involves unprecedented resources: police horses, water cannons, drones, and a helicopter will monitor the stadium complex from dawn. Ponte Milvio will be closed to the public, with approximately 7,000 Lazio supporters expected to gather in the square in protest against club president Claudio Lotito and will not enter the stadium. A technical meeting was scheduled at San Vitale to finalize operational details. The match kick-off time has been set for noon.

The Derby della Capitale between Roma and Lazio will take place on Sunday 17 May at 12:00, following a reversal of earlier scheduling uncertainty surrounding Matchday 37. The fixture had been subject to calendar complications that were resolved in Roma's favour, confirming the traditional Sunday slot for this crucial Serie A encounter. The derby remains a pivotal moment in the season's closing stages.

Donyell Malen's transfer to AS Roma has been officially completed after a mandatory purchase clause was triggered. Lazio's defeat to Inter in the Coppa Italia final automatically secured Roma's qualification for at least the Europa League, which activated the obligation to buy the Dutch winger for €25 million on a four-year contract. Malen arrived in Italy in mid-January and has since scored 14 goals in his debut season, breaking Mario Balotelli's record as the most prolific foreign acquisition in Serie A history. Malen now prepares for the Derby della Capitale against Lazio, seeking to add to his impressive tally. His form has been vital to Roma's Champions League ambitions, with crucial goals scored against Parma last weekend helping keep the club in contention. The derby arrives at a significant moment for the club: Paulo Dybala's contract renewal talks have progressed favourably following Ryan Friedkin's recent presence at the club's training ground, though the deal hinges on salary reductions offset by appearance-based bonuses. Lorenzo Pellegrini is close to extending his own deal and should return to the squad after serving a suspension. In midfield, Niccolò Pisilli is favoured to start ahead of Matías Soulé following Roma's recovery of key personnel. The club has also registered interest in Saviolo from Vitória Guimarães, though details remain unclear on the scope of that pursuit.

AS Roma has secured agreement on the date and time for the upcoming Derby della Capitale against SS Lazio. The club is holding talks with Paulo Dybala's agent regarding a contract renewal. Donyell Malen has completed his move to Roma and is now a Giallorossi player. These developments represent significant activity across multiple fronts for the club—fixture scheduling, squad retention of a key attacking asset, and new recruitment. The timing of these announcements suggests Roma is moving swiftly on both player management and squad strengthening ahead of upcoming fixtures.

Donyell Malen's future at AS Roma is now guaranteed following Lazio's defeat, which triggered an automatic purchase obligation as Roma secured Europa League qualification. The Dutch winger has scored 13 goals in 16 Serie A matches this season. However, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is not satisfied with the current attacking options and intends to push for significant summer reinforcements. The club's attacking arsenal currently consists of Malen, plus forwards Vaz and Artem Dovbyk, though Dovbyk could leave if substantial offers arrive. Gasperini has identified priority targets on the wing, with names including Summerville, Tel, and Nusa on the shortlist. Nusa is reportedly Gasperini's primary desired target—the coach wanted him in January, but RB Leipzig's €50 million asking price deterred Roma at that time. Brugge's Tzolis is also under consideration. Potential contract renewals for Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini may not be enough to satisfy the coach's ambitions. There is also uncertainty surrounding Matías Soulé's position; the winger could be sold to accommodate financial fair play requirements, with Aston Villa reportedly monitoring his situation. Gasperini would reportedly not oppose Soulé's departure.

Stephan El Shaarawy's time at AS Roma remains in doubt as the club approaches the end of the season. After ten years in the Giallorossi colours across two separate periods, the 33-year-old faces an uncertain future, with the Derby della Capitale against Lazio on Sunday potentially serving as his final match at Stadio Olimpico if a contract resolution cannot be reached. Contract renewal discussions with key players including Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala, and others are progressing, but no substantive progress has been made on El Shaarawy's situation. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has acknowledged the player's professionalism but has deployed him only in emergency circumstances. El Shaarawy is willing to accept a reduced role within the squad, though he would need to significantly cut his current salary of 2.5 million euros—reportedly not a major obstacle. The club and player have deferred final negotiations until the season's conclusion. If an agreement cannot be reached, El Shaarawy would depart the capital after 346 appearances and 65 goals for Roma. He remains popular within the squad, as evidenced by a gathering at his villa several weeks ago. Genoa, where El Shaarawy began his career, could potentially be his next destination.

Paulo Dybala's contract renewal with AS Roma is close to completion following direct dialogue between the club's ownership and the player's representatives. After weeks of uncertainty, negotiations have entered their final stages, signalling that Dybala's future at the Giallorossi is secure. The Argentine forward has been a key figure in Roma's squad, and resolving his contract status represents an important step in the club's planning. Friedkin's involvement in the talks underscores the significance placed on retaining one of the team's most valuable assets as Roma continues building for the coming season.

Donyell Malen's transfer to AS Roma has been officially completed after a mandatory purchase clause was triggered. Lazio's defeat to Inter in the Coppa Italia final automatically secured Roma's qualification for at least the Europa League, which activated the obligation to buy the Dutch winger for €25 million on a four-year contract. Malen arrived in Italy in mid-January and has since scored 14 goals in his debut season, breaking Mario Balotelli's record as the most prolific foreign acquisition in Serie A history. Malen now prepares for the Derby della Capitale against Lazio, seeking to add to his impressive tally. His form has been vital to Roma's Champions League ambitions, with crucial goals scored against Parma last weekend helping keep the club in contention. The derby arrives at a significant moment for the club: Paulo Dybala's contract renewal talks have progressed favourably following Ryan Friedkin's recent presence at the club's training ground, though the deal hinges on salary reductions offset by appearance-based bonuses. Lorenzo Pellegrini is close to extending his own deal and should return to the squad after serving a suspension. In midfield, Niccolò Pisilli is favoured to start ahead of Matías Soulé following Roma's recovery of key personnel. The club has also registered interest in Saviolo from Vitória Guimarães, though details remain unclear on the scope of that pursuit.