Dybala Contract Renewal Near as Direct Talks with Friedkin Progress

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.

Tony D'Amico, the current sporting director at Atalanta, has become one of the leading candidates to lead AS Roma's sporting operations. The Friedkin Group and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini both view D'Amico as an ideal fit, particularly since preferred targets Giuntoli and Manna are unavailable — Giuntoli is close to joining Atalanta and Manna has been retained by Napoli. Gasperini knows D'Amico well from their time together at Genoa and values his work at Atalanta. However, the path to Roma is far from clear. AC Milan remains a serious competitor for D'Amico's services, with sporting director Tare under heavy scrutiny and Giorgio Furlani considering significant changes to the Rossoneri's sporting structure. If D'Amico moves to Milan instead, Roma's alternative target is Sean Sogliano from Verona, who also previously worked with Gasperini at Genoa. Less prominent candidates under consideration include Giaretta from Pafos and Tognozzi currently at Rio Ave. Contacts have reportedly already occurred between D'Amico and both Ryan Friedkin and Gasperini, though details of those discussions remain unclear. D'Amico is expected to separate from Atalanta at the end of the 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.

Roma will face Lazio in the Derby della Capitale on Sunday after the fixture date and kick-off time were confirmed following earlier calendar confusion. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has settled on his starting eleven, with Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala set to spearhead the team's attack. The derby marks a key fixture for Roma as they look to secure three points in one of Italian football's most intense rivalries. Gasperini's tactical decisions appear to have resolved uncertainty in the squad ahead of the match.

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.

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.