Roma radio pundits debate derby kick-off time and team selection

Marco Delvecchio, a former Roma striker who won a Serie A title and Coppa Italia with the club, has reflected on the significance of the Derby della Capitale in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. Delvecchio scored 9 derby goals between 2002 and 2009, making him Roma's all-time leading scorer in these matches before being surpassed. Despite being born in Milan, he said he feels entirely Roman and attributes his success in derbies to approaching them without tension or anxiety. Delvecchio highlighted Francesco Totti as Roma's constant presence during his decade at the club, describing him as "the greatest player who has ever played here at Roma and beyond." He recalled 11 April 1999 as a turning point—a 3–1 Roma victory after four previous derby defeats and a draw. "The derby is a match that can change your season, it can give you momentum to win or knock you down," Delvecchio said. He noted that the anticipation builds weeks in advance, with the city and the Trigoria training ground constantly reminding players of its importance. The match represents more than football; it permeates the entire city and affects how people approach Roma players in daily life.

A Derby della Capitale match scheduled to coincide with the final of Rome's International Tennis Championships has created significant disruption affecting not only the two football clubs' supporters but the entire city. The scheduling overlap highlights what critics describe as a lack of foresight in Italian football administration. The incident underscores broader tensions between major sporting events competing for the same venue access and fan resources within Rome. Details of specific fixture dates and rescheduling possibilities remain unclear from the available information.

Luca Toni, a 2006 World Cup winner with Italy and former Roma striker, has commented on the race for Champions League qualification and the significance of the Derby della Capitale. Toni, who played for Roma during his career, offered insights into Milan's positioning in the European chase and highlighted the special nature of Roma's rivalry with Lazio. His perspective as a former Roma player provides context for understanding the club's competitive standing in Serie A.

Roma returned to training on Friday morning to prepare for Sunday's Derby della Capitale against Lazio, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini having his full squad available for the first time this season. Key players Lorenzo Pellegrini and Dovbyk have recovered from injury, with only Ferguson remaining sidelined since January. Gasperini plans to field almost the same lineup that defeated Parma, with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen guaranteed starting positions. The main selection decision centers on the attacking midfield role, where Niccolò Pisilli holds a slight edge over Matías Soulé. The defensive line is expected to consist of Gianluca Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermeso in front of goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Celik and Wesley will operate on the flanks, with Bryan Cristante and Koné forming the midfield partnership. This represents a significant shift in Gasperini's options, as squad depth and injury recovery have previously limited his tactical flexibility throughout the campaign.

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.

Roma returned to training on Friday morning to prepare for Sunday's Derby della Capitale against Lazio, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini having his full squad available for the first time this season. Key players Lorenzo Pellegrini and Dovbyk have recovered from injury, with only Ferguson remaining sidelined since January. Gasperini plans to field almost the same lineup that defeated Parma, with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen guaranteed starting positions. The main selection decision centers on the attacking midfield role, where Niccolò Pisilli holds a slight edge over Matías Soulé. The defensive line is expected to consist of Gianluca Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermeso in front of goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Celik and Wesley will operate on the flanks, with Bryan Cristante and Koné forming the midfield partnership. This represents a significant shift in Gasperini's options, as squad depth and injury recovery have previously limited his tactical flexibility throughout the campaign.

Tension boiled over at the final whistle of Parma's match against Roma after the visitors secured a comeback 2–1 victory. Evan Ndicka was visibly angry on the pitch and had to be held back and escorted away by four teammates—Gollini, Tsimikas, Malen, and Cristante—while Mario Hermoso and Gianluca Mancini were also among the most heated Roma players involved in the post-match melee. The confrontation intensified between the benches and drew intervention from Gasperini and his assistant Gritti, who quickly pulled Mancini away from the conflict to prevent disciplinary action. Mancini's removal was particularly critical because he was the only Roma player carrying a yellow-card caution ahead of the upcoming derby against Lazio. The tension appears to have been fueled by aggressive play from Parma's players throughout the match, with notably tough and sometimes excessive challenges. Details remain unclear about the specific grievances between individual players, though conflict emerged between Mancini and Parma's right-back Valeri, described as a Lazio supporter. Roma had initially gone ahead through Donyell Malen but surrendered the lead before fighting back to secure the points in added time.

Roma faced Parma at the Stadio Tardini on May 10, 2026, in a match with significant implications for the Serie A title race. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini made a key selection decision by recalling Paulo Dybala to the starting XI after more than 100 days away from the team—his last appearance was on January 25 against Milan. Dybala formed an attacking partnership with fellow Argentine Matías Soulé behind Donyell Malen in Roma's 3-4-2-1 formation. Gasperini fielded a largely unchanged squad, with Mile Svilar in goal, Gianluca Mancini in defence, and Bryan Cristante in midfield. The match took on added significance as Roma sought to respond to Como and Juventus in the title race while also exerting pressure on Milan, who risked dropping out of the Champions League qualification places. Roma's victory would represent a substantial portion of their season objectives. The timing was notable given the Derby della Capitale against SS Lazio looming one week away. Parma lined up in a 3-5-2 formation under head coach Cuesta, with Suzuki in goal and a defensive trio of Troilo, Circati, and Valenti. The match was officiated by Chiffi of Padova.

Gian Piero Gasperini will hold a press conference at 13:30 tomorrow ahead of the Derby della Capitale against SS Lazio. The match kicks off on Sunday at 12:00 in what is the penultimate round of Serie A. Roma cannot afford to drop points if they hope to maintain their Champions League aspirations. Gasperini has almost his entire squad available for selection, with Ferguson the only confirmed absentee. A question mark remains over the attacking midfield position, with competition between Soulé and Pisilli, while Malen and Dybala are expected to lead the attack. Approximately 50,000 spectators are anticipated at the Olimpico, the vast majority supporting Roma; Lazio fans are expected to boycott the match in protest against their club's management. When asked about his own future at the club, Gasperini stated: "I here on 1 July? I hope so, everyone must be satisfied."

Roma returned to training on Friday morning to prepare for Sunday's Derby della Capitale against Lazio, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini having his full squad available for the first time this season. Key players Lorenzo Pellegrini and Dovbyk have recovered from injury, with only Ferguson remaining sidelined since January. Gasperini plans to field almost the same lineup that defeated Parma, with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen guaranteed starting positions. The main selection decision centers on the attacking midfield role, where Niccolò Pisilli holds a slight edge over Matías Soulé. The defensive line is expected to consist of Gianluca Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermeso in front of goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Celik and Wesley will operate on the flanks, with Bryan Cristante and Koné forming the midfield partnership. This represents a significant shift in Gasperini's options, as squad depth and injury recovery have previously limited his tactical flexibility throughout the campaign.

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.