Roma have full squad available ahead of Derby della Capitale; Gasperini faces selection dilemma

AS Roma has appointed Del Vescovo as the new coordinator of its medical staff ahead of the upcoming season. Del Vescovo previously worked with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini during his time at Atalanta, bringing continuity to the coaching setup following Gasperini's appointment at Roma. The appointment is part of broader structural changes Roma is implementing within the club for the new season. By bringing in a medical coordinator with prior experience working alongside Gasperini, Roma aims to establish stronger coordination between the coaching staff and medical department.

Aston Villa has turned its attention to Matías Soulé following its completed acquisition of Donyell Malen from Roma. Malen's €25 million option to buy was activated after Roma secured at least UEFA Europa League qualification thanks to Inter's victory over Lazio in the Coppa Italia final. The Dutch winger has impressed in Serie A with 13 goals and 2 assists in 16 appearances since joining on loan, becoming one of the most productive January signings in the league's history. Roma paid €2 million for the initial loan and will receive ten percent of any future sale profit. Aston Villa's potential interest in Soulé presents a more complex negotiation. Roma signed the Argentine winger from Juventus for €30 million last summer, meaning any offer would need to exceed €40 million to justify a sale. However, Soulé's form has declined in recent weeks due to a sports hernia injury. Roma's urgent need for cash to comply with a UEFA settlement agreement could make sales necessary, though retaining Soulé would make stronger financial sense given his recent arrival and initial productivity. Should Soulé depart, Roma is monitoring alternatives including West Ham's Crysencio Summerville, RB Leipzig's Antonio Nusa, and Tottenham's Mathys Tel. The club is actively seeking new wingers to strengthen its attacking options heading into the new season.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has identified Mason Greenwood as his primary target for Roma's summer transfer window, according to reports. The English winger, currently at Marseille in Ligue 1, has scored 16 goals in 31 appearances this season. Gasperini has signaled Greenwood as a preferred option during recent meetings with owner Ryan Friedkin as the club plans its market strategy. Greenwood could replace Matías Soulé, who is among Roma's players being considered for sale to meet financial fair play requirements. Aston Villa has shown interest in Soulé, though no formal offer has arrived yet. Bournemouth is also reportedly tracking the Argentine winger. The Roma-Marseille relationship is strong, though the club must first finalize its new sporting director appointment before accelerating transfer activity. Details remain unclear on whether Greenwood would be available at a price Roma can afford. Regarding current squad matters, Gasperini addressed Wesley's fitness status: "He feels he can play, but the doctors will decide." The recruitment process is expected to accelerate once the new sporting director is confirmed, with D'Amico reportedly leading the pole position for the role after previous candidate Manna moved elsewhere.

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.

Paulo Dybala has posted social media content featuring his agent Carlos Novel, signalling ongoing discussions about his Roma future. Novel has already held initial talks with Roma and conducted remote contact with the club; he is expected to arrive in Rome for the derby, where direct negotiations over a contract extension will take place. Dybala's current deal expires in June, and the player will decide his future in the coming weeks as renewal talks continue with the Giallorossi. Ryan Friedkin is in Rome addressing key club matters, including contract renewals. The vice-president has shown openness to extending the deals of Lorenzo Pellegrini and Dybala, while discussions continue over Zeki Çelik's future. El Shaarawy's status remains uncertain. The involvement of Kristian Bereit from KMB Sports alongside agent Novel underscores the seriousness of the negotiations over Dybala's next steps at the club. Dybala will make his decision regarding Roma in the coming weeks, with contact between his representatives and the club still actively ongoing. The focus on the derby visit suggests a timeline for resolution in the near term.

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.

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.

Roma are looking to recruit a deputy striker to support Donyell Malen, who has impressed since joining the club. Current alternatives Robinio Vaz is considered too inexperienced, Evan Ferguson will not be retained, and Artem Dovbyk is set to leave after a prolonged thigh injury. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is a confirmed admirer of Gianluca Scamacca, who plays for Atalanta. Scamacca has scored 14 goals and provided 3 assists in 37 appearances this season while sharing striker duties with Nenad Krstovic. He remains under contract with Atalanta until 2027, and his valuation stands at approximately €30 million—the same fee Atalanta paid for him three years ago. Scamacca came through Roma's youth academy but departed at age 16 to join PSV. He later had successful spells at Sassuolo before stints at West Ham and Atalanta, though an ACL injury in April 2024 set back his progress. Roma may attempt to use Dovbyk as a bargaining chip in negotiations. Fiorentina have shown interest in the Ukrainian forward, who has underperformed in Serie A, while Fiorentina's Roberto Piccoli faces similar struggles after a reported €30 million investment. A swap deal between the clubs could benefit both sides. Roma's transfer budget for this role may depend on funds recovered from Dovbyk's departure, as financial constraints limit spending on additional positions.

Roma travel to Stadio Ennio Tardini on Sunday to face Parma in a crucial Serie A fixture as they pursue Champions League qualification. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's side sit three points behind fourth-placed Milan and cannot afford mistakes in their bid to secure a top-four finish. Roma have won three of their last four league matches, including a 4-0 victory over Fiorentina on Monday, and are seeking their second consecutive double over Parma after a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture in October. Parma have struggled at home recently, going winless in three of their last four league outings at the Ennio Tardini, though they achieved a 1-1 draw against Napoli in that sequence. Head coach Carlos Cuesta's side have won only two of their last three home meetings with Roma. Roma's record away from home presents concerns—they have lost four of their last six Serie A games on the road, though they have been formidable against lower-ranked opponents this season with 19 wins from 23 top-flight clashes against sides currently outside the top seven. For team news, Roma will be without Lorenzo Pellegrini, Evan Ferguson, Artem Dovbyk, and Bryan Zaragoza. Paulo Dybala and Manu Kone are expected back from injury, with Dybala likely to start on the bench. Matías Soulé and Niccolò Pisilli are anticipated to feature behind striker Donyell Malen. Parma face absences including Adrian Bernabe (muscle injury) and Gaetano Oristanio (knee problem). Roma are predicted to secure a narrow away victory.

Parma will host Roma in Serie A's 36th matchday at the Stadio Tardini. The match will be broadcast in co-exclusive coverage by DAZN and Sky, with streaming available on NOW. Roma, still chasing Champions League qualification, arrive on the back of a commanding 4–0 victory over Fiorentina at the Olimpico on the previous Monday. Gasperini will have El Aynaoui available again after suspension, but faces potential absences including Pellegrini, Dovbyk, Ferguson, Gollini, and Zaragoza. The Parma squad, managed by Cuesta, are already safe from relegation. With three matches remaining in the campaign, Roma's European ambitions remain within reach, making this away fixture a significant test in their bid to secure a top-four finish. The match can be watched on DAZN's platform and app, Sky Sport channels 202, 214, and 251, Sky Go, and NOW. Streaming is also available through Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, and TIM VISION Box. Live updates will be available on Forzaroma.info's website and social media accounts.