Gasperini to hold pre-derby press conference ahead of Roma vs Lazio

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.

Donyell Malen has given an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport, discussing his experience at Roma and his aspirations with the club. Malen expressed enthusiasm about his time at the Giallorossi, describing the atmosphere and environment as excellent. He stated his desire to win a trophy with Roma, balancing his ambitions at club level with his broader international football goals. The interview touches on both his immediate focus with Roma and his longer-term perspective in the sport.

Donyell Malen has expressed his satisfaction with his January transfer to AS Roma from the Premier League, crediting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's assurance that he would play as the central striker as a key factor in his decision. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Malen praised the club's integration, fan support, and overall environment. He said: "I am more than convinced I made the right choice. For now everything is magnificent: the welcome, the integration, the relationship with people. Rome is a fantastic place to be. We are all very happy, because I settled into the reality quickly." Malen's arrival has been instrumental in Roma's return to European football after a seven-year absence. He scored 14 goals in his opening campaign, a productive tally not matched since his PSV days. The striker acknowledged the team effort behind their success, stating: "It was wonderful. The fans were so happy: for a player it's thrilling. Now I can't wait to play Champions League at the Olimpico. I imagine a fantastic atmosphere, as good as or better than usual." When asked about next season's ambitions following Roma's strong league finish, Malen confirmed the squad's broader objective: "Certainly. We want to win something. That is our goal."

Roma is reportedly exploring a possible transfer axis with Bologna as the summer window accelerates. The Giallorossi have made contact regarding three players: Argentine striker Castro, Scottish midfielder Ferguson (Bologna's captain), and defender Ghilardi. Castro, who has also attracted interest from Nottingham Forest, is valued at approximately 40 million euros by Bologna. Ferguson, recently eliminated from the World Cup despite strong individual performances, has drawn attention from Rangers and Atalanta; Bologna is seeking at least 20 million euros plus bonuses for the midfielder. Head coach Gasperini's squad-building plans remain the priority for the Friedkin Group, with Greenwood continuing as the primary transfer target. Roma has informed Bologna that defender Kumbulla—returning from a loan spell at Majorca—is available for transfer, while Bologna has expressed interest in Ghilardi, particularly given the expected departure of Lucumì. The club views Freuler, available on a free transfer from 1 July, as below their level of priority. Details of any formal offers or agreements remain unclear. The 30 June deadline is slowing activity across the market but does not appear to concern Roma's ownership, who remain focused on delivering a competitive squad across all competitions.

Robinio Vaz, the French forward who joined Roma from Marseille in January for €25 million, faces an uncertain future at the club. His status remains suspended as Roma evaluates his position within the squad, with two potential paths emerging: a loan move to a club where he would play regularly, or remaining at Trigoria as a third-choice striker behind other attacking options. With Artem Dovbyk departing and Ferguson returning to Brighton, Roma is undertaking a significant restyling of its attacking department under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The club plans to recruit forwards suited to Gasperini's tactical approach, including a reserve striker in addition to attacking midfielders. Vaz, born in 2007, showed modest progress during his first months but has gradually fallen to the periphery of the project. Roma's current assessment of the young forward remains suspended in judgment. If a suitable opportunity emerges where Vaz would be guaranteed substantial playing time, Roma may consider loaning him out. However, the alternative scenario—where he continues his development at the club's training ground as the third attacking option—remains equally possible. His future will likely depend on Roma's incoming signings and the young player's capacity to force his way back into Gasperini's plans.

AS Roma has fundamentally altered its approach to recruitment following the departure of former sporting director Massara and the appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini as head coach. Young prospects acquired for future development—including Robinio Vaz, Ziolkowski, Ghilardi, Venturino, and Ferguson—are now considered surplus to requirements. The club has signaled these players may depart, either permanently or on loan, as Gasperini prioritizes immediate-impact signings over long-term investments. Gasperini's vision emphasizes players ready to contribute immediately rather than prospects requiring development time. Ziolkowski, a Polish defender, has reportedly been rejected multiple times by the coach and could leave permanently, with Nottingham reportedly interested at a valuation of 20 million euros. Similarly, Vaz, a French forward, no longer fits the profile of a reliable backup to Donyell Malen. The club has also rejected Bosnian midfielder Alajebgovic (class 2007), whom Massara had long tracked, with Gasperini deeming him too inexperienced despite interest from Bayer Leverkusen at 35 million euros. Roma's new sporting director D'Amico is recalibrating the transfer strategy to align with Gasperini's demands for quality and readiness rather than raw potential. Targets like Mason Greenwood and Molina represent this shift—experienced international players capable of performing on Europe's biggest stages. With Roma now competing in the Champions League, the club believes there is no margin for experimental signings.

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.

Niccolò Pisilli remains at the centre of AS Roma's plans despite continued transfer speculation surrounding the midfielder. Roma has made clear its position regarding the player, signalling no concrete movement from Inter towards a deal. The club views Pisilli as a key component of its future squad and appears committed to keeping him at the Stadio Olimpico. While market talk continues to link various players with moves away from the club, Roma's hierarchy has opted to retain the young talent and integrate him further into the project under current management.

Inter Milan have turned their attention to Niccolò Pisilli as a potential alternative target after negotiations with Liverpool over Curtis Jones have stalled. The Italian champions initially offered €25 million for the Liverpool midfielder, but the English club is seeking €10–15 million more. With Jones's contract running until 2027, Inter are keeping the door open while exploring other options. Pisilli has emerged as a possible fallback plan for the Nerazzurri's midfield recruitment. Roma face mounting pressure to generate profits on player sales to address UEFA financial requirements. Gasperini is reluctant to lose Pisilli, but the club could be swayed if Inter propose €25 million in the coming days. Roma have refused to offer any discount, viewing the sale as a potential solution to their financial obligations. Any departure of Pisilli would likely be offset by Roma's pursuit of other targets, with the midfielder potentially replacing departing players in the squad hierarchy. Inter's approach reflects a calculated strategy: both Jones and Pisilli would serve as complementary pieces rather than marquee signings, keeping valuations modest and aligned with internal parameters. The situation underscores the complex dynamics of midfield transfers in Serie A, where financial fair play constraints increasingly shape club strategy.

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.

Four AS Roma players advanced to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the conclusion of group play. The Roma contingent will all see action on Tuesday as the Round of 16 begins. Donyell Malen features for the Netherlands against Morocco in a direct matchup with Roma teammate El Aynaoui, who represents Morocco. Later that day, Evan Ndicka will make his tournament debut with Ivory Coast against Norway at 7 p.m., while Aurélien Koné plays for France against Sweden at 11 p.m. Koné has impressed during the group stage with two strong full-match performances and has drawn praise from football legend Patrick Vieira. These four players represent a significant Roma presence in the tournament's latter stages. The club also has Salah-Eddine, who recently completed loan spells at PSV and is expected to leave Roma soon. Meanwhile, Roma defender Zeki Çelik was eliminated when his Turkey side failed to advance from their group. The Round of 16 continues through the week, with Brazil and Germany competing on Monday before Roma's players take centre stage on Tuesday. The Round of 16 concludes ahead of the Round of 8, scheduled to begin on 4 July.

The Friedkin Group has signaled it will not rush into bargain sales of key Roma players before the June 30 deadline tied to the club's UEFA settlement agreement. The ownership is willing to risk potential sanctions to build a strong squad for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Matías Soulé, widely expected to depart, has shown little enthusiasm for Saudi Arabian offers and has received a surprise inquiry from Juventus. Midfielder Édouard Mendy's preference for the Premier League has cooled with Arsenal and Chelsea shifting focus elsewhere, leaving only Atlético Madrid's offer on the table—one Mendy is reluctant to accept. Defender Evan Ndicka remains a target for Inter but is considered untouchable by Gasperini, alongside Mile Svilar, Wesley, Niccolò Pisilli, and Donyell Malen. The Friedkin family has reaffirmed its resolve: no distressed sales. Roma believes it can address UEFA's requirements through other means, including recent player sales, wage restructuring from Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini renewals, foreign broadcast rights (€20 million), compensation from Nicolò Bove (€10 million), and ongoing disputes with Basel over the Riccardo Calafiori resale (€6 million). The club expects to face a financial penalty rather than more severe sanctions, given its track record of compliance over three years of UEFA monitoring. Roma's aim is to avoid becoming a feeder club and instead retain a competitive nucleus capable of competing across three fronts.