Ivory Coast name squad for 2026 World Cup; N'Dicka included

Donyell Malen has been nominated for Serie A's EA SPORTS FC Player of the Month award for May following an outstanding run of form. The Dutch forward scored 2 goals in Roma's two matches during the month, including a brace against Parma, and provided an assist against Fiorentina. Since his arrival in mid-January, Malen has netted 13 goals, making him the best January signing by goals scored in Serie A history. Under head coach Gasperini, Malen has become a driving force in Roma's push for Champions League qualification. His impact in Serie A has been described as significant, and his nomination reflects his consistent contributions on both goal-scoring and playmaking fronts. The forward's number 14 shirt has become central to Roma's attacking approach this season. Malen faces competition from five other nominees: Laurientè (Sassuolo), Lautaro Martinez (Inter), Noslin (Lazio), Okoye (Udinese), and Vlahovic (Juventus). The Serie A selection process used advanced analytics from Kama Sport, incorporating Hawk-Eye tracking data alongside traditional statistics to evaluate player performance across positioning, movement off the ball, decision-making, and overall team contribution across matches 35–36 of the 2025–26 season.

Israel Reyes, a 2000-born central defender at Club América, has expressed openness to a move to Italy amid reported interest from AS Roma. The Mexican international, who can also play as a left-sided defender in a three-man backline, addressed his future at a Mexico national team press conference. Roma are considering reinforcements in defence during the summer transfer window. Reyes stated he remains open to opportunities that best suit his career development. When asked about a potential move to Serie A, he said: "Andare in Italia, certo, sono aperto a qualsiasi cosa sia meglio per me. Non è che voglia dire 'voglio essere lì e succederà', perché non si tratta di aprirsi le porte altrove, ecc. È così che la penso e come la vedo." He acknowledged the Italian league's competitive and physical nature: "Il campionato italiano è molto competitivo e fisico. È qualcosa che mi aiuterà anche a migliorare sotto questo aspetto." Reyes indicated that his immediate focus remains preparations for the World Cup with Mexico. He emphasised that any transfer decision would be guided by what serves his career best, though he acknowledged Barcelona as an aspiration. The defender's openness to Serie A suggests Roma's scouting has identified him as a potential target for their summer squad building.

AS Roma have tabled their opening contract proposal to Paulo Dybala as discussions over a renewal continue. The forward's future at the club remains uncertain, with negotiations described as complex. Details of the offer's terms remain unclear. Dybala's contract situation has been a point of focus for the Friedkin Group, with the club keen to secure the Argentine playmaker's long-term future. The outcome of these talks will be significant for Roma's squad planning in the coming months.

Roma secured an unlikely victory at Parma with a dramatic comeback entirely in added time, overturning a 2–1 deficit. Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala were the standout performers, with substitute Rensch making an immediate impact after entering the pitch. The two Dutch players drove the team to success after the defence had struggled throughout the match. Across seven major Italian newspapers, Malen received ratings ranging from 7.5 to 9 for his display, while Rensch earned 7.5 to 8 for his contribution from the bench. Dybala was consistently praised with scores of 6.5 to 7.5. However, the defensive line drew widespread criticism. Gianluca Mancini, Hermoso, and Matías Soulé were all rated between 5 and 5.5 across the publications, reflecting their poor performances. N'Dicka received marginally better marks. Mile Svilar in goal was rated 6 by all outlets. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's management earned scores of 6 to 8, with one outlet giving him 8 for his tactical decisions during the comeback. The victory marked a significant response to what appeared a lost cause with Keita's goal late in regular time. Rensch's introduction proved crucial in turning the match, demonstrating the impact of tactical substitutions in Roma's dramatic turnaround.

Following Roma's match against Fiorentina, supporters urged defender N'Dicka to remain at the club. The player's response to their appeals was captured on video. N'Dicka's future has become a key concern for Roma during the current transfer window, with the club facing uncertainty over whether the defender will commit his long-term future to the Giallorossi. His potential departure represents one of the most sensitive issues Roma must navigate this season as they look to strengthen their defensive options.

Roma and Juventus are reportedly considering a blockbuster trade that would see Evan N'Dicka move to Turin while Teun Koopmeiners heads to the capital. The swap is being explored as both clubs prepare to face each other in the final stages of the Serie A season, with discussions potentially opening after the campaign concludes. Juventus has identified the Ivorian left-footed defender as a target to pair alongside Gleison Bremer, while Roma views N'Dicka as a sellable asset to meet financial settlement obligations. N'Dicka's transfer value is estimated at around €40 million, a figure that would significantly assist Roma's compliance with their settlement agreement. The inclusion of Koopmeiners in a swap arrangement would help Juventus reach that threshold while avoiding a substantial loss on their previous investment in the Dutch midfielder. Koopmeiners has struggled during his time at Juventus, falling out of favor under recent management after an initial period as a center-back. He performed notably better during his previous spell at Atalanta under Gian Piero Gasperini. Both players would potentially benefit from a change of scenery through the arrangement. However, observers suggest that Roma could achieve better value by pursuing a direct sale of N'Dicka to foreign clubs rather than accepting the swap. The deal represents the type of player-exchange arrangement Juventus has attempted previously, with mixed results for the clubs involved.