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

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.

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.

Juventus director Giovanni Carnevali has publicly addressed the club's interest in Bologna defender Lucumì, a player also linked with AS Roma. Speaking at an industry dinner in Rimini on 29 June, Carnevali stated that while Lucumì interests Juventus, the player's current €28 million release clause makes a move difficult. He said: "He has a clause of 28 million, he can interest us but not at these conditions." Lucumì has been repeatedly mentioned as a Roma target, particularly in scenarios where Roma might sell defender Ndicka. Roma could be monitoring the situation around Lucumì as the summer transfer window opens. Carnevali also addressed other transfer matters, indicating that Juventus is working to rebuild relationships with Paris Saint-Germain regarding forward Kolo Muani. The executive explained: "Certainly both the goalkeeper and the forward are fundamental pieces. We must work calmly. Today there are high economic conditions and we cannot make any mistakes. Kolo Muani is a possibility, you know the difficulties in the past and the relationship with PSG is being repaired. Acceptable conditions must be found." The remarks came as Serie A's summer market activity formally began with a gala dinner bringing together club directors. Details remain unclear on Roma's immediate pursuit strategy for Lucumì or other defensive targets.

Inter have emerged as interested suitors for Roma defender N'Dicka, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly reluctant to lose the player. However, Roma's financial situation ahead of the June 30 transfer deadline has created pressure to consider departures. The club's hierarchy, including D'Amico, is actively working through the final hours before the cutoff date. Gasperini's preference to retain N'Dicka contrasts with Roma's need to generate funds, setting up a potential conflict between sporting and financial priorities at the club.

The Netherlands and Ivory Coast progressed in World Cup action, with Donyell Malen and Evan Ndicka involved in their respective national team matches. Malen featured for the Dutch, while Ndicka appeared for Ivory Coast and is reportedly moving closer to full fitness. Both players are on Roma's roster and their international performances carry implications for the club's squad availability in the coming weeks. Details of the specific match outcomes and Ndicka's injury status remain unclear from the available information.

Inter Milan is reportedly viewing Evan N'Dicka as an attractive defensive option should Stefan De Vrij leave the club. The Roma centre-back has emerged as a convincing prospect for the Nerazzurri's recruitment plans. Roma's valuation of N'Dicka remains a key factor in any potential negotiation. The interest reflects Inter's contingency planning in the transfer market, with De Vrij's future at San Siro uncertain. N'Dicka has established himself as a reliable defender for Roma and would represent a significant departure if a move materializes.