Roma in full strength for derby; El Shaarawy departure confirmed

With two days remaining before the Derby della Capitale between Roma and Lazio, discussion continues around statements made by Maurizio Sarri. The article examines potential consequences Sarri could face should Lazio fail to field a team for the fixture. Details of the specific remarks and forfeit scenarios remain unclear from the available text.

A comprehensive security operation is being prepared for Sunday's Derby della Capitale, with more than 1,000 police officers deployed across Rome's northern districts. The match coincides with Lazio supporters planning a protest at Ponte Milvio against club owner Lotito and the ATP tennis finals at the Foro Italico, creating a complex public order challenge. Key areas including Ponte Milvio, Piazza Mancini, and the riverbank will be sealed off to prevent contact between the two sets of supporters. The security plan includes mounted police patrols at the Foro Italico, water cannons, drones, and a helicopter overhead. Local police will oversee traffic management across the northern sector throughout the day. Serie A has presented its own safety protocol, appointing a security coordinator for the Foro Italico area to liaise with law enforcement. The league has prepared an integrated plan to manage spectator flows during entry and exit using a large contingent of stewards. A public awareness campaign has been developed to encourage supporter responsibility. The coordination between police and league authorities reflects the sensitivity of managing multiple major events simultaneously in the same city area.

Roma has been authorized by authorities to sell tickets in the Tevere Nord sectors — normally a buffer zone — for the upcoming Derby della Capitale against Lazio. This decision comes after Lazio announced they will bring approximately 800 supporters to the Stadio Olimpico. The move will allow Roma to sell around 1,500 additional tickets in the north stand, providing a more balanced distribution of home support across the Tribuna Tevere. The authorization follows a significant drop in ticket availability for this derby. Roma's Curva Nord ultras announced a boycott several days earlier as part of an ongoing protest against Lazio president Lotito. This meant over 10,000 tickets in the north curve would remain unsold, representing a considerable financial loss for Roma's matchday revenue. By opening the normally restricted northern sectors to regular home supporters, the club aims to mitigate that economic impact while maintaining adequate crowd control given the reduced visiting support.

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.

Italian radio commentators discussed Roma's approaching Derby della Capitale fixture, focusing on the midday kick-off time and likely team lineup. Roberto Pruzzo remarked on the advantages of an early start, saying: "Playing earlier is better: time flies, and at a dietary level it's simpler, especially because there are no dead time. In terms of logistics, for a footballer it's the best solution." Piero Torri suggested Lorenzo Pellegrini is unlikely to start, with the choice between Matías Soulé and Bryan Cristante to replace him. He noted that Niccolò Pisilli is performing well and would likely be retained, with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen expected to lead the attack. Stefano Agresti defended Roma's organizational capacity and questioned the debate over the noon fixture in May, stating the climate should not pose a problem. Lorenzo Pes highlighted Lazio's difficult situation following their Coppa Italia defeat, noting the absence of key defenders and suggesting their main attacking threat lies with their wide players on the counterattack. Alessandro Fusco criticized the scheduling decision as problematic from a public order perspective, claiming the fixture should not have been scheduled on the same day as another major final.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.