Derby: Pellegrini in contention for starting berth, Gasperini mulling options

Roma midfielder Manu Koné has been offered to Atlético Madrid as the club seeks to comply with financial fair play regulations. According to transfer analyst Matteo Moretto, intermediaries have made contact with the Spanish club, but Atlético is not prioritizing Koné and is close to completing the signing of Joao Gomes from Wolverhampton. Koné has been linked with several clubs including Inter, but remains on Roma's list of potential departures to generate revenue. The French midfielder is one of two primary candidates for sale, alongside defender Evan Ndicka, as Roma pursues financial targets under their ownership. Moretto stated: "I can confirm that the Frenchman has been proposed to Atlético. There was contact between intermediaries and the Spanish club, but they think they have closed the arrival of Joao Gomes from Wolverhampton, where only the final bureaucratic details are missing. And Koné is not a priority for them anyway, is not being considered, so I wouldn't pursue this lead now. There are other teams on Koné, then you have to understand what kind of player Roma can sell based on the offers and Gasperini's willingness." Several other clubs remain interested in Koné, and Roma's approach will depend on available offers and head coach Gasperini's tactical preferences.

Matías Soulé is struggling with form and may start on the bench for Roma's upcoming derby against Lazio, with head coach Gasperini considering either Niccolò Pisilli or Lorenzo Pellegrini as his replacement in the starting lineup. The Argentine winger has been back in action for six weeks following a groin injury but has not yet regained the sharpness that defined his earlier performances this season. Despite Gasperini regularly relying on Soulé since his return, the coach is weighing fresh legs and physicality as potentially decisive factors in one of the season's most important matches, with both Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen considered untouchable starters. This would not constitute a rejection of Soulé but rather a tactical management of energy and game momentum. The approach mirrors Gasperini's use of fresh substitutes in the Parma victory, where impact from the bench proved decisive. Soulé could be deployed as an impact option later in the match, particularly if Roma's opponents tire—conditions that might allow the winger to capitalize on dribbling and create shooting opportunities. His goal tally has been dormant since January 10 against Sassuolo, and he managed only one shot on target in his initial weeks back before recording an open header miss against Parma. One year ago, Soulé produced a memorable goal in the derby that became emblematic among supporters. His performance in the coming match could influence Gasperini's future plans for him, as Aston Villa reportedly prepares a significant offer to sign the player.

Edin Dzeko, former Roma captain now at Schalke 04, has expressed hope that Daniele De Rossi will help Roma's Champions League prospects by stopping AC Milan, while also emphasizing the importance of winning the Derby della Capitale first. Speaking to Italian media outlets, Dzeko highlighted the special qualities of young player Alajbegovic, who recently took penalties in two crucial matches for his national team. Dzeko's comments reflect his continued connection to Roma and De Rossi, under whom he played during his time at the club. The 18-year-old Alajbegovic drew particular praise from the Bosnian striker, who believes the teenager's composure in high-pressure situations signals an exceptional future ahead. Dzeko stated: "If an 18-year-old boy takes two penalties in the two most important matches of his career, it means he has something different from the others." He added that Alajbegovic should make the right choices for his future development and maintain composure as he progresses. Dzeko's endorsement comes as Roma potentially eyes young talent ahead of the new season.

Matías Soulé is struggling with form and may start on the bench for Roma's upcoming derby against Lazio, with head coach Gasperini considering either Niccolò Pisilli or Lorenzo Pellegrini as his replacement in the starting lineup. The Argentine winger has been back in action for six weeks following a groin injury but has not yet regained the sharpness that defined his earlier performances this season. Despite Gasperini regularly relying on Soulé since his return, the coach is weighing fresh legs and physicality as potentially decisive factors in one of the season's most important matches, with both Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen considered untouchable starters. This would not constitute a rejection of Soulé but rather a tactical management of energy and game momentum. The approach mirrors Gasperini's use of fresh substitutes in the Parma victory, where impact from the bench proved decisive. Soulé could be deployed as an impact option later in the match, particularly if Roma's opponents tire—conditions that might allow the winger to capitalize on dribbling and create shooting opportunities. His goal tally has been dormant since January 10 against Sassuolo, and he managed only one shot on target in his initial weeks back before recording an open header miss against Parma. One year ago, Soulé produced a memorable goal in the derby that became emblematic among supporters. His performance in the coming match could influence Gasperini's future plans for him, as Aston Villa reportedly prepares a significant offer to sign the player.

AS Roma are preparing for the Derby della Capitale against SS Lazio, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini considering his final team selection less than 24 hours before kickoff. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Artem Dovbyk are reportedly available for the match after recent absences, giving Roma additional attacking options for the high-stakes fixture. Gasperini continues to assess squad fitness and tactical arrangements as Roma look to make an impact in one of Italian football's most intense rivalries.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has key squad options returning to availability for Roma's upcoming fixtures, particularly the derby against Lazio. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Artem Dovbyk are among the players now available from the bench after periods of absence. Pellegrini, a specialist in derby matches, and Dovbyk, who can be deployed in late-game situations, represent important tactical resources for Gasperini as Roma enters its final two matches of the season. Gasperini has consistently emphasized the importance of squad depth and has previously noted how the unavailability of several players—including Dybala, Koné, El Shaarawy, Soulé, and Wesley—restricted his options throughout the campaign. The return of these players, particularly Pellegrini and Dovbyk, addresses a long-standing concern. Pellegrini, whose contract is set to expire, remains focused on delivering in what could be among his last matches for the club. In derby matches, Gasperini tends to favor experienced players of proven weight, making Dovbyk's availability significant despite other attacking options such as the younger Vaz also competing for minutes. At Parma, substitutes already played a decisive role, with Rensch notably contributing following Wesley's earlier unavailability due to gastroenteritis. Venturino and El Aynaoui were also among the impact players from the bench in that fixture.