Soulé facing possible bench role in derby; could become Gasperini's impact weapon

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.

Paulo Dybala's contract situation at AS Roma has suddenly become urgent. Recent developments have brought renewal discussions closer, marking a shift from earlier speculation about a potential departure. The coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether the Argentine forward extends his stay with the Giallorossi or moves on. Dybala remains a cornerstone of Roma's attacking plans. The timing of these negotiations is significant as the club looks to secure one of its most important players. Details of the negotiations remain unclear, but resolving his future is viewed as a priority for the club's stability and ambitions moving forward.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has returned to Roma's squad and is being considered for a starting position in the upcoming Derby della Capitale against Lazio. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is evaluating whether to deploy the captain from the beginning of the match. Pellegrini's availability represents a boost to Roma's midfield options following his absence. The derby is a fixture of high intensity and importance in Italian football, and Gasperini's tactical decisions regarding the lineup will be crucial in determining Roma's approach to the match.

Roma face SS Lazio in the Derby della Capitale on Sunday 17 May at Stadio Olimpico (kickoff 12:00), with referee Maresca in charge. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has his full squad available for the first time this season, with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Dovbyk recovered from injury; only Ferguson remains sidelined. Gasperini is expected to field the same eleven that started against Parma, with a potential choice between Pisilli and Soulé. The coach will address the media in a press conference on the eve of the match to clarify his final tactical decisions. In a significant development, El Shaarawy's departure from Roma was officially confirmed. The winger, who joined the club in January 2016 and spent the majority of the past decade in a giallorossi shirt—apart from a spell in China—announced his farewell through an emotional video and message to the club and supporters. The derby and an away trip to Verona will be his final two matches for Roma. The confirmation of his exit follows recent speculation about his future. Paulo Dybala's contract renewal remains an ongoing priority for the club, with general manager Sogliano handling negotiations. Former Roma midfielder Nicolò Zaniolo has also discussed his own departure from the club in recent comments.

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.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has returned to Roma's squad and is being considered for a starting position in the upcoming Derby della Capitale against Lazio. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is evaluating whether to deploy the captain from the beginning of the match. Pellegrini's availability represents a boost to Roma's midfield options following his absence. The derby is a fixture of high intensity and importance in Italian football, and Gasperini's tactical decisions regarding the lineup will be crucial in determining Roma's approach to the match.

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.

Paulo Dybala's contract situation at AS Roma has suddenly become urgent. Recent developments have brought renewal discussions closer, marking a shift from earlier speculation about a potential departure. The coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether the Argentine forward extends his stay with the Giallorossi or moves on. Dybala remains a cornerstone of Roma's attacking plans. The timing of these negotiations is significant as the club looks to secure one of its most important players. Details of the negotiations remain unclear, but resolving his future is viewed as a priority for the club's stability and ambitions moving forward.

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.

Stephan El Shaarawy's official departure from AS Roma at the end of the season has prompted widespread messages of affection from teammates, former teammates, and supporters. The announcement triggered a wave of heartfelt comments celebrating the winger's contributions to the club. Legendary Roma defender Aldair led the tributes with a particularly moving message. He wrote: "There are players who make noise. And others who earn respect through work, silence, and love for the team. Stephan has been this in recent years—always ready, always correct, always at the service of Roma. A player like that would be useful to any team. Best of luck for everything, lad." Current teammate Paulo Dybala posted simply "Great Faraone," while Koné offered "Respect" and Ziolkowski called him a "Legend." Former teammates also joined in paying tribute. Alessandro Florenzi posted "Uncle," Nicolò Bove wrote "Fara," and Radja Nainggolan shared a longer message: "You're a great ElSha, and you'll see that the last one at home will be a beautiful one, the most beautiful ones... I know what it means, it's tough, but what matters is that it stays with you forever." The messages underscore El Shaarawy's impact at Roma both as a teammate and as a respected figure within the club's culture.