El Shaarawy Departs Roma; Fiancée Ludovica Pagani Pays Tribute

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed confidence that Paulo Dybala will sign a contract extension with Roma, citing positive intentions from both the player and the club's ownership. Speaking in a pre-derby press conference, Gasperini outlined his belief that renewal talks are progressing well across several squad members whose contracts are expiring. Beyond Dybala, the club is also working on extensions for Lorenzo Pellegrini and Çelik, who are among Roma's departing players. Gasperini emphasized the importance of mutual agreement between the ownership and players in securing renewals. "When there is willingness from both parties, a solution can be found," he stated. The coach also praised the professionalism and loyalty shown by the players involved in negotiations, describing their willingness to stay as "a great sign of attachment to Roma and professionalism." Having initially seemed distant, the renewal scenario for Dybala has shifted toward an extension, which would satisfy Gasperini's objectives for squad stability. The Roma ownership is reportedly making resolving these contract situations a priority, according to the manager. Gasperini noted that having multiple key players available to negotiate with rival clubs could have posed significant complications for the club, but the players' commitment has eased that risk and demonstrates their dedication to the Giallorossi.

Juventus are pursuing Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva as a primary target ahead of the summer transfer window, but have compiled a three-man shortlist in case the move fails. The 31-year-old Portuguese midfielder will leave Manchester City after nine years when his contract expires in June. Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti is keen to strengthen midfield options, though the Turin club faces competition from other wealthy European sides for Silva's signature. Should the Silva pursuit collapse, Juventus have identified three alternatives. Brahim Diaz, a 26-year-old Moroccan forward at Real Madrid who previously played in Serie A with Milan, has attracted attention. Additionally, Juventus are monitoring AS Roma's Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose contract expires in just over a month with the club unable to convince him to sign a new deal; Inter are also pursuing the Italian midfielder. Finally, Udinese's Arthur Atta, a French prospect who impressed in Serie A this season, is being tracked, though the Friulians have set a €25 million asking price. Juventus are also targeting Inter outcast Davide Frattesi as a midfield priority under Spalletti's tenure.

AC Milan is evaluating Viktor Behzani, currently sporting director at Toulouse, as a candidate for their own sporting director position. Behzani works for Toulouse, which is part of the RedBird ownership structure that also controls Milan. The RedBird ownership group is impressed with Behzani's work in France, where he has built a strong record in both player sales and talent development. Milan's existing management, including Tare and Massara, are departing, prompting the club's executive search. For AS Roma, this development could prove advantageous. Tony D'Amico, currently sporting director at Atalanta, has been identified as a primary target for Roma's front office. However, D'Amico is also being considered by Milan. If Milan pivots toward Behzani instead, this scenario could clear a path for Roma to pursue D'Amico without competing directly with the Rossoneri. The RedBird group's preference for Behzani, given his role within their wider portfolio of clubs, may influence Milan's final decision. Final selections for both clubs are expected at the end of the season. The interconnected ownership structure across RedBird's various properties means decisions at one club can have ripple effects elsewhere within the group's portfolio.

Roma prepare to face rivals Lazio at Stadio Olimpico in the 164th top-flight edition of the Derby della Capitale on Sunday. The Giallorossi arrive in excellent form, having mounted a dramatic comeback against Parma last weekend with goals in the 96th and 101st minutes to secure a 3-2 victory. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, Roma have extended their unbeaten league run to five matches and sit level on points with fourth-placed Milan, with a top-four finish within reach for the first time since 2017/18. They are also chasing their first league double over Lazio since 2015/16 after winning the reverse fixture 1-0. Lazio, by contrast, arrive deflated following a 2-0 Coppa Italia final defeat to Inter on Wednesday and are facing relegation to ninth place or lower if results do not improve. They trail seventh-placed Atalanta by seven points and have won just one of their last five derbies at the Olimpico. Roma boast an 11-game unbeaten run at home in Serie A, including seven clean sheets, while their recent form shows six first-half goals across their last five home league matches. Roma have received positive team news, with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Artem Dovbyk both returning to full training, though Evan Ferguson, Bryan Zaragoza, and Stephan El Shaarawy remain unavailable. Lazio will be without first-choice goalkeeper Ivan Provedel and must serve a suspension for center-back Alessio Romagnoli. Roma are favored to maintain their dominant recent derby record.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference on the eve of the Derby della Capitale against SS Lazio. Roma sit in contention for Champions League qualification with two matches remaining and face a Lazio side that recently lost the Coppa Italia final to Inter. Gasperini emphasized the importance of owner Ryan Friedkin's active presence at the club, stating: "The presence of ownership is fundamental—when everything works better. There are fewer people reporting things; there is the possibility of having direct relationships without intermediaries who, voluntarily or involuntarily, change opinions somewhat. And with ownership especially, decisions are fast." Gasperini addressed several topics affecting the squad's push for the top four. On Paulo Dybala's contract renewal, he expressed optimism that both the club and player are aligned, saying "when there is willingness from both sides, a solution can be found." He highlighted Lorenzo Pellegrini's importance in derby matches, noting the midfielder has recovered from injury and will be assessed before the match. Gasperini also commented on Stephan El Shaarawy's recent departure, saying the player made his decision weeks ago and has Roma's remaining two matches to contribute. The coach reflected on Roma's competitive position, noting that reaching European qualification with numerous injuries represents a strong achievement. He criticized the fixture scheduling for the derby and emphasized the psychological value of a full stadium, stating: "Football is beautiful to play. Let's remove some negative pressure and try to enjoy it a bit."

Stephan El Shaarawy's decade-long spell at AS Roma has come to an end following the expiration of his contract. The winger will play his final match for the club in the Derby della Capitale against SS Lazio, which will be his last appearance in front of Roma supporters. El Shaarawy joined Roma a decade ago and became a significant figure in the club's attacking play during his tenure. His departure marks the end of an era for the Giallorossi, with the derby serving as a farewell for the Egyptian international before moving on from the club.