Juventus Prepare Alternatives if Bernardo Silva Deal Falls Through

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.

Stephan El Shaarawy's time at AS Roma has come to an end, with his contract expiring on June 30. The Egyptian winger announced his departure following the conclusion of the season. In response, his fiancée Ludovica Pagani shared an emotional tribute on social media, celebrating El Shaarawy's character and commitment to the club. El Shaarawy, born in 1992, has been a significant figure at Roma, and his exit marks the conclusion of a lengthy association with the Giallorossi. Pagani's message emphasized his professionalism and dedication both on and off the pitch, describing him as a rare and humble individual. She wrote: "You are one of those people who deserve so much. Perhaps even more than what you have received. Sometimes things don't go as expected, but I am sure that life will reserve wonderful new chapters for you, because you are a special being and you will have what you deserve... And everyone deserves to know the IMMENSE man you are and how much you have loved and honoured this shirt. Loving you is one of the most beautiful gifts life could give me, champion." Pageni also expressed gratitude to Roma, stating the club "will always be our home." El Shaarawy's departure represents a significant transition for the club as it moves forward into a new era.

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.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference ahead of Roma's Derby della Capitale against SS Lazio. Gasperini expressed confidence in Roma's position, stating: "The insidiousness is that Lazio is anyway an excellent squad. It is clear that they at this moment have finished their season, the only strong motivation is to try to prevent Roma from reaching the maximum of the target. We have much truer motivations, much stronger, much more tied to results." Gasperini addressed the fixture scheduling controversy, acknowledging the impact on fans and clubs forced to travel, though he noted Roma's willingness to play at any time. He emphasized the importance of owner Ryan Friedkin's direct involvement with the squad, saying the ownership's presence "is fundamental because when there is the presence of the Ownership, everything works better. There is less people who report things, there is much more possibility of having direct relationships without intermediaries." Regarding midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, who was born in Rome, Gasperini confirmed the player has trained all week following injury and will be assessed before the match. Gasperini stressed that derby-born players often feel these matches differently. He also expressed optimism about Paulo Dybala's contract renewal, noting that when both the club and player share the same vision, "then after a solution can be found." Roma sit level on points with AC Milan and one point behind Juventus with two matches remaining.

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.

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.