Gasperini optimistic over Dybala contract renewal as Roma target squad agreements

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.

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media ahead of Roma's Derby della Capitale clash, drawing a sharp contrast between the two clubs' ambitions and motivation. The Roma head coach remarked on Lazio's position in the season and their likely approach to the fixture. Gasperini said: "Lazio is an excellent squad, they have finished their season and their only strong motivation is to prevent Roma from reaching the maximum target. We have much truer and stronger motivations, more tied to results. I expect a rightly genuine match. It is not that we can think Lazio has extraordinary morale, but they will do everything to spoil things for us." Gasperini emphasized that Roma's objectives this season extend far beyond a local derby victory, particularly regarding Champions League qualification. He stressed the difference in stakes between the two teams, noting Roma's competitive drive is centered on tangible results and league position, whereas Lazio's remaining focus is primarily to disrupt Roma's campaign. The coach also made light of speculation around Maurizio Sarri's attendance at the fixture, joking that the Lazio manager had stated he would not attend. During his press conference, Gasperini acknowledged mutual respect between the rival fanbases while maintaining that Roma enters the derby as the team with higher seasonal ambitions and more substantive motivation tied to final standings.

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."

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 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."

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.

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.

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.

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.