Gasperini ready to play any day; Koné fitness concerns ahead of derby

French midfielder Adrien Rabiot has spoken positively about his Roma teammate Manu Koné during France's World Cup campaign. Rabiot highlighted the differences between Koné and fellow midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni, noting that while Tchouameni operates deeper to build play from defence, Koné excels in dribbling and creating passing opportunities to break defensive lines. Rabiot stated: "The difference between Tchouameni and Koné? They are rather different players. Aurélien drops back and builds play between the centre-backs. Manu, instead, perhaps has greater propensity for dribbling and searching for passes to unlock opposition lines. You have to adapt, but they are two excellent players with whom it is easy to play." Koné has emerged as one of Roma's key players competing at the tournament alongside Donyell Malen. The midfielder featured in matches against Iraq and Norway after missing the opening game, accumulating 180 minutes and establishing himself as a regular starter under France manager Deschamps. Rabiot confirmed that both players have developed good understanding in midfield, including when they played together during France's encounter with Norway. The positive assessment underscores Koné's importance to Roma's plans as the club looks forward to the coming season.

Donyell Malen has given an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport, discussing his experience at Roma and his aspirations with the club. Malen expressed enthusiasm about his time at the Giallorossi, describing the atmosphere and environment as excellent. He stated his desire to win a trophy with Roma, balancing his ambitions at club level with his broader international football goals. The interview touches on both his immediate focus with Roma and his longer-term perspective in the sport.

Donyell Malen has expressed his satisfaction with his January transfer to AS Roma from the Premier League, crediting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's assurance that he would play as the central striker as a key factor in his decision. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Malen praised the club's integration, fan support, and overall environment. He said: "I am more than convinced I made the right choice. For now everything is magnificent: the welcome, the integration, the relationship with people. Rome is a fantastic place to be. We are all very happy, because I settled into the reality quickly." Malen's arrival has been instrumental in Roma's return to European football after a seven-year absence. He scored 14 goals in his opening campaign, a productive tally not matched since his PSV days. The striker acknowledged the team effort behind their success, stating: "It was wonderful. The fans were so happy: for a player it's thrilling. Now I can't wait to play Champions League at the Olimpico. I imagine a fantastic atmosphere, as good as or better than usual." When asked about next season's ambitions following Roma's strong league finish, Malen confirmed the squad's broader objective: "Certainly. We want to win something. That is our goal."