Derby della Capitale: Soulé and Pellegrini reportedly set for bench as Dybala leads Roma attack

The Netherlands defeated Tunisia 3–1 in their final group match, securing first place and advancing to the round of 16. Goals came from an own goal by Skhiri, Brobbey, and van Hecke, while Mastouri scored for Tunisia. Donyell Malen, the AS Roma winger, played from the start on the right flank but remained goalless, being substituted in the 72nd minute for Summerville. Tunisia finished the tournament with zero points. The Netherlands will face Morocco in the round of 16 on 30 June at 3 a.m. Italian time. This sets up a Roma connection, as both sides are managed by figures linked to the Giallorossi. The match represents a significant moment for Malen, who will be eager to end his tournament campaign with a goal after failing to find the net in the group stage. Malen's performance comes amid Roma's broader mercato activity, with the club reportedly consolidating its squad ahead of the new season.

Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman explained his decision to replace Roma winger Donyell Malen at halftime during the Oranje's 5–1 win over Sweden in a World Cup qualifier. Malen was deployed on the wing in the first half but struggled with defensive duties as Sweden adjusted to a four-defender formation, prompting the change. Koeman said: "The first half concluded with a weaker phase of play, partly because Sweden began playing with four defenders. Our wingers kept pressing their centre-back, whereas usually the number 9s and 10s do that. Consequently, we found ourselves in serious trouble a couple of times. The defensive phase was also the reason for Malen's substitution; I believe Summerville is better defensively. We often talk with players about the need to recognise changes on the pitch more quickly. I understand the substitution is difficult for Donyell, but this is high-level football. A team performance is expected." The Roma striker had failed to score in pre-tournament friendlies and his opening match against Japan before facing Sweden. Koeman was quick to reassure supporters and the player himself, stating that Malen is not being scapegoated and may return as a centre-forward in upcoming matches. He also noted that striker Brobbey had experienced a minor hamstring issue, explaining the need for rotation.

Donyell Malen will play on the right wing for the Netherlands in their Group B match against Sweden, a fixture already crucial after drawing 0–0 against Japan in their opening game. Coach Ronald Koeman has reshaped the attacking setup, positioning Gakpo on the left, Malen on the right, and Brobbey of Sunderland as the central striker. This marks a change from the first match, where Malen operated in a more central role. Koeman's tactical adjustment aims to generate more attacking opportunities as the Netherlands seeks vital goals in what is effectively a knockout stage match. Malen, who plays for AS Roma in Serie A, will be crucial to the team's attacking threat on the flank rather than leading the line. The strategic shift reflects Koeman's desire to optimize the team's attacking balance while still utilizing Malen's pace and technical abilities in a different capacity. The match against Sweden kicks off at 19:00 local time and represents a critical encounter for the Netherlands' tournament progression.

Zeki Celik is close to signing a new three-year contract with AS Roma following Turkey's elimination from the World Cup at the group stage. The club and player have reached an agreement in principle, with an announcement expected in the coming days. However, Celik will not be Gasperini's starting right-back. The head coach has requested reinforcement on the right flank and views Celik as a versatile option who can operate on either wing or as a right centre-back to rotate with Gianluca Mancini. Gasperini's primary target for the right-back position is a younger profile than Molina, who is considered a secondary option at 28 years old. Dodô is not being pursued, as Roma has not made any formal approach for the player. On the left side, Wesley remains a key part of the plans after rejecting Chelsea and is ready for the upcoming season. Ruggeri is not a target for Roma. The club will seek an alternative to Wesley on the left, with Angeliño expected to depart. Roma continues to work on contract extensions for key players, with Celik's renewal progressing alongside talks with Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini regarding their own deals.

AS Roma is moving toward contract renewals with three key players whose existing deals expire on 1 July: Paulo Dybala, Zeki Celik, and Lorenzo Pellegrini. According to reports, negotiations between the club and the players' representatives are advancing, with agreements expected soon. Dybala has reportedly accepted a significant wage reduction—reportedly more than half his original salary—to remain at Roma, while Pellegrini faces a similar salary adjustment. Celik, a Turkish defender, is valued by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini for his tactical versatility, capable of playing as a right centre-back or as an outside defender. All three players are expected to continue their careers at the Giallorossi. The renewals form part of Roma's broader transfer activity, which will sharpen focus from 1 July onward. Both Dybala and Pellegrini have shown mutual willingness to stay despite the reduced financial terms, reflecting the club's financial restructuring strategy. Celik's renewal aligns with Gasperini's tactical preferences, making him a priority in the coach's plans. Once Dybala and Celik's signatures are finalized—described as imminent—attention will turn to completing Pellegrini's renewal, the final piece in securing this trio's immediate future at the club.

Roma has paused player sales negotiations while in talks with UEFA over a settlement agreement to avoid additional sanctions. The club faces a June 30 deadline to generate required capital gains under UEFA rules, but believes it can negotiate flexibility in the timeline. Matías Soulé remains the key to unlocking the situation; despite interest from Saudi Arabia's Al-Diriyah—reportedly offering around €35 million—Soulé has expressed doubts about his career prospects in the Saudi league and has not committed. The player's decision could come early in July. Roma's ownership and sporting director D'Amico are prioritizing stability over rushed deals and are considering a window through July 15 to complete sales on the club's preferred terms. The club prefers the risk of potential UEFA sanctions to accepting significantly undervalued offers. A corrective economic plan with UEFA may also be discussed in November. Head coach Gasperini continues to pursue reinforcements; Mason Greenwood remains a target, while contract discussions with Çetin, Dybala, and Pellegrini await clearer direction from the club.

Paulo Dybala returned to Instituto de Córdoba, the Argentine club where he began his football career, during the off-season to speak with the youth academy players. On vacation in Argentina with his family, the Roma forward delivered an encouraging message to the young talents, urging them to pursue their ambitions. Dybala told the players: "Anyone can make it. It happened to me, I was fortunate to play in two World Cups. Dreams come for everyone, don't give up. It seems far away, but all of this is not far away." The visit comes as Dybala awaits official confirmation of his contract renewal with AS Roma. The 30-year-old has been a key player for the Giallorossi and remains central to their plans. His message to the Instituto youth emphasized the possibility of rising from humble beginnings in the academy to competing at the highest levels of European football, drawing on his own journey from Córdoba through Juventus and Roma. Dybala's words were shared across Instituto's social media channels, providing inspiration to the young players. He is expected to return to pre-season training in September ahead of the next campaign at the Olimpico.

Roma news roundup covering multiple developments. Paulo Dybala is reportedly making a sacrifice for the club, though specific details remain unclear. In the transfer market, Roma has shown interest in a player named Puerta. Separately, Inter Milan has not submitted an offer for Niccolò Pisilli, suggesting the midfielder remains available for Roma's squad planning. These updates reflect ongoing activity in recruitment and squad management as the club navigates the current transfer window.

Matías Soulé appears set to reject an offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, despite Roma's desire to sell him. Al Ahli attempted to persuade the 23-year-old Argentine without submitting an official bid to Roma. Soulé has expressed reluctance to move to a second-tier league at this stage of his career and would have preferred a move to Germany, but neither Borussia Dortmund nor Stuttgart have matched Roma's €40 million asking price. RB Leipzig also inquired without making a firm approach. With the June 30 transfer deadline approaching, Soulé is likely to remain at Roma beyond that date, though the club continues to seek his departure. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has reportedly informed Roma's management that Soulé is not among the untouchable players in the squad, particularly with incoming signing Greenwood occupying a similar role. Roma would accept €35 million plus add-ons to generate profit and reinvest funds elsewhere. Paulo Dybala is also close to leaving the club. Roma's management awaits offers that are expected to arrive after the June 30 deadline. Soulé's departure remains probable but is unlikely to be to Saudi Arabia, with German clubs potentially returning with serious proposals in the coming transfer window.