Mancini backs Malen as derby hero; praises Gasperini's first season at Roma

Diego Perotti, the former Roma winger, has reflected on his four years with the club in a recent interview, describing his time in the capital as deeply meaningful despite injuries and lack of silverware. Perotti highlighted two moments as particularly memorable: playing and scoring in a Champions League semi-final against Liverpool at Anfield Road, and scoring in the final match of Francesco Totti's career in a Roma-Genoa fixture. He emphasized the special relationship between Roma fans and players who give their all, noting that supporters recognize genuine commitment regardless of results. Perotti explained that Roma represents a complex but rewarding environment. He stated: "Certainly Roma is a complicated, particular place, but I believe that the Roma fan knows how to recognize when a player gives everything. Despite having injuries in recent years, the fans have seen in me the desire, responsibility, and love for the shirt. Even in negative situations or when things weren't going well, I always gave my best even when I wasn't 100%." The Argentine also discussed his decision to remain living in Rome after his playing career, citing the quality of life, family stability for his two children, and the city's proximity to beautiful coastal and cultural destinations. He has made real estate investments both in Argentina and Rome as part of his long-term planning.

Fabio Capello, former Roma head coach and current commentator, shared an anecdote about managing young players during his time at the club. Speaking at the European Golden Boy event, Capello recalled his experience with two academy prospects: Daniele De Rossi and Alberto Aquilani, both of whom trained with Roma's first team during his tenure. Capello explained his philosophy on youth development, emphasizing that young players benefit from training alongside established professionals and experiencing different environments through loans. He stated: "I was convinced that Aquilani was better than De Rossi, because technically he was superior. I made Aquilani debut with Triestina and he played with fear, then when I put De Rossi he played as he did in training. De Rossi was ready, Aquilani no." The former Milan and Real Madrid manager argued that young talents develop faster when exposed to higher-intensity football and working with elite players, rather than being confined to reserve squads or relegated to exclusive youth structures. Capello's comments reflect his broader critique of modern youth development strategies. He advocated for integrating 4–5 young players into first-team training at elite clubs, believing this approach accelerated technical and tactical improvement. De Rossi went on to become a Roma legend, while Aquilani's career trajectory diverged differently.

Roma legend Aldair has unveiled his all-time best eleven for the club during an appearance on Radio Radio, notably leaving himself out of the defensive lineup. The Brazilian icon chose Gianluca Mancini, the current Roma centre-back, as his partner in defence alongside Argentine Walter Samuel. Mancini emerges as the only active Roma player in Aldair's selection, underscoring his standing among the club's greatest defenders across generations. Aldair's team features Alisson in goal and Cafu at right-back, maintaining a strong Brazilian presence in the backline. Vincent Candela occupies the left flank. In midfield, he selected Falcao, Daniele De Rossi, and Cerezo, with De Rossi preferred over celebrated figures such as Giuseppe Giannini and Agostino Di Bartolomei. The attack is composed of Bruno Conti on the right, Gabriel Batistuta as centre-forward, and Francesco Totti completing the line. The selection reflects Aldair's respect for both Roma's storied history and current quality, with Mancini's inclusion representing continuity between the club's legendary past and present squad composition.

Gianluca Mancini will receive the Career Prize at the 41st edition of the Trofeo Maestrelli on May 25 in Montecatini. The Roma defender is enjoying a standout season, highlighted by a crucial double in the derby against Lazio on the previous Sunday. The award recognizes his performances and continued growth as a player. Mancini is one of several honorees at the prestigious Italian football awards ceremony. Italy's national team coach Silvio Baldini and Fiorentina manager Paolo Vanoli will also receive Career Prizes. Additional recipients include managers from other Serie A and lower-division clubs: Alvini (Frosinone), Calabro (Carrarese), and Bucchi (Arezzo). Venice's promotion back to Serie A will be marked by awards to operational director Rogg and sporting director Antonelli. Other honorees include Grosseto president Lamioni and Ferrieri Caputi, named Europe's best female referee.

AS Roma faces significant disciplinary consequences following the heated Derby della Capitale in Serie A's 37th round. The Sports Judge handed Wesley a one-match suspension for an incident in the second half, ruling him out of Roma's final fixture at Hellas Verona. The Brazilian winger was also fined €10,000 after striking an opponent in the face without causing injury. Nicolò Rovella received identical punishment—one-game ban and €10,000 fine—for his involvement in the same confrontation. The disciplinary blow extends beyond Wesley's absence. Two Roma players entered the warned list following the derby: Mario Hermoso received his ninth yellow card of the season, while Stephan El Shaarawy collected his fourth. Both now join Gianluca Mancini on Roma's caution list, meaning any further booking at Verona would trigger automatic suspension. This creates a significant strategic challenge for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as Roma prepares for what is described as a crucial final match of the campaign. The disciplinary situation also carries implications for potential sanctions carrying into the next season. The Sports Judge Gerardo Mastrandrea issued the official decisions following the intense encounter.

Roma legend Aldair has unveiled his all-time best eleven for the club during an appearance on Radio Radio, notably leaving himself out of the defensive lineup. The Brazilian icon chose Gianluca Mancini, the current Roma centre-back, as his partner in defence alongside Argentine Walter Samuel. Mancini emerges as the only active Roma player in Aldair's selection, underscoring his standing among the club's greatest defenders across generations. Aldair's team features Alisson in goal and Cafu at right-back, maintaining a strong Brazilian presence in the backline. Vincent Candela occupies the left flank. In midfield, he selected Falcao, Daniele De Rossi, and Cerezo, with De Rossi preferred over celebrated figures such as Giuseppe Giannini and Agostino Di Bartolomei. The attack is composed of Bruno Conti on the right, Gabriel Batistuta as centre-forward, and Francesco Totti completing the line. The selection reflects Aldair's respect for both Roma's storied history and current quality, with Mancini's inclusion representing continuity between the club's legendary past and present squad composition.

Donyell Malen has become the focal point of Roma's push toward Champions League qualification with just one match remaining in the season. The Dutch forward posted a social media image showing his hands in prayer with the number "90" written on them, symbolizing the ninety minutes standing between the club and their European objective. The post has resonated deeply with Roma fans, who see in Malen a player capable of guiding the team through its decisive final moment. Malen has transformed Roma's season in recent months, reviving fan optimism and bringing the team to the brink of Champions League football. His total focus and commitment to the club's objective have made him a symbol of confidence during this critical period. Roma's final challenge comes against Verona—a single match that will determine whether the Giallorossi secure Champions League football for the coming season. The image of Malen's hands in prayer captures the collective mood of Roma's fanbase: a city united in anticipation and hope, placing faith in their talisman to deliver in the moments that matter most.

AS Roma face mounting injury and suspension concerns ahead of their match at Verona. Ndicka has suffered a second-degree right hamstring injury with a recovery timeline of approximately one month, ruling him out of the Verona fixture and raising doubts about his participation in the World Cup. Wesley is suspended and risks a two-match ban following the derby, forcing head coach Gasperini to restructure the defence. Celik will cover the right flank while Rensch operates on the opposite side, with Ghilardi—recently returned from a season at Hellas Verona—competing to replace Ndicka alongside Mancini and Hermoso. The injury toll extends further into Roma's midfield. Koné missed the derby due to a muscular problem and trained separately as the squad resumed work, with low odds of starting at Bentegodi. Pellegrini remained sidelined from the derby because of inflammation around his biceps scar and is listed as doubtful, though he is determined to feature given World Cup considerations. Venturino also carries injury risk with knee inflammation. Paulo Dybala is confirmed to lead the attack alongside Malen, with Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli providing midfield stability. If Koné cannot feature, either El Aynaoui or Matías Soulé will step into the lineup.

Wesley, AS Roma's right-back, has been named in Brazil's World Cup squad by coach Carlo Ancelotti following an impressive first season in Italian football. The former Flamengo player will compete in a group that includes Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti. Neymar has also received a call-up to the squad. Several other Roma players are confirmed for the tournament. Donyell Malen, Çelik, Koné, and Ndicka are among those selected, though Ndicka faces serious injury concerns after picking up a problem recently and is at risk of missing the competition. Matías Soulé was included in the preliminary 55-player list but is unlikely to make the final squad. Wesley's selection represents recognition of his strong debut campaign at the Giallorossi, where he has established himself as a key player in the squad. In group-stage action, he will face El Aynaoui's Morocco. The defender's inclusion marks a significant moment early in what is shaping as a successful tenure in Rome.