Roma vs Lazio: Koné ruled out of derby, Pellegrini also unavailable

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.

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.

Arsenal have clinched the English Premier League title for the first time in 22 years following Manchester City's 1–1 draw with Bournemouth. The result leaves Arsenal 4 points clear with an unassailable lead, and Mikel Arteta's side can celebrate the championship in their final league match against Crystal Palace on Sunday. Former Roma defender Riccardo Calafiori has featured prominently in Arsenal's title-winning campaign, making 35 appearances across all competitions. The Italy international will now claim his first major trophy as an Arsenal player, marking a significant milestone in his career since moving from Roma. Calafiori will have the opportunity to lift silverware in the season's closing fixture. The achievement represents Arsenal's return to the summit of English football after a lengthy wait and caps a successful campaign under Arteta's management.

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.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini expressed optimism about Paulo Dybala's contract renewal talks with Roma, stating that both the club and player share the same vision. Gasperini emphasized Roma's appetite for victory ahead of the derby against Lazio, saying the team is motivated enough to play at any time. He highlighted the importance of Friedkin Group ownership's active involvement at the club, noting: "It is fundamental when the ownership is present — everything works better: there is less gossip and more opportunity for direct relationships without intermediaries. I hope we can now accelerate negotiations with the agents." The coach acknowledged this applies particularly to Dybala's representatives. Roma's preparation for the derby has been complicated by a muscle problem sustained by midfielder Koné, who will be assessed before the match. If Koné is unavailable, Gasperini may deploy three midfielders together, with El Aynaoui and Pisilli in central midfield alongside Cristante operating between centre-midfielder and attacking midfielder roles. Despite already securing European League football, Gasperini stressed the importance of maintaining hunger and ambition. The team will continue to rely on the attacking partnership between Dybala and Donyell Malen.

Roma is actively working on player departures to meet Financial Fair Play requirements ahead of the appointment of a new sporting director. Inter has renewed contact with French midfielder Manu Koné, with fresh negotiations scheduled after the Friedkin Group vetoed a deal last summer. The talks are described as having genuine potential to succeed this time. Defender Ziolkowski, seeking more playing time, has fielded rejected offers from January and now faces multiple Premier League bids reportedly in the region of €20 million. Fellow defender Ndicka, who recently parted ways with his long-standing agent, has received several proposals from English and German clubs, where he previously played for Eintracht. A potential swap involving Ndicka and Juventus midfielder Koopmeiners has been confirmed as under discussion, though the Dutchman's substantial salary of €4.5 million net per season remains a significant obstacle. In attacking areas, Ukrainian forward Artem Dovbyk could remain at Roma but may depart if concrete offers arrive, having held discussions with Juventus as they search for a new striker. Young talent Venturino, still officially owned by Genoa, has attracted strong interest from Como, where manager Cesc Fabregas has spoken directly with the 2006-born prospect. Venturino is expected to be bought back and resold by Roma in the coming days.

AS Roma has five days to prepare for a crucial Champions League qualification match against Hellas Verona on Sunday at 20:45. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is working to get midfielder Manu Koné fit in time after the French player completed individual field work during training on Tuesday. Koné is considered the injury concern with the best chance of returning for the Verona fixture. However, Gasperini will definitely be without Wesley, who is suspended following a red card in the derby, and Ndicka, who is unavailable for at least a month due to injury. Pellegrini, Venturino, and Zaragoza remain absent from group training and their participation in the away trip to Verona is very unlikely. The injuries have depleted Roma's options as the team pursues the points needed to secure European football next season. Koné's personal training regimen suggests he is being carefully managed ahead of what could be a decisive final match of the campaign.

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.

Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract situation at Roma continues to be a sensitive issue for the club. The midfielder's deal is set to expire, leaving his future uncertain. Al-Hilal, managed by Inzaghi, is reportedly considering a move for Pellegrini as a free agent, viewing the opportunity to acquire him without a transfer fee. Pellegrini remains a key figure in Roma's midfield plans, but the expiring contract creates a window for interested clubs. The potential interest from Saudi Arabia adds another dimension to contract negotiations at the Giallorossi, with the coming months likely to prove decisive in determining whether the Rome-born midfielder extends his stay or moves elsewhere.

AS Roma has five days to prepare for a crucial Champions League qualification match against Hellas Verona on Sunday at 20:45. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is working to get midfielder Manu Koné fit in time after the French player completed individual field work during training on Tuesday. Koné is considered the injury concern with the best chance of returning for the Verona fixture. However, Gasperini will definitely be without Wesley, who is suspended following a red card in the derby, and Ndicka, who is unavailable for at least a month due to injury. Pellegrini, Venturino, and Zaragoza remain absent from group training and their participation in the away trip to Verona is very unlikely. The injuries have depleted Roma's options as the team pursues the points needed to secure European football next season. Koné's personal training regimen suggests he is being carefully managed ahead of what could be a decisive final match of the campaign.

Roma prepares for its final Serie A match at Verona on Sunday at 20:45. Midfielder Koné is attempting to recover from injury for the fixture, though his availability remains uncertain. Lorenzo Pellegrini's fitness is also in doubt heading into the encounter. The injury status of other squad members and the likelihood of their involvement in the Verona match details remain unclear. The match represents a significant fixture in Roma's closing campaign.