Roma chase Champions League qualification in historic derby, Mancini hailed as people's hero

AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné has been named in the starting lineup for France's World Cup Round of 16 match against Paraguay. Koné will play alongside Adrien Rabiot in midfield as France manager Didier Deschamps continues to deploy the Roma player from the opening matches. This marks Koné's third start of the tournament and his first appearance in the knockout phase after being used as a substitute in the Round of 32 against Sweden. Paraguay reached this stage after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Germany. Koné remains a key player in Deschamps' setup, valued for his ability to provide midfield balance while allowing France to deploy their attacking potential. The Friedkin Group manager Gasperini relies heavily on the midfielder, and his World Cup performances continue to demonstrate his importance to both club and country. Koné's selection underlines his status as an essential player in France's push toward the tournament's latter stages. If France advance past Paraguay, Koné and his teammates will face the winner of the Canada match in the quarter-finals. His continued involvement in the World Cup represents a significant commitment of playing time away from Roma during the international break.

An analysis examines Donyell Malen's performance impact at Roma and what statistical data suggests about the club's European prospects. The piece uses a Latin metaphor—'It is good that a ship relies on two anchors'—to frame discussions around Roma's squad balance and tactical approach. The article appears to assess whether Malen's contributions align with expectations and how performance metrics may influence Roma's trajectory in continental competition. Details remain unclear on specific findings and the full scope of the analysis.

AS Roma may still have room to resolve its position with UEFA following a failure to meet a financial target. The club is exploring a settlement agreement with European football's governing body, with discussions potentially extending to late July rather than an earlier deadline. This delay could provide Roma additional time to address regulatory compliance and financial fair play requirements. The exact nature of the missed target and specific conditions of any settlement agreement remain unclear.

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.

Inter has reportedly reactivated contact with AS Roma defender Evan Ndicka as the Serie A transfer window officially opens. The club is exploring alternatives after failing to secure other defensive targets. Ndicka, currently on international duty with Ivory Coast, is considered a key reinforcement for Inter's defence, but Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini views him as non-transferable. Inter's pursuit of other defensive options, including an unnamed player reportedly from another club, has stalled, prompting the renewed approach for the Roma defender. Niccolò Pisilli has also emerged as a potential target for Inter, with reports suggesting the club is considering the Roma midfielder as an alternative in their search for a successor in that position. The 2004-born midfielder is valued at approximately 25 million euros. However, both Ndicka and Pisilli have repeatedly expressed their commitment to Roma, and the club has made clear it does not wish to part with either player. Gasperini's stance on keeping these players is firm, presenting significant obstacles to any Inter move. Closing a 30-million-euro deal or higher in the remaining hours before the deadline would prove extremely difficult logistically. Additionally, Gianluca Mancini is approaching a contract extension with Roma and is unlikely to move to Milan.

Sergio Oliveira, the Portuguese midfielder who left Roma, returned to the city to attend the wedding of El Shaarawy and Ludovica Pagani. At the celebration, Oliveira reconnected with former teammates Lorenzo Pellegrini, Bryan Cristante, and Gianluca Mancini—players with whom he won the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022. Oliveira shared his reflections on social media about his time at Roma, saying: "Roma is special. It has brought me so much. Not only sporting moments but mainly fantastic people. I am very happy to be here on this beautiful day, a truly special moment for my friend Ste. Even though we spent little time together, when you share the same values it becomes easy to understand each other and lend a hand. Thank you to you all and I wish you a life full of happiness." The post underscores the bond formed during the Giallorossi's successful European campaign and the lasting relationships built within the club. The wedding also included attendance from other Roma-connected figures, with details of their presence marking another chapter in the club's recent history of trophy success.