Golden Boy 2026: Roma's French Forward Among 100 Under-21 Candidates

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.

Marquinhos, PSG's Brazilian defender and captain, has spoken about his ongoing affection for AS Roma, where he played during the 2012–13 season before moving to Paris. In an interview with Sky Sport ahead of the Champions League final against Arsenal, Marquinhos confirmed his continued interest in the club: "Always, I follow Roma always. There is Wesley, who is playing and playing really well. He will also come to the national team with us and it always makes me happy to accompany them." Wesley, Roma's current defender, has impressed Marquinhos during their interactions at international level. The PSG captain's remarks highlight his enduring connection to the Giallorossi despite spending over a decade elsewhere. Marquinhos also discussed his time with Carlo Ancelotti's coaching staff, noting that Italian speakers are present in the setup and expressing his hope that Italian fans might support Ancelotti's team at the World Cup. He expressed disappointment at Italy's failure to qualify for the tournament, calling it "a historic national team and a shame."

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.