Roma's Pellegrini faces absence for crucial Verona trip; Gasperini seeks attacking reinforcements

AS Roma is focusing on Paulo Dybala as a key figure in the club's future plans. The Giallorossi want to restart their ambitions around the Argentine forward, with particular emphasis on restoring Dybala's connection to European competition at the highest level. Roma sees Dybala as central to rebuilding the team's Champions League aspirations following a difficult period. The club believes relaunching the attacking talent of their key player is essential to returning Roma to European prominence and achieving success in continental competitions.

Leading voices on Roman radio stations have shared their assessments of Roma's title ambitions and tactical approach as the season concludes. Piero Torri stated: "The matches are won on the pitch. Fear of not making it is inevitable. Roma is also an experienced squad and they know how to face these situations. Gasperini knows better than anyone else." Matteo De Santis reported that discussions over Paulo Dybala's contract renewal are ongoing, with the expectation he will remain at the club, and that a director of sport appointment could come within the weekend. Tactical debate centred on Roma's formation for an upcoming fixture against Verona. Pino Vaccaro advocated deploying Dybala and Matías Soulé in support of Donyell Malen, arguing the pace of those three attacking players could exploit Verona's slower defenders. Nando Orsi emphasised the importance of controlling the match early to avoid anxiety caused by results elsewhere. Roberto Pruzzo, a Roma legend, backed an attacking trident setup and highlighted the influence of fullbacks in recent matches, noting: "There is too much difference between one squad and the other, but Verona will want to close out in a respectable manner." Squad depth and mental resilience emerged as recurring themes among the analysts discussing Roma's final stretch.

Devyne Rensch is poised to play a prominent role in Roma's upcoming match at Verona's Bentegodi stadium. The Dutch fullback will step into the side with Wesley unavailable due to suspension, giving Rensch an opportunity to make a decisive impact as Roma pursue Champions League qualification. The match represents an important fixture in the club's push for European football, with Rensch's performance potentially proving crucial to the outcome.

Roma midfielders Koné and Venturino are returning to fitness following injury concerns. The club remains central to transfer activity, with Serie A rivals Inter and Saudi side Al-Hilal reported to be active in the market. Meanwhile, Lazio president Lotito has made comments directed at Roma's ownership, the Friedkin Group. The full scope of Roma's January business and squad movements remains under development as multiple clubs vie for player acquisitions.

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.

Roma face a crucial match in Verona with Champions League qualification on the line. Owner Ryan Friedkin is expected to travel with the squad, continuing his recent involvement in the club's sporting affairs. Gasperini has requested unity from the team and has been present at Trigoria training ground during this period. The Friedkin Group has promised the head coach their presence during the summer transfer window, underlining their commitment to squad planning alongside the new coach. On the transfer front, Gasperini stated: "Nessuno è incedibile" (No one is untouchable). Several contractual matters remain unresolved pending the Champions League qualification outcome. Paulo Dybala's contract renewal depends partly on European revenue, while the future status of Çelik and Pellegrini also awaits clarity. The club continues searching for a new sporting director to replace Frederic Massara, whose departure has been decided despite his continued presence at Trigoria. Gasperini has identified Tognozzi as his preferred candidate, though Juventus are reportedly also interested. Alternative candidates include D'Amico, who is favored by Milan, and Sogliano.

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.

Julio Sergio, a former Roma goalkeeper who played for the club between 2006–2011 and 2012–13, spoke about the current state of AS Roma under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Sergio received an embrace from the Olimpico crowd before Sunday's derby against SS Lazio and reflected on his experiences at the club and its present direction. Speaking about Mile Svilar, Sergio said: "I've had the chance to know him personally and speak with him. He made an excellent impression on me, a calm boy and always focused. He is doing very well; Italian football is difficult and tactical even for the goalkeeper. He is very consistent, can improve on some exits. For me he is a complete goalkeeper, he can improve, but today he is already a top player, he still has 10 years of high level ahead of him." On Gasperini's impact, Sergio believes a Champions League qualification would be remarkable, praising the coach's tactical work and ability to extract maximum effort from the squad. Regarding Claudio Ranieri's departure from Roma, Sergio remained diplomatic: "The manager is a gentleman. In football there are internal dynamics and we cannot know what happened." Sergio, who now lives in Brazil, maintains contact with several former Roma players including Castan, Taddei, and occasionally Francesco Totti through social media.

Roma claimed a 2-0 victory over Lazio in the Derby della Capitale, with defender Gianluca Mancini scoring both goals. Mancini opened the scoring with a header in the first half, then added a second in the second half to spark celebrations in the Curva Sud. The win positions Roma ahead of Juventus in the standings and carries implications for the Champions League race. Mile Svilar made several important saves to preserve the clean sheet, including a crucial intervention to prevent an immediate Lazio equalizer. The Roma defence showed character throughout, with Hermoso and Celik delivering strong performances. Mancini's display was particularly notable—described as vintage derby football—as he overcame an uncertain start against Noslin's pace to dominate the encounter. Following Ndicka's muscular injury midway through the first half, Rensch entered and delivered the intensity required for the fixture. Hermoso threatened to extend Roma's advantage near the end of the first half with a low shot. The second half unfolded more comfortably for Roma as Lazio's attacking threat subsided. Paulo Dybala featured in the match, contributing to Roma's control of the contest.

Roma and Lazio announced their official starting XI ahead of the Derby della Capitale on 17 May. Gasperini selected a 3-4-2-1 formation with Svilar in goal, a back three of Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso, and an attacking setup featuring Dybala and Malen in advanced roles alongside Cristante. Lazio, managed by Sarri, deployed a 4-3-3 with Furlanetto in goal and an attacking trident of Cancellieri, Dia, and Noslin. Roma faced a critical match with the obligation to win; anything less than victory could severely damage their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. Lazio, operating under emergency circumstances and without objectives to pursue, intended to play with pride and attempt to derail Gasperini's side. The match represented a high-stakes encounter in the capital, with Roma's European aspirations hanging in the balance. Both benches included depth options, with Roma having Soulé, El Shaarawy, and Dovbyk available, while Lazio could call upon Pedro, Isaksen, and other alternatives from their squad.