Friedkin travels with Roma squad to Verona; Gasperini signals no players untouchable in transfer market

AS Roma continues its search for a new sporting director to replace Ricky Massara, with owner Ryan Friedkin actively overseeing the recruitment process following his recent arrival in Rome. Tony D'Amico remains the leading candidate, but a pairing of Tognozzi (currently at Rio Ave) and Fabio Paratici has emerged as a notable alternative. The two previously worked together at Juventus and would bring complementary skill sets to manage different areas of Roma's sporting operations. A third option, Sogliano, is also under consideration but reportedly further down the priority list. The club expects to make a decision soon, with the appointment representing a crucial element of the ownership's strategic planning. The search for Roma's new sporting leadership carries significant implications for the club's transfer strategy and long-term direction. Friedkin's involvement in the process underscores the Friedkin Group's hands-on approach to key decisions at the club. Among potential incoming transfers, attacker Summerville continues to feature prominently on Roma's target list, with the club particularly interested if West Ham faces relegation from the Premier League.

AS Roma has submitted an official contract renewal proposal to Paulo Dybala as the club moves into a decisive phase of negotiations. According to reports, the offer includes an annual contract at a reduced salary compared to his current terms. Roma is reportedly capitalizing on uncertainty from Boca Juniors, who have expressed interest in the Argentine but have not committed to a deal due to financial constraints. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has approved the club's approach to pursue the renewal. Dybala is expected to remain at Roma for the coming season barring any major developments. The 30-year-old is currently focused on the club's remaining matches, including the Verona fixture, with contract discussions set to resume in the following week. The renewal represents a strategic decision aimed at retaining a key attacking player while managing the club's financial position. Roma's willingness to negotiate comes at a time when alternative options for Dybala remain uncertain, giving the Giallorossi leverage in talks. The timing of the formal offer marks a shift toward resolving Dybala's future at the club. While specifics of the salary reduction remain undisclosed, the proposal signals Roma's confidence in securing the forward's continued commitment despite the lower financial terms on the table.

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.

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.

Roma will depend on their attacking trio of Donyell Malen, Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé in an upcoming match at Verona, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini selecting the three players to carry the team's hopes in what is described as a crucial ninety minutes for the season. The match represents a significant moment for Roma, with Gasperini tasking his quality attacking players to secure a result in difficult circumstances.

AS Roma are preparing for a decisive Serie A trip to Hellas Verona on Sunday evening, with the match at the Bentegodi essential for their Champions League qualification hopes. Head coach Gasperini has received mixed injury news: midfielders Koné and Venturino are expected to recover in time for the contest, but captain Lorenzo Pellegrini is set to miss the final match of the season. The club currently sit fourth in the league following a derby victory. Gasperini is understood to want attacking reinforcements in the transfer market as Roma aim to secure a top-four finish. The sporting director role continues to attract attention, with Matteo Tognozzi emerging as a leading candidate. Tognozzi is described as a young but experienced director with multilingual skills who previously identified Matías Soulé as a talent. In the squad, goalkeeper Mile Svilar and forward Donyell Malen have been vocal in motivating teammates for the crucial final stretch, with Svilar telling his teammates "One more is missing, let's go!" following the derby win. Meanwhile, reports indicate there have been offers for defenders Ndicka and Ziolkowski on the transfer market, as other squad members including defenders Saud and Kumbulla discuss their futures. The appointment of Margiotta from Verona is being considered for Roma's youth sector.

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.