El Shaarawy confident ahead of final Roma match at Verona

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is planning to strengthen Roma's attack by pursuing both Joshua Zirkzee and Donyell Malen as a combined package for the summer transfer window. Zirkzee, currently at Manchester United, has remained on Roma's radar despite a failed January move that collapsed following Erik ten Hag's departure and Michael Carrick's appointment. The club believes a fresh attempt is viable in the coming weeks, particularly if Roma secure Champions League qualification. Roma's hierarchy recognizes the need to provide Gasperini with a deeper, more complete squad featuring improved offensive quality. Zirkzee appeals for his versatility—he can operate alongside Malen or function as a creative center-forward, offering tactical flexibility similar to Gasperini's preferred formations at Bergamo, where he frequently deployed two attacking players with a supporting playmaker. The two Dutch players would form what the club describes as an 'Orange' partnership. Zirkzee's Manchester United move has proven underwhelming, with the forward managing only 629 minutes of action this season. Roma estimates a deal could be completed for €20–25 million, a fee United cannot demand given his limited playing time and overall disappointing campaign. Closing this transfer will depend on Roma's summer budget allocation and their ability to meet both players' availability.

Mile Svilar has been named the best goalkeeper in Serie A for the 2025-26 season, continuing his strong performances for AS Roma. The honour reflects Svilar's consistent excellence between the posts as Roma's first-choice keeper. The league has also announced its full set of individual awards for the season, recognising standout performers across various categories. Svilar's recognition underscores his importance to Roma's defensive setup under current head coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

Mile Svilar has been named the Serie A goalkeeper of the year for the 2025–26 season, according to an announcement by the Italian league. The award marks the second consecutive year Svilar has received the honour, following his standout performance last season. He finished ahead of fellow keepers Maignan and Carnesecchi to claim the accolade. The league also named three other seasonal MVPs across different positions: Palestra (defender), Nico Paz (midfielder), and Lautaro Martinez (forward), who is on course to finish as the league's top scorer. Svilar's recognition underscores his importance to Roma both in the present and future. The 26-year-old has maintained the elite standard he set in the previous campaign, establishing himself as one of Serie A's most reliable and influential goalkeepers. His consistent performances have been vital to Roma's defensive stability throughout the season. The awards represent formal acknowledgment of individual excellence across the 2025–26 Serie A season. Svilar's second consecutive goalkeeper honour reflects his sustained quality and positions him as a cornerstone of Roma's ambitions moving forward.

Stephan El Shaarawy has spoken ahead of Roma's crucial away trip to Hellas Verona, a match that will determine the club's qualification for the Champions League after an eight-year absence. Victory at the Bentegodi would secure Roma's place in European football's premier competition under head coach Gasperini. El Shaarawy emphasized the importance of the fixture, describing it as the most significant match of the season and noting that Roma now controls its own destiny following the recent derby victory. El Shaarawy reflected on his time at Roma as he approaches his final match with the club, expressing gratitude for the welcome the city and organization have provided. He said: "Roma is a place that welcomes you and gives you immediate affection. I have grown a lot in these years and felt truly well. Receiving this farewell from the Olimpico was a great emotion, as was the embrace of all my teammates. It has been a beautiful story." The player believes the squad has earned the right to secure Champions League qualification after their consistent efforts throughout the season and expressed confidence that the team is prepared for the challenge ahead.

Stephan El Shaarawy's decade-long spell at AS Roma is ending after his contract expires on 30 June and will not be renewed. The 33-year-old played his final match at the Olimpico during Roma's derby victory against Lazio on Sunday, receiving a special farewell. His future in Italian football appears likely to continue in Serie A, with newly promoted Venezia showing concrete interest in signing him. Venezia has begun initial exploratory talks with El Shaarawy's representatives as the club seeks to build a competitive squad for their return to the top division. The Venetian club has reportedly placed the former Roma winger on their list of targets. At this stage, contact between Venezia and El Shaarawy's camp constitutes an exploratory sounding rather than formal negotiations, though the lagoon club's interest is described as genuine. El Shaarawy, who wore Roma's number 92, became a fan favourite during his time in the capital and is now free to negotiate with potential suitors following his contract's expiration.

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.