Roma chase Zirkzee ahead of Verona; Pellegrini and Tsimikas ruled out

Mile Svilar has been awarded Serie A's best goalkeeper for the 2025–26 season, a recognition described as well-deserved for the Roma shot-stopper. The honour reflects Svilar's strong defensive performance throughout the campaign. Details of his standout statistics and contributions remain unclear from the available information, though the award underscores his importance as a key player in Roma's defence this season.

Midfielder Manu Koné has spoken about his life at Roma and his aspirations for the club in an interview with Serie A's official channels. The French-born midfielder, whose parents are Ivorian, discussed his journey from Paris and his early exposure to Italian football through his older brother's video game choices. Koné emphasized the unity within the Roma squad, stating: "We know where we are and especially where we are going with the same common objective, because we are a team. On the pitch we are 11 but there are also the others, the staff, the coaches, the physiotherapists, the trainers. I think that's what makes a team and that's what makes Roma." Koné described his adaptation to Italy as smooth, highlighting Rome's passionate football culture and historic atmosphere. He also reflected on the derby against Lazio as a particularly meaningful experience, calling it an incredible sensation. On the wider appeal of sport, he noted: "Sport can unite many cultures without speaking the same language. You can take a Frenchman, a Japanese, an Italian, an African and they will all understand each other without necessarily communicating." The midfielder stressed his desire to play in the Champions League, while also praising the emotional connection Roma's fans bring to matches. He remains in regular contact with his family, particularly his father, who provides detailed feedback after every game.

Mile Svilar has been named the best goalkeeper in Serie A for the 2025–26 season, marking the second consecutive year he has received the honour. The Roma shot-stopper secured the award following another outstanding campaign at the highest level, with Serie A officially recognizing his excellence between the posts. Svilar's back-to-back recognition underscores his position as Italy's premier goalkeeper. Last season he won the same award ahead of Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, and this year he has again emerged victorious in competition with other elite keepers including Mike Maignan and Marco Carnesecchi. The achievement strengthens Roma's defensive credentials and highlights Svilar as a cornerstone of the club's 2025–26 campaign. The 25-year-old's consistency at the highest level reflects the quality of his performances throughout the season. His back-to-back awards represent a significant endorsement from Serie A and cement his status among the competition's most reliable and accomplished goalkeepers.

Roma will be without several key players for their final Serie A match of the season against Verona at the Bentegodi, two days away. Lorenzo Pellegrini continues to manage a flexor muscle injury and trained separately again, while Tsimikas has been ruled out due to influenza symptoms. These absences join existing gaps caused by Wesley's suspension and Ndicka's muscle injury, leaving head coach Gasperini with a depleted squad for what the club views as a crucial match. The fixture holds significant importance in Roma's season, though the exact context of its importance remains unclear. Gasperini is expected to announce his final squad list on the day before the match. In attack, the trio of Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé, and Donyell Malen is almost certain to feature, forming the offensive core Roma will deploy despite the defensive and midfield constraints. The accumulation of injuries and unavailability creates a challenging situation for Roma's closing fixture, with Pellegrini's ongoing flexor issue the most persistent concern among the outfield players sidelined.

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.

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.

Roma will be without several key players for their final Serie A match of the season against Verona at the Bentegodi, two days away. Lorenzo Pellegrini continues to manage a flexor muscle injury and trained separately again, while Tsimikas has been ruled out due to influenza symptoms. These absences join existing gaps caused by Wesley's suspension and Ndicka's muscle injury, leaving head coach Gasperini with a depleted squad for what the club views as a crucial match. The fixture holds significant importance in Roma's season, though the exact context of its importance remains unclear. Gasperini is expected to announce his final squad list on the day before the match. In attack, the trio of Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé, and Donyell Malen is almost certain to feature, forming the offensive core Roma will deploy despite the defensive and midfield constraints. The accumulation of injuries and unavailability creates a challenging situation for Roma's closing fixture, with Pellegrini's ongoing flexor issue the most persistent concern among the outfield players sidelined.

Roma travel to Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi to face relegated Hellas Verona in a crucial Serie A fixture that could secure their first Champions League qualification since 2017–18. Gian Piero Gasperini's side sit fourth, two points clear of Como and Juventus, following a morale-boosting 2–0 Derby della Capitale win over Lazio last weekend. Roma have won four consecutive league matches, three by multi-goal margins, and scored in six of their last seven games, positioning themselves strongly for the run-in. Verona's season has been disastrous, finishing with the second-lowest point tally in the three-points-per-win era (21 points). Despite showing late-season resilience with draws against Inter and Juventus, the home side has failed to score in five consecutive matches at the Bentegodi and have not found the net at home since early March. Roma's last two Serie A visits to the ground resulted in defeats, and the visitors suffered a seven-game winless away run before recent wins over Bologna and Parma. Roma will be without starting center-back Evan Ndicka and wingback Wesley Franca (suspended following a red card in last weekend's derby). Kostas Tsimikas is expected to replace Franca on the left flank. Verona will miss midfielder Roberto Gagliardini due to suspension and possibly Daniel Mosquera through injury. Roma are expected to secure victory given their current form and Verona's attacking struggles.

Tension boiled over at the final whistle of Parma's match against Roma after the visitors secured a comeback 2–1 victory. Evan Ndicka was visibly angry on the pitch and had to be held back and escorted away by four teammates—Gollini, Tsimikas, Malen, and Cristante—while Mario Hermoso and Gianluca Mancini were also among the most heated Roma players involved in the post-match melee. The confrontation intensified between the benches and drew intervention from Gasperini and his assistant Gritti, who quickly pulled Mancini away from the conflict to prevent disciplinary action. Mancini's removal was particularly critical because he was the only Roma player carrying a yellow-card caution ahead of the upcoming derby against Lazio. The tension appears to have been fueled by aggressive play from Parma's players throughout the match, with notably tough and sometimes excessive challenges. Details remain unclear about the specific grievances between individual players, though conflict emerged between Mancini and Parma's right-back Valeri, described as a Lazio supporter. Roma had initially gone ahead through Donyell Malen but surrendered the lead before fighting back to secure the points in added time.

Roma face Hellas Verona in a crucial match with Champions League qualification on the line. The fixture will pit Gianluca Mancini, Roma's current defender, against Nelsson, his former defensive partner who now plays for Verona. The two centre-backs previously worked together in Roma's backline and will meet as opponents in what could prove decisive for Roma's European ambitions. The outcome of this match may determine whether Roma secures a top-four finish and direct entry into the Champions League.

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.

Gianluca Mancini has been recognised at the 41st edition of the Trofeo Maestrelli, one of Italian football's most prestigious individual awards. The honour underscores the Roma defender's continued prominence both on and off the pitch. Details of the specific reason for the award remain unclear from the available information. The Trofeo Maestrelli is a significant recognition within Italian football, and Mancini's selection reflects his standing as a key figure at Roma.