Malen's Former Coach Recalls Youth Talent: 'At 5 Years Old He Had Something Different'

Roma will face Verona at Stadio Bentegodi on the final day of the Serie A season. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to field Matías Soulé in the starting lineup. The midfield setup remains uncertain, with Gasperini weighing options between Niccolò Pisilli and another player for the position. The match carries significance for Roma's Champions League qualification prospects, with the final-day fixture offering an opportunity to secure European football.

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.

AS Roma face their final Serie A match of the season against Hellas Verona with several key players unavailable. Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the trip to the Bentegodi stadium due to a flexor muscle injury still being managed, while Tsimikas is sidelined by flu. Gianluca Mancini is carrying an ankle problem but is expected to feature. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini may consider tactical changes following Roma's improved performance in the recent derby, potentially preferring El Aynaoui over Koné in midfield. Meanwhile, the club continues to explore attacking reinforcements, with interest reportedly extending beyond primary targets to include alternative options. The midfield situation has also drawn attention, with discussions ongoing regarding potential personnel shifts. Mancini addressed the importance of European competition, stating: "I know that it is important for the squad and for Roma to qualify for and play in the Champions League. And I think that when I do or if we do, or if we have the opportunity to do so, I know that people will remember me because I can enter into history. I know that a lot of time has passed since the last time." The final match carries significance in Roma's push for continental football next season.

AS Roma have reopened contact with Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto, a Brazilian striker previously pursued in recent transfer windows. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini views Alberto as a potential reinforcement in attack. Corinthians remain open to selling the player but are awaiting a concrete offer before entering formal negotiations. Roma are actively searching the market to strengthen their squad, with Gasperini expecting at least two attacking signings in the coming transfer window. Alberto could serve as an alternative to Donyell Malen if a deal progresses. The club continues to evaluate options while awaiting clarity on its next sporting director appointment. Other attacking targets appear less viable at present: Vaz is considered too young for immediate impact, while forward Dovbyk is expected to leave the club. The Italian club's pursuit of Alberto represents another chapter in a long-running interest, with the Corinthians player remaining on Roma's radar as they prepare for upcoming recruitment activity.

Head coach Gasperini is targeting a twin-pronged attacking approach for the upcoming summer transfer window, with Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee and Donyell Malen forming the core of Roma's offensive plans. The club has maintained interest in Zirkzee throughout the season despite a failed move in January, when managerial changes at United derailed negotiations. Roma believes a renewed push in the coming weeks remains viable, particularly if the club secures Champions League qualification. Roma's hierarchy recognizes the need to provide Gasperini with a deeper, more complete squad with enhanced attacking quality. Zirkzee appeals not only for his versatility—capable of partnering with Malen or operating as a playmaking centre-forward—but also because his recent form and limited playing time (629 minutes total this season) may allow Roma to negotiate at a lower price point. The club is reportedly prepared to offer between €20–25 million to Manchester United, a figure viewed as realistic given the player's current circumstances. Both attackers are Dutch internationals, and their contrasting characteristics could suit Roma's tactical needs across a season involving three competitions, mirroring Gasperini's preferred setup of twin forwards with a number 10 behind them.

Roma have renewed their interest in acquiring Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United, despite signing Donyell Malen in January. The decision to pursue Malen over Zirkzee was primarily driven by economic rather than technical considerations, but Roma remain focused on the former Bologna striker. Under the right circumstances, the Giallorossi plan another attempt to bring him to Rome. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini views Zirkzee as an ideal complement to Malen, believing the pair would form a quality attacking duo. Zirkzee, 25, has struggled significantly at Old Trafford since his €42.5 million transfer in 2024. He has started just once in recent months and has largely been limited to bench appearances, recording two goals and one assist in 25 appearances this season. A late coaching change in the winter window previously halted Roma's pursuit, but the forward's prospects of leaving Manchester United appear stronger heading into the summer. Zirkzee previously excelled in Serie A, scoring 12 goals and providing 7 assists in 37 games during his best Italian campaign. Several top Serie A clubs—Napoli, Juventus, and Milan—have been linked with him at various points. However, Manchester United's asking price has consistently remained high despite his limited impact at the club. Whether that fee proves negotiable this summer remains to be seen.