Malen grateful to those who helped him reach Roma

Gian Piero Gasperini held a press conference on 23 May at 13:30 ahead of AS Roma's final Serie A fixture against Hellas Verona. The match, scheduled for Sunday 24 May at 20:45 at the Bentegodi stadium, is decisive for Roma's qualification to the Champions League. The season's outcome depends on this closing-day encounter against the Verona side. During the conference, Gasperini addressed the ongoing contract renewal discussions involving Paulo Dybala. The coach expressed a positive view of the situation, stating: "Positive that entrambe le parti abbiano la stessa idea" (it is positive that both parties have the same idea). This comment reflected his satisfaction that Roma's leadership and the player are aligned in their intentions regarding the renewal. The match carries significant weight for Roma's European ambitions as they seek to secure Champions League football for the coming season. Gasperini's remarks suggested confidence in the club's direction both on and off the pitch, with the Dybala renewal representing continuity in the squad's attacking threats heading into a crucial fixture.

René de Kort, one of Donyell Malen's earliest coaches at VV Succes, has shared memories of the Roma winger's exceptional early development. De Kort recalled that Malen stood out from a very young age, demonstrating qualities that set him apart from his peers even in youth football. De Kort explained Malen's impact on his teams: "When he started playing matches his team never stopped winning. And he did the same in other categories: he'd get the ball, start dribbling past all the players on the pitch and score. Opponents tall, short, bigger – it didn't matter: he hid the ball from everyone." The coach highlighted the importance of Malen's grandfather Joop, noting that he was his closest companion and regularly played football with him during his formative years. Raymond Leever, president of VV Succes, also paid tribute to Malen, stating that the Roma forward "occupies a special place within the club" and represents inspiration that dreams can become reality even from a small amateur club. Leever noted that Malen recently supported the club with a generous donation to fund a new LED lighting project for their pitches, demonstrating his continued connection to his roots.

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.

René de Kort, one of Donyell Malen's earliest coaches at VV Succes, has shared memories of the Roma winger's exceptional early development. De Kort recalled that Malen stood out from a very young age, demonstrating qualities that set him apart from his peers even in youth football. De Kort explained Malen's impact on his teams: "When he started playing matches his team never stopped winning. And he did the same in other categories: he'd get the ball, start dribbling past all the players on the pitch and score. Opponents tall, short, bigger – it didn't matter: he hid the ball from everyone." The coach highlighted the importance of Malen's grandfather Joop, noting that he was his closest companion and regularly played football with him during his formative years. Raymond Leever, president of VV Succes, also paid tribute to Malen, stating that the Roma forward "occupies a special place within the club" and represents inspiration that dreams can become reality even from a small amateur club. Leever noted that Malen recently supported the club with a generous donation to fund a new LED lighting project for their pitches, demonstrating his continued connection to his roots.

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.