Roma departs for Verona with Pellegrini and Ndicka in squad

AS Roma is preparing for the upcoming season by planning its summer training retreat. The club is considering several possible destinations for the pre-season camp, though specific locations remain unclear from the available information. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's squad is focused on preparation ahead of upcoming fixtures, with Roma set to face Verona in their next match. The summer retreat is a standard part of Roma's pre-season preparation schedule as the club gears up for the new campaign.

AS Roma defender Hermoso has galvanized the squad ahead of the crucial away fixture against Verona. The Spanish defender, once sidelined and later loaned to Germany, has emerged as a key leader in Roma's rearguard this season under head coach Gasperini. Hermoso has earned the confidence of both the coach and supporters through his performance and attitude throughout the campaign. Hermoso's journey at Roma over the past year has been transformative. He began the season separated from the squad, followed by a period on loan abroad, before establishing himself as a defensive cornerstone and motivational force for the club. His resilience and leadership have been instrumental in shaping Roma's season. The defender understands the significance of the Verona match and has sent a clear message to teammates: "Fino alla fine" (Until the end), emphasizing the need for full concentration and mental focus for the full 90 minutes ahead. With the season nearing its conclusion, Hermoso's rallying cry reflects Roma's determination to secure a vital result. The club departed for Verona backed by supporter backing at Fiumicino, setting the stage for what could be a decisive moment in their campaign.

Roma travel to Verona on Sunday with their Champions League qualification hopes on the line. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will be without Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is sidelined for the match at the Bentegodi, though the captain will travel with the squad alongside Ndicka. French midfielder Koné has recovered fully and will be available for selection. This final fixture determines whether Roma secures European football for next season. Gasperini addressed the magnitude of the occasion in his pre-match press conference, emphasizing that qualification depends solely on Roma's performance. "The Champions depends on us," the coach stated, signaling that there are no excuses ahead of the decisive encounter. The manager also referenced the club's ownership, though specifics remain unclear. On the transfer front, Roma are tracking several targets: attacker Summerville's stock is rising, while Greenwood remains the primary ambition. Additional squad-building activity may involve Salah, though details remain unclear. Separately, the municipal council has approved an agreement with a special commissioner regarding stadium matters, with further developments expected soon.

Roma travel to Verona on Sunday with their Champions League qualification hopes on the line. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will be without Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is sidelined for the match at the Bentegodi, though the captain will travel with the squad alongside Ndicka. French midfielder Koné has recovered fully and will be available for selection. This final fixture determines whether Roma secures European football for next season. Gasperini addressed the magnitude of the occasion in his pre-match press conference, emphasizing that qualification depends solely on Roma's performance. "The Champions depends on us," the coach stated, signaling that there are no excuses ahead of the decisive encounter. The manager also referenced the club's ownership, though specifics remain unclear. On the transfer front, Roma are tracking several targets: attacker Summerville's stock is rising, while Greenwood remains the primary ambition. Additional squad-building activity may involve Salah, though details remain unclear. Separately, the municipal council has approved an agreement with a special commissioner regarding stadium matters, with further developments expected soon.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed his squad list for Roma's final Serie A match against Verona at the Bentegodi, a fixture critical to the club's bid for Champions League qualification. Midfielder Manu Koné returns after missing the recent derby, though he is expected to start on the bench. Absent from the selection are Lorenzo Pellegrini, sidelined by a muscular problem, and Tsimikas, who is recovering from influenza. Both players will travel with the squad despite not being available for selection. Wesley remains unavailable due to suspension, while defender Ndicka is out with a muscular injury. The match represents Roma's final opportunity to secure European football next season. Gasperini's squad combines established players with squad depth, with forwards Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé expected to form the attacking pair. The full list of 26 players includes goalkeeper Mile Svilar and a mix of defensive, midfield, and attacking options to navigate what is anticipated to be a competitive encounter. The squad announcement followed Gasperini's afternoon press conference, with the coach having just days to prepare his team for the decisive fixture.

Salvatore Foti, former assistant to José Mourinho during his time at Roma, reflected on his experiences with the club in an interview with Corriere dello Sport. Foti, now a free agent after his spell at Sampdoria, expressed deep affection for his years at Roma, describing his appointment as Mourinho's vice as a moment when he felt "happy as a child on Christmas morning." He recalled the 2022 Europa Conference League final in Tirana with vivid detail, revealing that Mourinho's pre-match team talk lasted only thirty to forty seconds, with the manager simply stating: "I don't need to tell you anything, we just have to take the cup and bring it to Rome. There was something magical created." Foti acknowledged that the subsequent elimination from the Europa League in Budapest the following year still pains him, saying he couldn't watch Europa League matches with peace of mind and experienced nightmares for weeks afterward. Regarding Gian Piero Gasperini's appointment as current head coach, Foti endorsed the choice, saying "Of course he is. The facts prove it. He is one of the best in Italy and I am happy for many of our boys." He mentioned maintaining contact with current Roma players Lorenzo Pellegrini and Gianluca Mancini, describing Pellegrini as a special person. Foti also addressed Mourinho's dismissal in January 2024, noting that the sacking of the manager and his entire staff was difficult for everyone involved.