Roma: Dybala and Soulé's future in doubt

AS Roma is moving quickly to finalize its new executive structure, with the primary focus on appointing a sporting director. D'Amico has emerged as the leading candidate for the role. However, the potential path to sign Paratici has reportedly become more difficult. The club is tightening its timeline to establish the organizational hierarchy needed for the remainder of the season and beyond.

Paulo Dybala and AS Roma are moving closer to a contract renewal after negotiations that initially appeared headed toward a departure. This week is set to be decisive, with the Argentine forward's agent returning to Rome in the coming days to meet with Ryan Friedkin. Roma has tabled an offer worth 2 million euros plus performance-based bonuses tied to appearances and goals, with a contract extension through 2027. However, Dybala is hoping to secure terms slightly higher than what has been proposed, and Roma's qualification for the Champions League could prove instrumental in bridging that gap. Despite the difference in positions, there is optimism surrounding the renewal's chances of completion. The talks represent a dramatic shift from recent months when Dybala's exit from the club seemed nearly inevitable.

AS Roma's ownership is accelerating the search for a new sporting director, with Tony D'Amico—currently at Atalanta—now the frontrunner. D'Amico has reportedly paused discussions with AC Milan to prioritize talks with Roma after positive conversations with Ryan Friedkin. A final decision is expected following Roma's match against Verona. Meanwhile, Paratici remains a complicated option, as he is set to travel to America soon to discuss future strategy with Fiorentina's ownership. Tognozzi continues to attract interest from Juventus and Nottingham Forest. D'Amico's separation from Atalanta appears imminent, and his candidacy has surpassed all other options under consideration. His appointment could bring structural changes to Roma's youth academy, with Margiotta from Verona emerging as a potential new head of the youth sector. Margiotta visited Rome recently and previously worked alongside D'Amico at Hellas Verona. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has postponed his vacation and is waiting for clarity on the final decision. Gasperini stated: "The Champions is fundamental for Roma's future," underscoring the importance of the club's European ambitions in the coming season.

AS Roma face Hellas Verona in a crucial match where the Giallorossi control their own destiny in the race for Champions League qualification. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has settled on his attacking lineup, fielding the dream front three of Matías Soulé, Paulo Dybala, and Donyell Malen. The tactical setup aims to secure victory without relying on results elsewhere. Gasperini retains some flexibility in midfield, with the possibility of starting Koné from the outset as the coach seeks to settle the match early. In defence, former Roma player Ghilardi returns to the Bentegodi as a replacement for the absent Ndicka, marking his first appearance at his former home ground in a year. On the right flank, Rensch is expected to start ahead of Wesley, tasked with repeating an impressive performance from the Parma fixture. The squad selection reflects Gasperini's intent to field his strongest available players to maximize Roma's chances of claiming the three points needed to secure Champions League football. The formation is set as a 3-4-2-1, with Mile Svilar in goal and Gianluca Mancini anchoring the defensive line.

Paulo Dybala and AS Roma are moving closer to a contract renewal after negotiations that initially appeared headed toward a departure. This week is set to be decisive, with the Argentine forward's agent returning to Rome in the coming days to meet with Ryan Friedkin. Roma has tabled an offer worth 2 million euros plus performance-based bonuses tied to appearances and goals, with a contract extension through 2027. However, Dybala is hoping to secure terms slightly higher than what has been proposed, and Roma's qualification for the Champions League could prove instrumental in bridging that gap. Despite the difference in positions, there is optimism surrounding the renewal's chances of completion. The talks represent a dramatic shift from recent months when Dybala's exit from the club seemed nearly inevitable.

Former Roma and Verona striker Maurizio Iorio has expressed confidence in head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's ability to lead the club to sustained success. Speaking ahead of Roma's crucial match against Verona, Iorio praised Gasperini's impact in his first season, saying: "The coach has made a strong impression, has shaped an important group in his first year, offered attractive football: the Champions League is well deserved. That would allow the club to have more economic strength for new investments. I see a rosy future. Roma is ready to open a new horizon, a winning cycle, and has fantastic supporters alongside it, for me the first in Italy." Iorio highlighted Donyell Malen as a powerful attacking threat, noting his ability to create danger from wide positions and comparing him to Vialli for the way defenders react to his movement. On the prospect of pairing him with another striker, Iorio suggested the solution already exists within the squad. He commented on Paulo Dybala: "Dybala doesn't need any introduction. If I were him, I would stay at Roma. Paulo is not greedy and the club has a future and will bring home a trophy with Gasperini." Roma's performance under Gasperini this season has reportedly earned them qualification to European competition. The upcoming Verona fixture is seen as decisive for the club's final standing.