Dybala contract talks enter decisive week; Roma tables offer but player seeks slightly higher terms

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.

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.

A player on loan at RC Lens from AS Roma has won the Coupe de France with the French club, becoming the first Arab player to lift a major trophy in France. The player, referred to as 'Saud', has thrived since joining Lens and recently stated his desire to remain at the club. He has established himself on the right flank, came close to winning the league title, and played a starring role in Lens's cup victory—his first significant trophy in European football. At Roma, the player struggled to make a meaningful impact due to difficult adaptation and limited opportunities. His revival at Lens represents a significant turnaround. The club now faces an uncertain future regarding his status: Lens holds a redemption option valued at over €3 million, giving them the power to decide whether to complete a permanent transfer. Roma could lose the player if the French club exercises this right, ending what began as a temporary arrangement. The player's preference is clear—he wants to stay in France. Gasperini, Roma's head coach, has emphasized that Champions League football is fundamental to the club's future, though details on how this relates to the player's situation remain unclear.

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.

AS Roma face Hellas Verona on 23 May 2026 at 20:35 in the final match of the Serie A season. The Giallorossi remain in contention for Champions League qualification and enter the game level on points, needing a result to secure a European spot with 90 minutes remaining in the campaign. Verona, already relegated from Serie A, have shown they can compete against top sides after taking points from both Juventus and Inter this season and are expected to provide a stern test for Gasperini's side. Gasperini has injury concerns to manage ahead of the fixture. Midfielder Koné is available for selection but may not start, while Paulo Dybala is set to be reintroduced to the lineup. Verona will likely field Bowie in their starting XI. The match marks a crucial final day where Roma's European ambitions hang in the balance, with the team needing to deliver a strong performance against opponents with little left to play for in their final game before the drop.

Former Roma manager Fabio Capello has assessed Roma's position in the race for the top four, with the club facing Verona in a decisive fixture. Roma and Milan enter the evening with their Champions League destiny in their own hands, and Capello believes Roma holds the advantage. He told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Roma is in very good form, has done important things recently, has shown consistency in play and team performance. They've also recovered all their players, for example Dybala: this means that Gasperini only has to get his choices right." Capello acknowledged the threat posed by Verona, a recently relegated side that has troubled top teams this season. "It's not straightforward to face a relegated team that will have ease of play and a feeling of revenge towards the championship. However, Roma on paper seems like the favourite to me," he explained. The former coach noted that Verona has proven problematic for Juventus, Como, and Inter, but maintains Roma's current form and full squad availability puts them in the strongest position heading into tonight's match.