Italy names squad for friendlies: Roma's Pisilli and Venturino selected

Roma held a final squad meeting at their Trigoria training ground, where head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and three senior players addressed the staff after securing Champions League qualification. Bryan Cristante, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Gianluca Mancini spoke to celebrate the achievement and reflect on the season. Cristante emphasized the team's unity: "We came together when we needed to, we brought home a major objective and we must continue on this path to make it our standard." Pellegrini praised the collective effort: "This year has been really beautiful, we've been chasing this qualification for a while and yesterday we did it, even though it seemed difficult along the way but we always believed in it and it seems you did too, if we're here today to celebrate and congratulate each other all together. So thank you very much to you." Mancini reflected on the significance of the achievement, stating: "Celebrating, rejoicing, bringing Roma to the Champions League after many years is a source of pride because we all know this shirt has important value. Seeing you here happy, you too, for this achievement makes it even more important. And nothing, next year we play Champions League, now we rest and forza Roma." Roma has returned to Europe's elite club competition after a lengthy absence, marking a notable shift in the club's fortunes under current leadership.

AS Roma is targeting English forward Mason Greenwood as a priority signing and plans to open formal negotiations from June onwards. Greenwood, who currently plays for Olympique Marseille, is expected to leave the French club due to their difficult financial situation requiring significant player sales by 30 June. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has identified Greenwood as a key target to strengthen Roma's attacking options. Greenwood's father has already signalled openness to a move to Roma following discussions with intermediaries. Roma's recent qualification for the Champions League enhances their appeal as a destination. Despite interest from other top European clubs—including Borussia Dortmund and Atlético Madrid—Roma appears the most likely destination for the 2001-born forward. Marseille's precarious finances may also work in Roma's favour during negotiations, as the club urgently needs to offload players before the end of June.

Donyell Malen and Gianluca Mancini have been included in Opta's statistical Team of the Year for Serie A 2025–26, recognised for their standout performances throughout the season. The Dutch forward finished with 14 goals in 18 appearances since joining Roma and proved decisive from his arrival at the club. Mancini was integral to Roma's defensive effort, helping the team secure the second-best defensive record in the league, conceding fewer goals than any side except Como. Roma completed the 2025–26 season in third place, behind Inter and Napoli, representing a significant turnaround after what had seemed like an impossible target weeks earlier. Alongside Malen and Mancini, goalkeeper Mile Svilar was honoured as Serie A's best goalkeeper by the league. The three selections underline Roma's competitive strength in their campaign and their climb towards the top of the table. Mancini's defensive prowess and Malen's attacking output have been statistically validated through Opta's advanced metrics, cementing their central roles in Roma's improved fortunes this season.

Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli has been selected for Italy's upcoming friendly matches in June. The call-up comes as Roma celebrates its recent qualification for the Champions League. Pisilli joins fellow player Venturino in the Italy squad for the international fixtures. The selection represents recognition of Pisilli's performances and continues a positive period for Roma, with the club now preparing for European football's top competition alongside managing international commitments for its players.

Niccolò Pisilli was honored with the Premio Arancio at an Italian sports press union event, where he spoke about Roma's return to the Champions League and his development as a midfielder. The Roma centrocampist, celebrating the club's qualification secured the previous day, received the award from Marco Tardelli, the 1982 World Cup winner. Pisilli praised head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's impact on the squad, saying: "It was very important. He brought his ideas, his personality. We were good at following him, and especially in the second half of the season, I believe we managed to implement his ideas best. We understood the concepts better and also played good football for many matches. His history speaks for itself. He has improved so many players, so many young people. I always followed him in every training session and, training session after training session, I grew and managed to carve out my own space." Pisilli credited Roma's consistency throughout the season for securing Champions League football, noting the team remained in contention despite occasional setbacks. Tardelli jokingly remarked on the midfielder's maturity and composure, saying he saw similarities to his younger self. Pisilli also emphasized the honor of representing Italy, expressing hope for future World Cup participation. He identified Roma's 2–1 loss to Parma as a particularly difficult moment, yet highlighted the squad's resilience in bouncing back and ultimately achieving their goal.

Roma are preparing for an away fixture against Verona following their recent derby victory. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is finalizing his team selection for the match. Matías Soulé is expected to feature in the lineup, while a competition exists between Niccolò Pisilli and El Aynaoui for a midfield position. The exact composition of the starting eleven remains subject to Gasperini's final decision. Details on the full team setup and tactical approach remain unclear from the available information.

Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli has been selected for Italy's upcoming friendly matches in June. The call-up comes as Roma celebrates its recent qualification for the Champions League. Pisilli joins fellow player Venturino in the Italy squad for the international fixtures. The selection represents recognition of Pisilli's performances and continues a positive period for Roma, with the club now preparing for European football's top competition alongside managing international commitments for its players.

Roma midfielders Koné and Venturino are returning to fitness following injury concerns. The club remains central to transfer activity, with Serie A rivals Inter and Saudi side Al-Hilal reported to be active in the market. Meanwhile, Lazio president Lotito has made comments directed at Roma's ownership, the Friedkin Group. The full scope of Roma's January business and squad movements remains under development as multiple clubs vie for player acquisitions.

AS Roma are preparing for a decisive Serie A trip to Hellas Verona on Sunday evening, with the match at the Bentegodi essential for their Champions League qualification hopes. Head coach Gasperini has received mixed injury news: midfielders Koné and Venturino are expected to recover in time for the contest, but captain Lorenzo Pellegrini is set to miss the final match of the season. The club currently sit fourth in the league following a derby victory. Gasperini is understood to want attacking reinforcements in the transfer market as Roma aim to secure a top-four finish. The sporting director role continues to attract attention, with Matteo Tognozzi emerging as a leading candidate. Tognozzi is described as a young but experienced director with multilingual skills who previously identified Matías Soulé as a talent. In the squad, goalkeeper Mile Svilar and forward Donyell Malen have been vocal in motivating teammates for the crucial final stretch, with Svilar telling his teammates "One more is missing, let's go!" following the derby win. Meanwhile, reports indicate there have been offers for defenders Ndicka and Ziolkowski on the transfer market, as other squad members including defenders Saud and Kumbulla discuss their futures. The appointment of Margiotta from Verona is being considered for Roma's youth sector.