Malen and Mancini named in Opta's Serie A Team of the Season

AS Roma have qualified for the Champions League after seven years away from European football's top competition, finishing third in the Serie A table. The club's return to the Champions League represents a significant achievement following a period outside Europe's elite club competition. A vignette by Michele from Oman accompanies the news.

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.

Ezio Simonelli, president of the Italian League (Lega Serie A), has commented on the recently concluded 2024–25 season, offering praise for Roma's return to the Champions League after seven years. In an interview on Radio Rai, Simonelli acknowledged that scheduling improvements can always be made, particularly regarding derby fixtures at the end of the season. He noted that holding the Derby della Capitale simultaneously with a tennis event created complications, though he maintained the match was managed according to league expectations. Simonelli expressed satisfaction with the overall quality of the season. "The championship that concluded seemed very competitive and beautiful to watch," he said. He offered congratulations to Como for advancing from Serie C to the Champions League in four years, and to Roma for returning to European football's premier competition after a seven-year absence. He also commended Lecce for securing a fourth consecutive Serie A campaign. The league president highlighted the complexity of calendar scheduling, which involves over 400 variables, and confirmed the next season's calendar will be announced on 6 June in Parma. Simonelli addressed concerns about safety and fan restrictions, discussing the possibility of identifying higher-risk supporters rather than imposing blanket bans on entire fan groups. He also mentioned ongoing discussions about the Supercoppa Italiana venue and timing, noting that an Arabian location will not be available this year due to the Asian Games.

Roma has completed the permanent acquisition of Donyell Malen and secured a contract renewal for Hermoso as part of efforts to strengthen the squad under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The club is operating with the ambition and efficiency expected of a Champions League side, moving quickly to finalize key decisions rather than delaying announcements. Both signings represent a commitment to building a competitive foundation for European football. The final piece in this consolidation phase is Paulo Dybala's contract extension. Although not yet official, negotiations are progressing and an agreement is expected soon. Roma is working toward a renewal that would keep Dybala at the club until 2027, giving the Argentine forward another year to compete at the highest level. The renewal has been described as important for the overall project, as it would complete the strengthening of the squad's core before Roma pursues additional reinforcements. Details of the timing and specific terms remain unclear, but a meeting to finalize Dybala's extension is anticipated in the coming days. The club's swift action on Malen and Hermoso signals a new approach under the Friedkin Group ownership, prioritizing clear planning and immediate execution to establish Roma as a genuine Champions League contender.

AS Roma has officially announced a contract renewal with defender Mario Hermoso, extending his deal with the club until 2027. The extension comes as part of the Giallorossi's ongoing squad planning, following similar moves with other players including Donyell Malen. Hermoso's new terms represent Roma's commitment to retaining key defensive personnel for the medium term. The renewal strengthens the club's backline ahead of the coming seasons.

Donyell Malen has officially signed a new contract with AS Roma, extending his stay at the club until 2030. The Dutch winger was Roma's major January acquisition, arriving from Aston Villa. The announcement confirms the club's commitment to the attacking talent, who joins a squad competing for silverware under current leadership. Malen's extended deal reflects Roma's confidence in his ability to contribute significantly to the team's ambitions in Serie A and European competition over the coming seasons.

Roma held an end-of-season gathering where head coach Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the squad and club staff. The team celebrated securing Champions League qualification after a challenging campaign. Gasperini congratulated the group on their achievement, telling them: "You have fixed everything. The club is very happy, we are very happy. The future is magnificent. Difficult, but exciting. We are going to play at an even higher level and it will be even more beautiful to compete. Good holidays to everyone, thank you for everything, you have been extraordinary." He also thanked club staff for their behind-the-scenes work supporting the players. The qualification represents a significant turnaround for Roma, who have now returned to Europe's premier club competition after an absence. Captain Bryan Cristante emphasized the team's unity, saying: "We have come together when needed, we have achieved a huge objective and we must continue on this path to make it our standard." Lorenzo Pellegrini, the Rome-born midfielder, reflected on the journey: "This year has been really beautiful, we have been chasing this qualification for a while and yesterday we made it even though it seemed difficult along the way, but we always believed in it." Gianluca Mancini also addressed the gathering, noting the pride in returning Roma to the Champions League after an extended absence. The defender said: "Celebrating, enjoying, bringing Roma to the Champions League after so many years is a matter of pride because we all know this shirt has important value."

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.

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.

Mile Svilar has delivered a series of outstanding performances in goal for AS Roma this season, with a recent save against Verona representing the latest in a string of crucial interventions. The goalkeeper has established himself as a key defensive asset, building what the report describes as a metaphorical 'Great Wall' around Roma's goal. His shot-stopping ability has been instrumental in several matches, demonstrating consistency and quality at a high level throughout the campaign. Svilar's performances have underscored his importance to Roma's defensive organization under the current tactical setup.

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.

Mile Svilar spoke following Roma's securing of Champions League football, describing himself as running on adrenaline despite limited sleep. The goalkeeper expressed pride in the milestone achieved and emphasized that Roma must consistently compete at the highest European level. Svilar's comments reflect the club's ambition to establish itself as a regular Champions League participant. The goalkeeper's remarks underscore Roma's commitment to maintaining their competitive status in Europe's premier club competition.