Roma confirm contract extension for Hermoso until 2027

Former Roma striker Antonio Cassano has praised head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's achievement in returning Roma to the Champions League after seven years, while expressing reservations about the quality of the playing squad. Speaking on the show Viva el Futbol, Cassano described Gasperini's work as exceptional, noting that despite the coach's age of 68, he remains sharp tactically and intellectually. Cassano characterised Roma's current squad as mediocre, stating that Gasperini "has made a mediocre team believe they are strong." The former attacker identified specific gaps in the squad, highlighting that while some players like Koné fit Gasperini's tactical ideas, Roma still needs two attacking wingers and a central midfielder to compete effectively. Cassano observed that Gasperini has recently deployed Niccolò Pisilli as a playmaker in their final matches. Cassano concluded that Gasperini has achieved "a miracle" with Roma, crediting the coach with adding "15 to 20 points" through his tactical acumen alone. However, he acknowledged that three other Serie A sides remain stronger than Roma and that significant reinforcements are necessary for the club to sustain Champions League qualification and challenge for major honours.

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.

AS Roma held a team breakfast at their Trigoria training ground on the final day before the squad dispersed for the summer break. Head coach Gasperini addressed the group, delivering a speech of thanks to the players and staff for their achievements. The gathering took place in the restaurant at the Fulvio Bernardini facility and was marked by laughter, mutual compliments, and applause from the squad. The breakfast marked the conclusion of a season in which Roma secured a return to the Champions League after seven years away from European football's premier competition. Gasperini used the occasion to set expectations for the coming months, confirming that pre-season training is scheduled to begin in mid-July. The coach's remarks emphasized unity within the group following their successful campaign. Players and staff exchanged warm embraces during the gathering, reflecting a positive atmosphere within the club following their Champions League qualification. The breakfast represented a formal conclusion to the 2024–25 season before summer holidays and the transition into preparation for the new campaign.

Roma face Hellas Verona in a make-or-break match for Champions League qualification, with head coach Gasperini fielding a squad affected by several absences. Wesley is suspended, Ndicka is injured, and Koné—though fit—will start on the bench, with El Aynaoui taking his place in midfield. Rensch will replace the unavailable right-back, and Ghilardi features in defence. Up front, the Argentine pairing of Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé will operate behind Donyell Malen. Three points at Verona would secure fourth place and Champions League football for Roma, an achievement the club has not reached in seven years. The fixture represents a pivotal moment for the team's immediate future. Multiple Italian newspapers—Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Corriere dello Sport, Corriere della Sera, and Il Tempo—have outlined near-identical expected lineups, with Mile Svilar in goal, a defensive line of Ghilardi, Gianluca Mancini, and Hermoso, and a midfield anchored by Bryan Cristante and El Aynaoui alongside full-backs Celik and Rensch. The consensus across Italian media reflects widespread agreement on Gasperini's tactical approach for this decisive encounter.

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.

AS Roma has activated a renewal clause in Mario Hermoso's contract, securing the defender's future at the club. Hermoso has had a standout season at Roma, emerging as one of the most significant surprises among the squad this campaign. The activation of the clause ensures his continued presence in the Giallorossi defence and reflects the club's confidence in the Spanish defender's performances. Details of the renewed contract terms remain unclear.

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.

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's week has been assessed through a ratings feature, with supporters earning top marks for their continued backing of the team. Donyell Malen features prominently as a key performer, while head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is credited with architecting Roma's approach toward Champions League competition. The assessment reflects positively on the club's trajectory, highlighting the contributions of fans, players, and management as Roma pursues European objectives. Specific match details and individual performances across the week remain unclear from the available information.