Malen extends contract until 2030; Hermoso also renews as Roma's Coppa Italia squad takes shape

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.

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.

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 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.

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.