Soulé on Dybala's contract renewal: hopes he stays but player keeping plans secret

Paulo Dybala has been excluded from Argentina's World Cup squad by head coach Lionel Scaloni, despite strong recent performances with AS Roma. Scaloni confirmed the decision in a media interview, emphasizing that while Dybala remains a world-class talent, other players merit opportunities in his position. The Roma star recently helped his club secure Champions League qualification with several impressive displays. Scaloni explained his reasoning in detail: "Paulo is a great player, there's no need to say it. He returned in an exceptional manner with his team, reaching the Champions League with very good performances in recent matches. As always, however, there are players making their debut and showing important things. In our case, there are players in that field position who have established themselves and deserve an opportunity. So we decided to give this opportunity to other players. There are no doubts about the quality he has, about the fact that we care for him and that he is a spectacular player, but we always look at the present and what the future can give us. And today there are other players who can make their contribution. There are also other world champions who stayed out — these are things that are decided day by day." Dybala's exclusion comes despite his strong contributions to Roma's recent campaign, which culminated in Champions League qualification. Scaloni's comments indicate the decision reflects squad rotation and the emergence of alternative options rather than any concern over Dybala's ability.

Mason Greenwood is Roma's primary transfer target ahead of the upcoming Champions League campaign. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has already contacted the winger directly in recent days to gauge his interest, with Greenwood reportedly keen to compete in European football next season. The 22-year-old currently plays for Marseille, who are open to selling but will not accept offers below €50 million, as the club is obligated to pass 50 percent of any sale proceeds to Manchester United as part of the player's initial loan-to-buy agreement. Marseille and Roma maintain good relations, and further negotiations are expected in the coming days. Roma's newly appointed sporting director—reportedly Tony D'Amico, who is close to finalizing his arrival—will handle the deal. Greenwood's potential arrival would represent a significant investment as Roma look to strengthen their attacking depth for European competition.

AS Roma have renewed their interest in Agustin Giay, the Argentine right-back at Palmeiras, as they look to strengthen their fullback options for the upcoming season. Giay is valued at approximately 15 million euros after Palmeiras acquired him two years ago for around 7 million. Roma had previously considered the player during last summer's transfer window before signing Wesley. The 20-year-old was born on 16 January 2004 in San Carlos Centro, Argentina, and comes from a football family—his father is coach Maxi Giay. Giay began playing at age four and progressed through local clubs before joining San Lorenzo at 15, where he impressed as one of the club's top young talents, winning multiple youth championships initially as a midfielder. His background in midfield has proven valuable in his defensive transitions, and this experience helps him in his current role as a fullback at Palmeiras, where he has been a regular since his arrival. Roma's scouting operation continues to monitor talent across South America, with Giay representing a potential option to provide depth and competition in the fullback positions as the club prepares for the 2025–26 campaign.

Paulo Dybala has been excluded from Argentina's World Cup squad by head coach Lionel Scaloni, despite strong recent performances with AS Roma. Scaloni confirmed the decision in a media interview, emphasizing that while Dybala remains a world-class talent, other players merit opportunities in his position. The Roma star recently helped his club secure Champions League qualification with several impressive displays. Scaloni explained his reasoning in detail: "Paulo is a great player, there's no need to say it. He returned in an exceptional manner with his team, reaching the Champions League with very good performances in recent matches. As always, however, there are players making their debut and showing important things. In our case, there are players in that field position who have established themselves and deserve an opportunity. So we decided to give this opportunity to other players. There are no doubts about the quality he has, about the fact that we care for him and that he is a spectacular player, but we always look at the present and what the future can give us. And today there are other players who can make their contribution. There are also other world champions who stayed out — these are things that are decided day by day." Dybala's exclusion comes despite his strong contributions to Roma's recent campaign, which culminated in Champions League qualification. Scaloni's comments indicate the decision reflects squad rotation and the emergence of alternative options rather than any concern over Dybala's ability.

Roma are planning major structural changes across multiple departments over the next two weeks, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini positioned as the central figure of the rebuild. Tony D'Amico is close to being confirmed as sporting director to replace Massara, with the appointment expected within one to two days. In parallel, Paulo Dybala's contract renewal is also nearing completion and could be finalized by the end of the week once owner Ryan Friedkin returns to Rome; negotiations on salary details are ongoing but both parties are aligned. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Zeki Celik are next in line for renewal talks, with Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante's extensions already secured. Behind the scenes, Roma are restructuring their youth academy and scouting operations. Alessandro Frara, currently leading Frosinone's youth department, and Valentino Angeloni, head of Fiorentina's academy, are the leading candidates for the youth academy role. Both have connections to Gasperini—Frara played under him in Juventus's youth ranks approximately 25 years ago, while Angeloni worked with him at Atalanta from 2016 to 2018. Michele Fratini is under consideration for the scouting director position; despite the exit of his former ally Massara, discussions have continued and a new meeting is planned. Roma also plan to appoint Riccardo Del Vescovo as health director; Del Vescovo previously worked with Gasperini at Bergamo and is a former Roma player. The club aims to complete these appointments and address necessary player departures before the World Cup begins in mid-June.

Italian actor and Roma supporter Lino Banfi, approaching 90 years old, shared memories of a visit to Roma's training ground at Trigoria, where he met current squad members. Banfi described encounters with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Gianluca Mancini, who were moved to meet him because they are fans of his television series Un medico in famiglia and called him by his character's name, Libero. He also noted that all the coaches call him "Mister" following his role in the film L'allenatore nel pallone. Banfi was particularly struck by Paulo Dybala, whom he observed during an intense training session. According to Banfi, Dybala made him a promise: "Of urging my battle cry when he scores the next goal. I told him to go in front of the camera and shout: 'Porca puttena!'" Banfi explained that he wanted to make the same request to Donyell Malen but the player was not present. Banfi also reflected on his long-standing connection to Roma, recounting how the city changed his life and how he became a supporter. He recalled his admiration for former player Falcao, calling him a close television guest and crediting him with introducing him to Pelé during a visit to Rome. Banfi humorously noted that Falcao once visited his home frequently and even attempted to court his daughter, prompting Banfi to act as intermediary in politely declining the advances.