Atalanta confirm Tony D'Amico departure; Roma set to appoint him as new sporting director

Tony D'Amico is close to joining AS Roma as sporting director following his departure from Atalanta. The appointment comes as current Roma director Massara prepares to leave the club. D'Amico will sign a three-year contract worth slightly over one million euros per season and is expected to become operational in the coming days. Head coach Gasperini has already begun pursuing transfer targets, with Mason Greenwood emerging as his primary preference. Gasperini has personally contacted the English forward to understand his intentions, with Greenwood reportedly keen to return to Champions League football. Roma is also preparing an official offer to PSG for forward Randall Kolo Muani, whose representatives have been unable to reach an agreement with Bayern Munich in recent negotiations. Additionally, the club is monitoring Argentine fullback Agustin Giay of Palmeiras as a potential right-back reinforcement, valued at approximately 15 million euros. These moves represent an active summer transfer window as Roma restructures its leadership and playing squad.

Riccardo Calafiori, the former Roma defender now at Arsenal, spoke ahead of Saturday's Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal. The Italian fullback expressed his hope that Arsenal can win the competition, saying: "Hopefully we can bring it home, especially because we didn't go to the World Cup." The final is scheduled for Saturday at 18:00. Calafiori also discussed the possibility of facing Roma in next season's Champions League League Phase. Roma will be managed by Gian Piero Gasperini in European competition. When asked about a potential encounter, Calafiori responded: "We'll see you in September at the Olimpico..." This would mark his first return to Roma's stadium since his transfer to England, though the matchup depends on the draw scheduled for 28 August. The prospect of Calafiori playing against Roma at the Olimpico would represent an intriguing subplot, as he would face his former club in what is described as a twist of fate. The exact Champions League pairings will be determined by the official draw later in the summer.

Roma are close to signing Tony D'Amico, while Marseille has set an ambitious asking price for Greenwood. Paulo Dybala appears near agreeing a contract renewal with the Giallorossi. The exact terms and timelines for these developments remain unclear from available information.

Roma are close to signing Tony D'Amico, while Marseille has set an ambitious asking price for Greenwood. Paulo Dybala appears near agreeing a contract renewal with the Giallorossi. The exact terms and timelines for these developments remain unclear from available information.

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.

Matías Soulé commented from Argentina's national team training camp on his Roma teammate Paulo Dybala's future plans, saying Dybala has not disclosed what he will do next. Soulé also expressed his hopes of competing in the World Cup. With the Roma season concluded, players have dispersed to their respective national teams for international commitments. Soulé's remarks suggest uncertainty around Dybala's immediate plans, though specifics of those plans remain unclear. The Argentine winger continues his international duty while Roma's off-season activities unfold.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has revealed that Roma's qualification for the Champions League on the final day of the season felt like a weight lifted off his shoulders. The midfielder, who had faced uncertainty about his future at the club amid recent criticism and inconsistent form, is now close to signing a new contract with Roma after transfer speculation in January. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's arrival marked a turning point for both the player and the club, transforming a period of ups and downs into Champions League football. Pellegrini discussed his journey and the club's achievement in an interview with his wife, Veronica Martinelli, set to appear in Corriere dello Sport. The couple spoke candidly about the sacrifices made during difficult times at Roma. Veronica said of their partnership: "We are a couple that doesn't pretend. And I have always seen all the sacrifices Lorenzo has made." For Pellegrini himself, reaching Europe's elite competition represented vindication after months of doubt surrounding both his performances and his long-term commitment to the Giallorossi.

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.