Pellegrini says Champions League qualification was a liberation

AS Roma has revealed the first images of its away shirt for the 2026–27 season, which forms part of Adidas's 'Originals' collection dedicated to vintage kits. The away kit features the classic Adidas trefoil logo below the collar, alongside the historic club crest bearing the ASR acronym surrounded by two horizontal stripes in yellow and red. The 2026–27 campaign will mark Roma's centenary year, and the club plans to release all three official kits during the summer. Most significantly, the home shirt will finally feature the restored She-wolf crest and ASR acronym, returning to the badge design that the Friedkin Group approved for the upcoming season. This represents a symbolic moment for the club as it prepares for its 100th anniversary. The away kit is already on display in selected retail stores. The vintage-inspired design connects Roma's heritage with contemporary kit manufacturing, reflecting the club's celebration of its storied history ahead of the milestone centenary campaign.

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.

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.

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."