Malen: Roma has made me feel important

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.

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.

Niccolò Pisilli, Roma's midfielder, has joined TikTok as part of a broader expansion into social media. The move marks a significant step forward for the player in building his online presence. Details remain unclear regarding the specific content or strategy behind the account launch. The initiative reflects a growing trend among professional footballers to engage directly with fans through social platforms beyond traditional media channels.

Donyell Malen has been spotted embracing life in Rome, spending time at outdoor cafés in the Trastevere district with a newspaper in hand. The winger appears to be settling into the city and integrating with the local community. Malen joined Roma as part of the club's recent squad building and has become part of the team's attacking options under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. His visible presence in Rome's iconic neighborhoods suggests he is adapting well to his new surroundings and connecting with the city's culture.

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.

Donyell Malen has signed a contract extension at AS Roma through 2030, with fellow defender Hermoso also agreeing fresh terms. The renewals form part of the club's squad planning as Roma prepares for the Coppa Italia competition. Both players represent important components of Gian Piero Gasperini's squad rotation strategy. The contract extensions signal Roma's commitment to building continuity in defence and attack during a pivotal period under the current coaching regime.