Roma's New Era Takes Shape: Gasperini, Ryan Friedkin, and New Sporting Director

Roma's director of sport Massara is set to depart the club following an agreement on a consensual contract termination that has been in place for two weeks. The separation will be formally ratified in the coming hours, with Massara receiving his salary through 30 June as a severance payment. His departure comes less than a year after returning to Roma for the third time in his career, with reports indicating a lack of technical alignment with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Massara's contract included a mutual termination clause that could be activated in June without severance payments, but Roma and Massara reached a verbal agreement on alternative terms several days ago. The arrangement will see him compensated through the end of June, as his formal departure is expected to occur slightly before that date. Once the agreement is officially ratified, Roma will announce Massara's exit and confirm the appointment of Tony D'Amico as his successor in the sporting director role.

Roma is preparing to activate its transfer market following Champions League qualification, with the attack identified as the primary focus. Summerville is reportedly Gasperini's preferred choice for the forward position. However, Tottenham's interest in the player could present a significant obstacle to Roma's pursuit, adding competition to what may become a complex negotiation for the winger's services.

The Lazio Regional Government has approved a framework agreement between the region, the Government Commissioner, and Rome City Council for the construction of AS Roma's new stadium. The announcement was made by Regional President Francesco Rocca, who described the approval as a fundamental step toward realizing the project. The new Pietralata stadium is estimated to attract direct investments of over €1 billion and generate an economic return of more than €3 billion for the city and surrounding area. Rocca stated: "Today we approved the framework agreement between the Lazio Region, the Government Commissioner and Rome Capital. A fundamental piece for the realization of a very important infrastructure for the city and the territory, capable of bringing direct investments of over one billion euros and generating an estimated return of over three billion. With our offices we are committed to doing everything necessary to support the government commissioner Sessa and thus complete the administrative authorization process in useful times to get the Pietralata stadium, together with the Olimpico, into the Uefa file and thus be able to host the 2032 European Championship." Construction work is targeted to begin in 2027. The approval represents progress toward Roma's longstanding goal of building a modern, purpose-built home stadium to replace the shared Stadio Olimpico.

Matías Soulé has spoken about his ambitions with Argentina's national team while on international duty. The Roma winger, who finished the season with 7 goals in 39 appearances despite some physical issues, expressed hope of being selected for the World Cup. Soulé is among 55 players on Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni's preliminary squad list. On his prospects, he said: "I know it is difficult, but there is always hope. There is great competition, but if it doesn't happen I will work to achieve it later. It would be a dream to be there, otherwise I will support as I always have." Regarding his Roma teammate Paulo Dybala, whose future has attracted interest from Boca Juniors, Soulé confirmed the pair have built a strong relationship at the club. "I get along very well with him, but he doesn't want to tell me what he will do. This year we created a good group; Leandro Paredes was also with us before. Having him with me is nice, but it is a decision he must make based on what he thinks is best," Soulé explained. The comments come as Roma's squad continues to evolve under new management, with questions remaining over several players' futures.

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.

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.

Tony D'Amico has officially left Atalanta after four years as sporting director. The club released a statement thanking him: "After four intense seasons together, the paths of Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio and Sporting Director Tony D'Amico divide professionally. The Percassi and Pagliuca families, as well as all of Atalanta BC, sincerely thank Director Tony D'Amico and wish him the best for the future." D'Amico is now set to join AS Roma as the replacement for Massara, who is departing after less than a year in the role. Roma has been in contact with D'Amico for some time to fill the sporting director position. He will sign a three-year contract worth just over one million euros per season and is expected to become operational in the coming days. Upon arrival at Roma, D'Amico will face immediate tasks including contract renewals for Paulo Dybala, Çelik, and Lorenzo Pellegrini, as well as managing player sales before the 30 June deadline. His appointment marks a significant restructuring of Roma's sporting department under Friedkin Group ownership.

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.