Angeliño Aims to Convince Gasperini and Revive Roma Career

Roma players Wesley and Zeki Celik have been selected to start for their respective national teams in final World Cup preparation matches. Wesley was chosen by Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti to feature at right-back in a clash against Egypt in Cleveland, continuing his run as a regular starter after appearing in Brazil's 6–2 victory over Panama. Celik, meanwhile, was named in Turkey's lineup against Venezuela in Miami, with the former Lille defender also handed the captain's armband by manager Vincenzo Montella. Both selections underline the growing importance of the Roma pair at international level as their countries enter the final stages of World Cup preparation. Wesley has now established himself as Brazil's primary choice at right-back for the tournament, while Celik's captaincy represents a mark of trust from Montella. The matches served as the latest in a series of final tests before the World Cup proper began, with nations across multiple confederations conducting warm-up fixtures on the same evening to assess their readiness for the competition.

Niccolò Pisilli, the AS Roma midfielder, will wear the number 21 shirt as Italy faces Greece in a friendly international match. The 20-year-old had a strong end to the season with Roma and featured in Italy's previous friendly against Luxembourg. He is among the most important players in the squad selected by manager Baldini for this international window. Pisilli's selection underscores Italy's focus on developing young talent following their exclusion from the World Cup for the third consecutive time after a defeat to Bosnia. The number assignments remain unchanged from the Luxembourg match three days earlier, with other players including Donnarumma (1), Ndour (10), and Koleosho (11) also confirmed. Palestra and Cherubini have departed the squad. The fixture against Greece comes as part of Italy's rebuilding phase under Baldini, with Pisilli positioned as a key figure in the midfielder's regeneration. The full squad numbering for the Greece match has been confirmed, with 24 players listed in total for this phase of international fixtures.

Massimo Tarantino, currently head of Inter's youth academy, was set to return to AS Roma as head of the club's youth sector but the move collapsed following Claudio Ranieri's departure as manager. Tarantino had been poised to rejoin Roma with his contract reportedly near finalization when the changes in the club's leadership derailed the deal. The departure of Ranieri and another senior figure ended what had appeared to be an agreed arrangement. Roma is now searching for a new youth sector director following the breakdown. Valentino Angeloni from Fiorentina and Alessandro Frara are currently in contention for the role, with Angeloni reportedly the preferred candidate at this stage. Tony D'Amico is also set to join Roma's backroom staff in another capacity, pending official confirmation. When asked about the failed move at the Serie A Festival in Parma, Tarantino remarked: "What happened with Roma? These are things that happen in football, there was an opportunity that did not materialize. Now I continue my work with Inter, I'm happy to do it at such a club and I'm focused and concentrated exclusively on Inter."

Angeliño is undergoing a revival at AS Roma after a difficult year marked by injury and minimal playing time. The left-back has undertaken a physical transformation, including weight loss, as part of his recovery programme under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Gasperini has reportedly established a clear understanding with the player regarding his return to competitive action. After a prolonged absence from the pitch, Angeliño is working to regain fitness and earn regular minutes in the squad.

Devyne Rensch delivered a decisive performance in Roma's comeback victory over Parma on Sunday, scoring and winning a penalty in just ten minutes off the bench. The Dutch winger replaced Çelik and demonstrated the kind of impact that has caught the attention of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who is unlikely to forget such a clinical display from a player not known for scoring goals and earning penalties in quick succession. Rensch's playing time this season has been inconsistent. After an encouraging start—highlighted by an excellent showing in the opening derby against Lazio—Gasperini reduced his minutes, favoring other options through January and February. From March onward, the situation shifted again as the coach returned to relying on Rensch more regularly. Defensive vulnerabilities have been evident, but the winger has provided three consecutive assists against Inter, Pisa, and Atalanta. His commitment has remained constant despite Roma's gradual deterioration in the race for Champions League qualification. Looking ahead, Rensch's future appears secure at Roma, with his emotional bond to the club evident since signing a year ago. The key question is what role he will occupy next season. One scenario sees him functioning as a utility player across both flanks and backup to Wesley and Çelik. Alternatively, if Gasperini moves Wesley permanently to the right side, Rensch could become the main left-back deputy. The coach aims to increase quality and intensity on the wings, with decisions on Çelik's renewal and Angeliño's possible departure likely to shape the structure of Roma's wide options.

Roma's sporting director Frederic Massara is planning several player departures in the coming transfer window. Angeliño, the left-back currently on the Roma squad, has been mentioned as a potential candidate to leave the club. However, a denial has been issued regarding the rumors surrounding the player's future, suggesting the situation may not be as straightforward as initially reported. Details remain unclear regarding the exact circumstances and timeline of any potential departure.