Brazil and Turkey Name Wesley and Celik in Starting Lineups for World Cup Warm-Up Matches

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."

Tony D'Amico is in Bergamo negotiating the termination of his contract with Atalanta, bringing his move to Roma as sporting director closer. The agreement between D'Amico and the Giallorossi has been delayed by outstanding financial matters with the Nerazzurri, who removed him from his position roughly a week ago and appointed Cristiano Giuntoli as his replacement. Once the resolution is finalized, D'Amico will officially join head coach Gian Piero Gasperini at Trigoria. D'Amico's immediate priorities at Roma include negotiating contract renewals for Çelik, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Paulo Dybala. The club must also address Financial Fair Play compliance and capital gains requirements by 30 June, though the deadline could potentially be extended to 30 June 2027 through agreement with UEFA, allowing Roma to defer certain accounting obligations. This flexibility could help the club avoid selling key squad members during the current transfer window and instead register incoming revenue from Champions League participation in the next financial year. Gasperini's preferred target for recruitment is Mason Greenwood, though additional signings are expected beyond that single acquisition. The incoming sporting director will oversee all these matters alongside the club's broader transfer strategy.

Amantino Mancini, a former Roma winger, has praised Wesley's first season at the club during an interview on Radio Romanista. Mancini highlighted Wesley's intensity, work rate, and offensive capabilities as a left-sided player, noting that the Brazilian has settled well into Roman football. Mancini said: "Wesley me is always liked, I like his characteristics, how he moves on the pitch. I said when Roma was acquiring him that it would be very useful, because he is of great intensity, never stops. He has the characteristics of all Brazilian full-backs who are very offensive. Maybe he leaves something to be desired defensively because even I when I arrived at Roma played as a full-back and improved thanks to Capello. Wesley has fitted in very well at Roma, many Brazilians at Roma settled immediately because the climate and the support are very similar to those in Brazil. Wesley took advantage of this period and had a wonderful season." Mancini drew parallels with his own career transition, recalling how moving from right to left-back under Spalletti transformed his game. He predicted Wesley will continue on the left flank next season but warned that opponents have now studied him closely. Mancini also expressed confidence in head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's ability to guide Roma's next phase, emphasizing the need for experienced signings to strengthen the squad for Champions League football. He suggested Roma should make two or three strategic acquisitions to elevate the team's competitive level in European competition.

Roma's pursuit of Mason Greenwood has hit a significant obstacle. Hakan Safi, a candidate for the Fenerbahce presidency, has moved directly to secure the English winger and announced an agreement for a four-year contract. Gasperini remains keen on Greenwood as a key target to strengthen the squad, but Roma must now navigate intense competition from the Turkish club to complete any deal. With the Greenwood situation unfolding, Roma's recruitment strategy has expanded to address other areas. Gasperini is conducting a wide search for a left-winger, with Summerville topping the wish list, though that acquisition would prove difficult. Alternative targets include Tzolis of Club Brugge, Igor Paixao of Marseille, Mathys Tel, and Mika Godts. Players including Nusa and Alajbegovic have been ruled out. On the right flank, Gasperini is seeking reinforcement, specifically a left-footed winger, with Wesley expected to remain on the left next season. Celik is viewed as a defensive back option despite potential contract renewal, while Rensch will serve as a backup. The transfer window remains active as Roma adjusts its targets amid external competition. The Serie A 2026–27 fixture calendar has also been released, with no major surprises for the club's scheduling.

Roma forward Wesley has expressed ambition to double his goal output in the upcoming season, with the Brazil international outlining what head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is asking of him. The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has begun, and expectations surrounding Brazil's prospects remain traditionally high. Details remain unclear regarding specific tactical demands or performance metrics discussed between Wesley and Gasperini.