Greece vs Italy: Pio Esposito decisive again, Pisilli plays full 90 minutes

Italy's U17 national team advanced to the final of the European Under-17 Championship by defeating Spain 1–1 (4–2 after penalties) on June 4. Coach Franceschini's squad took the lead through a Croci penalty in the 42nd minute, but Spain equalized through Urrestarazu in the 77th minute, forcing a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Lupo proved decisive in the shootout, saving two spot-kicks after also denying a penalty during regular play, while Rocca converted the winning penalty. Niccolò Pisilli, a current AS Roma midfielder, featured in the squad and expressed his enthusiasm about the achievement. Pisilli commented: "Una grande emozione andare in Champions. Ho sempre seguito Gasperini" (It is a great emotion to qualify for the Champions League. I have always followed Gasperini). His reference to Roma's new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini reflects the midfielder's awareness of his club's recent appointment. Italy will face Belgium in the final on Sunday, June 7 at 19:00. Belgium reached the final by eliminating France. The tournament success offers an encouraging counterpoint to the senior national team's recent disappointments.

Stephan El Shaarawy scored the decisive second goal in Roma's final match against Verona, securing the club's return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years. The Egyptian winger's strike came in his last appearance in giallorossi colors, concluding a decade-long association with the club that began in January 2016. El Shaarawy's goal sparked an emotional celebration as he ran toward the away supporters at the Bentegodi stadium. Remarkably, El Shaarawy had predicted this outcome before the match. According to Sky Sport journalist Angelo Mangiante, the number 92 revealed at the end of Friday's training session that he hoped to close his Roma story with a decisive goal. He told Mangiante: "Mi piacerebbe tanto chiudere questa storia con un gol decisivo" (I would really like to close this story with a decisive goal). His premonition proved accurate, as his finish sealed Roma's return to European football's premier club competition after a seven-year absence. El Shaarawy's departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Roma. The winger's final contribution epitomized his importance to the club during his 10-year tenure, delivering a crucial moment when it mattered most for the Giallorossi's continental aspirations.

AS Roma secured a return to the UEFA Champions League after a seven-year absence following a 2–0 victory against Verona at the Bentegodi stadium. The result triggered celebrations at the airport and at Trigoria, the club's training ground, as supporters and staff marked the significant milestone. The triumph ends a lengthy period outside European football's elite competition for the Giallorossi. Details of the goalscorers remain unclear from the available information, but the victory represents a major achievement in the club's push to re-establish itself among Italy's top-flight contenders.

Niccolò Pisilli has been selected to start for Italy's final summer friendly match against Greece in Creta on 21:00. Italy manager Silvio Baldini has again placed confidence in the AS Roma midfielder, described as one of the few certainties in a national team with a notably young average age. The match serves as important preparation ahead of the upcoming international calendar. Pisilli has emerged as a key player for Baldini's squad despite a season with mixed fortunes at Roma. The midfielder's inclusion underscores his importance to the national setup, even as he looks to build momentum following a campaign marked by inconsistency. His continued selection reflects the coaching staff's faith in his abilities and potential. Elsewhere, in New Jersey, Morocco will face Norway in a World Cup preparation match, with Neil El Aynaoui starting for the North African side under manager Ouahbi. The coming weeks offer Pisilli an opportunity to deliver performances that can help redeem what has been an uneven season for the giallorossi.

Niccolò Pisilli is set to captain Italy's youth side in their match against Greece, following an impressive performance in the victory over Luxembourg. The Roma centrocampist has been one of the standout players in this age-group campaign and is expected to deliver another strong showing. Head coach Gasperini's work has been instrumental in Pisilli's development, and Roma are monitoring his continued progress closely. Beyond Pisilli's individual performance, Roma have a secondary focus for the match: Tzolis, a winger currently at Brugge. The player has long been on Roma's radar and remains a target, though the club has not yet made a concrete move. Bringing Tzolis to Rome would require a fee exceeding €30 million, making it a significant investment. The Grecia–Italia fixture offers Roma staff an opportunity to assess Tzolis's quality in person and gather additional insights that may inform future recruitment decisions. The match thus presents a dual interest for the Giallorossi: celebrating Pisilli's development under Gasperini's guidance and evaluating a potential future teammate in Tzolis. While Roma remain patient in their pursuit of the Brugge player, tonight's game could provide valuable information to support any future transfer strategy.

Flavio Cobolli, a former AS Roma youth player turned professional tennis player, is competing in his first Grand Slam final at the French Open on June 7, facing Alexander Zverev at Roland Garros. Several Roma players and personalities have sent video messages of encouragement ahead of the match. El Shaarawy, currently on his honeymoon, told Cobolli: "Hi Flavio, I wanted to greet you and congratulate you for everything you're doing and where you've reached. I'm wishing you the very best for the final, I promise: we're all rooting for you, you're our pride." Radja Nainggolan added: "Flavietto, I'm wishing you the very best. You deserve it because you've played incredibly. I'm rooting for you: first because you're Roma, second because you're from Rome, third because we know each other personally and you're someone who works hard. I know you'll make it, big hug." Niccolò Pisilli, currently with the Italian national team, also sent his wishes: "Hi Fla', I wanted to wish you the very best for the final. We're all very proud of your journey. All the best." Other notable figures including actors, musicians, and athletes including Danilo Gallinari sent video messages of support for Cobolli's historic moment.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear his expectations for Roma's upcoming season following the club's return to European football. Gasperini wants to avoid repeating previous mistakes in the transfer market by bringing in players suited to his tactical system. The coach is demanding at least 16 fit outfield players to compete across Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League, recognising that European football demands significant physical and mental resources. Several players have already departed or are expected to leave during the transfer window, including Ferguson, Tsimikas, El Shaarawy, Venturino, and Zaragoza, with Baldanzi and Ziolkowski also on their way out. To maintain squad depth and protect key performers from injury during a gruelling season, Gasperini has identified specific targets: a number 10 or attacking midfielder, a deputy to Gianluca Mancini, a striker, and both right and left-sided defenders. Names under consideration include Vlasic and Greenwood, though negotiations remain in early stages. The arrival of D'Amico as sporting director is pending official confirmation, after which the club is expected to accelerate its recruitment strategy. Gasperini's priority is ensuring the squad composition aligns with his playing philosophy, having identified this as the key lesson from the previous season's recruitment process.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed his squad list for Roma's final Serie A match against Verona at the Bentegodi, a fixture critical to the club's bid for Champions League qualification. Midfielder Manu Koné returns after missing the recent derby, though he is expected to start on the bench. Absent from the selection are Lorenzo Pellegrini, sidelined by a muscular problem, and Tsimikas, who is recovering from influenza. Both players will travel with the squad despite not being available for selection. Wesley remains unavailable due to suspension, while defender Ndicka is out with a muscular injury. The match represents Roma's final opportunity to secure European football next season. Gasperini's squad combines established players with squad depth, with forwards Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé expected to form the attacking pair. The full list of 26 players includes goalkeeper Mile Svilar and a mix of defensive, midfield, and attacking options to navigate what is anticipated to be a competitive encounter. The squad announcement followed Gasperini's afternoon press conference, with the coach having just days to prepare his team for the decisive fixture.

AS Roma face their final Serie A match of the season against Hellas Verona with several key players unavailable. Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the trip to the Bentegodi stadium due to a flexor muscle injury still being managed, while Tsimikas is sidelined by flu. Gianluca Mancini is carrying an ankle problem but is expected to feature. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini may consider tactical changes following Roma's improved performance in the recent derby, potentially preferring El Aynaoui over Koné in midfield. Meanwhile, the club continues to explore attacking reinforcements, with interest reportedly extending beyond primary targets to include alternative options. The midfield situation has also drawn attention, with discussions ongoing regarding potential personnel shifts. Mancini addressed the importance of European competition, stating: "I know that it is important for the squad and for Roma to qualify for and play in the Champions League. And I think that when I do or if we do, or if we have the opportunity to do so, I know that people will remember me because I can enter into history. I know that a lot of time has passed since the last time." The final match carries significance in Roma's push for continental football next season.