Roma players in action at 2026 World Cup: El Aynaoui stops Brazil, Celik falls to Australia

Paulo Dybala has not yet committed to a contract extension with Roma, though negotiations remain active. Speaking on his future, Dybala stated: "I have not yet decided, anything can happen." Despite his non-committal comments, the renewal talks are progressing, with Ryan Friedkin maintaining contact with the player's agent Novel and the two sides described as having moved considerably closer to agreement. Head coach Gasperini has prioritized securing Dybala's future alongside Lorenzo Pellegrini and at least two additional attacking reinforcements for the upcoming season. Roma are also working to complete other deals before the June 30 deadline. Matías Soulé is the primary candidate for departure, having attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund, Fenerbahçe, and Saudi Arabian clubs following his 30 million euro investment. Striker Artem Dovbyk is also facing a potential exit, with Villarreal, Real Betis, and a German club monitoring his situation. Additionally, Angeliño has been targeted by La Liga side Deportivo La Coruña for a return to Spain. Gasperini continues to pursue Mason Greenwood as a priority target, with ongoing discussions with the English winger. The club aims to finalize these matters swiftly to shape the squad for the new campaign.

Roma continues to work on offensive wingers identified by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, but the club faces financial constraints in the transfer market. A player reportedly named Summerville has made wage demands of €6 million per season, which appears to have complicated Roma's pursuit. The exact identity and background of the player involved remain unclear from the available information. Roma's recruitment strategy focuses on attacking options as Gasperini shapes his squad, though negotiations for key targets are proving challenging.

Head coach Gasperini has identified English forward Mason Greenwood as his primary objective to strengthen Roma's attack and challenge for immediate success. Greenwood remains at Marseille, who are reluctant to sell their most valuable player at a discount price. American winger Christian Pulisic is being considered as an alternative option. Meanwhile, Paulo Dybala's contract renewal with Roma is close to completion and only awaits final approval from the club hierarchy. Speaking from Argentina, Dybala stated: "I have not yet decided" regarding his future, though negotiations are reportedly well advanced. The club is taking time before giving definitive clearance, with an official announcement expected in the coming weeks or early July. Lorenzo Pellegrini is following a similar renewal trajectory. The situation differs for defender Zeki Celik, whose demands of €4 million per season are viewed as difficult for Roma to meet, despite interest from other clubs. Gasperini has been pressing for decisive action on transfers and renewals for several weeks, having set his conditions directly to owner Ryan Friedkin months ago. The coach is eager to avoid repeat delays that occurred during last summer's transfer window.

Neil El Aynaoui, AS Roma's midfielder, has been selected to start in Morocco's World Cup 2026 group-stage match against Brazil. Morocco's coach Ouahbi has named El Aynaoui in a three-man midfield alongside Bouaddi and Ounahi for the fixture, one of the tournament's most anticipated group-stage encounters. Brazil will be managed by Carlo Ancelotti. The match is scheduled for the midnight kickoff between Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June. El Aynaoui has become an increasingly prominent figure for Morocco's national team and views this upcoming period as an opportunity to redeem himself following a season of mixed form with Roma. The midfielder's selection underscores his growing importance to his country as they prepare for what is expected to be a significant test against the tournament favourites.

A Roma midfielder has rallied his Morocco squad ahead of their World Cup group match against Brazil on the same evening that teammate Donyell Malen prepares for the Netherlands against Japan. The Roma player addressed the team after training, expressing confidence in their tactical preparation. He stated: "We have worked well these days on Brazil's team. We have seen their weak points and will try to exploit them. It will be a great match. We are determined. The staff has worked very well analysing Brazil's recent matches." The midfielder also highlighted the importance of Morocco's home support, drawing parallels to their recent Africa Cup of Nations triumph. He noted: "Morocco's public is incredible. We already saw it during preparation in the match against Norway: it seemed like we were at home." This World Cup campaign marks another significant test for Morocco, who reached the semi-finals at Qatar 2022 and won the continental title earlier this year. The evening's fixture pits Morocco against Brazil, with both nations eyeing progression from their group. Roma's involvement in international football remains prominent, with multiple squad members competing at the World Cup across different confederations.

Donyell Malen will start as centre-forward for the Netherlands in tomorrow's World Cup match against Japan (10 p.m.), with winger Summerville also in the starting lineup. The selection resolves final formation doubts for coach Koeman, who has chosen Malen as the primary striker ahead of Depay, who will be on the bench. Gakpo completes the attacking trident on the left wing. Malen aims to move past recent criticism following two unconvincing friendly performances last week. The Roma winger, who recently secured his permanent transfer to the club, is eager to perform as a protagonist during the tournament. Gasperini is reportedly interested in bringing Summerville to Roma as well, though any move would be discussed after the World Cup concludes. In a separate fixture, El Aynaoui will face Ancelotti's Brazil at midnight.