Morocco advances in World Cup 2026; Turkey eliminated with Celik on the bench

Roma midfielder Manu Koné has spoken about how the 2024 Paris Olympics transformed his career trajectory. The French midfielder, who is currently competing in the ongoing Copa América, granted an interview to Le Parisien in which he discussed his journey to prominence and the challenges he faced early on. Koné explained: "They changed my life, I was no longer considered a kid." The 2000-born midfielder acknowledged that his early years were complicated by his own personality and demeanor. He revealed moments of self-doubt during his development: "Without doubt because of my character. I was young, I was very discreet, sometimes even a bit cold. Sometimes I had the impression of not receiving what I deserved. At certain moments, I even asked myself if I wasn't overvaluing myself." Koné recounted a difficult period following a knee injury at Mönchengladbach, when major European clubs showed interest and media speculation linked him to top teams, only for that attention to disappear overnight. The midfielder's emergence at the Olympics marked a significant turning point, establishing him as one of Roma's key assets heading into the current transfer window.

Roma defenders Gianluca Mancini and Lorenzo Pellegrini visited a Roman-themed pizzeria in Ibiza, delighting the owner and staff. The establishment displays strong giallorossi colors and evident Roma branding, creating an enthusiastic atmosphere when the two players arrived. The pizzeria owner and personnel reacted with visible joy at the unexpected visit from the Roma players. Both Mancini and Pellegrini have strong connections to Roma—Mancini is a key defensive figure in the squad, while Pellegrini, a Rome native, wears the captain's armband and represents the club's identity both on and off the pitch. The visit underscores the global reach of AS Roma's fanbase and the affection supporters maintain for the club across different regions. Such interactions between players and diaspora Roma communities abroad help strengthen the bond between the club and its international supporters.

Donyell Malen will play on the right wing for the Netherlands in their Euro match against Sweden, a change from his central attacking role in the opening game. Coach Koeman has selected Brobbey from Sunderland as the lead striker, with Gakpo on the left flank, forming a new attacking trio. The match carries high stakes for the Dutch after drawing with Japan in their opening fixture, making the Sweden encounter critical in the group stage. Malen, a Roma player, has been repositioned to accommodate the tactical shift. Koeman's decision to move the Roma winger to the flank while introducing Brobbey up front suggests an attempt to inject greater attacking threat and goal-scoring prowess into the Netherlands' setup. The reshuffle marks a significant change in personnel and formation for the orange following the opening round draw. Details of the exact timing and Koeman's full reasoning remain unclear from available information. The match kicks off at 19:00.