Ndicka seeks World Cup debut as Ivory Coast face Curacao

AS Roma have confirmed another pre-season fixture as part of their summer preparation schedule. On 4 August, during their training camp in Wales, Roma will face Newport County, who compete in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The match will provide an opportunity for players to build match fitness and allow head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's staff to continue their tactical work ahead of the competitive season. Roma's pre-season programme is taking shape under Gasperini's direction, with the objective of arriving in optimal condition for their Serie A opener against Fiorentina. The club has now officially scheduled four summer friendlies, including previous fixtures against Cannes, Borussia Dortmund, and Cardiff. The Newport County match will serve multiple purposes: evaluating prospective new signings and assessing the current squad's condition as Roma prepare to challenge for honours, including a return to Champions League football. Official pre-season training begins on 13 July at Trigoria, marking the formal start of Roma's campaign. The summer schedule reflects Gasperini's commitment to thorough preparation and tactical refinement before competitive action resumes.

Donyell Malen, AS Roma's forward, has come under scrutiny from Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman after failing to score in matches against Japan and Sweden at the World Cup. Koeman held a lengthy discussion with Malen during training and publicly addressed the situation in a press conference, stating: "Malen knows that he has missed opportunities." The coach acknowledged Malen's quality, adding: "He is an important player for us who can play both as a central striker and on the right." However, Malen risks being benched in the upcoming clash against Tunisia as Koeman favours Summerville on the wing and Brobbey as the central forward. The Tunisia match takes place tonight at 1 a.m. local time and carries significant importance, as victory would advance the Netherlands to the round of 16 against Morocco. Summerville has already netted twice in the tournament's opening two matches and appears to be the preferred option on the wing. Malen's goal contributions have dried up in the competition so far, prompting the tactical reshuffle. Koeman's public comments suggest a measured approach to managing the situation, balancing criticism with recognition of Malen's broader capabilities for the team.

Inter are keeping close watch on Gianluca Mancini as AS Roma work to extend the defender's contract, which is set to expire. Roma are actively engaged in renewal talks with several squad members, including Mancini, as part of ongoing contract negotiations. The Italian centre-back remains a target of interest for the Nerazzurri, though details of Inter's concrete pursuit remain unclear. Mancini is a key player in Roma's defence and represents one of the club's priority renewals as they look to secure their squad for the future.

Morocco's coach has reconfirmed El Aynaoui in the starting lineup for the crucial World Cup match against Haiti, with the AS Roma midfielder set to form a central midfield partnership with Amrabat. El Aynaoui has been among Morocco's standout performers in the tournament, featuring prominently in the team's draw against Brazil and victory over Scotland, displaying balance, intensity, and composure in his displays. The African nation arrives at the Haiti fixture needing a win to secure mathematical qualification for the round of 16. With one more match to play before reaching their target, Morocco will rely on El Aynaoui's recent form as a key part of their bid for advancement in the competition. The midfielder has attracted attention for his performances and continues to be a cornerstone of his national team's midfield setup. Meanwhile, Roma midfielder Svilar is maintaining his fitness during the summer break, continuing gym work even while on vacation as the club prepares for the new season.

Roma's Serie A season will kick off on a Monday, with a friendly match against Cardiff scheduled as part of pre-season preparations. The fixture is part of the club's build-up to the new campaign. In transfer news, several major Spanish clubs are reportedly monitoring El Aynaoui, suggesting interest from La Liga sides. Details remain unclear on the specific timing of Roma's opening league fixture and the extent of Spanish interest in El Aynaoui.

Neil El Aynaoui has attracted attention from two top La Liga clubs following impressive performances at the World Cup. Roma's valuation of the player has been noted in reports from Spain. Details remain unclear regarding the specific clubs involved and the exact fee Roma has placed on the player. El Aynaoui's World Cup displays have elevated his profile significantly, prompting interest from major European sides. His potential departure would represent a notable loss for Roma if the transfer were to progress.