Koeman speaks with Malen over missed chances; Roma forward faces benching for Tunisia

AS Roma midfielder Koné made a strong impression in his World Cup debut, starting for France in a 3–0 victory over Iraq. The 2001-born midfielder was central to the performance and spoke afterwards about his experience in the match and the team's response to a lengthy interruption during play. He said: "Seemed endless, but we stayed professional. We told ourselves we had to come back with the same mentality. It was a long wait, but we responded well." Koné reflected positively on his first World Cup appearance and the confidence of being selected to start. He stated: "We got an important victory. For me it was the first time at a World Cup, but we were focused and ready. We are professionals and we knew how to manage everything the right way." On his unexpected debut, he added: "I didn't live it as a surprise. I always told myself to be ready. It happened and I'm proud. We won 3–0 and that's the most important thing." A lighter moment emerged during the press conference when Koné was asked a question in Italian and struggled to understand, responding with a smile and asking for a translator. The midfielder's solid performance underscores his growing importance to Roma's plans under current coaching staff.

Giovanni Malagò, newly elected president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and former head of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), addressed his lifelong support for AS Roma during his first press conference in the role. When asked about his passion for the club, Malagò stated: "There is nothing worse than denying your own past, especially if it's family. I was always institutional for 13 years as CONI president. It's impossible to say anything to me about that." Malagò rejected the notion that public figures should hide their football allegiances, drawing comparisons to prominent figures outside sport. He said: "Should I not celebrate in a certain way at the stadium? That's very provincial thinking. I don't watch Obama during Chicago Bulls victories... they're heads of state." He also referenced Prince William's public support for Aston Villa as an example of how people in positions of authority can openly express their sporting preferences. The FIGC president concluded his remarks by emphasizing that integrity matters more than allegiance: "Look at the royal family, with Prince William celebrating for Aston Villa. What's important is how you behave, but you must never deny who you are." During the same press conference, Malagò also confirmed that AS Roma's stadium project is proceeding on schedule.

Gianluca Mancini expressed his excitement at Roma's qualification for next season's Champions League following the club's third-place finish in Serie A. Speaking at a charity tournament, the defender reflected on the achievement after years of falling short of European football's premier club competition. He said: "It's the crowning achievement of this group's work: expressing our football, arriving at a beautiful third place and being able to play Champions League next year. After the Verona match I immediately imagined the Champions League anthem I'll hear and all the stadiums we'll see. I'm very happy and can't wait to enjoy these feelings." Mancini also addressed his ongoing contract renewal negotiations with the club. He stated: "The negotiations are underway, I'm waiting. There are the people involved, my agent, myself and the club: we're talking and continuing to do so. I'm waiting for answers and we'll see what happens." The centre-back's remarks come as Roma continues discussions with key squad members over their long-term future at the Stadio Olimpico. Mancini additionally commented on Italy's absence from the current World Cup, expressing frustration at the national team's failure to qualify for a third consecutive tournament and suggesting the problem extends beyond youth development or coaching alone.

Denis Undav, the Stuttgart striker who has become a standout performer for Germany at the international tournament under Nagelsmann, has renewed his contract with Stuttgart until 2029 with an optional additional year. His emergence as a key player came after scoring three goals in Germany's first two matches, including a decisive double in the comeback victory over Côte d'Ivoire. Before the tournament began, several European clubs had registered their interest in Undav given his existing contract was set to expire in 2027. AS Roma was among those clubs to make enquiries about the forward as they sought a new attacker to partner Donyell Malen. AC Milan had already begun discussions with Undav's representatives, while Como also showed interest. Spanish and Arab clubs were likewise keen on securing the player. However, Undav was determined to clarify his future before the international tournament commenced, prompting Stuttgart to act swiftly. Two days before his departure for the tournament, Undav agreed fresh terms with Stuttgart, with his salary rising to approximately 5.5 million euros per season. The move effectively removed him from the market and ended Roma's pursuit of the forward.

AS Roma has fundamentally altered its approach to recruitment following the departure of former sporting director Massara and the appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini as head coach. Young prospects acquired for future development—including Robinio Vaz, Ziolkowski, Ghilardi, Venturino, and Ferguson—are now considered surplus to requirements. The club has signaled these players may depart, either permanently or on loan, as Gasperini prioritizes immediate-impact signings over long-term investments. Gasperini's vision emphasizes players ready to contribute immediately rather than prospects requiring development time. Ziolkowski, a Polish defender, has reportedly been rejected multiple times by the coach and could leave permanently, with Nottingham reportedly interested at a valuation of 20 million euros. Similarly, Vaz, a French forward, no longer fits the profile of a reliable backup to Donyell Malen. The club has also rejected Bosnian midfielder Alajebgovic (class 2007), whom Massara had long tracked, with Gasperini deeming him too inexperienced despite interest from Bayer Leverkusen at 35 million euros. Roma's new sporting director D'Amico is recalibrating the transfer strategy to align with Gasperini's demands for quality and readiness rather than raw potential. Targets like Mason Greenwood and Molina represent this shift—experienced international players capable of performing on Europe's biggest stages. With Roma now competing in the Champions League, the club believes there is no margin for experimental signings.

Roma head coach Gasperini is pursuing English winger Mason Greenwood as his priority transfer target for the summer. The coach is conducting continuous dialogue with the player, making personal interventions to bring him to Trigoria. Greenwood has reportedly indicated repeatedly that he is waiting for Roma and finds the prospect of playing in Italy increasingly appealing. Marseille, Greenwood's current club, is holding firm on a €55 million asking price, which is set to rise to €60 million from 1 July onwards. Gasperini wants to accelerate negotiations before that deadline. Fenerbahçe represents the only significant competition for Greenwood's signature, though Roma are not currently concerned by that interest. Gasperini views Greenwood as the key piece to elevate Roma's attacking threat and mount a serious Champions League challenge. Alongside Donyell Malen, the English winger would form a new face of Roma's offensive approach. The club is also working on sales and player movements to balance finances while keeping Greenwood as the main objective. The transfer remains complex, but Gasperini is refusing to ease pressure in his bid to secure the signing.