World Cup: Netherlands and Ivory Coast advance; Malen off the mark, N'Dicka nearing return

AS Roma is tracking Gustavo Puerta, a 2003-born midfielder at Racing, following his strong performance with Colombia in international competition. Several European clubs have turned their attention to the Colombian after his impressive early showings. According to reports, Roma and Atalanta are both monitoring Puerta's situation in Serie A, with Racing valuing him at approximately €10 million. Roma's current focus remains on player departures and contract renewals before the June 30 deadline, but the club plans to shift attention to incomings from July onwards. Sporting director Tony D'Amico is expected to begin pursuing midfield reinforcements once the immediate deadline passes. Puerta represents a potential option for Roma's midfield as they assess targets in the transfer window. The midfielder has emerged as an attractive prospect following his World Cup displays, and his relatively modest valuation makes him an economical prospect for European clubs. Details remain unclear regarding the precise timeline of Roma's interest or how advanced any discussions may be.

Como have made another attempt to sign Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli, but the Giallorossi have firmly rejected the approach. The Serie A club, managed by Fabregas, is searching for Italian talent to meet UEFA squad list requirements for their Champions League campaign. However, Roma have no intention of selling Pisilli and consider him a key midfielder they cannot afford to lose. Pisilli, born in 2004, wants to remain at Roma to play Champions League football with the club he has supported and represented since childhood. The midfielder has become increasingly important to Roma's midfield over recent months and is determined to establish himself as a starter under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini in the upcoming season. Roma's stance reflects their confidence in Pisilli's development and his value to their project moving forward.

AS Roma are preparing to move for Matteo Ruggeri, Atletico Madrid's left wing-back, as Gian Piero Gasperini seeks to strengthen his squad in a position he considers crucial to his tactical system. The Italian's transfer prospects have improved following reports that Atletico will soon complete the signing of Alex Grimaldo, which will reduce Ruggeri's playing time at the Spanish club and make a departure more likely. Ruggeri spent weeks uncertain about his future but now understands he will not be a guaranteed starter at Atletico next season should he remain. Roma intends to offer him a regular starting role at left wing-back, with Wesley expected to shift permanently to the right side. The move would provide Ruggeri the guaranteed opportunity to play in the Champions League, an important consideration for the defender. Gasperini previously worked with Ruggeri during his time at Atalanta and is confident the system at Roma can unlock his potential and improve his career trajectory. The proposed transfer would benefit all parties involved. Ruggeri impressed in European competition last season and would gain the first-team football and continental exposure he needs at this stage of his career, while Roma would reinforce a position essential to their manager's tactical approach.

The Netherlands defeated Tunisia 3–1 in their final group match, securing first place and advancing to the round of 16. Goals came from an own goal by Skhiri, Brobbey, and van Hecke, while Mastouri scored for Tunisia. Donyell Malen, the AS Roma winger, played from the start on the right flank but remained goalless, being substituted in the 72nd minute for Summerville. Tunisia finished the tournament with zero points. The Netherlands will face Morocco in the round of 16 on 30 June at 3 a.m. Italian time. This sets up a Roma connection, as both sides are managed by figures linked to the Giallorossi. The match represents a significant moment for Malen, who will be eager to end his tournament campaign with a goal after failing to find the net in the group stage. Malen's performance comes amid Roma's broader mercato activity, with the club reportedly consolidating its squad ahead of the new season.

Several AS Roma players are competing in World Cup group stages across three host nations, with most facing decisive matches within 24 hours to secure knockout round qualification. Donyell Malen's Netherlands play Tunisia tonight, needing victory to maintain first-place position ahead of Japan and Sweden, though the Dutch are virtually assured of advancing even as runners-up. Equally important is Ivory Coast's clash with Curaçao, where Evan Ndicka—recently returned from injury—needs only a draw to mathematically confirm second place. Morocco, featuring El Aynaoui in a prominent role, has already qualified as runners-up behind Brazil and could face the Netherlands in the Round of 16. Manuel Koné's France has already advanced to the knockout stage and will determine their final group position tomorrow against Norway at 9 p.m. Turkey, however, has been eliminated after two consecutive defeats. Merih Çelik's team faces the United States in a meaningless fixture tomorrow morning. The World Cup's first phase is nearing its end, with these matches serving as the initial elimination round. Roma's contingent of international players will have their qualification hopes resolved or ended within the next day.

Donyell Malen faces the possibility of being benched for the Netherlands' decisive Group F match against Tunisia. Coach Ronald Koeman indicated that Malen is aware he has squandered opportunities in the tournament. The AS Roma winger is under pressure to deliver as the Dutch prepare for a crucial group-stage fixture. Malen has been a key player for Roma this season but his international form has drawn scrutiny from the national team coaching staff.