Cristante: We await Pellegrini's return with open arms

Paolo Marcacci has delivered his weekly ratings across the World Cup Final and recent football events. Spain's collective display earned a 9 out of 10 for its mesmerising, invisible-cage football—with Dani Olmo singled out for his 360-degree awareness and ability to orchestrate the team's attacking movements. Leo Messi received a 10 for his career legacy despite a quiet final shaped by Spain's dominance and Lionel Scaloni's tactical choices, which Marcacci rated 5, criticising the Argentina manager for assembling a formation that appeared designed to starve Messi of possession and changing too much in the decisive match. Leo Paredes, brought in to stabilise Argentina's midfield, instead lost discipline individually and earned a 4. Gianluca Mancini's contract renewal with Roma received a 7, described as reinforced concrete strengthening the club's defensive walls. Gasperini's press conference earned a 6 for its directness delivered through a calm, apparently reconciliatory tone—rejecting claims of passivity simply because he lacked visible agitation. Robbie Williams' halftime performance and the broader entertainment spectacle drew lower marks, with Infantino's excessively white shoes rated 3 and the Madonna–Ronaldo–Ronaldinho segment rated 0. Trump's photo-bombing with the trophy received a 1, with Marcacci quipping that Rodri reportedly ejected him with the line: "I'm not Melania."

Tony D'Amico, Roma's sporting director, will hold his first press conference at Trigoria next week, with the specific date to be confirmed. The announcement follows Gian Piero Gasperini's introduction as head coach. D'Amico attended yesterday's friendly against the Primavera between managing transfer business. Roma's priority remains securing Summerville from West Ham, who are demanding €50 million. D'Amico is working to increase Roma's offer to close the deal. The sporting director is also monitoring other targets, with Garnacho and Nusa on the club's radar. For the role of deputy to Malen, Tresoldi is the preferred candidate, while negotiations for Moreira are currently on standby.

Tony D'Amico is set to hold his first press conference as Roma sporting director next week, an opportunity to present himself to supporters and outline the club's transfer strategy. The former Atalanta executive arrives as the Giallorossi accelerate their market activity after weeks of stalled negotiations, with at least a couple of signings expected to be finalised soon. Crysencio Summerville remains the headline target. Roma are advancing talks with West Ham for the Dutch winger, identified by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as an ideal fit for his tactical approach. D'Amico hopes to deliver the attacking talent to Gasperini in the coming days.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is still waiting for his contract extension to be finalised. The Roma captain dined at the Roman trattoria I Ciarli with teammate Gianluca Mancini on Monday evening, while continuing to train with a personal fitness coach in the capital. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is keen to secure the renewal, as is Bryan Cristante, who remarked: "We can't wait to see him back with us in the group." The final sign-off from the Friedkin Group remains outstanding. Pellegrini has already agreed to a salary reduction, but disagreement persists over the contract length. The player favours a three-year deal, while the club is pushing for a two-year agreement. Both sides are expected to continue negotiations over the coming days.

Lorenzo Pellegrini and Gianluca Mancini were spotted having dinner together at Trattoria Romana I Ciarli in Rome, a gesture underlining the midfielder's strong bond with the club as negotiations over his new contract proceed. Pellegrini, currently without a club, remains a priority target for Roma, with both parties signalling their commitment to reaching an agreement. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has publicly backed the move, a fan banner was displayed outside Trigoria, Pellegrini sent birthday wishes on the club's 99th anniversary, and Bryan Cristante declared after a friendly with Trastevere: "We are waiting for him with open arms." The sequence of gestures reflects the depth of Pellegrini's relationship with Roma despite his current uncontracted status. The dinner meeting with Mancini, a key defender in the squad, suggests the midfielder is maintaining close ties with teammates ahead of a formal return to training. These coordinated signals from the coaching staff, supporters' groups, and playing squad all point towards an imminent renewal of contract terms, with the expectation that Pellegrini will rejoin the training ground in due course.

Lorenzo Pellegrini remains in talks with Roma over a contract renewal, having already agreed to take a pay cut. The key sticking point is contract length: Pellegrini is pushing for a three-year deal while Roma are currently holding firm on a two-year offer. The gap remains to be bridged, but both parties appear committed to staying together. Pellegrini is awaiting a definitive signal from the club, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and his squad are waiting for the midfielder's return to full training. Gasperini views Pellegrini as an important resource for the new Roma project, and the dressing room has made its position clear. After an friendly against Trastevere, Bryan Cristante spoke openly about his teammate, emphasising that the group is ready to welcome him back with open arms. The bond between Pellegrini and the squad remains strong. In a further sign of his continued integration with the group, Pellegrini dined with Gianluca Mancini at Roman trattoria I Ciarli on a recent evening.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is still waiting for his contract extension to be finalised. The Roma captain dined at the Roman trattoria I Ciarli with teammate Gianluca Mancini on Monday evening, while continuing to train with a personal fitness coach in the capital. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is keen to secure the renewal, as is Bryan Cristante, who remarked: "We can't wait to see him back with us in the group." The final sign-off from the Friedkin Group remains outstanding. Pellegrini has already agreed to a salary reduction, but disagreement persists over the contract length. The player favours a three-year deal, while the club is pushing for a two-year agreement. Both sides are expected to continue negotiations over the coming days.

Lorenzo Pellegrini and Gianluca Mancini were spotted having dinner together at Trattoria Romana I Ciarli in Rome, a gesture underlining the midfielder's strong bond with the club as negotiations over his new contract proceed. Pellegrini, currently without a club, remains a priority target for Roma, with both parties signalling their commitment to reaching an agreement. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has publicly backed the move, a fan banner was displayed outside Trigoria, Pellegrini sent birthday wishes on the club's 99th anniversary, and Bryan Cristante declared after a friendly with Trastevere: "We are waiting for him with open arms." The sequence of gestures reflects the depth of Pellegrini's relationship with Roma despite his current uncontracted status. The dinner meeting with Mancini, a key defender in the squad, suggests the midfielder is maintaining close ties with teammates ahead of a formal return to training. These coordinated signals from the coaching staff, supporters' groups, and playing squad all point towards an imminent renewal of contract terms, with the expectation that Pellegrini will rejoin the training ground in due course.

Lorenzo Pellegrini remains in talks with Roma over a contract renewal, having already agreed to take a pay cut. The key sticking point is contract length: Pellegrini is pushing for a three-year deal while Roma are currently holding firm on a two-year offer. The gap remains to be bridged, but both parties appear committed to staying together. Pellegrini is awaiting a definitive signal from the club, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and his squad are waiting for the midfielder's return to full training. Gasperini views Pellegrini as an important resource for the new Roma project, and the dressing room has made its position clear. After an friendly against Trastevere, Bryan Cristante spoke openly about his teammate, emphasising that the group is ready to welcome him back with open arms. The bond between Pellegrini and the squad remains strong. In a further sign of his continued integration with the group, Pellegrini dined with Gianluca Mancini at Roman trattoria I Ciarli on a recent evening.