D'Amico to focus on contract renewals after official appointment as Roma sporting director

Daniele De Rossi has reflected on his dismissal from Roma, which came unexpectedly following a draw with Genoa in 2024. Speaking to Cronache Di Spogliatoio, the former manager said: "When I was sacked from Roma I was absolutely furious. I had my enemies and felt beaten in a battle I never had time to fight, but I never wanted to show that I was bitter about it. I only did it once, in a press conference at Spal, and I regretted it. I worked hard on these things." De Rossi revealed the emotional toll of derbies against Lazio during his playing career, describing physical illness before those matches. He addressed the nature of his Roma departure with perspective, stating: "My story with Roma was not perfect, but it didn't deserve an ending with lingering resentment. There is a time and place for everything: if I had wanted to say something, I should have done it when I was still there." De Rossi managed Roma in 2024–25 before being dismissed by the Friedkin Group after just four matches.

Nearly two years after his dismissal following a draw against Genoa in 2024, Daniele De Rossi has opened up about the end of his spell as Roma head coach. Speaking to Cronache di Spogliatoio, the former manager described the emotional toll of the decision and his struggle to accept it. De Rossi did not hide his frustration at the time: "When I was sacked by Roma I was furious. I had my 'enemies' and felt defeated in a battle I never had time to fight, but I never wanted to show I was bitter about it. I only did that once, in a press conference at SPAL, and I regretted it. I worked hard on these things." The former captain revealed that derby matches against Lazio were uniquely difficult throughout his career, exerting pressure in a way no other fixture could. "In my career I never suffered any match… except the derbies. Before facing Lazio I would spend three days in the bathroom vomiting, with Dacourt holding my head," he recalled. De Rossi explained his decision to avoid fuelling controversy after his departure, saying his relationship with Roma, though imperfect, did not deserve a bitter ending. "There is a moment and a place for everything: if I had wanted to say something, I should have done it when I was still there," he said.

Daniele De Rossi has given an interview to Cronache di Spogliatoio, with the full version to be released tomorrow at 13:00. The former Roma captain spoke about his dismissal in September 2024, saying: "I was furious. I had my 'enemies' and I felt beaten in a battle I didn't have time to fight. But I never wanted to show I was bitter about it. I only did that once in a press conference at Spal and I regretted it. I've worked hard on those things." De Rossi's tenure at Roma ended after just four matches in 2025, a difficult conclusion to his association with the club where he spent his playing career as a one-club legend. He reflected on the emotional toll of the role, particularly the intensity surrounding matches against Lazio in the Derby della Capitale. He described the psychological weight of derby fixtures, saying he would spend three days beforehand feeling unwell, with teammate Dacourt supporting him through the ordeal. De Rossi expressed regret over how his time at Roma concluded, stating: "My history with Roma wasn't perfect, but it didn't deserve an ending with loose ends."

Paolo Marcacci's weekly ratings roundup highlights Paulo Dybala's perfectly struck free-kick against Cannes in a friendly, earning top marks for technical excellence regardless of the opposition's standard. Donyell Malen has returned from his recent World Cup commitments with renewed hunger for goals and prominence in Roma's attacking play, while Devyne Rensch is already showing signs of sharpness and remains underrated heading into official fixtures. Pierluigi Gollini's position as second-choice keeper warrants reflection from the club. Matías Soulé's fitness condition drew specific mention from Gasperini in a recent press conference, with Soulé appearing among those most behind pace during the Cannes match—though this observation carries no bearing on ongoing transfer considerations. Angeliño's search for match sharpness requires respectful patience rather than unsolicited commentary. The wider ratings reflect concerns about Italy's national team setup under new management, with political interference in sporting matters undermining both the sport itself and public confidence.

Matías Soulé has been exchanging compliments with fellow Argentine Santiago Castro on social media as the two prepare to become teammates at Roma. Castro, the former Bologna striker, will join Paulo Dybala and Soulé in the Roma attack, uniting three Argentine players in the capital. Soulé, who wears number 18, has regularly praised Castro online in recent weeks. Under one of Castro's recent posts, Soulé wrote: "Che giocatore mio fratello!" ("What a player my brother!"). On another occasion, he joked about Castro's fashion sense, writing: "After put on the shirt, right? Do you have it in a pocket?" The two have maintained an active friendship through social media commentary. Roma fans are eager to see the three Argentines in action together, and Soulé himself appears keen to finally share the pitch with his friend. The arrival of Castro completes a striking force that will give the club considerable attacking depth and creativity.

Radio Roma commentators have weighed in on the club's transfer strategy following its opening move, with widespread consensus that an attacking winger remains the urgent priority before the squad departs for Wales. Lorenzo Pes said: "The first market move is a bit late; now D'Amico's mission is to sign the winger before the trip to Wales. Beyond Nusa there are other profiles we don't know about; after Summerville, Roma is working behind the scenes, and they're trying to close a deal before Friday." Simone Valdarchi added that an attacking winger "will be a fundamental piece the club wants to cover," while Piero Torri expects both a full-back and an attacking winger to arrive within two weeks. Roberto Pruzzo praised Castro as "an excellent level player" but stressed that Roma must still complete its attacking setup. He noted: "Now you have Dybala, you have Soulé, you have Castro, you have Malen…you don't have physicality, but you have players who are at a very high level." Valdarchi also suggested that a departure may follow, naming Koné as a potential sale, and noted that Salah-Eddine is set to leave in the coming days. The consensus reflects a broader view that while Roma's squad possesses technical quality, the club must act swiftly to address gaps before competitive action begins.

Mile Svilar has dismissed reports of a Juventus offer and reaffirmed his total commitment to AS Roma. Juventus submitted a 40-million-euro bid for the goalkeeper in late June, but Svilar said he had no knowledge of the approach. Speaking to multiple Italian media outlets, he stated: "I know nothing of this story, at least as far as I'm concerned. I cannot tell you anything because I was not consulted and for me, as you should know by now, there is only Roma. I am focused on giving my best for this shirt, this club and these supporters." The goalkeeper said Roma are building towards a strong season despite fatigue in pre-season friendlies. On the prospect of Champions League football, he said: "Playing in the Champions League is a beautiful thing. In Serie A it will be difficult to confirm third place, especially because with that type of European commitment during the week we must always be at our best." Svilar expressed confidence in the squad's ability to compete, adding: "No, I do not fear anyone. I cannot wait to play against whoever." When asked about the imminent returns of injured players and further transfer activity beyond Castro, Svilar declined specifics but mentioned ongoing contact with Lorenzo Pellegrini: "I cannot say anything, but with Lorenzo it is clear that we are in touch. We have spoken, let's see what happens in the coming days."

Mile Svilar has firmly closed the door on any departure from Roma, dismissing transfer speculation and reaffirming his commitment to the club. In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, the Belgian-Serbian goalkeeper said: "For me it has always been only Roma, you should know that by now after the renewal. I am focused on giving my best for this shirt, this club and these fans. My heart is here." Juventus made an enquiry in mid-June to test the feasibility of a deal, but sporting director Tony D'Amico blocked any move, deeming Svilar immovable. Svilar has established himself as a leader under Gian Piero Gasperini's new era at the Stadio Olimpico. He recorded 132 appearances for Roma and a save percentage of 79% last season—the highest in Serie A. The goalkeeper credited much of his individual success to his understanding with the defensive line, expressing relief at the retention of key personnel: "It is a fortune that N'Dicka and Mancini have stayed. I have the fortune of having one of the best defences in Europe. A goalkeeper is nothing without prepared and attentive teammates." Svilar also confirmed he remains in contact with former captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, saying "I have been in touch with Lorenzo, he cannot wait to return." He has put behind him disappointment over missing the World Cup with Belgium due to bureaucratic and registration issues linked to Serbia, preferring to concentrate solely on Roma.

Mile Svilar has dismissed speculation linking him with Juventus, stating his sole focus remains AS Roma. The goalkeeper addressed reports that Juve had tabled a 40 million euro offer for him at the end of June, saying: "I don't know anything about this story, at least as far as I'm concerned. I can't tell you anything because I wasn't consulted and for me, you should know by now, there is only Roma. I'm focused on giving my best for this shirt, this club and these fans." Svilar, who has established himself as one of Serie A's standout goalkeepers in recent seasons, discussed Roma's ambitions for the campaign ahead. When asked about expectations, he said: "We're working, our legs are heavy. We still have a month before the league starts, so everything seems premature. Playing in the Champions League is something beautiful. In the league it will be difficult to confirm third place, especially because during the week with that type of European commitments we'll need to always be at our best. Teams to fear? No, I don't fear anyone. I can't wait to play against whoever." Svilar highlighted the solidity of Roma's defence, crediting the presence of Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka. Regarding Lorenzo Pellegrini's injury status, he remained coy: "I can't say anything, then with Lorenzo it's clear we're in touch. We've spoken, let's see what happens in the coming days."

Matías Soulé has been proposed to AC Milan through intermediaries as Roma reshape their attacking department. The Argentine playboy, whose future at Trigoria remains uncertain amid the club's offensive restyling, could offer a solution for the Rossoneri. The proposal arrives at a critical moment in the summer window, with Roma eager to generate funds and unlock the incoming transfers demanded by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Milan has not yet responded officially to the possibility of opening talks. Roma's primary focus remains the right flank, where Zeki Çelik's departure to Juventus on a free transfer has created a significant gap. The club's director of sport Tony D'Amico has identified Ivan Fresneda, a Spanish fullback born in 2004 currently at Sporting Lisbon, as the main target. However, Sporting's valuation of at least 25 million euros complicates negotiations, and Roma are weighing the economic sustainability of a potential deal. Elsewhere, Mile Svilar has ruled out any move away from Roma, telling Corriere dello Sport: "For me there has only ever been Roma, you should know that by now after my renewal. I am focused on giving my best for this shirt, this club and these fans. My heart is here." In a separate development, Claudio Ranieri has been named director and president of Club Italia alongside the return of Roberto Mancini as Italy head coach—a decision they made jointly with federation president Giovanni Malagò.

Roma are accelerating their pursuit of a new right-back after Zeki Çelik's departure to Juventus on a free transfer. Sporting CP's Ivan Fresneda, a Spanish winger born in 2004, has emerged as the club's primary target, according to reports from Matteo Moretto. Sporting are holding firm on an initial valuation of 25 million euros for the young talent, and Roma's sporting director Tony D'Amico is currently assessing the financial viability of the move ahead of a potential bid in the coming days. The search for Fresneda underscores Roma's determination to reshape their right flank and bolster their attacking unit. Gasperini has made clear his desire for swift action in the transfer window, particularly as the squad prepares for their training camp in Wales. The head coach believes the recent arrival of Santiago Castro alone is insufficient to complete the squad, and he is pushing for decisive acceleration in recruitment timelines. D'Amico is weighing up both the cost and economic sustainability of pursuing Fresneda at Sporting's asking price. The club's emphasis on the right side comes as part of broader summer restructuring that extends beyond defensive needs.

Roma are actively searching for a replacement on the right flank following Zeki Çelik's departure to Juventus on a free transfer. The leading target is Ivan Fresneda, the Spanish defender born in 2004 at Sporting CP. Director of sport D'Amico has identified Fresneda as a priority and is currently assessing the feasibility and costs of a deal. Sporting have set an initial valuation of €25 million, and while Roma are considering their options, the club may attempt a move in the coming days. Gasperini is pushing to accelerate business in the transfer market ahead of the pre-season training camp in Wales. The coach has flagged that the current squad lacks depth across multiple positions and cannot rely solely on recent signing Castro to address all the gaps. Roma's recruitment team is working across multiple departments to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season.