Dybala on Roma move, Mourinho's influence, and World Cup penalty in YouTube interview

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke at Sky Sport's schedule presentation, where he crossed paths with Fabio Capello, Roma's last Serie A title-winning manager. The encounter sparked an exchange between the two, with Capello remarking on Roma's coaching lineage: "After twenty years the story repeats itself: Liedholm, Capello, Gasperini." Gasperini responded by asking if Capello still carried Roma in his heart, affirming the club's enduring pull. Gasperini outlined his ambitions for the season ahead. "After reaching the Champions League, we want to be protagonists once again," he said. The coach acknowledged the influence of the World Cup in drawing attention from players and agents, but stressed that serious transfer activity would intensify once pre-season training began. He confirmed ongoing dialogue with the club's sporting director D'Amico and ownership regarding squad development. On contract renewals for Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Zeki Çelik, Gasperini stated: "The club will handle the official announcements, but we are all happy, including the players—it is a matter of days." Reflecting on last season's podium finish, he noted a strong start and consistent proximity to Champions League places, with only a minor dip in February and March before a strong final stretch. He stressed the squad's solid foundation and competitive group, with the goal of improving further to deliver success for Roma and its supporters.

Paulo Dybala has paid tribute to José Mourinho as the decisive figure behind his decision to join Roma, describing the former manager in glowing terms during an interview with YouTuber Davoo. "Mourinho is a genius and a good person," Dybala said. "He always spoke to us with respect, took care of us, loved us, and Roma's people fell in love with him for what he gave. Thanks to him I arrived in the Capital." The Argentine forward also turned his attention to the international stage, singling out El Aynaoui for praise. "He's having a great World Cup, I'm following him closely," Dybala remarked. "At Roma, beyond saying he's a strong player, he's also a good lad." Dybala also identified Barcelona's Lamine Yamal as a potential successor to Lionel Messi, backing the young talent's trajectory. Dybala revisited the painful memory of Roma's Europa League final defeat to Sevilla in Budapest, addressing controversial refereeing decisions. "It's true, the handball was absurd, but there was more to it than just that during the match," he explained. "There were various moments when the referee made strange calls." The interview gave the Roma playmaker an opportunity to reflect candidly on his time at the club, from Mourinho's impact to lingering disappointment from European competition.

Mason Greenwood's transfer to Roma remains unresolved, with the gap between the club's wage offer and the player's demands blocking a move. Initial contact between Roma and Greenwood's representatives began months ago, and the player had shown openness to the switch before D'Amico opened direct negotiations with Marseille. However, a lucrative offer from Fenerbahçe—reportedly around 7 million euros net annually plus a generous agent commission—has hardened Greenwood's position on salary. Roma has set a strict wage ceiling of 4.5 million euros net and will not exceed it, creating a fundamental impasse. Greenwood's father-agent is now using competing interest to push for higher terms, a negotiating point Roma considers non-negotiable. Gasperini remains confident in the club's direction, stating: "After the Champions, we want to remain protagonists. The ownership wants to improve." The Friedkin Group has signalled willingness to fund significant investments to strengthen the squad, backing the head coach's ambitions. Beyond Greenwood, Roma is close to finalising other deals. News on Çelik and Dybala is expected soon, with agreements already in place. Pellegrini's deal is nearly complete, with only 500,000 euros separating the player and the club from signing. Margiotta's appointment as new youth sector director is confirmed after his departure from Verona.

Leandro Paredes has revealed he attempted to persuade Paulo Dybala to join Boca Juniors, speaking after Argentina's comeback victory over Egypt in the World Cup round of 16 in America. The midfielder confirmed that a move to the Argentine club was among the possibilities under discussion and had crossed Dybala's mind during negotiations. Paredes told reporters in the mixed zone that he had spoken extensively with his compatriot in recent months about the prospect. Dybala, a current Roma player, is in contract renewal talks with the Giallorossi. Paredes said of his teammate: "I spoke a lot with him over these months. It was one of the possibilities on the contract, in his thoughts too. His life is very calm there. So I only wish him the best because he is an exceptional boy." The comments suggest Dybala has chosen to remain in Rome rather than pursue a return to South America at this stage of his career.

Leandro Paredes has offered insight into Paulo Dybala's decision to remain at Roma rather than join Boca Juniors. The former Roma midfielder, who was part of Argentina's World Cup squad, revealed he had spoken extensively with Dybala about the move in recent months. Paredes explained that a switch to Boca had been among the options written into Dybala's contract and was something the forward had considered. Ultimately, Dybala chose to stay at the Giallorossi. Paredes praised the decision, noting the stability Dybala has found in Rome. "His life is very tranquil there," Paredes said. "I wish him only the best, because he is an exceptional player." The comments underline Dybala's contentment with his situation at the club despite the temptation of a return to his native Argentina.

Mason Greenwood's move to Roma has hit a significant impasse over salary demands. Initially enthusiastic about joining the Giallorossi and having reached an understanding with the club, the English forward's stance hardened after Fenerbahçe tabled a rival offer reportedly worth approximately 7 million euros net per season plus commissions. Greenwood's father and agent have since pushed Roma to increase their wage proposal, but the club remains firm on a ceiling of 4.5 million euros net annually, creating a substantial gap that threatens to derail the transfer. Meanwhile, Roma's hierarchy has progressed swiftly on contract renewals. Extensions for Zeki Çelik and Paulo Dybala are reportedly close to completion, with only official announcement pending. Lorenzo Pellegrini's renewal remains slightly unresolved, with approximately half a million euros still to be settled, though this is described as a minor obstacle unlikely to prevent final agreement. On the academy front, Roma has confirmed the appointment of Massimo Margiotta as new head of the youth academy following his official departure from Verona.