Dybala stars in 6-0 rout of Roma Primavera; Dovbyk sharp, Angeliño raises concerns

Leandro Paredes was shown a red card by referee Vincic after a heated altercation with Spain players at the final whistle of an Argentina–Spain match. According to Lisandro Martinez, Pedri approached Paredes and mocked him, suggesting that without Messi, Argentina's World Cup prospects were finished. Paredes then lost his composure and lunged at Eric Garcia, pushing him and throwing a punch that struck the Spaniard's face. Gavi intervened from behind but was overwhelmed by Paredes's fury and also caught up in the melee. Thiago Almada attempted to calm Paredes but was unable to prevent him from attacking the grounded Gavi. The pair were separated and removed from the field just metres from the referee, who immediately brandished the red card. The former Roma and Juventus midfielder's dismissal was swift, though the exact sequence of events remains contested. Footage shows Paredes engaging Eric Garcia directly before his assault, while the accounts from Argentine players suggest Pedri's provocation was the spark. Given the severity of his actions on camera, Paredes faces the prospect of a suspension longer than a single match.

Roma defeated the Primavera side 6–0 in an internal friendly at Trigoria under the watchful eye of director Tony D'Amico, with Paulo Dybala orchestrating the performance. The match was played in four slots under Gasperini's new-look system. Roma struggled initially in the opening 20 minutes, with Artem Dovbyk spurning a clear chance in front of goal. Once Gasperini reshuffled the lineup around the quarter-hour mark, Dybala took control. Matías Soulé opened the scoring by heading in a Dybala cross, before Soulé himself added a second from a Dybala assist at the 44-minute mark. In the second half, Dybala converted a penalty won by Cherubini and added a fifth with a left-footed half-volley from Soulé's assist, demonstrating the twin's telepathic understanding. Bryan Cristante also scored from a distance, with Dovbyk adding the sixth late on. Angeliño featured for just one half, while Wesley played on the right flank in place of the injured Çelik. Hermoso led the defensive line with authority and precision. Gasperini granted the squad a day's rest following the exercise, with training resuming tomorrow at 18:00.

Paulo Dybala spearheaded Roma's pre-season momentum with a brace and two assists in a 6–0 victory over the Primavera at Trigoria under coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The Argentine playmaker set up goals for Matías Soulé and Artem Dovbyk, who netted twice to open and close the friendly. Bryan Cristante also scored. Wesley, the Brazilian defender, emerged as one of the brightest performers, shaking off an injury sustained before the World Cup, while the squad operated with limited depth after El Aynaoui and Koné are not due back for several weeks. Gasperini was forced to borrow young midfielder Bah on loan from Mattia Scala due to midfield shortages. The match unfolded in four twenty-minute periods and only truly came alive after Dybala and Wesley entered the pitch. Mario Hermoso took a hard knock below the right knee but departed with ice—nothing serious, and the Spanish defender already appears match-ready. Angeliño, however, continues to lack sharpness; the left-back showed the same form as last season with limited drive and fitness still to regain. Gasperini has monitored his progress since the start of the training camp, though his full condition appears distant, signalling that reinforcements may be required in that area of the pitch. Outgoing players including Kumbulla and Pagano remained absent from the friendly.

Paulo Dybala marked Argentina's 1–0 loss to Spain in a World Cup final by honouring Lionel Messi with a heartfelt social media post. The Roma forward shared a photograph of Messi after one of his two goals against England, accompanied by a white heart emoji in celebration of the 10's greatness. Dybala and Messi won the World Cup together in 2022. Despite this latest final ending in defeat for the Argentina squad, the Roma attacker moved quickly to acknowledge his former teammate's stature in the sport. The simple gesture underscored their shared history and Messi's standing as one of football's all-time greats.

Roma's push to sign Summerville from West Ham dominated Roman radio debate, with negotiations reportedly moving toward a deal worth 40–45 million euros. Francesco Balzani reported that talks between Roma and West Ham are progressing well, with a potential agreement expected between that evening and the following day. He cautioned that while Aston Villa poses a theoretical threat, no formal approach had been made at that stage, and timing is crucial: closing the deal quickly eliminates risk, but delay invites competition. Opinion split sharply on the player's merits and tactical fit. Piero Torri expressed enthusiasm for a three-man attacking unit of Summerville on the left, Paulo Dybala on the right, and Donyell Malen centrally, saying: "Summerville a sinistra, Dybala a destra e Malen al centro: con questo tridente non devi mai alzare il pallone, ma per il resto comincio a sentire un certo piacere molto simile all'orgasmo." Others, including former striker Roberto Pruzzo, voiced scepticism, arguing Summerville lacks the decisive quality required and suggesting Roma should pursue alternatives. Claudio Ranieri's unsuccessful pursuit of Mason Greenwood last summer weighed heavily on radio commentary; multiple voices urged caution about repeating that failed chapter. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's measured stance at his press conference—neither dismissing market challenges nor criticising the club's financial strategy—drew careful analysis from Antonio Felici, who noted the manager's tactical alignment with the board on wage discipline.

Alejandro Garnacho has made clear his preference for a transfer to Roma, rejecting an approach from Fiorentina. The Chelsea winger was officially offered to the Viola, but the Argentine responded with a categorical refusal, with Roma under Gian Piero Gasperini his sole focus. The prospect of playing Champions League football and linking up with fellow countrymen Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala at Trigoria holds total appeal for the attacker. Roma's sporting director Tony D'Amico has frozen the pursuit for now, with a significant structural gap between the clubs blocking progress. Roma, bolstered by a recent €46 million investment for Summerville, wishes to avoid further balance-sheet strain and is evaluating the deal solely on a loan basis with a right of purchase. Chelsea, by contrast, is pushing for an outright permanent sale to generate immediate revenue. Without concrete financial offers capable of swaying the London club, the operation remains on hold. Roma intends to return to the attack only at the end of the transfer window should Chelsea soften their stance on a temporary arrangement under more favourable terms.

Roma have tabled an offer of approximately €47 million plus bonuses for Summerville, according to journalist Matteo Moretto, as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini finally moves to secure the left-winger he has wanted since last season. The protracted transfer saga may soon reach a conclusion, with director D'Amico working to fulfil the manager's priorities. Summerville's recent Instagram activity has fuelled speculation, with the player posting photos from his holiday training sessions and the caption "Forever grateful". If the deal is completed at the quoted figure, Summerville would become Roma's most expensive signing in the club's history. Roma's current record stands at €41.1 million, the combined fixed and variable fee paid to Girona for Artem Dovbyk, with Tammy Abraham's 2021 transfer from Chelsea standing at €41 million. Meanwhile, Roma face competition from Inter for midfielder Belghali, though no details of that rival interest were outlined.

Roma are set to break their transfer record in pursuit of Crysencio Summerville from West Ham, with the Dutch winger's arrival signalling the club's intention to rewrite its spending hierarchy. The club has allocated approximately €50 million plus bonuses for the move, alongside a salary ceiling of roughly €4.5 million per season, making Summerville poised to surpass the existing record. The current record holder is Patrick Schick, who arrived from Sampdoria for €42 million. He is followed by Tammy Abraham (€41 million from Chelsea in summer 2021) and Artem Dovbyk (€41.1 million from Girona). Gabriel Omar Batistuta stands fourth at €36.15 million, once the club's most expensive signing for an extended period. The list also includes Antonio Cassano (€31 million), Leonardo Spinazzola (€29.5 million), and Matías Soulé (€28.6 million). Vincenzo Montella, who arrived from Sampdoria in 1999, completes the top ten at €25.82 million. Marash Kumbulla (€26.5 million from Verona) and Steven Nzonzi (€26.65 million from Seville) round out the ten most expensive acquisitions. Both signings have yielded mixed results, with Kumbulla currently deemed surplus to requirements under Gasperini and available for departure, potentially returning to Spain.

Artem Dovbyk has begun the 2026–27 season at Roma following a lengthy injury layoff that sidelined him from February onwards. The Ukrainian striker was among the squad members who reported for pre-season training at Trigoria, where he appeared in a friendly against the Primavera and scored twice, with a third goal ruled out for a marginal offside decision. Although he was booed by some supporters reflecting his difficult two seasons at the club, Dovbyk now has an opportunity to rehabilitate his Roma career under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Dovbyk arrived in summer 2024 from Girona for a total fee of around €36 million, making him one of the most expensive signings in Roma's history. His first season yielded a respectable 17 goals across all competitions in 45 appearances, but the 2025–26 campaign proved far more disappointing, yielding only three Serie A goals in 14 appearances and one assist in European competition before his injury. At 189 cm tall, Dovbyk possesses a distinctly different physical profile from primary striker Donyell Malen and could operate as a relief option or even alongside the Dutch forward in certain tactical moments. His substantial wages make a departure difficult to arrange, but if he remains, Gasperini can deploy him as a reserve to provide cover and potentially relieve pressure on the player.

Roma's pursuit of Celtic midfielder Engels faces fresh competition, with Tottenham now joining the transfer chase. The Scottish club values the player at €25 million, a fee Tottenham under De Zerbi is reportedly prepared to match. Engels is also attracting interest from Serie A rivals Lazio, Milan, and Napoli. Roma's midfield recruitment is not an immediate priority for Gasperini. The coach has Koné, Pisilli, Cristante, and El Ayanoui available in that sector, and the club is unlikely to move for a fresh arrival without selling Koné first. The coming hours are expected to be decisive regarding a separate forward target, Summerville, with the club also monitoring defensive reinforcements across the pitch. The €25 million valuation sets the benchmark for any suitor, though Roma's reluctance to act in midfield until funds are freed suggests they may step back from the Engels race or only pursue it if circumstances change.

Roma defeated the Primavera side 6–0 in an internal friendly at Trigoria under the watchful eye of director Tony D'Amico, with Paulo Dybala orchestrating the performance. The match was played in four slots under Gasperini's new-look system. Roma struggled initially in the opening 20 minutes, with Artem Dovbyk spurning a clear chance in front of goal. Once Gasperini reshuffled the lineup around the quarter-hour mark, Dybala took control. Matías Soulé opened the scoring by heading in a Dybala cross, before Soulé himself added a second from a Dybala assist at the 44-minute mark. In the second half, Dybala converted a penalty won by Cherubini and added a fifth with a left-footed half-volley from Soulé's assist, demonstrating the twin's telepathic understanding. Bryan Cristante also scored from a distance, with Dovbyk adding the sixth late on. Angeliño featured for just one half, while Wesley played on the right flank in place of the injured Çelik. Hermoso led the defensive line with authority and precision. Gasperini granted the squad a day's rest following the exercise, with training resuming tomorrow at 18:00.

Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract renewal with Roma remains deadlocked, with the club offering a two-year deal while the 30-year-old captain seeks a three-year agreement after accepting a significant wage reduction. Having been sidelined last summer before being recalled by Gian Piero Gasperini, Pellegrini has been a free agent for 20 days and has turned down interest from Juventus, Napoli, and Inter—all of whom have made approaches—because he wants only Roma. Gasperini warned in a press conference on Saturday that delays are unhelpful and called for the contract to be resolved quickly, hoping to have the number 7 back in the squad soon. The delay has prompted a banner from the Roma ultras group to appear at Trigoria reading: "Fare un errore può succedere, ripeterlo vuol dire approssimazione. Teniamoci stretto Lorenzo" [Making a mistake can happen, repeating it means carelessness. Let's hold tight to Lorenzo]. Unlike Pellegrini's stalled talks, midfielder Bryan Cristante has signed a new contract through 2028, posting on social media: "Roma and the Roma, for me and my family, are home. A happy place... the city of my children... I prefer to speak little and demonstrate my attachment through sweat, but this bond until 2028 means something special to me: eternal love. I have always given everything for Roma and will continue to do so. I am honoured to continue my journey in giallorosso, a world that is and will always be home."