Gasperini: continuous dialogue with Friedkin, contract renewals a matter of days

Italy's refereeing authority has appointed Orsato as its new referee designator, replacing Rocchi for the upcoming season. Roma have confirmed the pre-season fixture dates and times for both the men's and women's teams. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini addressed Sky Sport in the evening to discuss the club's transfer strategy, contract renewals, and Champions League preparations. The appointment marks a significant change in Italian football's administrative structure ahead of the new campaign. Roma's pre-season schedule has been released to supporters, allowing fans to plan attendance for both squads. Gasperini's media appearance reflected the club's commitment to transparency during the transfer window and ahead of European competition. Additional developments from Pietralata concerned sanctions related to a former resident, though specifics of this matter were not detailed.

Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed that Roma's pre-season will begin next week and outlined the club's ambitions following Champions League qualification. Speaking at a Sky Sport 2026–27 schedule presentation, the head coach stated: "After the qualification in Champions we want to be protagonists also in the next season." Gasperini revealed he is in constant contact with sporting director Tony D'Amico and the ownership, with the transfer market set to intensify in the coming days. On contract renewals, he offered reassurance: "They will be announced by the club, but we are all happy to continue together. It is a matter of days." Paulo Dybala will remain at Roma after a total agreement was reached on his contract renewal, with all bonus details finalised. The club is expected to announce the extension shortly. Franck Kessié is also on Roma's radar, with Gasperini having managed the midfielder at Atalanta and appreciating his physical and dynamic qualities. However, Kessié's wage demands remain prohibitively high despite his availability on a free transfer, making the move unlikely unless he significantly reduces his salary expectations. Analysts have questioned the feasibility of a move for Mason Greenwood, with concerns focused on both the transfer fee to Marseille and Greenwood's own financial demands. Roberto Pruzzo noted that if Roma do proceed with signing Greenwood as an alternative to current striker Artem Dovbyk, the club should prioritise establishing clear targets rather than speculative moves ahead of what is expected to be a two-year title push.

Gian Piero Gasperini and Fabio Capello shared a warm exchange at Sky Sport's schedule presentation, with the former Roma Scudetto winner offering his backing to the current giallorossi boss. Capello interrupted Gasperini to deliver an encouraging message about the squad being assembled at the Stadio Olimpico. "You're building a team with which you cannot fail. From what one reads, you will build a great squad," Capello told Gasperini, according to the former's remarks at the event. The interaction underscored mutual respect between two figures who have shaped Italian football history. Capello, the last manager to win the Serie A title with Roma, expressed optimism about Roma's chances of success under Gasperini's stewardship. Capello framed the potential achievement in historical terms, saying: "I wish you all the best. It's a great pleasure to see you again. After twenty years Roma will do it again: Liedholm, Capello and... Gasperini." The reference invoked Alfredo Liedholm and Capello himself as previous Roma Scudetto-winning managers, suggesting Gasperini could join that elite group and end the club's two-decade drought without a league title.