Ghilardi First Through the Gates as Roma's 2026–27 Season Gets Under Way

Roma begin their pre-season programme under Gian Piero Gasperini on the morning of his second stint at the club. Players are expected at the Fulvio Bernardini training centre at Trigoria by midday, with the squad list to follow. Gasperini arrives alongside Tony D'Amico as Roma aim to build on their Champions League qualification in his first season, targeting further improvement and European competition. The club awaits contract renewals for Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Zeki Çelik, followed by extensions for Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante. Dybala has agreed to stay for another season on two million euros plus bonuses, with an option to renew based on appearances in the following year. The Argentina forward, intercepted at Fiumicino airport alongside Matías Soulé, is expected to complete his renewal announcement this morning. However, Pellegrini will miss early training as he continues rehabilitation from a late-season injury. Roma's pre-season includes three friendlies at Trigoria (16–24 July) against Primavera, Roma City, and Trastevere, followed by matches in France against Cannes (26 July), then Wales with Cardiff (1 August), Newport (4 August), and Brighton (8 August). The schedule concludes with a prestigious test against Dortmund on 15 August before the Serie A campaign opens.

Paulo Dybala has completed his contract renewal with Roma and will make his debut under Gian Piero Gasperini today, following the formal announcement after signing. Zeki Çelik's renewal is also on the verge of completion, though a handful of details remain to be finalised. Lorenzo Pellegrini's situation differs: negotiations continue at a measured pace, with Roma and the midfielder discussing terms over two years plus an optional third year—Pellegrini is pushing for three years guaranteed—alongside a significant reduction on his current salary. Pellegrini is currently undergoing rehabilitation following a consequence of an injury from the end of last season. Meanwhile, Roma confirmed the consensual termination of Federico Guidi's contract as Primavera head coach. Guidi had managed the youth team from 2022 to 2024 and again in the 2025–26 season, winning a Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana in his first spell, as well as reaching the Scudetto final in 2024. Mattia Scala will be announced as his replacement shortly.

Roma's squad reported to Trigoria by 12 noon on Monday to begin their first week of training under Gian Piero Gasperini, who enters his second season in charge following the club's return to the Champions League. The first session, preceded by routine medical checks, was scheduled for the afternoon after lunch. The squad welcomed back no new faces, with departures including El Shaarawy, Ferguson, Zaragoza and Tsimikas, and the club opted not to publish the squad list publicly. The decision to withhold squad details reflects uncertainty over Paulo Dybala's contract situation. Roma's hierarchy worked to complete all formalities of Dybala's contract renewal by Monday morning, with the financial terms already agreed for several days. Çelik will be the first player to return following his involvement in international competition, though his own renewal announcement has not yet been confirmed. The full or near-full squad is expected only when the team convenes for a training camp in Wales. Gasperini is awaiting reinforcements from the club's sporting director D'Amico, who has drawn up a target list prioritising Moreira, while Garnacho and Tresoldi remain under consideration for the attack and centre-back positions respectively.

Roma is reportedly exploring a possible transfer axis with Bologna as the summer window accelerates. The Giallorossi have made contact regarding three players: Argentine striker Castro, Scottish midfielder Ferguson (Bologna's captain), and defender Ghilardi. Castro, who has also attracted interest from Nottingham Forest, is valued at approximately 40 million euros by Bologna. Ferguson, recently eliminated from the World Cup despite strong individual performances, has drawn attention from Rangers and Atalanta; Bologna is seeking at least 20 million euros plus bonuses for the midfielder. Head coach Gasperini's squad-building plans remain the priority for the Friedkin Group, with Greenwood continuing as the primary transfer target. Roma has informed Bologna that defender Kumbulla—returning from a loan spell at Majorca—is available for transfer, while Bologna has expressed interest in Ghilardi, particularly given the expected departure of Lucumì. The club views Freuler, available on a free transfer from 1 July, as below their level of priority. Details of any formal offers or agreements remain unclear. The 30 June deadline is slowing activity across the market but does not appear to concern Roma's ownership, who remain focused on delivering a competitive squad across all competitions.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has outlined his transfer strategy for Roma's defence, prioritizing continuity over upheaval. The club finished the season with the second-best defence in Serie A, conceding just 31 goals. Gasperini intends to keep the core three—Gianluca Mancini, Hermoso, and Ndicka—as the foundation for next season's Champions League campaign. No departures of starting defenders are planned; instead, Roma will pursue targeted additions to strengthen depth and competition. Among the profiles under consideration are Ostigard from Genoa and Disasi from Chelsea. Ostigard, a Norwegian defender known for aerial prowess and physical dominance, is valued at approximately 8 million euros and appeals to Gasperini's tactical preferences. Disasi represents a more costly option; Chelsea is seeking 25 million euros, but Roma are exploring a loan arrangement. Young centre-back Ghilardi, who developed significantly during the season, is expected to remain and potentially become a key rotation option for European fixtures. Ziolkowski, conversely, remains available for transfer as a potential source of profit. Gasperini has consistently emphasized a measured reconstruction: strategic investments without excessive spending, signing players suited to his football philosophy and ready to compete. The coach aims to avoid complacency following third-place finish while building from defensive stability—a proven foundation in Serie A title races. Roma's return to the Champions League after seven years places added emphasis on tactical preparation and depth.

AS Roma has fundamentally altered its approach to recruitment following the departure of former sporting director Massara and the appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini as head coach. Young prospects acquired for future development—including Robinio Vaz, Ziolkowski, Ghilardi, Venturino, and Ferguson—are now considered surplus to requirements. The club has signaled these players may depart, either permanently or on loan, as Gasperini prioritizes immediate-impact signings over long-term investments. Gasperini's vision emphasizes players ready to contribute immediately rather than prospects requiring development time. Ziolkowski, a Polish defender, has reportedly been rejected multiple times by the coach and could leave permanently, with Nottingham reportedly interested at a valuation of 20 million euros. Similarly, Vaz, a French forward, no longer fits the profile of a reliable backup to Donyell Malen. The club has also rejected Bosnian midfielder Alajebgovic (class 2007), whom Massara had long tracked, with Gasperini deeming him too inexperienced despite interest from Bayer Leverkusen at 35 million euros. Roma's new sporting director D'Amico is recalibrating the transfer strategy to align with Gasperini's demands for quality and readiness rather than raw potential. Targets like Mason Greenwood and Molina represent this shift—experienced international players capable of performing on Europe's biggest stages. With Roma now competing in the Champions League, the club believes there is no margin for experimental signings.