Koné and El Aynaoui set to start in France–Morocco World Cup quarter-final

AS Roma has confirmed Margiotta's appointment as the new head of the youth sector. The club continues preparations for the new season while monitoring the transfer market closely. In the midst of Roma's ongoing work, Manchester United has reportedly entered the race for midfielder Manu Koné, preparing an offer of 50 million pounds. The interest from the English club represents a potential test of Roma's resolve to retain one of their midfield assets during the summer window.

Mason Greenwood will not join Roma, with the club now shifting focus to alternative attacking reinforcements. Director D'Amico is evaluating multiple options including Nusa, Garnacho, and Godts as Gasperini seeks an offensive addition before the pre-season retreat begins on 13 July. The manager wants a new attacking face in place for the start of training, though sources suggest the deal will be challenging to complete. Beyond the front line, Roma's recruitment drive extends across multiple positions. The club has identified Moreira as its primary target for the wing, with Chelsea connections forming part of the intrigue. The defensive departments are also on the radar for reinforcement as the Friedkin Group backs Gasperini's reshaping of the squad. Outgoing transfers are gathering pace. Matías Soulé has signalled openness to a move to the Premier League, while Manu Koné has attracted interest from Manchester United. Mourinho's involvement has played an indirect role in the Koné situation, adding another layer to the summer's activity both in and out of the Olimpico.

Manchester United are seriously considering a move for Roma midfielder Manu Koné as an alternative to Aurélien Tchouaméni, who is close to renewing with Real Madrid. Koné would welcome a Premier League transfer, and Roma are ready to strike a deal should United present a €50 million offer. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, have not abandoned their pursuit of winger Mason Greenwood. Manager Diego Simeone's backing has reinvigorated the Spanish club's interest, with a fresh bid potentially coming in the coming hours, though Fenerbahçe currently holds the advantage. On Roma's transfer agenda, director of football Ghisolfi is monitoring interest in Matías Soulé, with Premier League side Sunderland conducting initial inquiries. Those remain at the information-gathering stage and have not yet developed into formal negotiations. Roma's primary offensive target is Assane Diao of Como, whose profile aligns with the club's technical and financial parameters. Como value the Senegalese forward between €25 and €30 million, but Sporting Lisbon and Deportivo La Coruña are also in contention. Sportive director Tony D'Amico continues to maintain contact over Dan Ndoye and is monitoring Alejandro Garnacho. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to receive no significant reinforcements before the official squad assembly at Trigoria on 13 July, though he awaits at least two quality wide-forward recruits ahead of upcoming fixtures.

Manu Koné and Neil El Aynaoui, both Roma midfielders, will oppose each other when France meet Morocco in a World Cup quarter-final at Foxborough tonight at 22:00 Italian time. The match will be broadcast on Rai 1 and RaiPlay, as well as DAZN. This marks the first time two Roma players have met in a World Cup quarter-final since 3 July 1998, when Luigi Di Biagio and Vincent Candela faced off in France–Italy at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. That match ended 0–0 after extra time and was decided by penalties, with Di Biagio striking the crossbar on Italy's final penalty. Koné has become one of France's key midfielders under Didier Deschamps, impressing in the round of 16 against Paraguay with 66 successful passes from 71 attempts, two shots, one hitting the post, four balls recovered and four defensive actions. He lines up in France's midfield alongside Rabiot. El Aynaoui has started every Morocco match and is one of the team's most dependable midfield operators; against Canada in the last 16 he completed 47 of 55 passes, made eight defensive contributions and recovered four balls. At least one Roma player will progress to the semi-finals. Both are in peak form and integral to their national teams' campaigns, ensuring the Giallorossi a significant presence in one of the tournament's biggest remaining fixtures.

France face Morocco in a World Cup quarter-final clash pitting an established, high-performing French side against a rising African representative. France will be led by Mbappé, operating in peak form despite external pressure, and supported by Olise, Barcolà and Dembelè in attack. Morocco's defensive line features Hakimi, Mazraoui, Diaz and AS Roma's Neil El Aynaoui. The Moroccan squad has impressed throughout the tournament and remains undefeated in their campaign. One uncertainty for Morocco centres on Saibari, who is recovering from an injury sustained in their previous match and may not be available for selection.

Bryan Cristante has become an indispensable figure for Roma in the 2025–26 season, finally silencing years of criticism by leading the club's midfield as they qualified for the Champions League and won a European trophy. The midfielder made 37 appearances from 38, accumulating 3,103 minutes—more than any other outfield player at the club. Deployed frequently by Gasperini in a two-man midfield pairing with Koné, Pisilli, or El Aynaoui, Cristante also operated as a central attacking midfielder behind two strikers to cover offensive shortcomings, showcasing the professionalism Gasperini considers essential for future campaigns. Cristante's goal tally was modest: two goals across all competitions, both in Serie A. He opened his account in Roma's 2–1 victory at Fiorentina on 5 October 2025, then added another in the 3–0 home win over Cremonese on 22 February 2026. Critics had long blamed his extended playing time for Roma's failure to reach the Champions League in previous seasons, but this campaign vindicated his consistent contribution. Gasperini, like Mourinho, De Rossi, Ranieri before him, and Italy manager Mancini—with whom Cristante won the 2021 European Championship—has consistently recognised his value. Cristante averaged a season rating of 6.2, slightly above par. Standout performances earned him 7-point ratings in derbies against Lazio (0–1 and 2–0), wins over Fiorentina (1–2), Sassuolo (0–1), and Roma–Como (1–0, receiving 7.5). His poorest showings came in Inter–Roma (5–2) and Genoa–Roma, both scored 4, though the Inter collapse saw the entire squad struggle.