Koné: Chelsea interest resolved, fully committed to Roma

Manu Koné addressed speculation about a potential move away from Roma during a France national team press conference ahead of their match against Italy on Friday 2 October at 20:45. The midfielder acknowledged the late summer transfer window interest but reaffirmed his commitment to the club. "Things happened… I'm at Roma, I'm focused, we have objectives. I'm a Roma player and I'll give 100% for this club," Koné said. Roma are preparing to mark their centenary year, which begins in 2027. The club will launch the celebrations at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 2 January when they face Frosinone. In a significant gesture, Roma will wear a special one-off commemorative shirt for that fixture—a kit designed exclusively to honour the club's hundred years since foundation and distinct from the kits that will be used throughout the 2027–28 season. Midfielder Nicolò Pisilli spoke separately about a recurring date in his career. "10 October is my date—it's a day bringing me luck in recent years," he told Vivo Azzurro TV in the Generazione Azzurra format. "In 2024 I made my senior Italy debut at the Olimpico, my club's stadium and my home city. In 2025 I scored my first Under-21 double." Pisilli added that his ambitions include winning a Serie A title with Roma and a World Cup with Italy.

Midfielder Manu Koné acknowledged that transfer talk has surrounded him but insisted his concentration is now entirely on AS Roma and delivering everything for the club. Speaking ahead of international fixtures, Koné addressed the speculation that marked the summer window and outlined his commitment to the Giallorossi's objectives. Koné noted the teasing he receives from teammates and opponents alike because of his status as a Roma player. He acknowledged that Italy, his upcoming opponents, are in a period of reconstruction and going through a difficult moment, but emphasised that both squads approach the fixture with genuine ambition. "There are many jibes, being a Roma player," Koné said. "They have the desire to win, it's an important match, they are rebuilding and going through a complicated moment. We have training this afternoon but we'll set out with the same dynamic to work on the two upcoming matches. We'll do what the coach asks of us."

Niccolò Pisilli has outlined his ambitions for both club and country, telling Vivo Azzurro TV in their Generazione Azzurra format: "Win a Serie A title with Roma and a World Cup with Italy." The Roma midfielder is currently with Italy's Under-21 squad, preparing for two decisive European Championship qualifiers. Tomorrow he faces Armenia in the first of those two crucial matches. Pisilli reflected on key moments in his international career, highlighting 10 October as his lucky date. He made his senior Italy debut on 10 October 2024 at the Stadio Olimpico—Roma's home ground and the club of his heart—in Rome. Exactly one year later, on 10 October 2025, he scored his first Under-21 brace. The 21-year-old has become a central figure at Roma this season and continues to be a focal point of Italy's youth development.