Malen dreams of Stadio Circo Massimo glory as Roma train in Wales

Gianluca Mancini has declared his intention to spend his entire career at Roma following his contract renewal with the club. Speaking from the Welsh training camp, the defender said: "Roma for me is home. Then in football you never know, but I hope it can be like this: Roma for life." Mancini also discussed his recent performances in the Derby della Capitale, saying he did not anticipate scoring twice and only fully grasped the significance during a break: "Before it seemed to me that I had only done my duty, it was like scoring two goals against Milan, Juventus or Inter. Then I understood." Mancini underlined his emotional attachment to the club, referencing a tattoo he pledged to get in December if Roma qualified for the Champions League. "SPQR is a beautiful inscription and it sums up the bond I have with the city and with the club," he said. He also praised the role of those supporting him, noting: "I am not crazy, but you cannot command the heart. When I signed we hugged each other. And he was happy to see me happy." On the absence of Lorenzo Pellegrini from the squad, Mancini described the midfielder as a lifelong friend and an important figure in the dressing room: "But he is missed by everyone, we hope he can reach us soon. He is an important figure for the dressing room and as a player he can give us a great helping hand."

Neil El Aynaoui is pushing hard to establish himself as a key figure in Gasperini's Roma midfield. After a mixed previous season that saw him instrumental in the club's late Champions League push, the midfielder returned from Morocco's World Cup campaign with a minor left knee problem but has integrated fully into group training. To accelerate his fitness, he completes additional solo running sessions around the club's training base, working under close supervision from Gasperini's staff. In a behind-closed-doors match two days ago, El Aynaoui scored twice—once with a header from a Cherubini cross and once from distance—as he competes for regular minutes. El Aynaoui arrived from Lens with a goalscoring reputation, having netted 8 goals in 24 matches. Since joining Roma he has managed only two goals—one in Serie A and one in the Europa League—a return that falls short of expectation. Aston Villa has enquired about him, but his future remains with the Giallorossi. Gasperini faces midfield injury problems: Bah has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture, Pisilli is still unavailable, and Koné is expected back only on 10 August. Manchester United continue to pursue Koné without having made a concrete move, but El Aynaoui is determined to climb the hierarchy and carve out a leading role in Roma's midfield.

Paolo Marcacci's weekly ratings column examines the week in football, with several entries touching on Roma's early summer activity. Angeliño earns praise for his dignified handling of adversity both on and off the pitch, while his standing with Roma supporters remains firm regardless of what lies ahead. Gasperini's words have sealed the club's confidence in the Castro purchase, a signing valued favourably against recent acquisitions, and the coach's comments at Cardiff reflect a measured impatience: with twenty days until the season opener, more players are still needed despite the calibre of those already recruited. Pellegrini's contract situation continues toward resolution, though lingering hesitation leaves an air of awkwardness surrounding the matter. The column also revisits Franco Baresi's legacy as one of football's rarest defenders—a player who would have been exceptional in any era. His influence on Milan's honours, including their first Scudetto with Rivera and Capello, transcended the ceremonial role of captain. Meanwhile, Dybala's preseason has impressed, with a clean knee and renewed stability allowing his creativity and hunger for consistency to flourish. The broader narrative captures Roma's transfer strategy and the coach's patient but increasingly urgent call for more depth before the campaign begins.

Gasperini has built his managerial career around principles borrowed from Dutch football, and that influence is now visible in Roma's recruitment strategy. The Roma head coach, who arrived at the club in 2025, has consistently favoured Dutch-trained players throughout his time at Atalanta. His signature three-at-the-back defence draws directly from Ajax's early-2000s model, while the pressing intensity reflects the "totaalvoetbal" of 1970s Netherlands. At Atalanta, Gasperini deployed Hans Hateboer at right-back (245 matches between 2017 and 2024) and Robin Gosens on the left (157 appearances from 2017 to 2022), both embodying the attacking wing-back style typical of Dutch football. The most loyal pupil of Gasperini's management is Maarten de Roon, who made 358 appearances under the coach between 2017 and 2024, serving as both midfielder and captain. De Roon was recalled from Middlesbrough to Bergamo in 2017 at Gasperini's specific request. Teun Koopmeiners, signed from AZ Alkmaar in 2021, was transformed into a lethal playmaker and proved decisive in the Europa League victory before being sold to Juventus for €57 million. At Roma, Gasperini has already worked with Devyne Rensch and Donyell Malen, who scored 15 goals in 20 matches last January during Roma's Champions League run. The club has also pursued Givairo Read from Feyenoord, the 20-year-old currently in the sights of Roma's recruitment team.

Donyell Malen has expressed his ambition to win the Serie A scoring title in an exclusive interview, declaring his satisfaction at Roma and ruling out any thoughts of leaving the club. The Dutch forward reflected on the 2001 Scudetto celebrations at Circo Massimo and said repeating that experience would be "a wonderful dream". He backed the potential arrival of fellow countryman Givairo Read to strengthen the squad, describing the proposed move enthusiastically. On tactics, Malen acknowledged that coach Gasperini prefers not to deploy him and Santiago Castro together from the start, but stressed he is comfortable with multiple strike partners. "The important thing is that if you want to compete at the highest level you need strong players, and Santiago is one," he said, adding that Paulo Dybala is "a magician". Regarding the unsuccessful pursuit of Summerville, Malen revealed he had spoken to the player directly. "Yes, I had contacted Crys. Unfortunately it went badly but I don't want to comment on a friend's choices. I only wish him the best," he said. Malen expressed hope of matching Edin Dzeko's achievement from 10 years ago as Roma's last top scorer with 29 goals, though he emphasised taking things week by week. He highlighted that last season's primary success was securing Champions League qualification after seven years, rather than personal goal tallies, and expressed a desire to repeat that achievement.

Donyell Malen has settled quickly at Roma and dreams of celebrating a Serie A title at the Circo Massimo, recalling footage of the club's 2001 Scudetto celebrations there. The Dutch forward credits head coach Gasperini with giving him clear direction and confidence. "The trust he has placed in me, the clarity with which he expresses himself," Malen said. "It's hard not to understand what he asks. He knows my qualities and puts me in the best conditions to finish the team's work." Malen reflected on his journey through the Netherlands, Germany, England, and now Italy, noting that Roma's path to Champions League qualification after seven years was more significant than individual goal tallies. He acknowledged Gasperini's recent suggestion that he and Santiago Castro may rarely start together, accepting the coach's tactical decisions. On Paulo Dybala, he said simply: "A magician." Malen spoke warmly of his wife Delisha, whom he has known since adolescence, and their recent addition—daughter Shiloh, now six months old, joining three older sons. His mother, who worked night shifts as a taxi driver to support the family during the day, earned particular gratitude. Growing up in a rural area with farms and animals, Malen earned the childhood nickname "the farmer with clogs" after copying his grandfather's footwear.

Paolo Marcacci's weekly ratings column examines the week in football, with several entries touching on Roma's early summer activity. Angeliño earns praise for his dignified handling of adversity both on and off the pitch, while his standing with Roma supporters remains firm regardless of what lies ahead. Gasperini's words have sealed the club's confidence in the Castro purchase, a signing valued favourably against recent acquisitions, and the coach's comments at Cardiff reflect a measured impatience: with twenty days until the season opener, more players are still needed despite the calibre of those already recruited. Pellegrini's contract situation continues toward resolution, though lingering hesitation leaves an air of awkwardness surrounding the matter. The column also revisits Franco Baresi's legacy as one of football's rarest defenders—a player who would have been exceptional in any era. His influence on Milan's honours, including their first Scudetto with Rivera and Capello, transcended the ceremonial role of captain. Meanwhile, Dybala's preseason has impressed, with a clean knee and renewed stability allowing his creativity and hunger for consistency to flourish. The broader narrative captures Roma's transfer strategy and the coach's patient but increasingly urgent call for more depth before the campaign begins.

Donyell Malen has expressed his ambition to win the Serie A scoring title in an exclusive interview, declaring his satisfaction at Roma and ruling out any thoughts of leaving the club. The Dutch forward reflected on the 2001 Scudetto celebrations at Circo Massimo and said repeating that experience would be "a wonderful dream". He backed the potential arrival of fellow countryman Givairo Read to strengthen the squad, describing the proposed move enthusiastically. On tactics, Malen acknowledged that coach Gasperini prefers not to deploy him and Santiago Castro together from the start, but stressed he is comfortable with multiple strike partners. "The important thing is that if you want to compete at the highest level you need strong players, and Santiago is one," he said, adding that Paulo Dybala is "a magician". Regarding the unsuccessful pursuit of Summerville, Malen revealed he had spoken to the player directly. "Yes, I had contacted Crys. Unfortunately it went badly but I don't want to comment on a friend's choices. I only wish him the best," he said. Malen expressed hope of matching Edin Dzeko's achievement from 10 years ago as Roma's last top scorer with 29 goals, though he emphasised taking things week by week. He highlighted that last season's primary success was securing Champions League qualification after seven years, rather than personal goal tallies, and expressed a desire to repeat that achievement.

Donyell Malen has settled quickly at Roma and dreams of celebrating a Serie A title at the Circo Massimo, recalling footage of the club's 2001 Scudetto celebrations there. The Dutch forward credits head coach Gasperini with giving him clear direction and confidence. "The trust he has placed in me, the clarity with which he expresses himself," Malen said. "It's hard not to understand what he asks. He knows my qualities and puts me in the best conditions to finish the team's work." Malen reflected on his journey through the Netherlands, Germany, England, and now Italy, noting that Roma's path to Champions League qualification after seven years was more significant than individual goal tallies. He acknowledged Gasperini's recent suggestion that he and Santiago Castro may rarely start together, accepting the coach's tactical decisions. On Paulo Dybala, he said simply: "A magician." Malen spoke warmly of his wife Delisha, whom he has known since adolescence, and their recent addition—daughter Shiloh, now six months old, joining three older sons. His mother, who worked night shifts as a taxi driver to support the family during the day, earned particular gratitude. Growing up in a rural area with farms and animals, Malen earned the childhood nickname "the farmer with clogs" after copying his grandfather's footwear.

Roma's midfield contingency plans have unravelled during the early stages of pre-season. Niccolò Pisilli suffered a calf injury after only ten days of training at Trigoria and is unlikely to feature in the remaining friendly matches in Wales, while Bryan Cristante also picked up an injury in the opening test against Cardiff. With Manu Koné on extended leave following France's World Cup campaign until 18 July, and Neil El Aynaoui only recently returning after Morocco's quarter-final exit at the same tournament, Roma's midfielder options are severely depleted ahead of the new season. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had entered the summer transfer window with a complete and balanced midfield — two senior players per role, plus academy prospects for rotation during pre-season — but injuries have forced a rethink. El Aynaoui's tournament performances have impressed; his Morocco squad reached the quarter-finals and he featured prominently, continuing the form that earned him inclusion in Africa Cup of Nations glory. During his first season in a Roma shirt, the continental competition had limited his early impact, but once his ambition period ended, the number 8 demonstrated strong technical ability, positioning, and defensive work that convinced Gasperini. With only Cristante and El Aynaoui available in midfield before Roma return to Italy, the Moroccan now has a golden opportunity to establish himself in the hierarchy as the 2026–27 campaign approaches.

Roma face Newport County in their second pre-season friendly in Wales on 4 August at 20:00 at the Rodney Parade. The match follows an earlier fixture against Cardiff City during the summer preparation period under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Gasperini is expected to deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Mile Svilar in goal; Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Koulierakis across the back; Devyne Rensch and Wesley as wing-backs; Neil El Aynaoui and Bryan Cristante in midfield; Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé in the attacking midfield line; and Donyell Malen leading the attack. Tickets are available through Newport County's official website. The friendly will be broadcast live on DAZN, with live text coverage available on ilromanista.eu.

Roma radio pundits debated the club's transfer priorities and recent training-ground incidents after an unconvincing pre-season display. Wesley did not train today after suffering an ankle sprain in a challenge with Cardiff; he left the field as a precaution. During the session, Dybala, Castro, Soulé and Wesley trained together before Cristante and Mancini arrived and resolved a disagreement between them. Gasperini has made clear he expects further reinforcements beyond the squad's current strength. While Read's arrival is imminent, the head coach has flagged the left-back position as a priority and wants four additional players in total. Pundits downplayed the on-field tensions as routine rather than symptomatic of deeper discord. Roberto Pruzzo noted that if Soulé raises his level, "it's easier for the others," and highlighted the need for attacking full-backs to support the forward options. He suggested Castro and Malen could complement each other. Torri criticised Roma's commercial execution, questioning why Koné—despite his quality—has attracted no concrete offers while other clubs command higher valuations. "The problem of player sales is there," he said. He also expressed scepticism about Read's rumoured €30 million cost and continued to track Lyon's Fofana as an alternative target, though the Nusa negotiation remains open. Torri added: "I find it incomprehensible that there are no offers for Koné."