Malen: I wish I'd arrived earlier; Totti was special

AS Roma's squad assembled at Trigoria on the opening day of pre-season training ahead of the new campaign, with players keen to return to competitive action and pursue a Champions League place. Several squad members shared glimpses of the session across social media, posting messages ahead of what promises to be a demanding year. Midfielder Matías Soulé wrote: "We're back", while defender Wesley offered his hopes: "May it be a fantastic season". The Brazilian defender is preparing for another top-level campaign after missing out on World Cup action with his national team.

AS Roma began its summer training camp at Trigoria on Wednesday morning under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The club confirmed the squad of 17 players taking part in the initial phase of pre-season activity in the capital. The roster includes several players listed for sale: Cherubini, Kumbulla, Mannini, Reale and Pagano. On the transfer front, Chelsea has granted Roma clearance to negotiate with Strasbourg over Diego Moreira by declining to exercise a buyback clause. The pursuit of Alejandro Garnacho remains more complex, though Xabi Alonso confirmed the Manchester United forward will leave Chelsea, stating: "There are many teams interested." Paulo Dybala's contract renewal with Roma has been officially confirmed.

Roma held their opening training session of the 2026–27 season on 13 July under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, following the squad's arrival at Trigoria that morning. New sporting director Tony D'Amico attended the session, which took place around 18:00. The session marked the official return of the historic ASR crest on the training kit, ahead of the official match shirt presentation scheduled for 22 July. Players worked through ball exercises, possession drills, and passing combinations. Wesley took part without restriction after recovering fully from the injury that ruled him out of Brazil's World Cup campaign. The session represents the beginning of Gasperini's tenure at the club after his appointment in 2025.

AS Roma opened summer training at Trigoria on Monday with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and his squad, with dozens of supporters present to greet the team. Players reported around 12:00 and completed their first session at 18:00. Notably absent from the squad call were World Cup representatives Koné (still in competition), N'Dicka, El Aynaoui, Malen, and Çelik—who is close to renewing his contract—as well as Pellegrini, sidelined by injury but nearing a contract extension. Paulo Dybala's renewal has been officially confirmed through 30 June 2027. The forward said: "This story continues, as everyone wanted—the club, me, and the fans. I'm happy to play another season here, another year in this city. Being able to defend Roma's shirt is a privilege for me. Roma means many things to me: honour, responsibility, beauty. There are also many personal reasons that brought me to be here today. When the music we've all been waiting for plays—the Champions League—we'll look at each other, us on the pitch and you in the stands, and we'll be proud of what we're doing." Gasperini told Rai Radio Uno the Friedkins will arrive in the coming hours and stressed the importance of their presence. "From today there will be important accelerations. We hope to do good business in the market and give answers to the enthusiasm of a city that has already made many subscriptions," he said. Pellegrini is set to sign until 2028 with a 2029 option, earning €2.5 million per season plus bonuses; the deal is in final stages before signature.

Xabi Alonso, in his first press conference as Chelsea manager, confirmed that Alejandro Garnacho will leave Stamford Bridge after just one season. The Argentine winger scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists in 43 appearances. Alonso stated: "We have spoken with the sporting director and there are some teams interested in him. We will see how the situation develops. We hope it concludes in the best way possible for all parties involved." AS Roma is among the clubs pursuing Garnacho, but a deal faces complications. Chelsea demands a permanent transfer, while Roma's valuation ceiling sits below Chelsea's asking price of at least 40 million euros. The Roma sporting director is exploring alternative structures, drawing on the template used in the Donyell Malen deal with Aston Villa—a loan with an obligation to buy conditional on specific performance metrics.

Gian Piero Gasperini has announced his initial squad of 17 players for Roma's pre-season training camp at Trigoria as the 2026–27 season officially begins. The Giallorossi are preparing for the new Serie A campaign and a return to Champions League football. Several key players are absent from the initial group. Zeki Çelik is unavailable after his contract expired on 30 June; the Turkish defender is completing his break following the World Cup with his national team, though a contract renewal remains under discussion. Lorenzo Pellegrini is similarly without a deal at present. A staggered return has been arranged for other recent internationals: Evan N'Dicka and Donyell Malen, both recently eliminated from the World Cup, will join the squad later, as will El Aynaoui. Manu Koné's arrival date is yet to be confirmed as he continues with France at the World Cup. Several players returning from loan spells will also train with the first team while their future transfers are resolved. For all involved, the pre-season retreat represents an opportunity to impress Gasperini and stake their claim for the campaign ahead.