Mancini challenges yellow taboo as Gasperini avoids calculated approach for derby

Francesco Rocca, President of the Lazio Region, has set out strict conditions for the proposed new Roma stadium at Pietralata. Speaking at a press conference at Pertini Hospital, Rocca made clear that two issues are non-negotiable: acoustic protection and traffic management. He stated: "For the Stadium at Pietralata there are two things. First, acoustics, which is non-negotiable. The hospital and nearby homes must be protected and the stadium's acoustics must never interfere with a hospital's quiet: we must have a guarantee, through design, that this is certain." The acoustics requirement stems from the stadium's proximity to Pertini Hospital and residential areas. Rocca's second concern centers on traffic and parking, drawing from personal experience living near the Stadio Olimpico. He warned: "If the area is not well served and if there are problems these cannot absolutely be discharged onto the Pertini. The mayor knows this aspect very well and I expect clear answers for traffic that does not harm citizens and ensures necessary emergency-urgent pathways and the right to visits for hospitalized patients. All this must absolutely be guaranteed, even on days when the stadium will be used." Rocca emphasized that he expects the mayor to provide clear solutions addressing these infrastructure concerns before the project advances further.

Commentary on Roma's transfer operations suggests head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is frustrated with how the club managed the Greenwood transfer. Questions have been raised about Roma's transfer timing and decision-making processes. The article features radio commentary discussing tactical preferences and squad building, with references to previous transfer dealings involving players linked to Marseille. Details remain unclear on the specific nature of Gasperini's concerns or what transfer alternatives Roma may be pursuing.

Roma midfielder Manu Koné started for France in their Round of 16 World Cup match against Paraguay, replacing the injured Aurélien Tchouameni. Despite the absence of Real Madrid's midfielder, French media and supporters have praised Koné's solid display. France won 1–0 thanks to a Kylian Mbappé penalty, advancing to the quarter-finals while demonstrating resilience against a compact defensive opponent. Koné earned widespread acclaim for his performance across both defensive and attacking phases. Journalist Olivier Bossard of L'Équipe stated: "I am not concerned about Tchouameni's absence. I think Koné will be very good and hold firm. We are not losing quality—in fact, we may even improve with him, because we gain attacking options without losing anything in defence." The Roma midfielder recorded 88 touches, tied for the match high, and attempted three long-range shots while making continuous defensive interventions. RMC Sport named him man of the match, though some outlets such as Le Figaro highlighted technical errors in the first half. Deschamps' assistant Guy Stéphan described Koné as "a different type of player, one with quality and a different profile," emphasizing his ball recovery abilities and distribution. Koné was cautioned late in the match but demonstrated the work rate and versatility that satisfied French staff and supporters alike.

Zeki Celik is close to signing a new three-year contract with AS Roma following Turkey's elimination from the World Cup at the group stage. The club and player have reached an agreement in principle, with an announcement expected in the coming days. However, Celik will not be Gasperini's starting right-back. The head coach has requested reinforcement on the right flank and views Celik as a versatile option who can operate on either wing or as a right centre-back to rotate with Gianluca Mancini. Gasperini's primary target for the right-back position is a younger profile than Molina, who is considered a secondary option at 28 years old. Dodô is not being pursued, as Roma has not made any formal approach for the player. On the left side, Wesley remains a key part of the plans after rejecting Chelsea and is ready for the upcoming season. Ruggeri is not a target for Roma. The club will seek an alternative to Wesley on the left, with Angeliño expected to depart. Roma continues to work on contract extensions for key players, with Celik's renewal progressing alongside talks with Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini regarding their own deals.

Inter has reportedly reactivated contact with AS Roma defender Evan Ndicka as the Serie A transfer window officially opens. The club is exploring alternatives after failing to secure other defensive targets. Ndicka, currently on international duty with Ivory Coast, is considered a key reinforcement for Inter's defence, but Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini views him as non-transferable. Inter's pursuit of other defensive options, including an unnamed player reportedly from another club, has stalled, prompting the renewed approach for the Roma defender. Niccolò Pisilli has also emerged as a potential target for Inter, with reports suggesting the club is considering the Roma midfielder as an alternative in their search for a successor in that position. The 2004-born midfielder is valued at approximately 25 million euros. However, both Ndicka and Pisilli have repeatedly expressed their commitment to Roma, and the club has made clear it does not wish to part with either player. Gasperini's stance on keeping these players is firm, presenting significant obstacles to any Inter move. Closing a 30-million-euro deal or higher in the remaining hours before the deadline would prove extremely difficult logistically. Additionally, Gianluca Mancini is approaching a contract extension with Roma and is unlikely to move to Milan.

Sergio Oliveira, the Portuguese midfielder who left Roma, returned to the city to attend the wedding of El Shaarawy and Ludovica Pagani. At the celebration, Oliveira reconnected with former teammates Lorenzo Pellegrini, Bryan Cristante, and Gianluca Mancini—players with whom he won the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022. Oliveira shared his reflections on social media about his time at Roma, saying: "Roma is special. It has brought me so much. Not only sporting moments but mainly fantastic people. I am very happy to be here on this beautiful day, a truly special moment for my friend Ste. Even though we spent little time together, when you share the same values it becomes easy to understand each other and lend a hand. Thank you to you all and I wish you a life full of happiness." The post underscores the bond formed during the Giallorossi's successful European campaign and the lasting relationships built within the club. The wedding also included attendance from other Roma-connected figures, with details of their presence marking another chapter in the club's recent history of trophy success.