Mancini commits to Roma for life and reflects on derby heroics

Donyell Malen has expressed his commitment to Roma and his ambition to win Serie A with the club, comparing it to their 2001 scudetto celebrations at Rome's Circo Massimo. Speaking to Il Messaggero during Roma's preseason training camp in Wales, the forward said: "With my family we're doing well, I'm scoring, my relationship with the squad is excellent, the fans are splendid. Right now there would be no reason to think about changing air. A few weeks ago I was watching footage of the 2001 title celebrations at Circo Massimo. Repeating an experience like that would be wonderful, a dream." Malen praised head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's clarity and tactical direction, noting his ability to put players in position to finish. He expressed openness to whatever partnership Gasperini decides, whether alongside Paulo Dybala or any other forward. "Dybala? A magician," he said of his teammate. On the reported departure of Cristante, Malen declined to elaborate: "I had spoken with Crys too. Unfortunately it went badly but I don't want to comment on my friend's choices. I only wish him the best." Malen also commented on potential squad additions, highlighting young Feyenoord talent as a player who "could be useful to us" and reiterating that Roma need quality forwards to compete at the highest level.

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.

Gianluca Mancini has reaffirmed his long-term commitment to AS Roma, declaring his intention to spend his entire career at the club following the signing of a new contract through 2029. In an exclusive interview, the centre-back outlined his ambitions for the coming season, including a Champions League debut and a central role in what he described as a squad still in its construction phase. Mancini revealed he has had the SPQR inscription tattooed on his body as a permanent symbol of his bond with Rome and the club. "Roma me è entrata nel cuore e nel sangue" (Rome has entered my heart and blood), he said. "Sono felicissimo, il rinnovo l'ho voluto con tutto me stesso. Roma per me è casa" (I am very happy, I wanted the renewal with all my heart. Roma is home for me). When asked whether the contract to 2029 means Roma for life, Mancini responded: "Poi nel calcio non si sa mai, ma mi auguro che possa essere così: Roma a vita" (In football you never know, but I hope it can be that way: Roma for life). His agent Riso had reportedly suggested Mancini could have earned more elsewhere, but the defender brushed aside the criticism. "Ha detto ciò che pensava. Ma ha lavorato per i miei interessi. Io pazzo non lo sono, ma al cuor non si comanda. Quando ho firmato ci siamo abbracciati" (He said what he thought. But he worked for my interests. I am not crazy, but the heart commands. When I signed we embraced). On the absence of Lorenzo Pellegrini, Mancini said: "Tanto, è un amico di vita. Ma manca a tutti, speriamo che ci possa raggiungere presto. È una figura importante per lo spogliatoio e come calciatore ci può dare una grande mano" (A lot, he is a lifelong friend. But everyone misses him, we hope he can join us soon. He is an important figure for the dressing room and as a player he can give us a big hand).

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 players Mile Svilar, Gianluca Mancini, Devyne Rensch and new signing Koulierakis spent time with supporters in Wales following the squad's first training session of the day on 3 August. The interaction with fans came during Roma's pre-season preparations, with the group engaging in the customary meet-and-greet activities that characterise the build-up to a new campaign. The presence of Koulierakis, who joined as a new acquisition ahead of the 2026–27 season, marked another step in Roma's summer transfer activity as the squad continues its conditioning work away from the Stadio Olimpico.

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.

Gianluca Mancini has reaffirmed his long-term commitment to AS Roma, declaring his intention to spend his entire career at the club following the signing of a new contract through 2029. In an exclusive interview, the centre-back outlined his ambitions for the coming season, including a Champions League debut and a central role in what he described as a squad still in its construction phase. Mancini revealed he has had the SPQR inscription tattooed on his body as a permanent symbol of his bond with Rome and the club. "Roma me è entrata nel cuore e nel sangue" (Rome has entered my heart and blood), he said. "Sono felicissimo, il rinnovo l'ho voluto con tutto me stesso. Roma per me è casa" (I am very happy, I wanted the renewal with all my heart. Roma is home for me). When asked whether the contract to 2029 means Roma for life, Mancini responded: "Poi nel calcio non si sa mai, ma mi auguro che possa essere così: Roma a vita" (In football you never know, but I hope it can be that way: Roma for life). His agent Riso had reportedly suggested Mancini could have earned more elsewhere, but the defender brushed aside the criticism. "Ha detto ciò che pensava. Ma ha lavorato per i miei interessi. Io pazzo non lo sono, ma al cuor non si comanda. Quando ho firmato ci siamo abbracciati" (He said what he thought. But he worked for my interests. I am not crazy, but the heart commands. When I signed we embraced). On the absence of Lorenzo Pellegrini, Mancini said: "Tanto, è un amico di vita. Ma manca a tutti, speriamo che ci possa raggiungere presto. È una figura importante per lo spogliatoio e come calciatore ci può dare una grande mano" (A lot, he is a lifelong friend. But everyone misses him, we hope he can join us soon. He is an important figure for the dressing room and as a player he can give us a big hand).

Roma's Argentine contingent of Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro were spotted together during the club's training camp in Wales, continuing a tradition established two years earlier when Leandro Paredes formed part of the group at Burton. The three players share close ties—Soulé and Castro work with the same fitness coach, Guido Viggiano, and spent part of their summer break together in Argentina. Their bond was evident during a friendly against Cardiff, when both Soulé and Castro protested to the referee over a challenge on Castro, with Lorenzo Pellegrini stepping in as captain to mediate. The incident had blown over by the following day, with the pair joking together while watching training from the gym. Soulé's position within that circle faces jeopardy, however. The winger has been available for transfer since early June, with Roma seeking a buyer despite rejections from interested Saudi Arabian clubs and only tentative approaches from German and English sides. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical deployment in the Cardiff match offered a telling sign: Soulé was stationed on the left wing rather than his previous season's right-wing role, with Dybala occupying the primary position on that flank. Should Soulé depart, it could unlock the path to signing Endrick, though academy prospect Mastantuono has failed to convince. Elsewhere, young defender Bah suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and faces approximately nine months on the sidelines. Wesley remains unavailable and will miss tomorrow's fixture against Newport. Niccolò Pisilli is sidelined pending another scan next week, with hopes of rejoining group training the following week. In mercato news, Roma awaits a response regarding Read, with an agreement with Feyenoord edging close—approximately 2 million euros remain under negotiation.