Mancini Double Secures Derby Victory and Keeps Roma's Champions League Dream Alive

Manu Koné produced an outstanding performance as France defeated Morocco 2-0, showcasing the intensity and ball-winning prowess that have marked his tournament. Deployed in midfield as Tchouameni faced repeated fitness issues, Koné made his fourth World Cup start across six appearances, playing 71 minutes before being replaced by Zaire-Emery. His display was characterised by relentless pressing and tactical discipline, recovering possession at crucial moments—including one key intervention early in the second half on a Brahim Diaz counter-attack that could have shifted the match's trajectory. Koné's statistics underlined his control of the middle ground: 35 completed passes from 38 attempts (92% accuracy), one key pass, six ball recoveries, four tackles won, and one shot attempted. His energetic contribution drew praise from supporters on social media. The Roma midfielder's combative style marks a departure from his domestic approach, where he typically operates with more restraint. Notably, his Roma teammate Neil El Aynaoui also featured in the fixture. France now advance to the semi-finals, where they will face either Spain or Belgium.

France advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup in America by defeating Morocco 2-0. Adrien Rabiot praised his midfield partner Manu Koné after the match, telling beIN Sports: "Io e Manu siamo stati devastanti, li abbiamo divorati. Quando lasciavamo loro il possesso palla, non erano molto pericolosi. Avevamo poco da temere col Marocco. Questa è la sensazione che abbiamo avuto in campo. È sorprendente. Restano comunque una squadra capace di fare la differenza in qualsiasi momento, perché hanno giocatori individuali straordinari. Per questo siamo sempre rimasti vigili." Koné, a Roma midfielder, featured prominently in the France midfield during the knockout fixture. Rabiot's assessment highlighted the pair's control of the match's tempo and their ability to limit Morocco's attacking threat. Manager Didier Deschamps' side now await their semi-final opponent as the tournament progresses.

France advanced to the World Cup semi-final with a 2–0 victory over Morocco, confirming their status as favourites for the tournament after losing the 2022 final to Argentina. Roma midfielder Manu Koné delivered a standout performance and is expected to start in Tuesday's semi-final at 21:00 against the winner of Spain vs Belgium. Koné spoke enthusiastically after the match about playing alongside France's attacking options. Asked about the experience of performing behind Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé and Bradley Barcola, he said: "Bellissimo! To be honest there are great players and today they showed it. We really are a great squad, we must continue like this. We are very happy, we hope everyone is. Basically we hope to get to the end of the competition." The Roma player's commanding display has secured him a starting berth for the decisive match ahead.

Roma are preparing to announce three contract renewals in quick succession. Gianluca Mancini will extend his deal until 2029 on 3.5 million euros net per year. Zeki Çelik and Paulo Dybala are at the document exchange stage: the Turkish defender will earn 3 million euros net annually through 2029, while Dybala will sign a one-season contract with an option until 2028 worth 2.5 million euros plus bonuses. Director D'Amico has accelerated the renewal process across multiple fronts. Lorenzo Pellegrini, formally out of contract since the start of the month, faces a different timeline—there remains economic and contractual distance between the club and the captain, and he will not begin pre-season immediately as he recovers from a late-season setback. Bryan Cristante's new contract remains on hold. According to Simone Valdarchi in the Corriere della Sera, the Mancini, Çelik, and Dybala announcements are expected soon. Pellegrini's situation is more complex; talks are ongoing and a resolution will be found, but the number 7's delayed return to training reflects both the ongoing negotiations and his need for recovery time.

Roma are moving decisively in the transfer market to provide head coach Gian Piero Gasperini with reinforcements for the new season. Directore sportivo D'Amico is working on three primary targets approved by the technical staff after the Greenwood deal fell through: Alejandro Garnacho, Diego Moreira, and Nicolò Tresoldi. For the attacking flank, Garnacho remains Roma's first choice. Contacts with Chelsea continue and an update is expected immediately after the weekend. The English club are open to selling but have ruled out a loan or loan-with-option deal, valuing the Argentine-passport Spanish winger at approximately €40 million (with 10 per cent due to Manchester United). Roma hope Chelsea will soften their stance. In parallel, talks with Strasbourg over left winger Moreira have intensified; D'Amico tracked him from his Verona days and wanted to bring him to Bergamo last season. Strasbourg are asking €40 million, but Roma aim to reduce that figure, banking on Moreira's strong desire to join the club and a tripled salary. For the vice-Malen role, Tresoldi has given his full approval, but Club Brugge present the main obstacle, valuing their prospect at no less than €30 million. Atlético Madrid and Ajax are also competing for him. Beyond new arrivals, Roma are focused on securing key squad players. After Çelik and Dybala's renewals, the club are close to finalising deals with Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante. A gap remains with captain Lorenzo Pellegrini over contract length—he is requesting a three-year deal—and wages, though both parties wish to continue together.

Pierluigi Gollini reported to Roma's Trigoria training ground on Thursday morning, three days before the official start of pre-season scheduled for Monday, 13 July. The goalkeeper confirmed his early arrival via an Instagram story, joining Wesley in showing eagerness ahead of the 2026–27 campaign. Both players' enthusiasm underscores the squad's preparation for the new season. Gollini had recently appeared at El Shaarawy's wedding alongside teammates Mancini and Cristante, whose contracts expire in 2027, and Pellegrini, who is awaiting a contract renewal. The gathering reflected the close-knit atmosphere within the squad as players gear up for pre-season, with several key members keen to resolve outstanding contract matters. The official raduno at Trigoria will formally launch Roma's preparations for the campaign ahead.

Bryan Cristante has become an indispensable figure for Roma in the 2025–26 season, finally silencing years of criticism by leading the club's midfield as they qualified for the Champions League and won a European trophy. The midfielder made 37 appearances from 38, accumulating 3,103 minutes—more than any other outfield player at the club. Deployed frequently by Gasperini in a two-man midfield pairing with Koné, Pisilli, or El Aynaoui, Cristante also operated as a central attacking midfielder behind two strikers to cover offensive shortcomings, showcasing the professionalism Gasperini considers essential for future campaigns. Cristante's goal tally was modest: two goals across all competitions, both in Serie A. He opened his account in Roma's 2–1 victory at Fiorentina on 5 October 2025, then added another in the 3–0 home win over Cremonese on 22 February 2026. Critics had long blamed his extended playing time for Roma's failure to reach the Champions League in previous seasons, but this campaign vindicated his consistent contribution. Gasperini, like Mourinho, De Rossi, Ranieri before him, and Italy manager Mancini—with whom Cristante won the 2021 European Championship—has consistently recognised his value. Cristante averaged a season rating of 6.2, slightly above par. Standout performances earned him 7-point ratings in derbies against Lazio (0–1 and 2–0), wins over Fiorentina (1–2), Sassuolo (0–1), and Roma–Como (1–0, receiving 7.5). His poorest showings came in Inter–Roma (5–2) and Genoa–Roma, both scored 4, though the Inter collapse saw the entire squad struggle.

AS Roma has moved to protect midfielder Niccolò Pisilli by establishing a transfer valuation for the 2004-born player. Pisilli is regarded as one of the club's key pillars for the present and future. The specific price set by Roma reflects the club's determination to retain the young midfielder and resist any potential approaches from rival clubs. Details of the exact valuation remain unclear.

El Aynaoui has emerged as a standout performer at the World Cup, transforming his fortunes after a difficult first season at Roma. The Moroccan midfielder, who began the tournament viewed skeptically by Roma supporters following inconsistent form and limited playing time, has now become the focal point of his national team across four matches. His performances have attracted attention from major European clubs including Liverpool and Barcelona, yet Roma remains confident in retaining the player, who has reportedly expressed his desire to continue in the capital. Gasperini views El Aynaoui as a cornerstone of Roma's midfield project and plans to give him expanded responsibility in the coming season. Last year, the midfielder ranked below Pisilli in the hierarchy as he adjusted to Serie A after his move from Ligue 1. Gasperini recognized his potential but deemed him lacking the consistency needed during critical moments. The World Cup has demonstrated his readiness; El Aynaoui has developed the rhythm and confidence that eluded him in his debut campaign. The coach now sees concrete qualities upon which to build rather than mere promise. El Aynaoui will not necessarily be a guaranteed starter, particularly if Manu Koné remains at the club, but his increased opportunities will carry greater weight. Roma views the interest from Liverpool and Barcelona as validation of the talent already in their possession. The player's second season at the club is positioned as his moment of full consacration in giallorosso.

Roma are preparing to announce three contract renewals in quick succession. Gianluca Mancini will extend his deal until 2029 on 3.5 million euros net per year. Zeki Çelik and Paulo Dybala are at the document exchange stage: the Turkish defender will earn 3 million euros net annually through 2029, while Dybala will sign a one-season contract with an option until 2028 worth 2.5 million euros plus bonuses. Director D'Amico has accelerated the renewal process across multiple fronts. Lorenzo Pellegrini, formally out of contract since the start of the month, faces a different timeline—there remains economic and contractual distance between the club and the captain, and he will not begin pre-season immediately as he recovers from a late-season setback. Bryan Cristante's new contract remains on hold. According to Simone Valdarchi in the Corriere della Sera, the Mancini, Çelik, and Dybala announcements are expected soon. Pellegrini's situation is more complex; talks are ongoing and a resolution will be found, but the number 7's delayed return to training reflects both the ongoing negotiations and his need for recovery time.

Roma are moving decisively in the transfer market to provide head coach Gian Piero Gasperini with reinforcements for the new season. Directore sportivo D'Amico is working on three primary targets approved by the technical staff after the Greenwood deal fell through: Alejandro Garnacho, Diego Moreira, and Nicolò Tresoldi. For the attacking flank, Garnacho remains Roma's first choice. Contacts with Chelsea continue and an update is expected immediately after the weekend. The English club are open to selling but have ruled out a loan or loan-with-option deal, valuing the Argentine-passport Spanish winger at approximately €40 million (with 10 per cent due to Manchester United). Roma hope Chelsea will soften their stance. In parallel, talks with Strasbourg over left winger Moreira have intensified; D'Amico tracked him from his Verona days and wanted to bring him to Bergamo last season. Strasbourg are asking €40 million, but Roma aim to reduce that figure, banking on Moreira's strong desire to join the club and a tripled salary. For the vice-Malen role, Tresoldi has given his full approval, but Club Brugge present the main obstacle, valuing their prospect at no less than €30 million. Atlético Madrid and Ajax are also competing for him. Beyond new arrivals, Roma are focused on securing key squad players. After Çelik and Dybala's renewals, the club are close to finalising deals with Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante. A gap remains with captain Lorenzo Pellegrini over contract length—he is requesting a three-year deal—and wages, though both parties wish to continue together.

Roma have made initial contact with Chelsea over Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho, but a transfer remains complicated by the Blues' insistence on a permanent sale. Chelsea will not entertain a straight loan or loan with option to buy; the club is determined to secure a full fee from the 22-year-old's departure. Roma have valued Garnacho at approximately €40 million, with 10% of any transfer fee due to Manchester United under their original deal. Further talks between Roma and Chelsea are expected after the weekend. The pursuit reflects Roma's wider recruitment activity, though Garnacho has also attracted interest from Napoli and Como. Garnacho, a 2004-born player, spent time on holiday in the Italian capital and has expressed admiration for Roma's Paulo Dybala, adding a personal dimension to the club's interest.