Mancini makes Roma history: surpasses Aldair, now second among defenders

Abel Xavier, the Portuguese defender who became one of AS Roma's most notorious transfer failures, has undergone a complete life transformation. Xavier arrived at Roma in 2004 on a pay-per-appearance contract during the club's chaotic five-manager season, but managed only four appearances in a single campaign marked more by his eccentric public image—bleached hair and provocative styling—than his on-pitch performances. Despite earlier career stints at major clubs including Liverpool, Benfica, Everton, and Galatasaray, Xavier struggled to establish himself at the Giallorossi. Today, Xavier has converted to Islam and changed his name to Faisal. In an interview with Portuguese newspaper Caras, he explained: "Potete chiamarmi Abel, Faisal o Abel Faisal Xavier. In sostanza, volevo mantenere lo stesso nome, ma essere riconosciuto da un nome storico nell'Islam, che mi era stato attribuito dal fratello del re degli Emirati, che mi battezzò e che mi rese orgoglioso di scegliere un nome così importante." He attributed his past struggles to being judged by his image and attitude rather than truly understood as a person, describing himself as having "a volcano inside" that eventually had to explode. Since retiring from football in 2009, Xavier has pursued diverse endeavours including humanitarian work with the United Nations, commentary for CNN, and appearances in cinema, including a 2016 Brazilian horror series episode and a 2009 documentary. He later worked as a coach, managing Mozambique's national team after spells in Portugal.

Roma-supporting singer Ultimo held a record-breaking concert at Tor Vergata in Rome, attended by approximately 250,000 people, many of them Giallorossi fans. During the show, fans transformed Ultimo's 2018 single "Ipocondria" into a chant dedicated to Roma midfielders Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné. A banner spotted in the crowd read: "A me va bene anche Cristante, tanto c'ho Manu Koné" (I'm fine with Cristante too, as long as I have Manu Koné), adapting lyrics from the original song into a football-themed version that highlighted the midfielder pairing. The moment reflected the creative way Roma supporters express their connection to the club through popular culture and music. Ultimo, a prominent Roman artist and Giallorossi fan, has long been associated with the club's fanbase. The concert became a spontaneous celebration of Roma's squad, with thousands of fans participating in the reimagined chant. The incident was widely documented on social media, with photographs and videos of the banner and the crowd reaction circulating online.

AS Roma will announce details of its 2025–26 season ticket campaign on Monday, 6 July. The club posted social media hints with hourglass emojis signalling the announcement. The subscription drive will unfold in phases: first for renewals at the same seat, then for seat changes and the 25,000 fans on the waiting list. Roma aims to reach 40,000 season ticket holders, matching last season's target. A separate Champions League season ticket campaign will launch in late July or early August. Meanwhile, images of Roma's new kit for next season have surfaced online from overseas retailers ahead of the official reveal. The collar will feature the text "Con tutte le nostre forze" (With all our strength). Details of the design were already known, but the video confirms the kit is already in circulation in international stores. Transfer speculation continues around potential squad additions, with Pinamonti mentioned as a possible backup option to Malen.

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.