Morocco beat Netherlands on penalties; Malen eliminated, El Aynaoui advances

AS Roma has opened ticket sales for their opening summer friendly against Cannes, scheduled for 18:00 on 26 July at Stade Pierre de Coubertin. Away supporters can purchase tickets for the Ouest stand exclusively online through the official AS Cannes website at 15 euros per ticket. Tickets are available in both PDF and digital formats, with the latter downloadable to Apple or Android devices. Information regarding gate opening times, entry procedures, and security protocols will be communicated in the days leading up to the match. For assistance and further details, supporters can contact the host club at billetterie@ascannes.fr.

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.

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.

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.

Roma have announced a 17-player squad for the opening phase of their pre-season training camp under Gian Piero Gasperini. Paulo Dybala is included after signing a contract extension to 30 June 2027. Absent are Zeki Çelik and Lorenzo Pellegrini, both still finalizing renewal negotiations. Çelik is expected to arrive at Trigoria on 18 July, while Pellegrini's return date remains uncertain. Five additional players—Cherubini, Kumbulla, Mannini, Reale, and Pagano—have been added to the first-team squad pending potential departures. The squad will train this afternoon at 18:00 and overnight at Trigoria. Double sessions are scheduled for tomorrow: 08:00 and 18:00, with another overnight stay at the training centre. Several internationals are due back on staggered dates: Evan N'Dicka and Donyell Malen on 22 July, Neil El Aynaoui on 30 July, and Manu Koné at a date still to be confirmed as he continues World Cup involvement. The official squad list includes: Angelino, Cristante, De Marzi, Dovbyk, Dybala, Ghilardi, Gollini, Hermoso, Mancini, Pisilli, Rensch, Soulé, Svilar, Vasquez, Vaz, Wesley, and Ziolkowski.

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.