Pisilli Ready for New Italy Squad as Baldini Praises the 'Golden Boy'

Roma continue negotiations with RB Leipzig and the representatives of Nusa as Gian Piero Gasperini pushes the club to strengthen the attacking wing position. According to transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà, the Giallorossi have maintained contact with both the Norwegian winger's agents and the Bundesliga club, though no agreement has yet been reached. The pursuit of Nusa comes as Roma look to bolster the offensive department following the arrival of Castro and with defender Koulierakis close to completion. Gasperini has made an additional attacking midfielder his priority requirement for sporting director D'Amico. Nusa has been on Roma's radar for several days, though the club may have initially used interest in the player as cover for work on alternative targets. Pedullà stressed that while dialogue continues between Roma, the player's agents, and Leipzig, no deal is currently in place. Ezzalzouli remains another option being considered, but that avenue is presently proving difficult to pursue.

Roma are maintaining their interest in Endrick, the 2006-born striker currently owned by Real Madrid, as they look to add further reinforcements to their attacking department this summer. The move would follow Roma's acquisition of Santiago Castro, with Endrick identified as one of several targets on the club's shortlist. Endrick recently featured for Brazil at the World Cup and spent the previous season on loan at Lyon. Real Madrid are open to allowing the forward to leave on loan again to secure more regular playing time. Roma's interest forms part of a broader summer recruitment plan as the club seeks to strengthen its offensive options under the direction of recruitment staff.

Roma remain interested in signing Real Madrid forward Endrick as they continue to strengthen their attacking options. The Brazilian, born 2006, is not expected to feature regularly at the Bernabéu in the coming season, and Real Madrid are exploring a loan move to develop the player. Roma have already moved to secure midfielder Castro, with an official announcement expected soon, and are close to agreeing a deal for defender Koulierakis, but priority remains upgrading the forward line. Endrick comes fresh from a positive spell at Lyon and now appears on Roma's radar alongside other targets identified in recent weeks. The proposed structure would see the Brazilian join on loan with an option to buy valued at approximately 45 million euros, plus a counter-option reserved for Real Madrid to reclaim the player. The loan-with-obligation framework reflects both clubs' flexibility in the current transfer window.

Daniele De Rossi, now manager of Genoa, has reflected on his 2024 dismissal as Roma head coach after four matches. Speaking to Cronache di Spogliatoio, the former Roma captain and manager said his exit warranted greater dignity. De Rossi expressed frustration at the brevity of his tenure, stating: "I was furious when I was sacked, I was upset. I had my rivals and I felt beaten in a battle I did not fight, because after four matches there was no time to bring the team out. I made a press conference at SPAL and regretted it shortly after. It's not nice to show that you're bitter. My history at Roma was not perfect and linear, but it did not deserve an exit of this kind. I don't find it elegant to air dirty laundry: sometimes you have to defend yourself, but there are proper forums to do so. I should have done it earlier, when I was there." De Rossi acknowledged his analytical approach to his current role with Genoa, explaining his preference for developing young players. He said: "Reading one's own mistakes is the foundation. Once you've been dismissed you can only lick your wounds and analyse your failures. When I started the season at Roma, which lasted very little, I asked why we needed another midfielder when there was Pisilli. It's a bit easier to say it now, but watching the training sessions I had this feeling and I carry this mentality forward even now. I try to get the young players playing to understand how they can improve and above all to understand whether the president needs to buy something or perhaps we can rely on our own." De Rossi also discussed his choice of music when announcing his playing retirement, selecting the Oasis track "Sunday Morning Call". He explained: "Yes, I put a lot of thought into it, I didn't want it to be banal, I wanted it to say something. Sunday Morning Call is one of my favourite songs; football is no longer played on Sundays, but it's a hallmark of our generation."

Manu Koné's future at Roma remains uncertain as Manchester United intensifies contact with the midfielder's representatives, though no formal offer has arrived at the club yet. Chelsea and Arsenal are also keen on the 24-year-old, prompting Roma to begin scouting alternatives. Diarra of Sunderland has emerged as a potential successor should Koné depart. The departure of Koné would force Roma into the transfer market to bolster midfield depth. Without him, the squad would rely solely on Cristante, El Aynaoui, and Pisilli in that area. The club has set Koné's valuation at approximately 60 million euros and the Friedkin Group has no intention of accepting below their asking price. With Premier League interest intensifying, Roma's search for an alternative midfielder has begun in earnest. The club's recruitment strategy hinges on whether any interested club meets their valuation for the French midfielder.

Roma departed for Nice shortly before 10:00 and will reach Cannes by coach for their third pre-season fixture at 17:30 (live on Dazn) against the club owned by the Friedkin Group. Head coach Gasperini will deploy a front three of Dybala, Soulé, and Malen, with midfield reinforcements required due to absences. Pisilli and Vaz are unavailable through injury, while Cherubini misses out with fever. Central midfield will pair the young Bah with Cristante, flanked by Wesley and Rensch, while Svilar starts in goal behind a defensive line of Mancini, N'Dicka, and Hermoso. Notably absent is Koné, though Neil El Aynaoui—currently on holiday in Cannes—will attend the match as a spectator before officially rejoining the squad on 30 July to depart for Wales, where the second phase of pre-season training will take place. A second-string lineup and Primavera players will feature in the second half. Roma will return to the capital after the match. Gasperini has granted the squad two days of rest, with no training scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.