Pisilli rules out Roma exit: 'I don't understand why I should leave'

Daniele De Rossi has reflected on his dismissal from Roma, which came unexpectedly following a draw with Genoa in 2024. Speaking to Cronache Di Spogliatoio, the former manager said: "When I was sacked from Roma I was absolutely furious. I had my enemies and felt beaten in a battle I never had time to fight, but I never wanted to show that I was bitter about it. I only did it once, in a press conference at Spal, and I regretted it. I worked hard on these things." De Rossi revealed the emotional toll of derbies against Lazio during his playing career, describing physical illness before those matches. He addressed the nature of his Roma departure with perspective, stating: "My story with Roma was not perfect, but it didn't deserve an ending with lingering resentment. There is a time and place for everything: if I had wanted to say something, I should have done it when I was still there." De Rossi managed Roma in 2024–25 before being dismissed by the Friedkin Group after just four matches.

Mile Svilar addressed reporters following Roma's friendly against Cannes, firmly stating he had received no contact regarding reported Juventus interest. "Frankly I know nothing about this story. I cannot say anything, because I was not consulted. For me today there is only Roma and I am focused on giving my best for this shirt, this club and these fans," the goalkeeper said. Roma are in their pre-season preparation phase, with Svilar highlighting the intensity of the physical work underway. He felt the first half against Cannes went well but questioned the dismissal of Wesley, which forced Roma to play with a numerical disadvantage in a friendly fixture. Svilar stressed that results cannot yet be measured and that another month of work is needed before competitive matches begin. With Champions League football on the horizon alongside domestic duties, he acknowledged the challenge of the double commitment but expressed confidence in Roma's ability to manage it. Looking ahead to the season, Svilar declared: "Frankly? I do not fear anyone. I cannot wait to play real matches, whatever opponent we face." The goalkeeper's comments underline Roma's ambitions as they prepare for a campaign that will include Europe's premier club competition.

Mile Svilar has dismissed reports of a Juventus offer and reaffirmed his total commitment to AS Roma. Juventus submitted a 40-million-euro bid for the goalkeeper in late June, but Svilar said he had no knowledge of the approach. Speaking to multiple Italian media outlets, he stated: "I know nothing of this story, at least as far as I'm concerned. I cannot tell you anything because I was not consulted and for me, as you should know by now, there is only Roma. I am focused on giving my best for this shirt, this club and these supporters." The goalkeeper said Roma are building towards a strong season despite fatigue in pre-season friendlies. On the prospect of Champions League football, he said: "Playing in the Champions League is a beautiful thing. In Serie A it will be difficult to confirm third place, especially because with that type of European commitment during the week we must always be at our best." Svilar expressed confidence in the squad's ability to compete, adding: "No, I do not fear anyone. I cannot wait to play against whoever." When asked about the imminent returns of injured players and further transfer activity beyond Castro, Svilar declined specifics but mentioned ongoing contact with Lorenzo Pellegrini: "I cannot say anything, but with Lorenzo it is clear that we are in touch. We have spoken, let's see what happens in the coming days."

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.

Roma travel to face Cannes at Stade Pierre de Coubertin today at 17:30 in their first competitive pre-season friendly of the summer. The match comes after a reduced-time test against Trastevere at Trigoria and precedes Roma's departure for a training camp in Wales on 1 August, where they will face Cardiff in another friendly. Gasperini's side will be without Pisilli and Vaz, who are sidelined by muscle injuries. The head coach will deploy Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen in attack, a partnership that impressed during the Trigoria friendly. Evan N'Dicka will feature in a three-man defence alongside Mario Hermoso and Gianluca Mancini. Bryan Cristante will anchor midfield alongside a young player filling in as El Aynaoui and Manu Koné remain on post-World Cup leave. The clash against Cannes, also owned by the Friedkin Group and recently promoted to France's third tier, offers a controlled environment for Roma to build match fitness. Ryan's availability remains uncertain following his return to the United States.