Pruzzo backs Dodo over Read as Roma faces transfer delays

Roma have accelerated their pursuit of Nahuel Molina, the Atlético Madrid winger, after Feyenoord continued to resist their advances for Givairo Read. Director D'Amico and head coach Gasperini had decided to push hard for Read with a substantial offer, but the Dutch club's resistance has prompted Roma to pivot toward the Argentine full-back instead. Molina, born in 1998, previously played in Serie A between 2020 and 2022 for Udinese, giving him familiarity with Italian football. The move represents a change of strategy after Read's asking price proved prohibitive for the club's current budget constraints. Roma will now monitor how negotiations develop with the Atlético Madrid player as they reshape their recruitment plans for the flank position. No fee or contract terms for a Molina deal have been disclosed at this stage.

Roma have submitted an offer to Atlético Madrid for Nahuel Molina as they explore alternatives to their primary target, Givairo Read. The club has tabled competing bids for the Argentine defender: one report placed the offer at 13 million euros plus 3 million in bonuses, while another indicated 17 million euros including add-ons. Molina is considered available for departure from Atlético Madrid and is currently on holiday until 10 August following the Copa América. Roma's interest in Molina comes after Feyenoord resisted their attempts to sign Read from the Dutch club. Roma have made two separate offers for Read: 25 million euros plus 3 million in bonuses, and a reported ceiling of 27 million euros. With those negotiations at an impasse, the club has activated contingency plans to strengthen the right flank. Alongside Molina, Iván Fresneda of Sporting remains under consideration as an alternative option.

Roma are preparing to open negotiations with Torino over left-back Alessio Cacciamani as they seek reinforcements on the flank. A meeting between the two clubs is scheduled to discuss the player, with Torino president Urbano Cairo handling talks directly, underlining how highly the Serie A club values the young prospect. Cacciamani has emerged as a priority target for Roma's sporting director Tony D'Amico as Gian Piero Gasperini prepares his squad for Champions League football. The club has identified the winger as one of the key profiles needed to strengthen the left side following the departure of Angeliño and the expected exit of Salah Eddine. Torino are demanding a significant fee for the player. Roma's opening offer of approximately €7 million was rejected by the Piemontese club, who are seeking at least €15 million to allow Cacciamani to leave. The gap between the two valuations remains substantial, and the upcoming meeting will clarify whether there is room to bridge the difference and progress the deal.

Gianluca Mancini has declared his intention to spend his entire career at Roma following his contract renewal with the club. Speaking from the Welsh training camp, the defender said: "Roma for me is home. Then in football you never know, but I hope it can be like this: Roma for life." Mancini also discussed his recent performances in the Derby della Capitale, saying he did not anticipate scoring twice and only fully grasped the significance during a break: "Before it seemed to me that I had only done my duty, it was like scoring two goals against Milan, Juventus or Inter. Then I understood." Mancini underlined his emotional attachment to the club, referencing a tattoo he pledged to get in December if Roma qualified for the Champions League. "SPQR is a beautiful inscription and it sums up the bond I have with the city and with the club," he said. He also praised the role of those supporting him, noting: "I am not crazy, but you cannot command the heart. When I signed we hugged each other. And he was happy to see me happy." On the absence of Lorenzo Pellegrini from the squad, Mancini described the midfielder as a lifelong friend and an important figure in the dressing room: "But he is missed by everyone, we hope he can reach us soon. He is an important figure for the dressing room and as a player he can give us a great helping hand."

Paolo Marcacci's weekly ratings column examines the week in football, with several entries touching on Roma's early summer activity. Angeliño earns praise for his dignified handling of adversity both on and off the pitch, while his standing with Roma supporters remains firm regardless of what lies ahead. Gasperini's words have sealed the club's confidence in the Castro purchase, a signing valued favourably against recent acquisitions, and the coach's comments at Cardiff reflect a measured impatience: with twenty days until the season opener, more players are still needed despite the calibre of those already recruited. Pellegrini's contract situation continues toward resolution, though lingering hesitation leaves an air of awkwardness surrounding the matter. The column also revisits Franco Baresi's legacy as one of football's rarest defenders—a player who would have been exceptional in any era. His influence on Milan's honours, including their first Scudetto with Rivera and Capello, transcended the ceremonial role of captain. Meanwhile, Dybala's preseason has impressed, with a clean knee and renewed stability allowing his creativity and hunger for consistency to flourish. The broader narrative captures Roma's transfer strategy and the coach's patient but increasingly urgent call for more depth before the campaign begins.

Gianluca Mancini has reaffirmed his long-term commitment to AS Roma, declaring his intention to spend his entire career at the club following the signing of a new contract through 2029. In an exclusive interview, the centre-back outlined his ambitions for the coming season, including a Champions League debut and a central role in what he described as a squad still in its construction phase. Mancini revealed he has had the SPQR inscription tattooed on his body as a permanent symbol of his bond with Rome and the club. "Roma me è entrata nel cuore e nel sangue" (Rome has entered my heart and blood), he said. "Sono felicissimo, il rinnovo l'ho voluto con tutto me stesso. Roma per me è casa" (I am very happy, I wanted the renewal with all my heart. Roma is home for me). When asked whether the contract to 2029 means Roma for life, Mancini responded: "Poi nel calcio non si sa mai, ma mi auguro che possa essere così: Roma a vita" (In football you never know, but I hope it can be that way: Roma for life). His agent Riso had reportedly suggested Mancini could have earned more elsewhere, but the defender brushed aside the criticism. "Ha detto ciò che pensava. Ma ha lavorato per i miei interessi. Io pazzo non lo sono, ma al cuor non si comanda. Quando ho firmato ci siamo abbracciati" (He said what he thought. But he worked for my interests. I am not crazy, but the heart commands. When I signed we embraced). On the absence of Lorenzo Pellegrini, Mancini said: "Tanto, è un amico di vita. Ma manca a tutti, speriamo che ci possa raggiungere presto. È una figura importante per lo spogliatoio e come calciatore ci può dare una grande mano" (A lot, he is a lifelong friend. But everyone misses him, we hope he can join us soon. He is an important figure for the dressing room and as a player he can give us a big hand).