Pruzzo backs Dodô over Read; Torri warns of lost identity at Roma

Roma radio pundits have weighed in on the club's summer transfer strategy, with particular focus on the pursuit of winger Read and the delay in renewing Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract. Roberto Pruzzo argued that Roma should target Dodo instead of investing €30 million in a prospect, saying the club should pursue "a safe bet" rather than a 20-year-old talent in an uncertain market. Ugo Trani noted that time is running out, with the squad taking to the pitch in 20 days, and flagged Roma's backwardness in securing a left winger. He suggested the Read deal could be unlocked in the coming hours, while indicating that if Nusa falls through, Fofana would be the alternative target—though he expressed reservations about the latter due to injury concerns from last season. Francesco Balzani criticised the club's negotiating position, stating Roma believed they could close the Read deal today after edging closer to Feyenoord's asking price, but added that director D'Amico would not increase the offer. Balzani also highlighted the paradox surrounding Pellegrini: though he has been free to negotiate for over 20 days and an agreement on his new contract has been reached, the Friedkin family approval remains pending. Piero Torri reflected on Rome's cultural shift at the club, citing the departure of Claudio Ranieri and the unresolved situation regarding Francesco Totti's return.

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.

Nemanja Matic, now at Sassuolo, has reflected on his time at Roma in an exclusive interview with La Repubblica, emphasising the quality of the club's supporters and the standard they deserve. Speaking about his spell in Rome, Matic said: "It was enough for me to understand that the Roma public would deserve a squad that fights for the title every year." Matic also shared a warm anecdote involving Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar, whom he hosted at his home in London when Svilar was ten years old. When asked if it was true that he did not feed Svilar during the visit, Matic laughed it off, saying: "He's a liar! He was ten, he stayed with me for a few days. He'd wake me up at seven because milk and cereal weren't enough for him. It's true I didn't have anything else in the fridge, but I certainly didn't let him starve." The story highlights the personal bonds Matic formed during his time at the Stadio Olimpico and underscores the human connections that define life at the club.