Pruzzo calls for talks between Gasperini and ownership; N'Dicka and Koné tipped for exit

Borja Mayoral, now at Getafe, has reflected on his time at Roma from 2020 to January 2022 in an interview with Marca. The Spanish striker acknowledged the high-profile names among his former coaches but emphasised the value of learning from all of them. He highlighted Paulo Fonseca's role in giving him early opportunities in European competition and Serie A football during his first season at the Giallorossi, describing it as an excellent campaign. Mayoral also credited Paco López for helping him adapt tactically after arriving from Real Madrid and the Spanish youth system, where the style of play differed significantly. "I always try to learn from every coach," Mayoral said. "Zidane marked me in a particular way because he was the one who really gave me the chance to play with Real Madrid's first team. He believed in me, coming from Castilla, instead of choosing other players like Jesé when it wasn't an easy decision at all. I will always be grateful to him for the trust he placed in me." Mayoral emphasised his approach to extracting lessons from each manager he has worked under throughout his career, regardless of their media profile.

Roma legend Roberto Pruzzo has called for the club to make a high-profile acquisition in the transfer market, while radio pundit Orsi has criticised the window's progress so far. Speaking on Radio Radio, Pruzzo said: "Anyone can sign players for 50 million. Fans expect a coup like Malen. Now I expect the club to raise its level, without taking part in auctions that so far haven't made it look good. The delay on the market risks undermining Gasperini's work." Orsi added that while head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has not yet complained publicly, the lack of arrivals represents a disappointment. "Gasp isn't banging his fist on the table, even though nobody has arrived yet," Orsi said on the same station. "With D'Amico they haven't failed yet, but certainly this situation wasn't expected. A few other targets could have been acquired. At the moment the market is disappointing." The comments reflect growing frustration among Roma's fanbase and observers about the club's sluggish activity in what is a critical window under new manager Gasperini, appointed in 2025.

Roma's transfer market strategy has drawn criticism from former striker Roberto Pruzzo, who says the club must elevate its ambitions in the coming weeks. Speaking on Radio Radio Mattino, Pruzzo remarked that while any club can spend €50 million on players, supporters expect Roma to land a statement signing comparable to Donyell Malen. He stated: "I expect the club to raise the level, without taking part in auctions that so far have not given it a good showing. The delay on the market risks invalidating Gasperini's work." Gasperini took charge this year and is tasked with rebuilding Roma's credentials after a turbulent period. The criticism reflects frustration that, despite the appointment of a highly regarded coach, the transfer window has been underwhelming so far. Fellow radio pundit Nando Orsi echoed similar sentiments, noting that while head coach Gasperini has not yet made forceful demands in the market and no major exits have occurred under his stewardship, the overall market activity falls short of expectations. Orsi stated: "Gasp is not banging his fists on the table, even though no one has arrived yet. With D'Amico they haven't failed yet, but certainly this situation was not expected. A few other targets could have been picked up. For now, the market is disappointing."

Paulo Dybala opened the scoring in Roma's first-half friendly against Cannes in France with a superb set-piece finish. The Argentine playmaker initially elected not to take a direct free-kick, instead laying the ball off to Donyell Malen. A subsequent phase of play resulted in another free-kick opportunity on the edge of the box, which Dybala converted with a perfectly struck effort under Gian Piero Gasperini's watch. The goal showcased Dybala's quality from dead-ball situations and gave Roma an early advantage in the pre-season fixture. The friendly provided valuable minutes for Gasperini's squad as the club continues preparations ahead of the upcoming competitive campaign.

Paulo Dybala scored Roma's third goal in their match against Cannes, capping a dominant performance after coming on in the second half. Launched down the right flank, Dybala cut inside onto his left foot and finished clinically across the goalkeeper to the near post, extending Roma's lead to 3–0. The Argentina international had already made an impact from the moment he entered the pitch, first delivering a spectacular free kick to put Roma ahead, then providing the assist for Malen's goal that doubled the lead. Dybala's brace of contributions highlighted Roma's attacking fluency in what proved a commanding display away from home. The performance underscored the quality available to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as Roma continue their preparations, with Dybala demonstrating the form and precision that have made him a focal point of the team's attacking play this season.

Roma went 2–0 up against Cannes in a friendly despite playing with ten men for part of the first half after Wesley was sent off. Paulo Dybala opened the scoring from a free kick, then set up Dybala's second goal just before half-time. Malen finished from close range after Dybala's serpentine run into the box and a slightly overhit pass that fell invitingly to the striker, who made no mistake. The partnership between Dybala and Malen proved decisive in the opening period, with the Argentine playmaker pulling strings despite Roma's numerical disadvantage. The clinical finishing—both from distance and in the box—highlighted the attacking potential in Gian Piero Gasperini's squad as pre-season preparations continue.

Roma went 2–0 up against Cannes in a friendly despite playing with ten men for part of the first half after Wesley was sent off. Paulo Dybala opened the scoring from a free kick, then set up Dybala's second goal just before half-time. Malen finished from close range after Dybala's serpentine run into the box and a slightly overhit pass that fell invitingly to the striker, who made no mistake. The partnership between Dybala and Malen proved decisive in the opening period, with the Argentine playmaker pulling strings despite Roma's numerical disadvantage. The clinical finishing—both from distance and in the box—highlighted the attacking potential in Gian Piero Gasperini's squad as pre-season preparations continue.

Roma produced a commanding performance against Cannes, with Paulo Dybala in outstanding form orchestrating the attack. The Argentine playmaker set up Donyell Malen's goal and opened the scoring himself with a free-kick, establishing Roma's control in the first half. However, the match was overshadowed by a controversial second yellow card shown to Wesley for what appeared to be a minor midfield challenge. The decision left Gasperini visibly incredulous on the bench, with the Roma head coach protesting the referee's decision. Wesley's dismissal forced Roma to play the entire second half with ten men, though they maintained their two-goal advantage. Dybala's performance was the standout feature of Roma's first-half display, as he guided his teammates through a period of increased intensity after a slow opening. The Argentine was named the undisputed MVP of the opening 45 minutes. Despite being reduced to ten players following Wesley's controversial red card, Roma's attacking superiority and advantage from their two-goal lead offered them realistic prospects of seeing out the match.

Wesley was sent off in the second minute of stoppage time in the first half during Cannes' match against Roma, receiving a second yellow card in a decision that sparked disbelief on the pitch and from both benches. The Roma defender and his teammates reacted with shock to the referee's call, while head coach Gian Piero Gasperini appeared to notice the situation only after it was pointed out by his assistant, Gritti. The incident drew surprise from the Cannes technical staff as well, with the French club's manager reportedly appearing almost apologetic toward the Roma bench following the expulsion.

Roma began their 2026–27 pre-season with a goalless draw against Cannes at Stadio Pierre de Coubertin, with kickoff at 17:30. The match marked Gian Piero Gasperini's first outing in charge and the debut of Roma's new home kit for the season. Cannes, also owned by the Friedkin Group, provided the opposition as Roma continue their build-up without all their summer signings and with some players still returning from holiday. Donyell Malen came closest to breaking the deadlock when a cross from Paulo Dybala found him in the box, but his attempted heel flick sailed wide. Later in the first half, Malen was played through on goal and attempted a lob after evading defenders with a dribble, but the effort was deflected wide. Gianluca Mancini made a crucial defensive intervention in the 25th minute, earning applause from the travelling support after an initial knock but continuing the match. Gasperini fielded a 3–4–2–1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal and a defence of Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso. Bryan Cristante anchored the midfield alongside new recruit Bah, with Devyne Rensch and Wesley operating as wing-backs. The attacking trio of Dybala, Matías Soulé, and Malen provided the creative spark throughout the first 45 minutes.

Roma drew 0-0 with Cannes in their third pre-season friendly, played at the Pierre De Coubertin stadium in France. Gian Piero Gasperini's side featured defender Gianluca Mancini, who went to ground following a collision during the match. The game was part of Roma's preparation schedule ahead of their forthcoming training camp in Wales. The Giallorossi continue their summer friendlies as they build fitness and tactical cohesion under Gasperini ahead of the new season. Cannes, known as Les Dragones Rouge, provided the opposition in what was described as a family-style fixture between the two clubs.

Roma face Cannes in a pre-season friendly at the Stade Pierre-de-Coubertin, with kick-off at 17:30. The match represents the club's third summer test following earlier fixtures against Roma's Primavera and Trastevere during their pre-season camp. Gasperini names Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen in attack, deployed in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Mile Svilar starts in goal behind a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. The midfield features Devyne Rensch and Wesley at full-back, with Bryan Cristante and a player listed as Bah in central midfield. The fixture will be broadcast live on DAZN, accessible via smartphone, PC or tablet through the app or the official website. Roma's pre-season schedule continues as Gasperini prepares the squad ahead of the new campaign.