Pruzzo warns Roma must avoid Conference League; Torri demands clarity on summer planning

Alessandro Florenzi, the former Roma, Milan and Paris Saint-Germain defender, has praised Gian Piero Gasperini's appointment as Roma head coach. Speaking at an event in Rome after competing in a seven-a-side football tournament at Parco Schuster, Florenzi told Il Messaggero: "I would have liked very much to be coached by him, for what he makes his full-backs express, for how he interprets football. I'm fortunate, as a Roma fan, to have a coach like Gasperini." Florenzi was asked about Roma's prospects following their qualification for next season's Champions League. He expressed confidence in the team's direction but cautioned that results will determine how far they can go. "I don't know, the pitch will tell us," he said. "The objective last year was very clear and I think it will be the same this year: to try to finish in the top four and have a respectable season." Florenzi's comments underscore the optimism surrounding Gasperini's arrival at the Giallorossi. The former Roma fullback highlighted the tactical approach the new coach brings, particularly his system of play for attacking defenders—a quality that would have suited Florenzi's style during his playing career at the club.

Roma's acquisition of forward Castro for 35 million euros has drawn wide approval from the capital's radio commentators, though opinions differ on his role and the club's broader transfer strategy. Castro is widely seen as a versatile attacking option who can operate across the front line and create chances for teammates, not merely a backup to Donyell Malen. Roberto Pruzzo told Radio Radio Mattino that Castro resembles Muriel: "a great player, strong. I don't think he can play 45 matches at high level, but he has quality. He can play as a centre-forward but also assist; he is an excellent signing." Nando Orsi echoed the view, calling Castro "an excellent player" who "makes others score and scores decisive goals himself." The 35-million fee raises questions about Roma's willingness to invest heavily in attacking depth while other squad positions remain exposed. Francesco Balzani noted that switching from Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson to Malen and Castro represents "a very big upgrade as centre-forwards," adding that head coach Gasperini rotates his strikers extensively. Balzani suggested Roma's budget for a left-winger—potentially around 50 million—remains intact, separate from the Castro outlay. Francesca Ferrazza described Castro as having "enormous potential" under Gasperini's guidance, positioned as Malen's deputy rather than an out-and-out winger. Dovbyk, who scored 18 goals in his first season, struggled physically last term and is expected to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Roma's move for Atalanta forward Mateo Castro neared completion as radio commentators across Roman airwaves weighed in on the transfer and other squad developments. Castro reportedly requested Bologna allow him to leave after learning of Roma's interest, with negotiations focusing on how the deal structure would be financed. Carina told Radio Radio: "Castro ormai sia in chiusura. È contato molto l'entusiasmo del ragazzo: appena ha saputo che la Roma lo voleva, ha chiesto al Bologna di lasciarlo andare." The striker, available at 35 million euros, is viewed as a versatile attacking option who can play multiple positions and create for teammates. Pruzzo compared Castro to a Muriel-type talent, while Mattioli questioned whether the fee represented full value for a player who isn't a pure number nine. Doubts linger over veteran forward Artem Dovbyk's future at Roma. Carina assigned a 60 per cent probability to Dovbyk remaining, noting Roma had rejected a loan option and that negotiations with Bologna centred on converting conditional clauses into an obligation—an approach Bologna resisted. Orsi remarked that with Castro's arrival, "Dovbyk non mi sembra un acquisto sbagliato" but acknowledged the striker requires different tactical deployment under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's system. Refereeing controversy from a pre-season friendly drew sharp criticism. Cristofori told Radio Romanista: "Ieri il direttore di gara ha causato un danno alla Roma," condemning Wesley's expulsion as unjust for a training-level match. Giustiniani added that Angeliño remains significantly behind Gasperini's fitness demands.