Radio roundtable: Gasperini and D'Amico assess Roma's summer priorities

Roman radio commentators have voiced mixed views on Roma's transfer strategy, with particular focus on midfielder Manu Koné and incoming striker options. Antonio Felici argued that selling Koné without a proper replacement is risky, saying: "It's a dam that if you don't replace adequately you risk starting 0–1 down for opponents in every match. If you score a lot but concede a lot you're back to square one." Felici also questioned Roma's modest approach to valuations, noting that English clubs pay inflated fees — Muharemovic left for €38 million — and suggested the club should demand more than €50–60 million for Koné. Piero Torri acknowledged that Koné's valuation has risen and that €45 million plus bonuses is no longer sufficient, while suggesting his sale could help Roma's financial position ahead of incoming transfers. The commentators also debated Roma's approach to replacing forwards. Nando Orsi backed Luis Summerville as "an excellent choice" for Gasperini to develop, describing him as "a good player" who the coach "can make excellent." Orsi urged Roma to avoid Alejandro Garnacho, calling it a risky technical and financial situation, and suggested Summerville offered better value than alternatives. Lorenzo Pes noted uncertainty around Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract renewal, attributing delays partly to Pellegrini's ongoing injury, but flagged that Roma's slow decision-making on renewals, purchases and departures has been a recurring issue.

Roma must sign two players to complement Paulo Dybala and unlock Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical approach, according to analysis of the club's transfer window. A message was reportedly sent in Portuguese to a rival manager requesting Endrick, but it remains unread. Summerville has attracted interest but carries a high asking price; Moreira, by contrast, has generated optimism at the club. Robinio Vaz suffered an injury on his first day of training and is expected to be sidelined for a month. Lorenzo Pellegrini faces a fresh setback related to an injury from April, and his contract renewal talks are proceeding cautiously because he is unlikely to train with the squad while recovering. The timing contrasts with expectations for a smooth renewal process, though the club has previously moved slowly on renewals, signings, and departures alike. Manu Koné's position strengthens Roma's hand in any potential negotiation with Manchester United, as the midfielder holds a three-year contract and Roma controls the dialogue. One commentator stated: "You now need to find a couple of players that suit the manager's style of play. There's a necessity to bring in two players alongside Dybala who can change the tactical setup." Regarding potential signings, analysis suggests Summerville is a capable player but has been elevated in perception simply because an Italian club is pursuing him; he is described as more fundamentally sound than previous targets like Greenwood, though Roma should abandon pursuit of Garnacho due to unjustifiable technical and economic complications.

A weekly scorecard of Italian football's talking points rates Jannik Sinner top marks for his Wimbledon victory, while Paulo Dybala's contract renewal with Roma earns a 7—conditional backing from the editorial board. Dybala remains a valuable asset for the club at the right terms and with proper management of his injury concerns, though Roma must build around him rather than depend solely on him for seasonal targets. Manu Koné, on loan at Roma from Gladbach, receives an 8 for his commanding displays with the French national team, particularly praised by experienced teammates like Rabiot. The editorial board suggests a permanent transfer fee should not fall below €65 million given current market rates. Gian Piero Gasperini earns a 6 for his radio comments, having learned significantly in his first year at Roma and now feeling confident controlling an environment that held reservations about him last summer. Lorenzo Pellegrini's absence from Roma's retreat draws criticism as a jarring note in preparations. The scorecard also covers Belgium's misfortune, parliament member Celeste Amarilla's racist attacks on Mbappé, and a zero for Nicolò Zaniolo—criticized for missing Udinese's training camp after a year of praise for his maturity during his loan spell.

Roma continued their preparations for the new season at Trigoria, with Gasperini's squad into their third day of training camp. Paulo Dybala featured prominently in the day's news, with a reported dedication to the club. The women's team secured two contract renewals as part of the club's broader squad planning. Separately, Marseille's sporting director commented on the departure of Greenwood, though details of that transaction remain outside Roma's immediate sphere.

Roma's squad continued intensive pre-season training at the Fulvio Bernardini facility under Gasperini as preparations for the new season gather pace. Working through the heat in Rome, the players are ramping up their conditioning ahead of the campaign. Matías Soulé shared a photograph from the dressing room on social media after completing the third training session, posting alongside Paulo Dybala, Mario Hermoso, Devyne Rensch, Pierluigi Gollini and Vasquez. Soulé captioned the image: "Third session completed with the gang." The post highlighted the squad's commitment to the gruelling preparation work underway at Trigoria.

AS Roma has secured Zeki Çelik's contract renewal, with the full-back's new deal already signed and an official announcement expected soon. The club is simultaneously progressing talks with three other key figures: Lorenzo Pellegrini, Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante all have ongoing negotiations over fresh terms. Cristante will extend his contract until 2028, while Mancini's new deal will run until 2029. Both players have reached verbal agreements with the club and are expected to sign imminently. Mancini remains considered untouchable by Roma's hierarchy despite earlier speculation linking him with Inter; the club registered no concrete approaches for the defender and continues to view him as central to the project. Pellegrini's situation is also progressing, with the midfielder and Roma in active dialogue to finalise his new contract terms. These renewals follow Paulo Dybala's confirmation of a deal through 2027, part of a broader push by the Friedkin Group to secure the club's core squad.

Roma's squad continued intensive pre-season training at the Fulvio Bernardini facility under Gasperini as preparations for the new season gather pace. Working through the heat in Rome, the players are ramping up their conditioning ahead of the campaign. Matías Soulé shared a photograph from the dressing room on social media after completing the third training session, posting alongside Paulo Dybala, Mario Hermoso, Devyne Rensch, Pierluigi Gollini and Vasquez. Soulé captioned the image: "Third session completed with the gang." The post highlighted the squad's commitment to the gruelling preparation work underway at Trigoria.

Roma's 2026–27 season got underway at the Trigoria training ground as players arrived for pre-season, drawing around 100 supporters to Piazzale Dino Viola on a hot summer day with temperatures reaching 34 degrees in the afternoon. The first arrivals included Ghilardi, Angeliño, and Soulé, with supporters greeting the squad enthusiastically throughout the morning. Coach Gasperini arrived without signing autographs or posing for photos but opened his car window to acknowledge the fans. Pisilli drew particular acclaim from the gathering, while Wesley, described as one of the squad's brightest stars, spent time engaging with the crowd despite the heavy gathering around his vehicle. Other squad members including Gollini, Mancini, Dovbyk, Svilar, Hermoso, Vaz, Rensch, Ziółkowski, and Cristante all passed through during the session. Some players, including Dybala, Kumbulla, Mannini, Reale, and Pagano, arrived discreetly. One supporter praised Dybala's commitment, saying: "He gave proof of a great gesture of love towards the city and fans, accepting the salary reduction." The atmosphere captured the renewed optimism surrounding the club as preparation for the new campaign began.

Roma started serious preparation for the 2026–27 season on Monday with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini naming a 17-man squad for initial training at Trigoria. Paulo Dybala featured in the group and marked his contract renewal with a short interview on Roma's official channels. Wesley returned to training immediately following the injury that forced him to miss the World Cup, training alongside teammates in the new kit that showcases the restored classic crest. Gasperini was accompanied by sporting director Tony D'Amico. The initial squad includes four goalkeepers—Svilar, Gollini, De Marzi, and Vasquez—and seven defenders: Angeliño, Ghilardi, Hermoso, Mancini, Rensch, Wesley, and Ziolkowski. Çelik will join on 18 August after completing his holiday following his contract renewal, while N'Dicka is due to arrive on 22 August. Only Pisilli and Cristante are currently available in midfield, with El Aynaoui expected on 30 August and Koné's arrival date to be confirmed pending the end of the World Cup. The attacking line features Dybala, Dovbyk, Soulé, and Vaz, with Dybala the only forward certain to remain at the club long-term. The squad is staying overnight at Fulvio Bernardini training centre and will undergo a double session today—training at 08:00 and 18:00. Roma have also opened ticket sales for their first official pre-season match at Cannes on 26 July at Pierre de Coubertin stadium, with visiting supporters' tickets priced at €15 each through AS Cannes' official website.

Roma's attacking plans have been disrupted by injury to Robinio Vaz, who will miss at least two weeks. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had hoped to showcase the French forward in early friendlies to attract buyers and move him out on loan, with Bologna having made enquiries. Vaz, signed from Marseille for €25 million, played only 205 minutes across 12 Serie A appearances last season and never started a match. Artem Dovbyk faces a similar plight, having cost nearly €40 million two years ago and now being pushed out for the second consecutive summer. A move to Genoa has failed to gain traction, partly due to his high wages, leaving Roma keen to monetise his departure. As negotiations drag on, a loan deal with a redemption option is gaining ground. With Donyell Malen not returning from holiday until 22 July, Dovbyk will be Gasperini's sole available striker for two early friendlies against the Primavera — one scheduled for tomorrow afternoon and another on Sunday. Gasperini continues to press for a new attacking signing. Tresoldi remains the target as Malen's backup, and the player has agreed personal terms and is ready to join Roma's project. However, Club Bruges has not lowered their €30 million asking price. Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund have also entered the race, leaving Roma at risk of losing out entirely. Tresoldi's deal remains independent of Dovbyk's ongoing exit.

Robinio Vaz will miss at least two weeks of pre-season training after suffering a first-degree medial collateral ligament injury to his right knee during Monday's session at Trigoria. Medical tests confirmed the damage on Tuesday. The French forward, signed from Marseille in January for 25 million euros, has barely featured under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and was set to appear in summer friendlies to boost his market value ahead of a potential departure. Vaz's absence complicates Roma's transfer strategy. Bologna had requested the forward on loan, while striker Artem Dovbyk—targeted by Genoa, Real Betis, and Villarreal—was also due to feature in pre-season showcases. With Donyell Malen's return scheduled for 22 July, Dovbyk will lead the attack in two internal fixtures against the Primavera scheduled for Wednesday and Sunday. The injury-hit squad has only 12 outfield players available as Roma await the return of international players and Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is recovering from a fitness setback before the derby. On Tuesday, under Ryan Friedkin's watch, the team completed their first double session of the season, combining intensive athletic and tactical work ahead of the campaign opener.

Artem Dovbyk is close to leaving Roma for Genoa, with the Ukrainian striker having agreed in principle to the transfer. Genoa are managed by Daniele De Rossi, who signed Dovbyk for Roma in summer 2024 before being sacked at the start of the season. De Rossi is keen to work with the striker again and offer him a more central role in his team. The two clubs are negotiating over the structure and terms of the deal. A long-term contract until 2031 has been outlined, comprising an initial loan period followed by a potential four-year permanent agreement. However, Roma and Genoa remain apart on the mechanism: Genoa are pushing for a loan with a right of redemption and want Roma to contribute toward Dovbyk's wages, while Roma's hierarchy, having decided to sell after a difficult season and poor fit under Gian Piero Gasperini, would prefer an obligation to buy or a structure guaranteeing immediate financial return. Negotiations between the clubs are continuing intensively as both sides work to bridge the gap and reach an agreement that satisfies Roma's financial requirements and De Rossi's tactical demands.