Roma face Bologna in Serie A relegation battle; Dybala back in squad

With less than a month until the new Serie A season begins, roughly 100 players across the Italian top division remain sidelined from their clubs' plans, weighing heavily on balance sheets rather than contributing on the pitch. Napoli, Juventus and Inter face the most complex situations. Inter must manage Frattesi's declining market value as he seeks regular starting football without success, alongside problems with Asllani and Pavard. Napoli's squad is oversized and needs significant departures; Lukaku's substantial wage at 33 remains an obstacle, as does Lucca. Juventus carries aging contracts and new signings outside their plans, including Arthur, Openda, Douglas Luiz and Nico Gonzalez, who is reportedly unwilling to return to Turin and is also being tracked by Roma. Roma is working to move several players out. Artem Dovbyk's situation appeared complicated due to injury and a high valuation, but the club has found a potential solution in recent days: following Castro's arrival, the Ukrainian could leave on loan to Bologna, pending only his approval. Kumbulla's future also remains to be resolved. Milan faces more contained issues but still needs to find homes for Musah and Loftus-Cheek, while Rafael Leao's future hangs in the balance. Across the rest of Serie A, Atalanta, Bologna and Fiorentina face lighter departures, while Sassuolo and Lazio are among clubs needing to trim their squads before the transfer window closes.

Alberto Aquilani will take charge of Sassuolo for his first Serie A managerial job after a successful spell with Catanzaro. The former Roma midfielder expressed his excitement at the appointment, telling Sky Sport: "A nice emotion to begin this journey in Serie A, it stimulates me greatly. We are working well, and when the start of the season approaches the emotions will grow even more." Aquilani will face his former club Roma when the sides meet, adding extra significance to the fixture. He and Daniele De Rossi came through the Roma ranks together, and the prospect of squaring off as opposing managers carries special weight. Aquilani said: "Serie A is full of encounters for me. I have been around and met many coaches. With Daniele we grew up together, it will be strange to face each other from the touchline. And Roma will obviously be another special day."

Roma have completed zero signings a month before their Serie A opener against Fiorentina, leaving Gian Piero Gasperini pressing urgently for reinforcements to complete an attacking unit beset by uncertainties. Paulo Dybala remains a key resource but is hampered by physical fitness concerns, while Matías Soulé is viewed as a potential departure due to tactical doubts from the coach and a desire to refresh the wing positions, pending concrete offers. Donyell Malen is currently the only established attacking option with clear status at the club. The club is pursuing multiple targets across the frontline. A centre-forward is being sought for Champions League football, with Tresoldi as the primary option alongside Bologna's Castro; Artem Dovbyk's future and young Robinio Vaz's status—split between staying and a possible loan—remain fluid. On the flanks, Antonio Nusa of Leipzig has been identified as the preferred choice for the attacking midfield role but faces obstacles from high valuations and strong Premier League interest. Alternatives Godts and Paixão remain under consideration but are viewed as less convincing options. Summerville has fallen away from contention. Tony D'Amico has reopened contact for Nusa, while the transfer window remains wide open with less than a month to deadline.

Mile Svilar has reaffirmed his commitment to AS Roma, stating he has no interest in a move to Juventus despite reported interest from the Serie A champions following his performance in a friendly against Cannes. The goalkeeper's declaration comes as Roma awaits official confirmation of Santiago Castro, the club's first summer signing. Artem Dovbyk has departed for Bologna, marking another change in Roma's forward line as the club reshapes its squad during the transfer window. Svilar's public stance underscores Roma's defensive strength and his intention to remain at the Giallorossi despite external interest from rival clubs. Elsewhere, Roma's women's team announced new signings, while the Italian national team continues its rebuild under Mancini and Ranieri.

Matías Soulé has been proposed to AC Milan through intermediaries as Roma reshape their attacking department. The Argentine playboy, whose future at Trigoria remains uncertain amid the club's offensive restyling, could offer a solution for the Rossoneri. The proposal arrives at a critical moment in the summer window, with Roma eager to generate funds and unlock the incoming transfers demanded by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Milan has not yet responded officially to the possibility of opening talks. Roma's primary focus remains the right flank, where Zeki Çelik's departure to Juventus on a free transfer has created a significant gap. The club's director of sport Tony D'Amico has identified Ivan Fresneda, a Spanish fullback born in 2004 currently at Sporting Lisbon, as the main target. However, Sporting's valuation of at least 25 million euros complicates negotiations, and Roma are weighing the economic sustainability of a potential deal. Elsewhere, Mile Svilar has ruled out any move away from Roma, telling Corriere dello Sport: "For me there has only ever been Roma, you should know that by now after my renewal. I am focused on giving my best for this shirt, this club and these fans. My heart is here." In a separate development, Claudio Ranieri has been named director and president of Club Italia alongside the return of Roberto Mancini as Italy head coach—a decision they made jointly with federation president Giovanni Malagò.

Mile Svilar addressed reporters following Roma's friendly against Cannes, firmly stating he had received no contact regarding reported Juventus interest. "Frankly I know nothing about this story. I cannot say anything, because I was not consulted. For me today there is only Roma and I am focused on giving my best for this shirt, this club and these fans," the goalkeeper said. Roma are in their pre-season preparation phase, with Svilar highlighting the intensity of the physical work underway. He felt the first half against Cannes went well but questioned the dismissal of Wesley, which forced Roma to play with a numerical disadvantage in a friendly fixture. Svilar stressed that results cannot yet be measured and that another month of work is needed before competitive matches begin. With Champions League football on the horizon alongside domestic duties, he acknowledged the challenge of the double commitment but expressed confidence in Roma's ability to manage it. Looking ahead to the season, Svilar declared: "Frankly? I do not fear anyone. I cannot wait to play real matches, whatever opponent we face." The goalkeeper's comments underline Roma's ambitions as they prepare for a campaign that will include Europe's premier club competition.

Mile Svilar has reaffirmed his commitment to AS Roma, stating he has no interest in a move to Juventus despite reported interest from the Serie A champions following his performance in a friendly against Cannes. The goalkeeper's declaration comes as Roma awaits official confirmation of Santiago Castro, the club's first summer signing. Artem Dovbyk has departed for Bologna, marking another change in Roma's forward line as the club reshapes its squad during the transfer window. Svilar's public stance underscores Roma's defensive strength and his intention to remain at the Giallorossi despite external interest from rival clubs. Elsewhere, Roma's women's team announced new signings, while the Italian national team continues its rebuild under Mancini and Ranieri.

Matías Soulé has been proposed to AC Milan through intermediaries as Roma reshape their attacking department. The Argentine playboy, whose future at Trigoria remains uncertain amid the club's offensive restyling, could offer a solution for the Rossoneri. The proposal arrives at a critical moment in the summer window, with Roma eager to generate funds and unlock the incoming transfers demanded by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Milan has not yet responded officially to the possibility of opening talks. Roma's primary focus remains the right flank, where Zeki Çelik's departure to Juventus on a free transfer has created a significant gap. The club's director of sport Tony D'Amico has identified Ivan Fresneda, a Spanish fullback born in 2004 currently at Sporting Lisbon, as the main target. However, Sporting's valuation of at least 25 million euros complicates negotiations, and Roma are weighing the economic sustainability of a potential deal. Elsewhere, Mile Svilar has ruled out any move away from Roma, telling Corriere dello Sport: "For me there has only ever been Roma, you should know that by now after my renewal. I am focused on giving my best for this shirt, this club and these fans. My heart is here." In a separate development, Claudio Ranieri has been named director and president of Club Italia alongside the return of Roberto Mancini as Italy head coach—a decision they made jointly with federation president Giovanni Malagò.

Gianluca Mancini has turned down significant offers to leave Roma, according to his agent Giuseppe Riso, who revealed the defender's commitment to the club despite receiving proposals to depart. Riso stated: "My plan was for Mancini to leave Roma, because we had received important offers. I told him that for me he's crazy, but he loves Roma. Gasperini and D'Amico were more persuasive than me in convincing him. I would have taken him away, but he refused: he wanted Roma. This is a gesture he makes for the Roma people. I'm happy because he's content." Mancini recently renewed his contract with Roma until 2029, cementing his long-term future at the Giallorossi. The 27-year-old has become a cornerstone of the defence under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Riso also praised Bryan Cristante, who has also extended his deal with the club, saying: "Bryan is the captain. He has 360 matches at Roma, he is a pillar and I believe he will enter Roma's history."

Mile Svilar has firmly closed the door on any departure from Roma, dismissing transfer speculation and reaffirming his commitment to the club. In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, the Belgian-Serbian goalkeeper said: "For me it has always been only Roma, you should know that by now after the renewal. I am focused on giving my best for this shirt, this club and these fans. My heart is here." Juventus made an enquiry in mid-June to test the feasibility of a deal, but sporting director Tony D'Amico blocked any move, deeming Svilar immovable. Svilar has established himself as a leader under Gian Piero Gasperini's new era at the Stadio Olimpico. He recorded 132 appearances for Roma and a save percentage of 79% last season—the highest in Serie A. The goalkeeper credited much of his individual success to his understanding with the defensive line, expressing relief at the retention of key personnel: "It is a fortune that N'Dicka and Mancini have stayed. I have the fortune of having one of the best defences in Europe. A goalkeeper is nothing without prepared and attentive teammates." Svilar also confirmed he remains in contact with former captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, saying "I have been in touch with Lorenzo, he cannot wait to return." He has put behind him disappointment over missing the World Cup with Belgium due to bureaucratic and registration issues linked to Serbia, preferring to concentrate solely on Roma.

Mile Svilar has dismissed speculation linking him with Juventus, stating his sole focus remains AS Roma. The goalkeeper addressed reports that Juve had tabled a 40 million euro offer for him at the end of June, saying: "I don't know anything about this story, at least as far as I'm concerned. I can't tell you anything because I wasn't consulted and for me, you should know by now, there is only Roma. I'm focused on giving my best for this shirt, this club and these fans." Svilar, who has established himself as one of Serie A's standout goalkeepers in recent seasons, discussed Roma's ambitions for the campaign ahead. When asked about expectations, he said: "We're working, our legs are heavy. We still have a month before the league starts, so everything seems premature. Playing in the Champions League is something beautiful. In the league it will be difficult to confirm third place, especially because during the week with that type of European commitments we'll need to always be at our best. Teams to fear? No, I don't fear anyone. I can't wait to play against whoever." Svilar highlighted the solidity of Roma's defence, crediting the presence of Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka. Regarding Lorenzo Pellegrini's injury status, he remained coy: "I can't say anything, then with Lorenzo it's clear we're in touch. We've spoken, let's see what happens in the coming days."

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.