Roma must not stop pushing as Champions League race intensifies

AS Roma has signalled its intention to close the first half of the transfer window without selling key players, according to reports emerging from the club's Trigoria base. The Friedkin Group is unwilling to dismantle the squad's core to satisfy UEFA financial requirements, and has instructed officials to reject offers deemed insufficient. The club will only consider departures if genuinely unmissable bids arrive; otherwise, no established players will be sold. Roma believes it can present a balanced budget to UEFA in June while retaining its main contingent. The club has already generated approximately 13 million euros in capital gains, reduced operational costs, and expects increased revenue from overseas broadcast rights. Additional financial relief may come from the situations surrounding players Bove and Calafiori. Officials, including D'Amico, have made clear that no player will depart at discount prices. Roma is prepared to accept potential sanctions—including a fine or restrictions on squad registration for European competitions in the following season—rather than compromise squad stability, viewing this as preferable to harsher UEFA penalties.

Ivan Juric has been confirmed as Monza's new head coach from 1 July 2026, following the club's promotion to Serie A via the play-offs. The Croatian tactician arrives after stints with Atalanta, Southampton, and Roma, where his tenures were described as disappointing. Monza will visit the Olimpico to face Roma on the weekend of 28–29 November in Serie A matchday 13, marking Juric's return to the stadium. Juric's appointment carries direct significance for Roma, as he previously managed the Giallorossi. His track record includes spells at Genoa, Hellas Verona, and Torino before joining Roma. At Atalanta, he made his Champions League debut with the club, appearing in four matches before his dismissal in November 2025. The timing of his move to Monza ensures an early encounter between his new side and his former employer in the league campaign. Born in Split on 25 August 1975, Juric began his managerial career in Serie C with Mantova in 2014–15, then achieved promotion to Serie A with Crotone in his first Serie B season. He is described as a coach of significant charisma and experience, capable of bringing intensity and an aggressive, enterprising style of play to his teams.

Serie A has announced the fixture list for the first five rounds of the 2026–27 season, with Roma set to begin their campaign on a Monday. The article reviews Roma's previous Monday season openers, examining a mix of victories, defeats, and notable incidents including a 3–0 walkover decision. Monday starts carry varied historical significance for the Giallorossi across their recent Serie A campaigns. The fixture scheduling marks the beginning of Roma's push under their new management structure heading into the new season.

Roma's senior squad members have made a collective decision to back the club's sporting project, with Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini among those signalling their commitment to remain. The move follows the Friedkin Group's backing of the team's direction. The core group of established players are betting heavily on the technical plan moving forward, representing a show of unity from within the squad at a crucial moment for the club.

AS Roma are pushing forward with contract renewal negotiations during a busy period at the club. Lorenzo Pellegrini's renewal is seeing accelerated progress, while Zeki Celik's deal is reportedly nearing completion, with only the official announcement pending. The club is balancing new signings with efforts to extend deals for key squad members. Details on the exact terms and timeline for both renewals remain unclear.

Head coach Gasperini is urging the Friedkin Group to accelerate Roma's transfer activity ahead of the squad's return on 13 July. With only 13 players currently available and the club's pre-season camp fast approaching, the coach wants new signings in place as soon as possible. Gasperini has identified Mason Greenwood and Moreira as his top priorities to strengthen the squad immediately. Greenwood remains the primary target to elevate Roma's competitive level, though competition is intense. Fenerbahce continues to pursue the English winger, though Champions League qualification remains uncertain for the Istanbul club. Atlético Madrid has also shown interest but must first resolve the Julian Álvarez situation with manager Simeone. Al Hilal has made an offer, but Greenwood prefers to remain in Europe. For Moreira, Roma maintains contact with Strasbourg, where the midfielder's valuation sits around €40 million and negotiations are ongoing. Chelsea's potential involvement could complicate that deal. Additionally, Roma has scouted alternatives including Garnacho, though Real Sociedad manager Xabi Alonso intends to evaluate him further. The club is also monitoring Kumbedi for the wing position, while striker Dovbyk will not move to Genoa. Roma's senior players Pellegrini, Dybala, and Çelik must finalize contract renewals before the July 20 return of international players.