Roma's summer schedule revealed: pre-season tour, friendlies and Dortmund test

Massimo Margiotta is poised to take over as head of Roma's youth academy following his official separation from Hellas Verona. The move represents a significant restructuring of Roma's sporting operation under new director of sport Tony D'Amico, who championed Margiotta's appointment during discussions with ownership. Margiotta departs Verona after nine years in the role, during which he oversaw the Primavera team's promotion to the top division at the end of the 2020–21 season and five consecutive salvations thereafter. Roma's youth setup requires overhaul following what the club describes as a disappointing season under the previous leadership, with zero trophies secured. The Friedkin Group intends to revisit plans for an Under 23 side in the coming years as part of a broader youth development strategy. Verona's official statement confirmed the consensual termination, noting: "Hellas Verona FC communicated the consensual interruption of the professional relationship with Massimo Margiotta. Arrived at Hellas Verona in the summer of 2017, Margiotta held for nine years the role of Responsibility of the Youth Sector in yellow-blue. Under his direction, Verona's academy was able to grow and develop numerous young footballers and obtained with the Primavera formation promotion to the highest category championship at the end of the 2020–21 season and five subsequent consecutive salvations. The Club greets and thanks Massimo Margiotta and wishes him the best satisfactions for the continuation of his career."

Gian Piero Gasperini and Fabio Capello greeted each other during Sky Sport's 2026–27 season presentation, exchanging remarks that delighted Roma supporters. Gasperini interrupted an interview to acknowledge Capello, who won Roma's most recent Serie A title in the 2000–01 season—the club's third championship. Gasperini announced Capello's presence to those gathered, saying: "He is the last one to win the Scudetto at Roma." Capello responded characteristically, blending encouragement with humour. "Look, you're building a squad you cannot fail with, eh? From what one reads you're putting together a great team, I wish you the best," he told his successor. He then added a symbolic nod to Roma's history: "And Roma, after twenty years, repeats itself: Liedholm, Capello…" before gesturing towards Gasperini—an investiture linking the current coach to the club's legendary managers. Gasperini asked Capello if Roma remained in his heart. Capello replied without hesitation: "Of course." The moment brought together Roma's past and present, honouring the 2001 championship while raising hopes that the club can return to contending for Italian football's summit.

Gian Piero Gasperini said Roma's contract renewals are imminent, describing the situation as "a matter of days" in an interview at a Champions League event. The head coach confirmed he remains in constant contact with the Friedkin Group ownership and expects significant movement in the coming week as the new season approaches and the transfer window gains momentum. "Certainly we hear from each other very much, but there is also continuous dialogue with the Ownership," Gasperini said. "Now that we are getting closer to the start of the season, to the market... the World Cup shifted attention away from everything, for the players and for the agents themselves. From next week I think we will get into the thick of things." Gasperini highlighted Roma's solid foundation after securing Champions League football. "I believe Roma has demonstrated it has a good base, a solid and competitive group," he said. "The Ownership's objective is to improve as much as possible. We will try to work, especially D'Amico who is very committed on all fronts, to give satisfaction to the fans." Reflecting on last season's campaign, Gasperini noted the team struggled only briefly despite a difficult spell in March. "After the defeat to Inter it became difficult, but this squad in 38 matches found itself in difficulty for two games if we talk about the Champions zone," he said, pointing to a strong finish that secured their return to European football's elite club competition.