Roma's winning formula: 23 victories from 26 matches when scoring first

Francesco Totti's potential return to Roma ahead of the club's centenary celebration remains in limbo, with no concrete progress despite ongoing discussions. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini deflected responsibility to the Friedkin Group ownership, saying: "This thing concerns him and the ownership. They are organising the Centenary, so it will be up to the club to say what will be done and what won't." Gasperini, who dined with the former captain in March, has made clear he trusts Totti and would welcome him back to Trigoria. With the centenary draw ever closer, the question of Totti's involvement has taken on fresh significance as Roma weighs how to mark the historic milestone. Beyond transfer activity, the club's approach to its greatest icon now sits on hold. Totti, currently in Las Vegas, has not received fresh signals from the Roma ownership regarding a formal role or involvement in club affairs. Gasperini's comments place the ball firmly in the Friedkin Group's court, while Totti awaits news from the boardroom. The club's ownership continues to orchestrate the centenary plans, with final decisions on Totti's participation yet to be confirmed.

Former Roma player and executive Antonio Tempestilli has backed head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to win a trophy at the club, but warned that the squad needs three or four significant summer signings to close the gap at the top. Speaking to Il Tempo, Tempestilli stressed the urgency of market action before the season begins, saying: "Bisogna puntare a qualcosa di importante. Dipenderà dal mercato, perché finora la Roma non ha fatto movimenti. Bisogna accelerare, la stagione sta per cominciare e Gasperini deve lavorare con i nuovi giocatori" (We must aim for something important. It will depend on the market, because Roma hasn't made moves so far. We must accelerate; the season is about to start and Gasperini must work with new players). Templestilli praised Gasperini as one of the best managers available and said his arrival has energised both the fanbase and the project. On the squad, he backed the retention of key players, particularly midfielder Manu Koné, arguing that Roma should not sell their best performers annually for accounting gains. He also expressed confidence in Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Matías Soulé, though he acknowledged Soulé's physical problems last season. On the club's structure, Tempestilli said the Friedkin Group's physical presence at Trigoria matters less than appointing capable figures to represent them and make quick decisions. He also paid tribute to Bruno Conti, who recently departed the club at 71, saying he deserved to enjoy family time after his long service to Roma.

Paulo Dybala has recommitted to AS Roma following his automatic contract renewal, capping a resurgence that helped secure the club's return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years. The Argentine playmaker delivered decisively in the final stretch of the 2025–26 season, recording assists for Malen and El Shaarawy in matches against Verona—the goals that sealed Europa League qualification and promotion to the group stage. Over 27 appearances in that run, Dybala posted 3 goals and 8 assists. Since joining Roma in 2022, Dybala has compiled 140 matches, 45 goals and 30 assists across all positions—attacker, second striker, attacking midfielder and creative fulcrum. His debut campaign (2022–23) proved prolific with 18 goals and 8 assists before injury despite a standout display against Inter and a vital Europa League goal against Feyenoord. The following year brought 16 goals in 39 matches with 10 assists. A proposed summer transfer to Al-Qadsiah fell through when Dybala chose to remain in the Eternal City, but form and fitness suffered under successive managers, leaving him sidelined until early 2026. After knee surgery in March forced another layoff, his timely return proved crucial. The lingering scar from the 31 May 2023 final—a missed opportunity to change Roma's history—remains, but the coming seasons offer fresh chances to heal that wound.

Roma have identified Donyell Malen as their primary target to strengthen the left attacking midfield position, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini keen on the move. The club has set a virtual deadline of Monday–Tuesday next week for a decision after two meetings between sporting director D'Amico and Malen's representatives. A crucial detail has emerged: Malen's contract contains a release clause worth €45 million that expires in 10 days. Wages remain the sticking point in negotiations. Diego Moreira continues as Roma's alternative for the left flank. Moreira has already agreed personal terms with Roma on a €2 million salary and the club has submitted a €30 million offer to Strasbourg, plus 10 per cent of any future sale. This represents a more straightforward route if the Malen situation cannot be resolved before the release clause deadline. Elsewhere, contract renewals for Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante have been finalised, providing stability to Roma's squad. Manchester United have also entered the race to sign Manu Koné, though Roma remain focused on their attacking midfield targets.

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.

Roma have intensified their pursuit of Dutch forward Summerville, with director D'Amico holding fresh discussions with the player's representatives overnight. The attacker, previously targeted in January, is Gasperini's primary attacking target. An initial approach came a month ago but stalled over wage demands. A meeting with Summerville's agents took place yesterday morning, followed by another conversation between D'Amico and the player's entourage after the France–Spain match. Roma have tabled a package worth €4 million in annual wages for the player and €40 million for his transfer fee, though Summerville is seeking €6 million per year. West Ham are open to selling, while Manchester United have withdrawn from the race. Summerville was already on Roma's radar during the previous transfer window alongside Donyell Malen, though ultimately Robinio Vaz arrived instead. Gasperini has now identified Summerville as his top priority, with Garnacho standing as the alternative option. The Dutch duo could reunite in the capital after the World Cup, as Roma await the forward's response to their latest proposal.