Roma vs Fiorentina: Koné returns, Dybala set for bench role

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-supporting singer Ultimo held a record-breaking concert at Tor Vergata in Rome, attended by approximately 250,000 people, many of them Giallorossi fans. During the show, fans transformed Ultimo's 2018 single "Ipocondria" into a chant dedicated to Roma midfielders Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné. A banner spotted in the crowd read: "A me va bene anche Cristante, tanto c'ho Manu Koné" (I'm fine with Cristante too, as long as I have Manu Koné), adapting lyrics from the original song into a football-themed version that highlighted the midfielder pairing. The moment reflected the creative way Roma supporters express their connection to the club through popular culture and music. Ultimo, a prominent Roman artist and Giallorossi fan, has long been associated with the club's fanbase. The concert became a spontaneous celebration of Roma's squad, with thousands of fans participating in the reimagined chant. The incident was widely documented on social media, with photographs and videos of the banner and the crowd reaction circulating online.

Sergio Oliveira, the Portuguese midfielder who left Roma, returned to the city to attend the wedding of El Shaarawy and Ludovica Pagani. At the celebration, Oliveira reconnected with former teammates Lorenzo Pellegrini, Bryan Cristante, and Gianluca Mancini—players with whom he won the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022. Oliveira shared his reflections on social media about his time at Roma, saying: "Roma is special. It has brought me so much. Not only sporting moments but mainly fantastic people. I am very happy to be here on this beautiful day, a truly special moment for my friend Ste. Even though we spent little time together, when you share the same values it becomes easy to understand each other and lend a hand. Thank you to you all and I wish you a life full of happiness." The post underscores the bond formed during the Giallorossi's successful European campaign and the lasting relationships built within the club. The wedding also included attendance from other Roma-connected figures, with details of their presence marking another chapter in the club's recent history of trophy success.

Stephan El Shaarawy married Ludovica Pagani at Villa Aldobrandini near Frascati, with a significant Roma contingent in attendance. Current Roma players Gianluca Mancini, Bryan Cristante, and Lorenzo Pellegrini were among the guests, joined by former Roma midfielder Sergio Oliveira, who was visiting Rome for the occasion. Gollini also attended the celebration. A photograph posted on social media showed Oliveira and Pellegrini together, featuring emoji of a yellow heart, red heart, and the Roma wolf symbol. The reunion held special significance for several attendees. Mancini, Cristante, Oliveira, and Pellegrini all shared a memorable experience in 2022 when they won the UEFA Europa Conference League in Tirana. The wedding brought together members of that historic squad to celebrate El Shaarawy's marriage to the Bergamo-based DJ and influencer. The gathering highlighted the close bonds that persist among Roma's players and former squad members. El Shaarawy, nicknamed "the Pharaoh," has been part of Roma's recent history, and the presence of current players underscored the team's tight-knit culture.

AS Roma has moved to protect midfielder Niccolò Pisilli by establishing a transfer valuation for the 2004-born player. Pisilli is regarded as one of the club's key pillars for the present and future. The specific price set by Roma reflects the club's determination to retain the young midfielder and resist any potential approaches from rival clubs. Details of the exact valuation remain unclear.

El Aynaoui has emerged as a standout performer at the World Cup, transforming his fortunes after a difficult first season at Roma. The Moroccan midfielder, who began the tournament viewed skeptically by Roma supporters following inconsistent form and limited playing time, has now become the focal point of his national team across four matches. His performances have attracted attention from major European clubs including Liverpool and Barcelona, yet Roma remains confident in retaining the player, who has reportedly expressed his desire to continue in the capital. Gasperini views El Aynaoui as a cornerstone of Roma's midfield project and plans to give him expanded responsibility in the coming season. Last year, the midfielder ranked below Pisilli in the hierarchy as he adjusted to Serie A after his move from Ligue 1. Gasperini recognized his potential but deemed him lacking the consistency needed during critical moments. The World Cup has demonstrated his readiness; El Aynaoui has developed the rhythm and confidence that eluded him in his debut campaign. The coach now sees concrete qualities upon which to build rather than mere promise. El Aynaoui will not necessarily be a guaranteed starter, particularly if Manu Koné remains at the club, but his increased opportunities will carry greater weight. Roma views the interest from Liverpool and Barcelona as validation of the talent already in their possession. The player's second season at the club is positioned as his moment of full consacration in giallorosso.

Roma successfully resisted attempts by rival clubs to acquire key players on June 30th. Juventus approached the club for Mile Svilar, while Inter and Porto both made offers for Niccolò Pisilli. Additionally, Matías Soulé rejected a move to Saudi Arabia, with his agent expressing frustration over how the negotiations were handled. Despite pressure from multiple directions, Roma declined all approaches and maintained their squad. UEFA has granted Roma a one-month extension on the deadline for including player sales in their financial records due to World Cup scheduling, though this grace period does not apply to new acquisitions. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear his desire to retain Wesley, Evan N'Dicka, and Manu Koné as cornerstones of his squad, and the club hierarchy has prioritized keeping the manager satisfied. Roma intends to argue to UEFA that they can manage financial losses through peripheral transactions if necessary. Failure to meet Financial Fair Play requirements could expose Roma to fines exceeding €10 million and squad restrictions in 2027–28, though harsher penalties are considered unlikely. The club's strategy appears focused on retaining its top-tier players while strengthening the squad around the margins in the coming weeks.

Roma are considering a move for 21-year-old forward Nicolò Tresoldi to serve as backup to Donyell Malen, contingent on the departure of Artem Dovbyk. Club Brugge value Tresoldi at approximately €30 million including bonuses. The Cagliari-born forward, who moved to Germany early in his career, began at Hannover before joining Brugge for €7.5 million in 2025. Last season he recorded 23 goals and 9 assists across 58 appearances and holds 24 caps with Italy's U-21 squad, scoring 12 times. Roma will likely accelerate their pursuit of Tresoldi only after resolving Dovbyk's situation. The Ukrainian striker has attracted interest from Spanish clubs and Genoa. Although Dovbyk performed well under former manager Daniele De Rossi, his €3.5 million annual salary and current valuation present complications. Roma may consider loaning him out to rehabilitate his market value before a permanent sale next summer, though the club will attempt to sell him outright first. Roma have also identified cheaper alternatives, including Andrea Pinamonti from Sassuolo with a valuation of €15–20 million and Roberto Piccoli of Fiorentina, though Lazio are also monitoring both players.

AS Roma will announce details of its 2025–26 season ticket campaign on Monday, 6 July. The club posted social media hints with hourglass emojis signalling the announcement. The subscription drive will unfold in phases: first for renewals at the same seat, then for seat changes and the 25,000 fans on the waiting list. Roma aims to reach 40,000 season ticket holders, matching last season's target. A separate Champions League season ticket campaign will launch in late July or early August. Meanwhile, images of Roma's new kit for next season have surfaced online from overseas retailers ahead of the official reveal. The collar will feature the text "Con tutte le nostre forze" (With all our strength). Details of the design were already known, but the video confirms the kit is already in circulation in international stores. Transfer speculation continues around potential squad additions, with Pinamonti mentioned as a possible backup option to Malen.

Roma is exploring attacking reinforcements ahead of the upcoming season, with Pinamonti emerging as a potential option to serve as a backup to Donyell Malen. The club continues to pursue its primary offensive target, though details on the Pinamonti possibility remain limited. Roma's focus on strengthening the attack reflects ambitions to compete effectively in the coming campaign, with multiple options being evaluated in parallel to the main pursuit.