Rome Radio Debate: Gasperini Views Koné as More Expendable Than Other Squad Members

Radio pundits have debated Manu Koné's importance to Roma in the wake of reported transfer interest. Roberto Pruzzo told Radio Radio: "Replacing Koné is not impossible, but it is difficult and takes a lot of time. The midfield is an area to monitor and improve; Cristante is starting to get on in years." Stefano Carina offered a contrasting view, suggesting Roma could cope with his departure: "If you're forced to sell Koné for 60 million, but Roma buys Ederson for 30 or 35 million, I don't know how much they'd lose. Though I don't think that will happen. Koné is not that strong; there are better midfielders." Dybala's contract renewal has been welcomed across the punditry panel as strategically sound and image-wise important for the club. One analyst noted Gasperini wants to build two attacking setups—one with two attacking midfielders and a striker, another with strong forwards, mentioning Garnacho as an example. Pellegrini's position remains under discussion; while one voice suggested he cannot play as a true midfielder, his quality would be added value if he stays. Pending renewals for Çelik and Pellegrini are seen as key to Gasperini's plans, with Pellegrini reportedly offered one year plus an option through 2028 at 2.5 million euros.

AS Roma has launched a series exploring dream formations built around different themes, starting with players born in Rome. The project celebrates the club's unique bond with its city and territory, a connection deeper than almost any other Italian side. The initiative invites fans to submit their own selections via WhatsApp (351-3939337) by messaging "ASR TOP 11 - Dna romanista" at the start. Roma's identity has always been shaped by homegrown talent. From the club's founding in 1927, when Giovanni Degni touched the ball first, through to the present day, academy graduates have led every major success. Legends including Amedeo Amadei, Agostino Di Bartolomei, and Francesco Totti exemplify this tradition of raising champions within the city itself. Each decade has produced exceptional talents—from De Sisti and Bruno Conti in the 1950s, through Daniele De Rossi's fifteen-year partnership with Totti at the turn of the millennium, to Lorenzo Pellegrini carrying the torch today. The club's structure mirrors Rome's three historic components—popular, aristocratic, and religious—making overlap with the city the primary reason for its existence. No other Italian club has roots as profound in its territory. The deep sense of belonging, pride, and love for Roma allows homegrown players to transcend criticism and adversity, earning eternal glory by carving their names alongside the club's. The series aims to honour this legacy while acknowledging that many worthy candidates will inevitably be omitted from any single formation.

Mario Balotelli has named AS Roma among the contenders for next season's Serie A title, alongside Napoli and Inter. Speaking to Sportmediaset, the former Milan striker said: "Napoli and Inter are the favourites, but I want to add a surprise: Roma will also fight for the Scudetto." Balotelli, now based in Saudi Arabia, predicted that Gian Piero Gasperini's side will be in the mix for the championship despite not being among the usual elite. Roma have not yet completed any significant transfer business ahead of their squad gathering tomorrow. The pursuit of Greenwood has fallen away, while the club continues to work on signing a backup to Malen, with Tresoldi identified as a target, and also Garnacho. The Giallorossi are preparing to restart their season following a challenging campaign. Balotelli's endorsement represents external confidence in Roma's prospects, though the club's transfer activity will be crucial to whether they can genuinely mount a title challenge.

Roma's 2026–27 season began this morning at Trigoria with players returning to the training ground. Paulo Dybala has been included in head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's squad for the pre-season gathering, following the announcement of his contract renewal. Gasperini, now in his second year as Roma coach, named 18 players in his initial squad list: Angeliño, Cristante, De Marzi, Dovbyk, Dybala, Ghilardi, Gollini, Hermoso, Mancini, Pisilli, Rensch, Soulé, Svilar, Vasquez, Vaz, Wesley, and Ziolkowski. Additional players awaiting moves—Cherubini, Kumbulla, Mannini, Reale, and Pagano—will join the group, with returning World Cup participants to follow. The first training session took place today at 18:00, with a double session scheduled for tomorrow comprising sessions at 08:00 and 18:00. The squad will remain at Trigoria for accommodation over both days.

Roma have announced a 17-player squad for the opening phase of their pre-season training camp under Gian Piero Gasperini. Paulo Dybala is included after signing a contract extension to 30 June 2027. Absent are Zeki Çelik and Lorenzo Pellegrini, both still finalizing renewal negotiations. Çelik is expected to arrive at Trigoria on 18 July, while Pellegrini's return date remains uncertain. Five additional players—Cherubini, Kumbulla, Mannini, Reale, and Pagano—have been added to the first-team squad pending potential departures. The squad will train this afternoon at 18:00 and overnight at Trigoria. Double sessions are scheduled for tomorrow: 08:00 and 18:00, with another overnight stay at the training centre. Several internationals are due back on staggered dates: Evan N'Dicka and Donyell Malen on 22 July, Neil El Aynaoui on 30 July, and Manu Koné at a date still to be confirmed as he continues World Cup involvement. The official squad list includes: Angelino, Cristante, De Marzi, Dovbyk, Dybala, Ghilardi, Gollini, Hermoso, Mancini, Pisilli, Rensch, Soulé, Svilar, Vasquez, Vaz, Wesley, and Ziolkowski.

Manu Koné risks leaving Roma as the club prepares to offload a top earner to balance the books. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini hinted at the likelihood during a press conference, acknowledging financial constraints: "I think these conditions of financial fair play vary from squad to squad, they are not precise. It is undeniable that Roma knew they had this need to balance their accounts. I hoped and hope that reaching the Champions League is sufficient, but it is clear that accounts are fundamental for clubs and there will be more clarity in the coming weeks." Koné is the primary candidate for departure owing to the volume of offers he has attracted, particularly from the Premier League. The sale of Koné would force Roma to return to the midfield market, where only Bryan Cristante, Niccolò Pisilli and Neil El Aynaoui would remain. The club is targeting younger, more economical options. Among the profiles monitored are Danilo Santos of Botafogo, valued at €30 million, and Lamine Camara, a 2004-born Senegalese international at Monaco, for whom the Principality club values the fee at approximately €35 million.

AS Roma began its summer training camp at Trigoria on Wednesday morning under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The club confirmed the squad of 17 players taking part in the initial phase of pre-season activity in the capital. The roster includes several players listed for sale: Cherubini, Kumbulla, Mannini, Reale and Pagano. On the transfer front, Chelsea has granted Roma clearance to negotiate with Strasbourg over Diego Moreira by declining to exercise a buyback clause. The pursuit of Alejandro Garnacho remains more complex, though Xabi Alonso confirmed the Manchester United forward will leave Chelsea, stating: "There are many teams interested." Paulo Dybala's contract renewal with Roma has been officially confirmed.

Roma began their pre-season training camp at the Fulvio Bernardini centre on Monday, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirming the squad roster. Paulo Dybala's contract extension has been officially confirmed, with the Argentine forward's deal now running until 2027. The first day of training marks the formal start of Roma's preparation for the upcoming season. Gasperini released the list of called-up players to continue building fitness and tactical cohesion ahead of competitive fixtures.

AS Roma opened summer training at Trigoria on Monday with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and his squad, with dozens of supporters present to greet the team. Players reported around 12:00 and completed their first session at 18:00. Notably absent from the squad call were World Cup representatives Koné (still in competition), N'Dicka, El Aynaoui, Malen, and Çelik—who is close to renewing his contract—as well as Pellegrini, sidelined by injury but nearing a contract extension. Paulo Dybala's renewal has been officially confirmed through 30 June 2027. The forward said: "This story continues, as everyone wanted—the club, me, and the fans. I'm happy to play another season here, another year in this city. Being able to defend Roma's shirt is a privilege for me. Roma means many things to me: honour, responsibility, beauty. There are also many personal reasons that brought me to be here today. When the music we've all been waiting for plays—the Champions League—we'll look at each other, us on the pitch and you in the stands, and we'll be proud of what we're doing." Gasperini told Rai Radio Uno the Friedkins will arrive in the coming hours and stressed the importance of their presence. "From today there will be important accelerations. We hope to do good business in the market and give answers to the enthusiasm of a city that has already made many subscriptions," he said. Pellegrini is set to sign until 2028 with a 2029 option, earning €2.5 million per season plus bonuses; the deal is in final stages before signature.