The Ratings: From Bruno Conti to Trump's relief over Balogun's lack of suspension

Paulo Roberto Falcao has expressed confidence in Roma's title ambitions under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, speaking during a Media Day event at Saxa Rubra studios. The World Cup tournament personality praised Gasperini's work, saying: "Gasperini has done great work at Atalanta and now he is doing it at Trigoria. Roma can win the Scudetto. Wesley can be his extra weapon." Falcao, who discussed Brazil's World Cup elimination, also reflected on Roma's history and heritage. He highlighted the club's legendary figures, commenting on Bruno Conti as "a brother" and Francesco Totti as "a great player." Addressing his own potential connection to the club, Falcao revealed: "In 1991 I was close to coming as a coach. They never contacted me again." The former striker also weighed in on a goal by Turone, stating: "The goal did not need VAR or today's technology to validate it," offering his perspective on refereeing decisions in modern football.

Paulo Roberto Falcao, speaking at Rai Sport's World Cup coverage studio in Rome, believes Gian Piero Gasperini can lead Roma to the Serie A title. The former Roma striker, who played for the club from 1980 to 1985, praised Gasperini's work at Atalanta and said he is now delivering similar results at Trigoria. Falcao singled out Wesley as a key player for the campaign, describing him as Gasperini's extra strength. Falcao also reflected on his time at Roma, calling Bruno Conti a brother and Francesco Totti a great player. When asked about a potential return to the club as manager, Falcao recalled: "In 1991 I was close to becoming the coach. They never contacted me again." He also defended the legitimacy of Turone's goal, saying technology was unnecessary to validate it. Falcao appears nightly on Rai Uno's World Cup programme "Notti Mondiali" alongside Marco Tardelli and Ciccio Graziani. The show has delivered record audiences: the average viewership exceeds 2 million with a mean share of 15.1%. The France–Sweden pre-match drew approximately 2.64 million viewers with a peak of over 3.75 million and 7.35 million total contacts. By the end of the tournament, Rai will have broadcast over 35 matches in full, covering cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Former striker Fabrizio Ravanelli has expressed confidence that signing Mason Greenwood would transform Roma into genuine Serie A title contenders. Ravanelli, who previously worked alongside Greenwood during his time as a collaborator at Marseille from July 2024 to November 2025, believes the English winger has the quality to excel in Italian football. He stated: "With Greenwood Roma becomes a serious candidate for the Scudetto" and added: "One like him in this Serie A scores 20 goals effortlessly." Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has already held discussions with Greenwood about joining Roma, viewing the signing as a way to raise the team's level and compete for immediate silverware. The club now faces the task of meeting Marseille's asking price, reportedly close to €50 million. Ravanelli has endorsed the potential transfer, saying: "If Roma signs him, it would be a tremendous coup." The coming days could bring acceleration in negotiations as the Friedkin Group weighs up the financial commitment required to bring the winger to the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma has presented a formal contract renewal proposal to Zeki Çelik's representatives and reached a preliminary agreement, but the deal remains unsigned as bureaucratic formalities have delayed progress. The Turkish defender's situation stands in contrast to Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose renewals are finalised and set to be announced by the club in the coming days. With Çelik currently without a contract, rival clubs have begun making direct contact with the player during this period of standstill. According to transfer expert Matteo Moretto, Roma and Çelik share full understanding and contacts remain positive, though the transaction cannot yet be considered complete. The Giallorossi are keen to accelerate the process and aim to definitively secure the defender and resolve all renewal matters within the coming days to prevent unwanted competition from other suitors. The club's urgency reflects concern that extended delays could invite interference from interested parties.

Roma are pushing to resolve Zeki Çelik's contract renewal in the coming days, with optimism filtering through that a deal will be struck, though the matter remains unsigned. The club sent a formal proposal to the Turkish defender's agent in recent days and received a positive response, but administrative formalities are delaying completion. The situation has attracted attention from other clubs, who have begun making direct contact with Çelik, currently without a club. Meanwhile, Roma have already settled terms with Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, with official announcements expected shortly. However, Çelik's negotiations have proven more protracted. According to transfer expert Matteo Moretto, there is mutual understanding between Roma and the player and optimism surrounds the renewal's closure, but it cannot yet be considered done. The Giallorossi are determined to accelerate the process and aim to wrap up the renewal chapter within days.

Roma are considering Nicolò Tresoldi as a backup option to Donyell Malen and are preparing to move on from Artem Dovbyk. Club Brugge are asking roughly €30M for the 21-year-old, who was born in Cagliari but spent his formative years in Germany before joining the Belgian club for €7.5M in 2025. Last season he scored 23 goals and provided 9 assists across 58 appearances, and has earned 24 caps for Italy's U-21 side, netting 12 times. Roma will only accelerate their pursuit of Tresoldi after offloading Dovbyk, who has attracted interest from Spanish clubs and Genoa. The Ukrainian striker earned praise under former manager Daniele De Rossi but carries a €3.5M annual salary. Roma are considering a loan arrangement to help Dovbyk rebuild his valuation before attempting a permanent sale next summer, though they will prioritise a cash sale if possible. The club has also identified less costly alternatives, including Andrea Pinamonti, valued at €15–20M and expected to leave Sassuolo this summer. Lazio are also monitoring Pinamonti and have tracked Fiorentina's Roberto Piccoli. Roma's recruitment is flexible; the striking role is not an immediate priority given Malen's guaranteed minutes, and they could fill the position opportunistically if Paulo Dybala remains and Mason Greenwood joins.