Weekly Ratings: Sinner praised for dignity; Massara departs; Dybala and Pellegrini renewals questioned

A weekly scorecard of Italian football's talking points rates Jannik Sinner top marks for his Wimbledon victory, while Paulo Dybala's contract renewal with Roma earns a 7—conditional backing from the editorial board. Dybala remains a valuable asset for the club at the right terms and with proper management of his injury concerns, though Roma must build around him rather than depend solely on him for seasonal targets. Manu Koné, on loan at Roma from Gladbach, receives an 8 for his commanding displays with the French national team, particularly praised by experienced teammates like Rabiot. The editorial board suggests a permanent transfer fee should not fall below €65 million given current market rates. Gian Piero Gasperini earns a 6 for his radio comments, having learned significantly in his first year at Roma and now feeling confident controlling an environment that held reservations about him last summer. Lorenzo Pellegrini's absence from Roma's retreat draws criticism as a jarring note in preparations. The scorecard also covers Belgium's misfortune, parliament member Celeste Amarilla's racist attacks on Mbappé, and a zero for Nicolò Zaniolo—criticized for missing Udinese's training camp after a year of praise for his maturity during his loan spell.

Rome radio commentators have weighed in on Roma's transfer priorities, with Carina expressing a preference for winger Moreira over Garnacho and backing a significant investment in the player. Speaking on Radio Radio Mattino, Carina said: "Between Garnacho and Moreira, the latter convinces me more. Garnacho had a strong start at Manchester United but has struggled in the last two years. Moreira gives me the impression of being another Wesley, someone who can play equally on the right or left. He's a player I would invest 30 to 35 million euros in. Yesterday I heard a Gasperini who seems ready to make his voice heard." Former Roma striker Pruzzo also addressed the midfield on Radio Radio Mattino, signalling the need for reinforcement. He stated: "In the market there is the possibility of finding a player with Koné's characteristics. At midfield Roma must do something, because Cristante's tempo is what it is." The comments suggest internal concern over the current squad's rhythm and creativity in the centre of the park. Orsi, also speaking on Radio Radio Mattino, countered the Garnacho option by backing squad continuity. He preferred retaining Soulé, saying: "It's a player you can cultivate and, aside from physical problems, I think he can improve a lot. It makes no sense to invest in a young player you offload the following year."

Roma radio commentators have weighed in on the club's transfer strategy, with the Alejandro Garnacho pursuit emerging as a key sticking point. Lorenzo Pes stated: "For Garnacho it depends heavily on Chelsea. I give it a 50% chance of success. If the Blues open the door to a loan, there are good chances of closing it. The variable remains Moreira." Gasperini has made summer signings a priority, with Summerville named as a top target the coach has backed since January. Radio voices debate whether Roma can close deals quickly enough, with Francesco Balzani noting that Gasperini expects "important accelerations this week" and wants at least one deal completed by Sunday. Luigi Ferrajolo warned the club is running behind schedule, observing that keeping Koné while adding two wingers would be "a masterpiece," but fearing budget constraints could force the midfielder onto the market if multiple wide players arrive. Paulo Dybala has signed a new contract for one season, while talks over Lorenzo Pellegrini's renewal remain unresolved. Opinions diverged on priority targets. Balzani preferred Summerville to Garnacho, comparing the Dutchman's potential transformation under Gasperini to Lookman's evolution at Atalanta. Roberto Pruzzo stressed Roma needs a winger who scores 15 goals, calling Garnacho "a big question mark" at present. Nando Orsi backed Matías Soulé over Garnacho, citing the Argentine's improvement potential despite injury concerns.

Alberto De Rossi has left AS Roma as the club continues its youth academy reorganisation. De Rossi's contract expired on 30 June and Roma made no approach to discuss a renewal. He departs after years leading the Primavera team, where he won three league titles, two Coppa Italia trophies and two Supercoppa wins, and later served as head of coach development across the national youth squads. De Rossi's exit follows the earlier departures of Federico Guidi and Bruno Conti as part of the overhaul, which has also seen the arrivals of Margiotta and Scala. Over his tenure, De Rossi developed numerous players who went on to professional success, including Florenzi (Italian champion with AC Milan), Frattesi (Italian champion with Inter), Pellegrini, Romagnoli, Zalewski, Bove, Caprari, Okaka and Calafiori (English champion with Arsenal). Matteo Politano and Matteo Aquilani also came through his academy system, with Politano winning two Serie A titles at Napoli. Volpato earned three World Cup appearances. De Rossi may join his son Daniele at Ostiamare, bringing to a close a significant chapter in Roma's youth development marked by consistent success in nurturing young talent.

Roma are pursuing a contract extension for goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini as part of a broader squad retention effort following the recent renewal of Paulo Dybala and ongoing negotiations with Zeki Çelik and Lorenzo Pellegrini. The club intends to prolong Gollini's deal by a further year, extending it from its current expiry date of June 2027 to June 2028, according to Il Tempo. Gollini, who responded to Gasperini's call-up for the national team gathering, is set to continue as backup to Mile Svilar for the next two seasons. Despite limited playing time last season, appearing only in Roma's Europa League group-stage match against Panathinaikos, Gollini remains valued as a reliable and important resource for the squad. The goalkeeper's retention forms part of Roma's preparations for a demanding campaign ahead, with the club committed to competing in both Serie A and the Champions League. The consolidation of Gollini's status reflects Roma's strategy to maintain squad depth and experience in a season expected to be lengthy and challenging.

The Friedkin Group has signalled an ambitious strategy to reshape Roma around head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and Champions League football, according to sources in the United States. June was spent in reflection and sensitive dialogue with UEFA to avoid rushed sales under Settlement Agreement pressure. Now, in mid-July with summer preparation underway, the American ownership is accelerating its plans beyond the original three-year timeline, aiming to establish Roma as title contenders by the club's centenary year. Gasperini's success in returning Roma to Europe's top competition after a seven-year absence has earned him full backing for his technical vision. The club has appointed sporting director Tony D'Amico to align with that strategy and is moving to secure key players with contract renewals. Paulo Dybala has already signed a new deal; Zeki Çelik and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini are expected to follow soon, with plans to extend terms for Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante afterwards. On the transfer market, the Friedkin Group is prepared to invest significantly through both internal resources and targeted sales, though only on terms the club deems appropriate and within UEFA parameters. The ownership is willing to take calculated risks to consolidate Roma's position in top European football.

Paulo Dybala has signed a contract extension with Roma through 30 June 2027, ending months of negotiation. The Argentine forward expressed his satisfaction after the club's official announcement, stating: "Questa storia continua come volevamo tutti: la società, io e i tifosi. Poter continuare a difendere la maglia della Roma per me è un privilegio." The deal contains no option for a further year, meaning his future beyond 2027 will depend on his on-pitch performance. The new agreement represents a significant reduction in Dybala's earnings. His fixed salary is set at €2.5 million net—approximately €4.65 million gross—plus performance bonuses that could raise his total compensation to €4 million if all targets are met. This marks a considerable drop from his previous wage of around €6.5 million net (over €12 million gross) in the recently concluded season. The reduction reflects Roma's broader wage restructuring under the Friedkin Group, though the figures remain substantial for the club's wage bill. The contract extension caps a lengthy negotiation process that began before the end of last season. The absence of an additional option clause places responsibility squarely on Dybala's performances during the 2026–27 campaign to determine whether Roma will offer him further terms.

Roma are pursuing a contract extension for goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini as part of a broader squad retention effort following the recent renewal of Paulo Dybala and ongoing negotiations with Zeki Çelik and Lorenzo Pellegrini. The club intends to prolong Gollini's deal by a further year, extending it from its current expiry date of June 2027 to June 2028, according to Il Tempo. Gollini, who responded to Gasperini's call-up for the national team gathering, is set to continue as backup to Mile Svilar for the next two seasons. Despite limited playing time last season, appearing only in Roma's Europa League group-stage match against Panathinaikos, Gollini remains valued as a reliable and important resource for the squad. The goalkeeper's retention forms part of Roma's preparations for a demanding campaign ahead, with the club committed to competing in both Serie A and the Champions League. The consolidation of Gollini's status reflects Roma's strategy to maintain squad depth and experience in a season expected to be lengthy and challenging.

The Friedkin Group has signalled an ambitious strategy to reshape Roma around head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and Champions League football, according to sources in the United States. June was spent in reflection and sensitive dialogue with UEFA to avoid rushed sales under Settlement Agreement pressure. Now, in mid-July with summer preparation underway, the American ownership is accelerating its plans beyond the original three-year timeline, aiming to establish Roma as title contenders by the club's centenary year. Gasperini's success in returning Roma to Europe's top competition after a seven-year absence has earned him full backing for his technical vision. The club has appointed sporting director Tony D'Amico to align with that strategy and is moving to secure key players with contract renewals. Paulo Dybala has already signed a new deal; Zeki Çelik and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini are expected to follow soon, with plans to extend terms for Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante afterwards. On the transfer market, the Friedkin Group is prepared to invest significantly through both internal resources and targeted sales, though only on terms the club deems appropriate and within UEFA parameters. The ownership is willing to take calculated risks to consolidate Roma's position in top European football.

Roma's squad reported to Trigoria by 12 noon on Monday to begin their first week of training under Gian Piero Gasperini, who enters his second season in charge following the club's return to the Champions League. The first session, preceded by routine medical checks, was scheduled for the afternoon after lunch. The squad welcomed back no new faces, with departures including El Shaarawy, Ferguson, Zaragoza and Tsimikas, and the club opted not to publish the squad list publicly. The decision to withhold squad details reflects uncertainty over Paulo Dybala's contract situation. Roma's hierarchy worked to complete all formalities of Dybala's contract renewal by Monday morning, with the financial terms already agreed for several days. Çelik will be the first player to return following his involvement in international competition, though his own renewal announcement has not yet been confirmed. The full or near-full squad is expected only when the team convenes for a training camp in Wales. Gasperini is awaiting reinforcements from the club's sporting director D'Amico, who has drawn up a target list prioritising Moreira, while Garnacho and Tresoldi remain under consideration for the attack and centre-back positions respectively.

Roma began their pre-season on Tuesday, exactly fifty days after their victory in Verona, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini arriving at Trigoria. Only fourteen outfield players reported initially, with several absentees due to extended World Cup breaks or departures. Stephan El Shaarawy, Kostas Tsimikas, Evan Ferguson, Bryan Zaragoza, Zeki Çelik, Evan N'Dicka, Donyell Malen, Salah-Eddine, and Neil El Aynaoui were unavailable, while Manu Koné remained absent. Players were required to arrive at the training ground by noon for medical checks before their first session in the afternoon. Paulo Dybala is set to sign a one-year contract extension to begin his fifth season at Roma, with the announcement expected on Tuesday. Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract situation remains unresolved, with further discussions scheduled in the coming days. Wesley has recovered fully from an adductor muscle injury sustained before the World Cup. Daniele De Rossi's successor Gasperini arrived Monday morning and will oversee an intensive two-week training block at Trigoria before the squad relocates to Wales for the second phase of pre-season, departing 30 July and returning 18 August following a fixture against Brighton. Several players with uncertain futures, including Artem Dovbyk and Robinio Vaz, will use the coming weeks to impress Gasperini. Donyell Malen is expected to rejoin the squad around 22 July. Sporting director Tony D'Amico, representing the Friedkin Group ownership, attended to welcome the squad.

Nine players assembled during Gian Piero Gasperini's first season at Roma have combined for 100 appearances across Serie A and cup competitions but have failed to establish themselves as regular contributors. Pierluigi Gollini featured only once, against Panathinaikos in January's final Europa League group stage match. Angeliño made brief appearances against Celtic and Panathinaikos before a March return to the Olimpico against Lecce, where he saw limited action in the run-in. Robinio Vaz, signed for 20 million euros plus 5 million in bonuses in January alongside Donyell Malen, scored his sole Roma goal against Lecce but has proven too raw for immediate impact as deputy striker. Bryan Zaragoza arrived on loan from Bayern Munich in January and impressed on his second appearance, starting against Napoli and providing an assist for Malen's opening goal from the seventh minute, yet proved costly when he came on in Roma's Europa League elimination against Bologna in extra time. Lorenzo Venturino, an 18-year-old winger on loan from Genoa, saw limited use due to his age. Evan Ferguson, signed on loan with a purchase option from Brighton, closed the season with 40 combined appearances across both strikers; the 20-year-old's campaign ended in January after injury and limited backing from Gasperini. Artem Dovbyk meanwhile struggled to meet the technical demands of the role and reappeared late in the season with only two minutes in the final two matches.