Wesley ruled out of 2026 World Cup; Koné and Malen lead Roma's tournament charge

Roma enjoyed a rest day as Crysencio Summerville's move to the club progressed. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini used the downtime to meet with D'Amico, Scala, and his backroom staff for lunch at Santa Severa, while transfer activity continued in the background. The Curva Sud ultras issued a message ahead of 22 July, stating: "Roma is ours, let us prove it once more." The statement underscored the supporter base's commitment to the club during an active transfer window period. No team action was scheduled, leaving players to recover ahead of forthcoming fixtures.

Donyell Malen has commented on an uncanny physical likeness between himself and Samuel, a Roma supporter who has been asked for photos, videos and autographs since the Dutch winger arrived in the capital. Responding to a video posted by Radio Romanista on Instagram, Malen said: "Twin brother!" — drawing attention to the remarkable similarity that has captured fans' attention. The number 14 is currently enjoying his post-World Cup break and awaits his return to action under Gasperini at Roma. The comparison has become a talking point among supporters, with some jokingly warning against confusing the two around the city.

Roma have tabled an offer of approximately €47 million plus bonuses for Summerville, according to journalist Matteo Moretto, as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini finally moves to secure the left-winger he has wanted since last season. The protracted transfer saga may soon reach a conclusion, with director D'Amico working to fulfil the manager's priorities. Summerville's recent Instagram activity has fuelled speculation, with the player posting photos from his holiday training sessions and the caption "Forever grateful". If the deal is completed at the quoted figure, Summerville would become Roma's most expensive signing in the club's history. Roma's current record stands at €41.1 million, the combined fixed and variable fee paid to Girona for Artem Dovbyk, with Tammy Abraham's 2021 transfer from Chelsea standing at €41 million. Meanwhile, Roma face competition from Inter for midfielder Belghali, though no details of that rival interest were outlined.

Angeliño has drawn close scrutiny from Gasperini during the early weeks of pre-season, with the Spanish left-back seeking to rebuild after injury limited him to extended spells on the sidelines last season. His performance in a friendly against Roma's Primavera raised concerns: he offered little attacking thrust down the left flank and displayed a physical condition below optimal levels, prompting the coach to continue assessing his progress throughout the week. Gasperini's wide players operate as full-backs fundamental to his tactical system, and Roma remain actively hunting for reinforcements on the left wing. Diego Moreira of Strasbourg is among the names being tracked with particular interest. An alternative scenario could unfold if Roma acquire a starter for the right flank following Zeki Çelik's departure; Gasperini might then deploy Wesley regularly on the left after his strong performances last season. Either option would significantly reduce Angeliño's pathway to minutes, potentially prompting him to consider leaving Trigoria. Spanish clubs including Deportivo La Coruña, Espanyol, and Betis have already made enquiries about the player.

Roma defeated the Primavera side 6–0 in an internal friendly at Trigoria under the watchful eye of director Tony D'Amico, with Paulo Dybala orchestrating the performance. The match was played in four slots under Gasperini's new-look system. Roma struggled initially in the opening 20 minutes, with Artem Dovbyk spurning a clear chance in front of goal. Once Gasperini reshuffled the lineup around the quarter-hour mark, Dybala took control. Matías Soulé opened the scoring by heading in a Dybala cross, before Soulé himself added a second from a Dybala assist at the 44-minute mark. In the second half, Dybala converted a penalty won by Cherubini and added a fifth with a left-footed half-volley from Soulé's assist, demonstrating the twin's telepathic understanding. Bryan Cristante also scored from a distance, with Dovbyk adding the sixth late on. Angeliño featured for just one half, while Wesley played on the right flank in place of the injured Çelik. Hermoso led the defensive line with authority and precision. Gasperini granted the squad a day's rest following the exercise, with training resuming tomorrow at 18:00.

Roma cruised to a 6-0 victory over their Primavera side in a pre-season friendly, with Paulo Dybala delivering an influential display that included two goals and two assists. Artem Dovbyk opened the scoring with a header from close range, before Matías Soulé doubled the lead from a Dybala assist. Dybala then converted a penalty he had won himself to extend Roma's advantage, with Bryan Cristante adding a fourth. Dybala completed the demolition with a technical finish, and Dovbyk sealed the result with his second goal. The friendly offered manager Gian Piero Gasperini useful observations ahead of the new season. Beyond Dybala's influential contribution following his contract renewal, Mario Hermoso and Wesley impressed with their physical condition. However, Angeliño emerged as a concern, appearing visibly short of match fitness and his place in the technical project increasingly uncertain.

Spain and Argentina face off in the World Cup final, with the Spanish seeking their second world title after 2010 and Argentina pursuing a fourth star and back-to-back victories. Ahead of Roma's training session against the Primavera this morning, the club's players declared their allegiances. The majority of the Roma squad will support Argentina and Messi. Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé lead the Argentine contingent, joined by Bryan Cristante, Daniele Ghilardi, Niccolò Pisilli, Mile Svilar, Artem Dovbyk, Devyne Rensch, and Gianluca Mancini. Mancini also sent a message to his former Roma teammate Leandro Paredes: "Vamos Leandro". On Spain's side, Jan Ziółkowski, Hermoso, and Angeliño will be backing the Spanish, with one additional Roma player from the Spanish camp also expressing support for las furias rojas.

Argentina and Spain will contest the 2026 World Cup final on 19 July at 21:00, with the European champions facing the champions of South America in a match laden with historical significance. The fixture pits Lionel Scaloni's Argentina against Luis de la Fuente's Spain, and will see a generational duel between Lionel Messi and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal. AS Roma surveyed its squad on their preference for the final through a social media video. The vote was decisive: Argentina emerged as the favourite 8-2. Among Roma's players, Bryan Cristante, Matías Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Mile Svilar all backed Argentina, reflecting the giallorossi's leaning toward the South American side ahead of the showpiece.

AS Roma asked its squad members to reveal which team they will support in tonight's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, kicking off at 21:00 in New York. The club's social media campaign featured responses from Bryan Cristante, Jan Ziółkowski, Matías Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Niccolò Pisilli, Mile Svilar, and Gianluca Mancini among others. Mancini, the club's number 23, backed his former teammate Leandro Paredes with the message: "Vamos Leandro!" The Argentina contingent within Roma's squad showed their colours during the exercise, with both Dybala and Soulé participating in the video responses. The engagement reflects the global reach of Roma's playing staff, with strong connections to both European and South American football. The campaign concluded with Argentina ultimately prevailing among the respondents, though the article emphasises that the pitch will ultimately decide the true winner of the match.

Donyell Malen has commented on an uncanny physical likeness between himself and Samuel, a Roma supporter who has been asked for photos, videos and autographs since the Dutch winger arrived in the capital. Responding to a video posted by Radio Romanista on Instagram, Malen said: "Twin brother!" — drawing attention to the remarkable similarity that has captured fans' attention. The number 14 is currently enjoying his post-World Cup break and awaits his return to action under Gasperini at Roma. The comparison has become a talking point among supporters, with some jokingly warning against confusing the two around the city.

Artem Dovbyk has begun the 2026–27 season at Roma following a lengthy injury layoff that sidelined him from February onwards. The Ukrainian striker was among the squad members who reported for pre-season training at Trigoria, where he appeared in a friendly against the Primavera and scored twice, with a third goal ruled out for a marginal offside decision. Although he was booed by some supporters reflecting his difficult two seasons at the club, Dovbyk now has an opportunity to rehabilitate his Roma career under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Dovbyk arrived in summer 2024 from Girona for a total fee of around €36 million, making him one of the most expensive signings in Roma's history. His first season yielded a respectable 17 goals across all competitions in 45 appearances, but the 2025–26 campaign proved far more disappointing, yielding only three Serie A goals in 14 appearances and one assist in European competition before his injury. At 189 cm tall, Dovbyk possesses a distinctly different physical profile from primary striker Donyell Malen and could operate as a relief option or even alongside the Dutch forward in certain tactical moments. His substantial wages make a departure difficult to arrange, but if he remains, Gasperini can deploy him as a reserve to provide cover and potentially relieve pressure on the player.

Roma's push to sign Summerville from West Ham dominated Roman radio debate, with negotiations reportedly moving toward a deal worth 40–45 million euros. Francesco Balzani reported that talks between Roma and West Ham are progressing well, with a potential agreement expected between that evening and the following day. He cautioned that while Aston Villa poses a theoretical threat, no formal approach had been made at that stage, and timing is crucial: closing the deal quickly eliminates risk, but delay invites competition. Opinion split sharply on the player's merits and tactical fit. Piero Torri expressed enthusiasm for a three-man attacking unit of Summerville on the left, Paulo Dybala on the right, and Donyell Malen centrally, saying: "Summerville a sinistra, Dybala a destra e Malen al centro: con questo tridente non devi mai alzare il pallone, ma per il resto comincio a sentire un certo piacere molto simile all'orgasmo." Others, including former striker Roberto Pruzzo, voiced scepticism, arguing Summerville lacks the decisive quality required and suggesting Roma should pursue alternatives. Claudio Ranieri's unsuccessful pursuit of Mason Greenwood last summer weighed heavily on radio commentary; multiple voices urged caution about repeating that failed chapter. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's measured stance at his press conference—neither dismissing market challenges nor criticising the club's financial strategy—drew careful analysis from Antonio Felici, who noted the manager's tactical alignment with the board on wage discipline.