Lorenzo Bettoni and Wayne Girard take a closer look at Roma's impressive start to the season under Gian Piero Gasperini, examining how the new coach has quickly stamped his authority on the Giallorossi.
They discuss the growing influence and power Gasperini appears to have within the club, arguably more than any of his predecessors, including José Mourinho, and what that could mean for Roma's ambitions this season.
VERONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, gestures to his players during the Serie A match between ***** as Verona FC and AS Roma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 24, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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The pair also turn their attention to Donyell Malen and the role Gasperini could play in unlocking the striker's full potential. Could the Roma boss help Malen mount a serious challenge for Gonzalo Higuaín's remarkable 36-goal Serie A record?

#gian #serie #malen #coach

Roma CEO John Galantic sees 'exciting games' for the Giallorossi in the Champions League and is not worried by Gian Piero Gasperini's demands in the transfer market: 'Winners are always exigent.'
Roma learned their Champions League opponents on Thursday, and their CEO, Galantic, who was appointed at the end of July, examined the outcome in an interview with Sky Sport Italia.
"It's a great emotion," Galantic said, speaking perfect Italian.
VERONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, acknowledges the fans after the Serie A match between ******* as Verona FC and AS Roma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 24, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
"I'll start with the most obvious comment: all teams are difficult. There are some exciting games; it will be so good for our fans. We'll be ready."

#galantic #league #piero

While teenage sensation Rodrigo Mora continues to twist in the wind as Roma and Porto struggle to agree on the finer points of a €50 million transfer, the Giallorossi remain active on other fronts, particularly the wing-back position. In addition to bringing Champions League experience from his days with Atlético Madrid, newly signed right-back Nahuel Molina gives the club a dependable trio of wing-backs, joining Devyne Rensch and our top-rated U-23 player, Wesley França.
There's just one small problem: they're all nominally right wing-backs. Granted, Wesley's success on the left last season gives Gian Piero Gasperini more options at the position, but Roma still lacks a bona fide left wing-back. Earlier this summer, we discussed the possibility of signing Alessio Cacciamani, Torino's über-talented teenage winger, only to remember what a pain in the ***** it is dealing with Urban Cairo.
There have been intermittent whispers that Roma remains interested in Cacciamani, but over the past week, the club has become increasingly linked with Destiny Udogie. The 23-year-old Verona native officially joined Spurs in 2023 after a successful two-year stint with Udinese, where he scored eight goals and provided seven ***** ists in 68 league appearances.
While he hasn't quite matched those counting stats with Spurs, he's been a key piece of the puzzle at Tottenham, making 94 appearances across all competitions over the past three seasons. When silly season began, it seemed Roberto De Zerbi was keen to keep Udogie in North London, but the transfer pendulum has swung the other way.
According to multiple sources in Italy, including Nicolò Schira and Alfredo Pedullà, Spurs are reportedly warming to the idea of life without Udogie.

#wing #back #league

Romelu Lukaku has officially been sold to Fenerbahce by Napoli for a reported cost of €6m plus add-ons, flying out this evening to Istanbul.
The deal had been done earlier this week and it is reported he underwent medical tests in Belgium, which is where he remained following the 2026 World Cup campaign.
He is therefore flying directly to Istanbul from Brussels, without going back to Italy or Naples.
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Romelu Lukaku of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his team second goal during the Serie A match between ****** as Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The sale was confirmed by statements on both the Napoli and Fenerbahce websites this evening.

#italy #fenerbahce #istanbul

Inter are reportedly retaining a 50 per cent cut of Davide Frattesi's future sale fee from Lazio, explaining why he is sold for €15m and not the €30m asking price.
There had been some very raised eyebrows when the figures emerged of an agreement between the two clubs today.
MUNICH, GERMANY – APRIL 08: Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between FC Bayern München and FC Internazionale Milano at Fussball Arena Muenchen on April 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
All summer long, Inter have set the €30m minimum price tag on the midfielder, already a drop from the €40m they had been demanding last season.
VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between ******* as Verona FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 02, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

#davide #Inter #april #images

Gian Piero Gasperini was furious after a 'horrible' 3-0 Roma defeat to Brighton and 'cannot say if the team is stronger than last season' after transfer struggles.
The Giallorossi have had a truly dismal pre-season, drawing 3-3 with Cannes after taking a 3-0 lead, then losing 4-1 to Cardiff City and 3-0 at Brighton and Hove Albion.
The only bright spot was a 4-1 victory over Newport County, but they are hardly to be considered at the level of a genuine test.
Their summer ends with a trip to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday August 15.
VERONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to during the Serie A match between ***** as Verona FC and AS Roma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 24, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

#verona #piero #brighton #italy

Fiorentina are reportedly ready to push Parma for €30m-rated striker Mateo Pellegrino, who is seen as the replacement for Roberto Piccoli, after Juventus backed away.
The Argentine centre-forward has been repeatedly linked with an exit from the Stadio Tardini this summer and his most likely destination was Juve.
VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Mateo Pellegrino of Parma celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between ******* as Verona FC and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 23, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
However, after they secured Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayer Leverkusen talent Kerim Alajbegovic, the funds and ******* e have dried up.
Unless Jonathan David can be moved on, then they are currently not in a position to swoop.

#parma #verona #mateo #stadio

Luciano Spalletti explains the positives from Juventus beating Chelsea 1-0, updating Kenan Yildiz fitness, and why Jonathan David was hauled off. 'He couldn't do more.'
HONG KONG, CHINA – AUGUST 5: Danny Welbeck of Chelsea FC (L) and Manuel Locatelli of Juventus FC (R) Competes for the ball during the Chelsea v Juventus – Pre-Season Friendly at the Kai Tak Stadium on August 5, 2026 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
The Bianconeri had only one new signing in the starting XI in Hong Kong, defender Zeki Celik, and overall looked a long way off the side that will be picked for competitive games this season.
It was nonetheless a positive to beat Chelsea 1-0 with the Edon Zhegrova curler, and keep another clean sheet in their summer tests.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Juventus FC head coach Luciano Spalletti looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and **** as Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

#images

Besiktas President Serdal Adali confirmed they are 'talking to Dusan Vlahovic' about a deal for the former Juventus striker, after refusing to meet Mohamed Salah's terms.
The Turkish club is confident it has a secret weapon in tempting Vlahovic to the Super Lig, specifically the presence of coach Vincenzo Italiano, who already worked with the Serbian at Fiorentina.
The forward has been a free agent since July 1, when his contract with Juventus was allowed to run down.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and **** as Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
He had left the door open for a potential new deal with Juve at a reduced salary, but has largely been waiting for the big clubs in the Premier League, LaLiga or Bundesliga to make him an offer.

#dusan #italy #besiktas #serdal

Sassuolo have reached a basic agreement with Verona for Scotland international striker Kieron Bowie, on loan with option to buy for €10m, with Samuele Mulattieri going the other way.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 08: Kieron Bowie of ***** as Verona scores his team's second goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and ***** as Verona FC at Renato Dall'Ara Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà maintains today's discussions bridged the remaining gaps between the clubs and they are well on the way to completing this move.
It will see Bowie remain in Serie A, where he impressed in the six months since leaving Hibernian for €6m in January.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 08: Kieron Bowie of ***** as Verona celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and ***** as Verona FC at Renato Dall'Ara Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

#verona #dall 'ara

A year abroad awaits Michaela Martiskova - the 20-year-old has joined Belgian side Anderlecht on loan for the 2026/27 season.
Michaela arrived at Juventus in the summer of 2025, and spent her first season out on loan in Serie B with Bologna and then ******* as Verona. She now sets off for a new experience outside of Italy, where she will compete at a high level.
Good luck on loan, Michaela!

Among their many objectives, Milan will rework their wings this summer and are ******* sing a few options, starting with Noussair Mazraoui, who already played for Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, Matteo Moretto reports (via SOSFanta).
The chase is in its early stages. There have been no direct contacts between the two clubs for now. The player is under contract until 2028 with an option. The fullback headed to Old Trafford from Bayern Munich for €15M in 2024 and has accumulated 77 appearances, dishing out 3 ******* ists. He had started his career at Ajax.
Milan will eventually decide whether to bid for Mazraoui or target different players. In the meantime, they are open to selling Pervis Estupinan just a year after acquiring him for €20M. Aston Villa have shown some interest. Ideally, he’d leave for a similar fee.
According to TuttoSport, the Rossoneri are eyeing a right-footed specialist. Amorim might use Alexis Saelemaekers on the left flank. They could duel with Inter for Guéla Doué. They have tendered a five-year contract with a €2.5M salary. Rafik Belghali, who has been offered to several Serie A sides after Verona’s relegation, is among the cheaper alternatives. His price tag is €15M.
It’s not one of their most urgent needs, as Davide Bartesaghi is perfectly viable and Zachary Athekame eventually proved to be an okay backup, but they’ll obviously need an addition if they get rid of Estupinan without taking a bath, which is easier said than done. If they really want to blow their tactics up and have all wingers with inverted feet, they should go after an offensive-minded option like Doué’s teammate, Diego Moreira.

Lazio have reportedly been offered the services of their long-time target Jacopo Fazzini, who is coming off a challenging campaign at Fiorentina.
The 23-year-old was considered among the most exciting up-and-coming youngsters in Italian football when he was still making his first strides in Serie A. The Biancocelesti tried to acquire him on several occasions in the past, including January 2025 when they ended up buying Reda Belahyane from ***** as Verona.
While Lazio were never able to strike a deal with Empoli for Fazzini, the Azzurri ended up selling the player to their Tuscan rivals, Fiorentina, in the summer of 2025 for €10 million. But with the Viola enduring a torrid campaign, especially in the first half under Stefano Pioli, the midfielder struggled to perform at the Artemio Franchi, only contributing with one ***** ist in 32 appearances in all competitions.
According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Fazzini was offered to Lazio a few days ago. Gennaro Gattuso could do with a midfielder capable of playing in a more advanced role in his projected 4-2-3-1 formation, especially after missing out on Bayern Munich youngster Jonathan Asp Jensen.
But as the source explains, the Aquile's interest in Fazzini has dwindled, as they now have other priorities on the market, especially in the backline, where they must replace Alessio Romagnoli and Mario Gila.

Who said you're born a Roman? For more information, call Bryan Cristante (assuming you have his home address) at the door.
He's 31, having spent the last eight years in the capital running up and down the pitch in the Giallorossi jersey.
Born in Friuli and raised in Milan, the Roma midfielder has absorbed the Eternal City's customs and traditions.
And a few typical expressions. "I confess: 'mortaci tua' has become a catchphrase. It comes out on so many occasions, I can't help it. Now I'm on automatic," he charmingly explains in a long interview with Sportweek for 'La Gazzetta dello Sport'.
"The key moments of my career? The two Cup finals, for sure: the first, the Conference Cup, which we won against Feyenoord, but also the other, the Europa League, which we lost on penalties to Sevilla. Then, without going too far back in time, I'll tell you about the last matchday of this season in Verona, where we secured our return to the Champions League, an event that everyone—club, players, and fans—had been missing for far too long."

Brighton centre-back Diego Coppola won't be signing for Lazio this summer, but will instead rejoin Paris FC.
The Biancocelesti have agreed to sell Alessio Romagnoli to Al-Sadd and Mario Gila to AC Milan. Therefore, they must buy at least one new centre-back to join Oliver Provstgaard, Patric and Samuel Gigot in the defensive department.
Over the past few weeks, Coppola was one of the main names on Lazio's shortlist, and he was said to be keen to reunite with his former national team coach, Gennaro Gattuso. The 22-year-old has been a target for the Aquile since his days at **** as Verona. Last summer, he signed for Brighton on a £10 million deal, but it didn't pan out as planned.
After struggling to adapt to his new surroundings, the Italian international spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Paris FC, where he managed to establish himself as a regular starter.
According to Sportitalia journalist Gianluigi Longari, the French capital club has secured an agreement with Brighton for Coppola's permanent transfer, thus closing the door on a potential move to Lazio.

Celtic linked with Scotland striker in Italy and Egypt winger in Spain as newly-promoted Premier League side eye move for Hearts striker...
Celtic are preparing to go "all out" to compete with Bologna - who are said to be in "pole position" in the race to sign Scotland Kieron Bowie from ***** as Verona. (Corriere di Verona via Daily Record)
Relegated ***** as Verona have slapped a £13m price tag on Kieron Bowie in a bid to keep the 23-year-old amid interest from Serie A clubs Cagliari and Sassuolo. (Daily Record)
Manager Martin O'Neill says Celtic are pursuing deals to re-sign 29-year-old striker Kelechi Iheanacho and 28-year-old left-back Marcelo Saracchi, who was on loan from Boca Juniors. (The Herald)
Celtic have bid £3.4m for 24-year-old Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan, who starred for Egypt at the World Cup. (Fondo Seguna via Glasgow Times)

Reports in Italy claim that Bologna have shown an interest in signing Napoli midfielder Michael Folorunsho, who has returned to the Stadio Maradona following his loan spell with Cagliari in 2025-26.
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Bologna have requested information around Folorunsho, who made 28 Serie A appearances last term while Cagliari finished relatively comfortably in 14th place.
Folorunsho has been on Napoli’s books since 2019, but has only made six league appearances for the Partenopei and has been sent out on loan eight different times, turning out for Cagliari, Fiorentina and ****** as Verona in the top flight.
Italy international Michael Folorunsho poses for photo alongside Partenopei President Aurelio De Laurentiis after signing new Napoli contract until 2029.
Folorunsho was part of the Italy national team squad for EURO 2024 under Luciano Spalletti and has two caps to his name from matches in and around that tournament.

Lazio are on the cusp of selling Mario Gila, and they’re now keeping tabs on three defenders, including Brighton’s Diego Coppola.
Gila has already agreed personal terms with AC Milan, who offered him a €5 million yearly salary. The Spaniard would thus follow his defensive partner, Alessio Romagnoli, out the door, as the latter has already landed in Doha after receiving the green light to sign for Al-Sadd. Therefore, the Biancocelesti will be looking to buy at least one new centre-back, and sources haven’t ruled out two new arrivals.
According to Il Messaggero, three defenders have emerged as the main candidates to join Lazio this summer. The first is Coppola, a 22-year-old Italian defender who rose to prominence at **** as Verona, but struggled to settle at Brighton following his transfer last year.
The Italian international found success during his loan spell at Paris FC in the second part of the campaign, but his future remains up in the air. The Roman newspaper claims Coppola is pleading with the Seagulls to grant him leave so he can join Gennaro Gattuso’s team.
The second profile is Sergi Dominguez, who might be the first name on the shortlist of Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani. The 21-year-old is a Barcelona youth product who signed for Dinamo Zagreb last year and swiftly established himself as a pillar at the back, helping the Croatian giants win the domestic double.

Roma have reached an agreement with Zeki Celik over a new contract, ending speculation about the Turkish defender's future after his deal expired on 30 June.
According to Fabrizio Romano, via CalcioMercato, the two parties have found terms to continue together, with Celik reported to have already signed, leaving only the official announcement outstanding.
It marks a notable win for Roma in a summer when several of their key men reached the end of their contracts.
As a potential free agent, Celik had attracted interest from Serie A rivals, Juventus and Inter chief among them, with the latter viewing him as a potential answer to their search for a right-sided defender, but the Giallorossi have moved to keep him at the Stadio Olimpico.
VERONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to during the Serie A match between **** as Verona FC and AS Roma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 24, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Sassuolo and Bologna are reportedly in talks with ******* as Verona about Kieron Bowie, while Celtic are linked with Norwegian striker Tobias Lauritsen and three clubs are said to be chasing former Rangers loanee Mikey Moore.
Sassuolo have joined Bologna in holding talks with relegated ******* as Verona about 23-year-old £10m-rated Scotland striker Kieron Bowie. (Daily Record)
Jack Hendry has become the highest-paid Scotland international after the 31-year-old centre-half signed a new two-year contract with Al Ettifaq. (Sky Sports)
Celtic are interested in striker Tobias Lauritsen, who has left Sparta Rotterdam, along with Leicester City, while Sampdoria are actively pursuing the 28-year-old, according to Il Secolo XIX. (Martin Crawford on X)
Celtic plan to open talks with Anthony Ralston over a new contract with the 27-year-old Scotland right-back entering the final year of his current deal. (Daily Record)

Scotland international Kieron Bowie is reportedly on the radar of Sassuolo, but Verona want €12m, double the figure they paid to get him from Hibernian.
The 23-year-old striker only arrived at the Stadio Bentegodi in January for a fee of €6m.
He contributed four goals and one **** ist in 14 appearances for the club, but the situation was already dire, and it was not enough to prevent their relegation to Serie B.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 08: Kieron Bowie of **** as Verona scores his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and **** as Verona FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Now there are reports Bowie could remain in the Italian top flight after all with a potential transfer to Sassuolo.

In a recent report, Tuttomercatoweb mentioned that Chelsea are hoping to re-sign Torino midfielder Cesare Casadei . It has been claimed that the Blues have set their sights on recruiting the Italian talent this off-season.
Casadei enjoyed a good run of form at the Italian club in the previous campaign when he put in a run of impressive displays for them in the middle of the park. The 23-year-old scored seven times in 36 matches for Torino last season across all competitions.
The Italian sensation is currently one of the most talented midfielders in his homeland. Thus, it is no surprise that Chelsea are keen on bringing him back to Stamford Bridge later this year.
His current contract at the Italian club will run out in the summer of 2029, which could make it tough for the Blues to sign him this off-season.
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Cesare Casadei of Torino FC in action during the Serie A match between Torino FC and **** as Verona FC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on April 11, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

The Wisconsin Soccer Coaches **** ociation announced its girls all-state teams for the 2026 spring season.
Featured on the teams are four members of WIAA Division 1 state champion Divine Savior Holy Angels , three members of D1 runner-up Muskego and three members of D2 state champion Brookfield Central to lead a host of local honorees. Arrowhead senior Amara Leppla was named the state player of the year to lead the first team.
Here are the full all-state first and second teams, as well as other all-state honorees. Journal Sentinel area athletes are listed in bold.
Player of the year:Amara Leppla, sr., midfielder, Arrowhead.
Brailey Baxter, jr., defender, DSHA; Meghan Gavigan, jr., midfielder, The Prairie School; Madonna Helf, jr., forward, Whitefish Bay; Keira Kimbrough, jr., forward, The Prairie School; Jaylah Moore, sr., goalkeeper, McFarland; Noelle Rauwolf, jr., forward, Verona ; Gabi Retana sr., midfielder, Madison West; Avery Roethe, jr., midfielder, DSHA; Kylie Steel, jr., midfielder, Oregon; Emily Urban, sr., defender, Kimberly.

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro will return to Inter after Pisa’s purchase option collapsed at the final hurdle, with Fabrizio Romano revealing the deal broke down during the exchange of documents despite the €7.5 million option having initially been exercised by the Tuscan club.
The breakdown represents a surprising development given that Pisa had been expected to make the move permanent following the young Nigerian midfielder’s loan spell.
Inter are now ****** sing alternative offers for the midfielder, with Sky Sport in Italy reporting, via TuttoMercatoWeb, that clubs from the Bundesliga have registered concrete interest in his profile.
PISA, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Ebenezer Akinsanmiro of Pisa Sporting Club in action during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and ****** as Verona FC at Arena Garibaldi on October 18, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
The collapse of the Pisa deal is an unexpected complication for all parties, though Inter will be confident of finding a suitable destination for a player who has shown considerable promise at youth level.

VERONA, N.Y. (AP) — Gennadiy Golovkin was always more about big punches than big words. Talking was for fighters like Antonio Tarver.
But on Hall of Fame induction day, even guys like Tarver can have trouble getting the words out.
“They always say I’m good on the mic but I don’t know, this is going to be tough,” Tarver said Sunday.
He and Golovkin both got through their speeches near the end of the ceremony for the class of 2026 that is being enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York.
Golovkin went 42-2-1 with 37 KOs as one of the top middleweights in boxing history. He made a record-tying 20 consecutive **** le defenses in the 160-pound weight class, earning his first **** le in 2010 and remaining champion until Canelo Alvarez edged him in 2018 in their second blockbuster bout.

Check out the incredible journey of Verona Van de Leur, from talented Dutch gymnast to adult film star. After a tumultuous life, including legal battles and personal struggles, she's now setting her sights back on sports at 33. Read her amazing story here:

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