El Aynaoui ruled out of Morocco friendly

Roma players Wesley and Zeki Celik have been selected to start for their respective national teams in final World Cup preparation matches. Wesley was chosen by Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti to feature at right-back in a clash against Egypt in Cleveland, continuing his run as a regular starter after appearing in Brazil's 6–2 victory over Panama. Celik, meanwhile, was named in Turkey's lineup against Venezuela in Miami, with the former Lille defender also handed the captain's armband by manager Vincenzo Montella. Both selections underline the growing importance of the Roma pair at international level as their countries enter the final stages of World Cup preparation. Wesley has now established himself as Brazil's primary choice at right-back for the tournament, while Celik's captaincy represents a mark of trust from Montella. The matches served as the latest in a series of final tests before the World Cup proper began, with nations across multiple confederations conducting warm-up fixtures on the same evening to assess their readiness for the competition.

Niccolò Pisilli, the AS Roma midfielder, will wear the number 21 shirt as Italy faces Greece in a friendly international match. The 20-year-old had a strong end to the season with Roma and featured in Italy's previous friendly against Luxembourg. He is among the most important players in the squad selected by manager Baldini for this international window. Pisilli's selection underscores Italy's focus on developing young talent following their exclusion from the World Cup for the third consecutive time after a defeat to Bosnia. The number assignments remain unchanged from the Luxembourg match three days earlier, with other players including Donnarumma (1), Ndour (10), and Koleosho (11) also confirmed. Palestra and Cherubini have departed the squad. The fixture against Greece comes as part of Italy's rebuilding phase under Baldini, with Pisilli positioned as a key figure in the midfielder's regeneration. The full squad numbering for the Greece match has been confirmed, with 24 players listed in total for this phase of international fixtures.

Massimo Tarantino, currently head of Inter's youth academy, was set to return to AS Roma as head of the club's youth sector but the move collapsed following Claudio Ranieri's departure as manager. Tarantino had been poised to rejoin Roma with his contract reportedly near finalization when the changes in the club's leadership derailed the deal. The departure of Ranieri and another senior figure ended what had appeared to be an agreed arrangement. Roma is now searching for a new youth sector director following the breakdown. Valentino Angeloni from Fiorentina and Alessandro Frara are currently in contention for the role, with Angeloni reportedly the preferred candidate at this stage. Tony D'Amico is also set to join Roma's backroom staff in another capacity, pending official confirmation. When asked about the failed move at the Serie A Festival in Parma, Tarantino remarked: "What happened with Roma? These are things that happen in football, there was an opportunity that did not materialize. Now I continue my work with Inter, I'm happy to do it at such a club and I'm focused and concentrated exclusively on Inter."

A Roma player has spoken positively about his future at the club following Roma's qualification to the Champions League. The player stated that his relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is excellent and that he is content at Roma. Roma's recent achievement in securing Champions League football has created a celebratory atmosphere at the club. The player's comments reflect confidence in the current project under Gasperini's management as Roma looks ahead to competing in European competition.

Neil El Aynaoui expressed his joy following Roma's qualification for the Champions League after the team's victory at Verona. The Moroccan midfielder, who came on during the match, spoke to Rete Sport about the historic achievement and the celebrations that followed, including a gathering of supporters at Fiumicino airport upon the squad's return. El Aynaoui stated: "Yesterday evening was an incredible evening for us, for all the fans. We celebrated after the match. At the airport we found an incredible atmosphere. I think this is the level where Roma must be." On his own season, El Aynaoui acknowledged mixed performances but stressed his commitment to the objective. "This year has been very good for me in some moments, less in others," he said. "The goal was to go to the Champions League. I wanted this strongly from the beginning of my experience here. I gave everything to help the team." He highlighted the physical and tactical demands of Gasperini's system, noting it differs significantly from his previous experience but becomes difficult for opponents to face once players fully understand the approach. Regarding his future amid reported interest from major clubs, El Aynaoui offered reassurance to Roma supporters about his commitment. He praised his relationship with head coach Gasperini, stating: "Very good. I'm very fortunate to be here at Roma. The relationship with the coach is excellent."

AS Roma secured Champions League qualification for the first time in seven years under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, triggering widespread celebrations among players and staff. The squad marked the achievement across social media, with Paulo Dybala posting the Champions League logo and Matías Soulé sharing a photo alongside Paulo and Gollini highlighting the competition Roma will enter next season. Other players including Celik, El Aynaoui, Wesley, and Calafiori also posted celebratory messages on Instagram. Lorenzo Pellegrini, who attended the match despite an injury, offered a pointed message on social media. His post read: "Banda 3° posto" (Gang third place), a barbed reference to Roma's final league position. Wesley captioned his post "Objective completed successfully," while Calafiori republished the result with an emphatic "DAJEEEEE." The Champions League return represents a significant milestone for Roma after a seven-year absence from Europe's elite club competition, marking a major step forward for Gasperini's squad.