Setti on Roma's Challenge: Club Lacks People Who 'Would Kill for Results'

Jeremías Lazaro, a 2004-born midfielder at Argentine club Instituto Córdoba, revealed that Paulo Dybala contacted him via video call through a mutual connection to offer representation services. Lazaro declined the offer, as he had already signed with another agent, but praised Dybala for providing advice during a period when he was playing little. Lazaro said of their conversation: "With him I had a chat, we spoke on Instagram, I made a video call with him because, well, he wanted to be my representative. But I had already signed with my current agent. Obviously we remained on excellent terms, there's a desire to meet at some point, which will surely happen. But I'm really happy because he's a fantastic person. He gave me a lot of advice and, honestly, talking to him reassured me." Dybala founded a Milan-based consulting firm called La Favorita srl over two years ago, which manages athlete image rights, endorsements, and intellectual property across multiple platforms including artificial intelligence and blockchain-based assets like NFTs. The venture reflects Dybala's broader business interests beyond his playing career at Roma, similar to how Francesco Totti established his own management company. The arrangement shows Dybala is actively building a portfolio in sports representation and consulting, positioning himself for post-playing opportunities in football management and athlete advocacy.

AS Roma's pursuit of a new sporting director is approaching conclusion. Tony D'Amico is currently in Bergamo negotiating the termination of his contract with Atalanta, a necessary step before he can officially join Roma as director of sport. The two clubs have yet to reach full agreement, however, with D'Amico expected to forfeit certain monthly payments as part of the exit deal. Atalanta president Luca Percassi is reportedly unwilling to expedite the arrangement, which may delay D'Amico's arrival at Roma until 1 July, when he will gain full decision-making authority at the club. Meanwhile, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini continues to pursue English winger Mason Greenwood as a primary transfer target. Marseille has set Greenwood's asking price at €55 million. Should that move prove unfeasible, Roma has identified Peixoto (referred to as Paixão in transfer discussions) as a backup option. Complications have also emerged at Fenerbahçe, where uncertainty surrounds which of two candidates will secure the English player's signature.

Francesco Totti spoke from Istanbul during an EA7 World Legends event, reflecting on Roma's recent performance. The Roma legend expressed surprise that the club reached the Champions League, suggesting he had not anticipated their qualification. Totti also offered commentary on the Italian national team, though details of his specific remarks remain unclear. His comments highlight ongoing interest in Roma's competitive progress under current management, while Totti himself remains in discussions regarding a potential role with the club for its 2027 centenary celebrations.

The Netherlands has named three Serie A players in their squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Donyell Malen among them following his permanent transfer to Roma. Malen, 27, joined the Giallorossi from Aston Villa on loan in January and impressed immediately, scoring 14 goals in 18 league matches during the second half of the season. Roma paid €25 million to make his move permanent, a fee already viewed as excellent value given his impact in helping the club secure their first top-four Serie A finish since 2017–18. The other two Dutch representatives in Serie A are Denzel Dumfries of Inter and Marten de Roon of Atalanta. Malen heads into the tournament in high spirits after his successful spell in Rome, though he faces fierce competition for places in the Netherlands' attacking lineup. With 51 international caps to his name, the 27-year-old will be eager to maintain the form that made him such a vital addition to Roma's squad down the stretch. His performances have reinforced confidence that Roma made a shrewd investment in securing a permanent deal rather than returning him to Aston Villa after the loan expired.

Mason Greenwood, Marseille's forward, is Roma's primary transfer target this summer. Head coach Gasperini has personally reached out to Greenwood's representatives to test his availability. The club plans to structure the deal by completing a sale first, then making a significant investment to bring the English attacker to the Stadio Olimpico. Gasperini views Greenwood as a top-tier offensive winger whose pace, goal-scoring ability, and technical quality would provide the finishing touch Roma needs alongside Donyell Malen on the wing. Roma has rejected other candidates, including Alajbegovic, deemed too expensive relative to the squad's requirements for an immediately available player. Summerville of West Ham remains on a shortlist of alternatives, though no other names are publicly detailed. The club's strategy prioritizes securing two elite attacking partners for Malen rather than addressing backup options immediately. Any secondary recruitment can wait until primary objectives are achieved. The transfer operation hinges on Roma's ability to offload players and generate funds for what would represent a substantial outlay in the current market.

AC Milan leads Serie A clubs at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with nine players competing in the tournament, which begins on 11 June across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Atalanta, Juventus, and Inter follow closely with seven players each, while Roma ranks fifth with six representatives: Malen, Wesley, Koné, El Aynoaui, Celik, and Ndicka. Lazio has no players competing in the tournament, finishing last among Serie A clubs—behind even the three teams relegated this season and level only with Lecce and newly promoted Monza. The World Cup representation reflects each club's depth and international standing heading into the competition. Roma's six-player contingent demonstrates significant presence at the global tournament despite Italy's absence from the finals. The tournament offers an opportunity for these Serie A players to showcase their abilities on the world stage before the 2026–27 domestic season begins.