Roma Team News Page 2 - Soccer

Neil El Aynaoui - Three tackles Thursday El Aynaoui had one shot (zero on goal) in Thursday's 2-0 loss versus France.

Impact El Aynaoui had a rough day for Morocco as they exited the tournament, recording only a shot and three tackles while committing four fouls. This goes along with most of the midfielders' performances this tournament, earning a couple of solid bays in the defense while being the backbone of the midfield, although unable to get much going in the attack. That said, he heads home without a goal contribution at the World Cup.

JULY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Manu Kone - All-around impact versus Paraguay Kone generated three shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-0 victory versus Paraguay. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 81st minute.

Impact Kone led his team with 66 accurate passes Saturday while adding four ball recoveries, and he even attempted a few shots, although they were mostly weak long-range efforts. He bounced back to the starting XI due to Aurelien Tchouameni's (thigh) injury absence, and it's now a viable possibility that the Roma man will get more opportunities if his teammate faces a longer spell on the sidelines. Although he's a rather complete midfielder, Kone can't be expected to score or assist and could instead focus on maintaining possession and disrupting opponents' attacks in the final stages of the competition.

JULY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Neil El Aynaoui - Strong defensive output in win El Aynaoui registered seven clearances and two interceptions in Saturday's 3-0 victory against Canada.

Impact El Aynaoui was forced to play a bit more defensively in this game, but that translated into the Roma midfielder setting a new tournament-high mark in clearances. El Aynaoui has started every game for Morocco in the World Cup and has gone the full 90 four times, so he should be one of the first names on the team sheet for the quarterfinals next week. Through five outings, he has six shots, three chances created, 12 clearances, 16 tackles and eight interceptions.

JULY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Marash Kumbulla - Returns to AS Roma Kumbulla will return to parent club AS Roma following the conclusion of his loan spell at Mallorca, the club announced.

Impact Kumbulla joined the club last summer and made 10 appearances during his time at the club, providing defensive cover across the campaign. Mallorca thanked him for his professionalism and contribution during his loan spell as he prepares to return to Roma ahead of the new season.

JULY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Neil El Aynaoui - Misses opening penalty in shootout El Aynaoui had one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Monday's 1-1 (4-3) penalty shootout victory against Netherlands.

Impact El Aynaoui played the full 120 minutes as Morocco managed to defeat the Netherlands on penalties. He created one chance in the game. He won two of his four tackles and made three clearances during the game. The midfielder took the first penalty and missed but Morocco were still able to claim victory and will now progress to play Canada.

JUNE 30 • ROTOWIRE

Monza hires Ivan Jurić as coach after promotion to Serie A

Monza has named Ivan Jurić as its new coach

JUNE 29 • Associated Press

Manu Kone - Contributes on both ends Kone had one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Friday's 4-1 victory over Norway.

Impact Kone registered one shot, one key passes and two tackles (one won) across his 90 minutes in Friday's 4-1 win over Norway, providing the defensive structure alongside Aurelien Tchouameni that allowed France's attacking players to express themselves freely against a heavily rotated Norwegian side that relied on long throws and counter-attacks to generate its rare threatening moments. The Roma midfielder completed 51 passes and contributed consistently to France's possession dominance, and his disciplined presence in the defensive midfield role gives coach Didier Deschamps a reliable option to screen the backline as the tournament moves into its knockout phase against more dangerous opponents.

JUNE 27 • ROTOWIRE

Zeki Celik - Solid at centre back role Celik generated one cross (zero accurate) and four tackles in Thursday's 3-2 win over USA.

Impact Celik slotted into centre back in a back three, a position he knows well from his role at Roma, and put in a strong defensive display in what was ultimately a hollow win for Turkey following their early elimination. Four tackles, one interception and one block saw him contribute across every defensive category on the night. It was his second start of the tournament but he was unable to keep a clean sheet in either appearance.

JUNE 26 • ROTOWIRE

Donyell Malen - Creates three chances against Tunisia Malen generated two shots (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and three chances created and drew two fouls in Thursday's 3-1 victory over Tunisia.

Impact Malen paced his side in key passes alongside a pair of teammates and was more productive than in the previous game despite not looking totally at ease on the wing. He'll likely stay there, splitting duties with Crysencio Summerville, given Brian Brobbey's strong outings. He was active but a bit sloppy overall. He has uncorked at least one cross in three straight fixtures, totaling six (two accurate) and adding four shots (two on target) and four chances created, but he's still looking for his first goal contribution.

JUNE 26 • ROTOWIRE

Juventus set to battle Roma for Mason Greenwood as Fenerbahce cool transfer interest in Marseille forward

Mason Greenwood's future has become the latest flashpoint in the Serie A transfer market as Juventus have reportedly entered the race to sig...

JUNE 25 • goal

Juventus set to battle Roma for Mason Greenwood as Fenerbahce cool transfer interest in Marseille forward

Neil El Aynaoui - Quiet outing Wednesday El Aynaoui recorded one shot (one on goal) and one corner in Wednesday's 4-2 win against Haiti.

Impact El Aynaoui was on the field for 83 minutes against Haiti but was unable to get much work in the attack, only earning a shot. He would take a corner as well, although most of his work was in defense with two tackles and one interception. A starting spot is more than likely to stick for the midfielder in the knockouts, a solid holding midfielder for the team.

JUNE 24 • ROTOWIRE

Evan Ndicka - Option to face Curacao N'Dicka (thigh) is an option for Thursday's match against Curacao, according to manager Emerse Fae.

Impact N'Dicka was back in training this week, and that will lead to his return this group stage, as the center-back will be an option to face Curacao. This is a major return for the team as they look to secure knockout stage play, gaining back a likely starting defender when fully fit for the Ivory Coast. However, it remains to be seen if they will start him immediately or be a bit more cautious and introduce him from the bench, as they will not want to risk a setback as they pursue knockout stage play.

JUNE 24 • ROTOWIRE

Roma fans petition against Mason Greenwood transfer as Marseille forward branded 'one of the most divisive figures in modern football'

AS Roma supporters have launched an online petition to block the club from signing Mason Greenwood. Fans are fiercely opposing the potential...

JUNE 23 • goal

Roma fans petition against Mason Greenwood transfer as Marseille forward branded 'one of the most divisive figures in modern football'

Evan Ndicka - Resumes team training N'Dicka (thigh) has resumed team training in recent days, marking a positive step in his recovery, according to DH Sports TV1.

Impact N'Dicka has missed Ivory Coast's first two group-stage matches against Ecuador and Germany due to a thigh injury, but his return to full team training is a major positive as the squad gears up for its group-stage finale against Curacao on June 25. Coach Emerse Fae will be eager to get his center-back back in the mix, as Ivory Coast will need all of its key pieces available to lock down second place in the group and punch its ticket to the knockout stage.

JUNE 23 • ROTOWIRE

Manu Kone - World Cup debut in midfield Kone had one shot (zero on goal) in Monday's 3-0 victory against Iraq.

Impact Kone made his World Cup debut and got the nod alongside Adrien Rabiot in central midfield after manager Didier Deschamps selected the Roma midfielder ahead of Aurelien Tchouameni. He fired a shot within the opening minute and played a key role in helping France dictate the pace of the match, providing strong cover in front of the back line as Iraq struggled to create any sustained attacking threat. Kone was outstanding on both sides of the ball, adding three tackles (two won), and his performance may have strengthened his case for a starting role throughout the remainder of the tournament. Roma's midfielder and France have now secured a place in the Round of 32 and will face Norway on June 26 with the top spot in Group I on the line.

JUNE 22 • ROTOWIRE

Donyell Malen - Quiet display in victory Malen had two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 5-1 victory against Sweden.

Impact Malen had a difficult first half in Saturday's 5-1 win over Sweden, contributing two crosses (one accurate) and creating one chance across 45 minutes as the right winger in coach Ronald Koeman's front three, but he was unable to impose himself on the match and failed to register a shot before being replaced at halftime by Crysencio Summerville. The forward struggled to produce the decisive moments his position demands despite the Netherlands' dominance, and Summerville's immediate impact, assisting Cody Gakpo's fourth goal within minutes of coming on before scoring the fifth himself, will intensify the debate surrounding the starting role on the right wing heading into the knockout rounds.

JUNE 21 • ROTOWIRE

Neil El Aynaoui - One shot Friday El Aynaoui recorded one shot and a chance created in Friday's 1-0 win over Scotland.

Impact El Aynaoui started a second straight match Friday as Morocco took down Scotland, playing the full 90 and completing 77 passes, second most on the team. He would earn minimal work in the attack as he was mainly used in the defense, recording three interceptions and five tackles (three won). Morocco will push to win the group, so there is a good chance that he maintains his starting role to face Haiti.

JUNE 19 • ROTOWIRE

Evan Ndicka - Won't play vs. Germany N'Dicka (thigh) won't be available for Saturday's game against Germany, according to manager Emerse Fae. "The only player that's not available is the same player that was out again...

Impact N'Dicka will be sidelined for a second consecutive match, and after a strong defensive effort and a clean sheet against Ecuador, don't expect Ivory Coast to tweak the defensive line. That means Emmanuel Agbadou should continue to start alongside Wilfried Singo at center-back, with Odilon Kossounou and Ousmane Diomande as backup alternatives. N'Dicka's next chance to play will be the group-stage finale on June 25 against Curacao.

JUNE 19 • ROTOWIRE

Arsenal edging out La Liga giants in race for French midfield star | Sporting News Arsenal are reportedly in pole position in the race to sign Manu Kone from Roma.

JUNE 17 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Atalanta hires Maurizio Sarri in third coaching change in a year

Atalanta has hired Maurizio Sarri as its new coach, marking the club's third managerial change in 12 months

JUNE 15 • Associated Press

Donyell Malen - Active outing up front Malen registered two shots (two on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Japan.

Impact Malen was persistent and direct in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Japan, registering two shots, both on target, and one cross across his 70 minutes as the center forward in coach Ronald Koeman's 4-3-3, with his best opportunity arriving in the third minute when he latched onto a pass and forced a strong save from the Japanese goalkeeper at his near post. The forward, who enjoyed a sensational finish to the season with Roma, has continued to struggle to replicate that level of form with the Netherlands and will need to raise his performances in the upcoming matches if he is to remain a key figure in Koeman's attacking setup.

JUNE 15 • ROTOWIRE

Evan Ndicka - Opener absence confirmed N'dicka (hamstring) will miss Ivory Coast's World Cup opener against Ecuador after failing to fully recover from the hamstring tear he sustained in his right leg during the Serie A...

Impact N'dicka had initially been given a recovery timeline of up to four weeks, but the defender has not progressed quickly enough to be available for the tournament opener in Philadelphia. Manager Emerse Fae confirmed that N'dicka is the only player unavailable from the squad, with the remainder of the group fit for selection. The 26-year-old has become a key figure in Ivory Coast's back line over the past two years, making his absence a significant setback heading into one of the most important matches of the group stage. Odilon Kossounou is expected to step into the starting lineup and partner either Ousmane Diomande or Emmanuel Agbadou in central defense against Ecuador.

JUNE 14 • ROTOWIRE

Zeki Celik - Struggles against Australia Celik had one shot (one on goal) and one corner in Sunday's 2-0 defeat versus Australia.

Impact Celik struggled to deal with Nestory Irankunda's speed down Australia's left flank, and the youngster's 27th minute goal came directly from a sequence where the right-back was caught too far up the field following a corner kick. He put one shot on target in the 72nd minute, but that was the extent of his attacking impact. Celik entered the tournament on the heels of a strong campaign with Roma, though he never found a way to stamp his authority on the match going forward against an Australia side that defended with relentless discipline.

JUNE 14 • ROTOWIRE

Neil El Aynaoui - Takes three shots in draw El Aynaoui registered three shots (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brazil.

Impact El Aynaoui was all over the midfield and was one of four Moroccan players who took at least three shots despite playing in midfield. El Aynaoui is a superb technical player, so he could be in line for a more attacking-minded role against Scotland and Haiti, two games in which Morocco figure to be more dominant in terms of possession.

JUNE 13 • ROTOWIRE

Dybala fuels transfer rumours amid doubt over Roma renewal Paulo Dybala's contract with Roma expires at the end of this month, and the Argentine attacker is yet to agree a new deal with the club.

JUNE 13 • BEINSPORTS.COM

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Monza hires Ivan Jurić as coach after promotion to Serie A

Juventus set to battle Roma for Mason Greenwood as Fenerbahce cool transfer interest in Marseille forward

Roma fans petition against Mason Greenwood transfer as Marseille forward branded 'one of the most divisive figures in modern football'

Atalanta hires Maurizio Sarri in third coaching change in a year