ROME – Lorenzo Pellegrini is rapidly becoming central to Gian Piero Gasperini’s vision for AS Roma, despite ongoing questions surrounding his long-term future at the club. The 2025-26 season has seen the attacking midfielder play a significant role, logging 1,853 minutes across all competitions and increasingly demonstrating leadership qualities that Gasperini clearly values.
The situation surrounding Pellegrini’s contract renewal remains a key talking point. While the club reportedly seeks to adjust his current fee, several other Serie A clubs are monitoring the situation closely, potentially creating a competitive market for the player. This uncertainty adds another layer of intrigue to his performances and his relationship with the new coaching staff.
Gasperini’s Appreciation for Pellegrini’s Attitude
Pellegrini’s commitment to Roma was evident even during the recent international break. Having been left out of Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy squad for the World Cup playoffs, he remained in Rome to train ahead of the crucial match against Inter. This dedication didn’t go unnoticed by Gasperini, who publicly praised the player’s attitude during a recent training session.
Reports from Radio Manà, as relayed by Paolo Assogna, suggest Pellegrini took a proactive role in challenging younger players during training, urging them to demonstrate a higher level of commitment. This display of leadership has resonated with Gasperini, who appears to appreciate Pellegrini’s willingness to hold his teammates accountable. It’s a quality that could significantly influence the club’s decision-making regarding his contract extension.
Leadership Despite Armband Loss
Despite losing the captain’s armband following Gasperini’s implementation of a new team policy, Pellegrini continues to function as a key leader within the Roma squad. His influence extends beyond on-field contributions, as evidenced by his actions in training. Gasperini has consistently emphasized the importance of Pellegrini’s commitment to the club, recognizing that the player’s dedication runs deep.
The coach highlighted Pellegrini’s performances in training sessions as the primary reason for his inclusion in the starting lineup for the Rome derby on September 21, 2025. Gasperini told DAZN Italia he had “no doubts” about starting Pellegrini, praising his “great quality” and “technique.” The midfielder rewarded that faith by scoring the decisive goal in the 1-0 victory over Lazio, a result that marked a successful debut for Gasperini in the Derby della Capitale. The noise level at the Stadio Olimpico was so intense, Gasperini revealed, that players struggled to hear his instructions towards the end of the match.
Roma’s Attacking Options and Pellegrini’s Role
Roma’s attacking options have been impacted by injuries, leading to increased playing time for Pellegrini. The team has struggled to score multiple goals in games this season, raising questions about their attacking potency. Gasperini believes Pellegrini’s ability to contribute goals from midfield is a valuable asset, but stressed the require for the player to primarily focus on his midfield duties.
The coach also expressed confidence in the development of Roma’s young forwards, including Felix Afena-Gyan, Edoardo Solano, and Rasmus Dovbyk, noting their eagerness to learn and improve. He believes that as these players grow, the overall level of the team’s performance will increase. Gasperini emphasized the importance of improving attacking movements across the board to create more goal-scoring opportunities.
Contract Situation and Future at Roma
Pellegrini’s current contract is set to expire on June 30, 2026, and negotiations for a renewal are ongoing. The club’s desire to lower his fee could complicate matters, potentially opening the door for other Serie A clubs to produce a move. However, Pellegrini appears keen to remain in Rome, alongside teammates Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante, both of whom are also expected to sign contract extensions.
In a recent press conference following a 1-1 Europa League draw against Bologna on March 12, 2026, Gasperini vehemently defended Pellegrini against criticism from reporters. He urged them to “abandon Lorenzo Pellegrini alone,” stating that his performances fluctuate like any player and that today’s goal shouldn’t change how he’s evaluated. Pellegrini scored the equalizer in that match, a potentially crucial goal in the Round of 16 tie.
What’s Next for Pellegrini and Roma?
Roma will continue their Serie A campaign, with Pellegrini expected to play a key role in their pursuit of European qualification. The club will also be looking to progress in the Europa League, where they face a challenging tie against Bologna. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Pellegrini’s future at Roma, as contract negotiations continue and his performances on the pitch are closely scrutinized.
The next confirmed match for AS Roma is against [insert next confirmed match details here – *verification required*]. Fans will be eager to see how Pellegrini continues to influence the team’s performance and whether a resolution can be reached regarding his contract situation.
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