Genoa have officially announced the return of Tommaso Baldanzi in a permanent deal from Roma following a successful loan spell under Daniele De Rossi in the second half of the 2025-26 season. 

The 23-year-old has returned to Genoa on another initial loan, although this time for the whole of the 2026-27 season, in a deal that also includes an obligation to buy. 

Reports earlier this week indicated that Genoa’s obligation to buy clause will be in the region of €9.5m. It is believed that Baldanzi will sign a contract until the end of the 2029/30 season once his obligation to buy clause has been triggered. 

This is the third time that De Rossi has signed Baldanzi: Initially bringing him to Roma from Empoli almost immediately after his appointment as Giallorossi head coach in 2024. De Rossi also brought Baldanzi to Genoa on loan in January and he is now back for a third stint for the 2026-27 season onwards. 

He will continue to wear the no.8 shirt for Genoa heading into the 2026-27 campaign. 

Baldanzi returns to Genoa on a permanent deal from Roma: Club statement 

“Genoa CFC announces the completed return of Tommaso Baldanzi from AS Roma,” read a statement. 

“The transfer will consist of a loan and an obligation to buy. The 2003-born midfielder, who arrived on loan with an option to buy from the Giallorossi during the January transfer window, proved to be an important figure in the team’s attacking play during the second half of the season, racking up eight appearances and two assists for the Rossoblu. 

“Tommaso will be a big player for the Grifone in the 2026-27 season.” 

Baldanzi himself added: “I’m thrilled to be able to continue this adventure in the Grifone shirt. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch in these colours. 

“I feel like I have a lot to give, and I know that I still have a lot to prove in front of the Rossoblu fans, who made me feel right at home from my first day here in Genoa.”

Wednesday’s reports indicate that Tommaso Baldanzi is all set to join Genoa on a permanent basis after spending the second half of the 2025-26 season on loan from Roma. 

Genoa set to sign Baldanzi on loan with obligation to buy from Roma

Baldanzi joined Genoa on loan with an option to buy during the January transfer window, and despite making just eight appearances under Daniele De Rossi in the second half of the 2025-26 season, the Grifone have renegotiated with Roma and are set to sign the 23-year-old in a permanent deal. 

According to reports from TMW, Baldanzi will rejoin Genoa on another loan deal, but this time with an obligation to buy for a fee of €9.5m. 

This is a slightly lower figure than the option to buy that Genoa negotiated during the January transfer window. 

Wednesday’s reports claim that Baldanzi will sign a contract that will keep him with Genoa until the summer of 2030. 

Baldanzi was originally brought to Roma from Empoli by Genoa head coach De Rossi during the winter transfer window in 2024 in a deal reported to be worth €10m plus bonuses. 

Genoa centre-back Leo Ostigard became the first Serie A player to score a goal at the 2026 World Cup, contributing to Norway’s 4-1 win over Iraq.

There’s finally a Serie A goal at the World Cup, scored by Genoa defender Ostigard.

The 26-year-old netted Norway’s third goal with a towering header from a corner kick routine in a 4-1 win over Iraq last night.

It was Norway’s 2026 World Cup debut and marked Ostigard’s second goal in 39 appearances with his national team.

Norway qualified for the 2026 World Cup by winning their qualification group ahead of Italy, with the Azzurri later eliminated in the play-off.

Video: Ostigard is the first Serie A player to score at the 2026 World Cup

Leo Ostigard heads home

Norway have a third against Iraq! pic.twitter.com/0W26W8wqUd

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 17, 2026

Iraq vs Norway sees both sides kick off their World Cup campaigns, with three points on the line in Boston.

Genoa’s Leo Østigård starts from the bench, with Bologna’s Torbjørn Heggem taking his place in central defence alongside Ajer.

Torino right-back Marcus Holmgren Pedersen is also among the substitutes, while Sassuolo midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt and Cremonese’s Morten Thorsby, the most experienced Serie A player in the squad, are both named among the replacements.

Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth, heavily linked with Juventus this summer, starts on the right of the attack.

For Iraq, Como’s Ali Jassim, who spent last season on loan at Al-Najma in Saudi Arabia, is named among the starters, while Venezia’s Marko Farji starts on the bench.

Iraq vs Norway – World Cup 2026 – Official Lineups

Iraq XI (4-4-2): Hassan; H.Ali, Tahseen, Hashim, Doski; Jasim, Ismael, Al Ammari, Bayesh; Hussein, M.Ali.

Norway XI (4-3-3): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Aursnes; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa.