Borja Mayoral reflects on Roma spell under Mourinho and praises influence of earlier coaches

Roma legend Roberto Pruzzo has called for the club to make a high-profile acquisition in the transfer market, while radio pundit Orsi has criticised the window's progress so far. Speaking on Radio Radio, Pruzzo said: "Anyone can sign players for 50 million. Fans expect a coup like Malen. Now I expect the club to raise its level, without taking part in auctions that so far haven't made it look good. The delay on the market risks undermining Gasperini's work." Orsi added that while head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has not yet complained publicly, the lack of arrivals represents a disappointment. "Gasp isn't banging his fist on the table, even though nobody has arrived yet," Orsi said on the same station. "With D'Amico they haven't failed yet, but certainly this situation wasn't expected. A few other targets could have been acquired. At the moment the market is disappointing." The comments reflect growing frustration among Roma's fanbase and observers about the club's sluggish activity in what is a critical window under new manager Gasperini, appointed in 2025.

Roma's transfer market strategy has drawn criticism from former striker Roberto Pruzzo, who says the club must elevate its ambitions in the coming weeks. Speaking on Radio Radio Mattino, Pruzzo remarked that while any club can spend €50 million on players, supporters expect Roma to land a statement signing comparable to Donyell Malen. He stated: "I expect the club to raise the level, without taking part in auctions that so far have not given it a good showing. The delay on the market risks invalidating Gasperini's work." Gasperini took charge this year and is tasked with rebuilding Roma's credentials after a turbulent period. The criticism reflects frustration that, despite the appointment of a highly regarded coach, the transfer window has been underwhelming so far. Fellow radio pundit Nando Orsi echoed similar sentiments, noting that while head coach Gasperini has not yet made forceful demands in the market and no major exits have occurred under his stewardship, the overall market activity falls short of expectations. Orsi stated: "Gasp is not banging his fists on the table, even though no one has arrived yet. With D'Amico they haven't failed yet, but certainly this situation was not expected. A few other targets could have been picked up. For now, the market is disappointing."

Matteo Salvini, Italy's Infrastructure and Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, has weighed in on speculation linking AC Milan's Rafael Leão to Roma. Speaking on Radio Roma Sound's 'Gli inascoltabili' programme, Salvini — a lifelong Milan supporter — offered a candid assessment of the Portuguese winger's suitability for the Giallorossi. Salvini acknowledged Leão's technical quality and physical attributes but questioned his consistency and mental approach. He said: "When he wants to play, you cannot stop him. The problem is: when does he want to play? For one year, two years, three years, four years he is potentially a champion. After some years, 'potentially' is an adverb that one can no longer use. No one disputes his quality, his technique, but his attitude. On Lazio's bench there is Gattuso, who certainly didn't have Leão's feet, didn't have his physique, his height, his acceleration, but he came off the pitch with three sweaty shirts at the end of the match. So I don't know, I don't comment on the market dealings of others." Salvini also discussed Roma's plans for a new stadium during the interview, reflecting broader infrastructure concerns alongside the club's transfer activity.