De Rossi was Ranieri's first choice: why his return to Roma wasn't possible

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has reportedly issued a harsh assessment of forward Robinio Vaz, suggesting the French attacker should spend two years in Serie B before competing at Roma's level. Vaz, a 2007-born player, arrived at Roma in January from Marseille in a transfer orchestrated by Massara for a fee exceeding €20 million, but has failed to meet Gasperini's expectations. The acquisition of Vaz has become a point of friction between Gasperini and the club's management, particularly with Massara. The coach reportedly wanted an immediately impactful player for Roma's struggling attack, which has been heavily reliant on Malen during the season. Gasperini previously rejected other attacking targets proposed by the club, including Hojlund, Rowe, and Boga, highlighting deeper disagreements over transfer strategy and squad planning between the technical staff and front office. Vaz's situation exemplifies the broader tensions at Roma's Trigoria training ground regarding the direction of the transfer market and squad composition. The young forward's early Roma career has not progressed as hoped, and the coach's candid criticism suggests the player faces an uncertain future at the club unless significant improvement materializes.

Ranieri attempted to bring Daniele De Rossi back to AS Roma as head coach, but the Friedkin ownership immediately blocked the move, deeming the timing not right. De Rossi was Ranieri's primary target, followed by other managers including Conte and Fabregas who were also sounded out. When these candidates either declined or became unavailable—including Emery stepping back—Gasperini emerged as the preferred option. The ownership viewed him as the ideal synthesis of a successful tactician with proven ability to develop existing squad talent. Gasperini was ultimately appointed, though the article notes that despite initial optimism, the relationship later deteriorated over frequent disagreements regarding the transfer market and increasingly contentious discussions between coach and club leadership. Ranieri, now serving in an advisory capacity after retiring from active coaching, had publicly suggested Gasperini represented his fourth choice when speaking before the Roma-Pisa match. This statement reflected his genuine perspective on the managerial search process. The Friedkin family's decision to reject De Rossi marked a significant turning point in the appointment timeline. The ownership's rationale centered on their judgment that the moment was not suitable for De Rossi's return, signaling a preference for alternative leadership at that juncture.

Roma's ownership is considering bringing Francesco Totti back to the club in an off-field role as the organization undergoes significant leadership changes. Following Claudio Ranieri's removal and the anticipated departure of sporting director Massara, the Friedkin family is weighing a symbolic move to stabilize the club ahead of its centenary. Totti, Roma's legendary former captain, represents an emotional anchor during a turbulent period in the club's administration. The club faces a complete structural overhaul at management level. The search for a new sporting director is underway, with Giuntoli the primary candidate, though Sogliano and Manna are also under consideration. Gasperini, who has been confirmed as head coach by the Friedkin family despite recent tensions, appears to be gaining broader influence during this transitional phase. The medical department is also being restructured, and changes are expected in the youth academy sector, with Tarantino arriving and Conti departing. Details remain unclear regarding Totti's potential role or timeline. The Friedkins have previously demonstrated a pattern of appointing high-profile former figures—replacing Mourinho with De Rossi, and following De Rossi's exit with Ranieri—suggesting Totti's return would align with their preference for continuity through club legends. The ownership remains attentive to supporter sentiment as these organizational decisions unfold.