Robinio Vaz becomes a point of contention: Gasperini wants him to gain experience elsewhere

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is planning a significant restructuring of Roma's medical department and wants to bring in Riccardo Del Vescovo, whom he worked with over the past three years at Atalanta. Del Vescovo was instrumental in Atalanta's historic Europa League victory in 2024. The appointment would represent a return to Trigoria for Del Vescovo, who previously served Roma from 2013 to 2019, initially as head of youth sector medical services and later as first-team medical coordinator. Del Vescovo's potential return carries historical baggage. In 2019, following his departure from Roma, he was implicated in an investigation that revealed internal unrest within the club's dressing room. A letter from Ed Lippie, the club's fitness coach and Pallotta's trusted aide, identified Del Vescovo—alongside physiotherapist Damiano Stefanini—as a key figure in advocating for Roma's "de-Tottification." The investigation detailed senior players' demands for changes to the squad, with particular focus on removing Francesco Totti from influence. Del Vescovo denied the claims at the time, stating he had never spoken to journalists and maintained his loyalty to the club. With Ranieri recently departed and Massara's exit confirmed, Gasperini has gained substantial control over Roma's direction. Complicating matters, the Friedkin family is reportedly considering bringing Totti back into the organization—potentially reviving tensions from 2019. Del Vescovo, who holds specialist qualifications in sports medicine and diagnostic imaging, has since worked with Empoli, Verona, and Atalanta, and previously consulted for several major clubs including Juventus, Milan, Lazio, and PSG.

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.

Claudio Ranieri's comments during Roma's pre-match press conference ahead of the Roma-Pisa fixture revealed a transfer market backstory. Ranieri had reportedly identified De Rossi as his primary target for the club, but a return to Roma did not materialize. The exact reasons why the move fell through remain unclear from available details. This confirms that De Rossi was actively considered as an option during the transfer window, though other factors ultimately prevented the deal from being completed.

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.

Roma travel to Bologna on April 25 for a Serie A matchday 34 fixture at the Dall'Ara stadium, with kick-off at 18:00. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed his squad list, with good news on the injury front: Wesley and Dybala are fit and included, while Rensch and Pisilli are also available. However, four players remain sidelined: Koné, Pellegrini, Dovbyk, and Ferguson. The match represents a crucial contest for Roma, who are fighting for a Champions League place and broader European qualification for next season. The return of Dybala and Wesley provides Gasperini with important options in attack and defense respectively, strengthening the squad depth for a fixture that could prove significant in Roma's push for continental football. Roma's full squad includes goalkeepers Svilar, Gollini, and De Marzi; defenders Rensch, Angelino, Ndicka, Tsimikas, Celik, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Wesley, and Ghilardi; midfielders Cristante, El Aynaoui, and Pisilli; and forwards Malen, Soulé, Venturino, Dybala, Vaz, El Shaarawy, and Zaragoza.

Gasperini has laid out conditions for remaining at Roma that include significant summer transfer activity and a change in sporting director, likely moving away from Ricky Massara. The club faces the challenge of restructuring multiple departments as numerous players will leave on free transfers by the end of August. In defense, Roma will make minimal changes if Mile Svilar stays. Ghilardi has impressed and will remain, while the club needs at least one new center-back, with targets including Balerdi (Marseille), Troilo (Parma), and Jhon Lucumì (Bologna). Midfield could see Manu Koné depart for €40-45 million to meet Financial Fair Play requirements, necessitating a replacement like Aseko (Bayern Munich) or Frattesi. The wings are a critical area for Gasperini's 3-4-2-1 formation—Wesley is the only reliable option, so two fullbacks are essential. Targets include Bernasconi (Atalanta) and Sessegnon (Fulham). Attack requires the most significant overhaul. Paulo Dybala will leave on a free transfer, while Gasperini prioritizes speed and dribbling ability. Donyell Malen is the primary cornerstone, with Matías Soulé and Robinio Vaz providing depth. The priority is signing a left-footed right winger or attacking midfielder; targets include Antonio Nusa, Kerim Alajbegovic, and Julian Brandt. Satisfying Gasperini's demands presents both economic and sporting challenges, but significant changes are necessary to move Roma beyond their current mid-table position.