Roma Eye Napoli Director Giovanni Manna in Front-Office Overhaul
Transfer News·28 April 2026·4h ago

Roma Eye Napoli Director Giovanni Manna in Front-Office Overhaul

Source: Cult of Calcio

Roma are pursuing Napoli director Giovanni Manna as a replacement in their executive structure, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini backing the move. Manna, who has been central to Napoli's recruitment strategy, is highly regarded for balancing youth development with experienced signings. Gasperini believes they will work well together, unlike his current relationship with Roma director Frederic Massara, who is expected to leave the club following the recent departure of former manager Claudio Ranieri.

Manna's track record at Napoli includes contributions to signings such as Scott McTominay, Kevin De Bruyne, Alessandro Buongiorno, and Rasmus Hojlund. His experience managing Juventus' youth academy also aligns with Roma's plans to establish a second team. However, Manna remains under contract at Napoli until 2029, making negotiations with owner Aurelio De Laurentiis difficult. Roma's shortlist for the director role also includes Cristiano Giuntoli, Atalanta's Tony D'Amico, and Verona's Sean Sogliano.

Looking ahead, Roma will prioritize recruiting a new left-back to allow Wesley to shift to right wing, a pacey forward to replace departures like Leon Bailey and Bryan Zaragoza, and potentially a midfielder depending on whether Manu Koné or Evan N'Dicka are sold.

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Roma director Frederic Massara wasn’t ousted alongside Claudio Ranieri last week, but his days at the club are numbered, and Napoli exec Giovanni Manna is the ownership’s and Gian Piero Gasperini’s top option to replace him, Corriere dello Sport relays.The Partenopei official is highly regarded for the way he has combined youth and experience since moving to Campania. He has had a high hit rate and contributed to signing Scott McTominay, Kevin De Bruyne, Alessandro Buongiorno, Rasmus Hojlund, and Alisson Santos, among others. More importantly, the coach believes they’ll be on the same wavelength, which is not the case currently.In addition, Manna helmed Juventus’ Next Gen squad for a long time, and Roma want to create a second team as well. On the other hand, he’s under contract until 2029. It’ll be arduous to convince Aurelio De Laurentiis to let him go. Their shortlist also comprises Cristiano Giuntoli, Atalanta’s Tony D’Amico, and Verona’s Sean Sogliano.The Giallorossi will focus on three roles next summer. They’ll sign a new left-back so that Wesley could return to the right wing and a new pacey attacker. Leon Bailey, who has already left, and Bryan Zaragoza, who won’t stay permanently, didn’t pan out. The final one hinges on whom they’ll sell, either Manu Koné or Evan N’Dicka.Our Take on Roma and MannaHe’s had his misses too, but it’s tough to properly judge his work, as Antonio Conte’s input is massive. He also had plenty of resources to work with. Unless the Partenopei are for some reason headed in a different direction he doesn’t like, it’s hard to imagine they’ll be able to poach him. Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football Related posts: Multiple Teams to Be Involved in Carousel of Directors Gasperini and Roma Bass Headed for a Proper Reckoning Grading Every New Coaching Appointment in Serie A Lookman Future Influencing Roma and Napoli Plans

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