Mourinho suggests Italian football should learn from Portugal's model

Fiorentina midfielder Marco Brescianini has spoken ahead of the Serie A match between Roma and Fiorentina scheduled for Monday, 4 May at the Olimpico (kick-off 20:45), the postponed fixture of matchday 35. Brescianini, who previously worked under Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta, offered high praise for the giallorossi tactician in an interview with TuttoSport. Brescianini described Roma as one of the season's surprises, alongside Como, noting that the capital club embodies all of Gasperini's characteristic playing style. He acknowledged that Fiorentina could mathematically secure safety on Monday, though he emphasized that playing last in the round would not alter their competitive approach to the match. Regarding Gasperini, Brescianini stated: "For me he is a phenomenon. Many have tried to emulate him but he is unique, he has the mentality of someone who always wants to raise the bar. I learned a lot from him." Brescianini also reflected on Fiorentina's season, suggesting the club could have occupied a higher league position but acknowledged that some seasons unfold in unpredictable ways. The match will pit two sides with contrasting trajectories—Roma's resurgence under Gasperini's management against Fiorentina's mixed campaign.

Roma legend Roberto Pruzzo has warned the club against competing in the UEFA Europa Conference League, arguing it would be detrimental to the team's development and summer transfer strategy. Speaking on Radio Radio Mattino, Pruzzo emphasized that avoiding the Conference League should be a priority, suggesting that success in that competition would represent a step backward rather than progress for the club. Pruzzo stated: "Dico solo una cosa: evitare la Conference. Condizionerebbe anche il calciomercato. Per vincere quella coppa, basta una squadra di medio livello. Mourinho voleva quel percorso lì, vincere due coppe e poi alzare il livello ma non è stato possibile. Se devi ripartire dalla Conference… mi sembra di tornare indietro di cinque anni." He added that Roma needs structural change in its sporting direction, suggesting the club appoint two sporting directors—one to sell players and another to acquire them—to clarify the transfer market approach. Mario Mattioli, also speaking on Radio Radio Mattino, echoed concerns about Roma's organizational structure, noting that the Conference League is a competition suited for clubs that narrowly miss Europe's top competitions rather than those finishing last or second-to-last. Mattioli highlighted difficulties in identifying a suitable sporting director and suggested the Friedkin Group may rely on agent networks, which he views as a limitation for the club.

Radja Nainggolan has reiterated his enduring love for AS Roma while reflecting on his time at the club during an interview on Sky Calcio Unplugged. The former midfielder discussed Roma's competitive ambitions during his era, acknowledging the squad's quality but highlighting their inability to compete with Juventus, particularly against their formidable three-man defensive line of Barzagli, Bonucci, and Chiellini. Nainggolan emphasized that Roma's objective should always be to finish in the top four, noting that current squad members such as Paulo Dybala are expected to make greater impact. Nainggolan reflected fondly on Roma's memorable Champions League encounter against Barcelona, recalling the atmosphere and belief within the squad that something special could happen. He recalled: "In that week we could feel something, a sensation that made us think something could happen." He also highlighted a missed penalty decision on Pellegrini that would be awarded with VAR technology. Beyond his playing career, Nainggolan expressed admiration for coach Luciano Spalletti, praising his tactical approach and communication style while suggesting Juventus could have challenged Inter more effectively had Spalletti been in place from the season's start.