Radio commentary: Torri says Roma is behind schedule, Friedkin ownership navigating without clear direction

Roma legend Giuseppe Giannini has expressed support for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, describing him as the right appointment for the club. In an interview, Giannini also voiced hope that Francesco Totti would return to Roma in an official capacity. Giannini's comments reflect confidence in the current coaching direction as Roma pursue Champions League qualification. The prospect of Totti's return to the club in a structural role remains a topic of interest among the Roma fanbase, with discussions around his involvement reportedly ongoing ahead of the club's 2027 centenary celebrations.

A daily radio commentary feature from Romanews.eu presents opinions on AS Roma from various contributors. One voice criticises striker Artem Dovbyk's performance, labelling him a disappointment. Another commentator argues the core problem lies with ownership under the Friedkin Group rather than individual players. A third contributor suggests finding a sporting director to work with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will prove a complicated task. The piece reflects wider debate among Roma supporters and analysts about squad underperformance, structural decision-making at the club, and ongoing challenges in rebuilding the team's competitive standing.

Roma legend Giuseppe Giannini has commented on the club's managerial changes and transfer strategy in an interview with Il Tempo. Giannini acknowledged that Roma has had some misfortune this season, stating: "It is ugly to talk about bad luck, but Roma has been slightly unlucky. The match against Juventus somewhat overturned the season." He defended the Friedkin Group's decision to appoint Gasperini and move away from Ranieri, noting that ownership naturally focuses on results and identified Gasperini as the key figure requiring freedom to operate. When asked who could replace Ranieri in an advisory or directorial capacity, Giannini spoke positively about Francesco Totti as a candidate, emphasizing his passion and attachment to the club. He said: "For love, for passion, for attachment, one would dream of a character who has already done great things as a player and who can contribute also as a director." However, Giannini expressed caution about publicly naming Totti, concerned that such speculation might damage his candidacy. Giannini also evaluated the work of director Massara, describing him as a serious professional with international football knowledge, though he noted that Massara operates quietly behind the scenes. Regarding recent signings, Giannini questioned the acquisition of Vaz for approximately 22 million euros, describing him as an interesting prospect but "not yet ready for a club like Roma," and acknowledged uncertainty about the reasoning behind the transfer.

A daily radio commentary feature from Romanews.eu presents opinions on AS Roma from various contributors. One voice criticises striker Artem Dovbyk's performance, labelling him a disappointment. Another commentator argues the core problem lies with ownership under the Friedkin Group rather than individual players. A third contributor suggests finding a sporting director to work with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will prove a complicated task. The piece reflects wider debate among Roma supporters and analysts about squad underperformance, structural decision-making at the club, and ongoing challenges in rebuilding the team's competitive standing.

Artem Dovbyk will travel to Finland this weekend for final medical clearance before returning to action following January surgery on his left thigh. The Ukrainian striker has been working separately at Roma's training ground during the team's preparation for upcoming fixtures. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini is targeting Dovbyk's return to the squad for matches against Parma and the Derby della Capitale, though the exact timeline remains under review. Meanwhile, Gasperini has regained midfielder Manu Koné, who returned to full training after six weeks out with injury and will be included in the squad for Roma's match against Fiorentina on Monday at the Olimpico. El Aynaoui is unavailable for that fixture due to suspension. Lorenzo Pellegrini also worked separately during training but is expected to feature in upcoming matches. Defender Çelik underwent tests for a right flexor issue, with details of his availability remaining unclear. Roma's medical staff continue monitoring the squad ahead of the busy fixture schedule.

Roma returned to training at Trigoria following a two-day rest to prepare for Monday's Serie A match against Fiorentina at the Olimpico (kick-off 20:45). Midfielder Koné returned to group training and will be available for the fixture, a boost for coach Gasperini. However, Pellegrini and Dovbyk underwent differentiated training. The match will be officiated by Zufferli, whose previous encounter with Roma saw Celik sent off in a Cagliari fixture. Off the pitch, Roma continues to manage significant changes. The search for a new sporting director intensifies, with D'Amico reported as the primary candidate to replace Massara. Alternative names mentioned include Manna and Sogliano. On the transfer front, several movements are being tracked: Bournemouth (reportedly linked with Paulo Pinto) are pursuing Ndicka, while the Brandt transfer interest has cooled. Should Manu depart, the club's midfield target is understood to be Ismael. Separately, Paulo Dybala is reportedly moving toward a transfer to Boca Juniors. Additionally, Dan Friedkin has approved an approach for Alajbegovic.

Head coach Gasperini has made clear his intention to engineer a significant overhaul of Roma's attacking department. Donyell Malen is identified as the only indispensable forward and will be retained through a permanent transfer. Gasperini expects this restructuring will be a key topic during Ryan Friedkin's imminent visit to Trigoria and discussions with potential future sporting directors, with Manna and D'Amico among the candidates being considered. Multiple attacking players are expected to leave the club. Paulo Dybala is described as closer to departure—with Boca a likely destination—than to renewing his contract. Matías Soulé, currently a fixture in the lineup, could also depart if Aston Villa or Bournemouth submit concrete offers following their initial enquiries. El Shaarawy is set to leave, while Zaragoza will return to Bayern Munich and Ferguson to Brighton. The overhaul requires two left-sided wingers and one right-sided winger, contingent on Soulé's future. Gasperini's primary targets include Nusa as his dream signing, with Summerville—particularly attractive if West Ham faces relegation—also high on his wishlist. Sauer from Feyenoord and Munoz from Osasuna are viewed as more readily achievable options. Details on other potential recruits remain unclear.

Paulo Dybala's future at AS Roma continues to be unclear, with Boca Juniors interested in signing the Argentine forward. Recent reports suggested a preliminary contract agreement between Dybala and Boca had been reached, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has stated that no such deal currently exists between the player and the Argentine club. Boca Juniors certainly view Dybala as a major target, though discussions remain internal to the club at present. Dybala has not yet approved any negotiations for a transfer away from Roma. The 21-shirt player, who returned to full availability under Gasperini following an injury sustained in late January, is prioritising finishing the current season with the Giallorossi in the best possible manner. His focus remains on Roma's campaign rather than exploring potential moves elsewhere. The Argentine will make a final decision on his future only after the season concludes. Until then, uncertainty will likely persist around whether Dybala remains at the Stadio Olimpico or pursues a move to South America.

Roma returned to training at Trigoria following a two-day rest to prepare for Monday's Serie A match against Fiorentina at the Olimpico (kick-off 20:45). Midfielder Koné returned to group training and will be available for the fixture, a boost for coach Gasperini. However, Pellegrini and Dovbyk underwent differentiated training. The match will be officiated by Zufferli, whose previous encounter with Roma saw Celik sent off in a Cagliari fixture. Off the pitch, Roma continues to manage significant changes. The search for a new sporting director intensifies, with D'Amico reported as the primary candidate to replace Massara. Alternative names mentioned include Manna and Sogliano. On the transfer front, several movements are being tracked: Bournemouth (reportedly linked with Paulo Pinto) are pursuing Ndicka, while the Brandt transfer interest has cooled. Should Manu depart, the club's midfield target is understood to be Ismael. Separately, Paulo Dybala is reportedly moving toward a transfer to Boca Juniors. Additionally, Dan Friedkin has approved an approach for Alajbegovic.