Roma radio voices: Dovbyk's form questioned, ownership criticised, director search called difficult

Italian radio commentators have voiced concern about Roma's direction under the Friedkin Group ownership. Piero Torri of Radio Manà Manà stated: "I believe we are behind schedule. This ownership navigates without direction. The Ranieri-Gasperini-Massara trio lasted essentially two months, then in practice ten. I hope things are done well: Roma needs to be more of a football club. I see an empty Roma. Roma is already behind schedule, in two months the next season begins. The risk of facing disappointments is concrete." Former striker Roberto Pruzzo commented on Roma's strikeforce, noting the club has three centre-forwards and expressing hope that Dovbyk finds a new opportunity elsewhere. He believes Roma could strengthen by acquiring two new starting-level forwards to make a quality leap. Lorenzo Pes added that Dovbyk represented one of the most misguided investments in recent years, while also discussing Paulo Dybala's potential future at Boca Juniors or his willingness to remain in Rome if circumstances allow. The commentary reflects broader anxiety among Roma observers about the club's management structure and transfer planning as the new season approaches. The frequent managerial changes and perceived lack of coherent strategy have intensified doubts about whether the current ownership can deliver sustained sporting success.

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.

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.

Italian radio commentators have voiced concern about Roma's direction under the Friedkin Group ownership. Piero Torri of Radio Manà Manà stated: "I believe we are behind schedule. This ownership navigates without direction. The Ranieri-Gasperini-Massara trio lasted essentially two months, then in practice ten. I hope things are done well: Roma needs to be more of a football club. I see an empty Roma. Roma is already behind schedule, in two months the next season begins. The risk of facing disappointments is concrete." Former striker Roberto Pruzzo commented on Roma's strikeforce, noting the club has three centre-forwards and expressing hope that Dovbyk finds a new opportunity elsewhere. He believes Roma could strengthen by acquiring two new starting-level forwards to make a quality leap. Lorenzo Pes added that Dovbyk represented one of the most misguided investments in recent years, while also discussing Paulo Dybala's potential future at Boca Juniors or his willingness to remain in Rome if circumstances allow. The commentary reflects broader anxiety among Roma observers about the club's management structure and transfer planning as the new season approaches. The frequent managerial changes and perceived lack of coherent strategy have intensified doubts about whether the current ownership can deliver sustained sporting success.

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.