Roma voices debate derby kick-off time and El Shaarawy renewal

Rosella Sensi, former Roma president, has commented on the club's managerial situation and Champions League ambitions. She expressed confidence in Gian Piero Gasperini as a "great coach," and stated that as a supporter she feels reassured following Claudio Ranieri's departure. Sensi's backing comes as Roma reshapes its technical staff under new direction. The club continues to pursue Champions League qualification, with the former president's perspective offering insight into the confidence surrounding the current project despite recent transitions.

Antonio Cassano has renewed his criticism of AS Roma during his podcast, claiming the squad is of very poor quality and advising head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to consider leaving the club. Cassano's comments add to ongoing debate about Roma's competitive level and squad composition. The former player's remarks come as Roma continues its season under Gasperini's management, though the specific context of the podcast episode and any detailed reasoning behind Cassano's assessment remain unclear from the available information.

Rosella Sensi, former AS Roma president, has expressed confidence in the club's ability to compete for a Champions League place. Speaking at an event in Montecitorio, Sensi said: "I was at the stadium on Monday. I saw a great match, a beautiful Roma, a beautiful team, a great coach, so let's keep our fingers crossed because we are one point behind Juventus. We have few matches left so we can fight," noting that Roma remain in contention with several fixtures remaining in the season. Sensi's comments come in the aftermath of tensions that led to Claudio Ranieri's exit from the club. When asked about reassuring supporters, Sensi declined to take on that role, stating: "It's not my job to reassure the fans because I am a former president and as a fan I am at peace." The former president emphasized the emotional connection Roma's supporters maintain with her, particularly in memory of her father, who was instrumental in Roma's history. Ranieri had managed AS Roma during the 2024–2025 season before departing amid reported internal disagreements. Sensi's measured response reflects the club's focus on remaining competitive during the final stages of the campaign, with the goal of securing European football for next season.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has made his preference clear to Roma's hierarchy: he wants to keep all players currently on expiring deals, including Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Zeki Celik, and Stephan El Shaarawy. Gasperini stated his intentions after establishing his authority at the club, and the board will need to manage the financial implications of extending these contracts. Roma's leadership has long prioritized reducing payroll, and renewal decisions represent the most straightforward cost-cutting approach. Dybala, the highest-paid squad member, would need to accept a significantly reduced salary given his injury history, as would captain Pellegrini. Celik, whose status has improved this season, is reportedly seeking higher wages. However, Bryan Cristante and Gianluca Mancini have already agreed new terms. Gasperini values the group's cohesion and harmony, preferring to maintain squad stability if possible, though recent poor form briefly halted extension discussions. Dybala has not yet reached agreement with Boca Juniors and reportedly prefers to remain at Roma for another season. The negotiations remain complicated by uncertainty surrounding the sporting director's position. A successful qualification for the UEFA Champions League could provide additional budget flexibility and prompt a revised contract strategy.

Roman radio personalities and former footballers have shared their views on Roma's current state, with criticism focused on the club's internal structure and decision-making. Mario Mattioli remarked that if the Friedkin Group had maintained a normal corporate vision, Roma would likely be in a stronger position. He stated: "If the Friedkin owners had a normal organizational vision, probably Roma would be further ahead. The club is paying the price for a certain organizational confusion. The management pyramid has gaps. The presidency spends a lot of money and that cannot be disputed." Roberto Pruzzo emphasized the need for reinforcements that match the quality of recent signing Donyell Malen, suggesting the club should recruit three similar players to elevate squad standards. Pruzzo highlighted Gasperini's experience at other clubs, noting that no coach possesses a magic solution and that a willingness to strengthen the team is essential. Piero Torri raised concerns about El Shaarawy's contract renewal, interpreting it as a sign the club intends to limit transfer activity in attack. The commentary reflects broader concerns about Roma's internal organization and the execution of coach Gian Piero Gasperini's strategic vision, with observers stressing the importance of aligned decision-making between ownership and the technical staff to drive improvement.

Stephan El Shaarawy's departure from AS Roma is no longer certain. The Egyptian winger, whose exit had appeared imminent, may now remain at the club following head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's support for keeping him in the squad. Gasperini has reportedly advocated for El Shaarawy to stay, potentially reversing what had seemed like a straightforward departure. The shift comes as Roma reassesses squad decisions, with El Shaarawy's future now back under discussion after months of speculation surrounding his position.