Gasperini backs D'Amico as Roma's next sporting director

Niccolò Pisilli was kept at AS Roma during the January transfer window despite interest from Genoa, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini ultimately deciding to hold onto the midfielder. Gasperini confirmed his decision after Roma's match against Fiorentina, in which Pisilli performed well. He said: "From December onwards there was talk that Pisilli should leave. Fortunately I managed to keep him." Pisilli had struggled for playing time earlier in the season, making only four Serie A appearances through the end of 2025, with his longest outing lasting 25 minutes. The departure had initially been approved by Gasperini, and Genoa had expressed concrete interest. The transfer was planned to take place late in the January window following El Aynaoui's return from the Africa Cup of Nations. However, Gasperini ultimately reversed course and retained the midfielder. Pisilli's improved form and recent performances appear to have influenced the coaching staff's thinking. The decision to keep the player demonstrates Gasperini's confidence in his development and represents a significant turnaround from the early-season situation where his future at the club seemed uncertain.

Sporting director Massara has been working abroad to arrange player departures, while a significant shift has emerged in Roma's contract renewal strategy. Head coach Gasperini is pushing for all out-of-contract players to sign new deals, including El Shaarawy, with whom he reportedly held talks last week. This represents a change in approach, as the Friedkin Group had signaled different intentions only a month earlier. Gasperini has defended Roma's squad following the Fiorentina match, stating: "It bothers me that some think this is a group that can't go beyond 5th or 6th place. If they had received more reinforcements, perhaps they would have reached higher targets." The renewal strategy now sits at the center of the club's focus, particularly regarding out-of-contract players. The ownership's apparent reconsideration of renewals marks a strategic pivot from their earlier public position. Massara's work on outgoings suggests the club is exploring departures to create space or financial flexibility, while simultaneously prioritizing the retention of key squad members through contract extensions. The combination of these moves indicates Roma is reshaping its approach to squad management and planning for the coming season.

Contract renewals for several Roma players remain a priority, with head coach Gasperini emphasizing the issue after the team's recent victory over Fiorentina. Defender Celik, who continues to benefit from Italy's Decreto Crescita tax incentive, is now reportedly willing to reduce his wage demands, making a renewal agreement more feasible. Midfielder Pellegrini is also among the players whose future at the club is being discussed. With the search ongoing for a new sporting director—candidates including Manna and D'Amico—Gasperini has identified two primary targets for the summer transfer window. Nusa of RB Leipzig and Summerville of West Ham United top his list. The West Ham situation is particularly relevant, as the club faces potential relegation and may be forced to sell the Dutch winger, who shares representation with Roma's Donyell Malen. Roma is also monitoring Doumbia of Venezia, a midfielder who has attracted interest from Benfica under José Mourinho. The club's focus on both contract stability and incoming reinforcements reflects Gasperini's strategy to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season.

Roman radio commentators have offered largely optimistic assessments of Roma's position in the Champions League race. Lorenzo Pes from Tele Radio Stereo highlighted Roma's belief in their project and the impact of Wesley's return, stating: "The Roma is a team that believes in what it does and feels good, and this is the difference with the competitors. The difference that Wesley makes is total for this team, now we have seen Konè again, Roma of the starters has returned and this makes you hopeful. In the Champions League race there is now also Milan, which seems to me the one clearly in worse shape. Juventus also has pitfalls, now the pressure is on the others. We have to try, given the condition of the opponents." Piero Torri (Radio Manà Sport) praised Roma's physical condition and highlighted Niccolò Pisilli's development, noting the midfielder's ability to play as a deep playmaker and box-to-box option. Roberto Pruzzo (Radio Radio Mattino) emphasized the importance of dialogue between head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and sporting director Massara, citing Gasperini's history of creating both conflicts and strong relationships with club leadership in his previous roles. Marco Valerio Rossomando acknowledged mutual responsibility for decision-making, referencing the summer pursuit of Jadon Sancho as an example where both the coach and director made strategic choices that required evaluation. Francesca Ferrazza noted Gasperini's forceful recent communication, describing his direct approach in press conferences.

Wesley has emerged as AS Roma's long-sought solution for the wing positions after years of disappointing acquisitions and persistent problems in that area. The Brazilian fullback has scored more goals this season than legendary Roma wingers Cafú and Maicon achieved in their respective campaigns, marking a significant breakthrough for the club's attacking play down the flanks. Roma's recruitment strategy appears to have finally paid off with Wesley's performances, establishing him as a key contributor to the team's attacking ambitions and offering stability in an area that has been a source of concern.

Roma defeated Fiorentina 4–0 at the Olimpico, with performances from Donyell Malen and Wesley drawing particular acclaim from Italian press outlets. Malen was highlighted as operating on another level despite not scoring, while Wesley earned sustained praise for his all-around contribution. The victory moved Roma to within one point of Juventus in fourth place and three points behind AC Milan, keeping their Champions League qualification hopes alive as rivals struggled in their fixtures. The win marks Roma's entry into what has become recognized as the typical "Gasperini period," when the coach's teams elevate their performance, particularly when competing sides are fatiguing late in the season. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini received ratings ranging from 7 to 8 across major Italian newspapers. The squad rotated several players during the match, with Nicolò Pisilli, Gianluca Mancini, and Matías Soulé among those withdrawn as the fixture progressed. Ratings across La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Il Tempo, Corriere della Sera, and Leggo reflected the dominant display. Malen and Wesley featured prominently in performance assessments, with Malen earning marks of 7.5–8 and Wesley receiving 7–8 across publications. The result represents a significant step forward in Roma's pursuit of European football for the coming season.