El Shaarawy's Future in Question as Gasperini Backs Staying at Roma

Niccolò Pisilli's development under Gian Piero Gasperini is described as a prime example of the head coach's work at Roma. The midfielder has shown significant growth during his time at the club. Reports suggest there may have been behind-the-scenes discussions regarding a potential transfer, with questions raised about whether Gasperini had given approval for Pisilli's departure. Details remain unclear regarding the specific circumstances and timeline of these alleged negotiations. Pisilli's emergence as a key player reflects Roma's strategy of developing talented youth players within the squad.

AS Roma is in advanced talks to appoint Tony D'Amico as its new sporting director. D'Amico, currently at Atalanta, worked closely with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini from 2022 to 2025, overseeing the club's rise to win the Europa League and reach a Coppa Italia final. Gasperini is reportedly keen to reunite with D'Amico, who has earned a reputation as an expert in maximizing player sales—most notably buying Rasmus Hojlund for €20 million and reselling him for €74 million. D'Amico has also successfully signed players including Mateo Retegui, Ederson, Yoane Wissa, and Adenuga Lookman during his time at Bergamo. D'Amico previously worked at Verona, where he identified talents such as Kumbulla, Rrahmani, Matteo Zaccagni, and Mohamed Amrabat. Though his relationship with Gasperini has occasionally been tense—including a disagreement over the 2024 summer transfer window regarding Wesley, who ultimately joined Roma—the pair are viewed as a winning combination that could stabilize the Giallorossi after recent managerial upheaval. D'Amico remains under contract with Atalanta until 2027, meaning the Friedkin Group will need to negotiate his release with the Bergamo club or consider alternative candidates including Sartori. The appointment would signal Roma's intent to strengthen its transfer strategy and align recruitment with Gasperini's tactical vision.

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.

Italian radio pundits have offered their assessment of Roma's current situation and direction under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The opinions come from a prominent panel of journalists and former players who regularly commentate on Roma affairs across Rome's radio stations. Mario Mattioli criticized the club's leadership structure, stating: "If the Friedkin had a normal corporate vision, Roma would probably be further ahead. The club is paying a certain organizational confusion. The management pyramid has gaps. The presidency spends a lot of money and there's no argument about that." Roberto Pruzzo, the Roma legend, emphasized that Gasperini requires a strong working relationship with the club to improve the squad, pointing to his track record at Genoa and Bergamo. Pruzzo expressed hope that Roma will sign at least three players of similar quality to Donyell Malen to raise the team's level. Piero Torri raised concerns about forward El Shaarawy's contract renewal, questioning its strategic purpose and suggesting it may reflect reluctance to invest heavily in attacking recruitment. The broader theme from the commentators centers on the need for clarity in Roma's transfer strategy and organizational direction, with Gasperini's authority and vision appearing central to the club's near-term prospects.

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.

AS Roma is preparing for significant summer changes, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini actively working to secure contract extensions for defenders Celik and El Shaarawy, both out of contract in June. Gasperini wants both players available at least for the bench in the coming season. The club is simultaneously searching for a new sporting director to replace Ricky Massara, whose future remains uncertain. The Friedkin Group's primary target is Giovanni Manna, currently at Napoli, though president Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly reluctant to release him. Tony D'Amico, a former collaborator with Gasperini at Atalanta, remains an alternative option if negotiations with Napoli prove too difficult. These developments come after Roma's 3–0 victory over Fiorentina, which moved the club to within one point of Juventus and kept Champions League qualification hopes alive. The renewal discussions also extend to Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini. Roma has been monitoring midfielder Issa Doumbia of Venezia, who recorded 9 goals and 6 assists in 37 Serie B matches. Details remain unclear regarding specific timelines for the sporting director appointment.