Gasperini appointed as Roma head coach; Friedkin Group pursues long-term project modelled on Ferguson's approach

AS Roma continues its search for a new sporting director ahead of the upcoming season. The club is evaluating several candidates for the role, with Pradè reportedly back in consideration as a possible successor to Massara. Details of the evaluation process and timeline remain unclear, though the Giallorossi are focused on identifying the right candidate to lead the club's sporting operations moving forward.

Several AS Roma players have endured inconsistent seasons and are awaiting clarity on their futures under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The club remains without concrete plans for the coming transfer window, while Gasperini seeks to establish his technical direction with the ownership and is waiting for a new sporting director to replace Ricky Massara. The coach is reluctant to part with key squad members who have earned his trust but plans targeted additions—between two and four players, preferably three starters—of high quality only. Four players in particular occupy uncertain positions. Polish central defender Jan Ziolkowski showed promise early but has since disappeared from the pitch, leading Roma to consider a sale that could yield a €20 million profit, with interest reportedly coming from Germany and England. Spanish left-back Angelino had a physically troubled season and remains a candidate for departure. Midfielder Neil El Aynaoui performed well until the Africa Cup of Nations but has struggled since returning from Morocco, making his future unclear despite Roma's significant investment. Striker Artem Dovbyk endured a difficult campaign plagued by fitness issues and is expected to drop to reserve status following Donyell Malen's arrival, prompting another summer exit attempt. Meanwhile, Niccolò Pisilli has emerged as increasingly important and has seen his prospects transform accordingly. Gasperini's preference remains for low volume but high-calibre acquisitions, following frustrations with the previous recruitment strategy.

AS Roma are conducting a search to fill the vacant director of sport position for the upcoming season. Giovanni Manna is reportedly the leading candidate, though the club is reviewing several profiles. The role has become available as Ricky Massara's tenure comes to an end, with reports indicating a breakdown in his relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Other names under consideration include D'Amico, Giuntoli, Sogliano, and Paratici. Additionally, Daniele Pradé—who recently departed Fiorentina—has emerged as a candidate. Pradé brings Roma-specific experience, having worked at the club in various roles between 2000 and 2011, including a previous spell as director of sport. The appointment of a new director of sport is expected to play a key role in shaping Roma's squad and strategic direction under Gasperini's management. The timeline for a decision remains unclear, though the club appears to be in active consultation with potential candidates.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media after Roma's victory over Fiorentina, emphasizing that the team cannot afford further mistakes in their pursuit of a Champions League place. With three matches remaining in the season, Gasperini stressed the importance of the current moment over planning for next year. He said: "This will be a matter for later, really. Right now there are three matches and we know we have no margin for error. We have to do our best and hope that maybe someone else fails to do the same." Gasperini highlighted Roma's improved attacking play during the second half of the season, noting that scoring four goals in a match is noteworthy in a league that has been low-scoring. He credited the team's character and technical quality, describing the squad as "very strong" both morally and tactically. The coach acknowledged that several key attacking players—including Dybala, Soulé, El Shaarawy, Dovbyk, and Ferguson—have been sidelined for extended periods, yet the team maintained high morale throughout. Gasperini praised the players as "truly commendable" regardless of how the season unfolds. Regarding potential squad changes for next season, Gasperini deflected discussion, stating: "I am focused on the present; there will be the right moment to talk about the future." He expressed satisfaction with Roma's recent defensive solidity and Pisilli's contributions, noting the team has recovered key personnel and is approaching the form they displayed in the opening months of the campaign.

Roma face Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico in a critical Serie A match where securing three points is essential to close a four-point gap on Juventus and safeguard a top-four Champions League finish. Gian Piero Gasperini's side arrive in strong form, having won 2–0 at Bologna last weekend to extend their unbeaten streak to three matches. Fiorentina, already safe from relegation with a nine-point buffer over 18th place, come into the fixture unbeaten in seven consecutive league games and seeking revenge for a 2–1 defeat in the reverse fixture. Roma's 61-point tally represents their best return since their last Champions League qualification in 2017–18, and a top-four finish would mark their return to European football's elite competition for the first time in eight years. The Giallorossi boast an impressive home record, unbeaten at the Olimpico since November with seven wins and three draws. They have also opened the scoring in 21 Serie A matches this season—only Inter (28) have done so more frequently—and won 18 of those matches. However, Roma will be without key midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini due to injury, joining long-term absentees Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson. Manu Kone has returned from injury and is expected to make his first Serie A start since mid-March. Fiorentina have lost five of seven away matches against Roma since their last victory in April 2018, and have won just three of 51 previous visits to the Olimpico. Recent form suggests a competitive encounter, with both teams enjoying strong runs of form and defensive solidity early in fixtures.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has recalled midfielder Manu Koné for Roma's upcoming fixture against Fiorentina after more than a month out following a knee injury sustained in the Europa League match against Bologna. Koné is expected to start immediately and provides crucial reinforcement to Roma's midfield depth, as Bryan Cristante would otherwise be the sole available option alongside Niccolò Pisilli. El Aynaoui is absent from the squad due to suspension following a yellow card at Bologna, while Bryan Zaragoza is ruled out through injury. The squad list includes Paulo Dybala, who featured in the previous round and remains part of Gasperini's plans despite not yet operating at full capacity. Defender Tsimikas has recovered from muscle fatigue and returns to the squad. Several players remain unavailable: Dovbyk, Ferguson, and Lorenzo Pellegrini are all sidelined through longer-term injuries. The recovery of Koné represents a timely boost for Roma's midfield stability as the campaign progresses.