Aldair recalls giving Roma captaincy to Totti, weighs in on Totti vs Baggio debate

Aurelio De Laurentiis, president of Napoli, made remarks about Giovanni Malagò's candidacy for the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) presidency ahead of elections scheduled for 22 June. Malagò, the former head of Italy's Olympic Committee (CONI), is a known AS Roma supporter and is considered the frontrunner for the role. De Laurentiis commented at an event at the Circo Massimo, suggesting that Roma's interests would be well served under Malagò's leadership. De Laurentiis stated: "But you know... Roma should feel reassured, because if Malagò were to become president of the Federation, he, as a Roma supporter, would certainly ensure that football brings something more to the centre and south." The remark appears to be somewhat tongue-in-cheek commentary on how Malagò's Roma allegiance might influence his priorities as federation president. De Laurentiis' comment touches on the broader regional dynamics within Italian football and resource allocation between different parts of the country. The FIGC presidency election takes place on 22 June, and Malagò remains the leading candidate for the position. Details remain unclear regarding other candidates or the broader campaign landscape at this stage.

Roma commentators and former players debated the club's direction and summer strategy on Roman radio stations. Piero Torri stated that head coach Gian Piero Gasperini considers the squad strong and has requested three signings to supplement Donyell Malen and Wesley. Torri said: "Gasperini considers this squad strong and asks for three signings alongside Malen and Wesley. If the Friedkins confirm their confidence and listen to Gasperini, there will be no revolution. Next season has already begun: who is planning it? D'Amico and Manna have ongoing contracts and must be freed up. Roma is not inferior to Juventus." Riccardo Trevisani acknowledged Roma's squad contains quality players but noted that replacements are less capable. Roberto Pruzzo highlighted the importance of alignment between Gasperini and the sporting directors, warning that disagreement over transfer strategy poses a significant risk. Nando Orsi referenced the American ownership model's approach to managerial changes, drawing parallels to the departures of Daniele De Rossi, José Mourinho, and Claudio Ranieri, describing it as a mindset unfamiliar to Italian football culture. Lorenzo Pes suggested Gasperini works with approximately 15 core players and needs 22–23 total. Players potentially departing include Mandas Ndicka and Mady Koné. Matías Soulé's status remains uncertain due to ongoing issues with pubalgia.

Max Tonetto, the former Roma right-back known as 'T-Max' during his playing career, has discussed his life after football at age 51. He revealed that a year ago he and a friend started an NCC (ride-with-driver) transport business called Mami Società Cooperativa in Rome. The venture launched six months ago and now employs three drivers. Tonetto himself obtained the required KB license and has personally worked as a driver to understand the mechanics of the business, even occasionally driving Roma fans around the city. Tonetto's nickname 'T-Max' originated from a 2008 Champions League match against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, where Roma won 2–1 in the return leg of the Round of 16. He provided an assist for Taddei's opening goal and ran the flank continuously throughout the game, earning the moniker after the scooter brand. He explained his reasoning for entering transport: "A Roma il turismo è un business importante" (Rome's tourism is an important business). When opening an activity, you must understand it from within, which is why he began driving himself. One anecdote from his time behind the wheel stands out: a Roma supporter who had recently lost his driving license due to drunk driving asked for a ride home. The passenger took a selfie with Tonetto that went viral on social media within hours. Regarding the 2009 Roma–Arsenal Champions League tie, Tonetto acknowledged the pain of missing his penalty in the return match that would have secured a quarter-final spot: "Non l'ho mai digerito" (I have never digested it). He missed the final penalty, shooting high, but noted he never had problems with the fans despite receiving criticism.