Pietro Scala: The Friedkin Family's Shadow Figure and His Role in Roma's Transfers

Roma's search for a new sporting director has encountered a significant obstacle. Manna, the Napoli sporting director who had emerged as the leading candidate for the role, will not be released by Napoli in the near term. The delay marks a sharp reversal for what had appeared to be Roma's strongest option, though it remains unclear whether this represents a temporary slowdown or a permanent end to the pursuit. Roma's management is planning for the future and faces the critical task of appointing a new sporting director among several key decisions. Until recently, Manna appeared set to move to the Giallorossi, but Napoli has blocked his departure. The setback leaves considerable uncertainty about the direction of Roma's sporting hierarchy, with time passing as the club seeks clarity on its leadership structure. Other names remain under consideration, including Tony D'Amico, who is set to leave Atalanta, though Atalanta has identified Cristiano Giuntoli as his replacement. With multiple candidates in discussion but limited clarity on the final decision, details remain unclear regarding when Roma will finalize its choice for the sporting director position.

An investigation by Italian television programme Report has examined several AS Roma transfer operations from the 2025 season. The inquiry focuses on moves involving Ryan Friedkin and an individual named Scala, with scrutiny on the club's summer market activity. Details remain unclear regarding the specific findings and any implications for the club's operations.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini addressed questions about his relationship with agent-intermediary Pietro Scala during a press conference. Gasperini clarified his role and responsibilities within the club structure, emphasizing that he concentrates on technical and tactical decisions rather than contractual or negotiation matters. Gasperini stated: "I do not participate in the drafting of contracts nor in negotiations; I am the least suited person to speak about them." The coach's comments reflect the clear separation of duties between the coaching staff and the administrative and commercial branches of AS Roma. This distinction is important as it underscores how the Friedkin Group's management structure operates, with Gasperini focused solely on team selection, tactics, and football-related decisions. The remarks came as part of Gasperini's regular media duties, where he was asked to comment on the agent's involvement with the club. By limiting his response to the technical aspects of his role, Gasperini reinforced that contract negotiations and agent relationships fall outside his purview. This approach is consistent with his appointment as sole person responsible for team matters since taking charge in 2025.

Roma will face Parma on 10 May in Serie A's 36th round, with coach Gian Piero Gasperini expected to field Niccolò Pisilli in the starting lineup while Paulo Dybala moves to the bench. Gianluca Mancini is set to be confirmed in defence despite being under disciplinary notice. The midfield pairing of Bryan Cristante and Koné is expected to continue, with Celik and Wesley operating as wing-backs. Donyell Malen is poised to start in attack, with Matías Soulé and Pisilli supporting from deep. The match is crucial for Roma's Champions League qualification hopes. The side recently won away at Bologna and claimed a decisive home victory over Fiorentina at the Olimpico on Monday. Parma, already mathematically safe from relegation, provide opposition at the Tardini. Roma cannot afford any further dropped points in the run-in if they are to secure European football next season. Gasperini will have El Aynaoui, El Shaarawy, and goalkeeper Gollini available for selection. Long-term absentees Lorenzo Pellegrini, Vinícius Júnior Dovbyk, and Zaragoza remain unavailable.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his Roma squad for the Serie A visit to Parma on matchday 36, with key players returning to availability. El Aynaoui comes back after completing a one-match suspension incurred against Fiorentina, while Gollini and El Shaarawy are both fit to travel after a recent training issue with the latter. The squad list confirms these three available for selection at the Tardini tomorrow afternoon (18:00 kick-off). Roma will be without several key figures. Lorenzo Pellegrini, Artem Dovbyk, and Zaragoza remain sidelined through injury, reducing Gasperini's attacking and midfield options for the fixture. The squad assembly reflects the club's current injury situation as the campaign enters its final weeks. The convocati include established names such as Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé, Donyell Malen, Bryan Cristante, Gianluca Mancini, Niccolò Pisilli, and Wesley across all outfield positions and in goal with Mile Svilar. Dovbyk is reportedly making good progress in his recovery, with details on his potential return timeline remaining under review.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has implemented a new training approach during the week before Roma's match at Parma, rotating rest for his key players. The squad was split into two groups during the pre-match session, with one training on the pitch while the other recovered in the gym. Donyell Malen had already received time off a few days earlier after showing signs of fatigue, though he has not missed a single match since joining Roma. Gasperini is prioritizing the core group of 11 players who defeated Fiorentina on Monday, planning to field the same lineup at the Tardini. The club faces significant fatigue accumulation across the squad. Six outfield players have logged over 2,300 minutes in Serie A this season: Wesley (2,300), Koné (2,363), Celik (2,469), Ndicka (2,554), Mancini (2,797), and Cristante (2,856). By comparison, Como and AC Milan have only four players exceeding that threshold and did not compete in European competitions. Roma's demanding schedule—balancing league and European fixtures—has created a higher burnout risk heading toward the end of the campaign. Gasperini's rotation strategy aims to manage fatigue while keeping the team's winning momentum intact for the final push.