Roma undergo Gasperini-Friedkin revolution: contract renewals and wage cuts

Roma is undergoing significant changes to its technical and medical staff following recent managerial decisions. Riccardo Del Vescovo, who previously worked at the club between 2015 and 2020, has emerged as the leading candidate to become the new head of medical services. His appointment is being seriously considered as part of the broader restructuring process being discussed between coach Gian Piero Gasperini and the Friedkin Group ownership. The club has identified the medical department as a priority area for improvement in its planning for the coming season, with several issues having emerged during the current campaign. While multiple candidates are under consideration for the medical role, the decision is not considered urgent. Separately, the position of youth academy director remains open and could be closely linked to the incoming sporting director appointment, meaning clarity on that front may take additional time. Tarantino, the previous youth academy head, will not be returning to the club. Discussions with him were terminated following the decision to remove Ranieri and Massara from their roles. The overall staff reshuffle reflects Roma's intent to make substantial changes across the technical structure heading into the next season.

Tony D'Amico, the current sporting director at Atalanta, has become one of the leading candidates to lead AS Roma's sporting operations. The Friedkin Group and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini both view D'Amico as an ideal fit, particularly since preferred targets Giuntoli and Manna are unavailable — Giuntoli is close to joining Atalanta and Manna has been retained by Napoli. Gasperini knows D'Amico well from their time together at Genoa and values his work at Atalanta. However, the path to Roma is far from clear. AC Milan remains a serious competitor for D'Amico's services, with sporting director Tare under heavy scrutiny and Giorgio Furlani considering significant changes to the Rossoneri's sporting structure. If D'Amico moves to Milan instead, Roma's alternative target is Sean Sogliano from Verona, who also previously worked with Gasperini at Genoa. Less prominent candidates under consideration include Giaretta from Pafos and Tognozzi currently at Rio Ave. Contacts have reportedly already occurred between D'Amico and both Ryan Friedkin and Gasperini, though details of those discussions remain unclear. D'Amico is expected to separate from Atalanta at the end of the season.

Italian authorities have implemented an extensive security plan for Sunday's Derby della Capitale between Roma and Lazio, with over 1,000 police officers deployed across the Foro Italico, Ponte Milvio, and surrounding areas. The operation aims to prevent rival fan groups from making contact. Roma supporters will enter their curva and display their choreography, avoiding the need to gather in Piazza Mancini and along Lungotevere Maresciallo Diaz for the duration of the match. Had the derby been scheduled for Monday evening, Roma's ultras groups in the Sud section would have remained outside the stadium in protest, significantly raising the risk of disorder. The Serie A League has appointed a dedicated safety officer responsible for security across the entire Foro Italico area. Prefect Lamberto Giannini and Questore Roberto Massucci coordinated the plan, which involves unprecedented resources: police horses, water cannons, drones, and a helicopter will monitor the stadium complex from dawn. Ponte Milvio will be closed to the public, with approximately 7,000 Lazio supporters expected to gather in the square in protest against club president Claudio Lotito and will not enter the stadium. A technical meeting was scheduled at San Vitale to finalize operational details. The match kick-off time has been set for noon.