Roma radio pundits debate derby kick-off time and team selection
Opinion·15 May 2026·45d ago

Roma radio pundits debate derby kick-off time and team selection

Source: Forza Roma

Italian radio commentators discussed Roma's approaching Derby della Capitale fixture, focusing on the midday kick-off time and likely team lineup. Roberto Pruzzo remarked on the advantages of an early start, saying: "Playing earlier is better: time flies, and at a dietary level it's simpler, especially because there are no dead time. In terms of logistics, for a footballer it's the best solution."

Piero Torri suggested Lorenzo Pellegrini is unlikely to start, with the choice between Matías Soulé and Bryan Cristante to replace him. He noted that Niccolò Pisilli is performing well and would likely be retained, with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen expected to lead the attack. Stefano Agresti defended Roma's organizational capacity and questioned the debate over the noon fixture in May, stating the climate should not pose a problem.

Lorenzo Pes highlighted Lazio's difficult situation following their Coppa Italia defeat, noting the absence of key defenders and suggesting their main attacking threat lies with their wide players on the counterattack. Alessandro Fusco criticized the scheduling decision as problematic from a public order perspective, claiming the fixture should not have been scheduled on the same day as another major final.

● AI Generated Summary

This summary was generated by an AI model. Always read the source for complete and accurate information.

Testo Originale / Source Text

Machine-scraped Italian — paste into Google Translate for a full read.

Le parole di giornalisti ed ex calciatori sulla Roma Redazione 15 maggio - 10:43 Quello delle radio romane è un fenomeno che non ha eguali nel resto d'Italia. Una pluralità di stazioni che fungono da piattaforma, una schiera di giornalisti, ex calciatori e opinionisti ad animare lo spettacolo. Ecco le opinioni dei protagonisti delle emittenti radiofoniche: Lorenzo Pes (Tele Radio Stereo - 92,7): “La situazione della Lazio è quasi drammatica. Secondo me la vittoria in Coppa Italia avrebbe dato una scia di entusiasmo in più, così invece è tosta risollevarsi. La situazione per loro è difficile: non ci saranno i tifosi, vedremo se si presenterà Sarri, non so se basterà la voglia di fare un dispetto alla Roma. Non ci sono più neanche giocatori attaccati al derby, non ci sarà Romagnoli, forse nemmeno Cataldi, l’unico potrebbe essere Pedro. L’unica cosa a cui deve stare attenta la Roma sono le loro ali, loro hanno in ripartenza quel tipo di pericolosità" Stefano Agresti (Radio Radio - 104,5): “Mi sembrava incomprensibile dire che il derby non si può giocare di notte e poi proporre di giocarlo… di notte. La Roma ha dimostrato, dal punto di vista organizzativo, di essere molto capace in occasioni ben più importanti di questa. Sarri ha fatto riferimento al fatto che si giochi a mezzogiorno a maggio, ma con questo clima non penso sia un problema. La Lazio ha un problema legato alla finale di Coppa Italia: dal punto di vista fisico sarà penalizzata, ma da regolamento può giocare domenica”. Piero Torri (Mana Mana Sport - 90,9): “Pellegrini penso sia improbabile che giochi dall’inizio. Io credo che il ballottaggio sia tra Soulé e Cristante, perché Pisilli lo fa giocare: a Parma ha dato l’ennesima conferma. Pisilli sta meglio di Cristante in questo momento, faccio fatica a tenerlo fuori. Secondo me Dybala e Malen saranno le punte”. Roberto Pruzzo (Radio Radio - 104,5): “Giocare prima è meglio: il tempo ti vola, anche a livello alimentare è più semplice, soprattutto perché non ci sono tempi morti. Per quanto riguarda la logistica, per un calciatore è la soluzione migliore”. Alessandro Fusco (Radio Radio - 104,5): “La Prefettura sceglie di piegarsi alla volontà di chi ha generato questo disastro. La Lega viene premiata dopo aver commesso un errore così grosso: non sono andati a vedere le concomitanze. Se fosse stato Lazio‑Sassuolo non ci sarebbero stati problemi, ma è il derby: non puoi metterlo lo stesso giorno della finale. Quando si parla di ordine pubblico non si parla solo di scontri, ma anche di vie di fuga. Per esempio, il Presidente della Repubblica andrà alla finale: dal punto di vista logistico è un casino”. © RIPRODUZIONE RISERVATA Commenta Continua la lettura Commenti Invia Commento Tutti Leggi altri commenti

Read original on Forza Roma

More Opinion

Marcacci and Pruzzo discuss Roma squad priorities and player interests
OpinionSquad News AI
9h ago

Marcacci and Pruzzo discuss Roma squad priorities and player interests

Commentators Marcacci and Pruzzo have offered analysis on Roma's squad situation. Marcacci remarked that players like Soulé and Koné are pursuing their own interests, which he said cannot be blamed. Pruzzo identified goalkeeper Svilar as the only player in the squad who must be safeguarded moving forward. The comments appear to reflect wider debate about squad management and player priorities at the club during a period of transition.

Roma legend reflects on unique supporters and historic European final
OpinionClub News AI
23h ago

Roma legend reflects on unique supporters and historic European final

Paulo Roberto Falcao, a Roma legend from the 1980s, shared reflections on his career in an appearance on RAI's podcast Extratime. Falcao praised Roma's supporters, describing them as unique. He also addressed Roma's European Cup final against Liverpool, suggesting it is easy to discuss such moments in hindsight. Falcao's comments offer insight into his time with the club during a significant era in Roma's history and his perspective on one of the club's most notable European competitions.

Falcao recalls playing with injections in Liverpool European Cup final
OpinionClub News AI
23h ago

Falcao recalls playing with injections in Liverpool European Cup final

Paulo Roberto Falcao, Roma's legendary midfielder known as 'Il Divino', reflected on his time at the club in an interview, opening up about the 1983 Scudetto victory and the 1984 European Cup final loss to Liverpool. Falcao described the emotional impact of Roma's first Serie A title in 40 years, remembering how fans flooded Ciampino airport and filled opposition stadiums with yellow and red. He highlighted the team's transformation under Liedholm, describing a squad of only 17–18 players unified by the desire to win and play with intensity. Falcao explained the physical toll of his role in that European campaign, revealing he played matches with painkilling injections due to a right knee injury sustained from a clash with an Inter player. He specifically addressed the penalty shootout against Liverpool, where he did not take the fifth spot, despite Liedholm believing he should have: "Liedholm, who was superstitious, told me that against Liverpool I would have taken the fifth, since I was also number 5. In that moment, we didn't take the fifth penalty, because they won first." Falcao emphasized that while the team produced outstanding performances, including extra time against Liverpool, the match ultimately ended in defeat. He credited the squad's mentality and the manager's leadership as key factors in their success during that era.

More on Lorenzo Pellegrini

Player profile →
Celik Close to Contract Extension but Not Gasperini's First Choice at Right-back
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
6h ago

Celik Close to Contract Extension but Not Gasperini's First Choice at Right-back

Zeki Celik is close to signing a new three-year contract with AS Roma following Turkey's elimination from the World Cup at the group stage. The club and player have reached an agreement in principle, with an announcement expected in the coming days. However, Celik will not be Gasperini's starting right-back. The head coach has requested reinforcement on the right flank and views Celik as a versatile option who can operate on either wing or as a right centre-back to rotate with Gianluca Mancini. Gasperini's primary target for the right-back position is a younger profile than Molina, who is considered a secondary option at 28 years old. Dodô is not being pursued, as Roma has not made any formal approach for the player. On the left side, Wesley remains a key part of the plans after rejecting Chelsea and is ready for the upcoming season. Ruggeri is not a target for Roma. The club will seek an alternative to Wesley on the left, with Angeliño expected to depart. Roma continues to work on contract extensions for key players, with Celik's renewal progressing alongside talks with Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini regarding their own deals.

Roma closing in on contract renewals for Dybala and Celik, with Pellegrini to follow
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
9h ago

Roma closing in on contract renewals for Dybala and Celik, with Pellegrini to follow

AS Roma is moving toward contract renewals with three key players whose existing deals expire on 1 July: Paulo Dybala, Zeki Celik, and Lorenzo Pellegrini. According to reports, negotiations between the club and the players' representatives are advancing, with agreements expected soon. Dybala has reportedly accepted a significant wage reduction—reportedly more than half his original salary—to remain at Roma, while Pellegrini faces a similar salary adjustment. Celik, a Turkish defender, is valued by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini for his tactical versatility, capable of playing as a right centre-back or as an outside defender. All three players are expected to continue their careers at the Giallorossi. The renewals form part of Roma's broader transfer activity, which will sharpen focus from 1 July onward. Both Dybala and Pellegrini have shown mutual willingness to stay despite the reduced financial terms, reflecting the club's financial restructuring strategy. Celik's renewal aligns with Gasperini's tactical preferences, making him a priority in the coach's plans. Once Dybala and Celik's signatures are finalized—described as imminent—attention will turn to completing Pellegrini's renewal, the final piece in securing this trio's immediate future at the club.

Oliveira returns to Roma for El Shaarawy's wedding, reunites with former Conference League teammates
Club News AI
1d ago

Oliveira returns to Roma for El Shaarawy's wedding, reunites with former Conference League teammates

Sergio Oliveira, the Portuguese midfielder who left Roma, returned to the city to attend the wedding of El Shaarawy and Ludovica Pagani. At the celebration, Oliveira reconnected with former teammates Lorenzo Pellegrini, Bryan Cristante, and Gianluca Mancini—players with whom he won the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022. Oliveira shared his reflections on social media about his time at Roma, saying: "Roma is special. It has brought me so much. Not only sporting moments but mainly fantastic people. I am very happy to be here on this beautiful day, a truly special moment for my friend Ste. Even though we spent little time together, when you share the same values it becomes easy to understand each other and lend a hand. Thank you to you all and I wish you a life full of happiness." The post underscores the bond formed during the Giallorossi's successful European campaign and the lasting relationships built within the club. The wedding also included attendance from other Roma-connected figures, with details of their presence marking another chapter in the club's recent history of trophy success.

More on Bryan Cristante

Player profile →
Oliveira returns to Roma for El Shaarawy's wedding, reunites with former Conference League teammates
Club News AI
1d ago

Oliveira returns to Roma for El Shaarawy's wedding, reunites with former Conference League teammates

Sergio Oliveira, the Portuguese midfielder who left Roma, returned to the city to attend the wedding of El Shaarawy and Ludovica Pagani. At the celebration, Oliveira reconnected with former teammates Lorenzo Pellegrini, Bryan Cristante, and Gianluca Mancini—players with whom he won the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022. Oliveira shared his reflections on social media about his time at Roma, saying: "Roma is special. It has brought me so much. Not only sporting moments but mainly fantastic people. I am very happy to be here on this beautiful day, a truly special moment for my friend Ste. Even though we spent little time together, when you share the same values it becomes easy to understand each other and lend a hand. Thank you to you all and I wish you a life full of happiness." The post underscores the bond formed during the Giallorossi's successful European campaign and the lasting relationships built within the club. The wedding also included attendance from other Roma-connected figures, with details of their presence marking another chapter in the club's recent history of trophy success.

El Shaarawy's Wedding Brings Roma Players Together
Squad NewsClub News AI
1d ago

El Shaarawy's Wedding Brings Roma Players Together

Stephan El Shaarawy married Ludovica Pagani at Villa Aldobrandini near Frascati, with a significant Roma contingent in attendance. Current Roma players Gianluca Mancini, Bryan Cristante, and Lorenzo Pellegrini were among the guests, joined by former Roma midfielder Sergio Oliveira, who was visiting Rome for the occasion. Gollini also attended the celebration. A photograph posted on social media showed Oliveira and Pellegrini together, featuring emoji of a yellow heart, red heart, and the Roma wolf symbol. The reunion held special significance for several attendees. Mancini, Cristante, Oliveira, and Pellegrini all shared a memorable experience in 2022 when they won the UEFA Europa Conference League in Tirana. The wedding brought together members of that historic squad to celebrate El Shaarawy's marriage to the Bergamo-based DJ and influencer. The gathering highlighted the close bonds that persist among Roma's players and former squad members. El Shaarawy, nicknamed "the Pharaoh," has been part of Roma's recent history, and the presence of current players underscored the team's tight-knit culture.

Stephan El Shaarawy weds Ludovica Pagani in ceremony attended by Roma teammates
Club NewsSquad News AI
2d ago

Stephan El Shaarawy weds Ludovica Pagani in ceremony attended by Roma teammates

Stephan El Shaarawy, Roma's forward, married influencer and DJ Ludovica Pagani on 27 June at Villa Aldobrandini in Frascati. The couple had already undergone a civil ceremony in Rome in May but celebrated their religious marriage with family, friends, and numerous celebrities. El Shaarawy will officially become a free agent on 1 July following the conclusion of Roma's qualifying campaign for the Champions League, during which he scored the second goal in a victory against Verona. Several of El Shaarawy's Roma teammates attended the celebration, described as his closest companions: Gollini, Mancini, Cristante, and Pellegrini. The latter was reportedly juggling attendance at two weddings on the same day, as confirmed on social media by his wife. The guest list extended beyond the Roma contingent to include prominent figures from music and sport, with Pagani's side of the celebration drawing entertainment and athletics personalities. Guests included singer Elettra Lamborghini, fellow musician Giulia Penna, and basketball player Valentina Vignali, who documented the ceremony's most memorable moments on Instagram. El Shaarawy and Pagani's relationship began in 2020 and has now reached formal marriage status following the festivities at the historic villa.

More on Niccolò Pisilli

Player profile →
Dybala makes sacrifice for Roma; club eyes Puerta; Inter has not made offer for Pisilli
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
1h ago

Dybala makes sacrifice for Roma; club eyes Puerta; Inter has not made offer for Pisilli

Roma news roundup covering multiple developments. Paulo Dybala is reportedly making a sacrifice for the club, though specific details remain unclear. In the transfer market, Roma has shown interest in a player named Puerta. Separately, Inter Milan has not submitted an offer for Niccolò Pisilli, suggesting the midfielder remains available for Roma's squad planning. These updates reflect ongoing activity in recruitment and squad management as the club navigates the current transfer window.

Pisilli central to Roma's project as Inter takes no concrete steps
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
5h ago

Pisilli central to Roma's project as Inter takes no concrete steps

Niccolò Pisilli remains at the centre of AS Roma's plans despite continued transfer speculation surrounding the midfielder. Roma has made clear its position regarding the player, signalling no concrete movement from Inter towards a deal. The club views Pisilli as a key component of its future squad and appears committed to keeping him at the Stadio Olimpico. While market talk continues to link various players with moves away from the club, Roma's hierarchy has opted to retain the young talent and integrate him further into the project under current management.

Inter Eye Roma Midfielder Pisilli as Liverpool Deal Stalls
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
8h ago

Inter Eye Roma Midfielder Pisilli as Liverpool Deal Stalls

Inter Milan have turned their attention to Niccolò Pisilli as a potential alternative target after negotiations with Liverpool over Curtis Jones have stalled. The Italian champions initially offered €25 million for the Liverpool midfielder, but the English club is seeking €10–15 million more. With Jones's contract running until 2027, Inter are keeping the door open while exploring other options. Pisilli has emerged as a possible fallback plan for the Nerazzurri's midfield recruitment. Roma face mounting pressure to generate profits on player sales to address UEFA financial requirements. Gasperini is reluctant to lose Pisilli, but the club could be swayed if Inter propose €25 million in the coming days. Roma have refused to offer any discount, viewing the sale as a potential solution to their financial obligations. Any departure of Pisilli would likely be offset by Roma's pursuit of other targets, with the midfielder potentially replacing departing players in the squad hierarchy. Inter's approach reflects a calculated strategy: both Jones and Pisilli would serve as complementary pieces rather than marquee signings, keeping valuations modest and aligned with internal parameters. The situation underscores the complex dynamics of midfield transfers in Serie A, where financial fair play constraints increasingly shape club strategy.

Cult of CalcioRead original →
Feedback