Bruno Conti on Cobolli and Bove

Paulo Roberto Falcao has reflected on a pivotal moment in Roma's history during an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. The legendary striker recalled the 1979–80 season when Carlo Ancelotti joined Roma, and how tactical adjustments by manager Nils Liedholm helped shape the team's attack. Falcao explained that when Ancelotti arrived, he was deployed as a left winger alongside Bruno Conti and Roberto Pruzzo in attack. Falcao suggested to Liedholm that the team lacked quick counterattacking play, prompting the manager to bring in Roberto Scarnecchia for pace on the left and move Ancelotti centrally. Despite these changes, Roma fell short of winning the Scudetto that season due to what Falcao described as a controversial disallowed goal by Turone. "Uno scandalo" (a scandal), he said, adding that the memory still troubles him: "Ci sono delle notti di insonnia che mi torna in mente quel gol, e quando succede posso dimenticarmi di dormire" (There are sleepless nights when that goal comes back to mind, and when it does I can forget about sleeping). Falcao expressed surprise that Ancelotti eventually became a manager, saying he would never have predicted it during their playing days together. He credited Ancelotti's coaching philosophy as drawing inspiration from Arrigo Sacchi and Nils Liedholm, noting that Ancelotti shares Liedholm's calm demeanor, irony, quick wit, charisma, and lightheartedness.

Roma legend Aldair has reflected on his departure from the club on June 2, 2003, after more than two decades. The former defender expressed emotional attachment to Roma, suggesting his connection to the club transcends his playing career. Aldair is regarded as one of Roma's greatest defenders and remains part of the club's storied history. His comments underscore the deep bond many Roma legends maintain with the Giallorossi long after their playing days end, reflecting the significance of representing the Rome club.

Italy's national team coaching position has attracted significant interest following the FIGC's general election scheduled for June 22nd. Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini are the two frontrunners to take the role, with Pep Guardiola described as a distant dream target and Claudio Ranieri as a fallback option. Giovanni Malagò, former Italian Olympic Committee head, is expected to become the new federation president and will oversee the appointment. Mancini holds an advantage over Conte due to his proximity to Malagò and more modest salary demands. Currently managing Al Sadd in Qatar following their league title win, Mancini has an exit clause available. Conte, the former Napoli manager, remains open to a return but previously earned €8 million annually in Naples. He would accept a reduction but not a significant one, requiring the Federation to be creative with compensation packages including sponsorship contributions. Ranieri was recently dismissed from AS Roma, a position that had previously prevented him from accepting the Italy job when it was offered before Gennaro Gattuso's appointment. Mancini has publicly expressed contrition for his abrupt departure from the Azzurri in August 2023.