Cristante on Gasperini: demanding but entertaining football

Paulo Dybala has discussed his arrival at Roma and his experiences with the club in an interview on the Daavo Xeneize YouTube channel. The Argentine forward credited José Mourinho with bringing him to the Giallorossi, saying the manager called him frequently and wanted him to join. Dybala described his first moments at Roma as a surprise: he arrived thinking he would attend a welcome press conference but found between 10,000 and 15,000 people gathered to greet him. "From the moment I left the Argentine players' line-up, I knew I would shoot down the middle," he said of his World Cup final penalty. "I also knew the goalkeeper would throw himself. Obviously you're going to take a penalty in a World Cup final, so it's an enormous moment. But I wasn't thinking about the fact that I could miss or that the country would criticise me. At that moment I was only focused on what I had to do." Dybala praised Mourinho's impact at the club: "Mourinho is a genius. Beyond what he has done in football, with us he always spoke with respect, he protected us and he loved us. At Roma people fell in love with him for what he gave: a title after many years and a Europa League final that, in my opinion, we deserved." He also commented on the performance of his national teammate, saying: "He is doing well at the World Cup, I follow him carefully. He is a good guy, as well as a strong player at Roma. I am happy for him."

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke at Sky Sport's schedule presentation, where he crossed paths with Fabio Capello, Roma's last Serie A title-winning manager. The encounter sparked an exchange between the two, with Capello remarking on Roma's coaching lineage: "After twenty years the story repeats itself: Liedholm, Capello, Gasperini." Gasperini responded by asking if Capello still carried Roma in his heart, affirming the club's enduring pull. Gasperini outlined his ambitions for the season ahead. "After reaching the Champions League, we want to be protagonists once again," he said. The coach acknowledged the influence of the World Cup in drawing attention from players and agents, but stressed that serious transfer activity would intensify once pre-season training began. He confirmed ongoing dialogue with the club's sporting director D'Amico and ownership regarding squad development. On contract renewals for Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Zeki Çelik, Gasperini stated: "The club will handle the official announcements, but we are all happy, including the players—it is a matter of days." Reflecting on last season's podium finish, he noted a strong start and consistent proximity to Champions League places, with only a minor dip in February and March before a strong final stretch. He stressed the squad's solid foundation and competitive group, with the goal of improving further to deliver success for Roma and its supporters.

Paulo Dybala has paid tribute to José Mourinho as the decisive figure behind his decision to join Roma, describing the former manager in glowing terms during an interview with YouTuber Davoo. "Mourinho is a genius and a good person," Dybala said. "He always spoke to us with respect, took care of us, loved us, and Roma's people fell in love with him for what he gave. Thanks to him I arrived in the Capital." The Argentine forward also turned his attention to the international stage, singling out El Aynaoui for praise. "He's having a great World Cup, I'm following him closely," Dybala remarked. "At Roma, beyond saying he's a strong player, he's also a good lad." Dybala also identified Barcelona's Lamine Yamal as a potential successor to Lionel Messi, backing the young talent's trajectory. Dybala revisited the painful memory of Roma's Europa League final defeat to Sevilla in Budapest, addressing controversial refereeing decisions. "It's true, the handball was absurd, but there was more to it than just that during the match," he explained. "There were various moments when the referee made strange calls." The interview gave the Roma playmaker an opportunity to reflect candidly on his time at the club, from Mourinho's impact to lingering disappointment from European competition.

Bryan Cristante has discussed his experience at Roma and his approach to football in an interview with Sportweek. The midfielder reflected on the philosophy that has guided his career, saying: "It's beautiful, but it's a world of madmen, so I followed my own straight line: that's what brought me here and I work hard every day." Cristante praised the attacking football played under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, describing the demands and rewards of the system. "With the coach you play offensive football, you run, you attack, you score and you get many goals. It's demanding, but it's entertaining. Whether you're English or Chinese, you understand straight away what he wants from you," he said. The midfielder also reflected on Roma's derby culture, recalling that upon arriving at the club he was told: "Be careful about the derby." He acknowledged the Derby della Capitale's significance beyond the three points at stake. Cristante touched on the benefits of international football for player development, suggesting that competitive experiences away from club football accelerate maturity. He indicated that greater success at Roma would have positive ripple effects across multiple levels, including the national team.

Bryan Cristante has given an exclusive interview to Sportweek reflecting on his career, his current environment at Roma, and his vision of modern football. The midfielder offered candid insights into life under Gian Piero Gasperini, his perspective on the Coppa Italia derby against SS Lazio, and the trend of young Italian talent moving abroad. Cristante spoke candidly about the nature of professional football, saying: "It's beautiful, but it's a mad world, so I followed a straight line: that's what brought me here and I work hard every day." On Gasperini's methods, he praised the intensity of his football, explaining: "With the coach you play attacking football, you run, you attack, you score and you score many goals. It's hard work, but it's fun. Whether you're English or Chinese, you immediately understand what he wants from you." Cristante also reflected on the unique significance of the Derby della Capitale, noting that upon arriving at Roma he was told: "Make sure about the derby. It's a different match from the others, it goes beyond three points." On the broader issue of Italian young talent seeking opportunities abroad, Cristante expressed a positive view, arguing that sending more players overseas would benefit Italian football development and the national team. He believes the experience matures players by opening their minds to different football cultures.

Pierluigi Gollini reported to Roma's Trigoria training ground on Thursday morning, three days before the official start of pre-season scheduled for Monday, 13 July. The goalkeeper confirmed his early arrival via an Instagram story, joining Wesley in showing eagerness ahead of the 2026–27 campaign. Both players' enthusiasm underscores the squad's preparation for the new season. Gollini had recently appeared at El Shaarawy's wedding alongside teammates Mancini and Cristante, whose contracts expire in 2027, and Pellegrini, who is awaiting a contract renewal. The gathering reflected the close-knit atmosphere within the squad as players gear up for pre-season, with several key members keen to resolve outstanding contract matters. The official raduno at Trigoria will formally launch Roma's preparations for the campaign ahead.