Cristante on Gasperini: Playing under him is demanding but entertaining

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.

Radio commentators have weighed in on Roma's transfer activity ahead of the January window, with particular focus on midfielder Manu Koné and attacking targets. Marcacci told Radio Radio that Moreira is a player perfectly aligned with Gasperini's tactical approach, though his market value has risen following World Cup exposure. He also mentioned alternatives including Nusa, Garnacho, and Tresoldi, while noting that Mason Greenwood's wages are beyond reach for Italian clubs despite his Champions League absence with Fenerbahçe. Koné's situation appears more complex. According to Pes on TeleradioStereo, the midfielder's valuation has climbed from 40 million to 50 million euros, with Premier League clubs regarded as the likeliest destination. Pes stated: "The ambition of Koné seems clear: he wants to try something else." Ranieri, former manager, had previously indicated Gasperini was open to Koné's departure to finance attacking reinforcements, though the coach later cited available options including Malen and Wesley. Fidanza and Ciotti both expressed reluctance at losing Koné but acknowledged that if a sale occurs, it should not fall below 50 million euros and should strengthen the squad elsewhere. Ciotti suggested Koné might become a starter in the semi-final following his recent France performance, while Soulé's future depends on Gasperini's technical preference for alternative attacking profiles.

Radio Roma commentators have outlined their views on the transfer market, with Manu Koné identified as a potential departure candidate. Lorenzo Pes of Teleradiostereo stated: "Koné's value is rising but the valuation was already high before. Now Roma can ask for 50 million euros. The Morocco match was perfect, and I continue to think an offer could come that makes Roma waver—he is one of the sellable players." The broadcaster cited Roma's pursuit of several attacking targets. Simone Valdarchi of Radio Manà Manà reported that the club has completed all possible groundwork on Mason Greenwood, and had asked Chelsea about a loan move for Alejandro Garnacho with an option to buy, though the English club has not opened discussions. Ndoye remains another profile under consideration but is not among the preferred targets. Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio Mattino offered his assessment of the Greenwood situation, saying: "Probably Greenwood didn't want to come to Roma. With all respect for Fenerbahce, but Roma will play Champions League. When negotiations drag on, they don't end well. Players should be bought in a few days."

Roma captain Bryan Cristante has spoken about his relationship with head coach Gasperini, describing the manager's approach as demanding yet engaging. In an interview with SportWeek, Cristante explained: "With the manager you play attacking football, you run, you attack, you score and you get many goals. It is hard work, but it is entertaining. Whether you are English or Chinese, you immediately understand what he wants from you." Cristante also discussed the significance of the Derby della Capitale, Roma's fixture against Lazio. "When I arrived in Rome they told me: 'Remember the derby'. It is a different match from the others, it goes beyond three points," he said. The captain reflected more broadly on young Italian players gaining experience abroad, believing such moves are beneficial: "The more we send out, the more we will benefit from it, the national team included. Playing there opens your mind, you mature faster." On football in general, Cristante struck a philosophical note, saying: "It is beautiful, but it is a world of mad people, so I have followed my own straight line: that is what brought me here and I work hard every day." The full interview will be published tomorrow.

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.