De Laurentiis and Friedkin: family business, different paths in football

Giovanni Malagò, commissioner and president-designate of the Italian football federation (FIGC) and a declared Roma supporter, has said no shareholder or owner of the club has ever proposed him the Roma presidency, although he has often been asked about it by journalists and friends. Speaking in a long interview with Il Messaggero, he said he appreciates the new direction at Roma, but has always said he is happy with his career path: first at the Coni, and today at the Federation. Asked whether he would leave the FIGC if Roma called, Malagò was unequivocal: "Assolutely not. For me there is a sacred principle: fulfilling the commitments you have taken on and keeping your word." Asked whether he had considered a role for Francesco Totti with the national team, he said Totti is "one of the people I am most attached to, almost a family member." He declined to comment on Totti's relationship with Roma, but said he understands how difficult it is to accept a purely symbolic role, adding that the FIGC would have to offer him something that reflects his abilities. "I'll think about it, never say never." On his choice of two Lazio symbols, Ciro Immobile and Beppe Signori, for the youth national teams, Malagò said he does not deny his family's history. His father was a board member and then three times vice-president of Roma, contributing to two Serie A titles under Dino Viola and Franco Sensi. "As a child I followed him to the stadium: I don't see why I should hide my faith. I find it hypocritical to do so." He pointed to Prince William supporting Aston Villa in England and Barack Obama openly declaring his passion for the Chicago Bulls in the United States. He said many of his closest friends are Lazio fans, as is his partner Elena, but that when he takes on an institutional role, loyalties give way to impartiality. "I called Immobile as soon as he stopped playing: I consider him the greatest Italian striker of recent years. Signori went through a painful and unjust ordeal. All the great one-club legends are a heritage of our football."

Former Roma Primavera coach Gianluca Falsini has spoken about the rise of Emanuele Lulli, explaining how he moved the defender into the position he plays for Roma today. Speaking to Sky Sport, Falsini said: "At first he played as a midfielder inside the pitch, not as a winger, and with us he played as a right-back. When we played with three at the back he played as the fifth, as he is doing now with Gasperini." Falsini, now head coach of Como Primavera, worked with Lulli for two and a half years in the youth set-up. He said he had not expected Lulli to have this impact. The former Roma youth coach also praised the player's character and his background. Falsini said: "With Emanuele I had two and a half years of work, and my merit, which remains there, is having moved him into the position where he plays now at Roma. He is a boy with incredible moral qualities, and credit must be given to the family for doing a magnificent job with this boy. He used to come to the training ground knowing he was not among the best, but he had incredible potential. What he is doing well now is all down to him and to Gasperini, who has valued him."

Endrick's agent has said the Brazilian wants to stay at Real Madrid, but that his future depends on how much he plays. Michael Yormack, president of Roc Nation, the agency that manages the Brazilian's interests, spoke to SportsBoom. AS Roma continue to monitor the talented 2006-born forward, who they reportedly pursued in the summer and who could be targeted again in January if José Mourinho gives the green light. Endrick came on three minutes from the end against Leipzig, and his limited minutes remain an issue Real Madrid must address. Roma's interest is therefore tied to whether the player is willing to leave a club where opportunities are scarce, and to the stance of Mourinho, who would need to approve any move. Yormack said: "Endrick loves Madrid, he loves the team and his teammates, but in the end you have to think about the career, which is short and which Endrick wants to make the most of." He added: "I believe we will have to see how things go from now until the end of the year, before the next transfer window. He is a super talented young player who wants to play. I went to visit him a few weeks ago in Madrid, we had a good chat, he is impatient to play, so we will see what happens."