Friedkin's Everton sale: what the Roma owner can gain from the Premier League exit

Gian Piero Gasperini is within touching distance of 300 Serie A victories and could surpass that milestone when Roma face Como on Sunday. Only four managers have reached the milestone before him: Trapattoni (352), Allegri (324), Spalletti (306) and Rocco (302). But there is a crucial gap in Gasperini's CV — none of those four lack a Scudetto, yet Gasperini does. Trapattoni won seven league titles, Allegri six, Rocco two, and Spalletti one. Gasperini has made clear he believes he can write that chapter at Roma and has chosen the Giallorossi over Juventus, convinced the club's ongoing stadium construction and the Friedkin Group's backing — alongside their forthcoming sale of Everton — give him stronger guarantees. With no intention to manage another ten years, he views this season as crucial and cannot afford to let opportunities pass. The trip to Como represents a psychological crossroads as much as a tactical one, still just six matches into the campaign. Roma must approach the fixture without hesitation: the two coaches have faced each other twice previously, each winning once, and the history between these clubs offers no comfort in complacency. In their last ten Serie A encounters, the sides have never drawn — Roma have won seven times while Como have managed three victories. Their most recent draw came on 18 January 1987, a goalless stalemate. The match takes place tomorrow, with Gasperini's side looking to maintain momentum and edge closer to that historic 300-win milestone.

The Friedkin Group has officially announced the sale of Everton, two years after acquiring the English club. The decision reflects a strategic shift toward concentrating resources on AS Roma, with Roma supporters and staff viewing the disengagement from the Premier League as a sign of renewed focus on the Giallorossi. In a statement, the ownership clarified its reasoning: "When TFG assumed management of Everton, the club faced significant financial uncertainty and numerous challenges on and off the pitch. The immediate priority was to guarantee the stability, investments and support necessary to ensure the club's future, including the completion of the stadium. Now that these foundations have been consolidated, it is time to think about the next chapter of Everton's story. We will consider only proposals from parties we believe are worthy of advancing the club and consolidating the momentum that has been created." Among Roma's priorities is the construction of a new stadium at Pietralata, a strategic project entering a crucial phase. The cornerstone-laying ceremony for the new ground is planned for between March and April next year. This milestone will require maximum presence, resources and attention from the group's leadership. Dan and Ryan Friedkin have also struck an agreement with the NHL to create a new ice hockey franchise in Texas, valued at approximately 3.5 billion dollars. However, Roma remains the group's core football business. The Americans intend to strengthen long-term planning through investments in the youth sector, infrastructure and first-team stability.

Atlético Madrid have taken aim at Real Madrid's medical team after Valverde made a rapid return to full training following a heavy challenge from Lee in the derby. The incident, which left the Uruguayan midfielder requiring intervention, went unpunished by the referee and drew an angry response from José Mourinho at his post-match press conference, where he presented footage of the tackle to criticise the official's decision. Real Madrid initially signalled a lengthy absence, but Valverde has accelerated his recovery and is now targeting a return for the trip to Roma. Atlético responded with a public jab on social media: "We want to congratulate Real for continuing to make history, proving that 100% of the world medical community was wrong." The news carries significance for Mourinho, who will regain a key midfielder, but presents another challenge for Gasperini at the Olimpico, where he must now contend with Valverde's availability. The recovery timeline initially suggested a prolonged injury layoff, making the midfielder's swift return to group training a surprise. Atlético chose irony to comment on the recovery, casting doubt on Real Madrid's original injury prognosis with their social media jab.