Gasperini hails Champions League return as Roma celebrate historic qualification

John Galantic has been confirmed as AS Roma's new chief executive officer following his appointment on 29 July 2026. The former Chanel and Tod's executive will hold the dual roles of board member and chief executive until the approval of the accounts on 30 June 2026. His responsibilities span ordinary club management, relations with sporting bodies, personnel oversight, financial matters and legal representation of the club. Galantic has been granted significant operational authority within defined limits. He may independently sign, modify or terminate contracts up to €500,000 per transaction, with the threshold rising to €3 million for professional and sporting contracts, though he must promptly inform the board in such cases. For personnel decisions, he can hire and fire employees and executives and set their duties, powers and contractual terms provided annual gross salary does not exceed €200,000. Transactions exceeding these thresholds require approval from the board or, in urgent cases, the executive committee. The CEO will represent Roma in dealings with the Italian Football Federation, CONI, Lega Serie A, national and international sporting authorities and public bodies. He is empowered to submit applications, appeals and complaints to competent sports bodies. Within these financial and operational boundaries, Galantic holds authority to negotiate economic terms with counterparties and set payment terms and methods.

Roma are increasingly keen on Malick Fofana as a potential attacking reinforcement this summer, with the Lyon winger representing one of their main alternatives after negotiations for Nusa have proven complicated. Lyon value Fofana between €40 and €45 million, a figure Roma currently regard as too high, particularly given concerns about the player's physical condition. However, the French club's asking price could fall in the coming days, depending on their Champions League preliminary round tie against Sparta Prague. Lyon lost the first leg 2-1 to the Czech side; if they fail to qualify for the competition, financial pressure may force them to lower their demands. Fofana came off the bench in that opening fixture, entering at the 75-minute mark. Roma are monitoring developments closely and hope to secure the Belgian forward on more favourable terms once Lyon's European situation becomes clearer. The club's pursuit reflects their cautious approach to the market, balancing their attacking needs against both pricing concerns and doubts surrounding Fofana's fitness.

Roma radio commentators have dissected coach Gian Piero Gasperini's sudden withdrawal from media duties, with speculation linking his frustration to the club's transfer strategy and budget constraints. Matera reported that Gasperini did not attend a scheduled Sky interview after being in contact with the club hierarchy on Thursday, with Ryan Friedkin reportedly in France during the call. Matera noted that until Wednesday evening Gasperini had appeared calm, but something shifted Thursday night: "Gasperini was dedicated to signatures and photographs, something changed Thursday evening, because he did not present himself for the interview." Camelio suggested Gasperini had grown impatient with Roma's handling of summer deals, citing the lack of speed with Bergamo's executives over targets. He argued the club should have prioritized a wide player over centre-forward Artem Castro, pointing out that Dovbyk could have remained on the bench and noting Roma also has Robinio Vaz available. Camelio stated: "I would have gone all-in for the winger instead of taking Castro. Rowe is a player tailor-made for him." He added that Gasperini's silence this summer contrasts sharply with his talkative approach last season about the market, and suggested the club had reduced his salary budget, which irritated him. Marcacci argued that winger candidates may yet emerge from Serie A, naming Rowe and Leao as possibilities. Both commentators agreed that without an arriving winger, Roma would have a significant gap that validates Gasperini's concerns.