Gasperini pushes for Totti to join Roma in executive role

AS Roma has been recognised among the clubs and sporting organisations honoured at the Sport Marketing Awards, a ceremony celebrating excellence in sports marketing and communications across Italian sport. The event concluded two days of meetings held at the auditorium of Stadio Comunale Città di Arezzo and formed part of the Festival of Italian Football and Sport, conceived and directed by journalist and project manager Donato Alfani. The Sport Marketing Awards recognises organisations and professionals who have distinguished themselves in social media and digital communications applied to sport. The awards span numerous categories, including footballers, sporting directors, club professionals and staff, journalists, marketing agencies, press offices and digital teams. Roma received recognition alongside Sampdoria, Como, Mantova, Arezzo, Atalanta and Cesena. Other sporting bodies honoured included the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, the FIGC Paralimpic Football Division, the Serie A Women's Volleyball League and the Women's Serie A Division.

The Friedkin Group faces a regulatory obstacle over its ownership of both Roma and Everton. The Times reports that if both clubs qualify for the same European competition, one will be demoted to a lower-ranking one under UEFA rules. The Americans had previously assured authorities that a structural solution had already been put in place, but no changes have materialised. Roma finished third in Serie A last season and qualified for the UEFA Champions League this term, placing the issue in sharp focus. Everton, under the same ownership, may also be in contention for European football. According to the report, the Friedkin Group may consider having Everton run by independent lawyers to avoid clashing with UEFA regulations, but a decision will be needed to prevent an awkward situation.

Francesco Totti has recalled the moment Aldair handed him the captain's armband in a feature for Sky's Aldair – Cuore Giallorosso series. Totti wore the band for nearly two decades after that handover. In the interview, Totti described his initial reaction to the news. "He told me right there and then: 'From today on you'll be the captain of this squad'. At that moment I didn't quite understand it, I didn't realise what it could mean," Totti said. "Then, day after day, I came to understand the beauty of wearing this armband."