Giannini emerges as candidate for Roma youth academy role

Konstantinos Koulierakis has completed his first training session with Roma in Cardiff, declaring his excitement at the prospect of playing at the Olimpico. The Greek defender spoke to the club after arriving, saying he accepted Roma's offer immediately because of their status as a "great club". He praised head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as "one of the best coaches in Italy" and revealed he draws inspiration from Sergio Ramos and Aymeric Laporte, citing his left foot and mentality as key strengths. Koulierakis also spoke with Kostas Manolas before the transfer, who briefed him on the club and its atmosphere: "He spoke to me about Roma and it was very important for me. I can't wait to play at the Olimpico: I've watched many videos and I know the atmosphere will be incredible." Roma continue to pursue Givairo Read from Feyenoord, who views the Giallorossi as his ideal destination. The clubs are negotiating fee and payment structure, with Roma's offer of €25 million currently falling short of Feyenoord's demand of approximately €30 million. Club sources at Trigoria express confidence the deal will close during the week. Meanwhile, Marash Kumbulla is close to joining Rayo Vallecano on loan, with the Albanian defender set to leave the club after failing to fit Gasperini's plans.

Konstantinos Koulierakis arrived in the capital on 1 August 2026 and trained with Gian Piero Gasperini's squad this morning, becoming the second summer reinforcement after Castro. The defender gave his first interview as a Roma player, explaining his immediate decision to join: "When my agent told me Roma was interested in me, I answered straight away: 'Let's go'. I want to do my best to become part of this great Italian club. I had no doubt whatsoever." Koulierakis cited Tsimikas and Joakim Maehle, both former Wolfsburg teammates, as sources of information about Gasperini. "They told me he is one of the greatest coaches in Italy and I'm very excited to work with him," he said. The 25-year-old Greek defender named Sergio Ramos as his childhood idol "for his mentality, his strength and his character" and Aymeric Laporte as a stylistic influence, noting they share the left-foot trait. On his own attributes, he said: "I believe my main strength is my left foot, but also my mental strength: I never give up and I always want to win." Koulierakis expressed eagerness to play at the Olimpico, saying the atmosphere is "incredible," and revealed he had spoken with Kostas Manolas by telephone this summer, discussing Roma's importance as a step in his career. He also recalled Manolas' Champions League header against Barcelona, describing it as "an incredible match." He closed with gratitude to the club's owners: "I am really happy to be here right now. Forza Roma!"

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini spoke briefly with newly appointed CEO Galantic at the end of a training session in Cardiff on 2 August. Galantic, who attended Roma's match against Cardiff City the previous day, engaged with Gasperini following the session. The conversation took place during the club's pre-season schedule in Wales, with the CEO continuing his involvement in Roma's operations after his recent appointment.