Lazio regional official: Roma stadium will be built, but state commissioner lacks resources—regional government will step in

John Galantic, Roma's new chief executive, spoke publicly for the first time since the Champions League league-phase draw on 27 August, expressing confidence that the club can compete at Europe's highest level. Addressing the media after the draw, Galantic commented on Roma's opponents and gave an update on the final days of the summer transfer window under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Galantic described his first month in the role as intense, encompassing both the transfer market and pre-season preparations. He confirmed that Gasperini—a perfectionist by nature—continues to demand more from the squad despite praising the players who have already arrived. Roma made a strong start to their Serie A campaign and now face a demanding European fixture list. Galantic stressed the club's ambition: "The Roma must always be in the Champions League," he said, and indicated the club remains alert to late opportunities in the market. "Winners are always demanding and that is better," Galantic stated. "We are vigilant in these final days of the transfer market and we will see if there are opportunities. Gasperini has also said he is happy with the players who arrived and that we are stronger than last year." Galantic, a Roma supporter since childhood, expressed his honour at the role and thanked the fans, squad, Gasperini and the entire staff for the club's Champions League qualification. On the challenge ahead, he acknowledged that all opponents are formidable but singled out fixtures against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain as particularly compelling encounters. "Great emotion," he said of his first weeks. "It is a baptism of fire, between the transfer market and pre-season, but it is good to understand the sporting reality well, because that is where value is created."

John Galantic, Roma's new CEO, spoke to Sky Sport following the Champions League league-phase draw on 27 August 2026. "Great emotion, all the teams are difficult to face," he said. "I have been a huge Roma fan since I was small, for me this is more than a job: it is passion. First month has been complicated with the transfer market and pre-season, but it is good to understand the sporting side well because that is where value is created." On head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, Galantic emphasised the club's competitive standing. "Winners are always demanding, that is better. We are vigilant on market opportunities but Gasperini has also said he is happy with the squad he has. We are stronger than last year. I want to thank the fans, the squad and Gasperini—Roma must always be in the Champions League." Galantic's remarks came as Roma were drawn into the Champions League league phase for the 2026-27 season, having finished third in Serie A in 2025-26.

Roma's new CEO John Galantic spoke at the Champions League draw ceremony on 27 August, reflecting on the competition draw and the club's prospects for the 2026-27 season. He described the experience as 'a great emotion' and acknowledged that all teams in the competition are difficult opponents. 'There are passionate challenges though, it will be beautiful for our fans and the squad—we will be ready,' Galantic said. Asked about facing Real Madrid under Mourinho, he expanded his view: 'Yes, but also PSG and the other matches.' Galantic outlined his opening weeks at Roma as 'a baptism of fire' across the transfer market, the league campaign, and the pre-season retreat. He emphasised that sporting excellence drives value creation. 'At the beginning 90 per cent is relative to the sporting side—that's where value is created. The commercial side is important, but that's throwing fuel on the fire. The fire is on the pitch,' he explained. On the final days of the transfer window, Galantic confirmed Roma remains watchful for opportunities but stressed that Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed satisfaction with the arrivals. 'We are vigilant until the end of the market for some opportunity, but Gasperini has said he is happy with the players who have arrived. We are stronger than last year,' Galantic said. Galantic revealed his long-standing attachment to Roma. 'I have been a huge supporter since I was a child. For me it is more than a job—it is passion. I am honoured and very committed,' he said. He credited the upcoming campaign's importance for a strong start on Monday, while also acknowledging Gasperini, the staff, and the supporters. 'In the Champions League, Roma must always be there,' Galantic concluded.