Manna emerges as top target as Roma seeks new sporting director
Transfer News·28 April 2026·90d ago

Manna emerges as top target as Roma seeks new sporting director

Source: Roma News

AS Roma has opened a formal search for a new sporting director, with Giovanni Manna rising to the top of the club's shortlist ahead of rivals D'Amico and Giuntoli. The Friedkin Group wants to resolve the appointment quickly to plan the second year of Gian Piero Gasperini's tenure as head coach. Manna's position at Napoli, where his contract runs until 2029, is the primary obstacle to his arrival in Rome.

Manna's appeal lies in his ability to combine talent identification with practical execution. His work at Napoli—including the signings of McTominay and Buongiorno—aligns closely with Gasperini's stated requirements. Additionally, his experience with Juventus's Next Gen squad appeals to Roma's plans to establish their own Primavera (Under 23) team to develop young talent. The departure of current director Massara appears likely, particularly after Gasperini publicly expressed a lack of rapport with him.

Breaking the impasse will require intervention from the Friedkin Group, who may need to engage directly with Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis to secure Manna's release. The club views the appointment of this new "market architect" as essential to launching the second phase of the Gasperini project with a coherent, ambitious strategy.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

Il casting per il nuovo direttore sportivo della Roma è ufficialmente aperto. La società giallorossa vuole chiudere la pratica il prima possibile per pianificare il secondo anno dell’era Gasperini. La posizione di Massara appare ormai delineata verso l’addio, specialmente dopo le parole del tecnico…

Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.

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