Pioli reveals Roma approached him in September 2024, but he had already committed to Al-Nassr

Stefano Pioli has confirmed that Roma contacted him in the days after Daniele De Rossi was dismissed, but he turned the club down because he had already agreed to join Al-Nassr. Speaking on Sky Calcio Club after Juventus-Napoli, the former Milan boss revealed the behind-the-scenes detail more than two years on from the approach. Roma parted company with De Rossi on 18 September 2024 and considered several candidates before appointing Ivan Juric. Pioli, who had come off a long spell at Milan that ended with the 2021/22 Scudetto, was among those on the list. He had already reached an agreement with the Saudi club and decided to honour that commitment, which removed him from the race for the Giallorossi job. Pioli said: "There have been moments when everyone has called me. Roma too, but my Al-Nassr contract had just arrived and I could not not respect the word I had given." He also revealed he had come close to the Italy national team job: "I came close to it, not for very long. In our careers we are the sons of all the choices we make. Some go well, others don't."

Stefano Pioli has revealed that Roma considered him before choosing Gian Piero Gasperini as head coach. Speaking to Sky Sport, Pioli said: "There were moments when everyone called me. Roma too, but I had just received the contract from Al Nassr and I could not fail to honour my word." The club's interest came after Claudio Ranieri's departure, and Pioli was among the profiles the Giallorossi weighed up before settling on Gasperini. Bryan Cristante is set to be the only player on the pitch tomorrow who was also involved in Roma's last meeting at Old Trafford, the first leg of a Europa League semi-final they lost to Manchester United. Cristante arrives in excellent form after his goal and outstanding performance in Udine, and Gasperini still regards him as indispensable. He is expected to lead the midfield again, probably alongside De Roon, with Pisilli playing further forward. There is no fitness boost for Paulo Dybala and Manu Koné, who are both expected to miss out against Sassuolo, which takes place tomorrow, 3 November 2026. The update came in Il Tempo's round-up of Roma news, which also included the Pioli revelation and the midfield plans for the coming match.

Bryan Cristante has become one of the most reliable figures in the Roma side, a silent leader who keeps performing regardless of changes in coaches, teammates or executives. His 373 appearances place him close to legends such as Tancredi, Nela and Conti in the club's all-time list. Corriere dello Sport describes him as the embodiment of the valuable, often unseen work that makes the difference. Gasperini made him captain and has said he does not remember him playing this strongly. Cristante returned straight to the centre of the team after a knee problem. Roma are preparing for a Champions League clash at Old Trafford against Manchester United, and he is expected to lead the side in midfield alongside Marten de Roon. The pairing is described as solid, experienced and ready to guide the team. In the Udine match, Cristante played a huge game, scoring, providing an assist and maintaining a total presence in midfield. Gasperini has made him captain, and the coach's praise underlines how central his role remains as the club prepares for its Champions League fixture in Manchester.