Roma appoints John Galantic as chief executive to lead club into second century

AS Roma employees at the Fulvio Bernardini training centre staged a strike in protest against recent transfers and alleged demotions within the club's administrative and logistics staff. The walk-out occurred as first-team preparations continued on the pitch, with union representatives and workers objecting to what they described as part of a broader restructuring and reorganisation plan implemented by the club. The industrial action reflects growing tension off the field at Trigoria, where the latest decisions affecting operational staff have triggered formal complaints from union bodies. Workers cited transfers and what they characterised as demotions hitting various roles across the administrative and logistical departments of the club.

AS Roma has appointed John Galantic as Chief Executive Officer, completing the management structure put in place by owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin. The 65-year-old American manager with Swiss citizenship previously served on Roma's board during the Pallotta presidency and now takes the role of chief operating officer—succeeding Lina Souloukou, who departed two years ago. Galantic will work alongside Chief Financial Officer Jason Morrow and Chief Revenue Officer Michael Gandler, serving as the direct link between Roma's operations and Friedkin's headquarters in Houston. Galantic brings extensive corporate experience, including a master's degree from Harvard Business School and a career spanning Procter & Gamble offices in Rome and London. He has led luxury brands including Chanel and Tod's—where he succeeded Diego Della Valle in 2024—and sits on the boards of Ferrari and Bacardi. The Friedkins highlighted his long-standing personal passion for Roma, inherited from his father Ivan, positioning him as the ideal figure to guide the club toward its second century of history and the upcoming centenary year.

Roma have moved swiftly to strengthen their squad ahead of their pre-season tour in Wales and subsequent friendly in Brighton. Sporting director D'Amico has virtually wrapped up the signing of Greek defender Koulierakis from Torino, who demanded 12 million euros. The 2003-born left-footer, standing 194 centimetres tall, will serve as Mario Hermoso's backup after Gasperini identified the need for additional defensive depth at the start of summer. In parallel developments, Salah-Eddine has moved to Olympiakos for 7 million euros plus 1 million in bonuses—a deal that provides the club with valuable financial gain through player sales. Angeliño is close to departing, returning to Deportivo la Coruña on a free loan with a 2 million euro option to buy. D'Amico is pursuing young prospect Cacciamani as a potential talent to develop under Gasperini. The most complex negotiation concerns an attacking winger. RB Leipzig's Nusa carries a 60 million euro valuation deemed unreachable. Attention has shifted to Abdessamad Ezzalzouli of Real Betis, whose 60 million euro release clause sits well above current discussions; Betis want 40 million euros while Roma have offered 35 million. Gasperini views Cacciamani as a young option to develop behind the primary winger, currently Wesley, though the coach's ambition remains pursuit of Moreira.