Roma-Petrachi dispute ends: Court of Cassation upholds dismissal for just cause

Italy's highest court has ruled in favour of AS Roma in a long-running legal dispute with Gianluca Petrachi, the club's former sporting director during the 2019-20 season. The Cassation confirmed the validity of Petrachi's dismissal, which took place despite him having two years remaining on his contract. Petrachi was fired following a message he sent to then-owner James Pallotta. In his message, Petrachi called Pallotta "a small man" and expressed the hope that he had "not let him steal money, as so many had done". The court found that Petrachi's message contained "extremely serious insults" that alluded "to serious crimes committed by an entire management". The legal case has now concluded with Roma's victory.

Leaks have emerged of Roma's home shirt for the 2027–28 season, designed as a tribute to the club's centenary. Specialist website footyheadlines.com published a design sketch by designer JMFK, revealing the kit will feature the club's traditional dark red paired with elegant gold details. The new shirt marks Roma's 100-year anniversary and honours the Football Club of Roma, one of three founding clubs. The design is expected to carry the current AS Roma crest rather than the vintage Football Club of Roma logo, maintaining continuity with the club's modern identity as it celebrates its milestone.

Gian Piero Gasperini has spoken about Roma's title aspirations and his reflections on his time at Atalanta, giving an interview to Corriere della Sera from his wine business in Grugliasco. The Roma head coach emphasised the importance of collective spirit over individual talent, saying: "It is my way of seeing football. But numbers count only to a certain point. The fundamental aspect is playing as a team: believing in collective work, in which attackers defend and defenders attack. Let's tell the truth: in football, as in wine, nothing is invented. It is team spirit that creates the difference. Application and selflessness are needed." Gasperini reflected on difficult moments in his career, including his dismissal from Inter, but credited Atalanta with giving him continued backing when results were not coming. He spoke of his deep attachment to Bergamo: "Bergamo was the longest and most intense stage of my existence as a wanderer in football. I have no regrets, but I feel a profound nostalgia for a community where I had integrated perfectly. That is why I often return there. I miss everything about Bergamo." He also noted he has not sold his home in the city, leaving the door open to a potential return. On Roma's objectives, Gasperini stated: "Our plan was to reach the top in three years. We would not mind bringing the Scudetto forward. But we are aware that the road is long. In football there are no straight roads or clear paths. There will be ups and downs. If we can manage them, who knows..." He also remarked humorously on the adjustment to Rome's food culture, saying: "The biggest problem is its cuisine. I have to be careful with carbonaras, I am getting too fat."