Roma targets director-of-football as Napoli block Manna exit

Mario Hermoso has become one of the most surprising symbols of Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical revolution at Roma, having turned from a pure defender into a complete player who combines marking solidity with a striker's instinct. He is now an established starter, has earned the coach's full trust, and the club has moved to work on a renewal that would tie him to the giallorossi for the long term. According to Il Corriere dello Sport, his development is one of the masterpieces of Gasperini's work. Before a decisive meeting in July 2025, Hermoso's future looked uncertain. Since then his approach to the role has changed completely: aggressive and alert when defending, he becomes an extra attacker as soon as he crosses the halfway line. The numbers back this up. He has scored seven goals under Gasperini, three of them so far this season, including the strike that unlocked the match against Sassuolo. That output places him among the best goalscoring defenders in Europe, directly behind names such as van Dijk and Querfeld, and far surpasses what he produced in his years at Atletico Madrid. His impact is considerable, in some ways comparable to what Kolasinac had at Gasperini's Atalanta, but enhanced by superior technical quality and a more pronounced goal sense. In his thirteen starts he has, alongside his tackles and interceptions, made 120 entries into the opposition box and produced close to a thousand touches, a level of involvement no other Roma player matches. Gasperini described him as "cold as a number nine". Il Corriere dello Sport reports that such a high level of performance made it inevitable to address his contract. Now that the deadline tied to the Champions League clause has passed, Roma and the player are reportedly very close to an agreement running until 2029, with an option for 2030. Hermoso would also have accepted a reduction in his salary, following the example of senior players such as Mancini, Cristante, Dybala and Pellegrini. The gesture is a strong signal of both parties' desire to continue together.

Roma head into the November international break unbeaten in Serie A, and coach Gian Piero Gasperini is looking to strengthen the squad before the winter market opens. The Giallorossi sit two points behind leaders Lazio and one behind Inter, in third place. Gasperini is convinced the step up from third will come with new signings, and a meeting involving the various figures at the club in Trigoria is scheduled in the coming days to plan the moves. Roma have the league's best attack, with 31 goals scored, and the second-best defence, having conceded 10. The break gives the team a chance to recover the various absentees who have filled the infirmary. The January transfer window has been brought forward and opens on 28 December. Before then, Roma must keep their momentum going and also try to put right their Champions League campaign, after two dramatic comebacks conceded against Real Madrid and Manchester United. Including last season, Roma have gone eighteen consecutive league matches unbeaten, and the Olimpico remains an impregnable fortress. The article notes that on-pitch adjustments could help, such as improving precision in front of goal and greater concentration at key moments of matches. Gasperini's side has been given a 521-day mark since the announcement of his three-year project as coach. Reporter Filippo Biafora writes in Il Tempo that these numbers give Roma great confidence for the short-term future, with the market expected to provide the decisive push for the project.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is pushing for reinforcements in the January transfer window, with a meeting between the club and the coach expected in the coming days to set the strategy. The November international break arrives at the right moment for Roma, who are enjoying an exciting start to the season, sitting third in Serie A and unbeaten in the league. Gasperini has now been in charge for 521 days, and the club and its management know that making the final leap in quality will require making the most of the January market. According to Il Tempo, Roma have not lost in Serie A for 18 matches, boast the league's best attack with 31 goals, and have the second-best defence. Gasperini sees the fruits of his work and the growth of a group that functions perfectly. He is aware, however, that there are still details to improve, such as finishing and handling decisive moments, if Roma are to close the gap on Lazio and Inter. That is why the winter window, which opens early on 28 December, is a key step. The top priority is clear: Roma need a fast winger capable of providing depth and unpredictability. Gasperini considers that profile fundamental, partly because players such as Dybala and Pellegrini do not offer constant physical guarantees. In other areas, Roma feel covered. The attack is working thanks to Soulé and Mora, and on the flanks the emergence of Lulli has reduced the urgency to act. Defence and midfield also offer good certainties.