Rosella Sensi praises Gasperini as Roma secure Champions League return

Thomas Tuchel faced a wave of criticism from English media and supporters after England's elimination from the World Cup semi-final to Argentina. Lionel Messi's side advanced to the final on the back of two assists from the Argentine forward, but focus in Britain quickly turned to Tuchel's tactical decisions. The German coach was accused of adopting an overly cautious approach after James Maddison's goal, prioritising defensive solidity over attacking ambition—a strategy that ultimately proved ineffective. Roma supporters and other Serie A fans seized on the moment to invoke memories of José Mourinho's masterclass in defensive pragmatism. Three years ago, Mourinho's Roma won 1–0 away at Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League semi-final first leg, a display widely praised for its discipline and organisation. One Roma fan commented: "Tell Tuchel he is not Mourinho. That night in Leverkusen will go down in history." Inter fans similarly referenced their own tactical triumph, with one supporter writing: "Nobody does it better than Mou. Tuchel was terrible." English fans vented their frustration across social media, with many calling for the manager's removal. The overwhelming sentiment suggested Tuchel's negative approach had not resonated with the fanbase at a crucial juncture in the tournament.

Francesco Totti's potential return to Roma ahead of the club's centenary celebration remains in limbo, with no concrete progress despite ongoing discussions. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini deflected responsibility to the Friedkin Group ownership, saying: "This thing concerns him and the ownership. They are organising the Centenary, so it will be up to the club to say what will be done and what won't." Gasperini, who dined with the former captain in March, has made clear he trusts Totti and would welcome him back to Trigoria. With the centenary draw ever closer, the question of Totti's involvement has taken on fresh significance as Roma weighs how to mark the historic milestone. Beyond transfer activity, the club's approach to its greatest icon now sits on hold. Totti, currently in Las Vegas, has not received fresh signals from the Roma ownership regarding a formal role or involvement in club affairs. Gasperini's comments place the ball firmly in the Friedkin Group's court, while Totti awaits news from the boardroom. The club's ownership continues to orchestrate the centenary plans, with final decisions on Totti's participation yet to be confirmed.

Former Roma player and executive Antonio Tempestilli has backed head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to win a trophy at the club, but warned that the squad needs three or four significant summer signings to close the gap at the top. Speaking to Il Tempo, Tempestilli stressed the urgency of market action before the season begins, saying: "Bisogna puntare a qualcosa di importante. Dipenderà dal mercato, perché finora la Roma non ha fatto movimenti. Bisogna accelerare, la stagione sta per cominciare e Gasperini deve lavorare con i nuovi giocatori" (We must aim for something important. It will depend on the market, because Roma hasn't made moves so far. We must accelerate; the season is about to start and Gasperini must work with new players). Templestilli praised Gasperini as one of the best managers available and said his arrival has energised both the fanbase and the project. On the squad, he backed the retention of key players, particularly midfielder Manu Koné, arguing that Roma should not sell their best performers annually for accounting gains. He also expressed confidence in Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Matías Soulé, though he acknowledged Soulé's physical problems last season. On the club's structure, Tempestilli said the Friedkin Group's physical presence at Trigoria matters less than appointing capable figures to represent them and make quick decisions. He also paid tribute to Bruno Conti, who recently departed the club at 71, saying he deserved to enjoy family time after his long service to Roma.