Scala promoted to Primavera role as Roma youth academy enters new era

Bryan Cristante has discussed his experience at Roma and his approach to football in an interview with Sportweek. The midfielder reflected on the philosophy that has guided his career, saying: "It's beautiful, but it's a world of madmen, so I followed my own straight line: that's what brought me here and I work hard every day." Cristante praised the attacking football played under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, describing the demands and rewards of the system. "With the coach you play offensive football, you run, you attack, you score and you get many goals. It's demanding, but it's entertaining. Whether you're English or Chinese, you understand straight away what he wants from you," he said. The midfielder also reflected on Roma's derby culture, recalling that upon arriving at the club he was told: "Be careful about the derby." He acknowledged the Derby della Capitale's significance beyond the three points at stake. Cristante touched on the benefits of international football for player development, suggesting that competitive experiences away from club football accelerate maturity. He indicated that greater success at Roma would have positive ripple effects across multiple levels, including the national team.

Roma captain Bryan Cristante has spoken about his relationship with head coach Gasperini, describing the manager's approach as demanding yet engaging. In an interview with SportWeek, Cristante explained: "With the manager you play attacking football, you run, you attack, you score and you get many goals. It is hard work, but it is entertaining. Whether you are English or Chinese, you immediately understand what he wants from you." Cristante also discussed the significance of the Derby della Capitale, Roma's fixture against Lazio. "When I arrived in Rome they told me: 'Remember the derby'. It is a different match from the others, it goes beyond three points," he said. The captain reflected more broadly on young Italian players gaining experience abroad, believing such moves are beneficial: "The more we send out, the more we will benefit from it, the national team included. Playing there opens your mind, you mature faster." On football in general, Cristante struck a philosophical note, saying: "It is beautiful, but it is a world of mad people, so I have followed my own straight line: that is what brought me here and I work hard every day." The full interview will be published tomorrow.

Bryan Cristante has given an exclusive interview to Sportweek reflecting on his career, his current environment at Roma, and his vision of modern football. The midfielder offered candid insights into life under Gian Piero Gasperini, his perspective on the Coppa Italia derby against SS Lazio, and the trend of young Italian talent moving abroad. Cristante spoke candidly about the nature of professional football, saying: "It's beautiful, but it's a mad world, so I followed a straight line: that's what brought me here and I work hard every day." On Gasperini's methods, he praised the intensity of his football, explaining: "With the coach you play attacking football, you run, you attack, you score and you score many goals. It's hard work, but it's fun. Whether you're English or Chinese, you immediately understand what he wants from you." Cristante also reflected on the unique significance of the Derby della Capitale, noting that upon arriving at Roma he was told: "Make sure about the derby. It's a different match from the others, it goes beyond three points." On the broader issue of Italian young talent seeking opportunities abroad, Cristante expressed a positive view, arguing that sending more players overseas would benefit Italian football development and the national team. He believes the experience matures players by opening their minds to different football cultures.