Totti's Roma return stalls again over image rights and role definition

Roman radio stations aired opinions on three key Roma stories on 28 September 2026. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport (90.9) predicted that a new stadium would transform the club's finances. 'Today could be an important day for Roma's stadium,' Torri said. 'There should be final approval, then it will be up to Roma to build it and deliver it quickly. It would be a guarantee of revenue growth that would bring you closer to the elite of European football. There is an absolute need for the stadium, otherwise everything becomes complicated. For starters, you would no longer pay the rent on the stadium, which is several million euros. Plus there will be around a hundred suites that cost a lot of money to purchase for a year, and those can guarantee you 10–20 million euros a year. You could increase revenue by 30–40%.' Other commentators assessed Roma's recent decisions. Lorenzo Pes of Tele Radio Stereo (92.7) discussed the transfer of Gianluca Romano and a potential return for Francesco Totti at the 2027 centenary. 'On Romano, things have turned around: from a phenomenon he has become a flop,' Pes said. 'I hope the policy of rejuvenation continues, even if it means tough evenings like the one the other night. The road is long and uphill, but at least it is a road to travel. Totti? There is certainly coolness in relations with Roma, but I will leave a small door open for the centenary.' Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo (92.7) addressed a report about Francesco Totti's image rights and Roma's sale of shirts bearing his number 10. 'Roma has put the proceeds of shirts sold with the 10 in the accounts,' Ferrazza explained, 'and at that point Totti's legal team contacted Roma to discuss it. That is a different issue, because presented that way it looks as though Totti is obsessed with money.' Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio (104.5) praised Emanuele Lulli's display in a friendly match in England, saying the defender 'seems like a lad who deserves it' in Roma's context. Nando Orsi of Radio Radio (104.5) defended the loan of Romano to Spezia, noting that player development often takes time and that scouting errors must be minimised.

Roma and the representatives of Emanuele Lulli are in talks over a contract renewal, with his current deal set to expire on 30 June. Luca Ferri reported the development on Radio Bruno, signalling the club's intention to tie down the defender before the deadline arrives. Andrea Verdenelli, speaking on the same station, expressed his frustration at Niccolò Pisilli's continued absence from Italy's senior national squad, calling it unacceptable given the midfielder's performances for Roma. Roberta Pedrelli also highlighted a significant day for Roma's stadium project, suggesting the administrative process could be completed, clearing the way for construction of the new facility to begin.

Radio studios across Rome aired debate on stadium plans, player valuations and squad rotation as Roma prepare for the weekend's fixture. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said today could bring final approval for Roma's new stadium project. He outlined the financial case: "With the stadium, there would be around 50–70 million euros of extra revenue per year, or more if you're good at it. You could increase turnover by 30–40 percent." The gains would come from ending rental payments on the Stadio Olimpico, roughly a million euros annually; roughly one hundred suites yielding 10–20 million yearly; concerts and a museum. Torri cautioned on ticket pricing: "Apart from the Curva Sud, the rest of the stadium will cost money, and it will cost a lot." On the pitch, Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport defended Roma's decision to block Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to attend Lionel Messi's farewell match with Argentina. With a Serie A fixture scheduled for Sunday, Piacentini said: "Messi, go and greet him when you're on holiday." He emphasized that ownership must set the terms with players: "The owner pays you and you serve here." Fabio Petruzzi countered that honouring invitations from great players was a professional honour, though he acknowledged the fixture clash made avoidance reasonable. Nando Orsi of Radio Radio warned that Mile Svilar will attract serious interest. "Svilar is now a finished goalkeeper with great qualities who will bring points to Roma. He's one of the best keepers in this league, and Roma must hold him tight because soon someone will arrive with 50–60 million." On transfers, Simone Tiribocchi discussed potential January signings, naming Kvernadze as a candidate but cautioning that Gasperini's system demands midfielders who move infield rather than stay wide. He praised Matías Soulé as a quality operator who gives everything when called upon. Roberto Pruzzo noted Emanuele Lulli impressed in a recent friendly in England and merits consideration as a squad alternative. Mario Corsi flagged wing depth as Roma's primary gap, saying external quality would unlock the scudetto. Riccardo Cotumaccio expressed faith that Roma's moment is near, though he stopped short of naming this season. Lorenzo Pes left open a door for Francesco Totti's potential involvement in Roma's 2027 centenary, despite current coolness in their relationship.