Zaniolo reflects on Roma departure and backs Gasperini's title ambitions

Nicolò Zaniolo has praised Gian Piero Gasperini as a visionary coach capable of elevating Roma's ambitions this season. Speaking to Calciomercato.com, the former Roma forward reflected on his time at the club and his experience working under Gasperini at Atalanta, where he recovered from a fifth metatarsal injury. "Gasperini is an incredible coach," Zaniolo said. "He manages to pull 120% out of every player, he makes you fly physically and mentally. Wherever he goes he leaves his mark, and Roma are flying this year. They can certainly have their say in the Scudetto race." Zaniolo departed Roma in 2023 and now plays for Udine. His time in giallorosso remains formative: he won the UEFA Europa Conference League, made his debut at the Bernabéu, and scored his first Serie A goal against Sassuolo. He acknowledged regrets about how his Roma spell ended, but said the experience shaped him as a person and athlete. "My spell in giallorosso was one of the most important and instructive of my life," he reflected. "I left many friends there, my wife is from Rome, my first son was born there. We are even thinking of moving back to live there when my career ends. I left the relationship with the environment a bit abruptly, but I still support them." On his evolution as a player, Zaniolo identified the trequartista role as his perfect fit. "I have played so many positions in my career: I started as a half-back, then moved to the right at Roma," he explained. "Injuries took away some of the explosiveness I had covering the whole wing and moved me more inside the pitch. I think the trequartista is my perfect suit: I need to see the goal in front of me, not behind me. I can shoot from outside, provide assists, those are all my characteristics." Zaniolo also praised José Mourinho, under whom he achieved his best goal and assist return in a single season. He recalled Mourinho's conviction before the Conference League final: "Mourinho then replied: 'No, tomorrow Nicolò must play because he scores.'" Zaniolo noted they remain in contact via WhatsApp. "The fact that a coach who has managed world-class champions finds the time spontaneously to ask me how I am shows the greatness of the man before the technician," he said.

Cicinho, who joined Roma from Real Madrid in August 2007 and won a Coppa Italia and Supercoppa during his time in giallorosso, has backed the club to challenge for honours and urged young Brazilian forward Endrick to make the switch from Madrid if the opportunity arises. Speaking exclusively to Forzaroma.info ahead of Wednesday's match at the Olimpico, the former right-back reflected on Endrick's situation and Roma's current trajectory under Gian Piero Gasperini. Asked whether he would advise Endrick to join Roma or remain at Real Madrid awaiting his chance, Cicinho said: "If I were Endrick, I would go to Roma without thinking twice. I think Real Madrid should also consider this possibility, because it would be very positive for him. A player with his talent needs to be on the pitch, not getting rusty on the bench. He still has a lot to learn and I think he would adapt very well to Gasperini's energetic style and the intensity of his game." Cicinho also addressed Paulo Dybala's worthiness of Roma's number 10 shirt, a subject on which Francesco Totti recently expressed reservations. "The Captain gave Roma's number 10 a meaning that goes well beyond football and borders on magic," Cicinho reflected. "Twenty-four years of devotion to the giallorosso shirt, during which he brought professionalism and dedication to the highest levels and, above all, reminded everyone in the dressing room that they had a duty to represent that fanbase. Dybala is also, as they say in Italy, a fantasist, a player capable of making fans dream, and has already shown great attachment to the club, even refusing economically more advantageous offers. I think the number 10 would be in good hands with Dybala, but we must make peace with the idea that we will never find another Totti." On Roma's title prospects, Cicinho expressed cautious optimism about Gasperini's project but suggested it remains in a growth phase. "Yes, I believe in it, but it seems to me that the Roma-Gasperini project is still in a phase of growth and could reach its peak perhaps in the next season, provided we manage to retain the most important players, like Manu Koné, and continue to strengthen well in the market," he said. "Roma's starting eleven is exceptional, but I believe it is necessary to increase the depth of the squad. The second half against Inter was an example. Matches like that decide the title, not only for the points in the table, but also for the message they send to opponents." Cicinho also spoke of finding contentment away from football, having previously described a period in which he "saw no joy in anything." He credited his family and simpler life with providing genuine happiness. "Being able to be with my wife and my children, seeing them grow. True happiness lies in simple things, in the possibility of enjoying them without rush and with a clear mind, to fully live these beautiful moments. That is the real luxury of life, not cars, parties or spotlights."

José Mourinho and Daniele De Rossi will both return to the Olimpico as opposing figures within four days this week, marking an emotional reunion with Roma's fanbase. Mourinho, now managing Real Madrid, will arrive on Wednesday for the first time since his traumatic dismissal on 16 January 2024. De Rossi will follow four days later. The midweek fixture also marks the return of the Champions League to Roma's home ground after seven years. Mourinho had initially considered attending De Rossi's first match in a Roma shirt to greet supporters, but decided against it and has not entered the Foro Italico since his exit. De Rossi, who came in as Mourinho's replacement in 2024 before being dismissed himself months later, previously experienced the discomfort of returning as an opponent a year ago—his first visit to the stadium after 20 years at the club. Both departures, though different in their circumstances, have left distinct marks on the relationship between the players and the Friedkin Group ownership. Mourinho told Corriere dello Sport: "It will be difficult and strange—making that journey on the coach without the affection of the fans, arriving at via dei Gladiatori and the tennis courts." He added: "I have to defend myself emotionally, it will be hard. What do I expect? Only respect—I gave everything for Roma." The Olimpico is expected to be full to capacity on Wednesday to support Gasperini's Roma while also honouring Mourinho's legacy, a connection that stretches back through the sustained atmosphere he helped create during his tenure.